Craftsman 358745500 Owner’s Manual
Instruction Manual
25cc/1.5 cu.in. 2-Cycle
17 Inch Cutting Path / 0.080 Inch Line
GASOLINE WEEDWACKER ®
Model No. /,,,_/_
58.745500
• Safety
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Parts List
• Espa_ol
Assembly /_/_4
For Occasional Use Only
WARNING:
Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating
Instructions before first use of this product.
For answers to your questions about this product:
Call 7 am-7 pm, Mon.-Sat., or 10 am-7 pm, Sun.
1-800-235-5878 {.o._ listed are Central Time)
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
530163591 1/31/03
Warranty Statement 2 Storage 16
Identification of Symbols 2 Troubleshooting Table 17
Safety Rules 3 Emissions Statement 18
Assembly 9
Operation 10 Parts List 20
Maintenance 14 Spanish 22
Service & Adjustments 15 Parts and Ordering Back Cover
FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ® GASOLINE POWERED
WEEDWACKER ® LINE TRIMMER.
For one year from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman Gasoline Powered
Weedwacker Line Trimmer is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to
the operating and maintenance instructions in this manual, Sears will repair, free
of charge, any defect in materials or workmanship.
This warranty excludes nylon line, spark plug, and air filter, which are expendable
parts and become worn during normal use.
If this Weedwacker Line Trimmer is used for commercial purposes, this warranty ap-
plies for only 90 days from the date of purchase. If this Weedwacker Line Trimmer is
used for rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 30 days from the date of pur-
chase. This warranty applies only while this product is in use in the United States.
WARRANTYSERVICEIS AVAILABLEBY RETURNINGTHEWEEDWACKERLINETRIMMER
TOTHE NEARESTSEARS STOREOR SERVICECENTER IN THEUNITEDSTATES.
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
WARNINGt This trimmer
can be dangerous! Careless or
improper use can cause
serious or even fatal injury.
Always wear appropriate ear protection, eye protection and head protection.
Read and understand the
instruction manual before
using the trimmer.
Only the following Gasoline Powered Combination Gardening Appliance power-
head models andtheir respective attachments have been Classified by Under-
writers Laboratories, Inc., in accordance with the applicable safety requirements.
Powerhead including trimmer attachment .................... 358.745500
Optional brushcutter attachment ............................ 358.792440
Optional blower attachment ................................ 358.792421
The following attachment is Listed by Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc., in accor-
dance with UL Standard 1602, "Gasoline-Engine-Powered, Rigid-Cutting Mem-
ber Edgers and Edge-Trimmers."
Optional edger attachment ................................. 358.792400
2
4_WARNING:Whenusinggar-
deningappliances,basicsafetypre-
cautionsmustalways be followed to
reduce the risk of fire and serious
injury. Read and follow all instructions.
This power unit can be dangerous! Op-
erator is responsible for following
instructions and warnings on unit and in
manual. Read entire instruction manual
before using unit! Be thoroughly familiar
with the controls and the proper use of
the unit. Restrict the use of this unit to
persons who have read, understand,
and will follow the instructions and
warnings on the unit and in the manual.
Never allow children to operate this unit.
INSTRUCTION SAFETY INFORMATION
MANUAL ON THE UNIT
DANGER: Never use blades
with line trimmer attachment. Never
use flailing devices with any attach-
ment. This unit (when used with sup-
plied line trimmer attachment) is de-
signed for line trimmer use only. Use
of any other accessories with line trim-
mer attachment will increase the risk
of injury.
@OO
_WARNING: Trimmer line throws
objects violently. You and others can be
blinded/injured. Wear eye and leg
protection. Keep body parts clear of ro-
tating line.
Eye Protection /_--_ ..
HazardZone "_
Keep children, bystanders, and animals
50 feet (15 meters) away. Stop unit im-
mediately if approached.
If situations occur which are not cov-
ered in this manual, use care and
good judgment. If you need assis-
tance, contact your Sears Service
Center or call 14300-235-5878.
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). Eye protec-
tion should be marked Z87.
