Craftsman 358742470 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

CRRFTSMRN

24cc 2-Cycle Engine

17 Inch Cutting Path/.080 In. Line

GASOLINE BRUSHWACKER ®

Model No.

358.742470

_ ANGER:

_) For answers to your questions about this product:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions before first use of this product.

Call 7 am-7 pm, Mon-Sat; Sun, 10 am-7 pm

1-800-235-5878 (Hours listed are Central Time)

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 USA

530088637 11/15/99

Warranty Statement 2 Storage 15 Safety Rules 2 Troubleshooting Chart 16 Assembly 5 Emissions Statement 16

Operation 8 Parts List 18 Maintenance 12 Spanish 21

Service & Adjustments 13 Parts and Ordering Back

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN GAS POWERED BRUSHWACKER ® BLADED TRIMMER.

For one year from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman Gas Powered Brushwacker is maintained, lubricated and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the Operator's Manual, Sears will repair, free of

charge, any defect in materials or workmanship. This warranty excludes the blade, nylon line, spark plug, and air filter, which are

expendable parts and become worn during normal use. If this Brushwacker is used for commercial purposes, this warranty applies for only

90 days from the date of purchase. If this Brushwacker is used for rental purposes,

this warranty applies for only 30 days from the date of purchase. This warranty ap-

plies only while this product is in use in the United States.

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE BRUSHWACKER TO THE

NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER IN THE UNITED STATES.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights

which vary from state to state.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., 0/817 WA Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

DANGER: This power tool can be

dangerous! This unit can cause serious injury including amputation or blindness

to the operator and others. The warn- ings and safety instructions in this man-

ual must be followed to provide reason- able safety and efficiency in using the

unit. The operator is responsible for fol- lowing the warnings and instructions in

this manual and on the unit. Read the entire Operator's Manual before assem*

bling and using the unit! Restrictthe use of this unit to persons who read, under-

stand, and follow the warnings and in- structions in this manual and on the unit.

Never allow children to use this unit.

A__ __

_WARNING: Follow all warnings and instructions. Failure to do so can

result in serious injury.

_, DANGER: Blade can thrust vio-

lently away from material it does not

cut. Blade thrust can cause amputa- tion of arms or legs. Keep people and

animals 50 feet (15 meters) away.

ALWAYS THROWN OBJECTS

" r° tecticn/ .li

Eye 1

Boots | I! _ --'----

_k WARNING: Trimmer line can throw objects violently. You can be

blinded or injured. Wear eye and leg protection.

d Zone

dBt,WARNING: Hazard zone for thrown objects. Blade/Trimmer line can

throw objects violently. Others can be

blinded or injured. Keep people and

animals 50 feet (15 meters) away.

OPERATOR SAFETY

• Dress properly. Always wear safety

glasses or similar eye protection when operating, or performing main-

tenance on your unit. (Safety glasses

are available.) Always wear face or dust mask if operation is dusty. Al-

ways wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves. Do not

go barefoot or wear sandals.

• Secure hair above shoulder length.

Secure or remove loose clothing and jewelry or clothing with loosely hang- ing ties, straps, tassels, etc. They can be caught in moving parts.

• Being fully covered also helps pro-

tect you from debris and pieces of toxic plants thrown by spinning line.

• Stay Alert. Do not operate unit when

you are tired, ill, or under influence

of alcohol, drugs, or medication.

Watch what you are doing; use com-

mon sense.

• Wear hearing protection if you use the unit for more than 1-1/2 hours per day.

• Never start or run the engine inside a closed room or building. Breathing

exhaust fumes can kill.

• Keep handles free of oil and fuel.

• Always use the handlebar and a properly adjusted shoulder strap with

a blade. See ASSEMBLY.

41WARNING: Do not use trimmer head as a fastening device for the

blade.

_IL WARNING: The blade continues

to spin after throttle is released or, en- gine is turned off. The coasting blade

can throw objects or seriously cut you if accidentally touched. Stop the blade by contacting the left hand side of

coasting blade with material already cut.

Stop coasting blade by contact

with cut material.

UNIT/MAINTENANCE SAFETY

• Look for and replace damaged or loose parts before each use. Look for and repair fuel leaks before use. Keep unit in good working condition.

