Craftsman 358.74529 User Manual

Instruction Manual

ICRAFTSMAN°I

4.0 Amp Motor

13 Inch Cutting Path/0.065 In. Line

ELECTRIC WEEDWACKER ®

Model No.

358.745290

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espar_ol

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating

WARNING:
Instructions before first use of this product.

For answers to your questions about this product:

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

• 1-800-235-5878 (Hours listed are Centra, Time)

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

530164371 11/7/03

Warranty Statement 2 Parts Available 9
Safety Rules 2 Storage 9
Assembly 5 Troubleshooting Table 10

Operation 6
Maintenance 8 Spanish 11

Service & Adjustments 9 Parts Ordering Back Cover

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ® ELECTRIC WEEDWACK-
ER® LINE TRIMMER

If this Craftsman Electric Weedwacker _ Line Trimmer fails to perform properly
due to a defect in material or workmanship within (1) one year from the date of
purchase, Sears will replace it free of charge.

This warranty does not cover the nylon line.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN ELECTRIC

WEEDWACKER _ LINE TRIMMER TO THE NEAREST SEARS STORE OR 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., D/817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

zt

_WARNING: When using electric
gardening appliances, basic safety
precautions must always be followed
to reduce the risk of fire, electric

shock, and serious injury. Read and
follow all instructions.

j_" SAFETY INFORMATION

ON THE UNIT

O

_&WARNING: Trimmer line throws
objects violently. You and others can

be blinded/injured. Wear safety

glasses, boots, and leg protection.

Keep body parts clear of rotating line.

Safety Glasses or similar eye

This power unit can be dangerous!

Operator is responsible for following
the warnings and instructions in this

manual and on the unit. Read entire
instruction manual before using unit!

Be thoroughly familiar with the con-
trols and the proper use of the unit.

Restrict the use of this unit to persons
who read, understand, and follow unit
and manual warnings and instruc-

tions. Never allow children to operate
this unit. Close attention is necesary

when used near children.
_DANGER: Never use blades or

flailing devices. Unit is designed for line
trimmer use only. Use of any other ac-

cessories or attachments will increase
the risk of injury.

Boots

Keep children, bystanders, and ani-
mals 50 feet (15 meters) away. If ap-

proached stop unit immediately.
If situations occur which are not cov-

ered in this manual, use care and
good judgement. If you need assis-
tance, call 1-800-235-5878.

OPERATOR SAFETY

• Dress properly. Always wear safety
glasses or similar eye protection

when operating, or performing main-
tenance on your unit. (Safety

2

glassesareavailable.)Alwayswear
faceordustmaskifoperationis

dusty.Alwayswearheavy,long
pants,longsleeves,boots,and

gloves.Donotgobarefootorwear

sandals.

• Securehairaboveshoulderlength.
Secureorremovelooseclothing

andjewelryorclothingwithloosely
hangingties,straps,tassels,etc.

Theycanbecaughtinmovingparts.

• Beingfullycoveredalsohelpspro-
tectyoufromdebrisandpiecesof

toxicplantsthrownbyspinningline.

• StayAlert.Donotoperateunitwhen
youaretired,ill,orunderinfluence

ofalcohol,drugs,ormedication.
Watchwhatyouaredoing;usecom-
monsense.

• Avoidunintentionalstartingofthe
unit.Nevercarryunitwithyourfin-

gerontheswitch.Besurethe
switchisinOFFpositionwhencon-
nectingextensioncord.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

,_WARNING: Avoid a dangerous
environment. To reduce the risk of

electrical shock, do not use in rain, in
damp or wet locations, or around

swimming pools, hot tubs, etc. Do not
expose to snow, rain, or water to avoid

the possibility of electrical shock.

• Use a voltage supply as shown on
unit.

• Avoid dangerous situations. Do not
use in the presence of flammable

liquids or gases to avoid creating a
fire or explosion and/or causing
damage to unit.

