Craftsman 917.293202 User manual

Owner's Manual
rRAFTSMAN°
5.0 HP
17 INCH TINE WIDTH
REAR TINE WITH
COUNTER ROTATING TINES
TILLER
ModelNo.
917.293202
• Safety
•Assembly
•Operation
•Maintenance
•Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co,, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Visite our Craftsman website: www.sears, com/craftsman

Wa nty..............................i.......!..........2
Safety Rules ................................ ;.......... 2
Prsduct Specifications .......................... 4
Assembly........................... ,..,........ .........5
Operatien,................ _....................... 3 & 8
Maintenance ..................... _...._..,,;.........13
ServiceandAdjustments......................15
Storage................................................. 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, lubri-
cated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructionsin the
owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in matedal 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, includingbent crsnk-
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 dghts which
vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179
TRAINING
•Read the Owner's Manual carefully. Be
thoroughlyfamiliar with the controlsand
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 shiftinto
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 ishighly flam-
mable.
•Use an approved fuel container.
• Never add fuel to a running engine or
hot engine.
•Fillfuel 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 adjustments
while the engine (motor) is running
(except where specifically recommend-
ed by manufacturer).

OPERATION
• Donotput handsorfeetnearorunder
rotatingpads.
•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 stdking 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 slippingor
falling.
•Ifthe unit should start to vibrate abnor-
mally, stop the engine (motor) and check
immediately for the cause. Vibration is
generally a waming of trouble.
•Stop the engine (motor) when leaving
the operating position.
•Take all possible precautions when leav-
ing the machine unattended. Disengage
the tines, shift into neutral, and stopthe
engine.
•Before cleaning, repaidng, 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 ovedoad 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 tillerforward. 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 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
stodng in any enclosure.
•Always refer to the operator's guide
instructionsfor important details ifthe
tilleris to be stored for an extended ped-
od.
_.CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plugwire 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 productcon-
tainschemicals known to the State of
Californiato cause cancer, birth defectd, or
other reproductive harm.
3

PROD_ICTSPECIRCATIONS
-IORSEPOWER: 5.0HP
DISPLACEMENT: 12 CU. IN. (206CC)
SASOLINECAPACITY: 3 Quarts
UnleadedRegular
OIL(API-SF/SG/SH): SAE30
(Above32°F)
CAPACITY:20 oz.) SAE5W-30
(Below 32°F)
SPARKPLUG : ChampionRJt9LM
(GAP: .030") OR JtgLM
Congratulations on your purchase of a
Craftsman Tiller. It has been designed, en-
gineered and manufacturedtogive you the
best possible dependability andpertorm-
ance:
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
instructionswill enable you to assemble
and maintainyour tiller properly.Always
observe the =SAFETY RULES".
Your new tiller has been assembled at the
factory with exception of those parts left
unassembled for shippingpurposes. To
ensure safe and proper operation of your
tillerall 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 onthis product. Contact your nearest
Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regular schedule in maintain-
ing, cadng for and using your tiller.
•Follow the instructionsunder 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 aspark arroster 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 Caiifomia 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
arraster. Refer to the Repair Parts section
of this manual for part number.
These accessories were available when the tillerwas 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 providethe model number of your tiller.
ENGINE
TILLER PERFORMANCE
FURROW OPENER
9
TILLER MAINTENANCE
BELT TINES SHEAR PIN HAIRPIN CUP
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 in_ure proper tightness.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set wilemake assembly
easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
(1) Utility knife
(1) Wire cutter
(1) Tire pressure gauge
(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). "
FRONT
LEFT RIGHT
OPERATOR'S
POSITION
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
(2) Handle Locks
(1)_C _r_,(e B_RGr. 5
(1) Hairpin Clips t L _)
13/32 X 1 X 11 Ga.
°1 ©
(2) Shear Pins & Clips
Q
(1) Center Locknut
3/8-16 UNC
(1) Cable Clip
3/81)Pivot Bolt
-16 UNC Grade 5
(1) Handle Lock Lever
5

