Craftsman 917293401 User Manual REAR TINE TILLER Manuals And Guides 1008365L

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Owner's

Manual
®

6,0 HP
17 UNCHTJNE WHDTH
REAR NE WiTH
COUNTER ROTA NG TINES

TILLE
Model No.
917.293401

o Safety
AssembBy
Operation
Maintenance
, Repair Parts

CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck

and Co., Hoffman Estates,

IL 60179

Service and Adjustments ......................
Storage .................................................
Troubleshooting
....................................
Illustrated Parts List ..............................

Safety Rules ...........................................
2
Warranty .................................................
2
Product Specifications
.......................... 4
Assembly ................................................
5
Operation ................................................
8
Maintenance .........................................
13

LIMITED

TWO YEAR WARRANTY

Parts Ordering

ON CRAFTSMAN

.......................

15
19
20
22

Back Cover

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 wilt repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanship.
This Warranty does not cover:
o 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.
o 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 avai{able 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, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179

TRAINING

• 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.

° 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
equipmenL Never allow adults to oper-.
ate the equipment without proper
instruction.
-

o Use an approved fuel container.
° Never add fuel to a running engine or
hot engine.
° Fil] fuel tank outdoors with extreme care.
Never fill fuel tank indoors.

Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, particularly small children, and
pets.

° Replace gasoline cap securely and
clean up spilled fuel before restarting.
° Use extension cords and receptacles as
specified by the manufacturer for ail
units with electric drive motors or electric

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),

starting motors.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments
while the engine (motor) is running
(except where specifically recommend.,
ed by manufacturer).

2

.r'

OPERATION

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

o Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts.
o Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel drives, walks,
or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards
or traffic. Do not carry passengers.
o 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_

o 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.
o 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 ar_y enclosure.
° Always refer to the operator's guide
instructions for important details if the
tiller is to be stored for an extended peri-

o Exercise caution to avoid slipping or
falling.
° If the unit should start to vibrate abnor-

o
o

°

o
=

•
o

o

o
°

°
°

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 leaving 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 surfacesr 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, counterweights, cabs, and the like). '
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.

CAUTION:
Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental starhng when sethng up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs.
WARNING
The engine exhuast from this product contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defeotd, or
other reproductive harm°

3

_

PRODUCT SPECIRCATIONS

MAINTENANCE

HORSEPOWER:

6.0 HP

DISPLACEMENT:

11.88CU. IN.

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest
Sears store for details.

GASOLINECAPACITY:

4 Quarts
Unleaded Regular

OIL (API-SF/SG/SH):

SAE30

CUSTOMER

SAE 5W-30
(Below 32°F)

SPARK PLUG :
(GAP: .030")

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.
o Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your tiller.
o Follow the instructionsunder the
"Customer Responsibilities" and =Storage" sections of this Owner's Manual.

(Above32°F)
CAPACITY: 20 oz,)

AGREEMENT

Champion N4C

_kWARNING:
This unit is equipped with
an internal combustion engine and should
not be used on or near any unimproved
forsst-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.

Congratulations on your purchase of a
Craftsman 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 repaii"this unit.
Please read and retain this manual. The
instructionswill 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.

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

TILLERMAINTENANCE
• BE_LT ,

'I_N_:S

GHEAR PIN

4

HAIRPIN CLIp

"Yournew 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

FRONT

RIGHT

LEFT

FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly
easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
(t) 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).

OPERATOR'S
POSITION

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

(2) Handle Locks
(1) Carriage Bolt
3/8-16 UNC x 1 Gr. 5

(1) Cable Clip

(2) Hairpin Clips
(1) Pivot Bolt
3/8-16 UNC Grade 5

(1) Flat Washer
13/32 x 1 x 11 Ga.

(1) Handle

5

Lock Lever

"_

Handle Assembly
'UP" Position

UNPACKING CARTON '
A_kCAUTION: Be careful of exposed staples when handling or disposing of cartoning material.
IMPORTANT:When unpacking and
assembling tiller, be careful not to stretch
or kinkcables.
= 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 comers of carton, lay side carton
wall down.
° Remove packing material from handle
assembly.
o Separate shift rod from handle assembly.
, :!_

Tighten handle lock
lever to hold

Loosen Handle Lock
Lever to Move

• Insert pivot bolt in front part of plate and
tighten.
o Cut down remaining corners of carton
and lay panels flat.
o Lower the handle assembly. Tighten nut
on carriage bolt so handle moves with
some resistance. This will allow for easier adjustment.
o 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 position and securely tighten handle lock
lever by rotating clockwise. Leaving
handle assembly in highest position will
make it easier to connect shift rod.