• To reduce the risk of electrical shock,
this equipment has a polarized plug

(one blade is wider than the other)
and will require the use of a polarized

extension cord. The appliance plug
will fit into a polarized extension cord
only one way. If the plug does not fit

fully into the extension cord, reverse
the plug. Ifthe plug still does not fit,

obtain a correct polarized extension
cord. A polarized extension cord will
require the use of a polarized wall out-

let. This plug will fit into the polarized
wall outlet only one way. If plug does
not fit fully into the wall outlet, reverse
the plug. Ifthe plug still does not fit,

contact a qualified electrician to install
the proper wall outlet. Do not change
the equipment plug, extension cord

receptacle, or extension cord plug in
any way.

• To reduce risk of electrical shock,
use extension cords specifically

marked as suitable for outdoor ap-
pliances having electrical rating not

less than the rating of unit. Cord
must be marked with suffix "W-A" (in
Canada "W"). Make sure your exten-

sion cord is in good condition. In-
spect extension cord before use and

replace if damaged. Do not use a
damaged cord. Cord insulation

must be intact with no cracks or de-
terioration. Plug connectors must be

undamaged. An undersized exten-
sion cord will cause a drop in line

voltage resulting in loss of power
and overheating. If in doubt, use the
next heavier gauge. The lower the

gauge number, the heavier the cord

(see SELECT AN EXTENSION CORD

in the OPERATION section).

• Do not use multiple cords.

• Do not abuse cord. Never carry the
unit by the extension cord or yank

extension cord to disconnect unit.

• Use cord retainer to prevent discon-
nection of extension cord from unit

and possible damage to the unit due
to plug movement. See ATTACH THE

EXTENSION CORD TO YOUR TRIM-
MER in the OPERATION section.

• Do not use the unit if the switch
does not turn the unit on and off

properly. Repairs to the switch must
be made by your Sears Service

Center.

• Keep the extension cord clear of op-
erator and obstacles at all times. Do

not expose cords to heat, oil, water,
or sharp edges.

• To avoid the possibility of electric
shock, avoid body contact with any

grounded conductor, such as metal
fences or pipes.

• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
(GFCI) protection should be pro-

vided on circuit or outlet to be used.

Receptacles are available having

built-in GFCI protection and may be
used for this measure of safety.

UNIT SAFETY

• Inspect unit before use. Replace
damaged parts. Make sure all han-

dles, guards, and fasteners are in
place and securely fastened. Parts

that are damaged must be repaired
or replaced by a Sears Service Cen-

ter. These include head parts that
are cracked, or chipped, guards,
and any other part that is damaged.

• Do not repair unit yourself.

• Useonly0.065"(1.65mm)diame-
terrecommendedtrimmerline.(See

SERVICEANDADJUSTMENTS).Nev-
erusewire,rope,stringetc.

• Usespecifiedtrimmerspool.Make

surespoolisproperlyinstalledand
allpartsaresecurelyfastened.

• Useonlyrecommendedreplace-

mentpartsandaccessories.

CUTTING SAFETY

• Inspect area to be cut. Remove ob-
jects (rocks, broken glass, nails,

wire, string, etc.) which can be
thrown or become entangled in cut-
ting head.

• Do not overreach or stand on unsta-

ble support. Keep firm footing and
balance.

• Keep the cutting head below waist

level. Do not raise handles above
your waist. Cutting head can come

dangerously close to your body.

• Keep away from cutting head and
spinning line.

• Use unit properly. Use only for trim-

ming, edging, scalping, and mow-
ing. Do not force unit. It will do the

job better and with less risk of injury

at the rate for which it was designed.

• Use only in daylight or in good artifi-

cial light.

MAINTENANCE SAFETY

_WARNING: Disconnect unit
from the power supply before perform-

ing maintenance, or when changing
trimmer line.

• Maintain unit according to recom-
mended procedures. Keep cutting

line at proper length. Follow instruc-
tions for changing trimmer line.

• Have all service and maintenance

not explained in this manual per-

formed by a Sears Service Center to

avoid creating a hazard.

• Never douse or squirt the unit with

water or any other liquid. Clean unit
and labels with a damp sponge.

Keep handles dry, clean, and free

from oil and grease.

• Keep the air vents clean and free of
debris to avoid overheating the mo-

tor. Clean after each use.