• Always wear face or dust mask if op-
eration is dusty.
• Always wear heavy, long pants, long
sleeves, boots, and gloves. Wear-
ing safety leg guards is recom-
mended.
• Always wear foot protection. Do not
go barefoot or wear sandals. Stay
clear of spinning line.
• Secure hair above shoulder length.
Secure or remove loose clothing or
clothing with loosely hanging 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 this unit
when you are tired, ill, upset or un-
der the influence of alcohol, drugs,
or medication. Watch what you are
doing; use common sense.
• Wear hearing protection.
• Never start or run inside a closed
room or building. Breathing exhaust
fumes can kill.
• Keep handles free ofoil and fuel.
• Always keep engine on the right
hand side of your body.
• Hold the unit firmly with both hands.
• Keep trimmer head (or other option-
al attachment) below waist level and
away from all parts of your body. Do
not raise engine above your waist.
• Keep all parts of your body away
from muffler and spinning line (or
other optional attachment). Keep
engine below waist level. A hot muf-
fler can cause serious burns.
• Keep firm footing and balance. Do
not overreach or use from unstable
surfaces such as ladders, trees,
steep slopes, rooftops, etc.
• Use only in daylight or good artificial
light.
• Use only for jobs explained in this
manual (or manuals for optional at-
tachments).
UNIT / MAINTENANCE SAFETY
• Disconnect the spark plug before
performing maintenance except car-
buretor adjustments.
• Look for and replace damaged or
loose parts before each use. Look
for and repair fuel leaks before use.
Keep in good working condition.
• Replace trimmer head parts that are
chipped, cracked, broken, or dam-
aged in any other way before using
the unit.
• Maintain unit according to recom-
mended procedures. Keep cutting
line at proper length.
• Use only 0.080 in.(2 mm) diameter
Craftsman® brand line. Never use
wire, rope, string, etc.
• Install required shield properly be-
fore using the unit. Use only speci-
fied trimmer head; make sure it is
properly installed and securely fas-
tened.
• Make sure unit is assembled cor-
rectly as shown in this manual.
• Make carburetor adjustments with
lower end supported to prevent line
from contacting any object.
• Keep others away when making car-
buretor adjustments.
• Use only recommended Craftsman
accessories and replacement parts.
• Have all maintenance and service
not explained in this manual per-
formed by a Sears Service Center.
FUEL SAFETY
• Mix and pour fuel outdoors.
• Keep away from sparks or flames.
• Use a container approved for fuel.
• Do not smoke or allow smoking near
fuel or the unit.
• Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all
fuel spills.
• Move at least 10 feet (3 meters)
away from fueling site before start-
ing engine.
• Stop engine and allow to cool before
removing fuel cap.
• Always store gasoline in a container
approved for flammable liquids.
TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE
• Allow engine to cool before storing
or transporting in 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 area where fuel
vapors cannot reach sparks or open
flames from water heaters, electric
motors or switches, furnaces, etc.
• Store unit so line limiter blade can-
not accidentally cause injury. The
unit can be hung by the tube.
• Store unit out of reach of children.
SAFETY 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 ab-
normal swellings. Prolonged use in
cold weather has been linked to blood
vessel 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.
SPECIAL NOTICE: This unit is
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-
igines be equipped with a spark arrest-
ng screen, if you operate in a locale
where such regulations exist, you are
legally responsible for maintaining the
operating condition of these parts.
Failure to do so is a violation of the
law. For normal homeowner use, the
muffler and spark arresting screen will
not require any service. After 50
hours of use, we recommend that your
muffler be serviced or replaced by a
Sears Service Center.
LINE TRIMMER SAFETY
_1_WARNING: Inspect the area to
be trimmed before each use. Remove
objects (rocks, broken glass, nails,
wire, etc.) which can be thrown by or
become entangled in line. Hard ob-
jects can damage the trimmer head
and be thrown causing serious injury.
• Use only for trimming, scalping, mow-
ing and sweeping. Do not use for
edging, pruning or hedge trimming.
