Craftsman 917.295651 - Manual (Page 12)

OPERATION
TO START ENGINE (See Fig, 17)
., CAUTION: Keep tine control in "OFF”
4(" position when starting engine.
* Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected and
access cover is completely closed to create propet
seal„
» Place throttle control in "FAST' positiort.
» Turn fuel shut-off valve to "ON" position.
« Push stop switch to "ON” position.
« With engine fully choked, grasp recoil starter handle
with one hand and grasp tiller handle with other hand.
Puli rope out siowly until engine reaches start of com­
pression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this
point).
« Puil recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter
handie snap back against starter. Repeat if necessary
in half choked position.
* 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 tempera­
tures (below 32“F), the carburetor fuel mixture may need to
be adjusted for best engine performance. See “TO AD­
JUST CARBURETOR" in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.
NOTE: If engine does not start, see troubleshooting points.
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 breaking up
packed soil before planting. Loose, unpacked soli
helps root growth. Best titling depth is 4“ to 6*'. A tiller
will also clear the soli of unwanted vegetation. The
decomposition of this vegetable matter enriches the
soil. Depending on the climate (ralnfaii and wind), it
may be advisable to till the soil at the end of the growing
season to further condition the soil.
For easier handling of your tiiier, leave about 8 inches
of untllled soil between the first and secohd tilling
passes. The third pass wili be between the first and
second (See Fig. 14).
Soil conditions are important for proper tilling. Tines wili
not readily penetrate dry, hard soil which may contrib­
ute to excessive bounce and difficult handling of your
tiller. Hard soil should be moistened before tilling;
however, extremely wet soil will “bali-up” or clump
during tilling. Wait until the soil is less wet in order to
achieve the best results. When tilling in the fail, remove
vines and long grass to prevent them from wrapping
around the fine shaft and slowing your tilling operation.
Do not lean on handie. This takes weight off the wheels
and reduces traction. To get through a really tough
section of sod or hard ground, apply upward pressure
on handie or lower the depth stake.
CULTIVATING
Cultivating is destroying the weeds between rows to pre­
vent 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" Lower the outer side shields to protect small
plants from being buried.
• Cultivate up and down the rows at a speed which will
albw tines to uproot weeds and leave the ground in
rough condition, promoting no further growth of weeds
and grass (See Fig. 15)
12
TINE SHEAR PINS
The tine assemblies on your tiller are secured to the tine
shaft with shear pins (See ‘TINE REPLACEMENT” in the
Service and Adjustments section of this manual).
If the tiller is unusualiy overioaded or Jammed, the shear
pins are designed to break before internal damage occurs
to the transmission,
» If shear pln(s) break, replace only with those shown in
the Repair Parts section of this manual.