Craftsman 917.292380 User manual

Owner's Manual
£RRFTSMANo
3.75 HP
17 INCH TINE WIDTH
FRONT TINE TILLER
Model No.
17.292380
• Safety
Assembly
•Operation
•Maintenance
•Espa._ol
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow '_11
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Warranty ................................ ................. 2
Safety Rules ........................................... 2
Product Specifications ........................... 4
Assembly ................................................ 6
Operation ......................................... 3 & 7
Maintenance ............. L...; ...................... 11
Service aqd Adjustments ...................... 13
Storage .......................................... 3 & 16
Troubleshooting .................................... 17
Illustrated Parts List .............................. 37
Parts Ordering ....................... Back Cover
LIMITED ONE YEAR .WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER
For one (1) yearifrom date of purchase, when this Craftsman Tiller 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 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
applies 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, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179
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 oper-
ate the equipment without proper
instruction.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, particularly small children, and
pets.
PREPARATION 'f
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the
equipment isto be used and remove all
foreign objects.
•Disengage all clutches and shift into
neutral before startingthe engine (fno-
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.
•Use extension cords and receptacles as
specified by the manufacturer for all
units with electric ddve motors or elec-
tric starting motors.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments
while thelengine (motor) is running
(except where specifically recommend-
ed by manufacturer).
2

OPERATION
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts.
• Exercise extreme caution when operat-
ing on or crossing gravel ddves, walks,
or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards
or traffic. Do not carry passengers.
•After strikingaforeign object, stop the
engine (motor), remove the wire from
the spark plug, thoroughlyinspect the
tillerfor any damage, and repair the
damage before restarting and operating
the tiller.
•Exercise caution to avoid slippingor
falling.
•Ifthe unitshould start to vibrate abnor-
mally,stopthe engine (motor) and check
immediately for the cause. Vibration is
generally a waming of trouble.
•Stop the engine (motor) when leaving
the operating position.
•Take all possibleprecautions when leav-
ing the machine unattended. Disengage
the tines, shift intoneutral, and stopthe
engine.
•Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting,
shut offthe engine and make certain all
movingparts have stopped. Disconnect
the spark plugwire, and keep the wire
away from the plugto prevent accidental
starting. Disconnect the cord on electric
motors.
•Do not run the engine indoors;exhaust
fumes are dangerous.
•Never operate the tillerwithoutproper
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 attoo fast a
rate.
•Never operate the machine at high
speeds on slipperysurfaces. 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 tillerwithoutgood vis-
• ibilityor light.
•Be careful when tilJingin hard ground.
The tines may catch in the ground and
propel the tillerforward. If thisoccurs,
let go of the handlebars and do not
restrainthe machine.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
•Keep machine, attachments,and..
accessories insafe workingcondition.
•Check shear pins, engine mounting
bolts, and other bolts at frequent inter-
vals for proper tightnessto be surethe
equipment is in safe workingcondition.
•Never store the machine with fuel in the
fuel tank inside a buildingwhere ignition
sources are present, such as hot water
and space heaters, clothes dryers, and
the like.Allow the engine to cool before
stodngin any'Enclosure.
•Always referto the operator's guide
instructionsfor importantdetails itthe
tilleristo be stored foran extended ped-
od.
ACAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plugin order to prevent acci-
dental startingwhen setting up, transport-
ing, adjustingor making repairs.
WARNING: The engine exhuast from this
•productcontainschemicals known to the
State of Califomia to cause cancer, birth
defectd, or other reproductive harm.
3

PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER:-_,j,_3.75 HP
DISPLACEMENT." 9.03 CU. IN:
GASOLINE CAPACITY: 2 Quads
--Unleaded Regular
OIL (API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30
(Above 32=F)
CAPACITY: 20 oz.) SAE 5W-30
(Below 32°F)
SPARK PLUG : "_,Champion FU19LM
{GAP: .030") OR J19LM
Congratulations on your purchase of a
Sears Tiller. It has been designed, engi-
neered and manufactured to give you the
best possible dependability and perform-
ance.
Should you expadence any problems you
cannot easily remedy, please contact your
nearest authodzed Sears Service
Center/Depadment. We have competent,
well-trained techn,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.
MAINTENANGE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreementis avail-
able on this product. Contact your nearest
Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILmES
• Read and ol_servethe safety rules.
• Followa regular schedule in maintain-
ing, cadng for and using your tiller.
•Follow the instructionsunder the
=Maintenance" and "Storage" sectionsof
this Owner's Manual.
WARNING: This unit is equipped with an
intemal 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 main-
tained in effective working order by the
operator.
In the state of Calitomia 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. See your
Sears Authorized Service Center for spark
arrester. Refer to the Repair Parts section
of this manual for part number.
These accessories were available when the tiller was purchesed. 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
TILLER MAINTENANCE
BELT .
=TINES SHEAR PIN
O""
J
HAIRPIN CLiP
4

Your new tillerhas been assembled at the
factory with exception of those parts left
unassembled for shippingpurposes. 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,propertight-
ness
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly
easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
(1) Utility knife ,
(1) Pair of pliers
(1) Screwdriver
(2) 1/2" wrenches
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).
Left
Front
Right
Operator's Position
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
iii!tililtlilililtltl
i2i'Hex'Bolts
5/16-18 x 3/4 . 5/16-18 x IiiiiiUtiltlliiililtliliiiilili111il
5/16-18 x1-1/4
©
(6) Hex Nuts
5/16-18 (1) Bottle Engine Oil (4) Washers
3/8 x 7/8 x 14Ga. (6) Lock
Washers 5/16
5

UNPACK CARTON & INSTALL
HANDLE
ACAUTION: Be careful of exposed sta-
ples when handling or disposing of carton-
ing matedal.
IMPORTANT: When unpacking and as-
sembling tiller, be careful not to stretch or
kink cable(s).
•Cut cable ties securing handles.
•The handle may be assembled in high
or low position. Slowly lift handle as-
sembly up and align handle holes with
desired handle panel hole and slot.
•Loosely assemble hardware as shown.
Be sure the shorter (3/4" long) hex bolt
is assembled in lower hole of handle.
Repeat for opposite side. Tighten all
hardware securely.
•Cut cable ties securing tiller to skid and
remove tiller from skid.
Handle Panel ,Lock Washer
Nut,
Washer
5/16-18 x 1"
Hex Bolts
5/16-18 x 3/4"
Handle
Panel Bolts
INSTALl, DEPTH STAKE ASSEMBLY
•Loosen nuts =A"and =B".
• Insert stake support between engine
bracket halves with stake spdng down.
•Bolt stake support to engine brackets
with hex bolts, lock washers and nuts.
Tighten securely. Tighten nuts "A_and
=B""
•Depth stake must move freely. If it does
not, loosen support bolt.
Engine Bracket Halves
\Nut =A"Depth Stake
\
Stake
Support
Bolt
Stake Spring
Hex Bolts, Lockwashers, 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 widthmay be adjusted to better
handle your tillingconditions(See "TINE
ARRANGEMENT" in the Service and
Adjustmentssection of this manual).
TINE OPERATION
•Check tine operation before first use.
(See "FINE OPERATION CHECK" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual).
6

KNOW YOUR TILLER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
TILLER.
Compare the illustrationswith your tiller to familiarize yourself with the locationof vari-
ous controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
These symbols may appear on your Tiller or in literature supplied with the prod-
uct. Leam and understand their meaning.
FNR,&
FORWARD NEUTRN. REVF.RSE CAUTION
O_ WARNING ON _F
Depth
Control
Recoil
0
Tines
MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears tillersconform to the safety standards of the American National Standards
Institute.
FORWARD TINE CONTROL - Engages
tines in forward direction.
CHOKE CONTROL - Used when startinga
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.
7

