Craftsman 917.293302 User manual

Owner's Manual
®
5.5 HP
17 raNCHTUNEWmDTH
REAR TINE WITH
COUNTER ROTATBNG TINE_
TILLE
Model No.
917.293302
Safety
o Assembly
o Operation
o Maintenance
o EspaSol
o Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, tL 60179

Warranty ................................................... 2
Safety Rules ............................................. 2
Product Specifications .......................... 4
Assembly ................................................ 5
Operation ......................................... 3 & 8
Maintenance ......................................... t3
Service and Adjustments ...................... 15
Storage .......................................... 3 & 19
Troubleshooting .................................... 20
Illustrated Parts List .............................. 42
Parts Ordering ........................ Back Cover
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER
For two (2) years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Tiller is maintained, lubri-
cated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the
owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanship.
This Warranty does not cover:
° Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as tines, spark plugs,
air cleaners and belts.
Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crank-
shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con-
tained in the owner's manual.
• If this Craftsman Tiller is used for commercial or rental purposes, this Warranty
applies for only thirty (30) days from the date of purchase.
Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman power mower to the nearest
Sears service center/department in the United States. This warranty applies oniy 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, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179
TRAINIING
Read the Owner's Manual carefully. Be
thoroughly familiar with the controls and
the proper use of the equipmenL 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
oThoroughly inspect the area where the
equipment is to be used and remove all
foreign objects.
o Disengage all clutches and shift into
neutral before starting the engine (mo -
tor)_
• Do not operate the equipment without
wearing adequate outer garments. Wear
footwear that will improve footing on
slippery surfaces.
° Handle fuel with care; it is highly flarn-
rnable.
°Use an approved fuel container.
° Never add fuel to a running engine or
hot engine.
o Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care.
Never fill fuel tank indoors.
° Replace gasoline cap securely and
clean up spilled fuel before restarting_
o Use extension cords and receptacles as
specified by the manufacturer for all
units with electric drive motors or electric
starting motors.
o 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.
o 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.
o After striking a foreign object, stop the
engine (motor), remove the wire from
the spark plug, thoroughly inspect the
tiller for any damage, and repair the
damage before restarting and operating
the tiller.
o Exercise caution to avoid slipping or
falling°
° tf the unit should start to vibrate abnor-
mally, stop the engine (motor) and check
immediately for the cause. Vibration is
generally a warning of trouble.
o Stop the engine (motor) when leaving
the operating position.
o Take all possible precautions when leav-
ing the machine unattended. Disengage
the tines, shift into neutral, and stop the
engine.
o Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting,
shut off the engine and make certain all
moving parts have stopped, Disconnect
the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent accidental
starting. Disconnect the cord on electric
motors°
o Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust
fumes are dangerous.
o Never operate the tiller without proper
guards, plates, or other safety protective
devices in place.
° Keep children and pets away.
o Do not overload the machine capacity
by attempting to till too deep at too fast a
rate.
o Never operate the machine at high
speeds on slippery surfaces. Look
behind and use care when backing.
o Never allow bystanders near the unit.
.Use only attachments and accessories
approved by the manufacturer of the
tiller..
o Never operate the tiller without good vis-
ibility or light.
o 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 inter-
vals for proper tightness to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
.Never store the machine with fuel in the
fuel tank inside a building where ignition
sources are present, such as hot water
and space heaters, clothes dryers, and
the like. Allow the engine to cool before
storing in any enclosure.
• Always refer to the operator's guide
instructions for important details if the
tiller is to be stored for an extended peri-
od.
,_kCAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent acci-
dental starting when setting up, transport-
ing, adjusting or making repairs.
,_WARNING
The engine exhuast from this product con-
tains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defectd, or
other reproductive harm°
3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 5.5 HP
DISPLACEMEN]_ 13 CU. IN.
GASOLINE CAPACITY: 4 Quarts
Unleaded Regular
OIL (API-SFiSG/SH): SAE 30
(Above 32°F)
(CAPACITY: 20 oz.) SAE 5W-30
(Below 32°F)
SPARK PLUG : Champion RJ19LM
(GAP: .030") OR J 19LM
Congratulations on your purchase of a
Craftsman Tiller: It has been designed, en-
gineered and manufactured to give you the
best possible dependability and perform-
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
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 securel Y. Use the cor-
rect tools as necessary to insure proper
tightness.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is avail-
able on this product. Contact your nearest
Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
o Read and observe the safety rules.
° Follow a regular schedule in maintain-
ing, caring for and using your tiller:
o Follow the instructions under' the
"Maintenance" and "Storage" sections of
this Owner's Manual.
_kWARNING: 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 attester
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° 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. "[hey are also avail-
able at most Sears Retail outlets and Service Centers. Most Sears Stores can order
repair parts for you when you provide the model number of your tiller.
ENGINE
MUFFLER AIR FILTF_R GAf_ CAN ENGINE OIL I STABILIZER
TILLER PERFORMANCE
]SLLER MAINTENANCE
BELT ........... ,,,, ,',,,'TINES ...... SHEAR PIN HAIRPIN CLIP
,i i, ,,, ,,,, ,,i,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,...................
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 too_s
as necessary to insure proper tightness.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly
easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
(I) Utility knife
(l) Wire cutter
(1) Tire pressure gauge
(1) Screwdriver
(t) Pair of pliers
(1) 9/I6" 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
FRONT
OPERATOR'S
POSITION
RIGHT
(2) Handle Locks
(2) Hairpin Clips
Extra Shear Pins & Clips
(1) Carriage Bolt
3/8-16 UNC x 1 Gr, 5
(I) Flat Washer
13/32 x t x 11 Ga.
©
G
(t) Center Locknut
3/8d 6 UNC
(1) Cable Clip
(1) Pivot Bolt
3/8-t6 UNC Grade 5
(1) Handle Lock Lever

