Craftsman 917.292481 User manual

Owner's Manual
ICRAFTSMAN°I
FRONT TINE TILLER
5.5 HP
24 Inch Tine Width
Model No.
917.292481
I_ This product has a low emission engine which operates
_L_L_JI_ 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 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
Manintenanco ..................................... 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 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/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/81"i3NA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179 U.S.A.
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwingobjects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould 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 isto be used and remove all
foreign objects.
•Disengage all clutches and shift into
neutral before starting the engine
(motor).
•Do not operate the equipment without
weadng 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 extension cords and receptacles
as specified by the manufacturer for all
units with electric drive motors or
electric starting motors.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments
while the engine (motor) is running
(except where specifically recommend-
ed by manufacturer).
OPERATION
•Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts.
• Exercise extreme caution when
operating on or crossing gravel drives,
walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden
hazards or traffic. Do not carry passen-
gers.
• 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 operat-
ing the tiller.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or
falling.
• If the unit should start to vibrate
abnormally, 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
leaving the machine unattended.
Disengage the tines, shift into neutral,
and stop the engine.
• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspect-
ing, 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 protec-
tive 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
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 machine.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
•Keep machine, attachments, and
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 if the
tiller is to be stored for an extended
period.
&.Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!H BECOMEALERTI!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
A, CAUTION: 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 certain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of Califomia to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.
3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Gasoline 3 Qts
Capacity: Unleaded
Regular
OiI(API-SF-SJ): SAE 30
(Capacity: 20 oz.) (Above 32°F)
SAE 5w-30
(Below 32°F)
Spark Plug : Champion
(Gap: .030") RC12YC
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase
of aSears Tiller. It has been designed,
engineered and manufactured to give
you the best possible dependability and
performance.
Should you experience any problems
you cannot easily remedy, please
contact a Sears or other qualified
Service Center. 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 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 correct tools as necessary to
insure proper tightness.
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
"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
aspark 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 arrester 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
available 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
SPARK PLUG MUFFLER AIR FILTER GAS CAN ENGINE OIL STABILtTt=R
TILLER MAINTENANCE
BELT TINES
4
SHEAR PIN HAIRPIN CLIP
O

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 _ Right
Operator's Position
J
i
(1) Manual
(1) Bottle
Engine Oil
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
(2) Carriage Bolts
5/16-18 UNC x 2-1/2
MIIIMIIIMIMI
5/16-16 x 1-1/4 0
(2) Lock
Washer
5/16
O
(2) Flange
Locknuts
5/16-18 UNC
©
(2) Hex Nut
5/16-18
5

UNPACK CARTON & INSTALL
HANDLE
_CAUTION: Be careful of exposed
staples when handling or disposing of
cartoning material.
IMPORTANT: When unpacking and
assembling 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
Iocknuts. 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
backwards.
8. Remove screws securing depth stake
to skid and discard the screws.
Handle Tine '7"J
M°unt_ C°! Itr°I/-- -Handl_"e
Oo,umn
N _ -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" Depth
Stake
Support
Bolt
Stake Spring
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 Adjust-
ments section of this manual).
TILLING WIDTH
•Tilling width may be adjusted to better
handle your tilling conditions (See
"-I'INE 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

KNOWYOURTILLER
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
various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
TIliNG FORWARQ t4EUTRAL REVERSE CAUTIOM E.NGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CtIOKE FUEL OIL STOP O
OR WARNING ON OFF
Forward ]]ne
Control
Choke Control
Depth
Stake
TineShield
Recoil Startel
Handle
O
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.
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.
HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER WHEELS
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" posi-
tion.
NOTE: Never use choke to stop engine.
Tine Control
=Off' (UP) Position
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
Stake
Wheel Spring
Depth
Stake
Choke
Control
,,Throttle
Control
TINE OPERATION
•Squeeze tine 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. Itserves as a
brake to slow the tiUer'sforward motion to
enable the tines to penetrate the ground.
Also, the more the depth stake is lowered
intothe 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.
Disconnect 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
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 Oil Filler
Plug
ADD GASOLINE
• Fiil 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.
A, CAUTION: 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 products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
ACAUTION: 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
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
ACAUTION: 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"
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: Awarm engine requires less
choking to start.
6. Move throttle control to desired
running position.
7. Allow engine to warm up for afew
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
troubleshooting points.
:Plug
Control
Control
Recoil
Starter
9

BREAKING IN YOUR TILLER
Break-in your belt(s), pulleys and tine
control 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 "FINE OPERATION
CHECK" in the Service and Adjust-
ments section of this manual.
TILLING HINTS
ACAUTION: 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
propedy 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 conditions, 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 un-
wanted vegetation. The decomposition
of this vegetable 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
moistened before tilling; however,
extremely wet soil will "ball-up" or
clump dudng tilling. 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
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.
-O Oi A'!
10