Craftsman 917.291480 User manual

Owner's Manual
IC""FTSMeN'I
FRONT TINE TILLER
5.0 HP
24 Inch Tine Width
Model No.
917.291480
This product has a low emission engine which operates
[_ differently from previously built engines. Before start the
you
engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual.
IMPORTANT:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before
operating this equipment.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty ................................................ 2
Safety Rules .......................................... 2
Product Specifications ........................... 4
Assembly ............................................... 5
Operation ........................................... 3&7
Maintenance Schedule ........................ 11
Manintenance ...................................... 11
Service and Adjustments ..................... 13
Storage ............................................ 3&16
Troubleshooting ................................... 17
Illustrated Parts List ............................. 36
Sears Service ........................ Back Cover
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER
For one (1) year from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Tiller is maintained,
lubricated, 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 does not cover:
• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as tines, spark plugs,
air cleaners and belts.
• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crank-
shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con-
tained in the owner's manual.
• If this Craftsman Tiller is used for commercial or rental purposes, this Warranty ap-
plies for only thirty (30) days from the date of purchase.
Warranty service is available by returning the craftsman power mower to the nearest
sears service center/department 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
vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179 U.S.A.
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw-
ing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious
injury or death.
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 op-
erate 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 (mo-
tor).
• 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 flam-
mable.
• 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.
2

• Use extension cords and receptacles
as specified by the manufacturer for all
units with electric drive motors or elec-
tric starting motors.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments
while the engine (motor) is running (ex-
cept where specifically recommended
by manufacturer).
OPERATION
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts.
• Exercise extreme caution when operat-
ing 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 fall-
ing.
• If the unit should start to vibrate ab-
normally, stop the engine (motor) and
check immediately for the cause. Vibra-
tion is generally a warning of trouble.
• Stop the engine (motor) when leaving
the operating position.
• Take all possible precautions when leav-
ing 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.
• 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 be-
hind 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 vis-
ibility 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 ac-
cessories in safe working condition.
• Check shear pins, engine mounting
bolts, and other bolts at frequent inter-
vals 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.
Ai_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 acci-
dental starting when setting up, transport-
ing, adjusting or making repairs.
_WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Gasoline
Capacity:
OiI(API-SF-SJ):
(Capacity: 20 oz.)
Spark Plug :
(Gap: .030")
3 Qts
Unleaded
Regular
SAE 30
(Above 32°F)
SAE 5w-30
(Below 32°F)
Champion
RC 12YC
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase
of a Sears Tiller. It has been designed,
engineered and manufactured to give you
the best possible dependability and per-
formance.
Should you experience any problems you
cannot easily remedy, please contact a
Sears or other qualified Service Center.
We have competent, well-trained techni-
cians 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".
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 cor-
rect tools as necessary to insure proper
tightness.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
= Read and observe the safety rules.
= Follow a regular schedule in main-
taining, caring for and using your tiller.
• Follow the instructions under the "Main-
tenance" and "Storage" sections of this
Owner's Manual.
A(_WARNING: This unit is equipped with
an internal combustion engine and should
not be used on or near any unimproved
forest-covered, brush-covered or grass
covered land unless the engine's exhaust
system is equipped with a spark arrester
meeting applicable local or state laws (if
any). If a spark arrester is used, it should
be maintained in effective working order
by the operator.
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 ar-
rester for the muffler is available through
your nearest Sears service center (See
REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).
These accessories were available when the tiller was purchased. They are also avail-
able at most Sears Retail outlets and Service Centers. Most Sears Stores can order
repair parts for you when you provide the model number of your tiller.
ENGINE
AIR FILTERSPARK PLUG MUFFLER GAS CAN ENGINE OIL STABILIZER
TILLER MAINTENANCE
SHEAR PIN
BELT TINES HAIRPIN CLIP
4

Your new tiller has been assembled at the factory with the 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
(2) 1/2 Wrench
OPERATOR'S POSITION
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 i_ Right
Operator's Position
(1) Manual
(1) Bottle
Engine Oil
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
(2) Carriage Bolts
5/16-18 UNC x 2-1/2
5/16-18 x 1-1/4 (2) Lock
Washer
5/16
Q
(2) Flange
Locknuts
5/16-18 UNC
©
(2) Hex Nut
5/16-18
5

