I have inherited my aunts craftsman tiller, 5HP 206 CC The Model No. is
917.298541 there is another number on it, 9561R
My husband and I are wondering if there is any way we can determine the age of the tiller.

We would also like to have a parts schematic. I hope you can help me. Thanks,

Your parts diagram should be here: Parts & Accessories | Shop & Find Lawn & Garden, Appliance Parts at Sears PartsDirect | SearsPartsDirect.com (http://www.searspartsdirect.com)

The 9561R is very suspicious of a typical "Date Code". Lot R, 61st week of 1995. Does this make sense?

Hi,
No, 9561R does not make sense as that is Tecumseh number and they are last digit of the year 9) and day of the year(561 - and no year has that many days) and the factory and age designation(R.)
Pace,
Clarke

Hi,
Seems to be an MTD part #04924A chain drive assembly.
Peace,
Clarke