Tho operation of any tiller can result in ioreign objects thrown into the eYes_
which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye
'l_i_ shields beforestarting 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
TINES
• Release tine control to stop movement,
ENGINE
•Move throttle control to =STOP" position.
•Never use choke to stop engine.
"lineControl =ON" Forward"RneControl
(DOWN)_ "OFF (UP) Position
Throttle
Control
Choke
Control
TINE OPERATION
FORWARD
•Squeeze forward tine control to handle.
TILLING
The speed and depth of tillingis regulated
by the position ofthe depth stake and
wheel height.
The depth stake should always be below
the wheels for digging. Itserves as a
brake to slow the tiller'sforward motionto
enable the tines to penetrate the ground.
Also, the more the depth stake is lowered
intothe groundthe deeper the tines will
dig.
DEPTH STAKE
Adjust depth stake by removing the hair-
pin clip and clevis pin. Change depth
stake to desired position. Replace the cle-
vis pin and hairpin clip.
•For normal tilling, set depth stake at the
second or third hole from the top.
WHEELS
Adjustwheels by loosening nuts =A"and
"B',,Move wheels to desired position.
Retighten nuts=A"and "B".
•Move wheels forwardfor deeper tilling.
• Move wheels backward fo_"shallower
tilling.
\Nut =A"
\Stake
and Clevis Pin
Nut "B"
TRANSPORTING YOUR TILLER
_,CAUTION: Before lifting or transport-
ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to cool.
Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gaso-
line from fuel tank.
AROUND THE YARD
•Tip depth stake forward until it is held by
the stake spdng.
•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 updght 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
Remove hang tag from engine.
With engine level, remove engine oil
filler plug.
•Fill engine with oil to point of overflow-
ing. For approximate capacity see
=PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on
page 4 of this manual.
8

• Tilttillerback on,itswheels and then re-
level
•With engine level, refillto pointofover-
flowing if necessary. Replace oil filler
plug.
•For coldweather operationyou should
change oil for easier .s.tading(See =OIL
VISCOSITY CHAR'I" m the
Maintenance section of this manual).
•To change engine.oil, see the
Maintenance section of this manual.
Oil Level,
Plug
ADD GASOUNE
•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°(3), 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 dudng storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an
engine while in storage. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system should be emp-
tied 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 addition-
al information. Never use engine or carbu-
retor 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 acciden-
tally spilled,, move machine away from
area of spill. Avoid creating any source of
ignition until gasoline vapors have disap-
peared. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use
gasoline near an open flame:
9
TO START ENGINE
_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 throttlecontrol 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 roaches 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 untilengine starts.
•When engine starts, slowly move choke
control to =RUN" position as engine
warms up.
NOTE: Awarm engine requires less chok-
ing to start.
•Move throttle control to desired running
position.
•Allow engine to warm up for a few min-
utes before engaging tines.
NOTE: Ifat a high altitude (3000 feet) or
in cold temperatures (below 32°F), the car-
buretor fuel mixturemay need to be
adjusted for best engine performance.
See "TO ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.
NOTE: Ifengine does not start, see trou-
bleshooting points.
Recoil Starter
Handle
BREAKING IN YOUR TILLER
Break-in your belt(s), pulleys and tine con-
trol before you actually begin tilling.

• Startengine,tiptinesoffgrouhdby :
pressinghandlesdownandengagetine
controltostarttine rotation. Allow tines
to rotate for five minutes.
•Check tine operation and adjust if nec-
essary. See ='rlNE 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 (mid-way be-
tween =FAST" and =IDL_).
To help tiller move forward, lift up the han-
dles 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 prop-
erly in the soil being tilled. The proper set-
ting 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
effod 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 vegeta-
tion. The decomposition of this veg-
etable matter enriches the soil.
Depending on the climate (rainfall and
wind), it may be advisable to tiUthe soil
at the end of the growing season to fur-
ther 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 if you
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 negotiate
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
between rows to prevent them from rob-
bing 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 itis 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 andgrass.
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