• Cut only from your right to your left.
Cutting on left side of the shield will
throw debris away from the operator.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES
FOR OPTIONAL ATTACHMENTS
_ WARNING: For each optional
attachment used, read entire opera-
tors manual before use and follow all
warnings and instructions in manual
and on attachment.
_ WARNING: Ensure handlebar is
installed when using edger or brush-
cutter attachments. Attach handlebar
above arrow on safety label on the up-
per tube (engine end of unit). If your
edger or brushcutter attachment does
not include a handlebar, a handlebar
accessory kit (#530071451) is avail-
able from your Sears Service Center.
_H_n61eba r
EDGER SAFETY
_I_WARNING: Inspect the area to
be edged before each use. Remove
objects (rocks, broken glass, nails,
wire, etc.) which can be thrown by the
blade or can wrap around the shaft.
• Blade rotates momentarily after the
trigger is released. The blade can
seriously cut you or others.
• Allow blade to stop before removing
it from the cut.
Bladerotates Allowbladetostop
momentarily• beforeremovingit
e_er the / fromthecut.
• Throw away blades that are bent,
warped, cracked, broken or dam-
aged in any other way. Replace
parts that are cracked, chipped, or
damaged before using the unit.
• Do not attempt to remove cut materi-
al nor hold material to be cut when
the engine is running or when cut-
ting blade is moving.
• Always keep the wheel and depth
adjusting skid in contact with the
ground.
• Always push the unit slowly over the
ground. Stay alert for uneven side-
walks, holes in the terrain, large
roots, etc.
• Always use the handlebar when us-
ing edger attachment.
BLOWER/VACUUM SAFETY
_I_WARNING: Inspect area before
starting unit. Remove all debris and
hard objects such as rocks, glass,
wire, etc. that can ricochet, be thrown,
or otherwise cause injury or damage
during operation.
• Do not set unit on any surface ex-
cept a clean, hard area while engine
is running. Debris such as gravel,
sand, dust, grass, etc., could be
picked up by the air intake and
thrown out through discharge open-
ing, damaging unit, property, or
causing serious injury to bystanders
or operator.
• Never place objects inside the blow-
er tubes, vacuum tubes or blower
outlet. Always direct the blowing de-
bris away from people, animals,
glass, and solid objects such as
trees, automobiles, walls, etc. The
force of air can cause rocks, dirt, or
sticks to be thrown or to ricochet
which can hurt people or animals,
break glass, or cause other damage.
• Never run unit without the proper
equipment attached. When using
your unit as a blower, always install
blower tubes.
• Check air intake opening, blower
tubes or vacuum tubes frequently,
always with engine stopped and
spark plug disconnected. Keep
vents and discharge tubes free of
debris which can accumulate and
restrict proper air flow.
• Never place any object in air intake
opening as this could restrict proper
air flow and cause damage to the
unit.
• Never use for spreading chemicals,
fertilizers, or other substances which
may contain toxic materials.
• To avoid spreading fire, do not use
near leaf or brush fires, fireplaces,
barbecue pits, ashtrays, etc.
BRUSHCUTTER SAFETY
DANGER: Blade can thrust vio-
lently away from material it does not cut.
Blade thrust can cause amputation of
arms or legs.
_ WARNING: Do not use trimmer
head as a fastening device for the
blade.
_ WARNING: The blade contin-
ues to spin after the throttle is re-
leased or engine 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 the coasting
blade with material already cut.
Stop coasting
blade by contact
with cut material,
®
all.WARNING: Inspect the area to
be cut before each use. Remove ob-
jects (rocks, broken glass, nails, wire,
etc.) which can be thrown or become
entangled in the blade or trimmer line.
• Throw away and replace blades that
are bent, warped, cracked, broken
or damaged in any other way.
• Install required shield properly be-
fore using the unit. Use the metal
shield for all metal blade use.
_ WARNING: Only use brushcut-
ter attachments that provide a metal
shield with proboscis nose.
se
• Use only specified blade and make
sure it is properly installed and se-
curely fastened.
