Craftsman 944.629541 Owner's Manual
SHAR$
OWNER'S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
944.629541
Caution:
Read and follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
[RAFTSMAN+
5.5 HP
24INCHTINEWIDTH
FRONTTINETILLER
• Assembly
• Operation
• Customer Responsibilities
• Service and Adjustments
• Repair Parts
Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8
A SAFETY RULES A
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Powered Rotary Tillers
TRAINING
• Read the Owner's Manual carefully. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper use of the
equipment. Know howtostopthe unitand disengagethe
controls quickly.
• Never allow children to operate the equipment. Never
allow adults to operate the equipment without proper
instruction.
• Keepthe area of operation clear of all persons, particu-
larlysmall children, and pets.
PREPARATION
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment isto
be used and remove allforeign objects.
• Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before
startingthe engine (motor).
• Do notoperate theequipment withoutwearing adequate
outergarments. Wear footwear that willimprovefooting
on slippery surfaces.
• Handle fuel with care; it is highlyflammable,
• Use an approved fuel container.
• Never add fuel to a runningengine orhot engine,
• Fillfuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fillfuel
tank indoors.
• Replece gasoline cap securely and clean upspilledfuel
before restarting.
• Use extension cords and receptacles as specified by
the manufacturer for all unitswith electricdrive motors
or electric starting motors.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while the
engine (motor) is running (except where specifically
recommended bymanufacturer).
OPERATION
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
• Exercise extreme cautionwhen operatingon orcrossing
gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden
hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.
• After striking aforeign object, stop the engine (motor),
remove the wire from the sparkplug, thoroughlyinspect
thetiller forany damage, and repairthe damage before
restarting and operating the tiller.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
• If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration isgenerally a warning oftrouble.
• Stop the engine (motor) when leaving the operating
position._ "
• Take allpossible prscautions when leavingthe machine
unattended. Disengage the tines, shiftinto neutral, and
stop the engine.
• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, shut off the
engine andmake certain ellmoving parts have stopped.
Disconnect the sparkplugwire, and keep the wire away
from the plugtOprevent accidental starting.Disconnect
the cord on electric motors.
• Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust fumes are
dangemus.
• Never operate thetillerwithout proper guards, plates, or
other safety protective devices in place.
• Keep children and pets away.
• Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to
till too deep at too fast a rate.
• Never operatethe machine at high speeds on slippery
surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing.
• Neverallowbystandersnear the unit.
• Use onlyattachments and accessories approved by the
manLlfacturer of the tiller.
• Never operate the tiller without good visibility or light.
• Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may
catch in the ground and propel the tiller forward. If this
occurs, let go of the handlebars and do not restrain the
machine."
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
• Keep machine, attachments, and accessories in safe
workingcondition.
• Check shear pins, engine mounting bolts, and other
boltsat frequent intervalsfor proper tightness tobe sure
the equipment is insafe working condition.
• Never store the machine with fuel inthe fuel tank inside
a buildingwhere ignition sources are present, such as
hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers, and the
like. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
• Always refer to the operator's guide instructions for
important details if the tiller is to be stored for an
extended pedod.
- IMPORTANT-
CAUTIONS, IMPORTANTS, AND NOTES ARE A MEANS
OF ATTRACTING ATTENTION TO IMPORTANT OR
CRITICAL INFORMATION IN THIS MANUAL.
IMPORTANT: USED TO ALERT YOU THAT THERE IS A
POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGING THIS EQUIPMENT.
NOTE: Gives essential informationthatwiUaidyouto better
understand, incorporate, or execute a particular set of
instructions.
Lookfor this symbolto point out important
safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONI!! BECOME ALERTI!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
A CAUTION: Alwaysdisconnectsparkplug
wire and place wire where it cannot contact
spark plug in order to prevent accidental
starting when setting up transporting,
adjust ng or making repairs.
A WARNING A
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm,
2
CONGRATULATIONS onyour purchase of a Sears Tiller.
