Craftsman 247.299340 User manual

Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit our web site: www.craftsman.com
CAUTION: Before using
this product, read this
manual and follow all
safety rules and operating
instructions.
Operator’s Manual
208cc Engine
Front Tine Tiller
Model No. 247.29934
• SAFETY
• ASSEMBLY
• OPERATION
• MAINTENANCE
• PARTS LIST
• ESPAÑOL
8 /17 / 2011
FORM NO. 769-05511D
®

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARRANTY
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS MODEL NUMBER
Warranty Statement..................................Page 2
Safety Instructions....................................Pages 3-6
Assembly ..................................................Pages 7-9
Operation..................................................Pages 10-16
Service and Maintenance.........................Pages 17-21
Off-Season Storage..................................Page 22
Troubleshooting ........................................Page 23
Parts List...................................................Page 24-35
Label Map.................................................Page 36
Repair Protection Agreement ...................Page 39
Español .....................................................Page 40
Service Numbers......................................Back Cover
Engine Series: 208cc
Engine Oil Type: 10w30
Engine Oil Capacity: 20 ounces
Fuel: Unleaded Gasoline
Spark Plug: F6RTC
Spark Plug Gap: .030”
Model Number.................................................................
Serial Number .................................................................
Date of Purchase .............................................................
Record the model number, serial number
and date of purchase above
© KCD IP, LLC
CRAFTSMAN ONE YEAR FULL WARRANTY
FOR ONE YEAR from the date of purchase, this product is warranted against any defects in material or workmanship. A defective product will
receive free repair or replacement if repair is unavailable.
For warranty coverage details to obtain free repair or replacement, visit the web site: www.craftsman.com
This warranty is void if this product is ever used while providing commercial services or if rented to another person.
This warranty covers ONLY defects in material and workmanship. Warranty coverage does NOT include:
• Expendable items that can wear out from normal use within the warranty period, including but not limited to augers, auger paddles, drift
cutters, skid shoes, shave plate, shear pins, spark plug, air cleaner, belts, and oil filter.
• Standard maintenance servicing, oil changes, or tune-ups.
• Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails, thorns, stumps, or glass.
• Tire or wheel replacement or repair resulting from normal wear, accident, or improper operation or maintenance.
• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, including but not limited to damage caused by over-speeding the engine, or from impacting
objects that bend the frame, auger shaft, etc.
• Repairs necessary because of operator negligence, including but not limited to, electrical and mechanical damage caused by improper
storage, failure to use the proper grade and amount of engine oil, or failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained
in the operator’s manual.
• Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs caused by fuel determined to be contaminated or oxidized (stale). In general, fuel should be used
within 30 days of its purchase date.
• Normal deterioration and wear of the exterior finishes, or product label replacement.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

3
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
TRAINING
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and
in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate.
Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference
and for ordering replacement parts.
• Read the Operator’s Manual and follow all warnings and safety
instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the
operator and/or bystanders. For questions, call 1-800-4MY-HOME.
• Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how
to stop the machine and disengage them quickly.
• Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand the
instructions and safe operation practices in this manual and on
the machine and be trained and supervised by an adult.
• Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper
instruction.
• Keep bystanders, pets, and children at least 75 feet from the
machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters
the area.
• Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
PREPARATION
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used.
Remove all rocks, bottles, cans, or other foreign objects which
could be picked up or thrown and cause personal injury or
damage to the machine.
• Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation
and while performing an adjustment or repair, to protect your
eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to
the eyes.
• Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks and
shirts. Loose fitting clothes or jewelry can be caught in movable
parts. Never operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.
• Before starting, check all bolts and screws for proper tightness to
be sure the machine is in safe working condition. Also, visually
inspect machine for any damage at frequent intervals.
• Disengage clutch levers and shift (if provided) into neutral (“N”)
before starting the engine.
• Never leave this machine unattended with the engine running.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is
running, except where specifically recommended in the operator’s
manual.
• Maintain or replace safety and instructions labels, as necessary.
WARNING
This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not
followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of
yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual
before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with
these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this
symbol, HEED ITS WARNING!
DANGER
This machine was built to be operated according to the safe opera-
tion practices in this manual. As with any type of power equipment,
carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in
serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating fingers, hands,
toes and feet and throwing debris. Failure to observe the following
safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
WARNING
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Bat-
tery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
WARNING
Your Responsibility—Restrict the use of this power machine to
persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instruc-
tions in this manual and on the machine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

