Craftsman 536.292524 User manual

Operator's Manual
Cultivator
2 Horsepower
2-cycle Engine
10 Inch Tines
Model 536.292524
CAUTION: Before using
this product, read this
manual and follow all of its
Safety Rules and
Operating Instructions,
CRRFTSMRN °
Manual del usario
Cultivador
2 caballos de fuerza (hp)
motor 2 tiempos
Aspas de 10 pulg.
Modelo 536.292524
PRECAUCION: Antes de usar este
producto, lea este manual y siga
todas las reglas de seguridad e
instrucciones de operaci6n,
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
F-041324L www.sears.com/craftsman Made in USA

TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARRANTY STATEMENT ...... 2
SAFETY RULES ............... 3
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS .... 5
ASSEMBLY ................... 6
OPERATION .................. 8
MAINTENANCE ............... 13
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT... 16
TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART .. 19
REPAIR PARTS ................ 23
ENGINE REPAIR PARTS ........ 28
SPANISH (ESPAI_IOL) .......... 35
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ..
BACK COVER
WARRANTY STATEMENT
LIMITED ONE-YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN CULTIVATOR
For one year from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman Cultivator is maintained, lubri-
cated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner's
manual, Sears will repair, free of charge, any defect in material or workmanship.
This warranty excludes tine(s), spark plug, and air cleaner which are expendable parts and
become worn during normal use.
If this Craftsman Cultivator is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies
for only 90 days from the date of purchase.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN CULTIVA-
TOR TO THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS
WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE THIS PRODUCT IS IN USE IN THE UNITED
STATES.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may
vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D817WA, Hoftman Estates. IL 60179
Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other repro-
ductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING.
IMPORTANT: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and must 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 attester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it must 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 fed-
eral lands. See a Sears Authorized Service Center for a spark arrester for the muffler.
F 041324L 2

IMPORTANT
Safe Operation Practices for Cultivator
WARNING: Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions.
It means: "Attention! Become Alert! Your Safety Is Involved."
_lb ARNING: To prevent acciden-
tal starting when setting-up,
transporting, adjusting or mak-
ing repairs, always disconnect spark
plug wire and put wire where it cannot
contact the spark plug.
IMPORTANT: Safety standards require opera-
tor presence controls to minimize the risk of in-
jury. Your cultivator is equipped with such
controls. Do not attempt to defeat the function
of the operator presence control under any cir-
cumstances.
Before Use
•Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care.
Do not smoke while refueling. Never fill fuel
tank indoors. Replace fuel tank cap se-
curely and wipe up spilled fuel.
• If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the
engine but move the machine away from
the area of spillage and avoid creating any
source of ignition until fuel vapors have dis-
sipated.
• Never remove the fuel tank cap or add fuel
to a running or hot engine.
• Never store fuel or cultivator with fuel in the
tank inside a building where fumes may
reach an open flame.
• Read the owner's manual carefully. Be
thoroughly familiar with the controls and
the proper use of the cultivator. Know how
to stop the cultivator and disengage the
controls quickly.
• Do not operate the cultivator without wear-
ing adequate outer garments. Wear foot-
wear that will improve footing on slippery
surfaces.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all per-
sons, particularly small children and pets.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the cul-
tivator is to be used and remove all foreign
objects.
• Keep in mind that the operator or user is
responsible for accidents or hazards occur-
ring to other people, their property, and
themselves.
• Disengage all clutches and shift into neu- •
tral before starting the engine (motor).
Fuel Safety
• Handle fuel with care; it is highly flam-
mable.
• Use an approved container.
• Check fuel supply before each use, allow-
ing space for expansion as the heat of the
engine and/or sun can cause fuel to ex-
pand.
F 041324L
Operating Safety
• Never allow children or young teenagers to
operate the cultivator. Keep them away
while it is operating. Never allow adults to
operate the cultivator without proper in-
struction.
• Do not operate this machine if you are tak-
ing drugs or other medication which can
cause drowsiness or affect your ability to
operate this machine.
• Do not use this machine if you are mentally
or physically unable to operate this ma-
chine safely.
• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields
during operation or while performing an
adjustment or repair to protect your eyes
from foreign objects that may be thrown
from the cultivator.
Do not put hands or feet near or under ro-
tating parts.
Exercise extreme caution when operating
on or crossing gravel drives, walks, or
roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or
traffic.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
• Never operate the cultivator without proper
guards, plates, or other safety protective
devices in place.
• Use only attachments and accessories ap-
proved by the manufacturer of the machine

