Kmart 01639069-2 Owner’s Manual
Operator's Manual
I:Rl FI'SlVl N
208cc Engine
Front Tine Tiller
Model No. 247.29934
* SAFETY
* ASSEMBLY
* OPERATION
CAUTION: Before using
this product, read this
manual and follow all
* MAINTENANCE
* PARTS LIST
* ESPANOL
safety rules and operating
instructions.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, iL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit our web site: www.craftsman.com
FORM1/0.769-05511A
12/02/2009
WarrantyStatement..................................Pac
SafeOperationPractices..........................Pac
SafetyLabels............................................Pac
Assembly..................................................Pac
Operation..................................................Pac
ServiceandMaintenance.........................Pac
Off-SeasonStorage..................................Pac
Whenoperatedand maintainedaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions,ifthis Craftsmanproductfailsduetoa defectin materialorworkmanship
withintwoyearsfromthedate orpurchase,takeittoanySearsor otherauthorizedCraftsmanlocationin theUnitedStatesforfreerepair.Call
1-800-4-MY-HOME®for thenearestauthorizedlocation.
Thiswarrantyappliesfor only90 daysfromthedateof purchaseifthisproductis everusedforcommercialor rentalpurposes.
ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsinmaterialandworkmanship.SearswillNOTpayfor:
• Expendableitemsthatbecomewornduringnormaluse,includingbutnotlimitedto blades,tines,orbelts.
• Tireor wheelreplacementor repairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,orimproperoperationor maintenance.
• Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedto damagecausedbyimpactingobjectsthat bendthe frameor
motorcrankshaft.
• Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedbyimproper
storage,orfailuretomaintaintheequipmentaccordingtothe instructionscontainedintheoperator'smanual.
• Repairsnecessaryduetoimproperfuelmixture,contaminatedor stalefuel.
• Normaldeteriorationandwearofthe exteriorfinishes,or productlabelreplacement.
e2
es3-6
e7
es8-10
es11-17
es18-22
TroubleShooting.......................................Page24
PartsList...................................................Page26-29
LabelMap.................................................Page34
RepairProtectionAgreement...................Page37
Espa_ol.....................................................Page38
ServiceNumbers......................................BackCover
e23
CRAFTSMAN FULLWARRANTY
Thiswarrantyappliesonlywhilethisproductiswithinthe UnitedStates.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyou mayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstateto state.
Sears, Roebuckand Co.,Hoffman Estates,IL60179
EngineSeries: 208cc
EngineOilType: 10w30
EngineOilCapacity: 20ounces
Fuel: UnleadedGasoline
SparkPlug: TorchF6RTC
SparkPlugGap: .030"
Model Number.................................................................
Serial Number .................................................................
Dateof Purchase.............................................................
Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber
anddateof purchaseabove
©SearsBrands,LLC 2
Thissymbolpointsout importantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not
followed,couldendangerthe personalsafetyand/orpropertyof
yourselfandothers. Readandfollowallinstructionsin thismanual
beforeattemptingtooperatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith
theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyou seethis
symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!
Thismachinewasbuiltto beoperatedaccordingtothesafeopera-
tionpracticesinthismanual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroronthepart of theoperatorcan resultin
seriousinjury.Thismachineis capableofamputatingfingers,hands,
toesandfeetandthrowingdebris.Failureto observethe following
safetyinstructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryordeath.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle
componentscontainoremitchemicalsknownto Stateof California
tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.Bat-
tery posts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadand lead
compounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiatocause
cancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
TRAINING
• Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson themachineand
in themanual(s)beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.
Keepthis manualinasafeplacefor futureand regularreference
andfororderingreplacementparts.
• ReadtheOperator'sManualand followallwarningsand safety
instructions.Failuretodosocan resultin seriousinjurytothe
operatorand/orbystanders.Forquestions,call 1-800-4MY-HOME.
• Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheirproperoperation.Knowhow
tostopthe machineanddisengagethemquickly.
• Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsof agetooperatethis
machine.Children14andover shouldreadandunderstandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesin thismanualandon
themachineandbe trainedandsupervisedbyanadult.
• Neverallowadultstooperatethis machinewithoutproper
instruction.
• Keepbystanders,pets,andchildrenatleast75feetfromthe
machinewhileit isin operation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters
thearea.
• Neverrunanengineindoorsor ina poorlyventilatedarea.Engine
exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.
Your Responsibility=Restrict theuseofthis powermachineto
personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsand instruc-
tionsin thismanualandonthemachine.
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!
PREPARATION
• Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobeused.
Removeall rocks,bottles,cans,or otherforeignobjectswhich
couldbepickedupor thrownandcausepersonalinjuryor
damageto themachine.
• Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringoperation
andwhileperformingan adjustmentorrepair,to protectyour
eyes.Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjuryto
theeyes.
• Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksand
shirts.Loosefittingclothesorjewelrycan becaughtin movable
parts.Neveroperatethismachineinbarefeetorsandals.
• Beforestarting,checkallboltsandscrewsforpropertightnessto
besurethe machineisinsafeworkingcondition.Also,visually
inspectmachineforany damageatfrequentintervals.
• Disengageclutchleversandshift(if provided)intoneutral("N")
beforestartingtheengine.
