Craftsman 138.74544 User Manual

12-inch STRING TRIMMER

12-pulgadas RECORTADORA DE HILO

MODEL NO.

138.74544

138.74544

1-888-266-7096

1-888-266-7096

www.craftsman.com

www.craftsman.com

this product is warrantied against any defects in material or workmanship.

A defective product will be replaced free of charge.

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, los productos defectuosos se remplazaran sin cargo.

For safe operation, read and understand all
instructions before using this product. Follow
all safety instructions. Failure to follow all safety
instructions listed below, can result in serious
personal injury.
Do not allow children or untrained individuals to
use this unit.
Check the work area before each use. Remove
all objects such as rocks, broken glass, nails,
wire, or string which can be thrown or become
entangled in the machine.
Wear eye protection which is marked to comply
with ANSI Z87.1 when operating this product.
Use Safety Glasses – Always use face or dust
mask if operation is dusty.
Always wear safety glasses with side shields.
Everyday glasses have only impact resistant
lenses. They are NOT safety glasses.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of eye
injury. Use face mask if operation is dusty.
Dress Properly – Use rubber gloves and
substantial footwear is recommended when
workingoutdoors.
Wear heavy, long pants, boots, and gloves. Do
not wear loose fitting clothing, short pants, or
go barefoot. Do not wear jewelry of any kind.
Secure long hair above shoulder level to
prevent entanglement in moving parts.
Keep children away - Keep all bystanders,
children, and pets at least 50 ft. away.
Stay alert - Do not operate this unit when you
are tired, ill, or under the influence of alcohol,
drugs, or medication.
Do not operate in poor lighting.
Keep all parts of your body away from any
moving part.
Do not operate power tools in explosive
atmospheres, such as in the presence of
flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools
create sparks which may ignite the dust or
fumes.

To reduce the risk of electric shock, this tool
has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than
the other) and will require the use of a
polarized extension cord. The plug will fit into
a polarized extension cord only one way. If the
plug does not fit fully into the extension cord,
reverse the plug. If the plug still does not fit,
obtain a correct polarized extension cord. A
polarized extension cord will require the use of
a polarized wall outlet. This plug will fit into the
polarized wall outlet only one way. If the plug
does not fit fully into the wall outlet, reverse
the plug. If the plug still does not fit, contact a
qualified electrician to install the proper wall
outlet. Do not change the equipment plug,
extension cord receptacle, or extension cord
plug in any way.
Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces
such as pipes, radiators, ranges, and
refrigerators. There is an increased risk of
electric shock if your body is grounded.
Avoid Dangerous Environments - Don’t e
xpose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
Waterentering a power tool will increase the
risk of electric shock.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
protection should be provided on the circuit (s)
or outlet(s) to be used for the gardening
appliance. Receptacles are available having
built-in GFCI protection and may be used for
this measure of safety.
Use Right Appliance - Do not force tool. Use
the correct tool for your application. The
correct tool will do the job better and safer at
the rate for which it is designed.
Do not operate the equipment while barefoot or
when wearing sandals or similar lightweight
footwear. Wear protective footwear that will
protect your feet and improve your footing on
slippery surfaces.
Do not overreach. Keep firm footing and
balance. Over-reaching can result in loss of
balance.

Avoid Accidental Start – Do not carry plugged
in appliance with finger on trigger. Be sure the
switch trigger is not en-gaged before plugging
in.
Do not use tool if switch trigger does not turn it
on or off. Any tool that cannot be controlled with
the switch trigger is dangerous and must be
repaired.
Disconnect appliance from power source
before storing, servicing, changing accessories
such as cutting line. Such preventive safety
measures reduce the risk of starting the tool
accidentally.
Use only identical manufacturer’s replacement
parts and accessories. Use of any other parts
may create a hazard or cause product damage.
Maintain appliance with care - Replace string
head if cracked, chipped, or damaged in any
way.
Be sure the string head is properly installed
and securely fastened. Failure to do so can
causeserious injury.
Make sure all guards, straps, deflectors and
handles are properly and securely attached.
Use only the manufacturer’s replacement
string in the cutting head. Do not use any other
cutting attachment, for example, metal wire,
rope, or the like. To install any other brand of
cutting head to this string trimmer can result in
serious personal injury.
Never operate unit without the grass deflector
in place and in good condition.
Check damaged parts. Before further use of
the tool, a guard or other part that is damaged
should be carefully checked to determine that
it will operate properly and perform its intended
function. Check for alignment of moving parts,
binding of moving parts, breakage of parts,
mounting and any other conditions that may
affect its operation. A guard or other part that is
damaged must be properly repaired or
replaced by an authorized service center to
avoid riskof personal injury.
Maintain a firm grip on both handles while
trimming. Keep string head below waist level.
Nevercut with the string head located over 30in,
or more above the ground.

