Craftsman 316731932 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

M

4-CycJe

Electric Start Capable

WEEDWACKER® GAS TRIMMER

Model No. 316.731932

_EU_VA#LE $ TAR TR N _ E A $ E

* SAFETY
* ASSEMBLY

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

769-10212 / 00 10/14

* OPERATION
* MAINTENANCE

. ESPANOL, R 23

TABLEOFCONTENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maintenance......................................... 15

CleaningandStorage.................................. 19

Troubleshooting....................................... 20

RepairProtectionAgreements........................... 21

ServiceNumbers.............................. BackCover

Allinformation,illustrationsandspecificationsinthismanualarebased
onthelatestproductinformationavailableatthetimeofprinting.We
reservetherighttomakechangesatanytimewithoutnotice.

©SeamBrands,LLC

Thepurposeofsafetysymbolsistoattractyourattentionto

possibledangers.Thesafetysymbols,andtheirexplanations,
deserveyourcarefulattentionandunderstanding.Thesafety
warningsdonotbythemselveseliminateanydanger.The
instructionsorwarningstheygivearenotsubstitutesforproper
accidentpreventionmeasures.

iSYMBOL 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.

_IL WAR N _N G," Signals aSERIOUShazard.

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

•

CAUTION: Signals aMODERATE 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, if it requires
replacement, contact a Sears Parts & Repair Service Center to

install the appropriate muffler assembly.

WARNING: This product contains a chemical

_ CALIFORNIA PROPOSiTiON 65

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.

known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects
or other reproductive harm.

• iMPORTANT SAFETY iNSTRUCTiONS •

READ ALL iNSTRUCTiONS BEFORE OPERATING

WARNING. When using the unit, all safety

rules must be followed. Please read these instructions
before operating 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.
All guards and safety attachments must be installed properly

before operating the unit.
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. Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.
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.

Do not replace the cutting head with rigid or metal blades. Doing

so could result in serious injury.

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

Carefully inspect the area before starting the unit. Remove
rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string and other objects that

may be thrown or become entangled with the unit.
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. Ifyou 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.

This unit is intended for occasional, household use only.

SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS

its vapors can explode if ignited. Take the following

WARNING: Gasoline is highly flammable and

precautions:

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.

m

WHILE OPERATING

Wear safety glasses or goggles that meet current ANSi / ISEA
Z87.1 standards and are marked as such. Wear ear/hearing
protection when operating this unit. Wear a face mask 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 cutting head shield must always be in place while operating

the unit. Do not operate the unit without both trimming lines
extended and the proper line installed. Do not extend the

trimming line beyond the length of the shield.

The cutting head should remain stationary when the engine

idles. If it does not, refer to Adjusting the Idle Speed.

Adjust the handle to provide the best grip, if applicable.

Make sure the 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.
Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance. Take

extra care when working on stairs, steep slopes or inclines. To
avoid serious injury, do not operate the unit while on a ladder or

a roof.
Keep hands, face, and feet away from all moving parts. Do not

touch or try to stop moving parts.
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 unit faster than the speed needed to do the job.

Do not run the unit at high speed when not inuse.
Do not force the unit. It will do a better, safer job when used at

the intended rate.

Always stop the unit when operation is delayed or when walking

from one location to another.
Before setting the unit down, always make sure the engine is off

and all moving parts have stopped.
If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop the

unit immediately and check for damage. Do not operate the unit
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. 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. Carefully remove vegetation and other
debris that could block moving parts.

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.

If the unit starts to vibrate abnormally, stop the unit immediately.
Inspect the unit for the cause of the vibration. Vibration is
generally an indicator of trouble.

3

OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS

• Maintain the unit with care.
All service, other than the maintenance procedures described in

this manual, should be performed by a Sears or other qualified
service dealer.

Never remove, modify or make inoperative any safety device

furnished with the unit.

Before inspecting, servicing, cleaning, storing, transporting or
replacing any parts on the unit:

1.Stop the unit.

2. Make sure all moving parts have stopped.

3. Allow the unit to cool.

4. Disconnect the spark plug wire.
Secure the unit while transporting.

• 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.

