Craftsman 917.293180 User manual

Owner's Manual
£RAFTIMRN
3.75 HP
14 INCH TINE WIDTH
REAR TINE WITH COUNTER
ROTATING TINES-
TILLER
Model No.
917.293180
•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, II 60179
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty ................................................ 2
Safety Rules .......................................... 2
Product Sprcifications ........................... 4
Assembly .............................................. 5
Operation ....................................... 3 & 8
Manintenance ..................................... 13
Service and Adjustments .................... 15
Storage ........................................ 3 & 19
Troubleshooting .................................. 20
Illustrated Parts List ............................. 42
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 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
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 disengage 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. 2
• Disengage all clutches and shift into
neutral before starting the engine
(motor).
• 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.
• 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 adjust-
ments while the engine (motor) is
running (except where specifically
recommended 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 pats 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!!! BECOME AWARE!!!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
_I,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" The engine exhuast
from this product contains chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
GASOLINE 2 QTS
CAPACITY: UNLEADED
REGULAR
OIL(API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30
CAPACITY: 20 OZ.) (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30
(BELOW 32°F)
SPARK PLUG : CHAMPION
(GAP: .030") RJ19LM OR J19LM
Congratulations on your purchase of a
Sears 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
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 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
maintaining, caring for and using
your tiller.
•Follow the instructions under the
"Maintenance" and "Storage"
sections of this Owner's Manual.
AWARNING" 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). Ifa 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.
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
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
TILLER PERFORMANCE
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 tiller
all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools
as necessary to insure proper tightness. FRONT
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly
easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
(1) Utility knife
(1) Wire cutter
(1) Tire pressure guage
(1) Screwdriver
(1) Pair of pliers
(1) 9/16 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).
LEFT RIGHT
OPERATOR'S
POSITION
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
(1) Hairpin Clips
(1) Flat Washer
13/32 x 1 x 11 Ga.
/llllll//
(2) Handle Locks
IG
(1) CrownLocknut
3/8-16 UNC
(3) Fin Hex Bolts
3/8-16 UNC x 1 Gr. 5
t
°L
(2) Shear Pins & Clips
(1) Cable Clip
5

UNPACKING CARTON
_.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 cables.
•While holding handle assembly, cut
cable ties securing handle assembly to
top frame. Let handle assembly rest on
tiller.
• Remove top frame of carton.
• Slowly ease handle assembly up and
place on top of carton.
• Cut down right hand front and right
hand rear corners of carton, lay side
carton wall down.
• Remove packing material lrom handle
assembly.
• Separate shift rod from handle assem-
bly.
Assembly
INSTALL HANDLE
• Insert one handle lock (with teeth
facing outward) in gearcase notch.
(Apply grease on smooth side of
handle lock to aid in keeping lock in
place until handle assembly is lowered
into position.)
VIEWED FROM R.H. SIDE OF TILLER
\Gearcase Notch
Handle Lock
...._:..:'!i:./Handle Assembly
_"::: ;_" ",JP" Position
_::::_:::= Tightenhex bo_t
hold
LoosenHex Bol_
toMove /f_ .*_
Insert second hex bolt in front part of
plate and tighten.
Cut down remaining corners of carton
and lay panels flat.
Lower the handle assembly. Tighten
nut on hex bolt so handle moves with
some resistance. This will allow for
easier adjustment.
Place flat washer on threaded end of
hex bolt.
Insert hex bolt through handle base
and gearcase. Screw in hex bolt just
enough to hold bolt in place.
Insert second handle lock (with teeth
inward) in the slot of the handle base.
Raise handle assembly to highest
position and securely tighten remaining
hex bolt. Leaving handle assembly in
highest position will make it easier to
connect shift rod.
Handle Lock
Slot.._ Flat
Washer
Rear Hex Belt _/
Handle Base
Hex Bolt
Locknut/_
• Grasp handle assembly. Hold in "up"
position. Be sure handle lock remains
in gearcase notch. Slide handle
assembly into position.
• Rotate handle assembly down. Insert
rear hex bolt first, with head of bolt on
L.H. side of tiller and loosely assemble
Iocknut. 6