UNPACK CARTON & INSTALL
HANDLE
A(_CAUTION: Be careful of exposed sta-
ples when handling or disposing of carton-
ing material.
IMPORTANT: When unpacking and as-
sembling tiller, be careful not to stretch or
kink cable(s).
1. Cut cable ties securing handle column.
2. Route cable(s) as shown and slide
handle column onto handle mount.
3. Remove all packing from carton.
4. Secure handle column using two (2)
carriage bolts and two (2) flange lock-
nuts. Tighten securely.
5. Cut away carton.
6. Route tine control cable(s) through
plastic cable clip on handle mount.
NOTE: Cables must not touch the muffler.
7. Cut cable ties securing tiller to skid.
Remove tiller from skid by pulling back-
wards.
8. Remove screws securing depth stake
to skid and discard the screws.
Handle Tine
Mount Control
Cable -Handle
Column
Carriage I
-Flange
Locknut
INSTALL DEPTH STAKE
ASSEMBLY
1. Loosen nut "A".
2. Insert stake support between engine
bracket halves with stake spring down.
3. Bolt stake support to engine brackets
with bolts, lock washers and nuts.
Tighten securely. Tighten nut "A".
4. Depth stake must move freely. If it does
not, loosen support bolt.
. . _ // :ngine Bracket Halves
Nut'A'
"_. \'%4_ /uepth
Stake
"_ 1//"7 _ Depth
\I_/Stake .4%.
j_/' Support /'_.d2
X','SSupport
o,t
Hex Bolts, Lock Washers,
and hex Nuts
HANDLE HEIGHT
Handle height may be adjusted to better
suit operator. (See "HANDLE HEIGHT'
in the Service and Adjustments section
of this manual).
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).
6

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 locations of var-
ious controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
ORWARNING ON OFF
Forward Tine
Control
Control
Control
Depth
Stake
Tine Shield
Recoil Starter
Handle
Our tillers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
FORWARDTINE CONTROL - Engages
tines in forward direction.
CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting
a cold engine.
THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control
engine speed.
DEPTH STAKE - Controls forward speed
and the depth at which tiller will dig.
RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to
start the engine.
7

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 standard
safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.
HOWTO USE YOUR TILLER
Know how to operate all controls before
adding fuel and oil or attempting to start
engine.
STOPPING
TINES
•Release tine control to stop movement.
ENGINE
•Move throttle control to "STOP" position.
NOTE: Never use choke to stop engine.
Tine Control
"Off" (UP) Position
WHEELS
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
Spring
Choke
Control
-Throttle
Control
TINE OPERATION
• 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.
DEPTH STAKE
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.
TO TRANSPORT
_CAUTION: Before lifting or transporting,
allow tiller engine and muffler to cool. Dis-
connect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline
from fuel tank.
AROUND THE YARD
1. Tip depth stake forward until it is held
by the stake spring.
2. Push tiller handles down, raising tines
off the ground.
3. Push or pull tiller to desired location.
AROUND TOWN
1. Disconnect spark plug wire.
2. Drain fuel tank.
3. Transport in upright position to prevent
oil leakage.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
IMPORTANT: Be very careful not to allow
dirt to enter the engine when checking or
adding oil or fuel. Use clean oil and fuel
and store in approved, clean, covered
containers, use clean fill funnels.
FILL ENGINE WITH OIL
.
2.
.
Remove hangtag from engine.
With engine level, remove engine oil
filler plug.
Fill engine with oil to point of over-
flowing. For approximate capacity see
"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on
page 4 of this manual. All oil must meet
A.P.I. Service Classification SF-SJ.
8

4. Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then
re-level.
5. With engine level, refill to point of over-
flowing if necessary. Replace oil filler
plug.
• For cold weather operation you should
change oil for easier starting (See "OIL
VISCOSITY CHART" in the Mainte-
nance section of this manual).
• To change engine oil, see the Mainte-
nance section of this manual.
Oil Filler
Oil Plug
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do
not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will
increase carbon and lead oxide depos-
its and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil
with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quan-
tities that can be used within 30 days to
assure fuel freshness.
_I=CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch of top
of fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow
for fuel expansion. If gasoline is acci-
dentally spilled, move machine away from
area of spill. Avoid creating any source of
ignition until gasoline vapors have disap-
peared.
Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not
store, spill or use gasoline near an open
flame.
IMPORTANT: When operating in temper-
atures below32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean
winter grade gasoline to help insure good
cold weather starting.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called
gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can
attract moisture which leads to separa-
tion 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 Instructions for
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
TO START ENGINE
_I_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.
1. Make sure spark plug wire is properly
connected.
2. Place throttle control in "FAST" posi-
tion.
3. 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 compres-
sion cycle (rope will pull slightly harder
at this point).
4. Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do
not let starter handle snap back
against starter. Repeat if necessary.
NOTE: If engine fires but does not start,
move choke control to half choke posi-
tion. Pull recoil starter handle until engine
starts.
5. When engine starts, slowly move
choke control to "RUN" position as
engine warms up.
NOTE: A warm engine requires less
choking to start.
6. Move throttle control to desired running
position.
7. 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 trou-
bleshooting points.
Spa= :Plug
Control
Recoil Starte=
)ttle
Control
9

BREAKING IN YOUR TILLER
Break-in your belt(s), pulleys and tine con-
trol 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 Adjustments
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 condi-
tions, 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"-6". A tiller will
also clear the soil of unwanted vegeta-
tion. The decomposition of this vegeta-
ble 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 mois-
tened before tilling; however, extremely
wet soil will "ball-up" or clump during till-
ing. 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 ifyou
leave a row untilled between passes.
Then go back between tilled rows There
are two reasons for doing this. First,
wide turns are much easier to negoti-
ate than about-faces. 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.
CULTIVATING
Cultivating is destroying the weeds be-
tween 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"-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.
10