Craftsman 17274536 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

12-in. 4.0 Amp

Weedwacker ®

Electric

Trimmer

Model No.

172.74536

WARRANTY
SAFETY
ASSEMBLY

Z_CAUTION: Read, understand and follow
all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions in

this Manual before using this product.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Visit our Craftsman ® website: www.sears.com/craftsman

OPERATION
MAINTENANCE

PARTS LIST
ESPAI_OL

Warranty ....................................................... Page 2

Safety Symbols ........ ...................................... Page 3

Safety Instructions .......................................... Page 4-9

Unpacking ..................................................... Page 9

Description .................................................... Page 10-11

Assembly and Adjustments ............................. Page 12-16

Operation ........................................................... Page 16-19

Maintenance .......................................................... Page 20

Acessories ............................................................. Page 21

Repair Parts ........................................................... Page 22-23

Spanish .................................................................. Page 25-47

ONE-YEAR FULL WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN
WEEDWACKER® ELECTRIC TRIMMER

If this Craftsman product fails due to defect in material or workmanship

within one year from the date of purchase, RETURN IT TO ANY SEARS

STORE OR OTHER CRAFTSMAN OUTLET IN THE UNITED STATES
FOR FREE REPLACEMENT.

This warranty excludes the cutting line, which is an expendable part that
can wear out from normal use in less than one year.

If this line Craftsman product is used for commercial or rental purposes,

this warranty applies for 30 days from the date of purchase.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other

rights, which vary from state to state.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Dept. 817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS!

2

The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers.
The safety symbols, and the explanations with them, deserve your careful

attention and understanding. The symbol warnings DO NOT by themselves
eliminate any danger. The instructions and warnings they give are no substitutes

for proper accident prevention measures.

,/_ WARNING: BE SURE to read and understand all safety Instructions in I

this manual, including all safety alert symbols such as "DANGER", "WARNING"
and "CAUTION", BEFORE using this trimmer. Failure to follow all instructions

listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.

SYMBOL MEANING

I

//_ SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL: IndicatesDANGER,WARNING,OR

I/kWARNING ]

1 CAUTnONI

DAMAGE PREVENTION AND INFORMATION MESSAGES
These inform user of important information and/or instructions that could lead to

equipment or other property damage if not followed. Each message is preceded by the
word "NOTE:" as in the example below:

NOTE: Equipment and/or property damage may result if these instructions are ]not followed.

CAUTION. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or
pictographs.

Failure to obey this safety warning WILL result in death or

serious Injury to yourself or to others. Always follow the

safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock

and personal injury.

Failure to obey this safety warning CAN result In death or
serious injury to yourself or to others. Always follow the

safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock
and personal Injury.

Failure to obey this safety warning MAY result in personal
injury to yourse]f or others or property damage. Always

follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire,

electric shock and personal injury.

I

WEAR YOUR

,_WARNING: The operation of any trimmer can

result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes,

which can result in severe eye damage. Before

beginning power tool operation, ALWAYS wear
safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields and

a full-face shield when needed. We recommend a Wide
Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard

safety glasses with side shields, available at Sears
Stores or other Craftsman Outlets.

3

handle and efficient tool; if used improperly or without the due precautions
it could become a dangerous tool. For pleasant and safe work, ALWAYS

I _.WARNING: Ifcorrectly used, this electric trimmer is a quick, easy to

strictly comply with the safety rules that are contained in this manual.

manual before using this electric trimmer. Failure to follow all instructions

I /KWARNING: BE SURE to read and understand all instructions in this

listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.

i Z_WARNING: To avoid mistakes that could cause serious injury, DO NOTplug in this tool until the following instructions have been read and understood.

WORK AREA SAFETY

1. ALWAYS avoid dangerous conditions. DO NOT use in wet or damp areas
or expose to rain.

2. DO NOT operate in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust.

Electric tools create sparks which may ignite dust or fumes.

3. ALWAYS keep bystanders and visitors at a safe distance while operating

a trimmer. NEVER allow children near the tool. Flying objects can injure
anyone in the area.

4. CHILDPROOF your tools with padlocks and master switches. Lock tools

away when not in use. This trimmer is not a toy.

5. DO NOT use trimmer at night. ALWAYS make sure you have adequate lighting.

6. BEFORE using the trimmer, remove any stones, sticks, debris or objects
that could be entangled in or thrown by the trimmer.