Ithas been designed, engineered and manufactured to give
you the best possible dependability and performance.
Should you experience any problems you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest authorized Sears
Service Centre/Department. They have competent, well-
trained technicians and the proper toolstoservice or repair
this unit.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your tiller properly.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
MODEL
NUMBER 944.629541
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF
PURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE
FOUND ON THE MODEL PLATE ATTACHED TO
THE RIGHT HAND ENGINE BRACKET.
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER
AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEPIN A SAFE
PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER:
DISPLACEMENT:
GASOLINECAPACITY:
OIL(API-SF/SG/SH):
CAPACITY:20 oz. [0.6L])
SPARKPLUG :
(GAP: .030"[0,76mm])
5.5 HP
13 cu. in.(221cc)
3 Quarts (2,8L)
Unleaded Regular
SAE 30 (Above 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (Below32°F)
Champion
RJ19LM
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this
prod_Jct.Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Followa regular schedule inmaintaining, caringforand
usingyour tiller.
• Follow the instructions under "Customer
Responsibilities"and "Storage" sectionsofthisOwner's
Manual.
IMPORTANT: THIS UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINEAND S'HOULD NOT BE USED ON
OR NEAR ANY UNIMPROVED FOREST-COVERED, BRUSH-COVERED OR GRASS COVERED LAND UNLESS THE
ENGINE'S EXHAUST SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPARK ARRESTER MEETING APPLICABLE LOCAL OR STATE
LAWS (IF ANY). IF A SPARK ARRESTER IS USED, IT SHOULD BE MAINTAINED IN EFFECTIVE WORKING ORDER BY
THE OPERATOR.
SEE YOUR SEARS AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTRE/DEPARTMENT FOR SPARK ARRESTER. REFER TO THE REPAIR
PARTS SECTION OF THIS MANUAL FOR PART NUMBER.
3
i i i I i
TABLEOF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ........................................................... 2
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ...................... 3, 11-13
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3
WARRANTY .................................................................. 4
ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 5-6
OPERATION ............................................................. 7-10
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ....................................... 11
SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS .................................. 13-16
STORAGE ................................................................... 17
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 18
REPAIR PARTS-TILLER ......................................... 19-24
REPAIR PARTS-ENGINE ............................ ,.., ........ 25-29
SERVICE/PARTS ORDERING ................. BACK COVER
I I
LIMITED TWO (2) YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER
ForTwo (2) yearsfrom dateof purchaseSears Canada, Inc. willrepairor replaceat Sears optionfree of chargepartswhich
are defectiveas a resultofmatedalorworkmanship.
COMMERCIAL OR RENTAL USE:
Warrantyon Tillerwillbe thirty(30) daysfromdate ofpurchaseifusedforcommercialor rentalpurposes.
This Warranty does NOT cover:
1. Pra-dellvery set-up.
2. ExpendableItems which becomeworn during normal use, such as tines, spark plugs,air cleaners, shear pins, and
belts.
3. Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, Including the failure to operate end maintain the
equipmentaccording to the Instructions containedin the Owner's Manual.
Warrantyserviceis availableby returningthe CraftsmanTillerto the nearestSears ServiceCentre/Departmentin Canada.
Thiswarrantyappliesonlywhilethisproductisin use inCanada.
This warrantyis in additionto any statutorywarrantyand does notexclude or limitlegal rightsyou may have but shall run
concurrentlywith applicableprovinciallegislation. Furthermore,some provincesdo NOT allow limitationon how long an
impliedwarrantywilllastso the above limitationsmay notapplyto you.
SEARS CANADA, INC., TORONTO, ONTARIO M5B 2B8
4
ASSEMBLY
Your new tiller has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipp ng purposes. To
ensure safe and proper operationofyourtillerall partsand hardware you assemble must betightened securely. Use the correct
toolsas necessary to insure proper tightness.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard
wrench sizes are listed.
