Craftsman 917.292480 User manual

Owner's Manual
]CRRFTSMRN'J
5.5 HP
24 INCH TINE WIDTH
FRONTTINE
TILLER
Model No. /
917.292480
• Safety ,_--_ _[ (" _.4_
• Assembly ___/_7_/_
•Operation ,_-w<.. _/
•Maintenance ('_,_'_,_
•Espa6ol "--_'_J_( ([ _//_f/'_
•Repair Parts _/-_ _<__ .=_-_(_.o.))
This product has a low emission engine which operates
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the
engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual.
CAUTION:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before
operating this equipment.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty ............................................... 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 2
Product Specifications .......................... 4
Assembly .............................................. 5
Operation ......................................... 3&7
Maintenance Schedule ...................... t 1
Maintenance ....................................... 11
Service and Adjustments .................... 13
Storage .......................................... 3& 16
Troubleshooting ................................. 17
illustrated Parts List ............................ 36
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,
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 workman-
ship.
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
crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions
contained 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/deparfment 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
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing 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 disen-
gage the controls quickly.
•Never allow children to operate the
equipment. Never allow adults to
operate 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
(motor).
o, 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
flammable.
• 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 extensioncordsand receptacles
as specifiedbythe manufacturer for all
unitswithelectricdrivemotorsor
electricstartingmotors,
•Never attempttomake anyadjustments
whilethe engine(motor)isrunning
(exceptwhere specificallyrecommend-
ed by manufacturer).
OPERATION
• Do notputhandsorfeet nearor under
rotatingparts.
•Exerciseextremecautionwhen
operatingon or crossinggravelddves,
walks,or roads.Stay alertfor hidden
hazardsor traffic.Do notcarP/passen-
gers.
•Afterstdkinga foreignobject,stopthe
engine (motor),removethe wirefrom
the sparkplug,thoroughlyinspectthe
tillerfor anydamage,and"repairthe
damage beforerestartingand operat-
ingthetiller.
•Exemisecautionto avoidslippingor
falling.
•Iftheunitshouldstartto vibrate
abnormally,stopthe engine(motor)
end check immediatelyfor the cause.
Vibrationis generallya warningof
trouble.
•Stopthe engine(motor)whenleaving
the operatingposition.
•Take all possibleprecautionswhen
leavingthe machineunattended.
Disengage thetines,shiftintoneutral,
and stopthe engine.
•Beforecleaning,repaidng,or inspect-
ing,shutofftheengineand make
certainall movingparts have stopped.
Disconnectthe sparkplugwire, and
keepthe wireaway fromtheplugto
preventaccidentalstarting.Disconnect
thecordon electricmotors.
•Do not runthe engineindoors;exhaust
fumes are dangerous.
•Never operatethe tillerwithoutproper
guards,plates,or othersafetyprotec-
tive devicesin place.
•Keep childrenand 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 end accessories
approved by the manufacturer of the
tiller.
•Never operate the tiller without good
visibility or light.
•Be careful when tilling in hard ground.
The tines may catch in the _]round 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, end
accessories in safe working condition.
•Check shear pins, engine mounting
bolts, and other bolts at frequent
intervals 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 it the
tiller is to be stored for an extended
period.
ALook for this symbol to point out
important safetyprecautions, It means
GAUTIONH! BECOMEALERTlit YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
ACAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs.
AWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and cedain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
GASOLINE 3 QTS
C,APACITY: UNLEADED
REGULAR
OIL(API-SF-SJ): SAE 30
CAPACITY:20 OZ,) (ABOVE32°F)
SAE 5W-30
(BELOW32°F)
SPARKPLUG: CHAMPION
(GAP: .030') RJ19LMOR J19LM
:ONGRATULATIONSon yourpurchase
ofa SearsTiller.It hasbeen designed,
engineeredand manufacturedto give
you the bestpossibledependabilityand
performance.
Shouldyou experienceany problems
you cannoteasilyremedy,please
contacta Searsor otherqualified
ServiceCenter. We havecompetent,
well-trainedtechniciansand the proper
toolstoserviceor repairthisunit.
Please readand retainthismanual.The
instructionswillenable you toassemble
and maintainyourtillerproperly.Always
observethe "SAFETYRULES".
Yournewtiller hasbeen assembledat
thefactory withexceptionofthoseparts
left unassembledfor shippingpurposes.
To ensuresafeand properoperationof
yourtillerall partsand hardwareyou
assemblemustbe tightenedsecurely.
Usethe correcttoolsas necessaryto
insure propertightness.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regular schedule in maintain-
ing, cadng for and using your tiller.
• Follow the instructions under the
"Customer Responsibilities" 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 arrestsr 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 arrester for the muffler is available
through your nearest Sears service
center (See REPAIR PARTS section of
this manual).
These accessorieswereavailablewhenthe tillerwas pumhased. They are also
availableat mostSears Retailoutletsand ServiceCenters. MostSears Storescan
order repairpartsfor you whenyouprovidethe modelnumberofyourtiller.
ENGINE
f
TILLER MAINTENANCE
BELT TINES SHEAR PIN
i
4
HAIRPIN CLIP