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.).

Store the unit in a dry place, secured or at a height to prevent
unauthorized use or damage. Keep the unit out of the reach of

children.
Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other liquid.

Keep handles dry and clean (free from debris, oil and grease).
Clean the unit after each use. Refer to Cleaning and Storage. Do
not use solvents or strong detergents.

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

them these instructions.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

SYMBOL MEANING SYMBOL MEANING

. SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL

j Indicates danger, warning or caut!on. May be used in

_ I c°njuncti°n with °ther symbo!s Or Pict0graphs.

WARNING"

o READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL

manual(s) and follow all warnings and safety

instructionsl Failure to do so Can result in serious

injury to the 0perat0r and!0r bystander&

4t _ " WEAR EYEAND HEARING PROTECTION

7-_7J

,,,-,n,,.., h,owoobjects,cud

m

_ noise can cause severe eye injury and hearing loss:
v Wear eye Protection meeting current ANSI ! ISEA

Z87:1 standards and ear protection when operating

this unit. Use a full face shield when needed.

A!ways use Ciean; fresh UUleaded fuei,

,OIL

Refer t0 0perat0r S manual foi the proper type 0f 0il.

* DO NOT USE E85 FUELIN THiS UNIT

=Read the operator's

WARN ING ==i has been:[] piovei ;hat ;_

_. c_nt !igiengi! re_t_rnthar?d!Oofdtthhanw°lrWi!nltIckely

-- ' ON/OFF STOP CONTROL

÷lTj.d _ ' THROWN OBJECTS AND ROTATING CUTTER CAN

//__/"_/_---_" We iAeledRatN _ NeG Sma_ jects Kan

_d ' HOT SURFACE []

_._ ' SHARP BLADE []

"_ WhAeRnt NING_¢ht _rtoladl n°nrtr domerot
_, a m s " .-i_ p e i i j y,

ON / START/RUN

' ONIOFF STOP CONTROL

OFF or STOP

M

Push primer bulb, fully and slowly, 10 times.

CAUSE SEVERE 'NJUR i ob bewa
pr pe "g p e , aus" g'njuy, p y

. from the rotating rotor.

KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY

esWeciAallRchiNId!eNan9--"!eKeep a_bY5tfnltrs5 m

p " y:" n p , (1 )

from the operating area.

orWcA err.N LN Get i D°:°t_hUCh ah_st r_tff er

y'd. b yg u d. p g

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

. touch the line cutting blade.

CRAFTSMANLiMiTED WARRANTY

FOR TWO YEARS from the date of sale, this product is warranted against defects in material or workmanship.
WITH PROOF OF SALE, a defective product will receive free repair or replacement at option of seller.

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

against defects in material or workmanship.
WiTH PROOF OF SALE, 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 page: www.craftsman.com/warranty
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

To order parts or schedule service for this product, call 1-888-331-4569.

5

APPLiCATiONS
Asatrimmer:

• Cuttinggrassandlightweeds.
Edging

Decorativetrimmingaroundtrees,fences,etc.

Otheroptionalaccessoriesmaybeusedwiththisunit.

Spark Plug

Muffler

Shaft Grip Primer Bulb

Starter

Rope Grip

ASSEMBLY TOOLS REQUIRED:
= #2 Phillips screwdriver

Cutting Head

Line Cutting Blade

Shaft Housing

\

Cutting Head

Shield

Shoulder Strap

/ Harness LoG

On/Off Switch

Fuel Cap

Air Filter

Cover

Throttle

Control

Coupler

Oil FlU Plug

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

Displacement ....................................................................................... 32 cc (1.95 cu. in.)

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

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

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

Crankcase Oil Capacity ................................................................................. 2.03 oz. (60 ml)

Fuel Tank Capacity ...................................................................................... 12 oz. (355 ml)

Approximate Unit Weight (No fuel) ............................................................... 13.5 - 14.5 Ibs. (6.1 - 6.6 kg)

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

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

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

* 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 j

operate the unit without the cutting head shield in place.

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.