(1) Utility knife
(1)Screwdriver
(1) Pair of pliers
(2) 1/2" wrenches
OPERATOR'S pOSITION (See Fig. 1)
When right Orleft hand ismentioned inthis manual, itmeans
when you are inthe operating position (standing behind tiller
handles).
FRONT'
LEFT RIGHT
OPERATOR'S
POSITION
FIG. 1
i i
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
I i i
m
(1) Manual
0
(2) Carriage Bolts 5/16-18 UNC x 2-3/8 Gr. 5
(1) Plastic Cable Clip
i
©
(2) Flange Locknuts 5/16-18 UNC
(1) Bottle Engine Oil
©
(2) Hex Nuts 5/16-18
I
©
(2) Lock Washers 5/16
5
I = I
ASSEMBLY
UNPACK CARTON & INSTALL HANDLE (See
Fig. 2)
I& AUTION: Becarefulofexposedstaples I
when handling or disposing of cartoning
material,
IMPORTANT: WHEN UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING
TILLER, BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRETCH OR KINK
CABLE(S).
• Cut cable ties securing handle column.
• Remove all packing from carton,
• Secure handle column to handle mount using two (2)
carriage boltsand two (2) flange Iocknuts. Tighten both
flange Iocknuts securely.
• Remove packing material from handle assembly.
• Route tine control cable through plastic cable clip on
handlecolumn.
• Insert plastic cable clip into hole in handle column,
• Cut cable ties securing tiller to skid.
• Cut away carton and remove tillerfrom skid by pulling
backwards.
TINE
TINE
HANDLE
MOUNT
BOLT
HANDLE
COLUMN
/
CABLE
CLIP
FIG. 2
INSTALL DEPTH STAKE ASSEMBLY
(See Fig. _)
• Loosen nut =A".
• Insert stake support between engine bracket halves
with stake spring down.
• Bolt stake support to engine brackets with bolts, lock
washers and nuts.Tighten securely. Tighten nut "A".
• Depth stake must move freely, If it does not, loosen
supportbolt.
ENGINE BRACKET
HALVES
,NUT "A"
DEPTH STAKE
DEPTH
STAKE
SUPPORT
BOLT
HEX BOLTS,
LOCK WASHERS,
AND HEX NUTS
i
FIG. 3
HANDLE HEIGHT
• Handleheightmaybe adjustedto bettersuitoperator.
(See =HANDLEHEIGHT" in the Serviceand Adjust-
ments sectionof this manual).
TILLING WIDTH
• Tilling widthmay be adjusted tobetter handle your tilUng
conditions(See "TIN EAR RANG EMENT" inthe Service
and Adjustments section of this manual).
TINE OPERATION
• Check tine operation.before first use. (See "TtNE
OPERATION CHECK inthe Service and Adjustments
section of this manual),
6
I
OPERATION
KNOW YOUR TILLER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TILLER.
Compare the illustrationswith yourtillerto familiarize yourself withthe location ofvarious controlsand adjustments. Save this
manual for future reference.
i i
These symbols may appear on your Tiller or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their
meaning.
TILLING FORWARD NEUTRAL ENGINE ENGINE FAST
OR WARNING ON OFF
FORWARD TINE
CHOKE CONTROL
THROTTLE
IOL
SHIELD
RECOIL STARTER
HANDLE
O
FIG. 4
MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Our tillers conform to the safety standards ofthe American National Standards Institute.
FORWARD TINE CONTROL - Engages tines in forward
direction.
CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine.
THRO'I'FLE CONTROL- Controls engine speed.
DEPTH STAKE - Controls forward speed and the depth at
which the tiller will dig.
RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine.
7
I
OPERATION
HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER TILLING
Know how tooperate allcontrols before adding fuel and oil
or attempting to start engine.
stoppirDg (See Fig. 5)
TINES
• Release tine controlto stop movement.
ENGINE
• Move throttle control to =STOP" position.