4
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Safe Handling of Gasoline:
To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are
explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled
on yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin and
change clothes immediately.
• Use only an approved gasoline container.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed
with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away
from your vehicle before filling.
• When practical, remove gas-powered equipment from the truck
or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then
refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable container, rather
than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use
a nozzle lock-open device.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of
ignition.
• Never fuel machine indoors.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or run-
ning. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
• Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch below
bottom of filler neck to allow space for fuel expansion.
• Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
• If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment. Move
unit to another area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine.
• To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any
fuel soaked debris.
• Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an
open flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater,
furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances.
OPERATION
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the
rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
• Do not operate machine while under the influence of alcohol or
drugs.
• Never operate this machine without good visibility or light. Always
be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the handles.
• Keep bystanders away from the machine while it is in operation.
Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.
• 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
handle bars and do not restrain the machine.
• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel
surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry
passengers.
• Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on hard or
slippery surfaces.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
• Look down and behind and use care when in reverse or pulling
machine towards you.
• Start the engine according to the instructions found in this manual
and keep feet well away from the tines at all times.
• After striking a foreign object or if your machine should start mak-
ing an unusual noise or vibration, immediately shut the engine off.
Disconnect the spark plug wire, ground it against the engine and
perform the following steps:
a. Inspect for damage.
b. Repair or replace any damaged parts.
c. Check for any loose parts and tighten to assure continued
safe operation.
• Disengage all clutch levers (if fitted) and stop engine before you
leave the operating position (behind the handles). Wait until
the tines come to a complete stop before unclogging the tines,
making any adjustments, or inspections.
• Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
• Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not
touch.
• Use caution when tilling near fences, buildings and underground
utilities. Rotating tines can cause property damage or personal
injury.
• Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to till soil too
deep at too fast of a rate.
• If the machine should start making an unusual noise or vibration,
stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine. Inspect thoroughly for damage. Repair any
damage before starting and operating.
• Keep all shields, guards, and safety devices in place and operat-
ing properly.
• Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is running.
• Use only attachments and accessories approved by the manu-
facturer as listed in the Parts List pages of this operator’s manual.
Failure to do so can result in personal injury.
• If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care
and good judgement. Contact Customer Support at 1-800-4MY-
HOME for assistance and the name of the nearest service dealer
MAINTENANCE & STORAGE
• Keep the machine, attachments and accessories in safe working
order.
• Allow the machine to cool at least five minutes before storing.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation
regularly.
• Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at frequent intervals
to keep the machine in safe working condition. Also, visually
inspect machine for any damage.
• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop the engine and
make certain the tines and all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.

5
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed the
engine.The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed
of engine.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
• Follow this manual for safe loading, unloading, transporting, and
storage of this machine.
• Always refer to the operator’s manual for important details if the
machine is to be stored for an extended period.
• If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.
• Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, etc. to
protect the environment.
• According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC)
and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this product
has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years, or 130 hours of
operation. At the end of the Average Useful Life have the machine
inspected annually by an authorized service dealer to ensure that
all mechanical and safety systems are working properly and not
worn excessively. Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries
or death.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any way.
Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway engine and
cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper with factory setting
of engine governor.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal
EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) are
certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and may include
the following emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM),
Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air Injection (SAI) and Three Way
Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.
SPARK ARRESTOR
If a spark arrestor is used, it should be maintained in effective working
order by the operator. In the State of California the above is required
by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other
states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands.
A spark arrestor for the muffler is available through your nearest Sears
Parts and Repair Service Center.
WARNING
This machine is equipped with an internal combustion engine and
should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered,
brushcovered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust
system is equipped with a spark arrestor meeting applicable local or
state laws (if any)

6
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY SYMBOLS
This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine
before attempting to assemble and operate.
Symbol Description
READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)
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: Your Responsibility—Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the
warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

7
ASSEMBLY
IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine.
Be certain to service engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the
Operation section of this manual before operating your machine.
NOTE: Reference to right and left hand side of the Tiller is observed
from the operating position.
OPENING CARTON
1. Cut each corner of the carton vertically from top to bottom.
2. Remove all loose parts.
3. Remove loose packing material.
REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON
1. Use the handlebar to lift and pull the tiller backwards to a flat
area. Check the carton thoroughly for loose parts.
2. Be sure not to kink the forward clutch cable.
LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON
• Handlebar Assembly
• Tiller
• Engine Oil
• Operator’s Manual
• Depth Gage Assembly
ATTACHING THE CABLE
1. Identify the forward clutch cable. See Figure 1.
2. Hook the “Z” end of the forward clutch cable (A) into the forward
tine engagement lever. See Figure 2.
NOTE: Be sure not to kink the cable while attaching.
Figure 2
Figure 1
ATTACHING THE HANDLE ASSEMBLY
1. Remove the hex bolt and cupped washer from the right side of the
frame. Hold the cable guide bracket on the left side of frame as it
will fall when the bolt is removed. Step 1 in Figure 3.
2. Insert the handle into the tiller frame. Step 2 in Figure 3.
3. Insert the bolt through the cupped washer, frame, handle and into
the cable guide bracket (note the notch in the cable guide bracket
goes over the flange on the frame.) Step 3 in Figure 3.
A
A
Figure 3
2
3
1

