Craftsman 172.74544 User Manual

Operator's Manual

12-in. 4.0 Amp

Weedwacker_

Electric

Trimmer

Model No. 172.74544

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.craftsman.com

0M-74544

• WARRANTY

• SAFETY

• ASSEMBLY

• OPERATION

• MAINTENANCE

• PARTS LIST

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

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

Safety Instructions ................................................................................ Pages 4 - 9

Unpacking........................................................................................ Page 10

Description ......................................................................................... Pages 11 - 13

Assembly and Adjustments .................................................................. Pages 13 - 17

Operation.............................................................................................. Pages 17 - 21

Maintenance ......................................................................................... Pages 22

Accessories ................................................................................................ Pages 23

Parts List............................................................................................. Pages 24 - 25

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 this

manual, including all safety alert symbols such as "DANGER", "WARNING" and "CAUTION", BEFORE using this tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.

SYMBOL MEANING

TWO YEAR FULL WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN WEEDWACKER ® ELECTRIC TRIMMER

If this Craftsman product fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within two years from the date of purchase, RETURN ITTO ANY SEARS

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

This warranty does not include expendable parts such as cutting line, lamps, batteries, bits, blades, or bonnets.

Ifthis Craftsman product is used for commercial or rental purposes, this

warranty applies for only 90 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., Hoffman Estates, IL

contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth

i _ WARNING: Some dust created by using lawn and garden power tools

defects or other reproductive harm.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS! READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS!

]

Z_ SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL: Indicates DANGER, WARNING, OR

[ z_WARNING i

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 inthe example below:

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.

z_ CAUTION I injury to yourself or others or property damage. Always

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

WEAR YOUR

i Failure to obey this safety warning MAY result in personal

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

z_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 aWide Vision Safety Mask for use over

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

]

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z_ WARNING: if correctly used, this electdc trimmer is an easy to handle and

efficient tool; if used improperly or without the due precautions it could become a

dangerous tool. For pleasant and safe work, ALWAYS strictly comply with the safety rules that are contained in this manual.

Z_ WARNING: BE SURE to read and understand all instructions in this manual

before using this electric trimmer. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.

z_ WARNING: To avoid mistakes that could cause serious injury, DO NOT plug

in this trimmer 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 cont.

5. USE SAFETY EQUIPMENT. Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields or full face shield, proper work shoes with rubber non-slip soles, heavy-duty

non-slip rubber gloves and dust mask or respirator and hearing protection. Hard hat should be used for appropriate conditions.

6. DO NOT overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Proper footing and balance enables better control of the toot in unexpected situations.

TOOL USE AND CARE SAFETY

operating this tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in

Z_ WARNING: BE SURE to read and understand all instructions before

electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.

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 cutting line, 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 cutting line that is recommended for this trimmer. Cutting line that may be suitable for one trimmer may become hazardous when used on another trimmer.

PERSONAL SAFETY

BEING THROWN, which can result in personal injury or property damage.

I Z_ WARNING:The operation of any trimmer can result in FOREIGN OBJECTS

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. DRESS properly. Wear rubber gloves and substantial rubber soled footwear when working outdoors. DO NOT operate lawn and garden tools when barefoot or wearing

open sandals. Wear long pants and long sleeves to protect your legs and arms. Trimmers can pick up objects such as rocks and send them flying at fast speeds.

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.

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ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Z_ WARNING: Do not permit fingers to touch

the terminals of ptug when installing or removing the plug from the outlet.

•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. Ifthe 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 inany 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 tool.

Cover of Grounded Outlet Box

ELECTRICALSAFETYcont.

Z_ WARNING: GFCl (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection should be

provided on all circuits or outlets to be used for electric lawn and garden power tools. Receptacles are available having built-in GFCl protection and should be used for this measure of protection.

EXTENSION CORDS cont.

immediately. Never use tool with a damaged cord since touching the damaged

/_ WARNING: Check extension cords before each use. If damaged replace

area could cause electrical shock, resulting in serious injury.

/_ CAUTION: This trimmer has a 12-in. Pigtail Power Cord that must be

plugged into a proper extension cord (see below).

irk WARNING: Double insulation DOES NOT take the place of normal safety

precautions when operating this tool.

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.

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.

