Craftsman TILLER 917.29332 User manual

Owner's Manual
CRAFTSMAN
65 HP
19 INCH TINE WIDTH
REAR TINE WITH
DUAL ROTATING TINES
TILLER
Model No.
917.293320
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
•Maintenance
•Espa_ol
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co.,Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Warranty ............................. ;................... 2
Safety Rules ..................... :..................... 2
Product Specifications .......................... 4
Assembly ........................... _.................... 5
Operation ......................................... 3 & 8
Maintenance .................................. _...... 13
Service and Adjustments ...................... 15
Storage .......................................... 3 & 19
Troubleshooting .................................... 20
Illustrated Parts List .............................. 42
Parts Ordering ....................... Back Cover
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER
For two (2) years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Tiller is maintained, lubri-
cated, 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 opbrator 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 onlythirty (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
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 oper-
ate the equipment without proper
instruction.
•Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, particulady small children, and
pets. ,,
PREPARATION
•Thoroughly inspect the area where the
6quipment is to be used and remove all
foreign objects.
•Disengage all clutches and shift into
neutral before starting the engine (mo-
tor).
• 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 flam-
mable.
• Use an approved fuel container.
• Never add fuel to arunning 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.
• _Jse extension cords and receptacles as
specified by the manufacturer for all
units with electdc 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).
2

OPERATION
• Do not put hands or feet near'or under
rotating parts.
•Exercise extreme caution when operat-
ing on or crossing gravel drives, walks,
or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards
or traffic. Do not carry passengers.
•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 operating
the tiller.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or
falling.
•If the unit should start to vibrate abnor-
mally, 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 leav-
ing the machine unattended. Disengage
the tines, shift into neutral, and stop the
engine.
•Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting,
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 protective
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 (such as wheel weights, counter-
weights, cabs, and the like).
•Never operate the tiller without good vis-
ibility 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 inter-
vals for proper tightness to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
•Never store the machine with fuel in the
fuel _,nk 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 peri-
od.
_.CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire .and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent acci-
dental starting when setting up, transport-
ing, adjusting or making repairs.
WARNING
The engine exhuast from this product con-
tains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects, or
other reproductive harm.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS 1 !
-IORSEPOWER: 6.5.HP
)ISPLACEMENT: 12.48 CU. IN.
(266CO)
GASOLINE CAPACITY: 3 Quads
Unleaded Regular
OIL (API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30
(Above 40°F)
CAPACITY: 19 oz.) SAE5W-30/10W-30
(Below 40°F)
SPARK PLUG : Champion RJ19LM
(GAP: .030") OR J19LM
Congratulations on your purchase of a
Craftsman Tiller. It has been designed, en-
gineered and manufactured to give you the
best possible dependability and perform-
ante.
Should you experience any problem_ 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 maintainyour 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.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
ASears Maintenance Agreement is avail-
able on this product. Contactyour 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 instructions under the
"Customer Responsibilities" and "Stor-
age" sections of this Owner's Manual.
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 arrcster meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a
spark arrester is used, it should be main-
tained 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 avail-
able 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 SHE_R 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) Wire cutter
(t) 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 whenyou are in
the operating position (standing behind
tiller handles).
FRONT
LEFT RIGHT
OPERATOR'S
POSITION
CONTENTSOF HARDWARE PACK
/IIIIIII/Y
(2) Handle Locks
(1) Carriage Bolt ,
3/8-16 UNC x I Gr. 5
121Ha,_,nc,,pst L ))
_J"3/32x 1 x 11 Ga. '
°1 O
Extra Shear Pins & Clips
@
(1) Center Locknut
3/8-16 UNC
(1) Cable Clip
(1) Pivot Bolt
3/8-16 UNC Grade 5
(1) Handle Lock Lever
I5

