Sears Craftsman 944.621531 Owner's Manual

OWNER’S

MANUAL

MODEL NO.

944.621531

Caution:
Read and follow

all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment

5.5 HP
24 INCH TINE WIDTH
FRONT TINE TILLER

• Assembly

• Operation

• Customer Responsibilities

• Service and Adjustments

• Repair Parts

Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8

SAFETY RULES

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 how to stop the unit and disengage the
controls quickly.

• Never allow children to operate the equipment. Never
allow adults to operate the equipment without proper
instruction.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particu­larly small children, and pets.

PREPARATION

• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used and remove all foreign objects.

• Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before
starting the engine (motor).

• Do not operate the equipment without wearing adequate
outer garments. Wear footwear that will improve footing
on slippery surfaces.

• Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable.

• Use an approved fuel container.

• Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.

• Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fill fuel
tank indoors.

• Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilled fuel
before restarting.

• Use extension cords and receptacles as specified by
the manufacturer for all units with electric drive motors
or electric starting motors.

• Never attempt to make any adjustments while the
engine (motor) is running (except where specifically
recommended by manufacturer).

• Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust fumes are
dangerous.

• Never operate the tiller without 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 operate the machine at high speeds on slippery
surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing.

• Never allow bystanders near the unit.

• Use only attachments and accessories approved by the
manufacturer 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
working condition.

• Check shear pins, engine mounting bolts, and other
bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure
the equipment is in safe working condition.

• Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel tank inside
a building where 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 period.

OPERATION

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.

• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing
gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden
hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.

• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine (motor),
remove the wire from the spark plug, thoroughly inspect
the tiller for any damage, and repair the 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 is generally a warning of trouble.

• Stop the engine (motor) when leaving the operating
position.

• Take all possible precautions when leaving the machine
unattended. Disengage the tines, shift into neutral, and
stop the engine.

• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, shut off the
engine and make certain all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away
from the plug to prevent accidental starting. Disconnect
the cord on electric motors.

- 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 information that will aid you to better
understand, incorporate, or execute a particular set of
instructions.

Look for this symbol to point out impor­tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making re­pairs.

2

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this prod-

GASOLINE CAPACITY: 3 Quarts (2,8L)

Unleaded Regular

OIL (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (Above 32°F)

(Capacity: 20 oz. [0.6L]) SAE 5w-30 (Below 32°F)

SPARK PLUG : Champion

(GAP: .030" [0.76mm]) RC12YC

uct. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and
using your tiller.

• Follow the instructions under “Customer Responsibili­ties” and “Storage” sections of this Owner’s Manual.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a tiller. It has
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 service
centre/department. They have competent, well-trained
technicians and the proper tools to service 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”.

IMPORTANT: THIS UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH AN
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND SHOULD NOT
BE USED ON OR NEAR ANY UNIMPROVED FOREST­COVERED, 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 AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTRE/
DEPARTMENT FOR SPARK ARRESTER. REFER TO THE
REPAIR PARTS SECTION OF THIS MANUAL FOR PART
NUMBER.

LIMITED TWO (2) YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER

For Two (2) years from date of purchase Sears Canada, Inc. will repair or replace at Sears option free of charge parts which
are defective as a result of material or workmanship.

COMMERCIAL OR RENTAL USE:

Warranty on Tiller will be thirty (30) days from date of purchase if used for commercial or rental purposes.

This Warranty does

1. Pre-delivery set-up.

2. Expendable items which become worn 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 and maintain the
equipment according to the instructions contained in the Owner’s Manual.

Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman Tiller to the nearest Sears Service Centre/Department in Canada.
This warranty applies only while this product is in use in Canada.

This warranty is in addition to any statutory warranty and does not exclude or limit legal rights you may have but shall run
concurrently with applicable provincial legislation. Furthermore, some provinces do NOT allow limitation on how long an
implied warranty will last so the above limitations may not apply to you.

NOT cover:

SEARS CANADA, INC., TORONTO, ONTARIO M5B 2B8

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ........................................................... 2

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ...................... 3, 10-12

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3

WARRANTY .................................................................. 3

ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 4-5

OPERATION ............................................................... 6-9

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ....................................... 10

SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS .................................. 12-14

STORAGE ................................................................... 15

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 16

REPAIR PARTS-TILLER ......................................... 17-22

REPAIR PARTS-ENGINE ........................................23-28

SERVICE/PARTS ORDERING ................. BACK COVER

3

ASSEMBLY

Your new tiller has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To
ensure safe and proper operation of your tiller all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct
tools as 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

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

OPERATOR’S POSITION (See Fig. 1)

When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means
when you are in the operating position (standing behind tiller
handles).