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

• Stop the unit and disconnect the
power source when not in use.

• Carry the unit with motor stopped.

• Store the unit so the line limiter
Made (on underside of shield) can-
not cause injury.

• Store unit indoors in a high, dry
place out of the reach of children.

Store unit unplugged.

• Do not hang unit so that the trigger
switch is depressed.

DOUBLE INSULATION CONSTRUC-

TION

This unit is double insulated to help
protect against electric shock. Double

insulation construction consists of two
separate 'layers" of electrical insula-

tion instead of grounding.
Tools built with this insulation system

are not intended to be grounded. No

grounding means is provided on this
unit, nor should a means of grounding

be added to this unit. As a result, the
extension cord used with your unit can
be plugged into any polarized 120 volt

electrical outlet.
Safety precautions must be observed

when operating any electrical tool.
The double insulation system only
provides added protection against in-

ury resulting from an internal electrical

insu at on failure.
_WARNING: All electrical repairs

to this unit, including housing, switch,

motor, etc., must be diagnosed and
repaired by qualified service person-

nel. Replacement parts for a double
insulated appliance must be recom-
mended by the manufacturer. A
double insulated appliance is marked
with the words "double insulation" or
"double insulated." The symbol

(square within a square) [] may also
be marked on the appliance. Failure

to have the unit repaired by qualified

service personnel can cause the
double insulation construction to be-

come ineffective and result in serious
injury.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

CARTON CONTENTS
Check carton contents against the fol-

lowing list.
Model 358.745290

• Trimmer

• Shield

• Cutting line dispenser with extra line
Examine parts for damage. Do not

use damaged parts.

NOTE: If you need assistance or find

parts missing or damaged, call

1-800-235-5878.

ASSEMBLY

_IWARNING: If received as-
sembled, review all assembly steps to

ensure your unit is properly as-
sembled and all fasteners are secure.

• Extend the tube until it snaps into

place.

ADJUSTING UPPER HANDLE

• Press button located on the under-

side of the upper handle and extend
handle to a comfortable position.

ATTACHING THE SHIELD

• IWARNING: The shield must be
properly installed. The shield provides

partial protection from the risk of

thrown objects to the operator and
others. Your unit is equipped with a

line limiter blade, which cuts excess
line to the proper length while running.

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

NOTE: If shield is not properly
installed, damage to unit (including
motor failure) will result.

1. Align the installation arrow on the

shield with the installation arrow on
the motor housing (see illustration

below).

2. Insert the shield onto the motor

housing. Ensure cutting line re-
mains free to rotate and is not

caught between the shield and the
motor housing.

3. Twist the shield as illustrated until

it snaps securely into place. Make
sure the shield is facing the back

of the unit as shown on the front
cover of this manual.

ALIGN INSTALLATION ARROWS

Button

ADJUSTING ASSIST HANDLE

1. Loosen wing nut on handle.

2. Rotate the handle on the tube to
an upright position; place in a

comfortable position and retighten

wing nut.

CAUTION: Sharp line limiter blade

KNOW YOUR TRIMMER
READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

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

ence.

Plug

Cord
Retainer

Trigger Button Motor Housing
Switch J

Twist and Edge

Button

Assist Handle

Air Vents

Debris Shield Line Limiter Blade

RECESSED PLUG

The RECESSED PLUG is where you at-
tach your extension cord to the unit.

TRIGGER SWITCH

The TRIGGER SWITCH is used to turn
on the unit. Squeeze the trigger switch

to operate the unit.

LINE LIMITER

The LINE LIMITER cuts tile cutting line
to the proper cutting length.

ASSIST HANDLE

The ASSIST HANDLE is used to help
hold and guide the unit.

HANDLE BUTTON

The HANDLE BUTTON is used to adjust
the upper handle to a comfortable op-
eratin_ position.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Use only a voltage supply as specified

on your unit.

SELECT AN EXTENSION CORD

Extension Cord Gauge Chart

Length of Cord Gauge

25 Ft. (7.5 m) 18 Gauge
50 Ft. (15 m) 16 Gauge

100 Ft. (30 m) 16 Gauge

Extension cords are available for this

unit at Sears.

