Craftsman 316.711970 User Manual

Operator's Manual

4-CycJe

Electric Start Capable

WEEDWACKER® GAS TRIMMER

Model No. 316.711970

U_F_VABLE STAftTt_6 EA $ $_

,, SAFETY

* ASSEMBLY * OPERATION

CAUTION: Before using this product, read this manual and follow all its Safety Rules and Operating instructions.

Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Visit our website: www.craftsman.com

769-07323 P00 11/11

* MAINTENANCE * PARTS LIST

* ESPANOL, R 23

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Safety............................................... 2

Warranty............................................. 5

KnowYourUnit........................................ 6

Specifications......................................... 6

Assembly............................................. 7

OilandFuel........................................... 9

StartingandStopping.................................. 11

Operation............................................ 13

Maintenance......................................... 14

CleaningandStorage.................................. 20

SpeedStartTM Accessory ............................... 20

Troubleshooting ....................................... 21

Repair Protection Agreements ........................... 22

Parts List ............................................ 46

Service Numbers .............................. Back Cover

All information, illustrations and specifications in this manual are based on the latest product information available at the time of printing. We reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.

The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to

possible dangers. The safety symbols, and their explanations, deserve your careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings do not by themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for proper accident prevention measures.

SYMBOL MEANING

DANGER: Signals an EXTREME hazard.

Failure to obey a safety DANGER signal WILL result in serious injury or death to yourself or to others.

WARNING: Signals a SERIOUS hazard.

Failure to obey a safety WARNING signal CAN result in serious injury to yourself or to others.

CAUTION: Signals a MODERATE hazard.

Failure to obey a safety CAUTION signal MAY result in property damage or injury to yourself or to others.

NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the

operation or maintenance of the equipment.

SPARK ARRESTOR NOTE

NOTE: For users on U.S. Forest Land and in the states of

California, Maine, Oregon and Washington. All U.S. Forest Land and the state of California (Public Resources Codes 4442 and

4443), Oregon and Washington require, by law that certain internal combustion engines operated on forest brush and/or grass-covered areas be equipped with a spark arrestor, maintained in effective working order, or the engine be constructed, equipped and maintained for the prevention of fire. Check with your state or local authorities for regulations pertaining to these requirements. Failure to follow these requirements could subject you to liability or a fine. This unit is factory equipped with a spark arrestor. Replacement requires Muffler Assembly Part #753-05245, installed at a Sears

Parts & Repair Service Center.

CALiFORNiA PROPOSITION 65

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents and

certain finished components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or

other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

Read the operator's manual and follow all warnings and safety instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the operator and/or bystanders.

• iMPORTANT SAFETY iNSTRUCTiONS

READ ALL iNSTRUCTiONS BEFORE OPERATING

WARNING: When using the unit, allsafety rules must be

followed. Please read these instructions before operating

I'1

the unit in order to ensure the safety of the operator and any bystanders. Please keep these instructions for later use.

Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and proper use of the unit.

Do not operate this unit when tired, ill or under the influence of

alcohol, drugs or medication. Children must not operate the unit. Teens must be accompanied

and guided by an adult.

inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts. Check for

fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in place and secure.

Replace parts that are cracked, chipped, or damaged in any way.

Only use the trimming line described in the Specifications section of this manual. Never use metal-reinforced line, wire, chain or

rope. These can break off and become dangerous projectiles.

Be aware of risk of injury to the head, hands and feet.

Clear the area to be cut before each use. Remove rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string and other objects which may be thrown or become entangled in the trimmer attachment. Clear the area of children, bystanders and pets; keep them outside a 50-foot (15 m) radius, at a minimum. Even then, they are still at risk from thrown objects. Encourage bystanders to wear eye protection. If you are approached, stop the unit immediately.

Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns automatically to the idle position. Make all adjustments or repairs before using the unit.

SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS

can explode if ignited. Take the following precautions:

WARNING: Gasoline is highly flammable and its vapors

• Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and approved for the storage of such materials.

Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the tank. Never remove the fuel tank cap or add fuel when the engine is hot. Always loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve any pressure in the tank before fueling.

Always add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area where there are no sparks or flames. DO NOT smoke.

Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place.

Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Wipe up any spilled fuel from the unit immediately, before starting the unit.

Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fueling source and

site before starting the engine. DO NOT smoke.

Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. Operate this unit only in a well

ventilated outdoor area.

WHILE OPERATING

Wear safety glasses or goggles that meet ANSi Z87.1-1989 standards and are marked as such. Wear ear/hearing protection when operating this unit. Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty.

Wear heavy long pants, boots, gloves and a long sleeve shirt. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals or go

barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level.

The trimmer attachment shield must always be in place while

operating the unit. Do not operate unit without both trimming lines extended, and the proper line installed. Do not extend the trimming line beyond the length of the shield.

This unit has a clutch. The cutting head remains stationary when

the engine is idling. If it does not, take the unit to a Sears or other qualified service dealer for an adjustment.

Adjust the handle to provide the best grip.

Be sure the trimmer attachment is not in contact with anything before starting the unit.

Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.

Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position whenever

pulling the starter rope. The operator and unit must be in a stable position while starting. Refer to Starting and Stopping.

Use the right tool. Only use this tool for its intended purpose.

Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a

firm grip on both handles or grips. Keep hands, face, and feet away from all moving parts. Do not

touch or try to stop the trimmer attachment when it rotates. Do not touch the engine, gear housing or muffler. These parts get

extremely hot from operation, even after the unit is turned off. Do not operate the engine faster than the speed needed to cut, trim

or edge. Do not run the engine at high speed when not cutting.

Always stop the engine when cutting is delayed or when walking

from one cutting location to another. If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop the

engine immediately and check for damage. Do not operate before repairing damage. Do not operate the unit with loose or

damaged parts.

Turn the engine to off and disconnect the spark plug for

maintenance or repair.

• Use only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts and accessories for this unit, as listed in the Parts List section of this manual. Use of any other parts or accessories could lead to serious injury to the user, or damage to the unit,

]

and void the warranty. Keep the unit clean of vegetation and other materials that may

become lodged between the cutting head and shield.

To reduce fire hazard, replace a faulty muffler and spark arrestor.

Keep the engine and muffler free from grass, leaves, excessive grease or carbon build up.

OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS

Never store the unit with fuel in the tank, inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame (pilot lights, etc.) or sparks (switches, electrical motors, etc.).

Allow the engine to cool before storing or transporting. Be sure

to secure the unit while transporting. Store the unit in a dry place, secured or at a height to prevent

unauthorized use or damage. Keep out of the reach of children. Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other liquid.

Keep handles dry, clean and free from debris. Clean after each use, see Cleaning and Storage instructions.

Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use them to instruct other users. Ifyou loan this unit to others, also loan

them these instructions.

SAVE THESE iNSTRUCTiONS

,,SAFETY & iNTERNATiONAL SYMBOLS ,,

This operator's manual describes safety and international symbols and pictographs that may appear on this product. Read the operator's manual for complete safety, assembly, operating and maintenance and repair information.

SYMBOL MEANING

'_,SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL

,_ Indicates danger, warning or Caution. May be used in

I conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.

Ill I II| WARNING:Read the operator!smanUa!(s ) and

follow aHwarnings and safety instruct!onsi Eailure to do so can result in serious injury to the operator

. and!er bystandersl

4t _ ,,WEAR EYE AND HEARING PROTECTION _---iqll _llll cauSe Severe eye injury and hearing leSS:wear eye

@ *DO NOTUSE E85 FUEL iN THIS UNiT

WARNING:Thrown Objects and loud noise Can

protection meeting ANS! Z87;1 ;1989 Standards and

ear protection when operating this unit Use a full face

shle d when needed.

AlwayS Useclean, fresh Unleaded fuel.

*OIL ;Refer to 0perator s manual for the proper tYpe Ofoil.

WARNING:it haS been proven that fUe! €0ntaining

greater than 10% ethanol will likely damage this

engine and void the warranty.

SYMBOL MEANING

O _ON/OFF STOP CONTROLOFF or STOP

,PRIMERBULB

_rJ Push primer bulb fully and slowly 10 times.

rJi

J CHOKE CONTROL

H I'_l I{°l 1.. FULLchoke position

2. • PARTIAL choke position

3. • RUN choke position

__17_ _THROWN OBJECTS AND ROTATING CUTTER CAN

/ _ CAUSE SEVERE iNJURY

/_W// WARNING: Small objects can be propelled at high

S-_._ speed, causing injury. Keep away from the rotating rotor.

