Craftsman 917.293311 User manual

Owner's Manual
I:RRFTXMRN"
6.0 HP
17 INCH TINE WIDTH
REAR TINE WITH
COUNTER ROTATING TINE_
TILLER
Model No.
917.293311
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
•Espa_ol
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before
operating this equipment.
For answers to your questions
about this product, Call:
1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman Help Line
5 am - 5 pro, Mon - Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

S_"_yL,_ul_s.........................................2
W a@.........:......................................2
Pr0(_uc[- Specifications ..:........................ 4
,., ........ H,.,'.....o,,. ...... ,*. ...... • 5
Asserd_ly ,,_,. * _
Operat_nMainten....................._ .:'"", .................. f 83
Service and Adjustments ..................... 1
Storage ................................................ 1
Troubleshooting ................................ ;
Illustrated Parts List .......................... z
Parts Ordering ...................... Back Coy
For two (2)
lubricated, arid t'
the owner's
ship.
:_RANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER
da_e o! purchase, when thns Craftsman Tiller is maintained,
acc(_rdlng to the operating and maintenance instructions in
wan repair free of charge any defect in material or workm_
This Warranty does _ot oh."ver:
• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as tines, spark
plugs, air cleaners and belts.
• Repairs necessary bedause of operator abuse or negligence, including bent
crankshafts and the faifure: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 neares'
Sears service center/department m the United States. This warranty applies only whi
this product is in use in the United States.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights whi
vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, |L 60179
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is
capable of amputating hands and feet
and throwing objects. Failure to observe
the following safety instructions could
result in serious injury or death.
TRAINING
•Read the Owner's Manual carefully. Be
thoroughly familiar with the controls
and the proper use of the equipment.
Know how to stop the unit and disen-
gage the controls quickly.
• Never allow children to operate the
equipment. Never allow adults to
operate the equipment without proper
instruction.
•Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, particularly small children,
and pets.
PREPARATION
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the
equipment is to be used and remove all
fore=gn objects.
•Disengage all clutches and shift into
neutral before starting the engine
(motor).
• Do not operate the equipment withoul
wearing adequate outer garments.
Wear footwear that will improve footm
on slippery surfaces.
•Handle fuel with care; ntis highly
flammable.
•Use an approved fuel container.
• Never add fuel to a running engine ol
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
units wuth electric dnve motors or
electric starting motors.
2

•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 reads. Stay alert for hidden
hazards or traffic. Do not carry passen-
gers.
• Affer 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.
•Exemise 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
arate.
• 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.
Al_.Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEAWARE!!! YOU R
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
ACAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs.
_:_WARNING: 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 3 QUARTS
CAPACITY: UNLEADED
REGULAR
OIL (API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30
3APACITY: 19 OZ.) (ABOVE 40°F)
SAE5W-30/10W-30
(BELOW 40°F)
SPARK PLUG : CHAMPION
GAP: .030") RJ19LM OR
J19LM
Congratulations on your purchase of a
Craftsman 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 as-
semble must be tightened securely. Use
the correct tools as necessary to insure
proper tightness.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is
available on this product. Contact your
nearest Sears store for details.
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
"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 arrester meeting applicable local
or state laws (if any). If aspark 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
_LLERPERFORMANC
FURROW OPENER
TILLER MAINTENANCE
BELT TIMES SHEAR pin HAIRPIN CLIP
4

Yournewtiller hasbeen 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.
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 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).
LEFT
front
OPERATOR'S
POSITION
RIGHT
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
(2) Handle Locks (1) Carriage Bolt
3/8-16 UNC x I Gr. 5
(1) Hairpin Clips I (_) _
_ , (1) Flat Washer
13/32 x 1 xll Ga.
°1 0
(2) Shear Pins & Clips
@
(1) Center Locknut
3/8-16 UNC
(1) Cable Clip
(1) Pivot Bolt
3/8-16 UNC Grade 5
(1) Handle Lock Lever
5

