Craftsman 917.293484 User manual

Owner's Manual
ICRnFTSMAN°I
REAR TINE TILLER WITH
COUNTER ROTATING TINES
6.5 HP
17 Inch Tine Width
Model No.
917.293484
This product has a low emission engine which operates
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the
engine, 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 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

Safety Rules ......................................... 2
Warranty ............................................... 2
Product Specifications .......................... 4
Assembly .............................................. 5
Operation .............................................. 8
Maintenance ....................................... 13
Service and Adjustments .................... 15
Storage ............................................... 19
Troubleshooting ................................. 20
Illustrated Parts List ............................ 42
Sears Service ...................... Back Cover
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER
For two (2) years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Tiller is maintained,
lubricated, 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 workman-
ship.
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
crankshafts and the failure 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 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 U.S.A.
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.
2
• 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 running engine 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.

•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 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
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.
MAINTENANCEAND 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.
_Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONIH BECOMEALERT!!! 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: 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

PRODUCT SPECIRCATIONS
Gasoline 3 Quarts
Capacity: Unleaded
Regular
Oil (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30
(Capacity: 19 oz.) (Above 40°F)
SAE5w-30/10W-30
(Below 40°F)
Spark Plug : Champion
(Gap: .030") RC12YC
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase
of a Sears 1311er.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 a
Sears or other qualified Service Center.
We have competent, well-trained techni-
cians 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.
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
=Customer Responsibilities" and
"Storage" sections of this Owner's
Manual.
J_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 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. A
spark arrester for the muffler is available
through your nearest Sears service
center (See REPAIR PARTS section of
this manual).
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
SPARK___I__PLUGMUFFLER AIR FILTER GASCAN ENGINE OIL STABILIZER
TILLER PERFORMANCE
FUR_ENER I
TILLER MAINTENANCE
BELT TINES SHEAR PIN HAIRPIN CLIP
4

Your new tiller has been assembled at the
factory with the 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) 13re 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) Hairpin Clips
(2) Shear Pins & Clips
(1) Carriage Bolt
3/8-16 UNC x 1 Gr. 5
(1) Flat Washer
13/32 x 1 x 11 Ga.
©
(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
_I_CAUTION: Be careful of exposed
staples when handling or disposing of
cartoning material.
IMPORTANT: When unpacking and
assembling tiller, be careful of exposed
staples when handling or disposing of
cartoning material.
1. While holding handle assembly, cut
cable ties securing handle assembly
to top frame. Let handle assembly
rest on tiller.
2. Remove top frame of carton.
3. Slowly ease handle assembly up and
place on top of carton.
4. Cut down right hand front and right
hand rear corners of carton, lay side
carton wall down.
5. Remove packing material from handle
assembly.
6. Separate shift rod from handle
assembly.
Assembly
INSTALL HANDLE
1. 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
Ha-Hand'eAssernbly
arcase Notch
ndle Lock
2. Grasp handle assembly. Hold in "up"
position. Be sure handle lock remains
in geamase notch. Slide handle
assembly into position.
3. Rotate handle assembly down. Insert
rear carriage bolt first, with head of
bolt on L.H. side of tiller and loosely
assemble Iocknut.
,_'" :::_-,,._J.,,,:',,'_ Handle Assembly
!' _i:,.:_::_.,,/ "UP" Position
<_'k'_ _.. Tighten handle
_-_'_.i", lock lever tllpohold
Loosen Handle Lo_
4. Insert pivot bolt in front part of plate
and tighten.
5. Cut down remaining corners of carton
and lay panels flat.
6. Lower the handle assembly. Tighten
nut on carriage bolt so handle moves
with some resistance. This will allow
for easier adjustment.
7. Place flat washer on threaded end of
handle lock lever.
8. Insert handle lock lever through
handle base and gearcase. Screw in
handle lock lever just enough to hold
lever in place.
9. Insert second handle lock (with teeth
inward) in the slot of the handle base
(just inside of washer).
10. Raise handle assembly to highest
position 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
Gearcase_
Slot
Rear Cartridge
Handle Base Locknut j
J
Pivot Bolt
6

INSERT CABLE CLIP
•Insert plastic cable clip into hole on the
back of handle column. Push cables
into clip.
Handle Column
Hairpir7
Shift Rod
Shift Lever
Indicator
, Cables
Cable Clip
CONNECT SHIFT ROD
1. Insert end of shift rod farthest 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.
LAttach this End To shift _ Shift Rod
Lever Indicator
REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE
1. Adjust handle assemby to lowest
position. Be sure lock lever is 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.
CHECKTIREPRESSURE
The tires on your unit were overinfiated 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

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.
FNR& ®
FILLING FORWARD NEUTRAL REVERSE CALr t'IIGN ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW C),XJKE FUEL OIL
OR WARNIt_i ON OFF
Throttle Control
Shift Lever
Drive Control Bar Shift Lever Indicator
Leveling c © Recoil
Starter
Outer Side 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.
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.
8

The operation of any tiller can result in foreign objectsthrown 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
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 Shift Lever
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.
ShallowestTilling ..........
(Cultivating)
Deeptest Tilling_
Depth Stake ------.
"Transport Position
J
Drive 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 drive 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
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
\
Nut
=B" Oute
Shield
"Locked"
Position
9

TURNING
1. Release the drive control bar.
2. Move throttle control to =SLOW"
position.
3. Place shift lever indicator in "F"
(forward) position. Tines will not turn.
4. Lift handle to raise tines out of ground.
5. Swing the handle in the opposite
direction you wish to turn, being
careful to keep feet and legs away
from tines.
6. 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.
1. Loosen nut "A" in slot and nut "B".
2. Move shield to desired position (both
sides).
3. Retighten nuts.
TO TRANSPORT
_I, CAUTION: Before lifting or transporting,
allow tiller engine and muffler to cool.
Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain
gasoline from fuel tank.
AROUND THE YARD
1. 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.
2. Place shift lever indicator in "F"
(forward) position for transporting.
3. Hold the drive control bar against the
handle to start tiller movement. Tines
will not turn.
4. Move throttle control to desired speed.
AROUND TOWN
1. Disconnect spark plug wire.
2. Drain fuel tank.
3. 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.
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 3 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.
Oil Fill
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.
_I_CAUTION: 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 manual for
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
10