WARNING: Keep all bystanders especially children

t KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY

and pets, at least 50 feet (15 m) from the operating area

HOT SURFACE

_ ARNING: Do not touch a hot muffler or cylinder.

You may get burned. These parts get extremely hot

. from operation. When turned off they remain hot for a , short time.

WARNING: Sharp blade on trimmer attachment

._' SHARP BLADE

shield. To prevent serious injury, do not touch the line cutting blade.

CRAFTSMANTWO YEAR FULL WARRANTY

FOR TWO YEARS from the date of purchase, this product is warranted against any defects in material or workmanship. A defective product will receive free repair or replacement if repair is unavailable.

ADDITIONAL LIMITED WARRANTY on TRIMMER SHAFTS FOR THE THIRD THROUGH TENTH YEAR from the date of purchase, the outer metal housing of the upper and lower trimmer shafts is

warranted against any defects in material or workmanship. With proof of purchase, a new housing will be supplied free of charge. You are responsible for the labor cost of installation. This additional coverage does not apply to inner trimmer shaft components.

For warranty coverage details to obtain free repair or replacement, visit the web site: www.craftsman.com This warranty covers ONLY defects in material and workmanship. Warranty coverage does NOT include:

• Expendable items that can wear out from normal use within the warranty period, such as cutting line, spark plugs, or filters.

• Product damage resulting from user attempts at product modification or repair or caused by product accessories.

• Repairs necessary because of accident or failure to operate or maintain the product according to all supplied instructions.

• Preventive maintenance, or repairs necessary due to improper fuel mixture, contaminated or stale fuel. This warranty is void if this product is ever used while providing commercial services or if rented to another person. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

FOR IN=WARRANTY SAFETY, OPERATION OR MAINTENANCE QUESTIONS, OR TO ORDER PARTS AND SCHEDULE SERVICE, CALL 1=800=4=MY=HOME®.

APPLiCATiONS Asatrimmer:

• Cuttinggrassandlightweeds. Edging

Decorativetrimmingaroundtrees,fences,etc.

Otheroptionalaccessoriesmaybeusedwiththisunit.

ASSEMBLYTOOLS REQUIRED:

= #2 Phillips screwdriver

• 3/8" Socket

Shaft Housing

Oil Fill Plug

Spark Plug

Starter

Rope Grip

Shaft Grip

On/Oft Switch

Fuel Cap

Handle

Throttle

Control

Convertible TM

Coupler

Cutting Head

Hassle Free TM

Cutting

Engine Type ........................................................................................ Air-Cooled, 4-Cycle

Displacement ........................................................................................ 29 cc (1.8 cu. in.)

Idle Speed RPM ...................................................................................... 2,800 - 3,600 rpm

Operating RPM ........................................................................................... 6,800+ rpm

Valve Clearance ....................................................................... 0.003 - 0.006 in. (0.076 - 0.152 mm)

Spark Plug Gap .................................................................................... 0.025 in. (0.635 mm)

Spark Plug ......................................................................... Champion® RDZ4H or equivalent plug

Lubrication ............................................................................................... SAE 30 Oil

Crankcase Oil Capacity ................................................................................. 3.04 oz. (90 ml)

Fuel Tank Capacity ...................................................................................... 14 oz. (414 ml)

Approximate Unit Weight (No fuel, with cutting head, cutting head shield and handle) ........................ 11.5 - 13 Ibs. (5.2 - 5.9 kg)

Trimmer Mechanism ................................................................................. Hassle FreeTM Head

Trimming Line ....................................................................... Hassle Free TM XTRA QUIET Spiral Line

Cutting Path Diameter .................................................................................. 14 in. (35.56 cm)

Shield

Line Cutting Blade

Choke Lever

Air Filter Cover

* All specifications are based on the latest product information available at the time of printing. We reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.

iNSTALLiNG THE CUTTING HEAD SHIELD

_ WARNING: To prevent serious personal injury, never ]

operate the unit without the cutting head shield in place.