ADJUSTING THE HANDLE
If the handle requires adjustment:

1. Flip the handle lever up to loosen the handle (Fig. 2).

2. While holding the unit in the operating position (Fig. 12), 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. Tilt the handle as desired (Fig. 2).

4. Flip the handle lever down to secure the handle.

Screws (2)

Mount Bracket " hield

Fig. 1

Handle

Shaft Shaft Grip

Housing Minimum 6 in.

(15.24 cm)

Handle Lever

Fig. 2

WARNING: Before using any attachment, read and i

understand the manual that came with the attachment.

WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury and i

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

I

IFollow all safety information contained within.

Loosen

OPERATING THE COUPLER
The coupler enables the use of various optional attachments.
Installing the Attachment

1. Remove the hanger cap from the attachment. Keep the hanger
cap for use when storing the attachment. If present, remove the
gray spacer from the coupler.

2. Set the unit on a flat, level surface.

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

4. Align the release button with the guide recess (Fig. 5).

5. Push the attachment straight into the coupler (Fig. 4) until the
release button snaps firmly into the primary hole (Fig. 5).

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

CAUTION: Before operating the unit, make sure the

release button is fully snapped into the primary hole and the
knob is securely tightened.

CAUTION: Unless specified otherwise, the release
button should be snapped into the primary hole only. Using

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

Removing the Attachment

1. Set the unit on a flat, level surface.

2. Turn the knob counterclockwise to loosen the coupler (Fig. 3).

3. Press and hold the release button (Fig. 5).

4. Pull the attachment straight out of the coupler (Fig. 4).

Tighten t

Coupler

Primary Hole

Knob

Fig. 3

Attachment

Fig. 4

Release Button

Guide Recess

Fig. 5

USING THE RIGHT OiL

Use a high-quality SAE 30 weight oil. 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 2.03 fluid oz. (60 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 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

Oil Fill Plug _________

_'_---_.._.

j_

O-Ring

Oil Fill Hole

Fig. 7

9

USING THE RIGHT FUEL

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

NOTE: This unit has a four-cycle engine. DO NOT mix oil with 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 Qor an equivalent

Drain the tank and run the engine dry before storing the unit

!

__ I WARNING: DO NOT USE E85 FUEL IN THIS UNIT.

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.

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

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

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.

10

outdoor area. Carbon monoxide exhaust fumes can be

I_ I WARNING: Operate this unit only in a well-ventilated

lethal in a confined area.

!

serious injury, the operator and the unit must be in a stable

WARNING: Avoid accidentally starting the unit. To avoid

position when pulling the starter rope (Fig. 10).

Off (O) / Stop

J

STARTING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Check the oil level. Refer to Checking the Off 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).

4. Crouch inthe starting position (Fig. 10).

5. Squeeze and hold the throttle control (Fig. 8).

6. Continue to hold the throttle control. Pull the starter rope with a
controlled and steady motion 5 times to start the engine (Fig. 10).

NOTE: This unit uses the INCREDI-PULL TM starting system, which

significantly reduces the effort required to start the engine.

IF... the engine does not start, begin the starting procedure with step 3.
IF... the engine fails to start after 3 attempts: Squeeze and hold the

throttle control. Pull the starter rope with a controlled and steady
motion until the unit starts.

IF... the engine stops while the throttle control is squeezed, begin

the starting procedure with step 3.

IF THE ENGINE IS HOT... begin the starting procedure with step 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).

Fig. 8

Primer Bulb

Fig. 9

Starting
Position

Starter Rope Grip_

11

Fig. 10

ThisunitcanbestartedwithanoptionalSpeedStartTM accessory

(items sold separately). Please refer to the Speed Start TM accessory
operator's manual for the proper use of this feature.

Please contact your local Craftsman retailer, call 1-888-331-4569 or
visit www.craftsman.com for more information.

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

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

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

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

5. Insert the Speed Start TM accessory into the Speed Start TM port
(Fig. 11). Refer to the Operation section of the Speed Start TM
accessory operator's manual.

6. Squeeze and hold the throttle control (Fig. 8).

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

unit starts.

