This document is the owner's manual for a Sears Craftsman 6.0 HP 26-inch Tine Width Front Tine Tiller with Reverse, model number 944.621554. It provides essential information for assembly, operation, maintenance, service, adjustments, and repair parts.
Function Description
The Sears Craftsman tiller is a walk-behind, powered rotary tiller designed for breaking up packed soil, cultivating, and clearing unwanted vegetation. It features both forward and reverse tine operation, allowing for versatile use in various tilling conditions. The tiller is equipped with a 6.0 HP internal combustion engine.
Important Technical Specifications
- Engine: 6.0 HP internal combustion engine.
- Tilling Width: 26 inches, adjustable for different tilling conditions.
- Fuel Capacity: 3 Quarts (2.8L) of Unleaded Regular gasoline.
- Oil Capacity: 21 oz. (0.6L) of SAE 30 oil (above 32°F/0°C) or SAE 5W-30 oil (below 32°F/0°C).
- Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC with a gap of .030"/.76mm.
- Safety Features: Equipped with an internal combustion engine, it should not be used on or near unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system has a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws. The manual emphasizes the importance of wearing safety glasses or eye shields during operation to prevent eye damage from foreign objects.
Usage Features
Controls and Adjustments:
- Forward Tine Control: Engages tines in the forward direction.
- Reverse Tine Control: Engages tines in the reverse direction.
- Throttle Control: Regulates engine speed.
- Depth Stake: Controls forward speed and the depth at which the tiller will dig. The depth stake should always be below the wheels for digging and acts as a brake. Its position can be adjusted by removing a hairpin clip and clevis pin. For normal tilling, it's recommended to set the depth stake at the second or third hole from the top.
- Wheels: Adjustable by removing a hairpin clip and clevis pin. For normal tilling, set wheels at the second or third hole from the top.
- Choke Control: Used for starting a cold engine.
- Recoil Starter Handle: Used to start the engine.
- Handle Height: Adjustable to better suit the operator.
Operation:
- Starting: Ensure all clutches are disengaged and the tiller is in neutral before starting. Place the throttle in "FAST" position and the choke in "FULL CHOKE" for cold starts. Pull the recoil starter handle quickly. Once the engine starts, slowly move the choke to "RUN" position.
- Stopping: Release the forward or reverse tine control to stop tine movement. Move the throttle control to "STOP" to shut off the engine.
- Tilling: The speed and depth are regulated by the depth stake and wheel height. Lifting the handles slightly helps the tiller move forward, while pressing down slows it. For hard soil or sod, shallow tilling is recommended initially, working across the first cuts at normal depth.
- Cultivating: Used to destroy weeds and break up soil crust. The depth stake may not be needed for cultivating.
- Breaking In: Before actual tilling, run the engine with tines rotating off the ground for five minutes to break in belts, pulleys, and tine control.
- Transport: Tip the depth stake forward, push handles down to raise tines off the ground, and push or pull to the desired location. For longer transport, disconnect the spark plug wire and drain the fuel tank.
Maintenance Features
Scheduled Maintenance:
- Before Each Use: Check engine oil level, check tine operation, and check for loose fasteners.
- Every 5 Hours: Oil pivot points.
- Every 25 Hours: Inspect spark arrester/muffler, inspect air screen.
- Every 50 Hours: Clean or replace air cleaner cartridge, clean engine cylinder fins, replace spark plug.
- Annually: Replace spark plug, clean or replace air filter, check tines and belt for wear.
Engine Maintenance:
- Oil: Use high-quality detergent oil (API service classification SG-SL). Change oil after every 50 hours of operation or at least once a year. Check oil level before starting and every five hours of continuous use.
- Air Cleaner: Service every 50 hours or more often in dusty conditions. Clean by tapping gently; replace if very dirty or damaged. Do not use petroleum solvents or pressurized air to clean the cartridge.
- Cooling System: Keep the air screen clean with a stiff-bristled brush. Remove blower housing and clean cylinder fins as necessary.
- Muffler: Inspect periodically for damage; clean spark arrester screen every 50 hours if equipped.
- Spark Plug: Replace at the beginning of each tilling season or every 50 hours.
- Carburetor: Adjustments may be needed for high altitude or cold temperatures.
General Maintenance:
- Cleaning: Do not clean with pressurized water when the engine and transmission are hot. Clean engine, wheels, and finish of foreign matter. Protect painted surfaces with automotive wax.
- Belts: Inspect and replace belts as necessary.
- Fasteners: Ensure all nuts, bolts, and screws are securely fastened.
- Paint: Touch up rusted or chipped paint surfaces after light sanding.
Storage:
- Fuel System: Drain the fuel tank and run the engine until fuel lines and carburetor are empty, or use a fuel stabilizer. Do not store with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
- Engine Oil: Drain and replace with clean oil.
- Cylinder(s): Remove spark plug, pour 1 ounce of oil into the cylinder, pull the starter handle slowly several times, and replace with a new spark plug.
- Tiller: Clean the entire tiller. Inspect and replace belts. Lubricate as shown in the manual. Inspect moving parts for damage. Touch up paint.
- General: Store indoors, covered with a protective cover that does not retain moisture (avoid plastic). Allow the engine to cool before storing.
To Next Page
Need help?
General