• Neverleavethismachineunattendedwiththeenginerunning.
• Neverattempttomakeanyadjustmentswhiletheengineis
running,exceptwherespecificallyrecommendedintheoperator's
manual.
• Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionslabels,asnecessary.
3
SafeHandling of Gasoline:
Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecarein
handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthe vaporsare
explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasolineis spilled
onyourselforyourclotheswhichcan ignite.Washyourskinand
changeclothesimmediately.
• Useonlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.
• Neverfill containersinsideavehicleor ona truckor trailerbed
witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthegroundaway
fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
• Whenpractical,removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck
ortrailerand refuelitontheground.Ifthisis notpossible,then
refuelsuchequipmentona trailerwitha portablecontainer,rather
thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.
• Keepthe nozzleincontactwiththerimof the fueltankor
containeropeningatalltimes untilfuelingiscomplete.Donot use
a nozzlelock-opendevice.
• Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandother sourcesof
ignition.
• Neverfuel machineindoors.
• Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhiletheengineishotor run-
ning.Allowenginetocool atleasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.
• Neveroverfillfueltank.Fill tankto nomorethan1/2inchbelow
bottomoffillerneckto allowspaceforfuelexpansion.
• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
• Ifgasolineisspilled,wipe itofftheengineandequipment.Move
unitto anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingtheengine.
• To reducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,or
otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageandremoveany
fuelsoakeddebris.
• Neverstorethe machineorfuelcontainerinsidewherethereis an
openflame,sparkor pilotlightason awaterheater,spaceheater,
furnace,clothesdryer orothergasappliances.
OPERATION
• Do notputhandsorfeetnear rotatingparts.Contactwiththe
rotatingpartscanamputatehandsandfeet.
• Do notoperatemachinewhileundertheinfluenceof alcoholor
drugs.
• Neveroperatethismachinewithoutgoodvisibilityor light.Always
be sureofyourfootingandkeepa firmholdonthe handles.
• Keepbystandersawayfromthe machinewhileitisinoperation.
Stopthe machineif anyoneentersthearea.
• Becarefulwhentillinginhardground.Thetines maycatchinthe
groundandpropelthetillerforward.Ifthis occurs,letgoofthe
handlebarsanddo notrestrainthemachine.
• Exerciseextremecautionwhenoperatingonor crossinggravel
surfaces.Stayalertforhiddenhazardsortraffic. Donotcarry
passengers.
• Neveroperatethemachineat hightransportspeedson hardor
slipperysurfaces.
• Exercisecautiontoavoidslippingorfalling.
• Lookdownand behindandusecarewheninreverseor pulling
machinetowardsyou.
• Startthe engineaccordingtothe instructionsfoundinthis manual
and keepfeetwellawayfromthetinesatall times.
• Afterstrikingaforeignobjector ifyourmachineshouldstart mak-
inganunusualnoiseor vibration,immediatelyshuttheengineoff.
Disconnectthesparkplugwire,grounditagainsttheengineand
performthefollowingsteps:
a. Inspectfor damage.
b. Repairorreplaceanydamagedparts.
c. Checkforanyloosepartsandtightento assurecontinued
safeoperation.
• Disengageall clutchlevers(iffitted)and stopenginebeforeyou
leavethe operatingposition(behindthe handles).Waituntil
thetinescometo a completestopbeforeuncloggingthetines,
makinganyadjustments,or inspections.
• Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorlyventilatedarea.Engine
exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.
• Mufflerandenginebecomehot andcancauseaburn.Do not
touch.
• Usecautionwhentillingnearfences,buildingsandunderground
utilities.Rotatingtinescancausepropertydamageor personal
injury.
• Donotoverloadmachinecapacityby attemptingtotillsoil too
deepattoo fastofa rate.
• Ifthemachineshouldstartmakinganunusualnoiseor vibration,
stoptheengine,disconnectthe sparkplugwire andgroundit
againsttheengine.Inspectthoroughlyfordamage.Repairany
damagebeforestartingandoperating.
• Keepallshields,guards,and safetydevicesinplaceandoperat-
ing properly.
• Neverpick uporcarrymachinewhiletheengineis running.
• Useonlyattachmentsandaccessoriesapprovedbythemanu-
factureras listedin the PartsListpagesofthisoperator'smanual.
Failuretodosocan resultin personalinjury.
• Ifsituationsoccurwhichare notcoveredinthis manual,usecare
andgoodjudgement.ContactCustomerSupportat 1-800-4MY-
HOMEforassistanceandthenameof thenearestservicedealer
MAINTENANCE & STORAGE
• Keepthemachine,attachmentsandaccessoriesin safeworking
order.
• Allowthemachinetocoolat leastfiveminutesbeforestoring.
Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperoperation
regularly.
• Checkboltsandscrewsforpropertightnessatfrequentintervals
to keepthemachineinsafeworkingcondition.Also,visually
inspectmachineforanydamage.
• Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,stopthe engineand
makecertainthetinesandall movingpartshavestopped.
Disconnectthe sparkplugwireandgrounditagainsttheengineto
preventunintendedstarting.
4
• Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingsor over-speedthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthemaximumsafeoperatingspeed
ofengine.
Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,asnecessary.
Followthis manualfor safeloading,unloading,transporting,and
storageof thismachine.
Alwaysreferto theoperator'smanualforimportantdetailsifthe
machineisto bestoredforan extendedperiod.
If thefueltankhastobe drained,do thisoutdoors.
Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsforgas,oil,etc.to
protecttheenvironment.
Accordingtothe ConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)
andtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproduct
hasan AverageUsefulLifeof seven(7)years,or130hoursof
operation.Attheendof theAverageUsefulLifehavethemachine
inspectedannuallybyanauthorizedservicedealertoensurethat
allmechanicalandsafetysystemsareworkingproperlyandnot
wornexcessively.Failuretodo socanresultinaccidents,injuries
ordeath.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoidseriousinjuryordeath,donot modifyengineinanyway.
Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadto a runawayengineand
causeitto operateatunsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting
ofenginegovernor.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
EngineswhicharecertifiedtocomplywithCaliforniaandfederal
EPAemissionregulationsforSORE(SmallOffRoadEquipment)are
certifiedto operateonregularunleadedgasoline,and mayinclude
thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM),
OxidizingCatalyst(CO),SecondaryAirInjection(SAI)and ThreeWay
Catalyst(TWO)if soequipped.
SPARK ARRESTOR
Thismachineis equippedwithan internalcombustionengineand
shouldnotbe usedonornearanyunimprovedforest-covered,
brushcoveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaust
systemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor
statelaws(if any)
Ifa sparkarresterisused,itshouldbemaintainedin effectiveworking
orderbytheoperator.Inthe StateofCaliforniatheaboveis required
bylaw (Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other
statesmayhavesimilarlaws. Federallawsapplyonfederallands.
A sparkarresterforthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestSears
PartsandRepairServiceCenter.
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthisproduct. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson themachine
beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.
READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S)
i
i
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and
operate
WARNING-- ROTATING TINES
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate
hands and feet.
WARNING-- ROTATING TINES
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate
hands and feet.
WARNING--GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
WARNING-- CARBON MONOXIDE
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
WARNING-- HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine
and muffler to cool before touching.
WARNING: YourResponsibility--Restrictthe useofthispowermachinetopersonswhoread,understandandfollowthe
warningsand instructionsinthis manualandonthemachine.
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!
6
u_ avantdetairedemmarrerlemoteur.
Lireenti_rementlesinstructionsd'utiiisation
Fire Prevention Requirements,
J_ L'essenceestintammabie.Laissezlemoteurretroidiraumoins
2minutesavantdefairelepiein=
Lesmeteursproduisen!domnpoxydedesarbone,nepasfaire
_onctionnerlemoteuroansuniocaJTerme.
7
IMPORTANT:Thisunit isshippedwithoutgasolineoroil inthe engine.
Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoilas instructedinthe
Operationsectionof this manualbeforeoperatingyourmachine.
NOTE:Referenceto rightandlefthandsideof the Tillerisobserved
fromtheoperatingposition.
OPENING CARTON
1. Cuteachcornerofthe cartonverticallyfromtop to bottom.
2. Removeall looseparts.
3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.
REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON
1. Usethehandlebartoliftand pullthe tillerbackwardstoa flat
area.Checkthecartonthoroughlyforlooseparts.
2. Besurenotto kinktheforwardclutchcable.
LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON
• HandlebarAssembly
• Tiller
• EngineOil
• Operator'sManual
• DepthGageAssembly
f
J
Figure2
f
ATTACHING THE CABLE
1. Identifytheforwardclutchcable.SeeFigure1.
2. Hookthe"Z"endofthe forwardclutchcable(A) intotheforward
fineengagementlever.SeeFigure2.
NOTE:Besure nottokinkthecablewhileattaching.
/
/
/
Forward Clutch
Cable
J
Figure1
Figure3
ATTACHING THE HANDLE ASSEMBLY
1. Removethehexbolt andcuppedwasherfromthe rightsideof the
frame.Holdthecableguidebracketonthe left sideofframeas it
willfall whentheboltis removed.Step1in Figure3.
2. Insertthehandleintothe tillerframe.Step2in Figure3.
3. Inserttheboltthroughthecuppedwasher,frame,handleandinto
thecableguidebracket(notethenotchinthe cableguidebracket
goesovertheflangeon theframe.)Step3in Figure3.
8
4. Tightentheboltsecurelyaftersecuringthe handlebrace.See
Figure4.
5. Locatethecarriagebolt,bellwasherandhandknobpackedwith
yourtiller.
6. Insertthe carriageboltthroughtheweldedbracketonthehandle,
bellwasher,handlebraceandintothe handknob.SeeFigure4.
7. Selectoneofthe threehandleheightpositions(threenotchesin
theweldedhandlebracket)andtightenthe handknobtosecure
thehandleinthe desiredposition.SeeFigure4. Returntothe
lowerhandleandtightenthe hexboltsecurely.
Tail Bracket
ATTACHING THE DEPTH GAGE
1. Disassemblethedepthgageassembly.See Figure5.Retainthe
pinandclipfor laterreassembly.