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 correct tools
as necessary to Ensureproper tightness.
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 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 _RIGHT
OPERATOR'S
POSITION
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
(1) Manual
-©
(2) Lock
Washers 5/16
(1) Plastic
Cable Clip
©
(2) Flange Locknuts
5/16-18UNC
©
(2) Hex Nuts
5/16-16
i
(1) Bottle Engine Oil
(2) Carriage Bolts 5/16-18 UNC x2-3/8 Gr. 5
5

UNPACK CARTON & INSTALL
HANDLE
•iLCAUTION:Becarefulof exposed
stapleswhen handlingor disposingof
cadoning material.
IMPORTANT:Whenunpackingand
assemblingtiller,be carefulnot tostretch
or kink cable(s).
1. Cut cable tiessecuringhandle
column.
2. Remove all packingfrom cation.
3. Secure handle columnto handle
mountusingtwo (2) carriagebolts
and two (2) flangeIocknuts. Tighten
bothflangeIocknutssecurely.
4. Remove packingmaterialfrom handle
assembly.
5. Routetine controlcable through
plasticcable clipon handle column.
6, Insertplasticcable clipintoholein
handle column.
7, Cut away carton.
8. Cut cable tiessecuringtillerto skid.
9. Removetillerfrom skidby pulling
backwards.
Tine
C_tro_
Cable_i _- Handle Column
" _'Flange
Locknut
INSTALL DEPTH STAKE ASSEMBLY
1. Loosen nut "A".
2. Insert stake suppod 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.
ine BracketHalves
"A" Depth
Support
Bolt
"Stake Spring
.ock Washers,
and hex Nuts
HANDLE HEIGHT
•Handle heightmay be adjustedto
bettersuitoperator. (See "HANDLE
HEIGHT"inthe Serviceand Adjust-
ments sectionofthismanual).
TILLING WIDTH
•Tillingwidthmay be adjustedto better
handle yourtillingconditions(See
"FINE ARRANGEMENT_inthe Service
and Adjustmentssection ofthis
manual).
TINE OPERATION
•Check tineoperationbeforefirstuse.
(See "FINE OPERATION CHECK"in
the Serviceand Adjustmentssectionof
this manual),
6

KNOW YOUR TILLER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING
YOURTILLER
Compare theillustrationswithyour tillerto familiarizeyourselfwiththe locations of
various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
TILUNC; F_WARD _£UTr_L REvEqs_ CAUTX_N ENGINE _:_NE fAST SLOW CHOKE _UEL _L ST_ _)
FonNardTine
Control
Choke Control
Control
Depth Tine Shield
Recoil
Handle
Our 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 -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.