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

iF... the engine does not start, begin the starting procedure with step 3.
iF... the engine fails to start after 3 attempts: Squeeze and hold the

throttle control. Run the electric start accessory in intervals no

longer than 2 seconds each until the unit starts.

iF... the engine stops while the throttle control is squeezed, begin

the starting procedure with step 3.

iF THE ENGINE iS HOT... begin the starting procedure with step 3.

item No. Description

316.85951 .............................. Plug-in Power Start

316.85952 .................................. Power Bit Start

316.85953 ............................. Cordless Power Start

......_------- Speed StartTM

Port

Fig. 11

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).

12

HOLDING THE UNiT

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

thisbodyunit.protection to reduce the risk of injury when operating

WARNING: To prevent serious personal injury, avoid arm I

contact with the engine while operating the unit. The
engine may be extremely hot.

• Stand in the operating position (Fig. 12). Stand up straight. Do
not bend over.

o

Keep feet apart and firmly planted.

o

Hold the shaft grip with the right hand. Keep the right arm

slightly bent.

o

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

o

o

Position the cutting head a few inches above the ground.

TiPS FOR BEST RESULTS
= To direct clippings away from the operator, tilt the cutting head

slightly down to the right; cut from left to right whenever possible.

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

I

Fig. 12

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. 13).

3

Fig. 13

13

EDGING

The trimmer attachment can be used for edging (Fig. 14).
Alternatively, bladed lawn edger attachments can also be purchased

for use with this unit.
Rotating the Trimmer Attachment

_ WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury and I

damage to the unit, shut the unit off before rotating the
attachment.

I

1

When edging around sidewalks, flowerbeds, etc., rotate the trimmer
attachment 90° inside the coupler. DO NOT rotate the entire unit 90 °.

1. Turn the knob counterclockwise to loosen the coupler (Fig. 3).
Refer to Operating the Coupler in the Assembly section.

2. Press and hold the release button (Fig. 5).

3. Rotate the attachment until the release button snaps firmly into

the 90° edging hole (Fig. 15).

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

CAUTION: Only snap the release button into the 90°

edging hole when edging with the trimmer attachment.
Using the 90 ° edging hole with other attachments could
lead to personal injury or damage to the unit.

Maintaining the Trimming Line
Hard surfaces, such as sidewalks, can cause the trimming line to

wear down quickly or break.

• Frequently check the trimming line length. Replace the trimming
line as needed. Refer to Replacing the Trimming Line.

DO NOT force the unit. Make shallow cuts in as many passes as are
necessary to achieve the desired depth. Cut at a slow, even pace.

Fig. 14

Release

Hole

Fig. 15

14

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 1-888-331-4569 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 1-888-331-4569 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.

FREQUENCY

Every 10 hours

After the first

10 hours and
at 38 hours

MAINTENANCE REQUIRED

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

Maintaining the Air Filter.

Change the oil. Refer to Changing the Oil.

Have the rocker arm clearance checked by

a Sears or other qualified service dealer.
Check the spark plug condition and gap.

Refer to Maintaining the Spark Plug.

Line

Cutting Head

Holes

Fig. 16

REPLACING THE TRIMMING LINE

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

_WARNING: Never use metal-reinforced line, wire, chain or |

NOTE: When using Craftsman® Hassle FreeTM XTRA QUIET Spiral

1. Remove the old line from the cutting head. Push one end of the

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

3. Insert the ends of the new trimming line into the holes in the

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

5. Press the exposed loop of trimming line until it is tight against

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.

trimming line into the cutting head until a loop of line protrudes
from the head. Pull the loop to remove the line.

cutting head (Fig. 16). Push the line through the holes until both
ends protrude from the positioning tunnels (Fig. 17).

head. Make sure the ends of the line are of equal length (Fig. 18).

If one end is longer than the other, push the longer end back
through the cutting head partway and pull the shorter end out. If
necessary, repeat this process until both ends are of equal length.

the cutting head (Fig. 18).

!

J

Positioning

Tunnel

Positioning

Tunnel

Line

Fig. 17

Loop

Line

15

Fig. 18