• Never use choke to stop engine.
TINE CONTROL
"OFF" (UP) POSITION
"ON" (DOWN) POSITION • \
CHOKE
The speed and depth of tillingis regulated by the position
ofthe depth stake and wheel height.
The depth stake should always be below the wheels for
digging. It serves as a brake to slow the tiller's forward
motiontoenable thetinestopenetratethe ground. Also,the
morethe depth stake islowered intothe groundthe deeper
the tines will dig.
DEPTH STAKE (See Fig. 6)
Adjust depth stake by removing the hairpin clipand clevis
pin. Change depth stake to desired position. Replace the
clevis pin and hairpin clip.
• Fornormaltilling, set depthstake at the second orthird
hole from the top.
WHEELS (See Fig. 6)
Adjust wheels by removing the hairpin clip and clevis pin.
Change wheel position, Replace th'ehairpinclip and clevis
pln.
• For normaltiiling,setwheels atthe second orthird hole
from the top.
HAIRPIN CLIP
AND CLEVIS PIN
DEPTH
STAKE
HAIRPIN CLIP
AND CLEVIS PiN
WHEEL
FIG. 5
FIG. 6
TINE OPERATION (See Fig. 5)
• Squeezetine controltohandle.
8
OPERATION
TO TRANSPORT
l i_ CAUTION: Beforeliftingortrensporting f
allow tiller engine andmuffler to coo].
Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain
gasoline from fuel tank.
AROUNDTHEYARD
• Tip depth stake forward until it is held by the stake
spring.
• Push tiller handles down, raising tines off the ground.
• Push or pull tiller to desired location.
AROUNDTOWN
• Disconnect spark plug wire.
• Drain fuel tank.
• Transport in upright position to prevent oil leakage.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
IMPORTANT: BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO ALLOW DIRT
TO ENTER THE ENGINE WHEN CHECKING OR ADDING
OLORFUEL. USE CLEAN OIL AND FUEL AND STORE
It'r _.PPROVED, CLEAN, COVERED CONTAINERS. USE
£ CAN FILL FUNNELS.
FLL ENGINE WITH OIL (See Fig. 7)
• Removehangtagfromengine.
• With engine level, remove engine oil filler plug.
• Fill engine with oil to point of overflowing. Forapproxi-
mate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on
page 3 of this manual
• Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then re-level.
• With engine level, refillto pointof overflowing if neces-
sary. Replace oil filler plug.
• For cold weather operation you should change oil for
easier starting (See "OIL VISCOSITY CHART" inthe
Customer Responsibilities section ofthismanual).
• Tochangeengineoil, seetheCustomerResponsibilities
section of this manual.
OIL /
OIL
FILLER
PLUG
FIG. 7
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon
and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life.)
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES
B_ LOW 32°F (0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN, WINTER GRADE
G SOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
\RTING.
WARNING: Experience indicatesthat alcoholblended fuel=
(called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attrac
moisture which leads to separation and formation of acid=
• dudng storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system o
an enginewhile instorage. To avoid engine problems, th_
fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 day,,
or longer. Drain the gas tank, startthe engine and let itrur
untilthe fuellines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fue
next season. See Storage section of this manual fo
additional information. Never use engine or carbureto
cleaner products inthefuel tank orpermanent damage ma_
OCGUr,
CAUTION: Fill to within 112inch of top of
f,',eltank to prevent spills and to allow for
fuelexpansren. Ifgasolineisaccidenta y
spilled, move machine away from area of
spill. Avoid creating any source of igniUon
until gasoline vapors have disappeared,
Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oi or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 8)
I _ CAUTION: Keep tine control in "OFF"
position when starting engine.
When startingengine forthe firsttimeorifengine has runou
offuel, itwilltake extra pulls ofthe recoil starter to move fue
from the tank to the engine.
• Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected.
• Place throttle control in =FAST" position.