Use the following instructions if the cutting head shield is not installed. Use only the instructions that apply to the type of shaft and shield equipped with this unit.

1. Place the cutting head shield onto the mount bracket. Align the holes in the cutting head shield with the holes in the mount

bracket. (Fig. 1)

2. Screw the 2 screws through the mount bracket and into the cutting head shield until finger tight.

3. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, tighten the screws until the cutting head shield is firmly in place. Tighten the screws equally. The gap between the mount bracket and the cutting head shield

should be the same on each side.

_ __ Screws (2}

Cutting Head \ \ /7' /_

Shield \ \

Mount Bracket

Fig. 1

ADJUSTING THE HANDLE

If the handle requires adjustment:

1. Loosen the bolt (Fig. 2).

2. While holding the unit in the operating position (Fig. 11), move the handle to the location that provides the best grip. Place it a minimum of 6 inches (15.24 cm) from the end of the shaft grip (Fig. 2).

3. Tighten the bolt until the handle is secure.

Shaft Grip

Minimum 6 in.

(15.24cm)

Bolt J

Handle

Shaft

Housing

Fig. 2

OPERATING THE CONVERTIBLE TM COUPLER SYSTEM

[__J WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury and |

NOTE: To make installing or removing the attachment easier, place

installing the Trimmer Attachment or Other Attachment NOTE: Remove the protective cap and gray spacer from the upper

1. Turn the knob counterclockwise to loosen (Fig. 3).

2. While firmly holding the trimmer attachment or other attachment,

NOTE: Aligning the release button with the guide recess will help

3. Turn the knob clockwise to tighten (Fig. 3).

damage to the unit, shut the unit off before removing or installing attachment.

the unit on the ground or on a work bench.

and lower shafts prior to assembling the attachment.

push it straight into the Convertible TM coupler until the release button snaps firmly into the primary hole (Fig. 5).

installation (Fig. 4).

release button is fully snapped into the primary hole (Fig. 5),

c,o,,oo e,o eo e atn thsunt esu ethatthe!

and that the knob (Fig. 3) is securely tightened.

90° Edging Hole

(Trimmer Only)

Convertible TM

Coupler

Knob

Fig. 3

Release Button

For decorative edging with the line head trimmer attachment, lock

the release button of the attachment into the 90 ° hole (Fig. 3).

Removing the Trimmer Attachment or Other Attachment

1. Turn the knob counterclockwise to loosen (Fig. 3).

2. Press and hold the release button (Fig. 4).

3. While firmly holding the upper shaft housing, pull the trimmer attachment or other attachment straight out of the Convertible TM coupler (Fig. 5).

The Convertible TM Coupler System The Convertible TM coupler system enables the use of these optional

attachments.

• Edger

• Cultivator

• Turbo Blower

• Brushcutter

• Pole Saw

• Hedge Trimmer

• Straight-shaft trimmer

• Curved-shaft trimmer

_ ARNING; Before you begin using any attachment, |

read and understand the manual that came with the attachment. Follow all safety information contained within.

Upper Shaft

Housing

Guide Recess

Fig. 4

Primary Hole

Lower Shaft

Housing

Fig. 5

_ CAUTION: These attachments are to be snapped into l

the primary hole only. Using the wrong hole could lead to personal injury or damage to the unit.

USING THE RIGHT OiL

Use a high-quality SAE 30 weight oil of API (American Petroleum institute) service class SJ. DO NOT use dirty oil. Failure to use clean oil of the correct type can cause premature engine wear and failure.

ADDING OiL: iNiTiAL USE

WARNING: OVERFILLING THE CRANKCASE MAY

CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL iNJURY. Check the oil level before each use. The importance of maintaining the proper

oil level cannot be overemphasized. Change the oil according to the Maintenance Schedule.

NOTE: This unit was shipped without oil in the crankcase. Oil must

be added before starting the unit.

NOTE: This unit comes with a 3.04 fluid oz. (90 ml) bottle of oil.

1. Unscrew the top of the oil bottle. Remove the paper seal. Reinstall the top of the oil bottle.

2. Remove the cap from the oil bottle. Cut the tip off the funnel

spout (Fig. 6).

