Owner’s Manual FRONT TINE TILLER 5.5 HP 24 Inch Tine Width Model No. 917.29149 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. IMPORTANT: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment. Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A. Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Manintenance ...................................... 11 Service and Adjustments..................... 14 Storage ................................................ 16 Troubleshooting ................................... 17 Sears Service ........................Back Cover Warranty ................................................ 2 Safety Rules .......................................... 2 Product Specifications ........................... 4 Assembly/Pre-Operation .......................
SAFETY RULES • 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.
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). PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline Capacity: 3 Qts Unleaded Regular Oil(API-SG-SL): (Capacity: 20 oz.) SAE 30 (Above 32°F) SAE 5w-30 (Below 32°F) Spark Plug : (Gap: .
ACCESSORIES These accessories were available when the tiller was produced. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and service centers. Some of these accessories may not apply to your tiller.
ASSEMBLY/PRE-OPERATION 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. Tine Control TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY Tine Control Handle Cable Mount A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
OPERATION 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 locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. Forward Tine Control Choke Control Throttle Control Tine Shield Depth Stake Recoil Starter Handle Tines Our tillers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute. CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine.
00155 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 WHEELS Know how to operate all controls before adding fuel and oil or attempting to start engine. Adjust wheels by removing the hairpin clip and clevis pin. Change wheel position.
4. Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then re-level. 5. 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 Maintenance section of this manual). • To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section of this manual. Oil Level TO START ENGINE CAUTION: Keep tine control in “OFF” position when starting engine.
• 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.
EV Y5 ER EV BE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE FO RE EA CH MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE US E HO ER UR Y2 S 5H EV OU ER RS Y5 0H OU RS MAINTENANCE SERVICE DATES Check Engine Oil Level Change Engine Oil 1,2 Oil Pivot Points Inspect Spark Arrester / Muffler Inspect Air Screen Clean or Replace Air Cleaner Cartridge 2 Clean Engine Cylinder Fins Replace Spark Plug 1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures.
5. Refill engine with oil. See “FILL ENGINE WITH OIL ” in the Operation section of this manual. CAUTION:Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance (except carburetor adjustment) to prevent accidental starting of engine. Prevent fires! Keep the engine free of grass, leaves, spilled oil, or fuel. Remove fuel from tank before tipping unit for maintenance. Clean muffler area of all grass, dirt, and debris. Do not touch hot muffler or cylinder fins as contact may cause burns.
SPARK PLUG Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each tilling season or after every 50 hours of use, whichever comes first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” on page 4 of this manual. TRANSMISSION Your transmission is sealed and will not require lubrication unless serviced. COOLING SYSTEM Your engine is air cooled. For proper engine performance and long life keep your engine clean. • Clean air screen frequently using a stiff-bristled brush.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come into contact with plug. MID-WIDTH TILLING - 22" PATH • Assemble holes “A” in tine hubs to holes “C” in tine shaft. TILLER A TO ADJUST HANDLE HEIGHT Factory assembly has provided lowest handle height. Select handle height best suited for your tilling conditions. Handle height will be different when tiller digs into soil. 1.
TO REPLACE V-BELT Replace V-belt if it has stretched considerably or if it has cracks or frayed edges. 1. Belt guard must be removed to service belt. See “TO REMOVE BELT GUARD” in this section of manual. FINAL CHECK “ON” POSITION 5. With tine control “ON” (held down to handle) push down on handle to raise tines off the ground. 6. Slowly pull recoil starter handle while observing tines. Tines should rotate forward. 7. If tines do not rotate, inner wire of control cable is too loose.
STORAGE Immediately prepare your tiller for storage at the end of the season or if the unit will not be used for 30 days or more. Warning: Never store the tiller with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure. NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Will not start CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not “CHOKED” properly. 3. Engine flooded. 4. Dirty air cleaner. 5. Water in fuel. 6. Clogged fuel tank. 7. Loose spark plug wire. 8. Bad spark plug or improper gap. 9. Carburetor out of adjustment. Hard to start 1. Throttle control not set properly. 2. Dirty air cleaner. 3. Bad spark plug or improper gap. 4. Stale or dirty fuel. 5.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Engine overheats CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Low oil level/dirty oil. 2. Dirty engine air screen. 3. Dirty engine. 4. Partially plugged muffler. 5. Improper carburetor adjustment. Excessive bounce/difficult handling 1. Ground too dry and hard. 2. Wheels and depth stake incorrectly adjusted. 1. Check oil level/change oil. 2. Clean engine air screen. 3. Clean cylinder fins, airscreen, muffler area. 4.
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