Craftsman TILLER 917.292394 User manual

Owner's Manual
ICP nFTSMnN:,I,
5.5 HP
24 INCH TINE WIDT_I
FRONT TINE
TILLER
Model No.
917.292394
•Safety
•Assembly
•Operation
•Maintenance
•EspaSol
•Repair Parts
@
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
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty .................................................. 2
Safety Rules ............................................ 2
Product Sprcifications ............................. 4
Assembly ................................................ 5
Operation ........................................... 3&7
Manintenance ....................................... 11
Service and Adjustments ...................... 13
Storage ............................................ 3&16
Troubleshooting .................................... 17
lUustrated Parts List ............................... 36
Parts Ordering ........................ Back Cover
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER
For one (1) year 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 workmanship.
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 crank-
shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con-
tained 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
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 disengage 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.
• 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 adjust-
ments while the engine (motor) is
running (except where specifically
recommended 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 ANDSTORAGE
• 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
CAUTION!!! BECOMEAWARE!!! 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.
_I_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 QTS
CAPACITY: UNLEADED
REGULAR
OIL(API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30
CAPACITY: 20 OZ.) (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30
(BELOW 32°F)
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION
GAP: .030") RJ19LM OR J19LM
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
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 assemble
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.
• Followthe instructions under the
"Maintenance" and "Storage" sections
of this Owner's Manual.
_i, WARNING: 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. 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
SPARK PLUG MUFFLER AIR FILTER GAS CAN ENGINE OIL STABILIZER
TILLER MAINTENANCE
BELT TINES SHEAR PIN HAIRPIN CLIP
,
4

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) Pair of pliers
(2) 1/2 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).
FRONT
LEFT RIGHT
OPERATOR'S
POSITION
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
(1) Manual
@
(2) Lock
Washers 5/16
@
(2) Flange Locknuts
5/16-18 UNC
@
(2) Hex Nuts
5/16-18
(1) Plastic
Cable Clip
5/16-18 x 1-1/4
(1) Bottle Engine Oil
(2) Carriage Bolts 5/16-18 UNC x 2-3/8 Gr. 5
5

UNPACK CARTON & INSTALL
HANDLE
ACAUTION: 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 cable(s).
• Cut cable ties securing handle column.
•Remove all packing from carton.
•Secure handle column to handle mount
using two (2) carriage bolts and two (2)
flange Iocknuts. Tighten both flange
Iocknuts securely.
•Remove packing material from handle
assembly.
•Route tine control cable through plastic
cable clip on handle column.
•Insert plastic cable clip into hole in
handle column.
• Cut cable ties securing tiller to skid.
• Cut away carton and remove tiller from
skid by pulling backwards.
Tine Control_
Tine Control Cable
Handle Moun umn
Tine
Control
/'
Carriage_"%
Bolts I-_% _;_ S
/
Flange
Locknuts
INSTALL DEPTH STAKE
ASSEMBLY
•Loosen nut "A".
• Insert stake support between engine
bracket halves with stake spring down.
• Bolt stake support to engine brackets
with bolts, lock washers and nuts.
Tighten securely. Tighten nut "A".
• Depth stake must move freely. If it does
not, loosen support bolt.
\Engine Bracket Halves
Depth Stake
Su
Depth
Stake
Hex Bolts, Lockwashers,
and Hex Nuts
HANDLE HEIGHT
• Handle height may be adjusted to better
suit operator. (See "HANDLE HEIGHT"
in the Service and Adjustments section
of this manual).
TILLING WIDTH
• Tilling width may be adjusted to better
handle your tilling conditions (See "TINE
ARRANGEMENT" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual).
TINE OPERATION
• Check tine operation before first use.
(See "TINE OPERATION CHECK" in
the Service and Adjustments section of
this manual).
6

These symbols may appear on your Tiller or in literature supplied with the product. Learn
and understand their meeting.
KNOW YOUR TILLER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
TILLER.
Compare the illustrations with your tiller to familiarize with the location of various
controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
F N
TILLING FORWARD N_UT_AL REVERSE CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE EAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL O_L STOp O
OR WARNING ON OFF
Choke Control
ottle Control
Depth Stake_
Tine Shield
Recoil Startel
Handle O
MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Our tillers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
FORWARD TINE CONTROL - Engages
tines in forward direction.
CHOKE CONTROL -Used when starting
a cold engine.
THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control
engine speed.
DEPTH STAKE -Controls forward speed
and the depth at which tiller will dig.
RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to
start the engine.
7

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 WHEELS
Know how to operate all controls before
adding fuel and oil or attempting to start
engine.
STOPPING
TINES
Adjust wheels by removing the hairpin clip
and clevis pin. Change wheel position.
Replace the hairpin clip and clevis pin.
*For normal tilling, set wheels at the
second or third hole from the top.
•Release tine control to stop movement.
ENGINE
*Move throttle control to "STOP" position.
•Never use choke to stop engine.
\Hairpin Clip and
;Pin
Depth Stake
Forward Tine Control "OFF"
(DOWN) Positiol
Control
Control
TINE OPERATION
• Squeeze tine control to handle.
TILLING
The speed and depth of tilling is regulated
by the position of the depth stake and
wheel height.
The depth stake should always be below
the wheels for digging. It serves as a
brake to slow the tiller's forward motion to
enable the tines to penetrate the ground.
Also, the more the depth stake is lowered
into the ground the deeper the tines will
dig.
DEPTH STAKE
Adjust depth stake by removing the hairpin
clip and clevis pin. Change depth stake to
desired position. Replace the clevis pin
and hairpin clip.
• For normal tilling, set depth stake at the
second or third hole from the top.
Wheel Hairpin Clip and
Clevis Pin
TOTRANSPORT
A, CAUTION: Before lifting or transporting,
allow tiller engine and muffler to cool.
Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain
gasoline from fuel tank.
AROUND THE YARD
• Tip depth stake forward until it is held by
the stake spring.
• Push tiller handles down, raising tines off
the ground.
• Push or pull tiller to desired location.
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.
FILL ENGINE WITH OIL
• Remove hangtag from engine.
• With engine level, remove engine oil
filler plug.
• Fill engine with oil to point of overflow-
ing. For approximate capacity see
"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS".
• Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then re-
level.