Cut from your right to your left.
Always use the handlebar and a
properly adjusted shoulder strap
with blade (see ASSEMBLY instruc-
tions in brushcutter attachment in-
struction manual).
CULTIVATOR SAFETY
_WARNING: Rotating tines can
cause serious injury. Keep away from
rotating tines. Stop the engine and
disconnect the spark plug before un-
clogging tines or making repairs.
_WARNING: Inspect the area to
be cultivated before starting the unit.
Remove all debris and hard and sharp
objects such as rocks, vines, branch-
es, rope, string, etc.
• Avoid heavy contact with solid ob-
jects that might stop the tines. If
heavy contact occurs, stop the en-
gine and inspect the unit for dam-
age.
• Never operate the cultivator without
the tine cover in place and properly
secured.
• Keep the tines and guard clear of
debris.
• After striking a foreign object, stop
the engine, disconnect the spark
plug and inspect the cultivator for
damage. Repair before restarting.
• Disconnect attachment from the
drive engine before cleaning the
tines with a hose and water to re-
move any build-up. Oil the tines to
prevent rust.
• Always wear gloves when servicing
or cleaning the tines. The tines be-
come very sharp from use.
• Do not run unit at high speed unless
cultivating.
6
HEDGE TRIMMER SAFETY
DANGER: RISK OF CUT; KEEP
HANDS AWAY FROM BLADE - Blade
moves momentarily after the trigger is
released. Do not attempt to clear away
cut material when the blade is in motion.
Make sure the switch is in the OFF posi-
tion, the spark plug wire is discon-
nected, and the blade has stopped
moving before removing jammed mate-
rial from the cutting blade. Do not grab
or hold the unit b
Blades move
momentarily
after the
r the cutting blade,
Allow blades to stop
before removing
them from the cut.
_._ trigger is
released,
_ WARNING: Inspect the area be-
fore starting the unit. Remove all de-
bris and hard objects such as rocks,
glass, wire, etc. that can ricochet, be
thrown, or otherwise cause injury or
damage during operation.
• Do not use a cutting blade that is
bent, warped, cracked, broken or
damaged in any other way. Have
worn or damaged parts replaced by
your Sears Service Center.
• Always keep unit in front of your
body. Keep all parts ofyour body
away from the cutting blade.
• Keep the cutting blade and air vents
clear of debris.
POLE PRUNER SAFETY
I_ WARNING: The reciprocating
blade/rotating chain can cause severe
injury. Inspect the unit before use. De
not operate unit with a bent, cracked
or dull blade or dull chain. Keep away
from the blade/chain.
WARNING: The reciprocating
blade/rotating chain is sharp. Do not
touch. To prevent serious injury, always
stop engine and ensure blade/chain
has stopped moving, disconnect spark
plug, and wear gloves when changing
or handling the blade or chain.
_WARNING: A coasting blade/ro-
tating chain can cause injury while it
continues to move after the engine is
stopped. Maintain proper control of the
unit until the blade/chain has completely
stopped moving. Keep hands, face and
feet at a distance from all moving parts.
Do not attempt to touch or stop the
blade or chain when it is moving.
_WARNING: Falling objects can
cause severe head injury. Wear head
protection when operating this unit
with a pole pruner attachment.
_WARNING: To prevent serious
injury, do not use more than one boom
extension with a pole pruner attach-
ment.
_ WARNING: Keep the pruner
away from power lines or electrical
wires.
• Only use for pruning limbs or
branches up to 4 inches in diameter.
• Do not operate the unit faster than
the speed needed to prune. Do not
run the unit at high speed when not
pruning.
• Always stop the unit when work is
delayed or when walking from one
cutting location to another.
• If you strike or become entangled
with a foreign object, stop the engine
immediately and check for damage.
Have any damage repaired by a
Sears Service Center before at-
tempting further operations. Discard
blades that are bent, warped,
cracked or broken.