3. Set the unit on a fiat, level surface.

4. Unscrew the oil fill plug (Fig. 7).

5. Pour the entire bottle into the oil fill hole (Fig. 7). DO NOT

overfill. Refer to Checking the Oil Level.

NOTE: Never add oil directly to the fuel tank. This unit has a four-

cycle engine. DO NOT mix oil with gasoline.

6. Wipe up any oil that may have spilled.

7. Reinstall the oil fill plug.

NOTE: Make sure the O-ring is in place on the oil fill plug (Fig. 7). NOTE: Save the empty oil bottle. Use the bottle to measure the

correct amount of oil during future oil changes.

Funnel Spout _(_

Fig. 6

o, FmP+u+ ++

O=Rinc

Oil FlU Hole

Fig. 7

4+Cycle Motor Oil

USING THE RIGHT FUEL

The use of old fuel is the most common cause of performance problems. Use only fresh, clean unleaded gasoline.

Definition of Blended Fuels Today's fuels are often a blend of gasoline and oxygenates such as

ethanol, methanol or MTBE (ether). Alcohol-blended fuel absorbs water. As little as 1% water in the fuel can make fuel and oil

separate, forming acids when stored. ALWAYS use fresh fuel (less than 30 days old).

NOTE: Dispose of old fuel according to federal, state and local

regulations.

Using Blended Fuels if using a blended fuel:

• Always use fresh unleaded gasoline Use the fuel additive STA-BIL® or an equivalent Drain the tank and run the engine dry before storing the unit

has been proven that fuel containing greater than 10% ethanol will likely damage this engine and void the warranty.

Using Fuel Additives

Use a fuel additive, such as STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer or an equivalent, to inhibit corrosion and minimize gum deposits. Add 0.8 oz. (23 ml) of fuel additive per gallon of fuel, according to the instructions on the container. NEVER add fuel additives directly to

the unit's fuel tank.

FUELING THE UNiT

WARNING: Gasoline is extremely flammable, ignited

vapors may explode. Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the fuel tank. Do not smoke while filling the tank. Keep sparks and open flames at a distance

from the area.

WARNING: Remove the fuel cap slowly to avoid injury

from fuel spray. Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place.

WARNING: Add fuel in a clean, well ventilated outdoor

area. Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately. Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.

1. Position the unit with the fuel cap facing up.

2. Remove the fuel cap.

3. Place the fuel container spout into the fill hole on the fuel tank and fill the tank.

NOTE: Do not overfill the tank.

4. Wipe up any fuel that may have spilled.

5. Reinstall the fuel cap.

6. Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fuel container and

the fueling site before starting the engine.

outdoor area. Carbon monoxide exhaust fumes can be

I_ IWARNING: Operate this unit only in a well-ventilated

lethal in a confined area.

Off (O) / Stop

_.[ ARNING: Avoid accidentally starting the unit. To avoid

STARTING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Check the oil level. Refer to Checking the Oil Level.

2. Fill the fuel tank. Refer to Fueling the Unit. NOTE: There is no need to turn the unit on. The On/Off switch is in

3. Slowly press and release the primer bulb 10 times (Fig. 9). If fuel

4. Move the choke lever to Position 1 (Fig. 9).

5. Crouch in the starting position (Fig. 10).

6. Squeeze the throttle control (Fig. 8) and pull the starter rope with

NOTE: SQUEEZE and HOLD the throttle control for ALL further steps. NOTE: This unit uses the INCREDI-PULL TM starting system, which

7. Continue to squeeze the throttle control. Move the choke lever

8. Continue to squeeze the throttle control. Pull the starter rope with

9. Continue to squeeze the throttle control. Allow the engine to

10. Continue to squeeze the throttle control. Move the choke lever

NOTE: The engine is properly warmed up when it accelerates

IF... the engine hesitates, return the choke lever to Position 2 (Fig. 9)

IF... the engine does not start, go back to step 3. IF... the engine fails to start after a few attempts, move the choke

IF... the engine is already warm, go back to step 7. IF THE ENGINE IS HOT... Move the choke lever to Position 2,

serious injury, the operator and the unit must be in a stable position when pulling the starter rope (Fig. 10).

