Craftsman 917.293470 User manual

Owner's Manual
14 INCH TINE WIDTH
REAR TINE WITH
COUNTER ROTATING TINES
TILLER
Model No,
917.293470
•Safety
•Assembly
•Operation
• Maintenance
•Espa._ol
•Repair Parts
This product has a low emission engine which operates
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the en-
gine, read and understand this Owner's Manual.
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

Safety Rules.........................................2
Warranty ...............................................2
ProductSpecifications..........................4
Assembly.............................................. 5
Operation..............................................8
Maintenance Schedule...................... 13
Maintenance....................................... 13
Service and Adjustments.................... 15
Storage............................................... 19
Troubleshooting.................................20
IllustratedParts List ............................42
Pads Ordering..................... BackCover
LIMITED ONE YEARWARRANTY ONCRAFTSMAN TILLER
Forone (t) year from dateofpumhase,whenthisCraftsmanTillerismaintained,
lubricated,and tunedup accordingto the operatingand maintenanceinstructionsin
the owne¢smanual,Sears willrepairfree ofchargeanydefectin matedal orworkman-
ship.
ThisWarrantydoes notcover:.
• Expandableitemswhichbecome wornduringnormaluse, such as tines,spark
plugs,air cleanersand belts.
•Repairsnecessarybecause of operatorabuse or negligence,includingbent
crankshaftsand the failure to maintainthe equipmentaccordingtothe instructions
containedin the owner'smanual.
•IfthisCraftsmanTilleris usedfor commercialor rentalpurposes,thisWarranty
appliesfor onlythirty(30) days from thedate ofpurchase.
Warrantyserviceis availableby returningthe craftsmanpowermowertothe nearest
seam servicecentar/departmentin the unitedstates.Thiswarrantyappliesonlywhile
thisproductisin usein theunitedstates.
ThisWarrantygivesyou specificlegalrights,and youmay alsohave otherrightswhich
varyfrom statetostate.
SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES,IL 60179
IMPORTANT: This cuttingmachineiscapableof amputatinghandsand feet and
throwingobjects.Failuretoobservethefollowing safetyinstructionscouldresultin
seriousinjuryor death.
TRAINING
•Read the Owner'sManual carefully.Be
thoroughlyfamiliar withthe controls
and theproperuseofthe equipment.
Knowhowtostop the unitand disen-
gage the controlsquickly.
•Never allowchildrento operatethe
equipment.Never allowadultsto
operatethe equipmentwithoutproper
instruction.
•Keepthe area of operationclear ofall
persons,padiculadysmall children,
and pats.
PREPARATION
•Thoroughlyinspectthearea wherethe
equipmentisto be used and remove all
foreign objects.
•Disengageall clutchesand shiftinto
neutralbefore startingthe engine
(motor).
•Do notoperatethe equipment without
wearingadequate outergarments.
Wear footwear thatwillimprovetooting
on slipperysurfaces.
•Handlefuel withcare; itis highly
flammable.
•Use an approvedfuel container.
•Never add fuel to a runningengine or
hot engine.
•Fillfuel tankoutdoorswithextreme
care. Never fillfuel tank indoors.
•Replacegasolinecap securelyand
clean up spilledfuel beforerestarting.
•Use extensioncordsand receptacles
as specifiedbythe manufacturerfor all
unitswithelectricdrivemotorsor
electricstartingmotors.
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 pads.
• Exercise extreme caution when
operating on or crossing gravel drives,
walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden
hazards or traffic. Do not carry passen-
gere.
• 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 motom.
•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
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.
ALook for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!fl BECOME ALERTll! 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.
AWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.
3

PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS
GASOLINE 3QUARTS
CAPACITY: UNLEADED
REGULAR
OIL(API-SF-SJ): SAE30
CAPACITY:20OZ.)(ABOVE32°F)
SAE5W-30
(BELOW32°F)
SPARKPLUG: CHAMPION
GAP:,030") RJtgLMOR
J19LM
CONGRATULATIONSonyourpurchase
ofaSearsTiller.Ithasbeendesigned,
engineeredand manufacturedto give
you the bestpossibledependabilityand
performance.
Shouldyou expedenceany problemsyou
cannoteasily remedy,please contacta
Searsor otherqualifiedServiceCenter.
We havecompetent,well-trainedtechni-
ciansandthe propertoolstoserviceor
repairthisunit.
Please readand retainthismanual.The
instructionswillenable you to assemble
and maintainyourtillerproperly.Always
observethe=SAFETYRULES".
Yournewtillerhasbeen assembledat the
factory withexceptionofthosepartsleft
unassembledfor shippingpurposes. To
ensuresate and properoperationofyour
tillerall parts and hardwareyou as-
semblemustbe tightenedsecurely.Use
thecorrecttoolsas necessaryto insure
propertightness.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observethe safety rules.
•Followa regularschedulein maintain-
ing,caringfor and usingyourtiller.
•Followthe instructionsunderthe
"Customer Responsibilities"and
"Storage"sectionsof thisOwner's
Manual,
_,WARNING: Thisunitisequippedwith
an intemalcombustionengine and
shouldnot be used on or near any
unimprovedforest-covered, brush-
coveredor grasscoveredlandunlessthe
engine'sexhaustsystemis equippedwith
a spark arrestermeetingapplicablelocal
orstatelaws(ifany). Ifa sparkarrester is
used,itshouldbe maintainedin effective
workingorderbythe operator.
In thestate ofCaliforniathe aboveis
requiredby law(Section4442 of the
CalitomiaPublicResourcesCode).
Otherstatesmay havesimilarlaws.
Federal lawsapply on federal lands. A
sparkarresterfor the mufflerisavailable
throughyour nearestSearsservice
center (See REPAIRPARTSsectionof
this manual).
These accessorieswere availablewhenthe tillerwas purchased. They are also
availableat mostSears Retail outlets and Service Centers. Most Sears Stores can
orderrepairpartsfor you when youprovidethemodelnumberof yourtiller.
ENGINE
ISP_mKPLUal UU_Lm I MRtqL'rBt I_SC_ I B,mm_o_. I s'rJ_mLr_.RI
TILLER PERFORMANCE
FURROWOPENER
¢
111LLERMAJNTENA_ICE
mT
4

Your new tiller has been assembled at the
factory with exception of those pads left
unassembled for shipping purposes. To
ensure safe and proper operation of your
tiller al! 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
E
OPERATOR'S
POSITION
RIGHT
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
(2) Handle Locks
(1) Hairpin Clips
(2) Shear Pins & Clips
(1) Carriage Bolt
3/8-16 UNC x 1 Gr. 5
(1) Center Locknut
3/8-16 UNC
(1) Cable Clip
(1) Pivot Bolt
3/8-16 UNC Grade 5
,(1) FlatWasher
13/32 x1 x 11 Ga.
O(1) Handle Lock Lever "_

UNPACKING CARTON
_I_CAUTION: 8e carefulofexposed
stapleswhen handlingor disposingof
cartoningmatedaL
IMPORTANT:When unpackingand
assemblingtiller,be carefulof exposed
stapleswhen handlingor disposingof
cartoningmetedal.
1. While holdinghandleassembly,cut
cable ties securinghandle assembly
totopframe. Lethandleassembly
rest ontiller.
2. Removetop frame of carton.
3. Slowlyease handleassemblyup and
placeon topof carton.
4. Cut downdght handfront and right
handrear comersof carton,lay side
cartonwall down.
5. Remove packingmaterial fromhandle
aasemb_y.
6. Separate shiftrodfromhandle
assembly.
le
mbly
INSTALL HANDLE
1. Insertone handle lock(withteeth
facing outward)in gearcasenotch.
(Applygrease on smoothsideof
handlelock to aid in keepinglockin
place untilhandleassembly is
loweredintoposition.)
VIEWED FROM R.H. SIDE OFTILLER
Gearcase Notch
HandleLock
2. Grasp handleassembly. Holdin "up"
position. Be sure handle lockremains
in gearcase notch. Slidehandle
assemblyintoposition.
3. Rotate handleassemblydown. insert
rear cardageboltfirst,withhead of
bolton L.H. side oftillerand loosely
assemble Iocknut.
Loosen Handle Lock
Lever to Move
"UP"Position
old
4. Insertpivotboltinfrontpartofplate
and tighten.
5. Cutdown remainingcomersof carton
and laypanelsfiat.
6. Lowerthehandleassembly. Tighten
nuton cardageboltsohandlemoves
withsomeresistance. Thiswillallow
foreasier adjustment.
7. Placeflat washer onthreadedend of
handle locklever.
8. Inserthandlelock leverthrough
handle baseand gearcase. Screwin
handlelock leverjust enoughto hold
lever in place.
9. Insertsecondhandlelock(withteeth
inward)in theslot ofthehandlebase
(justinsideofwasher).
tO.Raise handleassemblyto highest
positionand securelytighten handle
lockleverby rotatingclockwise.
Leavinghandle assemblyin highest
positionwillmake it easierto connect
shiftrod.
•Flat Washer Handle Lock
x'Z
6

INSERT CABLE CLIP
•Insert plastic cable clip into hole on the Hairpir
back of handle column. Push cables ShiftRod
into clip,
Handle Column
Shift Lever
Indicator
Cables
Cable Clip
CONNECT SHIFT ROD
1. Insert end of shift rodfarthest from
bend into hole of shift lever indicator.
2. Insert hairpin clip through hole of shift
rod to secure with bend of clip on right
side.
[_ Attach this End To shift
Lever tndicator ShiftRod
REMOVETILLER FROM CRATE
1. Adjust handle assemby to lowest
position. Be sure lock lever iF tight-
ened securely,
2, Make sure shift lever indicator is in "N"
(neutral) position,
3, Tilt tiller forward by lifting handle.
Separate cardboard cover from
leveling shield.
4. Rotate tiller handle to the right and
pull tiller out of carton,
CHECKTIRE 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
better suit operator. (See "TO ADJUST
HANDLE HEIGHT" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual).
7