Store idle appliances - When not in use, string
trimmer should be stored indoors in a dry,
locked place out of the reach of children.
Make sure your extension cord is in good
condition. When using an extension cord, be
sure to use one heavy enough to carry the
current your product will draw. A wire gauge
size (A.W.G.) of at least 16 is recommended
for an extension cord 50 feet or less in length.
A cord exceeding 100 feet is not
recommended. If in doubt, use the next heavier
gauge. The smaller the gaugenumber, the
heavier the cord. An undersized cord will cause
a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power
and overheating.
Never use blades or flailing devices. Unit is
designed for line trimmer use only. Use of any
other accessories or attachments will increase
the risk of injury. Inspect area to be cut.
Remove objects (rocks, broken glass, nails,
wire, string, etc.) which can be thrown or
become entangled in cutting head.
Keep the air vents clean and free of debris to
avoid overheating the motor. Clean after each
use.
Stop the unit and disconnect the power source
when not in use. Carry the unit with the motor
stopped.
Store unplugged and out of the reach of
children.
Do not hang unit so that the switch trigger is
depressed.
Do not use multiple cords.
Do not abuse the cord. Never carry the unit by
the extension cord or yank extension cord to
disconnect unit.
Keep the extension cord clear of operator and
obstacles at all times. Do not expose cords to
heat, oil, water, or sharp edges.
If the power supply cord is damaged, it must be
replaced only by the manufacturer or by an
authorized service center to avoid risk.
Save these instructions. Refer to them
frequently and use them to instruct others who
may use this power tool. If you loan someone
this power tool, loan them these instructions
also.

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Alternating Current Type of current

Direct Current Type or a characteristic of current

Class II Construction Double-insulated construction

Wet Conditions Alert Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations

To reduce the risk of injury user must read and

Read The Operator’s Manual

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Safety Alert Precautions that involve your safety.

Keep Bystanders Away Keep all bystanders at least 50 ft. away.

Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses

Eye Protection

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ELECTRICAL

When working outdoors with a product, use an extension
designated with “WA” on the cord’s jacket.

Before using any extension cord, inspect it for loose or
exposed wires and cut or worn insulation.

**Ampere rating (on product data plate)

0-2.0 2.1-3.4 3.5-5.0 5.1-7.0 7.1-12.0 12.1-16.0

Cord Length Wire Size (A.W.G.)

25´ 16 16 16 16 14 14

50´ 16 16 16 14 14 12

100´ 16 16 14 12 10 —

**Used on 12 gauge - 20 amp circuit.
NOTE: AWG = American Wire Gauge

WARNING:

Keep the extension cord clear of the working area.
Position the cord so that it will not get caught on lumber,
tools, or other obstructions while you are working with
a power tool. Failure to do so can result in serious per ­sonal injury.

WARNING:

Check extension cords before each use. If damaged
replace immediately. Never use product with a damaged
cord since touching the damaged area could cause elec­trical shock resulting in serious injury.

Input...........................................................120 V AC 60Hz.

Cutting Path.................................................................12 in.

Feed type..........................................0.065 in. bump & feed

CORD RETAINER

A convenient cord retainer helps keep the extension cord
connection secure during string trimmer operation.

EDGER GUIDE

The easily mounted edger guide allows the string trimmer
to perform as an edger.

Replacement Spool Part Number..........................71-85967

Replacement Cutting line Part Number.................71-85822

FRONT HANDLE

The string trimmer is equipped with a front handle assembly
for ease of operation and to prevent loss of control.

GRASS DEFLECTOR

The trimmer includes a grass deflecter that helps protect
from flying debris.

ROTATING REAR HANDLE

The rotating rear handle on the string trimmer can be locked
in two different positions for ease of use when edging.

TELESCOPING BOOM

The string trimmer can be adjusted to different extension
points for ease of use.

1-888-266-7096

If any parts are damaged or missing do
not operate this product until the parts are replaced. Use
of this product with damaged or missing parts could result
in serious personal injury.

Do not attempt to modify this product
or create accessories not recommended for use with
this product. Any such alteration or modification is
misuse and could result in a hazardous condition leading
to possible serious personal injury.

Remove supplied screw with a phillips screwdriver from
the trimmer head.
Fit the grass deflector into the slots on trimmer head.
Turn counterclockwise to lock grass deflector into place.
Line up the screw hole in the grass deflector with the
center hole in the trimmer head.
Install supplied screw and tighten by turning clockwise
with a phillips screwdriver.

See Figure 3, page i.