FRONT

LEFT

OPERATOR’S
POSITION

FIG. 1

RIGHT

(1) Manual

(2) Carriage Bolts 5/16-18 UNC x 2-3/8 Gr. 5

(2) Hex Bolts 5/16-18 x 1-1/4

(1) Bottle Engine Oil

(1) Plastic Cable Clip

(2) Flange Locknuts 5/16-18 UNC

(2) Hex Nuts 5/16-18

(2) Lock Washers 5/16

4

ASSEMBLY

ASSEMBLY

UNPACK CARTON & INSTALL HANDLE (See
Fig. 2)

CAUTION: Be careful of exposed staples
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 bolts and two (2) flange locknuts. Tighten both
flange locknuts securely.

• Remove packing material from handle assembly.

• Route tine control cable through plastic cable clip on

handle column.

• Insert plastic cable clip into hole in handle column.

• Cut cable ties securing tiller to skid.

• Cut away carton and remove tiller from skid by pulling

backwards.

TINE CONTROL

HANDLE

TINE
CONTROL
CABLE

MOUNT

HANDLE
COLUMN

INSTALL DEPTH STAKE ASSEMBLY
(See Fig. 3)

• 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
support bolt.

ENGINE BRACKET
HALVES

NUT “A”

DEPTH STAKE
SUPPORT

STAKE
SPRING

DEPTH
STAKE

SUPPORT

HEX BOLTS,
LOCK WASHERS,
AND HEX NUTS

BOLT

FIG. 3

HANDLE HEIGHT

• Handle height may be adjusted to better suit operator.
(See “HANDLE HEIGHT” in the Service and Adjust­ments section of this manual).

CARRIAGE
BOLT

FLANGE
LOCKNUT

FIG. 2

TILLING WIDTH

• Tilling width may be adjusted to better handle your tilling
conditions (See “TINE ARRANGEMENT” in the Service
and Adjustments section of this manual).

TINE OPERATION

• Check tine operation before first use. (See “TINE
OPERATION CHECK” in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual).

CABLE
CLIP

5

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR TILLER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TILLER.

Compare the illustrations with your tiller to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this
manual for future reference.

These symbols may appear on your Tiller or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their
meaning.

FORWARD TINE CONTROL

CHOKE CONTROL

THROTTLE
CONTROL

DEPTH STAKE

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE

FIG. 4

TINE SHIELD

TINES

MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Our tillers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.

FORWARD TINE CONTROL - Engages tines in forward
direction.

CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine.
THROTTLE 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.

6

OPERATION

The operation of any tiller can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result
in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before starting your tiller
and while tilling. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard
safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER

Know how to operate all controls before adding fuel and oil
or attempting to start engine.

STOPPING (See Fig. 5)

TINES

• Release tine control to stop movement.

ENGINE

• Move throttle control to “STOP” position.

• Never use choke to stop engine.

TINE CONTROL
“OFF” (UP) POSITION

TINE CONTROL
“ON” (DOWN) POSITION

DEPTH STAKE (See Fig. 6)

Adjust depth stake by removing the hairpin clip and clevis
pin. Change depth stake to desired position. Replace the
clevis pin and hairpin clip.

• For normal tilling, set depth stake at the second or third
hole from the top.

WHEELS (See Fig. 6)

Adjust wheels by removing the hairpin clip and clevis pin.
Change wheel position. Replace the hairpin clip and clevis
pin.

• For normal tilling, set wheels at the second or third hole
from the top.

HAIRPIN CLIP
AND CLEVIS PIN

DEPTH
STAKE

CHOKE
CONTROL

THROTTLE
CONTROL

FIG. 5

TINE OPERATION (See Fig. 5)

• Squeeze tine control to handle.

TILLING

The speed and depth of tilling is regulated by the position of
the 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
motion to enable the tines to penetrate the ground. Also, the
more the depth stake is lowered into the ground the deeper
the tines will dig.

STAKE
SPRING

WHEEL

HAIRPIN CLIP
AND CLEVIS PIN

FIG. 6

TO TRANSPORT

CAUTION: Before lifting or transport­ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to
cool. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain
gasoline from fuel tank.

AROUND THE YARD

• 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.

AROUND TOWN

• Disconnect spark plug wire.

• Drain fuel tank.

• Transport in upright position to prevent oil leakage.

7

OPERATION

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

IMPORTANT: BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO ALLOW DIRT

TO ENTER THE ENGINE WHEN CHECKING OR ADDING
OIL OR FUEL. USE CLEAN OIL AND FUEL AND STORE
IN APPROVED, CLEAN, COVERED CONTAINERS. USE
CLEAN FILL FUNNELS.

FILL ENGINE WITH OIL (See Fig. 7)

• Remove hangtag from engine.

• With engine level, remove engine oil filler plug.

• Fill engine with oil to point of overflowing. For approxi-

mate capacity see “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” on
page 3 of this manual.

• Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then re-level.

• With engine level, refill to point of overflowing if neces-

sary. Replace oil filler plug.

• For cold weather operation you should change oil for
easier starting (See “OIL VISCOSITY CHART” in the
Customer Responsibilities section of this manual).

• To change engine oil, see the Customer Responsibilities
section of this manual.