INSERT CABLE CLIP
•Insert plastic cable clip into hole on the
back of handle column. Push cable
into clip.
Handle Column
Cable Clip
CONNECT SHIFT ROD
•Insert end of shift rod farthest from
bend into hole of shift lever indicator.
•Insert hairpin clip through hole of shift
rod to secure with bend of clip on right
side.
[J-"_-AttachthisEndTo shift "_'Shift Rod
Lever Indicator
REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE
•Adjust handle assemby to lowest
position. Be sure hex bolt is tightened
securely.
•Make sure shift lever indicator is in "N"
(neutral) position.
• Tilt tiller forward by lifting handle.
Separate cardboard cover from levelin!
shield.
•Rotate tiller handle to the right and pull
tiller out of carton.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your unit were overinflated at
the factory for shipping purposes, Correc
and equal tire pressure is important for
best tilling performance.
• Reduce tire pressure to 20 PSI.
HANDLE HEIGHT
•Handle height may be adjusted to
better suit operator. (See "TO ADJUST
HANDLE HEIGHT" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual).
Shift Rod Hairpin Clip Shift Lever
Indicator
7

These symbols may appear on your Tiller or in literature supplied with the product. Learn
and understand their meeting.
KNOW YOUR TILLER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
TILLER.
Compare the illustrations with your tiller to familiarize with the location of various
controls and adjustments, Save this manual for future reference.
TILLING FORWARD NEUTRAL REVERSE CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL srop V
OR WAANING ON OFF
Drive Control Bar
Shift Lever
Choke Control
Throttle Control
Shift Lever Indicator
Depth Stake
Leveling Shield
Recoil
Starter
Handle
MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Our tillers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
DRIVE CONTROL BAR - Used to
engage tines.
DEPTH STAKE - Controls depth at which
tilter will dig.
LEVELING SHIELD - Levels tilled soil.
THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control
engine speed.
SHIFT LEVER - Used to shift transmis-
sion gears.
SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR - Shows
which gear the transmission is in.
RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to
start the engine,
CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting
a cold engine.
8

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 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 AND DRIVE
•Release drive control bar to stop
movement.
• Move shift lever to "N" (neutral)
position.
ENGINE
• Move throttle control to "STOP"
position. If equipped with stop switch,
move switch to "STOP" position.
• Never use choke to stop engine.
Drive Control Bar
Position Shift Lever
Drive Control Bar
"DISENGAGED"
Position
TINE OPERATION -WITH WHEEL
DRIVE
• Always release drive control bar before
moving shift lever into another position.
• Tine movement is achieved by moving
shift lever to (_) till position and
engaging drive control bar.
FORWARD -WHEELS ONLY/TINES
STOPPED
Shallowest'nlling
(Cultivating)
Deepest Tilling
"_"TransportPositior
Depth Stake
TILLING
•Release depth stake pin. Pull the
depth stake up for increased tilling
depth. Place depth stake pin in hole of
depth stake to lock in position.
• Place shift lever indicator in (_)till
position.
• Hold the drive control bar against the
handle to start tilling movement. Tines
and wheels will both turn.
• Move throttle control to "FAST" position
for deep tilling. To cultivate, throttle
control can be set at any desired
speed, depending on how fast or slow
you wish to cultivate.
IMPORTANT: Always release drive
control bar before moving shift lever into
another position.
Depth Stake Pin
"RELEASED" Position
\
•Release drive control bar and move
shift lever indicator to "F" (forward)
position. Engage drive control bar and
tiller will move forward.
HARD TO SHIFT GEARS
•Briefly engage drive control bar and
release or rock tiller forward and
backward until are able to shift gears.
DEPTH STAKE
The depth stake can be raised or lowered
to allow you more versatile tilling and
cultivating, or to more easily transport
your tiller.
"Locked"
Position
9
TURNING
•Release the drive control bar.
•Move throttle control to =SLOW"
position.
•Place shift lever indicator in "F"
(forward) position. Tines will not turn.
•Lift handle to raise tines out of ground.
• Swing the handle in the opposite
direction you wish to turn, being careful
to keep feet and legs away from tines.