2. Removethetwo screwsfromthe tailbracket.See Figure6.
3. Insertthe depthgagebracketintotheframeand reinstallthe
twoscrewsremovedearlier.Tightenthehexboltssecurely.See
Figure6.
4. Insertthe depthstakeintothedepthgagebracketassembly.See
Figure7.
5. Securethepinwiththeclip removedearlier.Thedepthstakecan
beplacedat variouspositions.Forsetuppurposesitissuggested
thatthedepthstakebeassembledwiththe stakejust above
orlevelwiththe groundsurface.Forfurtherinstructionsonthe
DepthStakerefertotheOperationSectionofthis manual.
Hand Knob
Depth
Stake
Pin
Figure5
.................. /,
.....................
Tail Bracket
Figure6
f
(:otter
Pin
9
_Clevis Pin
J
Figure7
ADJUSTMENTS
Priortooperatingyour tiller,carefullyreadand followall instructions
below.Performall adjustmentsto verifyyourtillerisoperatingsafely
_andpropery.
Checktheadjustmentof the wheels:
Thetiller isshippedwiththewheelsadjustedsothatthe machinesits
level.Thewheelsneedto beadjustedto meetyourtillingneedsbefore
operation.Thisadjustmentismadeby removingtheclevispinfromthe
wheelyokeand raisingthewheelsto thedesiredheight.SeeFigure8.
Checktheadjustmentof the forwardclutchcableasfollows:
1. Disconnectandgroundthesparkplugwireagainsttheengine.
2. Adjustthecablebylooseningthe hexnut.SeeFigure9.
3. Turnthecablecollar sectiononeor twoturnsto increaseor
decreasetensionon thecable.SeeFigure10.
4. Retightenthelocknutagainstthe cablecollar.SeeFigure11.
5. Withtheforwardfine engagementhandlein the neutral(released)
position,pullthe starterropeseveraltimes.Thetinesshouldnot
turn.
6. Iftheyturnforwardor inreverse,adjusttheclutchcableto
decreaseor increasetensionusingthepreviousstepslisted.
7. Checkagainfor correcttensionon theclutchcable.
f
J
Figure9
f
WheelYoke
Pin
\
Figure10
f
Depth
Stake
J
Figure8
Nut
10
J
Figure11
f
Fuel Ca
Oil Fill Cap
& Dipstick
Tiller Tines
Muffler
Forward Tine
Engagement Lever
-- Handle Height
Adjustment
_th Stake
.J
Figure12
Nowthat youhavesetup yourtillerfor operation,getacquaintedwith
itscontrolsandfeatures.Thesearedescribedonthe nexttwopages
andillustratedon thispage.Thisknowledgewillallowyou to useyour
newequipmenttoits fullestpotential.
RECOIL STARTER HANDLE
Thishandleisusedto starttheengine.
THROTTLE CONTROL
Thethrottlecontrolis locatedon thesideof theengine.Itregulatesthe
spreadoftheengineandwill shutoff theenginewhenmovedintothe
STOPposition.
Meets ANSi Safety Standards
CraftsmanTillersconformtothe safetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
Theoperationofanytillercan resultinforeignobjectsbeingthrown
intothe eyes,whichcandamageyoureyesseverely.Alwayswear
safetyglassesduringoperationor whileperforminganyadjustments
or repairs.
CHOKE CONTROL
Thechokecontrolis foundonthesideofthe engineandisactivated
bymovingthe levertotheCHOKEposition.Activatingthechoke
controlclosesthe chokeplateonthecarburetorandaidsin startingthe
engine.
CHOKE RUN
11
AiR FILTER
Theair filterisa deviceonthe engineair intakethatpreventsdustand
dirtenteringtheengine.SeeFigure12.
MUFFLER
Engineexhaustexitstheenginevia themuffler.SeeFigure12.
DEPTH STAKE
Thedepthstakecontrolsthetillingdepth.SeeFigure12.
HANDLEBAR HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Thehandleheightmaybeadjusted.Loosenthe knobtochangethe
position.Tightenhardwarewhencomplete.SeeFigure12.
OIL FILL CAP & DIPSTICK
Engineoil levelcanbecheckedandoiladdedthroughtheoil fill. See
Figure12.
NOTE:ThisunitwasshippedWITHOUToil inthe engine.Oilis
includedintheplasticbag packedwiththemanualinwiththe unit.
Addtheoil asdirectedin theGas& OilFillUpsection.Checktheoil
levelbeforeeachoperationtoensureadequateoil is intheengine.
Forfurtherinstructions,refertothestepsintheEngineMaintenance
sectionof thismanual.
FORWARD TINE ENGAGEMENT LEVER
Theforwardtine engagementlevercontrolstheengagementof the
tines.Releasetheleverto stopthetines.SeeFigure12.
TINES
Tillingtinesareusedtocultivate,furrowandprepareyourgardenfor
seeding.SeeFigure12.
12
GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
Oil (one bottle shipped with unit)
FirstTimeUse
1. Removeoilfilldipstick.
2. Withthetilleron levelground,usea funneltoemptyentire
contentsofoil bottleprovidedintothe engine.