UNPACKING CARTON
_,CAUTION: Be careful of.exposed sta-
ples when handling or disposing of carton-
ing material.
IMPORTANT:When unpacl_ing 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,
•Remove packing material from handle
assembly.
•Separate shift rod from handle asSem-
bly.
Shift Rod
Assembly
INSTALL HANDLE
• Insert one handle lock (with teeth facing
outward) in gearcase 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
Handle Assembly
rcase Notch
Handle Lock
'1
•G_asp handle assembly. Hold in "up"
position. Be sure handle lock remains in
gearcase notch. Slide handle assembly
into position.
•Rotate handle assembly down. Insert
rear cardage bolt first, with head of bolt
on L.H. side of tiller and loosely assem-
ble Iocknut. 6
,IW. ,_=,,_ --Hand eAssembly
f%..:,.>.,;_ .,,,J UP Position
_'_'_"J_'.,_'*.:.',,o Tighten handle lock
toho,°
Loosen Handle_Lock'_'__
Lever to Move . _"_--d_
•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 car,iage bolt so handle moves with
some resistance. This will allow for eas-
ier adjustment.
• Place flat washer on threaded end of
handle lock lever.
• Insert handle lock lever through handle
base and gearcase. Screw in handle
lock lever just enough to hold lever in
place.
• Insert second handle lock (with teeth
inward) in the slot of the handle base
(just inside of washer).
• Raise handle assembly to highest posi-
tion and securely tighten handle lock
lever by rotating clockwise. Leaving
handle assembly in highest position will
make it easier to connect shift rod.
:Handle Lock
Gearcase
\
Slot
Rear Cartddge
Bolt
Flat Washer
Handle Lock
Handle Base
Pivot Bolt
Locknut"

INSERTCABLECLIP
•Insert plastic cable clip into hole on the
back of handle column. Push cables
into clip.
Handle Column
Cables
Attach this end to shift lever
_"_Attach this EndTo shi" _Shift Rod
Lever indicator
Hairpin Clip Shift Lever
ndicator
Shift Rod
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.
•Insert other end of shift rod into hole in
shift lever.
•Insert second hairpin clip through hole of
shift rod with bend of clip on rinht side.
REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE.
•Adjust handle assemby to lowest posi-
tion. Be sure lock lever is tightened
securely.
• Make sure shift lever indicator is in "N"
(neutral) position.
• Tilt tiller forward by lifting handle.
Separate cardboard cover from leveling
shield.
• Rotate tiller handle to the dght and pull
tiller out of carton.
Shift Lever
Shift.od\ Lk
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 tilling performance.
•Reduce tire pressure to 20 PSI.
HANDLE HEIGHT
• Handle height may be adjusted to better
suit. operator. (See "TO ADJUST HAN-
DLE 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.
CAUTION ENGIN_ ENGINE
TILLINO TILLING FOI_WARD NEUTRAL REVERSE ORWA_I_tG' ON OFF
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 vari-
ous controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
Drive ControlBar
:Lever
Shift Lever Indicator
Dra!
Depth
Leveling
Outer Side Shield
Recoil
Starter
Handle
MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Our tillers conformto the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
DRIVE CONTROL BAR - Used to engage
tines.
DEPTH STAKE -Cont!_ols depth at which
tiller will dig.
OUTER SIDE SHIELD -Adjustable to pro-
tect small plants from being buried.
THROTTLE CONTROL -Used to control
engir, espeed.
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.
DRAG STAKE - Controls forward speed.
In forward rotating till mode.
8