• Throw away blades that are bent, warped, cracked, broken, or dam- aged in any other way. Replace trim-

mer head parts that are cracked, chipped, broken, or damaged in any

other way before using the unit.

• Maintain the unit according to recom-

mended procedures. Keep the blade

sharp. Keep the cutting line at the proper length.

• Use only .080" (2.4 mm) diameter Craftsman © brand line. Never use

wire, rope, string, etc.

• Install required shield properly before

using the unit. Use the metal shield

for all metal blade use. Use the plas- tic shield for all line trimmer use.

• Use only specified blade or trimmer

head; make sure it is properly in- stalled and securely fastened.

• Never start engine with clutch shroud

removed. The clutch can fly off and cause serious injury.

• Be sure blade or trimmer head stops

turning when engine idles.

• Disconnect the spark plug before

performing maintenance (except car- buretor adjustments).

• Make carburetor adjustments with the lower end supported to prevent

the blade or trimmer line from con- tacting any object. Hold the unit by

hand; do not use the shoulder strap for support.

• Keep others away when making car- buretor adjustments.

• Use only recommended Craftsman accessories and replacement parts.

• Have all maintenance and service

not explained inthis manual per- formed by a Sears Service Center.

FUEL SAFETY

• Mix and pour fuel outdoors.

• Keep away from sparks orflames.

• Use a container approved for fuel.

• Do not smoke or allow smoking near

fuel or the unit or while using the unit.

• Wipe up all fuel spills before starting

engine.

• Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from fueling site before starting engine.

• Stop engine and allow it to cool be- fore removing fuel cap.

• Empty the fuel tank before storing

the unit. Use up fuel left in the carbu- retor by starting the engine and let-

ting it run until it stops.

• Store unit and fuel in an area where

fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, elec- tric motorsor switches, furnaces, etc.

CU'I-rlNG SAFETY

• Inspect the area to be cut before

each use. Remove objects (rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string, etc.)

which can be thrown or become en- tangled in the blade or trimmer head.

• Keep others including children, ani-

mals, bystanders, and helpers at least 50 feet (15 meters) away. Stop

the engine immediately if you are ap-

proached.

• Always keep engine on the right- hand side of your body.

• Hold the unit firmly with both hands.

• Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach.

• Keep blade or trimmer head below waist level,

• Do not raise engine above your waist.

• Keep all parts of your body away

from blade, trimmer head, and muf- fler when engine is running.

• Cut from your right to your left.

• Use only for jobs explained in this manual.

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

• Stop the unit before carrying.

• Keep muffler away from your body.

• Allow engine to cool and secure unit

before storing or transporting it in a vehicle.

• Empty the fuel tank before storing or transporting the unit. Use up fuel left

in the carburetor by starting the en- gine and letting it run until it stops.

• Store unit and fuel in an area where

fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames from water heaters,

electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc.

• Store unit so the blade or line limiter

cannot accidentally cause injury. The

unit can be hung by the tube.

• Store unit out of reach of children.

SPECIAL NOTICE: This unitis not equipped with a temperature limiting

muffler and spark arresting screen

which meets the requirements of Cali- fornia Codes 4442 and 4443. All U.S.

forest land and the states of California,

Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington require by

law that many internal combustion en- gines be equipped with a spark arres-

tor screen. Ifyou operate in a locale where such regulations exist, you are

legally responsible for installing and maintaining the operating condition of

these parts. Failure to do so is a viola- tion of the law. Refer to the MAINTE-

NANCEsection in this manual.

SPECIAL NOTICE: Exposure to vibra- tions through prolonged use of gaso- line powered hand tools could cause

blood vessel or nerve damage in the

fingers, hands, and joints of people prone to circulation disorders or abnor-

mal swellings. Prolonged use in cold

weather has been linked to blood ves-

sel damage in otherwise healthy

people. If symptoms occur such as numbness, pain, loss of strength,

change in skin color or texture, or loss of feeling in the fingers, hands, or

joints, discontinue the use of this tool and seek medical attention. An anti-

vibration system does not guarantee the avoidance of these problems. Us-

ers who operate power tools on a con- tinual and regular basis must monitor closely their physical condition and the

condition of this tool.