IMPORTANT
(such as wheel weights, counterweights, •Never store the cultivator with fuel in the
and the like.
• Never operate the cultivator at high trans-
port speeds on hard or slippery surfaces.
Look behind and use care when backing.
• Never allow bystanders near the cultivator.
• Keep children and pets away while
operating.
• Never operate the cultivator 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 ma-
chine.
fuel tank inside a building where ignition
sources are present such as water and
space heaters, clothes dryers, and the like.
Allow the engine to cool before storing in
any enclosure.
If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this
outdoors.
Keep the cultivator in safe working condi-
tion. Check all fasteners at frequent inter-
vals for proper tightness.
Repair /Adjustments Safety
• Use extreme care when reversing or pull- •
ing the machine towards you.
• Do not change the engine governor set-
tings or overspeed the engine.
• Start the engine or switch on the motor
carefully according to instructions and with
feet well away from the tines.
• Never pick up or carry a machine while the •
engine is running.
• Do not run the engine indoors. The ex-
haust fumes are dangerous, containing
CARBON MONOXIDE, an ODORLESS •
and DEADLY GAS.
• Take all possible precautions when leaving
the cultivator unattended. Stop the engine,
and if equipped, remove the key.
• Do not overload the cultivator capacity by
attempting to till too deep at too fast a rate.
Safe Storage
• Always refer to the owner's manual instruc-
tions for important details if the cultivator is
to be stored for an extended period.
After striking a foreign object, stop the en-
gine. Remove the wire from the spark plug,
and keep the wire away from the plug to
prevent accidental starting. Thoroughly in-
spect the cultivator for any damage, and
repair the damage before restarting and
operating it.
If cultivator should start to vibrate abnor-
mally, stop engine and check immediately
for the cause. Vibration is generally a warn-
ing of trouble.
Stop the engine whenever you leave the
operating position. Also, disconnect the
spark plug wire before unclogging the tines
and when making any repairs, adjust-
ments, or inspections.
When cleaning, repairing, or inspecting,
shut off the engine and make certain all
moving parts have stopped.
Never attempt to make any adjustments
while the engine is running except when
specifically recommended by the manufac-
turer.
F 041324L 4

IMPORTANT
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
IMPORTANT: Many of the following symbols are located on your unit or on literature sup-
plied with the product. Before you operate the unit, learn and understand the purpose for
each symbol.
ControlAnd Operating Symbols
Slow Fast Fuel Oil
Choke OFF A
Safety Warning Symbols
A
WARNING
Thrown Objects.
Keep Bystanders Away.
WARNING
Rotating Parts. Stop Engine.
Disconnect Spark Wire Before
Making Adjustments.
WARNING
IMPORTANT
Read Owner's Manual
Before Operating
This Machine.
WARNING
Wear Eye Protection STOP
F 041324L 5

ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLY
PARTS PACKED SEPARATELY
IN CARTON
1-Owner's Manual (not shown)
1 - 5.3 oz. 2-cycle Oi! 1 - 5.3 oz. 2-cycle Oil
WARNING: Always wear safety
glasses or eye shields while as.
sembling the cultivator.
Figure 1 shows the cultivator completely as-
sembled.
References to the right or left side of the cul-
tivator are from the viewpoint of the opera-
tor's position behind the unit.
HOW TO REMOVE THE
CULTIVATOR FROM THE CARTON
1. Removethe bottle of oil from the carton.
2. Remove the packing material positioned
around the unit.
3. Lift the cultivator out of the carton and
place on a hard level surface with the
handles up. Figure 1
HOW TO RAISE THE HANDLE
Loosen the knobs (see Figure 2). Tilt
the cultivator forward and rotate the up-
per handle to the upright position. Make
sure the throttle cable is not caught be-
tween the handles,
2. Tighten the knobs.
NOTE: To tighten the knobs, hold the
curved carriage bolt head against the out-
side of the lower handle as you tighten
the knobs.
ADJUST WHEELS OR STAKE
Set the wheels or stake in the desired posi-
tion. (See"How ToSet The Depth" and the
"Cultivation Tips" in the Operation section.
._Kn Handle
obs
gure
F 041324L 6

ASSEMBLY
CHECKLIST
For the best performance and satisfaction
from this quality product, please review the
following checklist before you operate the
cultivator:
_' All assembly instructions have been
completed.
_' Check carton. Make sure no loose
parts remain in the carton.
_' All fasteners have been properly tight-
ened.
As you learn how to use the cultivator, pay
extra attention to the following important
items:
_'_' Fuel tank is filled with a fresh, clean,
oil and fuel mixture.
_'_' Become familiar and understand the
function of all controls. Before you
start the engine, operate all controls.
F 041324L 7

OPERATION
KNOW YOUR CULTIVATOR
READ THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE YOU OPERATE the
cultivator. To familiarize yourself with the location of the controls, compare the illustrations with
/our cultivator. Save this manual for future reference.
ON /OFF
Switch
Recoil Starter Handle
Throttle Control
Lever
Upper Handle
Lower Handle
Depth Stake and
Transport Wheels
Assembly
Choke Control
Air
Fuel Cap
Tine Shield
/
Tines Figure 3
Throttle Control - Controls the engine
speed and the tine rotation. The cultivator is
equipped with a centrifugal clutch that en-
gages the tine drive system when the engine
speed is increased.
Choke Control Lever - Use to assist
when starting acold engine.
ON /OFF Switch - The ON position al-
lows the engine to start. The OFF position
stops the engine and keeps the engine from
starting.
Recoil Starter Handle - The engine is
equipped with an easy pull recoil starter.
Compression Release - Before each
pull of the recoil starter handle, push the
compression release.
Depth Stake - Mount with the wheels up
to adjust the depth of cut. Also use to help
control the direction and speed of the
cultivator.
Transport Wheels - Mount with the
wheels down when transporting the
cultivator.
EYE PROTECTION
Always wear safety glasses. If you wear eye
glasses, put a Wide Vision Safety Mask over
your eye glasses.
F 041324L
,_ WARNING: Debris thrown from
the cultivator can result in for-
eign objects being thrown into
the eyes, which can cause severe eye
damage. Always wear safety glasses or
eye shields when operating the
cultivator.

