Craftsman 316240320 mini tiller Parts

On the Craftsman mini tiller model 316.240320, the model number is printed on the product ID label (decal). On many Craftsman tillers, that label is commonly found on the tine guard area or near the fuel tank, and some larger units place it toward the front.

• Check the tine guard/shield area around the rotating tines
• Look near the fuel tank (side of the tank or nearby frame)
• Inspect the front of the unit (common on some larger designs)
• Check the handle/upper frame area if you do not see it down low
• Wipe dirt and oil off the frame; labels can be hard to read when coated

Most Craftsman labels include a model line similar to what you see in the 316240320 owner's manual. You are looking for MODEL NO. 316.240320 (often shown as 316.240320).

Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong parts (like tines, throttle cable, or carburetor components) and helps you follow the correct safety and operating instructions.

Last updated: January 2026

Mantis tillers are widely known for being designed, engineered, and manufactured in the United States. If you are comparing that to your Craftsman mini tiller model 316240320, use the 316240320 operator's manual to confirm the exact manufacturing and labeling details for your specific unit.

We recommend checking the identification markings on the tiller itself because “made in” information is typically shown on the product label, not in the parts list.

• Look for the model and serial label on the frame, handle support, or engine shroud
• Check for a “Made in …” statement on the label or a nearby decal
• Compare the label model number to 316240320 to ensure you are reading the correct tag
• If the label is missing or damaged, check the packaging or original sales paperwork
• Use the manual’s “Know your unit” and safety sections to match components and decals to your unit

The Craftsman 316240320 is a 2-cycle gas mini tiller, and the operator’s manual identifies Sears Brands Management Corporation (Hoffman Estates, IL) as the manual publisher. That does not, by itself, confirm the country of manufacture for the tiller.

Country of manufacture is often used for preference and sourcing, but for repairs the most important detail is the exact model number and the correct replacement part number (for example, carburetor, air filter, or tines) so fit and performance stay correct.

Last updated: January 2026

For the Craftsman 316240320 mini tiller, lubrication mainly means keeping moving metal parts lightly oiled and using the correct oil where the manual calls for it. A key example is oiling the tine shaft after you remove the tines, which helps prevent rust and makes future service easier (see the Craftsman 316240320 owner’s manual).

• Tine shaft: Clean and oil the shaft after removing the tines (the manual specifically calls this out).
• Tine hubs and click-pin areas: A light film of oil helps reduce corrosion and sticking.
• Air filter (foam style): Lightly coat with clean SAE 30 motor oil after washing, then squeeze out excess.
• Throttle cable and pivot points: Use a light oil sparingly if they feel dry or sticky.
• Do not grease the tines themselves: Grease attracts grit and can speed up wear.

1. Shut the engine off and let it cool.
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire before working near the tines.
3. If you are servicing tines, remove the click pins and slide the tines off.
4. Clean dirt off the shaft, then apply a light coat of oil to the shaft.
5. Reinstall tines and click pins; reconnect the spark plug wire.

Proper lubrication reduces rust, keeps parts like the tine shaft serviceable, and helps the engine run correctly when the air filter is maintained. It also cuts down on stuck hardware and premature wear during normal tiller maintenance.

Last updated: January 2026

Common problems on the Craftsman 316240320 2-cycle gas mini tiller include hard starting, surging or poor idle, stalling when you squeeze the throttle to engage the tines, and weak tilling power. Most issues trace back to fuel mix quality, air flow, or carburetor and ignition maintenance.

• Won’t start or only starts with choke: stale fuel mix, dirty air filter, fouled spark plug
• Surges at idle: old fuel, air leak at carb gasket, carburetor needs cleaning
• Stalls when tines engage: clutch/drive load, carburetor mixture issue, restricted air filter
• Runs but lacks power: clogged air filter, muffler restriction, fuel cap venting issue
• Tines don’t turn or slip: clutch/drive components, flex shaft/gearbox issues

1. Dump old fuel and remix fresh: the manual notes that old or improperly mixed fuel is the most common cause of performance problems; use fresh fuel less than 30 days old.
2. Inspect air intake: clean or replace the cultivator air filter 753-06836.
3. Check ignition: remove and inspect the spark plug for carbon fouling and correct gap per the 316240320 operator’s manual.
4. Look for loose hardware: vibration can loosen fasteners around the clutch cover and handle controls.

Model-matched examples include the mtd line trimmer carburetor 753-06288 and the carburetor mount gasket (part number 753-06253).

A 2-cycle mini tiller like the Craftsman 316240320 is sensitive to fuel age and mixture. Fresh fuel mix and clean air flow prevent lean running, stalling under load, and hard starting, and they reduce wear on the clutch and engine.

Last updated: January 2026