UNPACKING CARTON
_kCAUTION: 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 from handle
assembly.
•Separate shift rod from handle assem-
bly.
Shift Rod
Assembly
INSTALL HANDLE
•Insert one handle lock (with teeth
facing outward) in geamase 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
Loosen Handle Lock
Lever to Move
bly
"UP" Position
Tighten handle
lock lever to hold
•Insert pivot 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 carriage bolt so handle moves
with some resistance. This will allow for
easier adjustment.
•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.
•Insert second handle lock (with teeth
inward) in the slot of the handle base
(just inside of washer).
• Raise handle assembly to highest po-
sition and securely tighten handle lock
lever by rotating clockwise. Leaving
handle assembly in highest position
will make it easier to connect shift rod.
Flat Washer Handle Lock
Handle Lock Lever
Y
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 L.H. side of tiller and loosely
assemble Iocknut.
Slot
Rear Cartridge
Handle Base
6
Locknut.F_ Pivot Bolt

INSERT CABLE CLIP
• Insert plastic cable clip into hole on the
back of handle column. Push cables
into clip.
Hairpin
Shift Rod
Shift Lever
Indicator
Handle Column
Cables
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"'_-Attach this End To shift Shift Rod
Lever Indicator
REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE
•Adjust handle assemby to lowest posi-
tion. Be sure lock lever is tightened se-
curely.
•Make sure shift lever indicator is in "N"
(neutral) position.
•Tilt tiller forward by lifting handle.
Separate cardboard cover from level-
ing 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. Correct
and equal tire pressure is important for
best tilling performance.
• Reduce tire pressure to 20 PSI.
HANDLE HEIGHT
• Handle height may be adjusted to bet-
ter suit operator. (See "TO ADJUST
HANDLE HEIGHT" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual).
7

These symbols may appear on your Tiller or in literature supplied with the product.
Learn and understand their meaning.
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
various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
Control
Shift Lever
Drive Control Bar Shift Lever Indicator
Depth
Leveling
Recoil
Starter
Handle
Outer Side Shield
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.
OUTER SIDE SHIELD - Adjustable to
protect small plants from being buried.
THROTTLE CONTROL -Used to control
engine speed.
LEVELING SHIELD - Levels tilled soil.
SHIFT LEVER - Used to shift transmissior
gears.
SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR -Shows
which gear the transmission is in.
RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to
start the 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" posi-
tion. If equipped with stop switch, move
switch to "STOP" position.
•Never usa choke to stop engine.
Drive Control Bar
"ENGAGED" Position Shift Lever
•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
backward until are able to shift gears.
DEPTH STAKE
The depth stake can be raised or Iowere_
to allow you more versatile tilling and
cultivating, or to more easily transport
your tiller.
Shallowest'Filling .._
(Cultivating) '_" Transport Position
Deeptest Tilling_
Depth Stake
Ddve Control Bar
"DISENGAGED"
Position Throttle Control
TINE OPERATION -WITH WHEEL
DRIVE
•Always release drive control bar before
moving shift lever into another posi-
tion.
•Tine movement is achieved by moving
shift lever to (_) till position and
engaging drive control bar.
FORWARD - WHEELS ONLY/TINES
STOPPED
•Release ddve control bar and move
shift lever indicator to =F" (forward)
position. 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 throttle control to "SLOW"
position.
•Move shift lever indicator to "R"
(reverse) position,
J
TILUNG
•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
- \
Shield
=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.
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
shallow tilling to protect small plants from
being buried. Loosen nut =A" in slot and
nut "S". Move shield to desired position
(both sides). Retighten nuts.
TO TRANSPORT
_I_CAUTION: Before lifting or transport-
ing, 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 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
containers, use clean fill funnels.
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
•The engine in your unit has been
shipped, from the factory, already fUle¢
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
overlowing when engine is level. For
approximate capacity see "PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIONS" on page 4 of this
manual. All oil must meet A.P.I. Servic_
Classification SF, SG or SH.
• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten
• For cold weather operation you shouIc
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 Fill
ADD GASOLINE
•Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline. (Use of leaded
gasoline will increase carbon and leac
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.
• 1,WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an
engine while in storage. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system should be
emptied before storage of 30 days or
longer. Drain the gas tank, start the
engine and let it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fue
next season. See Storage section of thL,
manual for additional information. Neve_
use engine or carburetor cleaner prod-
ucts in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
10