3. Replaceoilfilldipstickandtighten.
Subsequent Uses
Onlyusehighqualitydetergentoil ratedwithAPIserviceclassifica-
tionSF,or SG.Selecttheoil'sSAEviscositygradeaccordingto the
expectedoperatingtemperature.Followthechartbelow.
Imml mira 10w
_ _ )0W
mm m?0
mmm mmm B30
40 I_
20w40.20w50 _ _ _ _
I I
15w40, 15w50 ml .,i,_ m_,R, ram= .,,,,=._,,,,,,,,,l_
®
10w40
[ P"
10w30 iw,_mm_ _m
(°C)-300 -200 -100 0'_ 100 200 300400
(°F)-20 o 0o 200 400 60o 800 1000
Ambient Temperature
1. SingleViscosity
2. MultiViscosity
Althoughmulti-viscosityoils (5W30,10W30,etc.)improvestarting
in coldweather,theywillresultinincreasedoil consumptionwhen
usedabove32°F.Checkyourengineoil levelmorefrequentlytoavoid
possibleenginedamagefromrunninglowon oil.
1. Checktheoillevelmakingcertainnotto rubthedipstickalong
theinsidewallsofthe oil fill tube.Thiswould resultina false
dipstickreading.Wipedipstickcleanwithcloth. Replacedipstick
intotheoil fillerneck,butdonotscrewit in.Removeandcheck
oil level.Refillto FULLmarkon dipstick,ifnecessary.Capacityis
approximately20oz.Overfillingwillcausetheengineto smoke
profuselyandwill resultin poorengineperformance.
2. Replaceoilfilldipstickandtighten.
3. Keepoil levelatFULL.Runningtheenginewithtoolittleoilcan
resultinpermanentenginedamage.
v
m..-
Alcoholblendedfuels(calledgasoholorusingethanolormethanol)
canattractmoisturewhichleadsto separationandformationofacids
duringstorage.Acidicgascandamagethefuel systemofanengine
whileinstorage.
Toavoidengineproblems,thefuel systemshouldbeemptied
beforestoragefor30daysor longer.Drainthegastank,startthe
engineandletit rununtilthegastank,fuellinesand carburetorare
empty.Usefreshfuelnextseason.SeeSTORAGEInstructionsfor
additionalinformation.
Neveruseengineor carburetorcleanerproductsinthefueltankor
permanentdamagemayoccur.
3. Fillfuel tankwithclean,fresh,unleadedregulargasolineonly.Do
notusegasolinecontainingMETHANOL.Replacefuelcap.
NOTE:Checkthefuellevelperiodicallytoavoidrunningoutof
gasolinewhileoperatingthetiller.
TO START ENGINE
1. Attachsparkplugwireandrubberbootto sparkplug.
2. Filltankto no morethan 1/2inchbelowbottomoffiller neckto
providespacefor fuelexpansion.
3. Makesurethe tineclutchcontrolisdisengaged.
4. Movethechokeleveron theenginetoCHOKEI'_1 position.(A
warmenginemaynotrequirechoking.)SeeFigure13.
5. Movethrottlecontrolto START/RUN(Rabbit)_1_ position.See
Figure13.
6. Standingonthe sideofthe unit,graspstarterhandleandpull
ropeoutuntilyoufeela drag.
f
Useextremecarewhenhandlinggasoline.Gasolineis extremely
flammableandthevaporsareexplosive.Neverfuelmachineindoors
orwhilethe engineis hotor running.Extinguishcigarettes,cigars,
pipes,andothersourcesof ignition.
Gasoline
1. Removefuelcap fromthefueltank.
2. Makesurethecontainerfromwhichyouwill pourthe gasolineis
cleanandfreefrom rustorforeignparticles.Neveruse gasoline
thatmaybestalefromlongperiodsofstorageinitscontainer.
Gasolinethathas beensittingforanyperiodlongerthanfour
weeksshouldbeconsideredstale.
\
Figure13
13
7. Pulltheropewitha rapid,continuous,fullarm stroke.Keepafirm
griponthe starterhandle.Lettheroperewindslowly.
8. Repeat,if necessary,untilenginestarts.Whenenginestarts,
movechokecontrolgraduallytowardtheRUNI_'I position..
9. Ifenginefalters,movechokecontrolbacktowardtheCHOKE
I'_1 positionand repeatsteps5 though8.
10. ALWAYSkeepthethrottlecontrolintheSTART/RUN(Rabbit)
positionwhenoperatingthetiller.
TO STOP ENGINE
1. Tostopthewheelsandtines,releasethe ForwardClutchBail.
2. Movethrottlecontrolleverto slow(turtle)_ position.
Wheneverpossible,graduallyreduceenginespeedbefore
stoppingengine.
3. Movethrottlecontrolleverto STOP_ orOFFposition.
4. Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainsttheengineto
preventaccidentalstartingwhilethe equipmentisunattended.
TO ENGAGE DRIVE & TINES
1. Forforwardmotionof thewheelsand powertothetinespullthe
ForwardClutchBailupagainstthe handlebar.
2. Whentilling,relaxandletthewheelspullthemachinewhilethe
tinesdig.Walkslowlybehindthetiller allowingitto moveatits
ownpacewhilekeepinga securegriponthehandlebarwithyour
elbowsflexed.