PERSONAL SAFETY

z_WARNING: The operation of any trimmer can result in FOREIGN

OBJECTS BEING THROWN, which can result in personal injury or
property damage. ALWAYS use proper safety equipment.

1. KNOW your tool, Read the operator's manual carefully. Learn the electric
trimmer's applications and limitations, as well as the specific potential

hazards related to this tool.

2. STAY ALERT, watch what you are doing and use common sense when
operating this tool.

3. DO NOT use tool while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or
medication. A moment of inattention while operating this tool may result

in serious personal injury.

4

• I

PERSONAL SAFETY cont.

4. DRESS properly. Long sleeves and long pants are advised. Wear eye
protection. Trimmer can pick up objects like rocks and send them flying at

fast speeds. Secure long hair above shoulder length. DO NOT wear loose
clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving

parts. Loose clothing or long hair can be caught in moving parts.

5. DO NOT overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.

Proper footing and balance enables better control of the tool in

unexpected situations.

6. USE SAFETY EQUIPMENT. Always wear eye protection, such as non-

fogging, vented goggles or face shield. Proper work shoes with non-slip
soFes, heavy-duty non-slip gloves, hard hat, and hearing protection must be

used for appropriate conditions.

TOOL USE AND CARE SAFETY

z_WARNING: BE SURE to read and understand all instructions before I

operating this tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result I
in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury. I

1. DO NOT use the tool if switch does not turn it "On" or "Off". Any tool that
cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired,

2. DISCONNECT the plug from the power source before making any
adjustments, changing accessories or storing the tool. Such preventive

safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.

3. STORE idle tools out of the reach of children and other untrained

persons. Children MUST NOT operate the tool.

Tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

4. MAINTAIN tools with care. ALWAYS keep cutting tools clean and

in good working order.

5. CHECK for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts,

and any other condition that may affect the tool's operation. If damaged,
have the tool serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by poorly

maintained tools,

6. USE ONLY accessories that are recommended for this tool.
Accessories that may be suitable for one tool may become hazardous

when used on another tool.

5

ELECTRICALSAFETY

when installing or removing the plug from the outlet,

I_WARNING: Do not permit fingers to touch the terminals of plug I

1. Double insulated tools are equipped with a
polarized plug (one blade is wider than the

other). This plug will fit in a polarized outlet
only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the

outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact
a qualified electrician to install a polarized outlet.

Do not change or alter the plug in any way.

2. Double insulation [] eliminates the need for the
three-wire grounded power cord and grounded

power supply system. Applicable only to Class II
(double-insulated) tools.This trimmer is a double

insulated toor.

A CAUTION: This trimmer has a 12-in. Pigtail Power Cord that

I

must be plugged into a proper extension cord (see page 7).

/k WARNING: Double insulation DOES NOT take the place of

I

normal safety precautions when operating this tool.

Cover of @

Grounded

Outlet Box-

i

I

3. BEFORE plugging in the tool, BE SURE that the outlet voltage supplied is
within the voltage marked on the tool's data plate, DO NOT use "AC only"

rated tools with a DC power supply,

4. DO NOT expose tools to rain or wet conditions or use electric tools

in wet or damp locations. Water entering an electric tool will increase
the risk of electric shock.

5. If operating an electric tool in damp locations is unavoidable,

ALWAYS USE a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter to supply power to
your tool. ALWAYS WEAR electrician's rubber gloves and footwear

in damp conditions.

6. When operating a power tool outside, ALWAYS use an outdoor extension
cord marked "W-A" or "W". these cords are rated for outdoor use and

reduce the risk of electric shock.

7. INSPECT tool cords for damage. Have damaged tool cords repaired at

a Sears Service Center. BE SURE to stay constantly aware of the cord
location and keep it well away from the spinning cutting lines.

8. DO NOT abuse the cord. NEVER use the cord to carry the tool by or
to pull the plug from the outlet. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp

edge or moving parts. Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged
cords increase the risk of electric shock.

EXTENSION CORDS
Use a proper extension cord. ONLY use cords listed by Underwriters

Laboratories (UL). Other extension cords can cause a drop in line voltage,
resulting in a loss of power and overheating of tool.