OIL
LEVEL

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
BELOW 32°F (0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN, WINTER GRADE
GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING.

WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels
(called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids
during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of
an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the

fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days
or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run
until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
next season. See Storage section of this manual for

additional information. Never use engine or carburetor
cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may
occur.

CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch of top
of fuel tank to prevent spills and to
allow for fuel expansion. If gasoline is
accidentally spilled, move machine
away from area of spill. Avoid creating
any source of ignition until gasoline
vapors have disappeared.

Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil
or fuel. Do not store, spill or use
gasoline near an open flame.

TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 8)

CAUTION: Keep tine control in “OFF”
position when starting engine.

When starting engine for the first time or if engine has run out
of fuel, it will take extra pulls of the recoil starter to move fuel
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. Grasp

recoil starter handle with one hand and grasp tiller handle
with other hand. Pull rope out slowly until engine
reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pull slightly
harder at this point).

• Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter
handle snap back against starter. Repeat if necessary.

• If engine fires but does not start, move choke control to
half choke position. Pull recoil starter handle until engine
starts.

• When engine starts, slowly move choke control to “RUN”
position as engine warms up.

NOTE: A warm engine requires less choking to start.

• Move throttle control to desired running position.

• Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before

engaging tines.

NOTE: If at a high altitude (3000 feet) or in cold temperatures
(below 32°F), the carburetor fuel mixture may need to be
adjusted for best engine performance. See “TO ADJUST
CARBURETOR” in the Service and Adjustments section of
this manual.

NOTE: If engine does not start, see troubleshooting points.

SPARK PLUG

CHOKE
CONTROL

RECOIL STARTER
HANDLE

THROTTLE
CONTROL

8

FIG. 8

OPERATION

BREAKING IN YOUR TILLER

Break-in your belt(s), pulleys and tine control before you
actually begin 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
“TINE OPERATION CHECK” in the Service and Adjust-

ments section of this manual.

TILLING HINTS

CAUTION: Until you are accustomed to
handling your tiller, start actual field use
with throttle in slow position.

To help tiller move forward, lift up the handles slightly (thus
lifting depth stake out of ground). To slow down the tiller,
press down on handles.

If you are straining or tiller is shaking, the wheels and depth
stake are not set properly in the soil being tilled. The proper
setting of the wheels and depth stake is through trial and error
and depends upon the soil condition. (The harder or wetter
the ground, the slower the engine and tine speed needed.
Under these poor conditions, at fast speed 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 soil before planting. Loose, unpacked soil helps
root growth. Best tilling depth is 4" 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 be advisable
to till the soil at the end of the growing season to further
condition the soil.

• Soil conditions are important for proper tilling. Tines will
not readily penetrate dry, hard soil which may contribute
to excessive bounce and difficult handling of your tiller.
Hard soil should be moistened before tilling; however,
extremely wet soil will “ball-up” or clump during tilling.
Wait until the soil is less wet in order to achieve the best
results. When tilling in the fall, remove vines and long
grass to prevent them from wrapping around the tine
shaft and slowing your tilling operation.

• You will find tilling much easier if you leave a row untilled
between passes. Then go back between tilled rows.
(See Fig. 9) There are two reasons for doing this. First,
wide turns are much easier to negotiate than about­faces. Second, the tiller won’t be pulling itself, and you,
toward the row next to it.

• Set depth stake and wheel height for shallow tilling when
working extremely hard soil or sod. Then work across
the first cuts at normal depth.

4

321

5

67

FIG. 9

CULTIVATING

Cultivating is destroying the weeds between rows to pre­vent them from robbing nourishment 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
rough condition, promoting no further growth of weeds
and grass (See Fig. 10).

FIG. 10

9

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULE

FILL IN DATES
AS YOU COMPLETE
REGULAR SERVICE

Check Engine Oil Level

Change Engine Oil

Oil Pivot Points

Inspect Spark Arrester / Muffler

Inspect Air Screen

BEFORE EACH USE

EVERY 25 HOURS

EVERY 5 HOURS

EVERY 50 HOURS

SERVICE DATES

Clean or Replace Air Cleaner Cartridge

Clean Engine Cylinder Fins

Replace Spark Plug

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures.
2 - Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions.

2

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this tiller does not cover items that have
been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive
full value from the warranty, operator must maintain tiller as
instructed in this manual.

Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to
properly maintain your tiller.

All adjustments in the Service and Adjustments section of
this manual should be checked at least once each season.

• Once a year you should replace the spark plug, clean or
replace air filter, and check tines and belt for wear. A
new spark plug and clean air filter assure proper air-fuel
mixture and help your engine run better and last longer.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Check tine operation.

• Check for loose fasteners.

** ENGINE

LUBRICATION CHART

* TINE CONTROL

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See “LUBRICATION CHART”) .

* IDLER
ARM

* SAE 30 OR 10W-30 MOTOR OIL
** REFER TO CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES “ENGINE”
SECTION

10