3. Releasethe bailto stoptheforwardmotionofwheelsandtines.
Wheel
Figure14
Wheel Yoke
J
Wheel Yoke
TURNING THE TILLER
1. Practiceturningthetillerinalevel,openarea.Beverycarefulto
keepyourfeetandlegsawayfromthetines.
2. Tobeginaturn, liftthehandlebarsuntil thetinesareoutofthe
groundandtheengineandtinesarebalancedoverthewheels.
3. Withthetillerbalanced,pushsidewayson the handlebartosteer
in thedirectionoftheturn.Afterturning,slowlylowerthetinesinto
thesoilto resumetilling.
Becertainsparkplugwireisdisconnectedandgroundedagainstthe
enginewhenperforminganyadjustments.
SETTING THE DEPTH
Yoke Forward
Attachthe wheelyokesothatthewheelsareforward(nearesttotines)
forshallowtilling,cultivatingandtransportbyremovingtheclevispin
andcotterpin. SeeFigure14.
Yoke Back
Attachthe wheelyokesothatthewheelsaretowardtherear(closest
todepthstake)for deeptillingandcultivatingbyremovingtheclevis
pinandcotterpin.SeeFigure15.
Wheel
.J
Figure15
f
Depth Stake
Depth Stake
Thedepth stakeactsasa brakeforthe tillerandcontrolsthedepth
andspeedat whichthemachinewilloperate.Removetheclevispin
andhairpinclipto raiseorlowerthedepthstake.SeeFigure16.
Figure16
14
ADJUSTING THE HANDLE HEIGHT
Thehandleshouldbe adjustedsothatwhenthe tillerisdigging3-4"
intothe soil,thehandlefallstoaboutwaste-high.To adjusthandle,
simplyloosenthehandleknob,movethe handletothedesiredheight
andretightenthe handleknob.SeeFigure17.
Beforeclearingthe tinesby hand,stoptheengine,allowall moving
partsto stopanddisconnectthe sparkplugwire.Failureto followthis
warningcouldresultin personalinjury.
CLEARING THE TINES
Thetineshavea self-clearingactionwhicheliminatesmostofthe
tanglingofdebris.However,occasionallydry grass,stringystalksor
toughvinesmaybecometangled.Followtheseprocedurestohelp
avoidtanglingandtoclearthetines,if necessary.
• Tryto tillundercropresiduesorcovercropswhile theyare green,
moistandtender.
• Whiletilling,try swayingthehandlebarsfromsidetoside (about
6"to12").This"fishtailing"actionoftenclearsthetinesof debris.
Beforetilling,contactyourtelephoneor utilitiescompanyandinquire
l ifundergroundequipmentorlinesareusedonyour property.Donot
|till nearburiedelectriccables,telephonelines,pipesor hoses.
[
TILLING TIPS & TECHNIQUES
Tilling Depth
• Thisisa FRT(forward-rotatingfine)tiller.Whentheforwardtine
engagementleverispressedagainstthehandlethetinesrotate
forward.Thiscreatesan"uppercut"tineactionwhichdigsdeeply,
uprootingsoilandweeds.Don'toverloadtheengine,butdigas
deeplyas possibleon eachpass.
• Whencultivating(breakingupthe surfacesoilaroundtheplants
todestroyweeds,SeeFigure18),tryto havethetinesonlydig 1"
to2" deep.Usingtheshallowtillingdepthhelpspreventinjuryto
theplantswhoserootsoftengrow closetothesurface.If needed,
lift uponthe handlebarsslightlytopreventthetinesfromdigging
toodeeply.(Cultivatingona regularbasisnotonlyeliminates
weeds,it alsoloosensandaeratesthe soilfor bettermoisture
absorptionandfasterplantgrowth.)Wateringthegardenareaa
fewdayspriortotillingwillmaketillingeasier,aswill lettingthe
newlyworkedsoilsetfora dayortwo beforemakinga final,deep
tillingpass.
Figure17
f
J
Figure18
15
Choosing the Correct Tine Speed
Withexperience,you willfindthe tillingdepthandtilling speed
combinationthatisbestfor yourgarden.Settheenginethrottleleverat
a speedtogivetheengineadequatepowerandyetallowittooperate
atthe slowestpossiblespeeduntilyouhaveachievedthemaximum
tillingdepthyoudesire.Fasterenginespeedsmaybedesirable
whenmakingfinalpassesthroughtheseedbedorwhencultivating.
Selectionofthe correctenginespeed,inrelationtothe tillingdepth,
willensurea sufficientpowerleveltodothejobwithoutcausingthe
enginetolabor.
Suggested Tilling Patterns
• Whenpreparinga seedbed,go overthesamepathtwiceinthe
firstrow,thenoverlapone-halfthetillerwidthontherestof the
passes.SeeFigure19.
• Whenfinishedinonedirection,makeasecondpassat a right
angle,SeeFigure20.Overlapeachpassfor thebestresults(in
veryhardground,itmaytakethreeorfour passestothoroughly
pulverizethesoil.)
• If thegardensizewillnotpermitlengthwiseandthencrosswise
tilling,thenoverlapthefirstpassesby one-halfatillerwidth,fol-
lowedby successivepassesatone-quarterwidth.SeeFigure21.