• When you have completed your turn-
around, release the drive control bar
and lower handle. Place shift lever in
till position and move throttle control to
desired speed. To begin tilling, hold
drive control bar against the handle.
TO TRANSPORT
A_.CAUTION: Before lifting or transporting,
allow tiller engine and muffler to cool.
Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain
gasoline from fuel tank.
AROUND THE YARD
• Release the depth stake pin. Move the
depth stake down to the top hole for
transporting the tiller. Place depth
stake pin in hole of depth stake to lock
in position. This prevents tines from
scuffing the ground.
• Place shift lever indicator in "F"
(forward) position for transporting.
• Hold the drive control bar against the
handle to start tiller movement. Tines
will not turn.
• Move throttle control to desired speed.
AROUND TOWN
• Disconnect spark plug wire.
• Drain fueltank.
• 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.
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
• The engine in your unit has been
shipped, from the factory, already filled
with SAE 30 summer weight oil.
•With engine level, clean area around oil
filler plug and remove plug.
•Engine oil should be to point of
overflowing when engine is level. For
approximate capacity see "PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIONS" on page 4 of this
manual. All oil must meet A.P.I.
Service Classification SF, SG or SH.
• 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 Mainte-
nance section in this manual.
Oil Filler
Oil Level Plug
Oil Drai_
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 tem-
peratures 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 avo(d engin_
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 rue
next season. See Storage section of thi:
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 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 a
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
_I,CAUTION: Keep tine control in "OFF"
position when starting engine.
When starting engine for the first time or i
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.
10

•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).
• 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: A warm engine requires less
choking to start.
• Move throttle control to desired running
position.
• 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
troubleshooting points.
Spark Plug
Control
Control
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. De-
pending 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.
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 ne-
gotiate than about-faces. Second, the
tiller won't be pulling itself, and you, to-
ward the row next to it.
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 or-
der 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.
Do not lean on handle. This takes
weight off the wheels and reduces trac-
tion. To get through a really tough sec-
tion of sod or hard ground, apply up-
ward pressure on handle or lower the
depth stake.
II
Recoil Starte_
TILLING HINTS
_:I_CAUTION: Until you are accustomed to
handling your tiller, start actual field use
with throttle in slow position.
[//
11

CULTIVATING
Cultivating is destroying the weeds
between rows to prevent them from
robbing nourishment and moisture from
the p_ants. 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" (2.5-7.5 cm). Lower the outer
side shields to protect small plants from
being buried.
•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 © ©10 O
OO OIO!O
OO OIOIO
OOOIO ©(
TINE SHEAR PINS
The tine assemblies on your tiller are
secured to the tine shaft with shear pins
(See "TINE REPLACEMENT" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual).
If the tiller is unusually overloaded or
jammed, the shear pins are designed to
break before internal damage occurs to
the transmission.
• If shear pin(s) break, replace only with
those shown in the Repair Parts
section of this manual.
ADJUST WHEELS FOR
CULTIVATING
• Place blocks under right hand side of
tiller and remove hairpin clip and clevis
pin from right band wheel.
• Move wheel outward approximately 1
inch (2.5 cm) until hole in inner wheel
hub lines up with inner hole in axle.
• Replace clevis pin and hairpin clip on
inside of wheel and remove blocks.
• Repeat preceding steps on left hand
side.
NOTE: In extremely rough conditions an_
while cultivating, the wheels should be
moved outward on the axle for increased
stability.
OUTER VIEW OF TIRE
Clevis Pin \
j'n clip
INNER VIEW OF TIRE
Clevis Pin
12

J_f_f l_f _J_J
P,L.,,o,,ES 7.."
,S,OOCOMPLE,E I , ZfZ 'l SERV'CEOATES
Check Engine 0il Level
Change Engine Oil 1_1.2
Oil Pivot Points I1_
Inspect Spark Arrester /Muffler I_
Inspect Air Screen V'
Clean or Replace Air Cleaner Cartridge 1_2
Clean Engine Cylinder Fins if
Replace Spark Plug I_
RH Gear Case Grease Fitting (1oz.) I_
1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy road or in high ambient temperatures.
2-Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this tiller does not cover
items that have been subjected to
operator abuse or negligence. To receive
full value from the warranty, the operator
must maintain tiller as instructed in this
manual.
Some adjustments will need to be made
periodically to properly maintain your tiller.
All adjustments in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual
should be checked at least once each
season.
•Once a year you should replace the
spark plug, clean or replace air filter,
and check tines and belts for wear. A
new spark plug and clean air filter
assure proper air-fuel mixture and help
your engine run better and last longer.
BEFORE EACH USE
• Check engine oil level.
• Check tine operation.
• Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICA-
TION CHART")
LUBRICATION CHART
"**RH Gear Case
Grease Fitting
* Idler Bracket
* Wheel Hub
Stake Pin
Shield
Hinges
SAE 30 OR 5W-30 Motor Oil
** Refer to Maintenance "ENGINE" Section
*** EP #1 Grease
13