Theoperationofanytillercanresultinforeignobjectsthrownintotheeyes
whichcanresultinsevereeyedamage.Awayswearsafetyglassesoreye
shieldsbeforestartingyourtillerandwhiletilling.Werecommendawide
visionsafetymaskoverspectaclesorstandardsafetyglasses.
HOWTOUSEYOURTILLER
Knowhowtooperateallcontrolsbefore
addingfuel and oil or attempting to start
engine.
STOPPING
TINES
• Release Une control to stop movement.
ENGINE
•Move throttle control to =STOP" posi-
tion.
NOTE: Never use choke to stop engine.
TineControl
"Off" (UP) Position
"On"(DOWN) Position_"
WHEELS
Adjustwheelsby removingthe hairpin
clipand clevispin. Changewheel
position. Replacethe hairpinclipand
clevispin.
•Fornormaltilling,set wheelsat the
secondor thirdholefromthetop.
\HairpinClipand
Depth
Stake
HairpinClip
andClevisPin
Chokq
Control
Contmt
TINE OPERATION
•Squeeze Une control to handle.
TILLING
The speed and depth of tilling is regu-
lated 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
ACAUTION: Before lifting or transporting
allow tiller engine and muffler to cool.
Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain
gasoline from fuel tank.
AROUND THE YARD
1. Tip depth stake forward until it is held
by the stake spdng.
2. Push tiller handles down, raising tine._
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
1. Remove hangtag from engine.
2. With engine level, remove engine oil
filler plug.
3. Fill engine with oil to point of overflow
ing. 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
overflowing 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 Leve_ _Plug
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 tempera-
tures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean,
winter grade gasoline to help insure good
cold weather starting.
_I_,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
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 section of this
manual for additional information. Never
use engine or carburetor cleaner prod-
ucts in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
_CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch of top
of fue! 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
disappeared.
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 fine 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 ptug wire is properly
connected.
2. Place throttle control in "FAST"
position.
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 position.
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 fines.
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
troubleshooting points.
Spa_ Plug
r_ __ Thro_e
',Jf_÷ _ _ Control
Choke \
Control _ _"
Starter---""_ °_:_
9

BREAKING IN YOUR TILLER
Break-inyour belt(s),pulleys and tine
control beforeyou actuallybegin tilling.
•Startengine,tiptines offgroundby
pressinghandles downand engage
linecontrolto startline rotation.Allow
tinestoretate for fiveminutes.
•Checktine operationand adjustif
necessary.See "TINEOPERATION
CHECK"in the Serviceand Adjust-
mentssectionofthis manual.
TILLING HINTS
4gl,CAUTION: Untilyouare accustomedto
handlingyourtiller,startactualfield use
withthrottlein slowposition.
Tohelptiller moveforward, liftupthe
handlesslightly(thusliftingdepthstake
outofground).Toslowdownthetiller,
pressdownon handles.
It youare strainingor tilleris shaking,the
wheelsand depthstake arenot set
propedyinthe soilbeingtilled.The
propersettingofthe wheelsand depth
stake isthroughtrialand errorand
dependsuponthe soilcondition. (The
harderor wetterthe ground,theslower
the engineand line speed needed. Under
thesepoorconditions,at fast speed the
tillerwillrunand jumpover the ground).
Apropedyadjustedtillerwilldigwithlittle
effortfrom the operator.
•Tillingis digginginto,turningover, and
breakingup packed soilbefore
planting. Loose, unpackedsoilhelps
rootgrowth.Besttillingdepthis4"-6".
A tillerwillalsoclear thesoilof un-
wanted vegetation.The decomposition
ofthisvegetablematterendchesthe
so=l.Dependingon the climate(rainfall
andwind), itmay be advisabletotillthe
soilat the end ofthe growingseasonto
further conditionthe soil.
•Soilconditionsare importantfor proper
tilling.Tineswill not readilypenetrate
dry,hardsoilwhichmay contributeto
excessivebounceand difficulthandling
ofyourtiller.Hard soilshouldbe
moistenedbefore tilling;however,
extremelywet soilwill"bell-up"or
clumpduringtilling.Wait untilthe soilis
lesswet in orderto achievethe best
results.When tillingin the fall,remove
vinesand longgrassto preventthem
from wrappingaroundtheline shaft
and slowingyourtillingoperation.
* You will find tilling much easier, if you
leave a row untilled between passes.
Then go back between tilted 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 tillingwben working extremely
hard soil or sod. Then work across the
first cuts at normal depth.
CULTIVATING
Cultivating is destroyingthe weeds
betweenrowstopreventthemfrom
robbingnourishmentand moisturefrom
the plants.Atthe sametime, breaking up
the upperlayerof soilcrustwillhelp
retainmoistureinthe soil.Bestdigging
depthis1"-3".
• You willprobablynot needto usethe
depthstake.Beginby tippingthe depth
stakeforward untilit isheldbythe
stake spdng.
•Cultivateup and downthe rowsat a
speed whichwillallowtinesto uproot
weedsand leavethe groundin rough
condition,promotingnofurther growth
of weedsand grass.
lO