Loosen and remove the knob from the handle.
Install the handle on the rear handle pole in the area

indicated by the illustration.
Adjust handle up or down, if necessary, to desired
operating position.
Reinstall the knob. Tighten it to secure.

If any parts are damaged or missing,
do not operate this product until the parts are
replaced. Failure to heed this warning could result in
serious personal injury.

Do not attempt to modify this product
or create accessories not recommended for use with
this product. Any such alteration or modification is
misuse and could result in a hazardous condition
leading to possible serious personal injury.

Do not connect to power supply until
assembly is complete. Failure to comply could result
in accidental starting and possible serious personal
injury.

STARTING/STOPPING THE TRIMMER

See Figure 4 - 5, page i.

Attach the outlet end of an extension cord to the plug on
the rear of the string trimmer.

NOTE: Use only approved outdoor extension cords.

Route the extension cord through the slot located on
the rear of the string trimmer housing and place
underneath the cord retainer.

To start the string trimmer, press the switch trigger.
To stop the string trimmer, release the switch trigger.

If any parts are damaged or missing, please call
1-888-266-7096 for assistance.

OPERATING THE TRIMMER

See Figure 6, page i.

Folow these tips when using the string trimer:

Hold the trimmer with your right hand on the rear
handle and your left hand on the front handle.
Keep a firm grip with both hands while in operation.
Trimmer should be held at a comfortable position with
the rear handle about hip height.
Cut tall grass from the top down. This will prevent
grass from wrapping around the shaft housing and
string head.

If grass becomes wrapped around the string head:

Stop the trimmer.
Unplug the string trimmer.
Remove the grass.

THE CUTTING LINE

CUTTING TIPS

See Figure 8, page ii.

DO NOT grasp the exposed cutting line
when picking up or holding the trimmer.

A single 0.065-inch round cutting line is pre-installed on the
trimmer. When the cutting line needs replacing, install a
new pre-wound spool. Craftsman 71-85967.

EXTENDING THE CUTTING LINE

See Figure 7, page ii.

During operation, cutting lines shorten due to normal wear.
For greater convenience and efficiency, your trimmer has
been equipped with a bump feed head that allows you to
simply bump the trimmer head to extend the cutting lines
while the trimmer is operating. Cutting line will wear faster
and require more feeding if the cutting or edging is done
along sidewalks or other abrasive surfaces or heavier
weeds are being cut.

While the trimmer is on and spinning, gently bump the
spool housing on a firm surface (hard ground or
sidewalk). This should release additional cutting line
from the spool.

If no line is released, bump the trimmer head more
sharply or try bumping it on a firmer surface.

If there is no change in the cutting line length, un-plug
the trimmer’s pigtail power cord from the extension
cord. After the trimmer head stops rotating, gently pull at
the cutting lines manually. Once the lines are pulled out
(extended), plug the trimmer’s pigtail power cord into the
extension cord and resume cutting.

If the cutting line still does not feed from the spool, the
spool might be empty or the cutting line may be tangled
or jammed on the spool. Un-plug the trimmer’s pigtail
power cord from the extension cord. After the trimmer
head stops rotating,remove the spool (see steps1
through 3 in “Removing the Spool” on page 9).
If the line is tangled or jammed, untangle and replace
the line. If the spool is empty, replace the spool.

Keep the trimmer tilted toward the area being cut; this is
the best cutting area.
The string trimmer cuts when passing the unit from left
to right. This will avoid throwing debris at the operator.
Avoid cutting in the dangerous area shown in figure 8.
Use the tip of the string to do the cutting; do not force
string head into uncut grass.
Wire and picket fences cause extra string wear, even
breakage. Stone and brick walls, curbs, and wood may
wear strings rapidly.
Avoid trees and shrubs. Tree bark, wood moldings,
siding, and fence posts can easily be damaged by the
strings.

TELESCOPING BOOM

See Figure 9, page ii.

The boom can be extended or shortened for ease of use.

Unplug the string trimmer.
Unscrew telescoping boom coupler and slide to desired
position.
Tighten telescoping boom coupler.

THREE-POSITION PIVOTING HEAD

See Figure 10, page ii.

Unplug the string trimmer.
Depress the pivot button and move the trimmer head
up or down to one of the three positions indicated by
the notches.

ROTATING REAR HANDLE

To avoid injury, ALWAYS turn off and
disconnect the trimmer from the power outlet BEFORE
installing parts or cleaning the trimmer or making any
adjustments.

Unplug the string trimmer.
Pull up edging coupler and turn handle end
counterclockwise.
Release edging boom coupler when handle has been
rotated 180°.

EDGING

See Figure 11-13, page ii.

The rotating handle can be used in combination with the
edger guide for edging sidewalks and walkways. To use
the edger guide, flip down from it’s stored position.