Background
The Craftsman Tiller 917.296040 is a gardening tool designed for the purpose of breaking up and aerating soil, typically in preparation for planting. Manufactured by Roper Corp for Sears, this tiller features a 7.0 HP engine and a tine width of 17 inches. Its design allows it to be suitable for use in residential yards and gardens.
This tiller operates on unleaded gasoline with a fuel capacity of 4 quarts. It also requires oil for operation, with an oil capacity of 19 oz of SAE 30 above 40°F or SAE 5W-30 below 40°F. The tiller is equipped with tires that are recommended to be maintained at a pressure of 20 PSI. The machine is started by moving the throttle to fast, turning on the fuel valve, moving the choke to choke, and pulling the recoil starter cord. Once started, the choke is moved to run. The tines are engaged by moving the shift lever to the counter-rotating position and squeezing the drive control bar on the handle. This causes the tines and wheels to turn. The throttle and shift controls are adjustable and used to control tilling speed and direction. Regular maintenance of the tiller includes checking the engine oil level before each use, changing the oil after the first 5 hours then every 50 hours of operation, cleaning the air filter every 50 hours, and replacing the spark plug every 50 hours or seasonally. The right-hand gear case should be lubricated yearly with EP#1 grease.
Technical Specifications
- Model Number: 917.296040
- Product Type: Rear Tine Tiller
- Manufacturer: Sears, Roebuck and Co.
- Engine: 7.0 HP Briggs & Stratton model 122002-0394-E1
- Fuel Capacity: 4 quarts unleaded gasoline
- Oil Capacity: 19 oz SAE 30 above 40°F, SAE 5W-30 below 40°F
- Tire Pressure: 20 PSI
- Tine Width: 17 inches
- Operation: Manual recoil starter, throttle and shift controls for tilling speed and direction
- Maintenance Requirements: Regular checks of engine oil level, oil changes, air filter cleaning, spark plug replacement, right hand gear case lubrication
Warranty
The Craftsman Tiller 917.296040 comes with a limited warranty that lasts for two years from Sears. This warranty covers any defects in material or workmanship, provided the tiller is maintained according to the instructions in the owner's manual. However, it's important to note that the warranty does not cover expendable parts such as tines, spark plugs, and belts. Additionally, any damage resulting from improper maintenance or use is also not included in the warranty coverage. To claim the warranty, refer to the owner's manual for the precise procedure, or contact Sears directly.