For this tool an AWG (American Wire Gauge) size of a least 14-gauge is
recommended for an extension cord of 25- ft. or less in length. Use 12-gauge

for an extension cord of 50-ft. Extension cords 100-ft. or longer are not
recommended.

Remember, a smaller wire gauge size has greater capacity than a larger
number (14-gauge wire has more capacity than 16-gauge wire; 12-gauge wire

has more capacity than 14-gauge). When in doubt use the smaller number.
When operating a power tool outdoors, use an outdoor extension cord marked

"W-A" or "W". These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of
electric shock.

Position the cord so that it will not get caught on bushes, hedges,
tree trunks, lawnmowers or other obstructions while you are working

I Z_CAUTION: Keep the extension cord clear of the work area.

with the trimmer.

replace immediately. Never use tool with a damaged cord since

touching the damaged area could cause electrical shock, resulting

I A WARNING:Check extension cords before each use. If damaged

in serious injury.

The label on your tool may include the following symbols.

V ................................................................. Volts

A................................................................ Amps

Hz .............................................................. Hertz

W ................................................................ Watts

rain ...................... ...................................... Minutes

,%, .............................................................. Alternating Current

............................................................ Direct Current

no .............................................................. No-load Speed

[] ................................................................ Class II construction

.../rain ........................................................ Revolutions or Strokes per minute

Z_ ............................................................... indicates danger, warning caution.

It means attentioni Your safety is involved.

7

SERVICESAFETY

I. If any part of this trimmer is missing or should break, bend, or failin

any way; or should any electrical component fail to perform properly:

SHUT OFF the power switch and remove the trimmer plug from the power

source and have the missing, damaged or failed parts replaced BEFORE

resuming operation.

2. Tool service should be performed at a Sears Parts and Repair Center.
Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in

a risk of injury.

3. When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement parts.

Follow instructions in the maintenance section of this manual.

Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow maintenance instructions
may create a risk of electric shock or injury.

SAFETY RULES FOR ELECTRIC TRIMMERS

1. KNOW your electric tool. Read operator's manual carefully. Learn the

applications and limitations, as well as the specific potential hazards related
to this tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock, fire or

serious injury.

2. DO NOT use trimmer at night. ALWAYS make sure that you have adequate lighting.

3. Use trimmer ONLY when grass and weeds are dry.

4. ALWAYS hold the trimmer by both the main handle and the auxiliary handle

for greater control and balance.

5. AVOID accidental starting. DO NOT carry a plugged in trimmer with your

finger on the switch.

6. DO NOT carry the trimmer by the cord or yank the cord to disconnect itfrom

the power receptacle. Keep cord away from heat, oil and sharp edges.

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

8. DO NOT FORCE the trimmer. Do net try to cut more than what the trimmer is

designed for. It will do a better job with less chance of injury when used at the

rate for which it is designed.

9. MAINTAIN the trimmer with care. ALWAYS inspect the extension cord and
replace it if damaged.

10. KEEP the handle dry, clean and free of oil and grease. Use a clean cloth
when cleaning. DO NOT use solvents, brake fluids, gasoline, or other
petroleum products to clean the trimmer. They can damage plastic parts.

1I. NEVER, for any reason, touch the cutting line or other moving parts during use.

12. KEEP guard in place and in good working order. Keep hands and feet away
from cutting line.

8

SAFETY RULES FOR ELECTRIC TRIMMERS cont,

13. ALWAYS store the trimmer indoors when not in use. It should be stored in
a dry place, high up or locked in a place that is out of the reach of children.

14. WHEN LENGTHENING NEW CUTTING LINE, be careful of the line cutter
on the guard. Cutter is sharp and can cause injury (see page 12, Fig. 4).

15. ALWAYS use only the accessories provided by or sold by Sears. Use of any
other accessories may create a hazardous situation.

16. ALWAYS keep ventilation openings clear of debris.

17. BEFORE using the trimmer, remove any stones, sticks, debris or

objects that could be entangled in or thrown by the trimmer.

z_WARNING:Some dust particles created by lawn and garden tools

contain chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:

, Compounds in fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides.
, Arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber.

Your risk from these exposures varies, depending upon how often you
do this type of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals:

• Work in a well-ventilated area

• Work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust masks

that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

_WARNING:NEVER reach under the trimmer (cutting line area)

until trimmer has completely stopped. The trimmer's cutting line

will continue to rotate for a few seconds after it is switched off.