_:_CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire
before performing any maintenance
(except carburetor adjustment) to prevent
accidental starting of engine.
Prevent fires! Keep the engine free of
grass, leaves, spilled oil, or fuel. Remove
fuel from tank before tipping unit for
maintenance. Clean muffler area of all
grass, dirt, and debris.
Do not touch hot muffler or cylinder fins
as contact may cause burns.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SF, SG or
SH. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
=C -30° -20°20" 30"
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W-
30, 10W-30, etc.) improve starting in cold
weather, these multi-viscosity oils will
result in increased oil consumption when
used above 32°F (0°C). Check your
engine oil level more frequently to avoid
possible engine _lamage from running low
on oil.
Change the oil after every 50 hours of
operation or at least once a year if the
tiller is not used for 50 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before
starting the engine and after each five (5)
hours of continuous use. Add SAE 30
motor oil or equivalent. Tighten oil filler
plug securely each time you check the oil
level.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
Determine temperature range expected
before oil change. All oil must meet API
service classification SF, SG or SH.
•Be sure tiller is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Use a funnel to prevent oil spill on tiller,
and catch oil in a suitable container.
• Remove drain plug.
•Tip tiller forward to drain oil.
•After oil has drained completely,
replace oil drain plug and tighten
securely.
•Remove oil filler plug. Be careful not to
allow dirt to enter the engine.
•Refill engine with oil. See "CHECK
ENGINE OIL LEVEL" in the Operation
section of this manual.
011Drain
Plug_
Level
Oil Filler Plug
AIR CLEANER
Service air cleaner cartridge every
twenty-five hours, more often if engine is
used in very dusty conditions.
• Loosen air cleaner screws, one on
each side of cover.
• Remove air cleaner cover.
• Carefully remove air cleaner cartridge.
Be careful. Do not allow dirt or debris to
fall into carburetor.
• Clean by tapping gently on a flat
surface.
• If very dirty or damaged, replace
cartridge.
•Clean and replace cover. Tighten
screws securely.
_,CAUTION" Petroleum solvents, such as
kerosene, are not to be used to clean
cartridge. They may cause deterioration
of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do
not use pressurized air to clean or dry
cartridge.
Air Cleaner
Air Cleaner
\
14
COOLING SYSTEM
Your engine is air cooled. For proper
engine performance and long life keep
your engine clean.
•Clean air screen frequently using a
stiff-bristled brush.
•Remove blower housing and clean as
necessary.
•Keep cylinder fins free of dirt and chaff.

Blower
Housing
Screen
MUFFLER
Do not operate tiller without muffler. Do
not tamper with exhaust system. Dam-
aged mufflers or spark arresters could
create a fire hazard. Inspect periodically
and replace if necessary. If your engine is
equipped with a spark arrester screen
assembly, remove every 50 hours for
cleaning and inspection. Replace if
damaged.
SPARK PLUG
Replace spark plugs at the beginning of
each tilling season or after every 50 hour_
of use, whichever comes first. Spark pluc
type and gap setting are shown in
"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS".
TRANSMISSION
Once a season, lubricate the right hand
gear case grease fitting with 1 oz. of EP
#1 grease.
CLEANING
•Clean engine, wheels, finish, etc. of all
foreign matter.
• Keep finished surfaces and wheels free
of all gasoline, oil, etc.
• Protect painted surfaces with automo-
tive type wax.
We do not recommend using a garden
hose to clean your unit unless the muffler,
air filter and carburetor are covered to
keep water out. Water in engine can
result in a shortened engine life.
_I_CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire
from spark plug and place wire where it
cannot come into contact with plug.
TILLER
TO ADJUST HANDLE HEIGHT
Select handle height best suited for your
tilling conditions. Handle height will be
different when tiller digs into soil.
•First loosen handle hex bolt.
•Handle can be positioned at different
settings between "HIGH" and "LOW"
positions.
• Retighten hex bolt securely after
adjusting.
(Low) Position
TIRE CARE
_iLCAUTION: When mounting tires,
unless beads are seated, overinflation
can cause an explosion.
• Maintain 20 pounds of tire pressure. If
tire pressures are not equal, tiller will
pull to one side.
• Keep tires free of gasoline or oil which
can damage rubber.
TO REMOVE WHEEL
• Place blocks under transmission to
keep tiller from tipping.
• Remove hairpin clip and clevis pin from
wheel,
• Remove wheel and tire.
•Repair tire and reassemble.
Clevis Pin
.!
Hairpin Clip
15