CARTON CONTENTS Check carton contents against the fol- lowing list.

Model: 358.7'42470

• Brushcutter

• Handlebar screws (2)

• Blade shield screws (4)

• Cupped washer

• Large nut for installing blade

• Long hex wrench

• Short hex wrench

• Bracket cover

• Metal shield

• Plastic shield

• Shoulder strap with warning

• Weed blade

• Trimmer head

• Handlebar

• Container of oil Examine parts for damage. Do not use

damaged parts. NOTE: If you need assistance or find

that parts are missing or damaged, call

1-800-235-5878. It is normal for the fuel filter to rattle in the empty fuel tank.

Finding fuel or oil residue on muffler is normal due to carburetor adjustments

and testing done by the manufacturer.

ASSEMBLY

WARNING: If received as-

sembled, repeat all steps to ensure your unit is properly assembled and all fas-

teners are secure.

TOOLS REQUIRED

• 2 hex wrenches (provided)

• adjustable wrench or large pliers

• phillips screwdriver ATTACHING THE HANDLEBAR

DANGER: The barrier portion of

the handlebar must be installed as

shown to provide a barrier between op- erator and the spinning blade.

• Locate the decal on the handlebar. This decal includes two arrows. Posi-

tion the handlebar on the mounting

bracket between these arrows.

• Position the bracket cover over the handlebar. Again make sure the han-

dlebar is between the arrows.

• Insert screws and hand tighten only.

Be sure the handlebar is installed cor- rectly; then, tighten each screw se-

curely with the short hex wrench.

Handlebar F "P- Screw

.j_ Bracket Cover

ASSEMBLY OF SHOULDER STRAP

_-WARNING: Proper shoulderstrap and handlebar adjustments before start-

ing the engine are required.

• Try on shoulder strap and adjust for fit and balance before starting the engine or beginning a cutting operation.

• Insert your right arm and head through the shoulder strap and allow it to rest

on your left shoulder. Make sure the danger sign is on your back and the hook is to the right side of your waist.

NOTE: A one-half twist is built in the

shoulder strap to allow the strap to rest flat on the shoulder.

• Adjust the strap, allowing the hook to be about 6 inches below the waist.

• Fasten the strap hook to the clamp lo- cated between the foam grip and the mounting block and lift the tool to the

operating position.

CONFIGURING YOUR UNIT

You can configure your unit using a cut- ting head for grass and light weeds, or a

weed blade for cutting grass, weeds,

and brush up to 1/2 inch in diameter. To

assemble your unit, go tothe section for

the desired configuration and follow the

instructions.

ASSEMBLY INFORMATION - TRIM-

MER HEAD

HEAD

TRIMMER

NOTE: Make sure all parts are properly installed as illustrated in the illustration

before installing the trimmer head.

• Align hole inthe dustcup withthe hole

in the side of the gearbox by rotating the dust cup.

• Insert a small screwdriver into aligned holes. This will keep the shaft from

turning while tightening trimmer head.

Screwdriver

NOTE: If your unit has been assembled

for weed blade use, refer to the section ASSEMBLY INFORMATION FOR USING YOUR UNIT WITH A WEED BLADE and re-

verse the steps to remove the metal shield and blade before you mount the

plastic shield and trimmer head.

ATTACHING THE PLASTIC SHIELD AND TRIMMER HEAD

EL WARNING: The shield must be properly installed. The shield provides

partial protection from the risk of thrown objects.tothe operator and others and is

equipped with a line limiter which cuts excess line to the proper length. The line

limiter (on underside of shield) is sharp and can cut you.

• Remove wing nut from shield.

• Insert bracket into slot on shield.

• Pivot shield until bolt passes through hole in bracket.

• Tighten the wing nut securely.

• If your unithas a plasticcover over the

threads on the threaded shaft, remove the covering to expose the threads.

• Before installing the trimmer head,

make sure the dust cup and retaining

washer are positioned on the gearbox as shown below.

Bracket _.