Extension Cord

(16 Guage) ............ 71-85708

Edge Guide

Semi-automatic

0.065" line

"_"" Tap Button

SEMI-AUTOMATIC HEAD

The SEMI-AUTOMATIC HEAD holds the
cutting line and rotates during opera-

tion.

TWIST AND EDGE BUTTON

The TWIST AND EDGE BUTTON is used
to twist the lower portion of the unit

into an edging position.

EDGE GUIDE

The EDGE GUIDE protects tile unit
from contacting the ground during

edging.

TAP BUTTON

The TAP BUTTON is used to advance
the cutting line during operation and to

remove the spool during line replace-
ment.

ATTACH THE EXTENSION
CORD TO YOUR TRIMMER

Loop your extension cord through the
handle and around the hook. Insure

the plug and cord are firmly and fully
engaged.

CORRECTOPERATINGPOSITION

/

Trimming j

',j, , \

Trimming Edging

_WARNING: Always wear eye
protection. Never lean over the trim-

mer head. Rocks or debris can rico-
chet or be thrown into eyes and face

and cause blindness or other serious
injury.
When operating unit, stand as shown

and check for the following:

• Wear eye protection and heavy

clothing.

• Hold trigger handle with right hand

and assist handle with left hand.

• Keep unit below waist level.

• Cut only from your right to your left

to ensure debris is thrown away
from you. Without bending over,
keep line near and parallel to the

ground (perpendicular when edging)
and not crowded into material being

cut.
ADVANCING THE CUTTING LINE
Advance line by tapping bottom of cut-

ting head lightly on the ground while
unit is running at full speed. A metal

blade attached to the shield will cut
the line to the proper length.

_WARNING: Use only 0.065 inch

(1.65 mm) diameter line. Other sizes of
line will not advance properly and will
result in improper cutting head function

or can cause serious injury. Do not use
other materials such as wire, string,
rope, etc. Wire can break off during cut-

ting and become a dangerous missile
that can cause serious injury. See page
2 for warning concerning other cutting

devices.

TRIMMING

Hold tile bottom of tile trimmer head
about 3 inches (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.

3 inches (8 cm)
above ground

EDGING POSITION

You can press this button and twist
the lower portion 180" into an edging

position.

Button

EDGING

While edging allow tile tip of the line to

make contact. Do not force the line.

The edge guard helps protect the unit
and keeps the unit from contacting the

ground. Take extra caution while edg-

ing as objects can be thrown from the

trimmer line.

Edging

SCALPING

The scalping technique removes un-
wanted vegetation. Hold the bottom of

the trimmer head about 3 inches (8
cm) above the ground and at an an-
gle. Allow the tip of the line to strike

the ground around trees, posts, monu-

ments, 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 the line parallel to the ground.
Avoid pressing the head into the
ground as this can scalp the ground

and damage the tool.

Mowing

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

WARNING: Disconnect power source before performing maintenance.

CARE & MAINTENANCE TASK
Check for loose fasteners and parts

Check for damaged or worn parts
Inspect and clean unit and labels

GENERAL RECOMMEN DATIONS
The warranty on this unit does not

cover items that have been subjected
to operator abuse or negligence. To

receive full value from the warranty,
the operator must maintain unit as

instructed in this manual. Various ad-
justments will need to be made peri-
odically to properly maintain your unit.

BEFORE EACH USE
CHECK FOR LOOSE

FASTENERS AND PARTS

• Housing Screws

• Assist Handle Screws

• Debris Shield

• Edge Guide

SWEEPING

The fanning action of the rotating line
can be used for a quick and easy
clean up. Keep the line parallel to and

above the surfaces being swept and

move the tool from side to side.

Sweeping

WHEN TO PERFORM

Before each use
Before each use

After each use

CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR

WORN PARTS

Contact Sears Service Center for re-
placement of damaged or worn parts.

• Trigger Switch - Ensure switch func-
tions properly by pressing and re-
leasing the trigger switch. Make sure
motor stops.

• Debris Shield - Discontinue use of
unit if debris shield is damaged.