Fig. 1

UNPACKING (Fig. 1)

1. The trimmer comes fully assembled except
for the guard and edge guide which must

be attached.

2. Remove the trimmer, guard, and edge guide
from the carton and inspect your trimmer.

NOTE: Do not discard box or packing
material until all parts are examined.

1. Trimmer

2. Guard

3. Edge guide

/_ WARNING:If any part of the trimmer is missing or damaged, donot plug in the trimmer until the damaged part is repaired or replaced.

9

Trimmer

_" Edge guide

Guard

KNOWYOURTRIMMER/EDGER(Fig.2)

Your trimmer/edger has a precision built
electric motor and it should only be
connected to a 120-volt, 60 HzAC ONLY

power supply (normal household current).
The trimmer should always be used with a
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet.

Handle Rotation

Button

Handle

Auxiliary X

Trigger
Switch

Handle

Cord
Retention
Hook

Pigtail
Power

Cord

DO NOT operate this trimmer on

direct current (DC). The large voltage

AUXllla

Handler_nob

drop would cause a loss of power and
the motor would overheat.

If the trimmer does not operate when

Height Adjustment

plugged into correct 120-volt.60 Hz AC-

ONLY outlet, check the power supply.
The trimmer comes with a 12-in. pigtail

power cord and should be plugged

Fig. 2

into a proper extension cord,

rrlmmer Head

Motor
Housing

PIGTAIL POWER CORD (Fig. 3)

Your edger trimmer has a 12-inch pigtail power cord. This cord must be attached
to a proper extension cord (see page 7).

Remove the plug guard from the pigtail power cord (see Fig. 3). Make a loop in
the extension cord. Push loop through hole in the handle (see Fig. 3a). Fasten
loop around cord retention hook. Plug trimmer's power cord into extension cord
plug (see Fig. 3b).

Fig. 3

Fig. 3b

10

KNOW YOUR TRIMMER/EDGER cont. (Fig. 2)

This Trimmer/Edger has the following features:

1. 4.0 Amp, 8000 RPM (no-load speed) motor. Provides power for trimming

and edging in medium duty applications.

2. 180° Rotating Handle with Comfort Grip allows you to use the trimmer as an
edger. The comfort grip provides increased operator comfort with reduced vibration.

3. Adjustable Position Assist Handle provides added comfort, maximum control.

4. Adjustable Trimmer Head. Your trimmer has a 4-position tilting head that easily

adjusts to the right working angle for optimum operator control and comfort in
all trimming tasks, from trimming around hard-to-reach flower beds and shrubs,
to deck supports, fences and stairways.

5. Adjustable Shaft. Allows you to change the length of the shaft from 16 to 25

inches, providing a comfortable working height.

6. Edge Guide provides a cutting guide for protecting flowers and plants from

being cut by trimmer line.

7. Bump-Feed Head allows you to simply bump the trimmer head for convenient
cutting line extension.

8. Trigger Switch. Full length for easy operation.

9. Rotating Handle. Rotating handle allows you to use the trimmer as an edger
(for vertical trimming).

10. Cord Retention Hook helps keep the extension cord in place.

11. Lightweight design for easy use and handling comfort.

Cutting Swath
Speed

Line Diameter
Line Feed Mechanism
Power Head -RIt

Adjust Height of Shaft
Cord Length

Power Requirement

12 inches

8000 RPM

.065-inch dual line
Bump head

4 positions
From 16 to 25 inches

12-inch Pigtail Power cord
120-volt, 60 Hertz AC Only

11

I NOTE: THE GUARD MUST BE ATTACHED to the trimmer head before use. I

INSTALLING THE GUARD and EDGE GUIDE (Figs. 4, 4a and 4b)

trimmer from the power outlet BEFORE installing parts or cleaning the

I WARNING: To avoid injury, ALWAYS turn off and disconnect the

trimmer or making any adjustments.

1. Turn the trimmer over to provide access to trimmer head.

2. Remove the four screws from the base of the motor housing (see Fig. 4).

3. Take edge guide and fit its two curved ends into the slots in the upper side
of the guard. These ends of the guide will fit into the slots in the guard by

snapping into place (see Fig. 4a).