Slot "_..."_/_ing Nut

Shield

DustCup //J_

RetainingWasherJ(?_j

• While holding the screwdriver in posi- tion, thread trimmer head onto the

shaft in the direction shown on the de- cal. Tighten until secure.

NOTE: The retaining washer must be positioned with the raised section facing

toward the gearbox.

ASSEMBLY INFORMATION -

WEED BLADE

BLADE

WEED

NOTE: If your unit has been assembled for trimmer head use, refer to the section ATTACHING THE PLASTIC SHIELD AND

TRIMMER HEAD and reverse the steps to

remove the plastic shield and trimmer head before you mount the metal shield

and blade. Store these parts for future

use. Never use the trimmer head with the metal blade installed.

ASSEMBLY OF THE METAL SHIELD

DANGER: The metal shield must

be properly installed on the tool anytime

the tool is used with the blade. The for- ward tip of the metal shield helps to re-

duce the occurrence of blade thrust

which can cause serious injury such as

amputation to the operator or bystand- ers. Failure to install the shield in the

position shown can result inserious inju- ry to the operator. The length of the

shield must be aligned with the length of the tube. The blade issharp and can cut

you. Be sure to wear gloves while work-

ing with blades.

• If your unit has a plastic cover over the

threads on the shaft, remove the cov-

ering to expose the threads.

• Place the metal shield under the gear- box, and align the screw holes.

the retaining washer is facing the gearbox, and the raised area fits into

the hole in the center of the blade.

• Slide the blade and retaining washer

onto the shaft of the gearbox.

• Now place the cupped washer onto

the shaft. Make sure the cupped side

of the washer is toward the blade.

• Install the blade nut by tightening onto

the shaft counterclockwise.

Shield

• Insert the 4 mounting screws through the bottom of the shield. Thread them

into the gearbox. Tighten evenly and securely with one of the hex wrenches

provided.

ASSEMBLY OF THE METAL BLADE

_(_ WARNING: Do not use any blades,

or fastening hardware other than the

washers and nuts illustrated in the follow-

ing illustrations. These parts must be pro-

vided by Sears, and installed as shown

below. Failure to use proper parts can cause the blade to fly offand seriously hurt you or others.

NOTE: The dust cup and retaining washer are located on the gearbox and

not in the parts bag.

• Remove the retainer washer from the gearbox, and leave the dust cup on the gearbox. Note: It may be neces-

sary to remove a plastic protective covering from the threaded shaft be- fore removing the retaining washer.

Shield/_' _

Dust Cup/" _=_"_- Threaded Shaft

Retaining _

Washer--__ Blade

Cupped ---__

Washer

_1._ _ Nut

A(_WARNING: Donot use any blades, or fastening hardware other than the

washers and nuts illustrated. These parts

must be provided by Sears, and installed

as shown below. Failure to use proper

parts can cause the blade to fly off and se- riously hurt you or others.

NOTE: Make sure all parts are in place

as illustrated, and the blade is sand- wiched between the dust cup and the re- taining washer. There should be no

space between the blade and the dust cup or the retaining washer.

• Align hole in dust cup with hole in side of gearbox by rotating the blade.

• Insert a small screwdriver into aligned holes. This will keep the shaft from

turning while tightening the blade nut.

Scre@_

Dust Cup _l

• Install the blade over the threaded shaft extending from the gearbox be-

tween the dust cup and the retaining washer. Make sure the raised part of

Retaining

Washer

• _ghten blade nut firmly with a wrench while holding screwdriver in position.

• Remove the screwdriver.

• Turn blade by hand. If the blade binds against the shield, or appears to be

uneven, the blade is not centered, and

you must reinstall.

NOTE: To remove blade, insert screw-

driver into aligned holes. Un-thread the

nut and remove parts. Be sure to store

parts and instructions for future use.

KNOWYOUR BRUSHWACKER

READTHIS OPERATOR'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

UNIT. Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the loca- tion of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

Primer

Trigger Handle Starter Bulb

Handlebar

ShieldX

Handle

Muffler

ON/STOP SWITCH The On/Stop switch is located on the

engine and is used to stop the engine. Push the switch to the stop position to stop the unit.

