Craftsman 917.293492 User manual

Owner's Manual
JCRHFTSMI N°J
REAR TINE TILLER WITH
DUAL ROTATING TINES
7.0HP
19 Inch Tine Width
Model No.
917.293492
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

Warranty ............................................... 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 2
Product Specifications .......................... 4
Assembly .............................................. 5
Operation .............................................. 8
Maintenance ....................................... 14
Maintenance Schedule ...................... 14
Service and Adjustments .................... 16
Storage ............................................... 20
Troubleshooting ................................. 21
Illustrated Parts List ............................ 44
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.
• 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.
2

• 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.
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
_IP eri°d.
Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!H YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
_CAUTION" 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.
_HI,WAFINING" Engine exhaust, some of
its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other repro-
ductive harm.
3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Gasoline 4 Quads
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 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 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.
_iLWARNING: 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
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) 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
/IIIIIII/Y
(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 not to stretch
or kink cables.
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.
Shift Rod
Assembly
INSTALL HANDLE
1. Insert the thicker black handle lock
(with teeth facing to the right) in
gearcase notch.
VIEWED FROM R.H. SIDE OF TILLER
\
Gearcase Notch
Handle Lock
,
3. Rotate handle assembly down. Insert
rear carriage bolt first, with head of
bolt on L.H. side of tiller and loosely
assemble Iocknut.
4. Insert pivot bolt in front part of plate
and tighten.
5. Cut down left hand rear corner of
carton. Lay rear carton wall down,
which will remove the protective
cardboard flap from leveling shield.
6. Cut down remaining corners of carton
and lay panels flat.
7. Lower the handle assembly. Tighten
nut on carriage bolt so handle moves
with some resistance. This will allow
for easier adjustment.
8. Place flat washer on threaded end of
handle lock lever.
9. Insert handle lock lever through
handle base and gearcase. Screw in
handle lock lever just enough to hold
lever in place.
10.Insert the smaller silver handle lock
(with teeth inward) in the slot of the
handle base (just inside of washer).
11.With handle assembly in lowest
position, securely tighten handle lock
lever by rotating clockwise. Leaving
handle assembly in lowest position
will make it easier to remove tiller from
carton. Flat Washer Handle Lock
Handle Lock, Lever
\
Slot
Grasp handle assembly. Hold in "up" Rear Cartridge
position. Be sure handle lock remains B/olt
in gearcase notch. Slide handle _
assembly into position.
6Handle Base
.__ Pivot Bolt
Locknut

INSERT CABLE CLIP
• Insert plastic cable clip into hole on the
back of handle column, Push cables
into clip.
Handle Column
Cable Clip
CONNECT SHIFT ROD
1 Insert end of _.h,fl rod ,ntO h_l_ of Sh,q
lever rod,cater
2 Insert ha,fp_n chp lhtouqh hOIe Of shift
rod |0 Secure
I_ ,1_,,,_CTph_,] ".'ltOf
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.
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 hllmg performance.
• Reduce hre 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

KNOW YOUR TILLER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND 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.
. s,o.
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE CAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL
TILLING TILLING FORWARD NEUTRAL REVERSE O_ WARNING ON OFF
Throttle Control
;hift Lever
Drive Control Bar Shift Lever Indicator
Drag
Depth
Leveling Shield
Outer Side Shield Q
, 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.
DRAG STAKE - Controls forward speed
in forward rotating till position.
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 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 standard
safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.
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' 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.
Shallowest Tilling
Deepest Tilling
Depth Stake
_'Transport Position
J
DRAG STAKE
Drive Control Bar
"DISENGAGED"
Position
The drag stake should be raised when
tilling the counter rotating (_) till position.
The drag stake should be lowered when
tilling in the forward rotating (_;) till
position.
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 either the counter rotating
(_,) till position or the forward rotating
(_) 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.
J
Lowered _
(Forward Rotating till)
Raised
(Counter rotating till)
9
TILLING
NOTE: Use the counter rotating tine drive
when tilling hard or rockey soil, virgin
ground or sod.
1. Release depth stake and drag stake
pins. Pull the depth stake up for
increased tilling depth. Raise the
drag stake, Place proper pin in hole of
depth stake or drag stake to lock in
position.
2. Place shift lever indicator in counter
rotating (_) 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.
IMPORTANT: Always release drive
control bar before moving shift lever into
another position. "Locked" Position
Depth )r Drag
Nut Position
Outer Side
Shield
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.
CULTIVATING
NOTE: Use the forward rotating tree dnve
when cultivating, tilling soft ground or
tilling pre-tilled soil.
1. Release the depth and drag slake
pins. Lower drag stake. Pull the deplh
stake up for increased tilling depth.
Place proper pin in hole of depth
stake or drag stake to lock in position.
2. Place shift lever indicator in forward to
rotating (_:) 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 "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 lower the drag
stake when using the forward rotating tine
drive.
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 posd_on to
prevent od leakage
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
IMPORTANT Be very careful not to allow
d_rt Io enler the en(]_ne _,hen checkang or
adding oil or tuel U_e clean ed and fuel
and store _n a_pfoved cledn, covered
cor_l,l_ners u_e clean hll funnels
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
The engine in your unal 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
overlowing 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.
3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten
10