UNPACKING CARTON
_,CAUTION: Be careful of exposed sta-
ples when handling or disposing of carton-
ing 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 dght hand front and righthand
rear corners of carton, lay side carton
wall down.
•Remove packing material from handle
assembly.
•Separate shiftrod from handle assem-
bly.
Shift Rod
Handle
Assembly
INSTALL HANDLE
•Insert one handle lock (withteeth facing
outward) in geafcase notch. (Apply
grease on smooth side of handle lock to
aid in keeping lock in place until handle
assembly is lowered intoposition.)
Viewed from r.h. side of tiller
Gearcase Notch
Handle Lock
f
•Grasp handle assembly. Hold in =up"
position. Be sure handle lock remains in
gearcase notch. Slide handle assembly
intoposition.
•Rotate handle assembly down. Insert
rear carriage bolt first, with head of bolt
on L.H. side of tillerand loosely assem-
ble Iocknut.
_......_,, ;: HandleAssembly
f" ":--'-:_-'-_;,, "UP"Pocition%
'_ • ':., ', Tightenhandlelock
_::_ ':,_, evertohold
LoosenH_
Lever to Move {,__
•Insertpivot bolt infront part of plate and
tighten.
•Cut down remaining corners of carton
and lay panels flat.
•Lower the handle assembly. Tighten nut
on carriage bolt so handle moves with
some resistance. This will allow for eas-
ier adjustment. -
•Place flat washer onthreaded end of
handle lock lever.
•Insert handle lock lever through handle
base and gearcase. Screw in handle
lock lever just enough to hold lever in
place.
•Insert second handle lock (withteeth
inward) in the slot of the handle base
(just inside of washer).
•Raise handle assembly to highest posi-
tion and securely tighten handle lock
lever by rotating clockwise. Leaving
handle assembly in highest positionwill
make it easier to connect shiftrod.
Handle Lock Rat Washer
Gearcase
Slot
HandleBase
Pivot Bolt
6

INSERTCABLE CLIP
• Insertplastic cable clip into hole on the
back of handle column. Push cables
into clip.
Handle Column
Cables
CONNECT SHIFT ROD
•Insert end of shift rod farthest from bend
into hole of shift lever indicator.
•Insert hairpin clipthrough hole of shift
rod to secure with bend of clip on right
side.
jr.
U""--Attach thisEndToshift "_ ShiftRod
Lever Indicator
Shift Rod Hairpin Cl_p Shift:Lever
indicator
REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE
•Adjusthandle assen_byto lowest posi-
tion,Be sure lock lever istightened
SecUre_.
•Make sure shift lever indicatoris in "N"
(neutral) position.
•T'dttiller forward by lifting handle.
Separate cardboard cover from levelin(
shield.
•Rotate tiller handle to the dght and pull
tillerout of carton.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your unit were ovednflated a!
the factory for shipping purposes. Correc
and equal tire pressure is importantfor
best tilling performance.
•Reduce tire pressure to 20 PSI.
HANDLE HEIGHT
•Handle height may be adjusted to bett_
suit operator. (See =TO ADJUST HAN-
DLEHEIGHT" in the Service and
Adjustmenls section of this manual),
7