PRIMER BULB The primer bulb removes air from the

fuel lines and fills them with fuel. This allows you to start the engine with few-

er pulls on the starter rope. Activate

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

_WARNING: Be sure to read the

fuel information in the safety rules

before you begin. If you do not understand the safety rules, do not

attempt to fuel your unit. Call

1-800-235-5878. FUELING ENGINE

This engine is certified to operate on

unleaded gasoline. Before operation,

gasoline must be mixed with a good quality 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil.

We recommend Craftsman brand oil. Mix gasoline and oil at a ratio of 40:1

(A 40:1 ratio is obtained by mixing 3.2 ounces of oil with 1 gallon of unleaded gasoline). DO NOT USE automotive oil

or boat oil. These oils will cause engine damage. When mixing fuel,

follow instructions printed on container.

the primer bulb by pressing it and al- lowing it to return to its original form.

CHOKE The choke helps to supply fuel to the

carburetor during starting. This allows you to start a cold engine. Activate the choke by moving the choke lever to

the Full position. After the engine has started, move the choke to the Off

position.

IMPORTANT

Experience indicates that alcohol

blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract mois- ture which leads to separation and

formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel sys-

tem of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, empty the

fuel system before storage for 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the

engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh

fuel next season.

Never use engine or carburetor clean- er products in the fuel tank or perma-

nent damage may occur. See the STORAGE section for addition-

al information.

STOPPING YOUR ENGINE

• Move the ON/STOP switch to the

STOP position.

• If engine does not stop, move choke

to the FULL CHOKE position.

STARTING YOUR ENGINE

z't

dBLWARNING: The trimmer head will

turn while starting the engine. Avoid any

contact with the muffler. A hot muffler

can cause serious burns.

• Rest engine and shield on ground, supporting trimmer head off ground.

COLD ENGINE OR WARM ENGINE AFTER RUNNING OUT OF FUEL

• Move the switch to the ON position.

• Slowly press primer bulb 6 times.

• Move the choke lever to FULLCHOKE.

Starter Handle \

• Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs, but no more than 5 pulls.

• Allow engine to run 15 seconds, then move the choke lever to OFF CHOKE

NOTE: If engine has not started, pull starter rope 5 more pulls. If engine still does not run, it is probably flooded.

DIFFICULT STARTING OR STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE

Flooded engines can be started by plac- ing choke lever inthe OFF CHOKE posi-

tion; then, pull ropeto clear engine of ex- cess fuel. This could require pulling

starter handle many times depending on how badly the unit is flooded.

Ifthe unit still doesn't start, refer to the

"TROUBLESHOOTINGchart or call

1-800-235-5878.

OPERATING POSITION

Choke

Lever

• Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger through all remaining steps.

• Pull starter rope sharply 6 to 8 times. The engine may sound as if it is trying to start before the 6th pull; if so, go to

the next step immediately.

• Move choke lever to HALF CHOKE.

• Pull starter rope until engine runs, but no more than 6 pulis.

NOTE: If the engine has not started after 5 pulls (at half choke), checkto make sure

choke lever is in the proper position. Then, move the choke lever to the FULLCHOKE

position and press the primer bulb 6times; squeeze and hold the throttle trigger and

pull the starter rope 2 more times. Move the choke lever to HALF CHOKE and pull

the starter rope until the engine runs, but no more than 5 more pulls. If the engine

still has not started, it is probably flooded.

Proceed to STARTING A FLOODED EN- GINE.

• Allow engine to run 10 seconds, then move choke lever to OFFCHOKE.Allow unit to run for 30 more seconds at OFF

CHOKE before releasing throttle trigger.

STARTING A WARM ENGINE

• Move the switchtothe on position, and choke lever to HALFCHOKE.

• Squeeze and hold throttle trigger until

the engine runs smoothly.

Clip shoulder strap onto clamp and stand in operating position.

• Arms extended with hands holding the handlebar grip.

• Right hand holding control handle, with fingers on throttle trigger.

• Engine below waist level.

• Shoulder strap pad centered on left shoulder.

• Danger sign centered on your back.

• Full weight of tool on left shoulder.

• Without operator bending over, the blade or semi-automatic head is near

and parallel to the ground and easily contacts material to be cut.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE WITH TRIMMER HEAD

Bring the engine to cutting speed be-

fore entering the material to be cut.

