Craftsman 917.292390 User manual

Owner's Manual
rRnFTSMRNo
5.5 HP
24 INCH TINE WIDTH
FRONT TINE TILLER
Model No.
917.292390
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
•Maintenance
•Espa_ol
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears, com/craftsman

Warranty ................................................. 2
Safety Rules ........................................... 2
Product Specifications .......................... 4
Assembly ................................................ 6
Operation ......................................... 3 & 7
Maintenance ......................................... 11
Service and 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) year from 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 Tiller to the nearest Sears ser-
vice center/department in the United States. This warranty applies only while this prod-
uct 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
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
•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.
•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
(except where specifically recommend-
ed by manufacturer).
2

OPERATION
•Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating pads.
•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
falling.
• If the unit should start to vibrate abnor-
mally, 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 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
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 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
accessories in safe working condition.
•Check shear p_ns, 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 peri-
od.
_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: The engine exhuast from this
product contains chemicals known to the
State of Catifomia to cause cancer, birth
defectd, or other reproductive harm.
3

PRODUCT SPECIRCAllONS
HORSEPOWER: 5.5 HP
)ISPLACEMENT: 13 CU. IN.
(221CC)
;ASOLINE CAPACITY: 4 Quads
Unleaded Regular
JIL (API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30
(Above 32°F)
CAPACITY: 20 oz.) SAE 5W-30
(Below 32°F)
_PARK PLUG : Champion RJ19LM
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 experience any problems you
cannot easily remedy, pleas e contact your
nearest authorized Sears Service
Center/Department. We 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 maintainyour tiller proper_. Always
observe the SAFETY RULES.
Your new tiller has been assembled at the
factory with exception of those parts left
unassembted 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.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is avail-
able on this product. Contact your nearest
Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
•Read and observe the safety rules.
•Follow a regular schedule in maintain-
ing, caring for and using your tiller.
•Follow the instructions under the
"Maintenance" and "Storage" sections of
this Owner's Manual.
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 main-
tained 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. 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 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
TILLER MAINTENANCE
BELT TINES SHEAR PIN HAIRPIN CLIP
4

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
tillre all parts and hardware you assemble
must be tightened securely. Use the correct
tools as necessary to insure proper tight-
Bess.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly
easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
(1) Utility knife
(1) Pair of pliers
(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).
FFont
Left_' ht
Operator's Position
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
(1) Manual
(2) Lock
Washers 5/16
G
(2) Flange Locknuts
5/16-18 UNC
©
(2) Hex Nuts
5/16-18
(1) Plastic
Cable Clip
(2) Hex Bolts
5/16-18 x 1-1/4
(1) Bottle Engine Oil
(2) Carriage Bolts 5/16-18 UNC x 2-3/8 Gr. 5

UNPACK CARTON & INSTALL
HANDLE
,_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).
• Cut cable ties securing handle column.
•Slowly lift handle column up and slip
over handle mount,
•Remove packing from carton.
•Secure handle column to handle mount
using two (2) carriage bolts and two (2)
flange Iocknuts. Tighten both flange
Iocknuts securely.
•Remove packing material from handle
assembly.
•Insert plastic cable clip into hole in han-
dle column.
• Route tine control cable through plastic
cable clip on handle column.
• Cut away carton.
Cut cable ties securing tiller to skid.
•_ Remove tiller from skid by pulling back-
wards.
"line Control Cable
Handle Mount, Column
lineControl
Cable
\Engine Bracket Halves
Nut =A"
Depth Stake
Stake
Support Bolt
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 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 "FINE OPERATION CHECK" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual).
cable
clip
Carriage
Bolts Flange Iocknuts
INSTALL DEPTH STAKE ASSEMBLY
•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.

KNOW YOUR TILLER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
TILLER.
Compare the illustrations with your tiller to familiarize yourself with the location of 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. Learn and understand their meaning.
TILLING FORWARD NEUTRAL REVERSE CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW ChX)KE FU_L 01L
OR WARk_NG ON _F
ForwardTine
Choke Control
Throttle Control
Recoil
MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears 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.
7

Theoperationof anytillercanresultinforeign 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 al_controls before
adding fuel and oil or attempting to start
engine.
STOPPING
TINES
•Release forward tine control to stop for-
ward movement.
ENGINE
• Move throttle control to "STOP" position.
•Never use choke to stop engine.
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 sec-
ond or third hole from the top.
\Hairpin Clip
Depth Stake
Forward "nne Control "OFF (UP) Position
Forward "nne Control "ON" (DOW_
Position
Choke
Control
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 titler'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 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.
lairpinClip
andClevisPin
Wh Stake Spring
TRANSPORTING YOUR TILLER
,ACAUTION: 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 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.
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

• Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then re-
level.
•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
Maintenance section of this manual).
• To change engine oil, see the
Maintenance section of this manual.
Oil Level,
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 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.
TO START ENGINE
_CAUTION: Keep line 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: 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: If at a high altitude (3000 feet) or
in cold temperatures (below 32°F), the car-
buretor 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.
Spark Plug
Choke Control
Recoil, ;tarter
BREAKING IN YOUR TILLER
Break-in your belt(s), pulleys and tine con-
trol before you actually begin tilling.
9

• Startengine,tip tinesoff groundby
pressinghandlesdownandengageline
controltostartlinerotation.Allowtines
to rotatefor five minutes.
• Check tine operation and adjust if nec-
essary. See "FINE OPERATION
CHECK" in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.
TILLING HINTS
_CAUTION: Untilyou are accustomed to
handlingyour tiller,start actual field use
with throttlein slow position (mid-way be-
tween =FAST" and =IDLE").
To help tiller move forward, lift upthe 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
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 vegeta-
tion. The decomposition of this veg-
etable 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 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 line shaft and slowing your tilling
operation.
You will find tilling much easier if you
leave a row untilled between passes.
Then go back be,tween 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 destroyingthe weeds
between rowsto prevent them from rob-
bing nourishment and moisture from the
plants.At the same time, breaking up the
upper layer of soilcrust 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 tippingthe depth
stake forward untilitis 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.
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10