Craftsman 917.293340 User manual

Owner's Manual
[RRFTSMRN*
9.0 HP
21 INCH TINE WIDTH
REAR TINE WITH
COUNTER ROTATING TINES
TILLER
Model No.
917.293340
*Safety
* Assembly
*Operation
e Maintenance
e Espa_ol
. Repair Parts
I
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
Seers Craftsman Help Line
5 am -5 pm, Mon -Sat
Seam, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty................................................ 2
Safety Rules ................. ,........................ 2
Product Specifications ............................ 4
Assembly ...................... i......:.................. 5
Operation ........ ._............i......_................. 8
Maintenance ....L....._......_......_............... 13
Maintenance Schedule ............ ........... 13
Service and Adjustments ..................... 15
Storage ................................................ 19
Troubleshooting .................................. 20
Illustrated Parts List ............................. 42
Parts Ordering ...................... Back Cover
LIMITED TWO , ,RR_NTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER
Forltwo!(2)yearsfrom d_te(ifpurchase,when thisCraftsmanTillerismaintained,
lubricated,and tune_ up!ac_rding to theoperatingand maintenanceinstructionsin
theowner'smanual,ISeslrs_illrepairfreeofchargeany defectinmaterialorworkman-
ship. _ " -
This Warranty does not cover:
• Expendable items wh Ch becorne'!wom,,during normal use, such as tines, spark
plugs, air cleaners and belts.
• Repairs necessary because ofoperator abuse or negligence, including bent
crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions
contained in theowner'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 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
foreign objects.
• 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 runningengine 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.
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 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 electdc 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 tilltoo 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 accessodes
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 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
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
ignitionsources 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 if the
tiller is to be stored for an extended
period.
ALook for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!t! BECOMEAWAREt!!YOUR
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 Califomia to cause cancer,
birthdefects or other reproductive harm.
3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
GASOLINE 4 QUARTS
CAPACITY: UNLEADED
REGULAR
OIL(API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30
(CAPACITY: 44 OZ.) (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE3W-30
(BELOW 32°F)
SPARK PLUG : CHAMPION
GAP: .030") RJ19LM OR
J19LM
Congratulations on your purchase of a
Craftsman l]ller. 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
instructionswill 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 .mustbe 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 instructionsunder 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-coversd, 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 Rasources Code).
Other states may have similar laws.
Federal laws apply on federal lands. See
your Sears Authorized Service Center for
spark arrester. Refer tothe 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.
EIKIINE
IPARK PLUG MUFR.,F_ AIR FIL'III_

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,
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 rightor 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
I
RIGHT
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
(1) Handle Lock
(Black)
(2) Hairpin Clips
(1) Carriage Bolt
3/8-16 UNC x 1 Gr. 5
(1) Flat Washer
13/32 x I xll Ga.
©
(1_8.Cle_t_l_lLc°cknut
(1) Cable Clip
(1) Pivot Bolt
3/8-16 UNC Grade 5
(1) Handle Lock Lever
5

UNPACKINGCARTON
_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.
•Cut down left hand rear corner of
carton. Lay rear carton wall down,
which will remove the protective
cardboard flap from leveling shield.
•Remove packing material from handle
assembly.
Shift Rod
Assembly
INSTALL HANDLE
• Insert the thicker black handle lock
(with teeth facing to the right) in
gearcase notch.
•Grasp handle assembly. Hold in =up"
position. Be sure handle lock remains
in gearcase notch. Slide handle
assembly into position.
VIEWED FROM R.H, SIDE OF TILLER
_. Ge _/HandHl_na_l:_So_:: bly
le Lock
•Rotate handle assembly down. Insert
rear cardage bolt first, with head of bolt
on L.H. side of tiller and loosely
assemble Iocknut.
Loosen Handle Lock
Lever to Move
,. Handle Assembly
"UP"Posltion
Tighten har_e
lock lever to hold
Q
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 cardage 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 geamase. Screw in handle
lock lever just enough to hold lever in
place.
Insert the smaller silver handle lock
(with teeth inward) in the slot ofthe
handle base (just inside of washer).
With handle assembly in lowest
position, seourely tighten handle lock
lever by rotating clockwise. Leaving
handle assembly in lowest position will
make it easier to remove tiller from
carton. FlatWasher HandleLock
HandleLock Lever
Gearcase_
Slot
Rear Cartridge
Locknut
Handle Base
6

INSERT CABLE CLIP
•Insert plastic cable clip into hole on the
back of handle column. Push cables
into clip.
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. Shift Lever
Hairpin Indicator
Shift Rod
REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE
•Make sure shift lever indicator is in =N"
(neutral) position.
•Tilt tiller forward by liftinghandle.
•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 importantfor
best tilling performance.
•Reduce tire pressure to 20 PSI.
HANDLE HEIGHT
•Handle height may be adjusted to bet-
ter suit operator. (See "1"0 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.
F N R& @
T_LUNG FORWARO NEUTRAL REVERSE _ENGINE ENGINE CHOKE FUEL OIL
OR wARNING ON OFF
Control
Lever
Drive Control Bar
Choke Control
Shift Lever Indicator
Depth
• @ Recoil
Leveling Starter
Handle
Outer
MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Our tillers conform to the safety standards of the Amedcan 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 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.
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 aye
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 use choke to stop engine.
Drive Control Bar
"ENGAGED" Position Shift Lever
•Hold ddve control bar against the
handle to start tiller movement.
HARD TO SHIFT GEARS
•Briefly engage ddve 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.
Shallowest Tilling
(Cultivating Position
Deepest Tiffin
Depth
Drive Control Bar
=DISENGAGED"
Position Throttle Control
TINE OPERATION - WITH WHEEL
DRIVE
•Always release ddve control bar before
moving shift lever into another posi-
tion.
•Tine movement is achieved by moving
shift lever to (_) till position and
engaging ddve control bar.
FORWARD -WHEELS ONLY/TINES
STOPPED
•Release drive control bar and move
shiftlever indicatorto =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 ddve control bar.
•Move throttlecontrol to =SLOW"
position.
•Move shift lever indicatorto =R"
(reverse) position.
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 ddve control bar against the
handle to start tillingmovement. Tines
and wheels will both tum.
•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
\ \
"B"
Shield
9

TURNING
•Release the drive control bar.
•Move throttlecontrol to =SLOW"
position.
•Place shift lever indicator in up,
(forward) position. Tines will not tum.
•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 =B'. Move shield to desired position
(both sides). Retighten nuts.
TO TRANSPORT
_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 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
ovedowing when engine is level. For
approximate capacity see =PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIONS" on page 4 of this
manual. All oil must meet A.P.I. Service
ClassificationSF, SG or SH.
•Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten
•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 ,Oil
Filler
Drain
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.
AWARNING: Experience indicatesthat
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, startthe
engine and let it run untilthe fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
next season. See Storage section of this
manual for additional information. Never
use engine or carburetor cleaner prod-
ucts in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
10