Craftsman 316731971 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

M

4-Cycle

Electric Start Capable

WEEDWACKER® GAS TRIMMER

Model No. 316.731971

_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

769-09412 / 00 10/13

* OPERATION
* MAINTENANCE

. ESPANOL, R 19

TABLEOFCONTENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

StartingandStopping.................................. 10

Operation............................................ 12

Maintenance......................................... 13

CleaningandStorage.................................. 16

Troubleshooting....................................... 17

RepairProtectionAgreements........................... 18

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.

Failure to obey a safety WARNING signal CAN result in

WAR NING: Signals a SERIOUS hazard.

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, if it requires
replacement, contact a Sears Parts & Repair Service Center to

install the appropriate muffler assembly.

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

WAR NING. 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

WARNI NG: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.

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, 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.
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

OTHERSAFETYWARNINGS

,i, All service, other than the maintenance procedures described in

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

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.

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.).

,, 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.

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

',,SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL

Indicates danger, warning or caution. Maybe Used in

i:::lm . conjunct on wth other symbo sorp ctographs

,READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL

WARNING. Readthe0Perator,s

manual(s) and follow all warnings and safety

I instructions, Failure tOdo so can Jesuit in serious

= injury to the operator and/or bystanders.

= o WEAR EYE AND HEARING PROTECTION

[]

t WARNING. Thrownob ectsaod,oud

[_[Jl heaiing loss:

Z8%arleYenPd°rlc_ct,ao_ e_e_ rol eC_it:entwhAeNsol/p_rSEiAg

this unit. Use afull face shield when needed.

Always usedean, fresh unleaded fuel,

_v .

-L.=7 J

UNLEADEDFUEL

,,,OiL

Refer t0 Operator S manual for the pr0per type Of oil

4,DONOT USE E85 FUELIN THIS UNIT

WARN IN •

c_ontaigni2g ig!iate rnethanndlO:f_ _thhtnw:lrWilnlti_ke!y

SYMBOL MEANING

' ON/OFF STOP CONTROL

!

ON / START / RUN

O

.PRIMERBULB

_ Push primer bulb, ful y and slowly, 10 times.

121I-,:1I_l

3. o RUN choke position

"-_,,_..,,at ' THROWN OBJECTS AND ROTATING CUTTER CAN

//_---_, CAUSE SEVERE'NJURY

-_" propelled at high speed, causing injury. Keep away

A '. KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY

,, y" e. yg ul e . p g

WARNING:•sma objects can be

from the rotating rotor.

WARN !N G; Keepa,,bystanders

especially children and pets, at least 50 feet (15 m)

. from the operating area.

WAdRr. yoNu_maN_et b Do dotthuch lht t me_ffer

,, HOT SURFACE []

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

, SHARP BLADE •

"_ WhAme_nt sNhi_No_r_vSht_rboladl °n tr _2eor t

a a " d.$ p i " j ry,

• 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 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 1-800-469-4663.

5

APPLiCATiONS
Asatrimmer:

• Cuttinggrassandlightweeds.

• Edging

• Decorativetrimmingaroundtrees,fences,etc.
Otheroptionalaccessoriesmaybeusedwiththisunit.

Shaft Gri

Muffler

Spark Plug Starter

Rope Grip

Primer Bulb

ASSEMBLY TOOLS REQUIRED:

• #2 Phillips screwdriver

• 3/8" Socket

Cutting Head

Line Cutting Blade

Shaft Housing

Handle

Cutting Head

Shield

On/Off Switch

\

Coupler

Air Filter

Throttle

Control

Oil Fill Pluc

Fuel Cap

Choke Lever

Cover

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

Displacement ....................................................................................... 30 cc (1.83 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, with cutting head, cutting head shield and handle) .......................... 13 - 14 Ibs. (5.9 - 6.4 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.