INSTALL HANDLE
o Insert one handle lock (with teeth facing
outward) in geamase notch. (Apply
grease on smooth side of handle lockto
aid in keeping lock in place until handle
assembly is Iowe_redinto position_)
Viewedfromj.h, side of tiller

Handle Lock
Gearcase

Flat Washer
Lock

Slot
_._

/

Rear Cartridge

Handle Lock

Pivot Bolt

Handle Base
° Grasp 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 carriage bolt first, with head of bolt
on LHr side of tiller and loosely assemble Iocknutr

6

INSERTCABLE CLIP
o Insert plastic cable clip into hole on the
back of handle column. Push cables
into clip.

Attach this endto shift lever
_----_-Attach this End To shift _

"'III

'

Shift Rod

Lever Indicator

Handle Column

Shift Rod
\_

Hairpin Clip

Shift Lever
indicator

Cables
Clip

CONNECT SHIFT ROD
o 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 shiftrod into hole in
shift lever.
• insert second hairpin clip through hole of
shift rod.
REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE
° Adjust handle assemby to lowest position. Be sure lock lever is tightened
securely.
o Make sure shift lever indicator is in "N"
(neutral) position.
o Tilt tiller forward by lifting handle.
Separate cardboard cover from leveling
shield.
° Rotate tiller handle to the right and pull
tiller out of carton.

Shift Lever

Hairpin Clip

Sh,ft Rod

_

L

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your unit were overinftated at
the factory for shipping purposes. Correct
and equal tire pressure is important for
best tilling performance.
• Reduce tire pl;essureto 20 PSI.
HANDLE HEIGHT
° Handle height may be adjusted to better
suit operator. (See '3"0 ADJUST HANDLE HEIGHT" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual).

7

These symbols may appea_" on your Tiller or in literature supplied
Learn and understand their meaning.

A
11LUNG

FORWARD

NFJ/TBAL

P,EVERS_

CAUTION

OR WARNING

6 "@
F.J_BINE

F_NG1N_'

ON

OFF

FAST

with the product.

m\l
_LOW

CHOI_

RUN

FU_

OIL

STOP

O

KNOW YOUR TILLER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
TILLER.
Compare the illustrationswith your tiller to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustmehts. Save this manual for future reference.
Drive Control Bar

Tt_rottleControl
Lever

Primer
Shift Lever Indicator

Depth Stake

Leveling

:
Recoil

i
OuterSideShield

Starter
Handle

MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Our tillers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
SHIFT LEVER - Used to shift transmission
gears,
SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR - Shows which
gea r the transmission is in.
RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to
start the engine.

DRIVE CONTROL BAR - U_ed to engage
tines.
DEPTH STAKE - Controls depth at which
tiller will dig.
LEVELING SHIELD - Levels tilled soil.
OUTER SIDE SHIELD - Adjustable to protect small plants from being buried.
THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control

PRIMER - Pumps additonal fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold engine,

engine speed+.
8

The operation of any tiller can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes,
which canresult 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 the spectacles or standard safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR TULLER
Know how to operate all controls before
adding fuel and oil or attempting to start
engine.
STOPPING
TINES AND DRIVE
o Release drive control bar to stop movement.
= 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.
DriveControlBar
"ENGAGED" Position
ShiftLever

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)

"_ Transport Position

Deeptest Tilling

Depth Stake _'_
TILLING

Drive Control Bar
"DISENGAGED"
Position
"Throttle

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 ( _ ) tiltposition and
engaging drive control bar.
FORWARD - WHEELS ONLY/TINES
STOPPED
• Release drive control bar and move shift
lever indicatorto "F" (forward) position.
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.
o Move throttle control to "SLOW" position.
• Move shiftlever indicator to "R"
(reverse) position.
° Hold drive control bar against the handle
to start tiller movement.