the ON (I) position at all times (Fig. 8).

cannot be seen in the primer bulb, press and release the primer

bulb until fuel is visible.

a controlled and steady motion 5 times (Fig. 10).

significantly reduces the effort required to start the engine.

to Position 2 (Fig. 9).

a controlled and steady motion 3 to 5 times to start the engine.

warm up for 30 to 60 seconds.

to Position 3 (Fig. 9) and continue warming the engine for an additional 60 seconds. The unit may be used during this time.

without hesitation.

and continue the warm-up.

lever to Position 3 and squeeze the throttle control. Pull the starter rope with a controlled and steady motion 3 to 8 times. The engine should start. If it does not, repeat this instruction.

press the primer bulb 10 times, squeeze the throttle control and

pull the starter rope until the unit starts. Run the unit for 2-5 minutes. The unit may be used during this time. Then move the

choke lever to Position 3.

Choke

Lever

Starter Rope Grip

Throttle Control

Position 1

Fig. 8

Position 2 Fig. 9

Fig. 10

Primer

Bulb

Position 3

Starting Position

STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Release the throttle control and allow the engine to idle.

2. Press and hold the On/Off switch in the OFF (O) position until the engine comes to a complete stop (Fig. 8).

NOTE:This unit can use a Speed Start TM Accessory!

Please refer to the Speed Start TM accessory operator's manual for the proper use of this feature. (Items Sold Separately! Refer to the Speed Start TM Accessory section of this manual for more

information about these Speed Start TM accessories.)

STARTING iNSTRUCTiONS

1. Check the oil level. Refer to Checking the 0il Level.

2. Fill the fuel tank. Refer to Fueling the Unit. NOTE: There is no need to turn the unit on. The On/Off switch is in

the ON (I) position at all times (Fig. 8).

3. Slowly press and release the primer bulb 10 times (Fig. 9). If fuel cannot be seen in the primer bulb, press and release the primer

bulb until fuel is visible.

4. Move the choke lever to Position 1 (Fig. 9).

5. Crouch in the starting position (Fig. 10).

6. insert the Speed Start TM accessory into the Speed Start TM port (Fig. 28). Refer to the Operation section of the Speed Start TM accessory operator's manual.

7. Squeeze and hold the throttle control (Fig. 8). Run the Speed Start TM accessory for 2 seconds.

NOTE: SQUEEZE and HOLD the throttle control for ALL further steps.

8. Continue to squeeze the throttle control. Move the choke lever

to Position 2 (Fig. 9).

9. Continue to squeeze the throttle control. Run the Speed Start TM accessory in intervals no longer than 2 seconds each until the

unit starts.

10. Remove the Speed Start TM accessory from the unit.

11. Continue to squeeze the throttle control. Allow the engine to

warm up for 30 to 60 seconds.

12. Continue to squeeze the throttle control. Move the choke lever

to Position 3 (Fig. 9) and continue warming the engine for an

additional 60 seconds. The unit may be used during this time.

NOTE: The engine is properly warmed up when it accelerates

without hesitation.

IF... the engine hesitates, return the choke lever to Position 2 (Fig. 9)

and continue the warm-up.

IF... the engine does not start, go back to step 3. IF... the engine fails to start after a few attempts, move the choke

lever to Position 3 and squeeze the throttle control. Run the Speed Start TM accessory in intervals no longer than 2 seconds each until the unit starts. The engine should start. If it does not, repeat this instruction.

IF... the engine is already warm, go back to step 8. IF THE ENGINE IS HOT... Move the choke lever to Position 2, press

the primer bulb 10 times, squeeze the throttle control, and press

and hold the electric starter or drill ON (I) button for 2-second intervals until the unit starts. Run the unit for 2-5 minutes. The

unit may be used during this time. Then move the choke lever to Position 3.

STOPPING iNSTRUCTiONS

1. Release the throttle control and allow the engine to idle.

2. Press and hold the On/Off switch in the OFF (O) position until

the engine comes to a complete stop (Fig. 8).

HOLDINGTHE TRIMMER

body protection to reduce the risk of injury when operating|

WARNING: Always wear eye, hearing, hand, foot and I

this unit.