TO REMOVE BELT GUARD
NOTE: For ease of removal, remove
hairpin clip and clevis pin from left wheel.
Pull wheel out from tiller about 1 inch.
•Remove two (2) screws from side of
belt guard.
• Remove hex nut and washer from
bottom of belt guard (located behind
wheel).
• Pull belt guard out and away from unit.
•Replace belt guard by reversing above
procedure.
Belt Guard Screw _
and
_._F "_ (..Located
_\_>'./5: '_ Behind
\
Hairpin Clip and Clevis Pin
TO REPLACE GROUND DRIVE
BELT
• Remove belt guard as described in "TO
REMOVE BELT GUARD".
• Remove old belt by slipping off engine
pulley first then remove from transmis-
sion pulley.
• Place new belt in groove of transmis-
sion pulley and into engine pulley.
BELT MUST BE IN GROOVE ON TOP
OF IDLER PULLEY. NOTE POSITION
OF BELT TO GUIDES.
•Check belt adjustment as described
below.
• Replace belt guard.
• Reposition wheel and replace clevis pin
and hairpin clip.
GROUND DRIVE BELT
ADJUSTMENT
For proper belt tension, the extension
spring should have about 5/8 inch stretch
when drive control bar is in "ENGAGED"
position. This tension can be attained as
follows:
• Loosen cable clip screw securing the
drive control cable.
•Slide cable forward for less tension and
rearward for more tension until about 5/
8 inch stretch is obtained while the
drive control bar is engaged.
• Tighten cable clip screw securely.
Cable Clip Screw
DriveControl Cable
Engine Pulley Belt Guide "B"
Idler Pulley More Tension
Transmission Pulley
16

TINE REPLACEMENT
_I,CAUTION: "13nesare sharp. Wear
gloves or other protection when handling
tines.
A badly worn tine causes your tiller to
work harder and dig more shallow. Most
important, worn tines cannot chop and
shred organic matter as effectively nor
bury it as deeply as good tines. A tine
this worn needs to be replaced.
NewTine Worn Tine
• To maintain the superb tilling perfor-
mance of this machine the tines should
be checked for sharpness, wear, and
bending, particularly the tines which an
next to the transmission. If the gap be-
tween the tines exceeds 3-1/2 inches
they should be replaced or straightene_
as necessary.
• New tines should be assembled.
Sharpened tine edges will rotate rear-
ward from above.
Trans_iion
*-3-1/2" MAX
Shear Pin
Sharp Edge
Shear Pin -_
Sharp Edge
Counter "line
Rotation
Sharp
Edge
Hairpin Clip
Sharp
Edge
17

ENGINE
Maintenance, repair, or replacement of
the emission control devices and sys-
tems, which are being done at the
customers expense, may be performed
by any non-road engine repair establish-
ment or individual. Warranty repairs must
be performed by an authorized engine
manufacturer's service outlet.
TO ADJUST CARBURETOR
The carburetor has a high speed fixed jet
and has been preset at the factory and
adjustment should not be necessary.
However, minor adjustments may be
required to compensate for differences in
fuel, temperature, altitude or load. If the
carburetor does need adjustment,
proceed as follows. Stop
Throttle Linkage
\
Idle Speed Adjusting
Screw
IDLE RPM ADJUSTMENT
•To adjust idle RPM, rotate throttle
linkage counterclockwise and hold
against stop while adjusting idle speed
adjusting screw to obtain 1750 RPM.
Release throttle linkage.
ACCELERATION TEST
•Move throttle control lever from
"SLOW" to "FAST" position. If engine
hesitates or dies, turn idle needle valve
out (counterclockwise) 1/8 turn.
Repeat test and continue to adjust, if
necessary, until engine accelerates
smoothly.
High speed stop is factory adjusted. Do
not adjust or damage may result.
IMPORTANT: Never tamper with the
engine governor, which is factory set for
proper engine speed, overspeeding the
engine above the factory high speed
setting can be dangerous. If you think the
engine-governed high speed needs
adjusting, contact your nearest authorized
service center/department, which has the
proper equipment and experience to
make any necessary adjustments.
18