Figure19
Donot operatethetillerona slopetoosteepforsafeoperation.Till
slowlyandbe sureyouhavegoodfooting.Neverpermitthetillerto
freewheeldownslopes.Failuretofollowthiswarningcouldresultin
personalinjury.
Tilling on a Slope
1. Till onlyonmoderateslopes,neveronsteepgroundwherethe
footingisdifficult.
2. Tillingupanddownslopesisrecommendedoverterracing.Tilling
verticallyon a slopeallowsmaximumplantingareaandalso
leavesroomforcultivating.
NOTE:Whentillingonslopes,besurethe correctoillevelismain-
tainedinthe engine(checkeveryone-halfhourofoperation).The
inclineof theslopewillcausetheoilto slantawayfromitsnormal
levelandthiscan starveenginepartsofrequiredlubrication.Keepthe
motoroil levelatthefullpointatall times.
Tilling Up and Down a Slope
1. Tokeepsoil erosiontoa minimum,besuretoaddenoughorganic
mattertothe soilsothatit hasgoodmoistureholdingtextureand
tryto avoidleavingfootprintsor wheelmarks.
2. Whentillingvertically,try tomakethefirst passuphillasthetiller
digsmoredeeplygoinguphillthan itdoesdownhill.In softsoilor
weeds,youmayhavetolift thehandlebarsslightlywhilegoingup-
hill.Whengoingdownhill,overlapthefirst passbyaboutone-half
thewidthof thetiller.
[
m_m_
t j
Figure20
16
Figure21
Terrace Gardening
1. Tocreateaterrace,startat thetopoftheslopeandworkdown
Gobackandforthacrossthefirstrow.SeeFigure22.
2. Eachsucceedinglowerterraceisstartedby walkingbelowthe
terraceyouare preparing.Foraddedstabilityofthe tiller,always
keepthe uphillwheelinthesoft,newlytilledsoil. Donottillthe
last 12"or moreofthedownhilloutsideedgeofeachterrace.This
untilledstriphelpspreventtheterracesfrombreakingapartand
washingdownhill.Italsoprovidesawalkingpathbetweenthe
rows,
f
,O
' REPEA'
J
Figure22
17
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Beforeperforminganytypeof maintenance/service,disengageall
controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo
acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe
enginetopreventunintendedstarting.Alwayswearsafetyglassesduring
serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumnto keeptrackof
completedmaintenancetasks.To locate the nearest Sears Service
Centeror toscheduleservice,simplycontactSears at
1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
operationor whileperforminganyadjustmentsor repairs.
Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes
= =
EachUse
1st2 hours
1st5 hours
Every10hours
Every25 hours
Every30 hours
Every50 hours
Every100hours
BeforeStorage
.
Engineoillevel
2.
Looseormissinghardware
3.
Engineandaroundmuffler
4.
Aircleaner
1.
Drivebelttension
2.
Nutsand Bolts
1.
Engineoil
1.
Drivebelttension
2.
Unit
1.
Sparkplug
1.
Tinesforwear
2.
Tirepressure
1.
Engineoill-
1.
Aircleaner
2.
SparkPlug
1.
Fuelsystem
1. Check
2. Tightenor_place
3. Clean
4. Check
1. Check
2. Check
1. Change
1. Check
2. Lubricate
1. Check
1. Check
2. Check
1. Change
1. Change
2. Change
1. Runengineuntilit stopsfromlackof
fueloradda gasolineadditivetothe
gasin thetank.
Changeoileverytwentyfivehourswhenoperatingengineunderheavyloadorinhightemperatures
Alwaysstopengineanddisconnectsparkplugwirebeforeperforming
lanymaintenanceor adjustments.Alwayswearsafetyglassesduring
[operationorwhile performinganyadjustmentsor repairs.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Alwaysobserveallsafetyrulesfoundonproductlabelsandin
thisoperator'smanualwhenperforminganymaintenance.Safety
rulescan befoundonthe productlabelsandin thisOperator's
Manualbeginningon page3.
• Thewarrantyonthistillerdoesnotcoveritemsthathavebeen
subjectedto operatorabuseor negligence.Toreceivefull value
fromwarranty,operatormustmaintainthe equipmentas
instructedhere.
• Someadjustmentswillhavetobe madeperiodicallyto maintain
yourunit properly.
• Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethesearetight.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
DONOTcheckforsparkwithsparkplugremoved.DO NOTcrank
enginewithsparkplug removed.
Iftheenginehas beenrunning,themufflerwillbeveryhot. Becareful
notto touchthemuffler.
Thesparkplugmustbesecurelytightened.Animproperlytightened
sparkplugcanbecomeveryhot andmaydamagetheengine.
Checking the Spark Plug
Toensureproperengineoperation,the sparkplugmustbeproperly
gappedandfreeof deposits.Checkthesparkplugevery25hoursand
replaceitevery100hours.
18
1. Removethesparkplugbootandusea sparkplugwrenchto
removetheplug.See Figure23.
2. Visuallyinspectthesparkplug.Discardthesparkplugif thereis
apparentwear,orif the insulatoriscrackedor chipped.Cleanthe
sparkplugwitha wirebrushifitis to be reused.
