Craftsman 917.293650 Owner's Manual page 12

OPERATUON
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TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 7)
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.
• Move shift lever indicator to "N" (neutral) position..
• Place throttle controlin "FAST" po_ition.
= To start a cold engine, push primer five (5) times before
trying to start. Use a firm push. This step is not 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 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.
= 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 warmerweather over priming maycause
flooding and engine will not start° If you do flood engine,
wait a few minutes before attempting to start and do not
repeat priming steps.
PRIMER
RECOIl. STARTER
HANDLE
FIG. 13
TILLING HINTS
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CAUTION: Until you are accustomed to
handling your tiller, start actual field
use with throttle in slow position (m!d-
way between "FAST" and "IDLE").
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° Tilling is digging into turning over, and breaking up
packed soil before" planting° Loose, unpacked soi!
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 For easier handling of your tiller, leave about 8 inches
of untilled soil between the first and second tilling
passes. The third pass will be between the first and
second (See Fig. 14).
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o Soil conditions are important for proper tilling° Tines will
not readily penetrate dry, hard soil which may contrib-
ute to excessive bounce and difficult handling of your
tiller° Hard soi! should be moistened before tilling;
however, extremely wet soil will "ball-up" or clump
dudng 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.
° Do not lean on handle° This takes weight off the wheels
and reduces traction. To get through a reaIly tough
section of sod or hard ground, apply upward pressure
on handle or lower the depth stake.
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FIG. 14
CULTIVATING
Cultivating is destroying the weeds between rows to pre-
vent them from robbing nourishment and moisture from the
ptants. At the same time, breaking up the upper layer of soil
crust will he}p retain moisture in the soil. Best digging depth
is 1" to 3". Lower the outer side shields to protect small
plants from being buried.
= Cultivate up and down the rows at a speed which wi!)
allow tines to uproot weeds and leave the ground in
rough condition, promoting no further growth of weeds
and grass (See Fig. 15).
© O
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FIG. 15
TINE SHEAR PINS
The tine assemblies on your tiller are secured to the tine
shaft with shear pins (See 'q-INE 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