OPERATION
HOW TO USE THE CULTIVATOR
How To Stop The Cultivator
1. Release the throttle control to stop the
tines.
2. Move the ON/OFF switch, on the engine,
to the OFF position.
In this position, the depth stake, not the
wheels, will contact the ground.
For cultivation in heavy soil, use the
storage hole position.
For seed bed preparation, use one of
the middle holes.
4. Reinstall the clevis pin and hairpin.
How To Set The Depth Stake And
Wheels
The depth stake and wheels can be set with
the wheels down (transport and light cultiva-
tion) or with the wheels up (heavy cultiva-
tion). Position as follows:
1. Remove the hairpin and the clevis pin
from the depth stake (see Figure 4).
2. For transport or for light cultivation, posi-
tion the depth stake with the wheels
down.
For transport, use the upper hole
position.
For light cultivation, use one of the
middle holes.
3. For cultivation in heavy soil or for seed
bed preparation, position the depth
stake with the wheels up (see Figure 4).
Depth Stake And Wheels Shown
With Wheels In The Up Position.
_.._ Wheels
Clevis Pin
"_ _X_[_" Uppe_H_ole'_
Storage Hole
Depth Stake
Depth Stake
Bracket
Figure 4
How To Operate The Cultivator
1. Start the engine. See "How To Start The
Engine".
Firmly hold both handles. Squeeze the
throttle control until the tines begin to ro-
tate and the cultivator moves forward.
Maintain control and quickly squeeze the
throttle control against the grip.
Note: When tilling, always operate
with the throttle control against the
grip at a FAST engine speed.
3. To guide the cultivator, hold back on the
handles as the tines dig into the soil. The
faster the cultivator moves forward, the
more shallow it will till.
F 041324L
4. Avoid tilling soil that is too dry as it will
pulverize and produce a dust that will not
hold water. Also, tilling soil that is too wet
will be hard on the machine and produce
unsatisfactory clods.
5. Lowering the depth stake will slow the
cultivator and make it till deeper. Raising
the depth stake will allow it to move fast-
er and till more shallow. Just the oppo-
site is true for the wheels. Lowering the
wheels will make the cultivator move
faster and till more shallow. Raising the
wheels will make it till deeper. See "Row
To Set The Depth Stake And Wheels".
_ARNING: Keep away from the
rotating tines. Rotating tines
can cause injury.

OPERATION
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
How To Prepare The Engine
,_ WARNING: Always use a safety
fuel container. Do not smoke
when adding the fuel mixture to
the engine. When inside an enclosure,
do not fill the fuel tank. Before you add
the fuel mixture, stop the engine. Let the
engine cool for several minutes.
How To Mix The Fuel Mixture
The two cycle engine, used on this cultivator,
requires a mixture of gasoline and oil for lu-
brication of the bearings and other moving
parts. The correct fuel mixture ratio is 24:1
(5.3 oz. oil per one gallon of gas see the
Fuel Mixture Chart). Gasoline and oil must
be pre mixed in a clean gasoline container.
Always use fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline.
Mix gasoline and oil as follows:
1. Pour one (1) U.S. quart of fresh, clean,
unleaded automotive gasoline into a one
gallon size gasoline container.
2. Add 5.3 ounces of clean, high quality,
two cycle oil to the gasoline container.
IMPORTANT: Do not use outboard mo-
tor oil or multi-viscosity oils,such as
10W-30 or 10W-40.
Install the fuel cap onto the gasoline con-
tainer. Vigorously shake the gasoline
container to mix the oil with the gasoline.
Add an additional three (3) U.S. quarts of
gasoline to the gallon container. Again
shake the gasoline container.
This completes the gasoline mixing pro-
cedure. The gasoline can now be added
to the fuel tank.
FUEL MIXTURE CHART (mixture 24:1)
U.S. Sl. (Metric
GAS OIL GAS OIL
1 Gal. 5.3 oz. 4 Liters .167 L
2 Gal. 11 oz. 8 Liters .333 L
5 Gal. 27 oz. 20 Liters .833 L
Do not fill the fuel tank with gasoline that does not have oil mixed in it. Shake the
gasoline container before each filling of the fuel tank.
OII Add more gas
(5.3 oz[ Shake Can (3 U.S. Quarts)
V-_
1 U.$, Gallon container "-_
F 041324L 10