• Move choke control to full "CHOKE" position. Gras
recoilstarterhandle withone handand grasptillerhandl
with other hand. Pull rope out slowly until engin
reaches startof compression cycle(rope willpullslightl
harder at this point).
• Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starte
handle snap back against starter. Repeat if necessary
• Ifengine fires butdoes not start, move choke control t
halfchoke position.Pullrecoilstarter handle untilengin
starts.
• When engine starts,slowlymove chokecontrolto-RUN
position as engine warms up.
NOTE: A warm engine requires less choking to start.
• Move throttlecontrol to desired running position.
• Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes befor
engaging tines.
NOTE: Ifat a highaltitude(3000 feet) or incoldtemperature
(below 32°F), the carburetor fuel mixture may need to b
adjusted for best engine performance. See "TO ADJUS
CARBURETOR" inthe Service and Adjustments section o
this manual.
NOTE: Ifengine does notstart, see troubleshooting point
9
I
OPERATION
SPARK •
PLUG
CONTROL
CONTROL
RECOIL STARTER
HANDLE
FIG. 8
BREAKING IN YOUR TILLER
Break-in your belt(s), pulleys and tine control before you
actuaUybegin tilling.
• Start engine, tip tines off ground by pressing handles
down and engage tine control to start tine rotation.
Allow tines to rotate for five minutes.
• Check tine operation and adjust if necessary. See
"rlNE OPERATION CHECK" in the Service and Ad-
justments section of this manual.
TILLING HINTS
I& CAUTION: Untilyouareaccustomedto I
handling your tiller, start actual field use
I
with throttle in slow position,
I
To helptiller move forward, liftupthe handles slightly(thus
liftingdepth stake out of ground). To slow down the tiller,
press down on handles.
Ifyou are straining ortiller isshaking, the wheels and depth
stake are not set properly inthe soilbeing tilled.The proper
setting of the wheels and depth stake is through tdal and
error and depends upon the soil condition. (The harder or
wetter the ground, the slower the engine and tine speed
needed. Under these poorconditions,at fastspeed the tiller
will run and jump over the ground).
A properly adjusted tiller will dig with little effort from the
operator.
• Tilling is digging into, turning over, and breaking up
packed soilbefore planting. Loose, unpacked soil
helps rootgrowth. Best tillingdepth is4" to 6". A tiller
will also clear the soil of unwanted vegetation. The
decomposition of this vegetable matter enriches the
soil. Depending on the climate (rainfall and wind), it
may beadvisable to tillthe soilat theend of the growing
season to further condition the soil.
• Soilconditions are important for proper tilling.Tines will
not readily penetrate dry, hard soil which may contrib-
ute to excessive bounce and difficulthandling of your
tiller. Hard soil should be moistened before tilling;
however, extremely wet soil will "ball-up" or clump
during tilling. Wait untilthe soil is less wet in order to
achieve the best results.Whentilling inthefall, remove
vines and long grass to prevent them from wrapping
around the tine shaftand slowing yourtillingoperation.
You will find tilling much easier if you leave a row
untilledbetween passes. Then go back between tilled
rows.(See Fig. 9)There aretwo reasonsfor doing this.
First, wide turns are much easier to negotiate than
about-faces. Second, the tiller won't be pulling itself,
and you, toward the row next to iL
Set depth stake and wheel height for shallow tilling
when working extremely hard soil or sod. Then work
across the firstcuts at normal depth.
i
FIG. 9
CULTIVATING
Cultivating is destroying the weeds between rows to
prevent them from robbing noudshment and moisture
from the plants. At the same time, breaking up the
upper layer of soil crust will help retain moisture in the
soil. Best digging depth is 1" to 3=.
• You will probably not need to use the depth stake.
Begin by tipping the depth stake forward until it is held
by the stake spring.
• Cultivate up and down the rows at a speed which will
allow tines to uproot weeds and leave the ground in
roughCondition, promoting no further growth of weeds
andgrass (See Fig, 10).
!i '
FIG. 10
10
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