4. With the edge guide in place, fit the guard over the trimmer head.

(The edge guide should now be positioned between the trimmer head
and the guard). Fit the guard onto the trimmer head so that it is seated

completely on the head. The larger side of the guard will be facing the
same direction as illustrated on page 10.

5. Align the four screw holes on the guard with the four screw holes on the
trimmer head (see Fig. 4b).

6. Insert the four screws and tighten. DO NOT over-tighten.

Fig. 4 Fourscrews

Motor
Housing'

Fig. 4a

A CAUTION: BE CAREFUL OF LINE CUTTER ON GUARD.
Cutter is sharp and can cause injury, (see Fig. 4b).

Edge

12

screwho]es
on Guard

Fig. 4b

Guard

\

Line Cutter

I

ADJUSTING THE AUXILIARY HANDLE
(Fig. 5)

1. The auxiliary handle comes on the shaft
of the trimmer. Before operating the

trimmer, make sure the auxiliary handle
is tightly locked into position.

2. To adjust handle, pick a comfortable

height and tighten.

3. To tighten, turn the auxiliary handle knob
clockwise to lock the handle in position.

Z_WARNING: To avoid injury, adjust the auxiliary handle for
maximum control and balance. DO NOT overreach when operating

the trimmer. ALWAYS KEEP proper balance for better control of the
tool in unexpected situations.

Auxlnary
handleknob

Auxiliary

handle

ADJUSTING THE HEIGHT (Figs. 6 and 6a)

1. To change the height of the trimmer, press down on the height adjustment
latch to release the height adjustment lock, then pull or push the shaft to
the desired height. There are four main operating positions and one storage
position.

2. Release the latch, then pull up on the shaft, making sure it locks into position.

Fig.6

13

ADJUSTING THE CUTTING ANGLE (Figs. 7 and 7a)

trimmer from the power outlet BEFORE installing or changing the

I Z_WARNING:To avoid injury, ALWAYS turn off and disconnect the I

Your trimmer has a 4-position tilting head that easily adjusts to the right working
angle for optimum operator control and comfort. To adjust the trimmer head angle:

1. Press the black trimmer head adjustment button on the motor housing,

2. Move the trimmer head to one of four different angles and release the button.
Head will click into position. Easily readjust the angle to a more comfortable

or efficient 3osition as needed.

Fig. 7 Fig. 7a

t

Itrimmer line or making any adjustments.

/

,/

/

ALWAYS turn the switch to the "off" position. Failure to do so could

I /kWARNING:BEFORE connecting your trimmer to the power outlet, I

THE CUTTING LINE

up or holding the trimmer,

I AWARNING:DO NOT grasp the exposed cutting line when picking

A double-wound cord of monofilament cutting line is pre-installed on the trimmer.

When the cutting line needs replacing, install a new pre-wound spool,

or refill the spool with new line (see page 15).

14

Iresult in accidental start-up, which may cause serious personal injury.

REMOVING THE SPOOL (Fig. 8)

z_ WARNING:To avoid injury, ALWAYS turn off and disconnect the
trimmer from the power outlet BEFORE installing or changing the

trimmer spool or making any adjustments.

1

1. Unplug the power cord and turn the
trimmer over to access the cutting line.

2. To remove the spool housing retainer,
press in on the two tabs located across
from each other on the retainer. Lift up,

remove and set to one side.

3. Remove spool from spool housing.

4. Note that the spring inside the middle
of the spool housing is loose and

comes out easily.

REPLACING THE SPOOL (Fig. 9)

• trimmer from the power outlet BEFORE installing or changing the

I _WARNING:To avoid injury, ALWAYS turn off and disconnect the

trimmer spool or making any adjustments;

1. Replace the spool with a new pre-wound
spool (Craftsman Spool 71-85967). Spool

is available at Sears Stores or other
Craftsman outlets.

2. Insert the end of one cutting line through
one of the eyelets in the spool housing.

Insert the other end of the cutting line

through the other eyelet.

3. Place the spool over the middle of the
spool housing (with the spring inside).

Once spool is over the middle of the
spool housing, pull the cutting lines to
release them from the spool rail notches.

Line up the tabs of the spool housing
retainer with the cut out parts of the
housing and press firmly. Make sure the
two sections of the line are not caught
between the housing and the housing

retainer.

Fig. 8

Spool

Spool

housing
retainer

line

Fig. 9

Spool

housing

15