8
ASSEMBLY
Figure 4
Figure 5
Handle Brace Bell Washer
Carriage Bolt Hand Knob
Cotter
Pin
Clevis
Pin
Depth
Stake
Tail Bracket
4. Tighten the bolt securely after securing the handle brace. See
Figure 4.
5. Locate the carriage bolt, bell washer and hand knob packed with
your tiller.
6. Insert the carriage bolt through the welded bracket on the handle,
bell washer, handle brace and into the hand knob. See Figure 4.
7. Select one of the three handle height positions (three notches in
the welded handle bracket) and tighten the hand knob to secure
the handle in the desired position. See Figure 4. Return to the
lower handle and tighten the hex bolt securely.
ATTACHING THE DEPTH GAGE
1. Disassemble the depth gage assembly. See Figure 5. Retain the
pin and clip for later reassembly.
2. Remove the two screws from the tail bracket. See Figure 6.
3. Insert the depth gage bracket into the frame and reinstall the
two screws removed earlier. Tighten the hex bolts securely. See
Figure 6.
4. Insert the depth stake into the depth gage bracket assembly. See
Figure 7.
5. Secure the pin with the clip removed earlier. The depth stake can
be placed at various positions. For setup purposes it is suggested
that the depth stake be assembled with the stake just above
or level with the ground surface. For further instructions on the
Depth Stake refer to the Operation Section of this manual.
Figure 6
Screws
Tail Bracket
Figure 7
Cotter
Pin Clevis Pin

9
ASSEMBLY
ADJUSTMENTS
Check the adjustment of the wheels:
The tiller is shipped with the wheels adjusted so that the machine sits
level. The wheels need to be adjusted to meet your tilling needs before
operation. This adjustment is made by removing the clevis pin from the
wheel yoke and raising the wheels to the desired height. See Figure 8.
Check the adjustment of the forward clutch cable as follows:
1. Disconnect and ground the spark plug wire against the engine.
2. Adjust the cable by loosening the hex nut. See Figure 9.
3. Turn the cable collar section one or two turns to increase or
decrease tension on the cable. See Figure 10.
4. Retighten the lock nut against the cable collar. See Figure 11.
5. With the forward tine engagement handle in the neutral (released)
position, pull the starter rope several times. The tines should not
turn.
6. If they turn forward or in reverse, adjust the clutch cable to
decrease or increase tension using the previous steps listed.
7. Check again for correct tension on the clutch cable.
Figure 8
Clevis
Pin
Cotter
Pin
Wheel Yoke
Depth
Stake
WARNING
Prior to operating your tiller, carefully read and follow all instructions
below. Perform all adjustments to verify your tiller is operating safely
and properly.
Figure 9
Hex Nut
Figure 10
Cable Collar
Figure 11
Hex Nut

10
OPERATION
Figure 12
Handle
Tiller Tines
Depth Stake
Forward Tine
Engagement Lever
Fuel Cap
Air Filter
Muffler
Handle Height
Adjustment
Oil Fill Cap
& Dipstick
Meets ANSI Safety Standards
Craftsman Tillers conform to the safety standard of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
CHOKE CONTROL
The choke control is found on the side of the engine and is activated
by moving the lever to the CHOKE position. Activating the choke
control closes the choke plate on the carburetor and aids in starting the
engine.
WARNING
The operation of any tiller can result in foreign objects being thrown
into the eyes, which can damage your eyes severely. Always wear
safety glasses during operation or while performing any adjustments
or repairs.
Now that you have set up your tiller for operation, get acquainted with
its controls and features. These are described on the next two pages
and illustrated on this page. This knowledge will allow you to use your
new equipment to its fullest potential.
RECOIL STARTER HANDLE
This handle is used to start the engine.
THROTTLE CONTROL
The throttle control is located on the side of the engine. It regulates the
spread of the engine and will shut off the engine when moved into the
STOP position.