Immediately prepare your tiller for storage
at the end of the season or if the unit will
not be used for 30 days or more.
_iLCAUTION" Never store the tiller with
gasoline in the tank inside a building
where fumes may reach an open flame or
spark. Allow the engine to cool before
storing in any enclosure.
TILLER
• Clean entire tiller (See "CLEANING" in
the Maintenance section of this
manual).
• Inspect and replace belts, if necessary
(See belt replacement instructions in
the Service and Adjustments section of
this manual).
• Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance
section of this manual.
• Be sure that all nuts, bolts and screws
are securely fastened. Inspect moving
parts for damage, breakage and wear.
Replace if necessary.
• Touch up all rusted or chipped paint
surfaces; sand lightly before painting.
ENGINE
FUELSYSTEM
IMPORTANT: It is important to prevent
gum deposits from forming in essential
fuel system parts such as the carburetor,
fuel filter, fuel hose, or tank during
storage, also, 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.
• Drain the fuel tank.
• Start the engine and let it run until the
fuel lines and carburetor are empty.
• Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
• Use fresh fuel next season.
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable
alternative in minimizing the formation of
fuel gum deposits during storage. Add
stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or
storage container. Always follow the mix
ratio found on stabilizer container. Run
engine at least 10 minutes after adding
stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach
the carburetor. Do not drain the gas tank
and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
ENGINE OIL
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace
with clean oil. (See "ENGINE" in the
Maintenance section of this manual).
CYLINDER(S)
• Remove spark plug.
• Pour 1 ounce (29 ml) of oil through
spark plug hole into cylinder.
• Pull starter handle slowly several times
to distribute oil.
• Replace with new spark plug.
OTHER
• Do not store gasoline from one season
to another.
• Replace your gasoline can if your can
starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your
gasoline will cause problems.
• If possible, store your unit indoors and
cover it to give protection from dust and
dirt.
• Cover your unit with a suitable protec-
tive cover that does not retain moisture.
Do not use plastic. Plastic cannot
breathe which allows condensation to
form and will cause your unit to rust.
IMPORTANT: Never cover tiller while
engine and exhaust areas are still warm.
19

CAUSE CORRECTIONPROBLEM
Willnotstart
Hard to start
Loss of power
1. Out of fuel.
2. Engine not "CHOKED"
properly.
3. Engine flooded.
4. Dirty air cleaner.
5. Water in fuel.
.
7.
8.
9.
Clogged fuel tank.
Loose spark plug wire.
Bad spark plug or
improper gap.
Carburetor out of adjust-
ment.
10.Oil soaked air filter.
1. Throttle control not set
properly.
2. Dirty air cleaner.
3. Bad spark plug or
improper gap.
4. Stale or dirty fuel.
5. Loose spark plug wire.
6. Carburetor out of adjust-
ment.
1. Engine is overloaded.
2. Dirty air cleaner.
3. Low oil leveVdiffy oil.
4. Faulty spark plug.
5. Oil in fuel.
6. Stale or dirty fuel.
7. Water in fuel.
8. Clogged fuel tank.
9. Spark plug wire loose.
10.Dirty engine air screen.
11.Dirty/clogged muffler.
12.Carburetor out of adjuts-
ment.
13.Poor compression.
2O
1. Fill fuel tank.
2. See "TO START ENGINE" in
the Operation section.
3. Wait several minutes before
attempting to staff.
4. Clean or replace aircleaner
cartridge.
5. Drain fuel tank and carburetor,
and refill tank with fresh
gasoline.
6. Remove fuel tank and clean.
7. Make sure spark plug wire is
seated properly on plug.
8. Replace spark plug or adjust
gap.
9. Make necessary adjustments.
10.Replace air filter.
1. Place throttle control in "FAST"
position.
2. Clean or replace air cleaner
cartridge.
3. Replace spark plug or adjust
gap.
4. Drain fuel tank and refill with
fresh gasoline.
5. Make sure spark plug wire is
seated properly on plug.
6. Make necessary adjustments.
1. Set depth stake and wheels for
shallower tilling.
2. Clean or replace aircleaner
cartridge.
3. Check oil level/change oil.
4. Clean and regap or change
spark plug.
5. Drain and clean fuel tank and
refill, and clean carburetor.
6. Drain fuel tank and refill with
fresh gasoline.
7. Drain fuel tank and carburetor,
and refill tank with fresh
gasoline.
8. Remove fuel tank and clean.
9. Connect and tighten spark
plug wire.
10.Clean engine air screen.
11.Clean/replace muffler.
12.Make necessary adjustments.
13.Contact an authorized Sears
Service Center/Depaffment.