ThesesymbolsmayappearonyourTillerorinliteraturesuppliedwiththeproduct.
Leamandunderstandtheirmeaning.
KNOWYOURTILLER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETYRULES BEFOREOPERATINGYOUR
TILLER.
Compare the illustrations with your tiller to familiarize yourself with the location of
various controls and adjustments. Save this manualfor future reference.
FNR& 0<,
TLLII_ FORWARD NEUTRAL Rk_._SE CNJTION Eq_tE ENGINE FAST
_w_m _ c+T
ThrottleControl
Sh_ Lever
Drive Control Bar Shift Lever Indicator
Recoil
Starter
Handle
MEETS ANSISAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Our tillersconformto thesafetystandardsoftheAmedcanNationalStandardsInstitute.
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 boded.
THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control
engine speed.
LEVELING SHIELD -Levels tilled soil.
SHIFT LEVER oUsed to shift transmission
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.
HOWTO USEYOURTILLER
Know how to operate all controls before
adding fuel and oil or attempting to start
engine.
STOPPING
TINES AND DRIVE
1. Release drive control bar to stop
movement,
2. 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.
NOTE= Never use choke to stop engine.
Drive Control Bar
"ENGAGED" Position ShiffLever
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.
Shallowest Tilling
(Cultivating)
Deeptest Tilling_
Depth Stake_--
"_ Transport Position
J
Dnve Contml Bar
"DISENGAGED"
Poslr_n ThrottleContml
TINE OPERATION -WITHWHEEL
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 drive control bar and move
shift lever indicator to "F" (forward)
position. Engage ddve control bar and
tiller will move forward.
REVERSE - WHEELS ONLY/TINES
STOPPED
1. DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY BEHIND
TILLER.
2. Release the drive control bar.
3. Move throttle control to "SLOW"
position.
4. Move shift lever indicator to =R"
(reverse) position.
5. Hold drive control bar against the
handle to start tiller movement.
TILLING
1. 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.
2. Place shift lever indicator in till
position.
3. Hold the drive control bar against the
handle to start tilling movement. Tines
and wheels will both turn.
4. 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"
Side Shield
"Locked"
Position
g I'A"

TURNING
I. Release thedrive controlbar.
2. Move throttlecontrolto"SLOW"
position.
3. Placeshiftlever indicatorin "F"
(forward) position. Tineswillnot turn.
4. Lifthandleto raisetinesout ofground.
5. Swingthe handle inthe opposite
directionyouwish toturn, being
carefulto keep feet and legsaway
from tines.
6. Whenyou have completedyourtam-
around, releasethe drivecontrolbar
and lowerhandle. Place shift lever in
(till)positionand movethrottlecontrol
todesiredspeed. To begintilling,
holdddve controlbar againstthe
handle.
OUTER SIDE SHIELDS
The backedges ofthe outerside shields
are slottedsothatthe shieldscanbe
raised for deep tillingand loweredfor
shallowtillingto protectsmallplantsfrom
being buried.
1, Loosennut"A"in slotand nut=B_.
2. Move shieldto desiredposition(both
sides).
3. Retightennuts.
TOTRANSPORT
_I,CAUTION: Beforeliftingor transporting,
allowtillerengineand mufflertocool.
Disconnectsparkplugwire. Drain
gasolinefrom fuel tank.
AROUND THE YARD
I. Releasethe depthstake pin. Move
thedepthstake down tothe tophole
for transportingthetiller. Place depth
stake pinin holeof depthstaketo lock
in position.Thispreventstinesfrom
scuffing the ground,
2. Place shiftlever indicatorin "F"
(forward)positionfor transporting.
3. Hold thedrivecontrolbar againstthe
handletostarttillermovement. Tines
willnottam.
4. Move throttlecontrolto desiredspeed.
AROUND TOWN
1. Disconnectsparkplug wire,
2. Drainfuel tank.
3. Transportin updghtpositionto
preventoil leakage.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
IMPORTANT:Be verycarefulnottoallow
dirttoenter the enginewhen checkingor
addingoilor fuel. Use clean oiland 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.
1. With engine level, clean area around
oil filler plug and remove plug.
2. Engine oil should be to point of
overflowing when engine is level.
• For approximate capacity see =PROD-
UCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 4 of
this manual. All oil must meet A.P.I.
Service Classification SF-SJ.
•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.
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 tem-
peratures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh,
clean, winter grade gasoline to help
insure good cold weather starting.
A,WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gesohol 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
manual for additional information. Never
use engine or carburetor cleaner prod-
ucts in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
10