Do not run engine at a higher speed

than necessary. The cutting line will cut

efficiently when engine is run at less than full throttle. At lower speeds, there

is less engine noise and vibration. The cutting line will last longer and will be

less likely to '_veld" onto the spool.

If the trimmer head does not turn when

the engine is in operation, make sure

the drive shaft housing is properly seated in engine shroud.

Always release the throttle trigger and allow the engine to return to idle speed

when not cutting. To stop engine:

• Release the throttle trigger.

• Move the ON/STOP switch to the

STOP position.

• If engine does not stop, move choke

to the FULL CHOKE position.

ADVANCING THE TRIMMER LINE The trimmer line will advance approxi-

mately 2 in. (5 cm) each time bottom of

trimmer head is tapped on the ground with the engine running at full throttle.

The most efficient line length is the maximum length allowed by line limiter.

Always keep the shield in place when

the tool is being operated.

To Advance Line:

• Operate the engine at full throttle.

• Hold the trimmer head parallel to and above the grassy area.

• Tap bottom of trimmer head lightly on ground one time. Approximately 2 in.

(5 cm) of line will be advanced with each tap. The line limiter on the shield will cut line to the correct length.

• /_.

he_v_-_-_,_'- _ Limiter

Always tap the trimmer head on a

grassy area. Tapping on surfaces such as concrete or asphalt can cause ex-

cessive wear to the trimmer head.

If line is worn down to 2 in. (5 cm) or

less, more than one tap will be required

to obtain the most efficient line length.

_ WARNING: Use only .080" (1.6

mm) diameter line. Other sizes of line will not advance properly and can cause serious injury. Do not use other

materials such as wire, string, rope, etc. Wire can break off during cutting

and become a dangerous missile that can cause serious injury.

cu'rrlNG METHODS

WARNING: Use minimum speed

and do not crowd the line when cutting around hard objects (rock, gravel, fence posts, etc.), which can damage

the trimmer head, becorne entangled

in the line, or be thrown causing a seri- ous hazard.

• The tip of the line does the cutting. You will achieve best performance and

minimum line wear by not crowding line into the cutting area. The right and

wrong ways are shown below.

Tip of the Une Line Crowded Into

Does The Cutting

Right __

Work Area

• . _._o

Wrong

• The line will easily remove grass and

weeds from around walls, fences, trees and flower beds, but it also can

cut the tender bark of trees or shrubs and scar fences. To help avoid dam-

age especially to delicate vegetation or trees with tender bark, shorten line

to 4-5 in. (10-13 cm) and use at less than full throttle.

• For trimming or scalping, use less

than full throttle to increase line life and decrease head wear, especially:

• During light duty cutting.

• Near objects around which the line can wrap such as small posts,

trees or fence wire.

• For mowing or sweeping, use full throttle for a good clean job.

WARNING: Always wear eye

protection. Never lean over the trimmer

head. Rocks or debris can ricochet or

be thrown into eyes and face and cause blindness or other serious injury.

TRIMMING - Hold the bottom of the trimmer head about 3 in. (8 cm) above

the ground and at an angle. Allow only the tip of the line to make contact• Do

not force trimmer line into work area.

SCALPING - The scalping technique removes unwanted vegetation. Hold bot-

tom of trimmer head about 3 in. (8 cm)

above ground and at an angle. Allow tip of line to strike the ground around trees, posts, monuments, etc. This technique

increases line wear.

Scalping

MOWING - Your trimmer is ideal for mowing in places conventional lawn

mowers cannot reach. In the mowing position, keep line parallel to ground.

Avoid pressing head into ground as this can scalp ground and damage tool.

Mowing

curring,and how you can remain in control of unit if blade thrust occurs.

• WHAT CAUSES BLADE THRUST Blade Thrust can occurwhen spinning

blade contacts an object that itdoes not cut. This contactcauses blade to

stopfor an instant and then suddenly

move or "thrust" away from object that

was hit.The '_hrusting" reaction can

be violent enough to cause operator to be propelled in any direction and lose

controlof unit. The uncontrolledunit

can cause serious injury if blade con-

tacts operator or others.