Theoperationofany 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 tilhng. We recommend a wide
vision safety maskover spectacles or standard safety glasses.
HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER
Know how to operate all controls before
add!ng fuel and oil or attempting to start
engine.
STOPPING
TINES AND DRIVE
•Release drive control bar to stop move-
ment.
•Move shift lever to "N" (neutral) position.
ENGINE
•Move throttle control to =STOP" position.
If equipped with stop switch, move
switch to "STOP" position.
•Never use choke to stop engine.
Drive Control Bar _ .....
"ENGAGED" Position- _..--::;/_ ._n=nr
D,ve
"DISENGAGED" _ "_ _'_ \
Position T_r_t_loe; _. _ 1
TINE OPERATION -WITH WHEEL
DRIVE
•Always release drive control bar before
moving shift lever into another position.
•"line movement is achieved by moving
shift lever to either the counter rotating
(_;) till position or the forward rotating
(_) till position and engaging drive con-
trol bar.
FORWARD -WHEELS ONLY/TINES
STOPPED
•Release drive control bar and move shift
lever indicator to "F" (forward) .p,osition.
Engage drive control bar and tiller will
move forward,
REVERSE -WHEELS ONLY/TINES
STOPPED
•DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY BEHIND
TILLER.
•Release the drive control bar.
•Move throttle control to "SLOW" posi-
tion. ,_
• Move shift lever indicator to =R"
(reverse) position,
•Hold ddve control bar against the handle
to start tiller movement.
DEPTH STAKE
The depth stake can be raised or lowered
to allow you more versatile tilling and culti-
vating, or to more easily transport your
tiller.
ShallowestTilling """ Transport
Position
Deepest Tilling .------
Depth Stake _-_
DRAG STAKE
The drag stake should be raised when till-
ing in the counter rotating (_)till position.
The drag stake should be lowered when
tilling in the forward rotating (_)till position.
Lowered_
-.--........._
Raised
TILLING
•Use the counter rotating tine drive when
tilling hard or rockey soil, virgin ground,
or sod.
ielease depth and drag stake pins. Pull
the depth stake up for increased tilling
depth. Raise the drag stake. Place prop-
er pin in hole of depth stake or drag
stake to lock in position.
Place shift lever indicator in counter
rotating till position.
•Holplthe drive control bar against the
handle to start tilling movement. Tines
and wheels will both turn,
•Move throttle control to =FAST" position
for deep tilling,
IMPORTANT: Always release drive control
bar before moving shift lever into another
position. =Locked" Position
Nut
=B"
Outer /=RELEASED"
Side Shield "A". Position
9

TURNING
•Release the drive control bar.
•Move throttle control to =SLOW" posi-
tion.
•Place shift lever indicator in "F_ (forward)
position. Tines will not turn.
:Lift handle to raise tines out of ground.
Swing the handle in the opposite direc-
tion you wish to turn, bein'g careful to
keep feet and legs away from tines.
•Whenyou have completed your turn-
around, release the drive control bar and
lower handle. Place shift lever in till
position and move throttle control to de-
sired speed. To begin tilling, hold drive
control bar against the handle.
CULTIVATING
• Use the forward rotating tins drive.when
cultivating, tilling soft ground or tilling
pre-tilled soil.
•Release depth and drag stake pins.
Lower drag stake. Pull the depth §take
up for increased tilling depth. Place
proper pin in hole of depth stake or drag
stake to lock in position.
•Place shift lever indicator in forward
rotating till position.
•Hold the drive control bar against the
handle to start tilling movement. Tines
and wheels will both turn.
•Move throttle control to "FAST" position
for deep tilling. To cultivate, throttle con-
trol can be set at any desired speed,
depending on how fast or slow you wish
to cultivate.
•Always lower the drag stake when using
the forward rotating tins 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 shal-
low tilling to protect small plants from
being buried. Loosen nut =A" in slot and
nut =l_". 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 gaso-
line from fuel tank.
AROUND THE YARD
Release the depth s_takepin. Move the
dr.pth stake down to the top hole for
transporting the tiller. Place depth stake
pin in hole of depth stake to lock in posi-
tion. This prevents tines from scuffing
the ground.
•Place '.;hi_ 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 con-
tainers, 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 overlow-
ing when engine is level For approxi-
mate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECI-
FICATIONS" on page 4 of this manual.
All oil must meet A.P.I. Service
Classification SF, 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 Customer
Responsibilities section of this manual).
To change engine oil, see the Customer
Responsibilities section in this manual.
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 40°F (4°C), use fresh, clean,
winter grade gasoline to help insure good
cold weather starting.
10