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 edges 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.

z_ CAUTION: Keep the extension cord clear of the work area. Position the

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

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The label on your tool may includethe following symbols.

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

A...................................................................... Am ps

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

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

min .................................................................. Minutes

_., .................................................................... Alternating current

................................................................... Direct current

no .................................................................... No-load speed

[] .................................................................... Class II construction, Double Insulated

RPM .......................................................... Revolutions per minute

SPM ........................................................... Strokes per minute

OPM .......................................................... Orbits per minute

/'_ .................................................................... Indicates danger, warning or caution.

It means attention! Your safety is involved.

SERVICE SAFETY

If any part of this trimmer is missing or should break, bend, or fail in 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 trimmer. 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.

DO NOT use trimmer without adequate lighting. ALWAYS make sure that you can see what you are trimming and edging.

Use trimmer ONLY when grass and weeds are dry.

ALWAYS remove objects such as stones, sticks, and debris from the trimming/edging path that could become entangled in, or thrown by, the trimmer.

ALWAYS hold the trimmer by both the main rear handle and the auxiliary handle for greater control and balance. NEVER reach under the safety guard.

AVOID accidental starting. DO NOT carry a plugged in trimmer with your finger on the switch.

SAFETY RULES FOR ELECTRIC TRIMMERS cont.

7. DO NOT carry the trimmer by the cord or pull the cord to disconnect it from the receptacle. Keep cord away from heat, oil and sharp edges.

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

9. DO NOT FORCE the trimmer. Do not 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.

10. MAiNTAiN the trimmer with care. ALWAYS inspect the extension cord and replace it if damaged.

11. 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.

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

13. WHEN INSTALLING SAFETY GUARD OR CHANGING CUTTING LiNE SPOOL be careful of the line cutter on the guard. Cutter is sharp and can cause injury

(see page 14, Fig. 4a).

14. KEEP guard in place and in good working order. Keep guard positioned between you and cutting line. Keep hands and feet away from cutting line.

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

16. ALWAYS use only the cutting line provided with this trimmer or sold by Sears. Use of any other cutting line may create a hazardous situation.

17. ALWAYS keep ventilation openings clear of debris.

18. BEFORE using the trimmer, remove any stones, sticks, debris orobjects that could be entangled inor thrown by the trimmer.

19. NYLON CUTTING LiNE Keep face, hands and feet clear of rotating nylon line at all times.

20. THE ROTATING LiNE PERFORMS A CUTTING FUNCTION. Use care when trimming around screens and flowers and other objects that you DO NOT want damaged or cut.

21. KEEP ALL BYSTANDERS AWAY at a safe distance from the work area, especially children. Make sure that persons and pets are at least 100 feet away.

iMPORTANT WARNING:

When this tool is being used as a trimmer or edger, stones and other objects can be thrown out at high speed by the line. The tool and guard are designed to help reduce the danger. However, the following special precautions should be taken.

TO REDUCE THE RISK of rebound or ricochet injury, always work away from any solid objects such as wails, steps, large stones, landscape bricks, timbers, trees, etc. Use extreme care when working close to solid objects and when necessary edge or trim by hand.

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.

trimmer has completely stopped. The trimmer's cutting line witl continue to

Z_ WARNING: NEVER reach under the trimmer (cutting line area) until

rotate for a few seconds after it is switched off.

ADDiTiONAL RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or

z_ WARNING: BE SURE to read and understand all instructions. Failure to

serious personal injury.

1. ALWAYS wear safety glasses or eye shields when using this tool Everyday eyeglasses have only impact-resistant lenses; they are NOT safety glasses.

2. PROTECT your lungs. Wear a face mask, dust mask or respirator if the operation is dusty.

3. PROTECT your hearing. Wear appropriate personal hearing protection during use. Under some conditions noise from this product may contribute to hearing loss.

4. ALL ViSiTORS AND BYSTANDERS MUST wear the same safety equipment that the operator of the tool wears.

5. ALWAYS check the tool for damaged parts. Before further use of the tool, a guard or other part that is damaged should be carefully checked to determine if it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any other condition that may affect the tool's operation.

A guard or other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced

at a Sears Service center.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Refer to them frequently and use them

to instruct others who may use this tool. if someone borrows this tool, make sure they have these instructions also.

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