° Release depth stake pin. Pull the depth
stake up for increased tilling depth.
Place depth stake pi.n in hole of depth
c stake to lock in position.
o Place shift lever indicator in till position.
= Hold the drive control bar against the
handle to start tilling movement.
Tines
and wheels will both turn.
o 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 stow you wish
to cultivate.
IMPORTANT: Always release drive control
bar before moving shift lever into another
position.
Depth Stake Pin
Position

"Locked"
Position
Nut "B"
Nut "A"
Outer Side Shield

9

TURNING

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
o The engine in your unit has been
shipped, from the factory, already filled
with SAE 30 summer weight oil.
o Be sure tiller is level and the area
around oil fill is clean.
e Check oil level before each use. Add oil
if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
o To read proper level, tighten engine oil
cap each time.
k
o Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
° For approximate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 4 of
thls manual. All oil must meet A.P.I.
Service Classification SF, SG or SH.
o 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.

Release the drive control bar.
o
Move throttle control to "SLOW" position.
o
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 direction you wish to turn, being careful to
keep feet and legs away from tines.
o When you have completed your turnaround, release the drive control bar and
lower handle. Place shift lever in till
position and move throttle control to desired _peed. To begin tilling, hold drive
control bar against the h_ndle.
OUTER SIDE SHIELDS
The back edges of the _uter side shields
are slotted so that the sl_ieldscan be
raised for deep tilling and lowered for shallow tillingto protect small plants from
being buried. Loosen nut "A" in slot and
nut "B". Move shield to desired position
(both sides). Retighte_ nuts.
TO TRANSPORT
'
o

o
o

,_CAUTION: Before liftingor transporting, allow tiller engine and muffler to cool.
Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from fuel tank.
AROUND THE YARD
o 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 preverits tines from scuffing
the ground.
,
o Place shift 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.
ARO_IND TOWN
• Disconnect spark plug wire.
o Drain fuel tank.
o Transport in upright posit=_nto 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.

Oil Fill
Cap/Dipstick

ADD GASOLINE
o 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 temperatures 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.

10

TiLLING.HINTS

,_CAUTION:
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.

,_CAUTION:
Until you are accustomed to
handling your tiller, start actual field use
with throttle in slow position (mid-way
between "FAST" and "IDLE").
° Tilling is digging into, turning over, and

TO START ENGRNE
_kCAUTION:
Keep drive control bar in
"DISENGAGED" position when starting engine.
When starting engine for the first time or if
engine has run out of fuel, it wilt take extra
pulls of the recoil starter to move fuel from
the tank to the engine.
o Make sure spark plug wire is properly
connected.
• Move shift lever indicator to "N" (neutral)
position.
o Place throttle control in "FAST" position.
o To start a cold engine, push primer five
(5) times before tryin_tto start. Use a
firm push. This step =snot usually necessary when starting an engine which
has already run for a few minutes.
o Grasp recoil starter handle with one
hand and grasp tiller handle with other
hand. Pull rope out slowly untilengine
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.
° Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before engaging tines.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat priming steps, In warmer
weather over priming may cause flooding
and engine will not start. If you do flood
engine, wait a few minutes before attemptJngto start and do not repeat priming
steps.

Starter
Handle
11

breaking up packed soil before planting.
Loose, unpacked soil helps root growth.
Best tilling depth is 4" to 6". A tiller will
also clear the soil of unwanted vegetation. The decomposition of this vegetable matter enriches the soil.
Depending 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.
o Soil conditions are important for proper
tilling.Tines will not readily penetrate
dry, hard soil which may contribute to
excessive bounce and difficulthandling
of your tiller. Hard soil should be moistened before tilling; 'however, extremely
wet soil will "ball-up" or clump during tiliing. Wait untilthe 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 fine shaft and slowing your tilling
operation.
o 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.
° Do not lean on handle. This takes
weight off the wheels and reduces traction. To get through a really tough sect=onof sod or hard ground, apply upward
pressure on handle or lower the depth
stake_
'

CULTIVATING
Cultivating is destroying the weeds
between 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" to 3" (2.5-7.5 cm). Lower the outerside
shields to protect small plants from being
buried.
o 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 growthof
weeds and grass.

O0
O0
O0
O0

TINE SHEAR PiNS
The tine assemblies on your tiller are
secured to the fine shaft with shear pins
(See "TINE REPLACEMENT" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual).
If the tiller is unusually overloaded or
jammed, the shear pins are designed to
break before internal damage occurs to
the transmission.
° If shear pin(s) break, replace only with
those shown in the Repair Parts section
of this manual.

000
0©0

000
©©©
€"

12

SCHEDULE

FILL tN DATES
AS YOU COMPLETE

_
/_"/f

REGULAR SERVICE

/

......::: .................

q]'/

"_ _
_
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