AFTER EACH USE

INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT AND LA-
BELS

• After each use, inspect complete
unit for loose or damaged parts.

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

• Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.

REPLACINGTHELINE

1. Removethespoolbyfirmlypulling
onthetapbutton.

2. Cleanentire surface of hub and

spool.

3. Replace with a pre-wound spool
(#71-85837), or cut a length of 30

feet of 0.065" (1.65 mm) diameter

Craftsman (_)Pro Trimmer line. Use
of heavier lines could overload the
unit and damage unit.

,_WARNING: Never use wire,
rope, string, etc., which can break off

and become a dangerous missile.

4. Insert one end of the line about 1/2
inch (1 cm) into the small hole in-

side the spool.

5. Wind the line evenly and tightly
onto the spool. Wind in the direc-

tion of the arrow found on the

spool.

6. Push the line into the notch, leav-
ing 3 to 5 inches (7 - 12 cm) un-

wound.

7. Insert the line into the exit hole in

USER REPLACEABLE SERVICE PARTS

REPLACEMENT PART
Spool with 0.065" Pro Trimmer Line

Assist Handle

Bolt, Assist Handle, 1/4-20

Wing Nut, Assist Handle

Shield Assembly
Edge Guide
Screw, Edge Guide Retaining

the hub as shown in the illustra-
tion.

8. Align the notch with the line exit
hole.

9. Push the spool into the hub until it
snaps into place.

10. Pull on the line extending outside
the hub to release it from the

notch; otherwise, the unit will not
function properly.

Small

Hoie__ 4_ / _/_, "i

,_ d" %_X_,'','¢_-- spool

Button

Line in Notch _ //

Hub

PART NUMBER
71-85837

530402657
530401989

530016152
530402672
530402663
530015815

Line exit hole

Prepare unit for storage after each

use by performing the following steps:

,_WARNING:

• Stop tile unit and disconnect the
power source when not in use.

• Carry the unit with motor stopped.

• Store the unit so the line limiter
blade cannot cause injury.

• Store unit and extension cord in-
doors in a high, dry place out of the

reach of children. Store unit un-
plugged.

• Store unit with all guards in place.
Position unit so that any sharp ob-

ject cannot accidentally cause injury.

TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE

WARNING: Always stop unit and disconnect from tile power source before
performing all of the recommended remedies below except remedies that re-

quire unit to be operating.

TROUBLE

Trimmer head
stops under a

load or does not
turn when switch
is pressed.

Line does not
advance or

breaks while
cutting.

Line welds onto
spool.

Line releases 1. Check line routing.
continuously.

Line usage is 1. Check line routing.
excessive.

Line pulls back 1. Remove cover and pull 4 inches

into head. (10 cm) of line outside of head.

CAUSE

1. Crowdh_g trimmer Ih_e
against material being

cut.

2. Electrical failure.

3. Thrown circuit breaker.

4. Debris stopping head.

1. Line improperly routed
in head.

2. Line improperly
wound into spool.

3. Incorrect line size

4. Not enough line
outside of head.

5. Dirt buildup on unit.

1. Line size is incorrect.

2. Incorrect spool.

3. Line is being crowded
against material being

cut.

1. Line improperly
routed in head.

2. Spool damaged.

1. Line improperly routed
in head.

2. Line size is incorrect.

3. Crowding line against
material being cut.

4. Spool worn or damaged.

1. Too little line outside
of head.

2. Line size incorrect.

REMEDY

1. Allow tip of line to do the cutting.

2. Contact Sears Service (see back
cover).

3. Check Breaker Box.

4. Remove debris.

1. Check line routing.

2. Rewind line tightly and evenly.

3. Use only 0.065 inch (1.65 mm) dia. line.

4. Remove cover and pull 4 inches
(10 cm) of line out of head.

5. Clean unit.

1. Use only 0.065 inch (1.65 mm) dia. line.

2. Replace with correct spool.

3. Cut with tip of line fully extended.

2. Replace spool.

2. Replace spool.

3. Cut with tip of line fully extended.

4. Replace spool.

2. Use only 0.065 inch (1.65 mm) dia. line.

10