• Stand in the operating position (Fig. 11). Hold the shaft grip with the right hand. Keep the right arm

slightly bent.

Hold the handle with the left hand. Keep the left arm straight. 1 Hold the unit at waist level. ,_

Keep the cutting head parallel to the ground so that it easily _,_

contacts the grass without the need for bending over. Fig.

TiPS FOR BEST TRiMMiNG RESULTS

• Keep the cutting head parallel to the ground.

Cut from left to right whenever possible. This improves the unit's cutting efficiency and throws clippings away from the operator.

Do not trim wet grass or weeds.

NOTE: Some line breakage will occur from:

Entanglement with foreign matter Normal line fatigue

Attempting to cut thick vegetation

Forcing the line into objects such as walls or fence posts

DECORATIVE TRiMMiNG When trimming around trees, posts, fences, etc., rotate the whole

unit so that the cutting head is at a 30 ° angle to the ground (Fig. 12).

Fig. 12

WARNING: To prevent serious injury, never perform

maintenance or repairs while the unit is running. Always allow the unit to cool before servicing or repairing the unit. Disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent the unit from starting accidentally.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Perform these required maintenance procedures at the frequency stated in the table. These procedures should also be a part of any seasonal tune-up.

NOTE: Some maintenance procedures may require special tools or

skills. If unsure about these procedures, take the unit to a Sears or other qualified service dealer. Call 1-800-4-MY-HOME for

more information.

NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control

devices and system may be performed by a Sears or other qualified service dealer. Call I=80O-4-MY-HOME for more information.

NOTE: Please read the California/EPA statement that came with the

unit for a complete listing of terms and coverage for the emissions control devices, such as the spark arrestor, muffler,

carburetor, etc.

Cutting Head

FREQUENCY

Every 10 hours

After the first

10 hours and every 40 hours

MAINTENANCE REQUIRED

• Clean and re-oil the air filter. Refer to

Maintaining the Air Filter.

• Change the oil. Refer to Changing the Off. Check the rocker arm clearance. Refer to

Checking the Rocker Arm Clearance.

Check the spark plug condition and gap. Refer to Maintaining the Spark Plug.

REPLACING THE TRIMMING LINE

Only use the trimming line described in the Specifications section. Other types of trimming line may cause the engine to overheat or fail.

I _ IWARNING: Never use metal-reinforced line, wire, chain or

NOTE: When using Craftsman@ Hassle Free TM XTRA QUIET Spiral

installing New Trimming Line

1. Remove the old line from the cutting head.

2. Use a clean cloth to clean the surface of the cutting head. if the

3. Insert the ends of the line through the large circular holes in the

4. Pull the ends of the line until the line is tight against the cutting

rope. These can break off and become dangerous projectiles.

Line, use the line best suited for the job at hand. Medium-sized (red) line is designed for cutting grass and small weeds. Large-sized

(black) line is designed for cutting larger weeds and light brush.

cutting head is too dirty to accept new line, refer to Cleaning the

Cutting Head.

side of the cutting head (Fig. 13). Push the line through the holes

until both ends protrude from the positioning tunnels (Fig. 14).

head. Make sure the ends of the line are of equal length (Fig. 15).

HoJes

Fig. 13

Positioning

TunneJ

Positioning

TunneJ

Line

Fig. 14

Line

Fig. 15

CleaningtheCuttingHead NOTE:Thecuttingheadwillremainattachedtotheunit.

1. Removetheoldlinefromthecuttinghead.Thelineglideplate cannotberemovedifthereisstilllineinthecuttinghead.

2. Locatethesmallholeinthesideofthecuttingheadthatholdsthe

blacklockingtab(Fig.16).InsertasmallPhillipsscrewdriverand pushthelockingtabinward.Atthesametime,pullthelineglide plateoutofthecuttinghead.

3. Useacleanclothtocleantheinsidesofthecuttingheadand

lineglideplate.

4. Alignthearrowonthelineglideplatewiththe"A"markonthe cuttinghead(Fig.16).

5. Pushthelineglideplateintothecuttingheaduntilthelocking tabsnapsintoplace.

Cutting Head

AITOW

Line Glide Plate

Fig. 16

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