• WHEN BLADE THRUST OCCURS. Blade thrust can occur without warn-

ing if the blade snags, stalls, or binds. This is more likely to occur in areas where it is difficult to see the

material being cut. By using the unit properly, the occurrence of blade

thrust will be reduced and the opera- tor will be less likely to lose control.

SWEEPING - The fanning action of rotating line can be used for a quick

and easy clean up. Keep line parallel

to and above the surfaces being swept

and move the tool from side to side.

Sweeping __,.._..,

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR

USE WITH A BLADE

• Blade Thrust is a reaction that only oc- curs when using a bladed unit. This

reaction can cause serious injury such as amputation. Carefully study this

section. It is important that you under- stand what causes blade thrust, how

you can reduce the chance of its oc-

• Cut only grass, weeds, and woody brush up to 1/2 inch in diameter with

weed blade. Do not let blade contact material it cannot cut such as stumps,

rocks, fences, metal, etc., or clusters of hard, woody brush with a diameter

greater than that recommended.

• Use a sharp blade. A dull blade is

more likely to snag and thrust.

• Cut only at full throttle. The blade will have maximum cutting power and is

less likely to bind or stall.

• "Feed" the blade deliberately and not

too rapidly. The blade can thrust away if it is fed too rapidly.

• CUt only from your right to your left.

Swinging unit in the same direction as

blade spin increases cutting action.

• Use the shoulder strap and keep a

firm grip on the unit with both hands. A properly adjusted shoulder strap will support the weight of the unit,

freeing your arms and hands to con- trol and guide the cutting motion.

Keep feet comfortably spread apart and braced for a possible sudden,

rapid thrustof unit. Do not overreach. Keep firm footing and balance.

• Keep blade below waist level. It will

be easier to maintain control of unit.

• Do not raise the engine above your

waist as the blade can come danger- ously close to your body.

• Do not swing the unit with such force that you are in danger of losing your

balance.

Bring the engine to cutting speed be- fore entering the material to be cut.

Ifthe blade does not turn when you

squeeze the throttle trigger, make sure the tube is fully inserted into engine.

Always release the throttle trigger and allow engine to return to idle speed

when not cutting. The blade should not turn while the engine is running at idle.

If the blade turns at idle, do not use your unit. Refer to the Carburetor ad-

justment section or contact your Sears

Service Center.

• Maintain good firm footing while us-

ing the unit. Do this by planting feet

firmly in a comfortable apart position.

• Cut while swinging the upper part of

your body from right to left.

• As you move forward to the next

area to cut, be sure to maintain your

balance, and footing.

10 o'clock _/_

Cut using the 8 o clock ={ i_r_} to lO o clock position of_,y _'1 _'

the blade • I I

8 o'clock _

WARNING: The operator or oth-

ers must not try to clear away cut ma- terial with the engine running or the

blade turning to avoid serious injury. Stop engine and blade before remov-

ing materials wrapped around blade or tube.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

CARE & MAINTENANCE TASK

Check for Loose fasteners and parts Check for damaged or worn parts

Clean unit and labels

Clean air filter Inspect and clean spark arrestor

Replace spark plug

GENERALRECOMMENDATIONS The warranty on this unit does not cov-

er items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To re- ceive full value from the warranty, the

operator must maintain unit as instruct- ed in this manual. Various adjustments

will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your unit. CHECK FOR LOOSE

FASTENERS AND PARTS

• Spark Plug Boot

• Air Filter

• Housing Screws

• Assist Handle Screws

• Shield

WHEN TO PERFORM

Before each use Before each use After each use

Every 5 hours of operation Every 25 hours of operation

Yearly

CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR WORN PARTS

Refer replacement of damaged/worn

parts to your Sears Service Center.

• ON/STOPSwitch - Ensure On/Stop

switch functions properly. Move switch

to STOP. Make sure engine stops; then restart engine and continue.

• Fuel Tank - Discontinue use if fuel

tank shows signs of damage or leaks.

• Shield - Discontinue use of unit if

shield is damaged.

CLEAN UNIT & LABELS

• Clean the unit using a damp cloth with a mild detergent.

• Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.

+ 28 hidden pages