Owner’s manual
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What kind of oil do you use in a Craftsman tiller?
For the Craftsman rear-tine tiller model 917294260, use SAE 30 engine oil for temperatures above 40°F, or SAE 5W-30/10W-30 for cooler conditions. The engine oil capacity is 19 oz.; confirm fill and change details in the 917294260 owner’s manual.
Oil type and capacity for model 917294260
From the product specifications for this exact model:
- Oil type must meet API service classification SG-SL
- SAE 30 is the standard choice for warm-weather operation
- SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 is recommended for colder temperatures and easier starting
- Oil capacity is 19 oz.
- Check oil with the tiller on a level surface
| Temperature range | Recommended oil | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Above 40°F | SAE 30 | Best for typical warm-weather tilling |
| 40°F and below | SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 | Helps cold starts; check level more often |
How we recommend filling the oil (quick steps)
- Shut the engine off and let it cool
- Set the tiller on level ground
- Clean around the oil fill area to keep dirt out
- Remove the oil filler plug/dipstick
- Add oil slowly, then recheck the level
- Tighten the oil filler plug securely
Why it matters
Using the correct viscosity oil and keeping the level full helps prevent hard starting, overheating, and accelerated engine wear, especially when the tiller is working under heavy load in compacted soil.
Last updated: January 2026
How to grease a tiller?
To grease a Craftsman rear-tine tiller model 917294260, we lubricate the specified pivot points with motor oil and add 1 oz. of EP #1 grease to the right-hand gear case grease fitting once per season, following the lubrication chart in the 917294260 owner’s manual.
Where to grease on model 917294260
The manual calls out these routine lubrication points:
- RH gear case grease fitting: add 1 oz. EP #1 grease (seasonally)
- Wheel hubs: oil as needed for smooth rolling
- Idler bracket pivot: oil to prevent sticking
- Leveling shield hinges: oil to keep the shield moving freely
- Depth stake pin: oil so the stake adjusts easily
Step-by-step: greasing the RH gear case fitting
- Shut the engine off, let hot parts cool, and disconnect the spark plug wire.
- Wipe dirt off the grease fitting so you do not push grit into the gear case.
- Use a grease gun with EP #1 grease and pump in about 1 oz.
- Wipe away excess grease.
- Inspect the fitting; if it will not take grease or is damaged, replace it.
If the fitting is damaged or missing, use the exact replacement grease fitting 532183226.
What grease and oil to use
| Location | Lubricant | Typical interval |
|---|---|---|
| RH gear case grease fitting | EP #1 grease | Once per season |
| Pivot points/hinges/pins | SAE 30 or 10W-30 motor oil | As needed / during routine maintenance |
Why it matters
Proper lubrication reduces wear on the transmission and moving linkages, helps the wheels and controls move smoothly, and can prevent premature failures during heavy tilling.
Last updated: January 2026
Where is the model number on a Craftsman rear tine tiller?
On the Craftsman rear-tine tiller model 917294260, the model number is on a product identification label or tag attached to the tiller. The exact label location is not specified in the model-specific documentation we have for this unit, so you will need to inspect the machine in a few common tag areas.
Where to check on model 917294260
Look for a sticker or metal tag on the frame in these typical spots:
- On the main frame near the engine (front area)
- On or near the tine shield or tine guard area
- Near the handle support or handle column
- Around the fuel tank mounting area (not on the fuel cap)
- Along the transmission or gearcase housing area
What you are looking for
The tag usually includes the model number and may also include a serial number.
| Label item | Example you might see | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | 917.294260 | Matches the correct parts diagrams and lists |
| Serial number | Varies | Helps identify production details when needed |
If the label is dirty, missing, or hard to read
- Wipe the frame with a rag and mild degreaser; avoid soaking decals
- Use a flashlight at a low angle to make faded printing easier to see
- If you find 917.294260 (with a dot), treat it as the same model family identifier as 917294260 when looking up parts
Why it matters
Craftsman rear-tine tillers can look alike across different model numbers, but small differences in belt routing, tines, and hardware can change which replacement parts fit.
For model identification and illustrated parts information, refer to the 917294260 owner’s manual.
Last updated: January 2026
How much does it cost to fix a tiller?
For the Craftsman 917294260 rear-tine tiller, repair cost depends on the failure and whether you do the work yourself or hire a shop. Plan on shop labor commonly billed hourly plus parts; simple fixes are usually far less than gearcase or drivetrain repairs.
Typical cost ranges (planning numbers)
These are practical budgeting ranges for a rear-tine tiller like model 917294260; your total depends on diagnosis time, parts needed, and how hard the repair is.
- Basic tune-up or adjustment: $75 to $200
- Drive problem (belt or cable related): $120 to $350
- Gearcase leak/noise or internal drivetrain work: $250 to $700+
- Pickup/delivery (if offered): add-on fee varies by shop
| Repair scenario | What’s usually involved | Why the price changes |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t move or slips | belt inspection, idler check, cable adjustment | labor time and whether pulleys are worn |
| Hard starting or runs rough | fuel system cleaning, spark plug, air filter service | carburetor condition and fuel contamination |
| Oil leak at gearcase | seal/gasket inspection, cleaning, reassembly | teardown time and bearing wear |
Parts that can affect cost on this model
If your symptoms point to the drive system, these model-compatible parts are commonly involved. Note: part names may list a different manufacturer name even when they fit Craftsman equipment; match by model and part ID.
- Rear-tine tiller drive belt 591372401 (drive engagement and forward motion)
- Tiller clutch cable 532110675 (engages the drive control system)
- Tiller idler pulley 532104679 (maintains belt routing and tension)
- Tiller gear case gasket 532431022 (helps seal the gearcase)
How we recommend estimating your total
Use this quick approach before authorizing a repair:
- Identify the symptom (no start, no drive, leak, noise)
- Check maintenance items first (oil level, air filter, fuel condition)
- Price the likely parts, then add estimated labor hours
- Compare repair total to the tiller’s overall condition (tines, wheels, rust)
Why it matters
Accurate diagnosis keeps you from paying for unnecessary parts and helps prevent secondary damage (for example, a slipping belt can overheat and wear pulleys).
Model-specific reference
We recommend using the 917294260 owner’s manual for troubleshooting steps, belt-guard removal guidance, and maintenance intervals before you commit to parts or labor.
Last updated: January 2026