UNPACKING CARTON
_kCAUTION: 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.
o While holding handle assembly, cut
cable ties securing handle assembly to
top frame. Let handle assembly rest on
tiller_
• Remove top frame of carton.
o Slowty 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.
oRemove packing material from handle
assembly.
o Separate shift rod from handle assem-
bly.
Shift Rod
Assernbly
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
dandle Assembly
Gearcase Notch
Handle Lock
° 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 carriage bolt first, with head of bolt
on LH. side of tiller and loosely assem-
ble Iocknut.
,Handle AsserfibEy
"UP" Position
"_,. Tighten handle lock
.''_.. ever to hold
Loosen Handle
Lever to Move
o Insert pivot bolt in front part of plate and
tighten.
°Cut down remaining corners of carton
and lay panels flat.
o Lower the handle assembly. Tighten nut
on carriage bolt so handle moves with
some resistance. This will allow for eas-
ier adjustment.
o Place flat washer on threaded 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.
o insert second handle lock (with teeth
inward) in the slot of the handle base
(just inside of washer),
o Raise handle assembly to highest posi-
tion and securely tighten handle lock
lever by rotating clockwise, Leaving
handle assembly in highest position will
make it easier to connect shift rod.
Handle Lock Flat Washer
Gearcase \ Handle Lock
Slot
Rear Cartridge
Bolt
Pivot Bolt
Handle

INSERT CABLE CLIP
o Insert plastic cable clip into hole on the
back of handle column. Push cables
into clip.
Handle Column
Cables
Cable Clip
Shift
Shift Rod
CONNECT SHIFT ROD
* Insert end of shift rod farthest from bend
into hole of shift lever indicator°
o Insert hairpin clip through hole of shift
rod to secure.
o Insert other end of shift rod into hole in
shift lever.
° Insert second hairpin clip through hole of
shift rod.
Attach this end to shift lever...._
t,,,,uAttach this End To shift \
Lever Indicator Shift Rod
Shift Rod Hairpin Clip Shift Lever
Indicator
REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE
,, Adjust handle assemby to lowest posi-
tion. Be sure lock lever is tightened
securely.
o Make sure shift lever indicator is in "N"
(neutral) position,
o Tilt tiller forward by lifting handle°
Separate cardboard cover from leveling
shield.
o 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. Correct
and equal tire pressure is important for
best tilling performance,
° Reduce tire pressure to 20 PSL
HANDLE HEIGHT
° Handle height may be adjusted to better
suit operator. (See "TO ADJUST HAN-
DLE HEIGHT" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual).