3. Measurethepluggapwitha feelergauge.Correctas necessary
bybendingsideelectrode.SeeFigure24.The gapshouldbeset
to0.030in.
4. Checkthatthe sparkplugwasherisingoodconditionandthread
thesparkplugin byhandtopreventcrossthreading.
5. Afterthesparkplugis seated,tightenwitha sparkplugwrenchto
compressthewasher.
NOTE:Wheninstallinga newsparkplug,tighten1/2turnafterthe
sparkplugseatsto compressthewasher.Whenreinstallinga used
sparkplug,tighten1/8-1/4turnafterthe sparkplugseatsto compress
thewasher.
Neverusegasolineorlowflashpointsolventsfor cleaningtheair
ceanereement. A f re orexpos oncoud resut.
Servicing the Air Cleaner
Theair cleanerpreventsdamagingdirt, dust,etc.,fromenteringthe
carburetorand beingforcedintotheengineandis importantto engine
lifeandperformance.Neverruntheenginewithoutan aircleaner
completelyassembled.Checktheaircleanerbeforeeachuse.
Paperfilterscannotbecleanedandmustbe replacedonce a year
orevery 100operatinghours;moreoftenifusedin extremelydusty
conditions.
1. Pressthe tabontheairfiltercover,lift the coverandremovethe
airfilter.SeeFigure25.
2. Discardoldairfilter.
3. Installnewairfilter.
4. Closethecover.
NOTE:Ifthe filteristornordamagedin anyway,replaceit.
Donot sprayenginewithwatertocleanbecausewatercould
contaminatefuel. Usingagardenhoseorpressurewashingequip-
mentcanalso forcewaterintothemuffleropening.Waterthat passes
throughthemufflercanenterthe cylinder,causingdamage.
,Electrode
0.02-0.03 in.
===_1_====0.60-0.80 rnrn
Air Filter
Cover
Filter
Figure23
J
Figure24
Accumulationofdebrisaroundmufflercouldcausea fire.Inspectand
cleanbeforeeveryuse.
Cleaning the Engine
If theenginehasbeenrunning,allowitto coolforatleasthalfan hour
beforecleaning.Periodicallyremovedirtbuild-upfromtheengine.
Cleanaroundthe muffler.Cleanwithabrushorcompressedair.
J
Figure25
19
Check Engine Oil
1. Checkoilbeforeeachuse.Stopengineandwaitseveralminutes
beforecheckingoil level.Withthetilleronlevelground,theoil
mustbeto FULLmarkon dipstick.
2. Removeoil filldipstickandwipecleanwithcloth.
3. Replacedipstickintothe oilfiller neck,butdonotscrewitin.
Removeandcheckoil level.Levelshouldbeat FULLmark.
4. If needed,addoil slowly- recheck.Donot overfill.
5. Wipedipstickclean,replacebutdonot tighten.Removeand
checkoil level.Oillevelshouldbeat FULLlineondipstick.
6. Replaceandtightendipstickfirmlybeforestartingengine.
DONOTuse non-detergentoilor 2-strokeengineoil.Itcouldshorten
theengine'sservicelife.
Change Engine Oil
• SAE10W-30is recommendedforgeneral,all temperatureuse.
Whenaddingoilto theengine,referto viscositychart inthe
operationsection.Usea4-stroke,oranequivalenthighdeter-
gent,premiumqualitymotoroil certifiedtomeetor exceedU.S.
automobilemanufacturer'srequirementsfor serviceclassification
SG,SR MotoroilsclassifiedSG,SFwillshowthisdesignationon
thecontainer.
• Changeengineoil afterthefirstfivetoeighthoursofoperation,
andeveryfifty hoursoreveryseasonthereafter.Changeoilevery
twentyfivehourswhenoperatingengineunderheavyloadorin
hightemperatures.
Beforetippingengineor equipmenttodrainoil,drainfuel fromtank by
runningengineuntilfuel tankisempty.
Usedmotoroil maycauseskincancerifrepeatedlyleftincontactwith
theskinfor prolongedperiods.Althoughthis isunlikelyunlessyou
handleusedoil onadailybasis,itis stilladvisabletothoroughlywash
yourhandswithsoapandwateras soonas possibleafterhandling
usedoil.
oil
Drain
Figure 26
4. Replaceandtightenthe oildrainendcap.
5. Whenengineisdrainedofall oil,placeenginelevel.Refillwith
approximately20oz.offreshoil.Fillto FULLlineondipstick.
Donot overfill.Referto CheckEngineOil inthisSERVICE&
MAINTENANCEsection.
6. Replacesparkplugwire beforestarting.
To Drain Oil
1. Drainthefuelfromthe tankby runningtheengineuntilthefuel
tankisempty.Besurefuelfill capissecure.
2. WithengineOFFbutstillwarm,disconnectsparkplugwireand
keepitawayfromsparkplug.
3. Removeoil drainendcap locatedatthebaseoftheengine,and
drainoil intoanappropriatereceptacle.SeeFigure26.
Usedoilisa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeofusedoilproperly
IDonotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori-
_tiesor SearsServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.
2O
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