Owner’s manual
Where is the model number on a Craftsman tiller?
On the Craftsman tiller model 917298350, the model number is on the model plate attached to the right-hand engine bracket. We use that plate information (model and serial) to match the correct parts list, diagrams, and service instructions for your tiller.
How to find it on the tiller
- Park the tiller on a flat surface and let the engine cool.
- Stand at the handlebar position and look down at the engine area.
- Locate the right-hand engine bracket (the bracket on the right side of the engine).
- Find the model plate attached to that bracket; it lists the model and serial number.
- Write down both numbers before ordering parts or scheduling service.
Tiller model number vs. engine model number
Your tiller has its own model number, and the engine has a separate model number. Both can matter when you are troubleshooting or ordering engine-specific parts.
| What you are identifying | Where to look | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Tiller model number (917298350) | Model plate on the right-hand engine bracket | Tiller parts diagrams, belts, tines, controls |
| Engine model number | On the engine blower housing near the spark plug | Engine tune-up and engine-specific parts |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number helps us match the correct Craftsman 5-hp tiller parts and hardware. For example, the parts list for model 917298350 includes tine and depth-stake hardware such as a clip/hairpin and clevis pin, which can vary by model.
For diagrams and the full parts list locations, use the 917298350 owner’s manual.
Last updated: January 2026
Who builds Craftsman tillers?
For the Craftsman 917298350 front-tine tiller, the “917” model prefix is commonly used to identify units built for Craftsman by AYP (American Yard Products), a manufacturer historically associated with Husqvarna-built outdoor power equipment. For model-specific identification details, use the Craftsman 917298350 owner's manual.
How to confirm who built your specific tiller
We recommend verifying the model and serial information on the machine itself, then matching it to the documentation.
- Find the model plate on the right-hand engine bracket (from the operator position).
- Confirm the model number is 917.298350 (often shown as 917298350 on parts sites).
- Record the serial number and purchase date for future parts and service reference.
- Use the parts diagrams and repair parts section to match hardware and assemblies.
- If you are comparing to similar-looking machines, match by model prefix and parts breakdown, not appearance.
Why the model prefix matters
Craftsman outdoor power equipment was produced by multiple manufacturers over the years. The model number prefix is one of the most reliable ways to identify the original builder because it ties to the parts system and documentation.
| What to check | Where to find it | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (917298350) | Model plate on engine bracket | Identifies the product family and parts listing |
| Serial number | Same model plate | Helps distinguish production runs |
| Parts match | Parts diagrams and listings | Confirms compatibility for belts, tines, cables, and hardware |
Why it matters for parts and repairs
Knowing the builder helps you get the right replacement parts and avoid mismatches in key systems like the tine drive, clutch cable routing, and hardware sizing.
If you are servicing the clutch or tine engagement, matching the correct cable and linkage hardware is especially important; for example, the cbl/cltch t 583731701 is a model-listed clutch cable option for this tiller.
Last updated: January 2026
What are common tiller problems?
Common problems on the Craftsman 917298350 front-tine tiller include hard starting, surging or stalling, tines that will not engage or stop, excessive vibration, and poor tilling performance in hard or wet soil. Our first step is always to follow the safety and operating checks in the 917298350 owner's manual.
Quick checks for the most common symptoms
- Engine surges or won’t idle smoothly: check the air cleaner cartridge condition and make sure the cooling air screen is clear of debris.
- Engine stalls when engaging tines: verify the tine control is being squeezed fully and the throttle is set to a working speed (not idle).
- Tines won’t engage or slip: inspect the tine control cable for slack, kinks, or binding; a worn or stretched cable can prevent full engagement.
- Abnormal vibration: stop the engine immediately and inspect for a bent tine, loose hardware, or damage after striking an object.
- Poor digging or bouncing: adjust depth stake and wheel height; dry hard soil often causes bounce and difficult handling.
What to do first (safe, fast troubleshooting)
- Move the throttle control to STOP, then remove the spark plug wire before inspecting anything near the tines.
- Check for wrapped vines/grass around the tine shaft and remove it.
- Confirm the depth stake is set below the wheels for digging and start with shallow passes in hard soil.
- Inspect the tine control cable routing and attachment points; replace if frayed or stretched.
Parts that commonly affect tine engagement
If the tines do not respond consistently to the handle control, the control cable and its mounting points are the first places we look.
| Symptom | Most likely area | What you’ll notice |
|---|---|---|
| Tines won’t engage | Tine control cable | Excess slack, frayed strands, stiff movement |
| Tines engage late | Cable adjustment/bracket | Handle travel feels “long” before tines move |
| Tines won’t stop | Cable binding | Control does not spring back freely |
Relevant part for this model: cbl/cltch t 583731701.
Why it matters
A tiller that surges, stalls, or vibrates is not just frustrating; it can damage the engine, transmission components, and tine drive parts. The manual also calls out stopping the engine and inspecting for damage after striking a foreign object, since vibration is a warning sign.
Last updated: January 2026
What tiller is made in the USA?
Some tillers are made in the USA, but it depends on the brand and the specific model line. For your Craftsman 917298350 5-hp front-tine tiller, our Craftsman 917298350 owner's manual focuses on safe operation, maintenance, and parts identification rather than stating a country of manufacture.
How to identify where a specific tiller is made
We recommend using the most reliable identifiers first, then confirming with the documentation that came with the unit.
- Check the model plate on the tiller (often on the engine bracket or frame)
- Look for “Made in …” or “Assembled in …” wording on the plate or decals
- Record the model number and serial number before ordering parts
- Review the owner’s manual and any packaging paperwork you still have
- If the engine is a separate brand (common on tillers), check the engine tag too
What we know about Craftsman 917298350
The manual for this model calls it a Sears tiller and shows where to find the model and serial number on the unit. It also lists common service items (like belts, tines, spark plugs, and air filters) as normal wear parts.
| Item to check | Where to look | What you’re looking for |
|---|---|---|
| Tiller model plate | Right-hand engine bracket area | Model and serial, possible origin statement |
| Engine tag | On the Briggs & Stratton engine shroud/block | Engine model/type, possible origin statement |
| Owner documentation | Manual and purchase paperwork | Manufacturer details, service info |
Why it matters
Country of manufacture can affect parts sourcing, compatibility across model families, and what to reference when you are matching hardware and wear items like tines, belts, and clevis pins.
Last updated: January 2026