These symbols may appearon yourTiller or in literaturesuppliedwith the product.
Learnand understandtheir meaning,
ENGINE ENGINE FA_T SLOW CHOKE
OH OFF
RUN
FUEL O_L _,TOP O
KNOW YOUR TILLER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
TILLER.
Compare the illustrations with your tiller to familiarize yourself with the location of vari-
ous controls and adjustments, Save this manual for future reference.
Drive Control Bar Throttle Control
Lever'
Choke Control
Fuel Shut-Off
valve
Shift Lever Indicator
Depth Stake
Leveling
Outer Side 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
tiller will dig.
LEVELING SHIELD -Levels tilled soil.
OUTER SIDE SHIELD - Adjustable to pro-
tect small plants from being buried.
THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control
engine speed.
SHIFT LEVER - Used to shift transmission
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.

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
DEPTH STAKE
The depth stake can be raised or lowered
to allow you more versatile tilling and culti-
vating, or to more easily transport your
tiller,
TINES AND DRIVE
,Release drive control bar to stop move-
ment.,
• Move shift lever to "N" (neutral) position°
STOPPING ENGINE
o 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
"ENGAGED" Position Shift Lever
Drive Bar
"DISENGAGED"
Position Thr&le
TINE OPERATION - WITH WHEEL
DRIVE
• Always release drive control bar before
moving shift lever into another position.
• line movement is achieved by moving
shift lever to ( _ ) til! position and
engaging drive control bar,
FORWARD - WHEELS ONLY/TINES
STOPPED
o Release drive control bar and move shift
lever indicator to "F" (forward) position.
Engage drive control bar and tiller wil!
move forward,
REVERSE - WHEELS ONLY/TINES
STOPPED
°DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY BEHIND
TILLER°
o Release the drive control bar.
o Move throttle control to "SLOW" posi-
tion.
o Move shift lever indicator to "R"
(reverse) position_
o Hold drive control bar against the handle
to start tiller movement.
Shallowest Tilling ...._
(Cultivating)
Deepest Tilling
_" Transport Position
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.
oPlace shift lever indicator in till position.
• Hold the drive control bar against the
handle to start tilling movement. Tines
and wheels will both turn.
o 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
Position
Nut "B"
Nut "A"
Outer Side Shield
"Locked"
Position
9

TURNING
o Release the drive control bar.
= Move throttle control to "SLOW" posi-
tion.
= Place shift lever indicator in "F" (forward)
position. Tines will not turn°
o Lift handle to raise tines out of ground.
o Swing the handle in the opposite direc-
tion 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 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 tilling to protect small plants from
being burJed_ Loosen nut "A" in slot and
nut "B". Move shield to desired position
(both sides). Retighten nuts,
TO TRANSPORT
,_kCAUTION; Before lifting or transport-
ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to cool.
Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gaso-
line from fuel tank.
AROUND THE YARD
oRelease 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.
o Place shift lever indicator in "F" (forward)
position for transporting.
o Hold the drive control bar against the
handle to start filler movement. Tines
will not turn.
° Move throttle control to desired speed.
AROUND TOWN
° Disconnect spark plug wire_
° Drain fuel tank.
° Transport in upright position to prevent
oil leakage.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
IMPORTANT: Be very careful not to allow
dirt to enter the engine when checking or
adding oil or fuel. Use clean oil and fuel
and store in approved, clean, covered 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 plug and remove plug.
°Engine oil should be to point of overflow-
ing when engine is level. For approxi-
mate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECI-
FICATIONS" 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 sec-
tion of this manual).
° To change engine oil, see the
Maintenance section in this manual.
oil
Filler
Oil Level Plug
Oil Drain Plug
ADD GASOLINE
o 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
C_dAweather starting.
RNING: 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 man-
ual for additional information_ Never use
engine or carburetor cleaner products in
the fuel tank or permanent damage may
occur.
10