These symbols may appear on your Tiller or in literature supplied with the product.
Learn and understand their meaning.
FORWARD N_ Rk"VER_E CAUTION _Eh_INE FA._f _CHOKE RJEL OSL
_WARNIKG ON
KNOW YOUR TILLER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
TILLER.
Compare the illustrationswith your tillerto familiarize yourself with the locationof vari-
ous controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
DriveControlBar
Shift Lever
Choke Control
Shift Lever Indicator
Leveling
Outer ERecoil
Starter
Handle
MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Our tillers conform tothe safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
DRIVE CONTROL BAR - Used to engage
tines.
DEPTH STAKE - Controls depth at which
tiller will dig.
LEVELING SHIELD -Levels tilled soil.
OUTER SIDE SHIELD -Adjustable to pro-
tect sina!! plants from being buried,
THROTTLE CONTROL -Used to control
engine speed.
SHIFT LEVER - Used to shifttransmission
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 canresult in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields before starting your tillerand while tilling.We recommend a wide
vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.
HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER DEPTH STAKE
Know how to operate all controls before The depth stake can be raised or lowered
adding fuel and oil or attempting to start to allow you more versatile tilling and cuiti-
engine, vating, or to more easily transport your
STOPPING tiller.
TINES AND DRIVE
•Release drive control bar to stop move-
ment.
•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.
DriveControlBar
Position ShiftLever
Shallowest Tilling
(Cultivating)
J
Deeptest TilUng
Depth Stake
"_ Transport Position
f
Drive Control Bar
"DISENGAGED"
Position
"FINEOPERATION -WITH WHEEL
DRIVE
•Always release drive control bar before
moving shift lever into another position.
• Tine movement is achieved by moving
shiftlever to ( _) till position and engag-
ing drive control bar.
FORWARD -WHEELS ONLY/TINES
STOPPED
•Release ddve control bar and move shift
lever indicatorto =P (forward) .Eosition.
Engage drive control bar and tiller will
move forward.
REVERSE -WHEELS ONLY/TINES
STOPPED
•DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY BEHIND
TILLER.
• Release the drive control bar.
•Move throttlecontrol to "SLOW" posi-
tion.
•Move shift lever indicatorto =R"
(reverse) position.
•Hold drive control bar against the handle
to start tiller movement.
HARD TO SHIFT GEARS
•Briefly engage drive control bar and
release or rock tiller forward and back-
ward untilare able to shiftgears.
TILLING
• Release depth stake pin. Pullthe depth
stake up for increased tillingdepth.
Place depth stake pin in hole of depth
stake to lock in position.
•Place shift lever indicator in (_)tiU posi-
tion.
•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 con-
trol 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
Nut "B"
Nut =A"
Outer Side Shield
Position
9

TURNING i
Release the dine control bar.
• Move throttle control to "SLOW" posi-
tion.
•Place shift lever indicator in "I:"(forward)
position. Tines Willnot tum.
•Lift handle to raise tines out of ground.
•Swing the handle in the opposite direc-
tionyou 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 controlto de-
sired speed. To begin tilling, hold drive
control bar against the handle.
OUTER SIDE SHIELDS
The back edges of the outer side shields
are slotted so that the shields can be
raised for deep tilling and lowered for shal-
low tillingto protect small plants from
being buried. Loosen nut "A"in slot and
nut "B'. Move shield to desired position
(both sides). Retighten nuts.
TO TRANSPORT
_CAUTION: Before liftingor transport-
ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to cool.
Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gaso-
line 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 posi-
tion. This prevents tines from scuffing
the ground.
•Place shift lever indicator in "F"(forward)
position for transporting.
•Hold the ddve 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 fuel tank.
•Transport in uprightposition to prevent
oil leakage.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
IMPORTANT: Be very careful not to allow
dirtto enter the engine when checking or
adding oil or fuel. Use clean oil and fuel
and store in approved, clean, covered con-
tainers, 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 plugand remove plug.
•Engine oil should be to point of overflow
ingwhen engine is level. For approxi-
mate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECI-
FICATIONS" on page 4 of this manual.
All oilmust meet A.RL Service
Classification SF, SG or SH.
•For cold weather operation you should
change oil for easier starting (See oil
viscositychart in the Maintenance sec-
tion of this manual).
•To change engine oil, see the
Maintenance section in this manual.
Oil
Filler
Oil Level Plug
Dil Drain PluI
ADD GASOLINE
•Fillfuel 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 temper_
tures below 32°F (0°C), use fresh, clean,
winter grade gasoline to help insure goo_
cold weather starting.
WARNING: Experience indicates that alc
hol blended fuels (called gasohol or usin_
ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture
which leeds to separation and formation t
acids during storage. Acidic gas can dan
age the fuel system of an engine while in
storage. To avoid engine problems, thq
fuel system should be emptied before
storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the
gas tank, start the engine and let it run
untilthe fuel lines and carburetor are
empty. Use fresh fuel next season. Se(
Storage section of this manual for additic
al information. Never use engine or cad:
retor cleaner products in the fuel tank or
permanent damage may occur.
lO