Craftsman 850 Series - User Manual

Questions and Answers

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Andrew BradshawAug 16, 2025
How to fix a Craftsman 850 that will not start?
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  Sandra BennettAug 16, 2025
  If your Craftsman Tiller won't start, there are several potential causes. First, make sure you have fuel in the tank and that the fuel shut-off valve is open. If the engine is not choked properly, refer to the 'TO START ENGINE' section in the Operation section. If the engine is flooded, wait a few minutes before trying again. Other potential issues include a dirty air cleaner (clean or replace it), water in the fuel (drain and refill with fresh gasoline), a clogged fuel tank (remove and clean it), a loose spark plug wire (reseat it), a bad spark plug (replace or adjust the gap), or a carburetor that needs adjustment.
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pmichaelAug 19, 2025
Why is my Craftsman 850 Tiller hard to start?
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  ascottAug 20, 2025
  If your Craftsman Tiller is hard to start, ensure the throttle control is in the 'FAST' position. A dirty air cleaner can cause starting issues, so clean or replace the air cleaner cartridge. Inspect the spark plug; replace it or adjust the gap if needed. Stale or dirty fuel can also be a culprit; drain the fuel tank and refill with fresh gasoline. Also, make sure the spark plug wire is properly connected. Finally, the carburetor may need adjustment.
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Henry SantiagoAug 26, 2025
What to do if my Craftsman 850 Tiller engine overheats?
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  Andre WilliamsAug 26, 2025
  If your Craftsman Tiller engine overheats, start by checking the oil level and changing the oil if it's low or dirty. Clean the engine air screen and the engine itself, paying attention to the cylinder fins, air screen, and muffler area. A partially plugged muffler can also cause overheating, so remove and clean it. Finally, ensure the carburetor is properly adjusted.
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Rickey HarveyAug 28, 2025
What to do if Craftsman 850 runs but won’t move?
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  Robert MooreAug 28, 2025
  If the Craftsman Tiller runs but won’t move, make sure the drive control bar is engaged. Inspect and adjust the V-belt if it is not correctly adjusted. Also, check if the V-belt is off the pulley(s).
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David HancockAug 31, 2025
Why is my Craftsman 850 Tiller bouncing excessively?
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  Monica ThomasAug 31, 2025
  If your Craftsman Tiller is experiencing excessive bounce or is difficult to handle, it may be due to the ground being too dry and hard. Consider moistening the ground or waiting for more favorable soil conditions.
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Jennifer Marquez DDSSep 3, 2025
Why does soil ball up when using my Craftsman 850 Tiller?
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  Sophia BarrSep 3, 2025
  If the soil balls up or clumps when using the Craftsman Tiller, it's likely because the ground is too wet. Wait for more favorable soil conditions before tilling.
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Patrick Brown MDSep 6, 2025
Why do the tines skip over ground with my Craftsman 850?
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  Stephen EscobarSep 6, 2025
  If the tines skip over the ground while using the Craftsman Tiller, make sure the drag stake is lowered when in forward rotating till mode.
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Jeremy TaylorSep 9, 2025
Why is it hard to shift my Craftsman 850 into gear?
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  Scott BowmanSep 9, 2025
  If it's hard to shift your Craftsman Tiller into gear, the gears may not be timed. Try rocking the tiller forward and backward until you are able to shift.
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Dylan AguilarSep 12, 2025
Why does my Craftsman 850 Tiller shut off when engaging the drive control bar?
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  Eric HowardSep 12, 2025
  If your Craftsman Tiller shuts off when the drive control bar is engaged, it could be due to the shift lever being set between counter rotating till positions. Shift to either the counter rotating till position or the forward rotating till position. Also, check the tines and clear them if they are jammed.
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courtney49Nov 21, 2025
Why is my Craftsman 850 losing power?
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  Denise PenningtonNov 21, 2025
  If your Craftsman Tiller is experiencing a loss of power, several factors could be contributing. The engine might be overloaded, so try setting the depth stake for shallower tilling. A dirty air cleaner can also cause this, so clean or replace the air cleaner cartridge. Check the oil level and change the oil if it's low or dirty. Inspect the spark plug; clean, regap, or replace it if faulty. Other potential causes include oil or stale/dirty fuel in the fuel tank (drain and refill with fresh gasoline), water in the fuel (drain the fuel tank and carburetor, then refill with fresh gasoline), a clogged fuel tank (remove and clean it), a loose spark plug wire (connect and tighten it), a dirty engine air screen (clean it), a dirty/clogged muffler (clean/replace it), or a carburetor that is out o...