Craftsman 917294250 tiller Parts

For the Craftsman 917294250 rear-tine tiller, lubrication mainly means keeping the engine properly oiled and greasing the transmission as scheduled. The manual calls for seasonal transmission grease service and regular engine oil checks to prevent wear in gears, bearings, and moving linkages.

• Engine crankcase oil: Check before starting and after every 5 hours of continuous use; change about every 25 hours or at least yearly.
• Transmission gear case: Once a season, lubricate the right-hand gear case grease fitting with 1 oz. of EP #1 grease.
• Control and pivot points (general): Lightly lubricate pivots and moving joints so controls move smoothly (avoid getting oil/grease on belts or pulleys).
• Tines and shields (clean, not greasy): Keep soil buildup off; lubrication is not typically applied to tines.

1. Park the tiller on a level surface; let the engine cool.
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire before working near moving parts.
3. Check engine oil level; top off with SAE 30 (or equivalent) as needed.
4. Once per season, add 1 oz. EP #1 grease to the right-hand gear case grease fitting.
5. Wipe off excess grease and keep grease away from the drive belt and pulley surfaces.

Proper lubrication reduces friction and heat, which helps protect the transmission gears and engine from premature wear. It also helps the drive controls operate smoothly so the tiller engages and disengages predictably.

For diagrams and the exact maintenance schedule for the Craftsman 917294250, use the 917294250 owner's manual.

Last updated: January 2026

On the Craftsman rear-tine tiller model 917294250, the model number is printed on the product identification label. On most rear-tine tillers, that label is typically placed on the tine shield/guard area or on the frame near the engine and controls; confirm the exact location using the 917294250 owner's manual.

Look for a sticker or metal tag with the model number and serial number in these spots:

• On the tine shield (tine guard) near the tines
• On the main frame rails, usually near the engine mount
• Near the handle/control panel area
• On or near the engine shroud area (frame tag, not the engine model tag)
• Around the transmission/gearcase housing area

The ID label usually includes more than just the model number. We recommend recording:

• Model number (example format: 917.294250)
• Serial number
• Product type (rear-tine tiller)
• Sometimes an engine model number (separate from the tiller model)

Using the exact model number helps us match the correct Craftsman 917294250 parts, such as the drive system and tine assembly components, so you do not end up with the wrong belt, cable, or hardware.

Last updated: January 2026

For Craftsman model 917294250, the owner’s documentation focuses on safe operation, maintenance, and warranty coverage, not country of manufacture. If you’re specifically shopping for a tiller made in the USA, Mantis tillers are commonly identified as designed, engineered, and manufactured in the United States.

The most reliable way is to verify the specific unit you’re buying (even within the same brand, manufacturing locations can vary by model and production run).

• Check the product data plate on the tiller frame (often near the engine mount or transmission housing)
• Look for “Made in …” wording on the carton or original paperwork
• Confirm the exact model number and compare it to the manufacturer’s published specs
• Review safety and maintenance details in the 917294250 owner’s manual to match the correct model before ordering parts

Country of manufacture does not usually change routine service parts, but the exact model number does. For the Craftsman 917294250 rear-tine tiller, matching the model helps ensure the correct belt, cable, chain, and hardware fit.

Our manual for the Craftsman 917294250 lists common wear items (for example, tines, spark plugs, air cleaners, and belts) as normal maintenance items. Keeping up with these helps the tiller perform consistently.

Last updated: January 2026

For Craftsman rear-tine tiller model 917294250, change the engine oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year (if you do not reach 25 hours). Also check the oil level before starting the engine and re-check it during extended use to prevent engine damage.

This interval is listed in the maintenance and engine lubrication section of the 917294250 owner's manual.

• Change oil every 25 operating hours
• Change oil at least once per year if you do not reach 25 hours
• Check oil before starting the engine
• Re-check oil after each 5 hours of continuous use
• Change oil more often when operating under heavy load, high ambient temperatures, or dusty conditions

Follow the same basic process used on most small-engine tillers.

• Park on a level surface and shut the engine off
• Drain oil while it is warm (it drains faster)
• Remove the drain plug and catch oil in a suitable container
• Tip the tiller forward to fully drain
• Reinstall and tighten the drain plug securely
• Refill with the correct oil for your temperature range; then verify the level

The manual calls for high-quality detergent oil meeting API SF-SJ and selecting viscosity by temperature.

Clean oil reduces friction and heat, protects internal engine parts, and helps prevent damage from running low on oil during long tilling sessions.

Last updated: January 2026