• With engine level, refill to point of
overflowing if necessary. Replace oil
filler plug.
• For cold weather operation you should
change oil for easier starting (See "OIL
VISCOSITY CHART" in the Mainte-
nance section of this manual).
• To change engine oil, see the Mainte-
nance section of this manual.
Oil Filler
Oil Level 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 tempera-
tures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean,
winter grade gasoline to help insure good
cold weather starting.
_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 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.
ACAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch of top of
fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow for
fuel expansion. If gasoline is accidentally
spilled, move machine away from area of
spill. Avoid creating any source of ignition
until gasoline vapors have disappeared.
Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
TO START ENGINE
_CAUTION: Keep tine control in "OFF"
position when starting engine.
When starting engine for the first time or if
engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra
pulls of the recoil starter to move fuel from
the tank to the engine.
• Make sure spark plug wire is properly
connected.
• Place throttle control in "FAST" position.
• Move choke control to full "CHOKE"
position. Grasp recoil starter handle with
one hand and grasp tiller handle with
other hand. Pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches start of compression
cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this
point).
• Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not
let starter handle snap back against
starter. Repeat if necessary.
• If engine fires but does not start, move
choke control to half choke position. Pull
recoil starter handle until engine starts.
• When engine starts, slowly move choke
control to "RUN" position as engine
warms up,
NOTE: A warm engine requires less
choking to start.
• Move throttle control to desired running
position.
• Allow engine to warm up for a few
minutes before engaging tines.
NOTE: If at a high altitude (3000 feet) or
in cold temperatures (below 32°F), the
carburetor fuel mixture may need to be
adjusted for best engine performance.
See "TO ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.
NOTE: If engine does not start, see
troubleshooting points.
Control
Control
Recoil Stal
9

BREAKING IN YOUR TILLER
Break-in your belt(s), pulleys and tine
control before you actually begin tilling.
•Start engine, tip tines off ground by
pressing handles down and engage tine
control to start tine rotation. Allow tines
to rotate for five minutes.
• Check tine operation and adjust if
necessary. See "TINE OPERATION
CHECK" in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.
TILLING HINTS
_,CAUTION: Until you are accustomed to
handling your tiller, start actual field use
with throttle in slow position.
To help tiller move forward, lift up the
handles slightly (thus lifting depth stake
out of ground). To slow down the tiller,
press down on handles.
If you are straining or tiller is shaking, the
wheels and depth stake are not set
properly in the soil being tilled. The proper
setting of the wheels and depth stake is
through trial and error and depends upon
the soil condition. (The harder or wetter
the ground, the slower the engine and tine
speed needed. Under these poor condi-
tions, at fast speed the tiller will run and
jump over the ground).
A properly adjusted tiller will dig with little
effort from the operator.
• Tilling is digging into, turning over, and
breaking up packed soil before planting.
Loose, unpacked soil helps root growth.
Best tilling depth is 4"-6". A tiller will
also clear the soil of unwanted vegeta-
tion. The decomposition of this veg-
etable matter enriches the soil. De-
pending on the climate (rainfall and
wind), it may be advisable to till the soil
at the end of the growing season to
further condition the soil.
•Soil conditions are important for proper
tilling. Tines will not readily penetrate
dry, hard soil which may contribute to
excessive bounce and difficult handling
of your tiller. Hard soil should be
moistened before tilling; however,
extremely wet soil will "ball-up" or clump
during tilling. Wait until the soil is less
wet in order to achieve the best results.
When tilling in the fall, remove vines and
long grass to prevent them from
wrapping around the tine shaft and
slowing your tilling operation.
•You will find tilling much easier if you
leave a row untilled between passes.
Then go back between tilled rows.
There are two reasons for doing this.
First, wide turns are much easier to
negotiate than about-faces. Second, the
tiller won't be pulling itself, and you,
toward the row next to it.
• Set depth stake and wheel height for
shallow tilling when working extremely
hard soil or sod. Then work across the
first cuts at normal depth.
3 2 !11
4i
I ; I ! i
15! 6 7 t
1
2
CULTIVATING
Cultivating is destroying the weeds be-
tween rows to prevent them from robbing
nourishment and moisture from the plants.
At the same time, breaking up the upper
layer of soil crust will help retain moisture
in the soil. Best digging depth is 1"-3".
• You will probably not need to use the
depth stake. Begin by tipping the depth
stake forward until it is held by the stake
spring.
• Cultivate up and down the rows at a
speed which will allow tines to uproot
weeds and leave the ground in rough
condition, promoting no further growth of
weeds and grass.
¸
r- , |
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