• Stop the unit immediately if you feel
excessive vibration. Vibration is a
sign of trouble. Inspect thoroughly
for loose nuts, bolts or damage be-
fore continuing. Contact Sears Ser-
vice for repair or replacement of af-
fected parts as necessary.
SNOW THROWER SAFETY
_WARNING: Keep hands and
feet away from the rotor when starting
or running the engine. Never attempt
to clear the rotor with the engine/motor
running. Stop engine and disconnect
spark plug before unclogging snow or
debris from discharge chute or when
adjusting vanes.
•_I, WARNING: Never lean over dis-
charge chute. Rocks or debris could
be thrown into the eyes and face and
cause serious injury or blindnesS.
_l_l,WARNING: Inspect the area
where the unit is to be used. Remove
objects that could be thrown or dam-
age the unit. Some objects may be
hidden by fallen snow - be alert for
the possibility.
• Direct material discharge away from
glass enclosures, automobiles, etc.
• Do not run engine at high speed
while not removing snow.
• Be attentive when using the snow-
thrower, and stay alert for holes in
the terrain and other hidden haz-
ards.
• Make sure the rotor will spin freely
before attaching the snowthrower to
the powerhead.
• If the rotor will not rotate freely due
to frozen ice, thaw the unit before
thoroughly before attempting to op-
erate under power.
• Keep the rotor clear of debris.
• Do not throw snow near other
people. The snow thrower could
propel small objects at high speed
causing injury.
• After striking a foreign object, stop
the engine, disconnect spark plug
and inspect the snowthrower for
damage and repair if necessary be-
fore restarting unit.
• Never operate the snowthrower near
glass enclosures, automobiles and
trucks.
• Never attempt to use the snow-
thrower on a roof.
• Never operate the snowthrower near
window wells, dropoffs, etc.
• Never discharge snow onto public
roads or near moving traffic.
• Clear snow from slopes by going up
and down; never across. Use cau-
tion when changing directions. Nev-
er clear snow from steep slopes..
• Let snowthrower run for a few min-
utes after clearing snow so moving
parts do not freeze.
• Look behind and use care when
backing up. Exercise caution to
avoid slipping or falling, especially
when operating in reverse.
• Know how to stop quickly.
8
CARTON CONTENTS
Check carton contents against the fol-
lowing list.
Model 358.745500
• Powerhead
• Trimmer Attachment
• Shield
• Wing Nut (screwed onto shield)
• Container of Oil
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.
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
_l_ WARNING: If received as-
sembled, repeat all steps to ensure
your unit is properly assembled and all
fasteners are secure.
INSTALLING TRIMMER ATTACH-
MENT
CAUTION: When installing trimmer
attachment, place the unit on a flat
surface for stability.
1. Loosen the coupler by turning the
knob counterclockwise.
Coupler
LOOSEN
Co,(e,
I' Lockinq/[_
UTPuPb_rRelea',e Atf°c_emrent
_1_WARNING: Make sure the lock-
ing/release button is locked in the pri-
mary hole and the knob is securely
tightened before operating the unit.
All attachments are designed to be
used in the primary hole.
For optional attachments, see the AS-
SEMBLY section of the applicable at-
tachment instruction manual.
ATTACHING SHIELD
I_ WARNING: The shield must be
properly installed. The shield provides
partial protection from the risk of thrown
objects to the operator and others and
is equipped with a line limiter blade
which cuts excess line to the proper
length. The line limiter blade (on under-
side of shield) is sharp and can cut you.
For proper orientation of shield, see
KNOW YOURTRIMMER illustration in OP-
ERATIONsection.
1. Remove wing nut from shield.
2. insert bracket into slot as shown.
3. Pivot shield until bolt passes
through hole in bracket.
4. Securely tighten wing nut onto
bolt.
Shield
Button
Slot
Bracket
TIGHTEN Knob
2. Remove the tube cap from the
trimmer attachment (if present).
3. Position locking/release button of
attachment into guide recess of
coupler.
4. Push the attachment into the cou-
pler until the locking/release button
snaps into the primary hole.
5. Before using the unit, tighten the
knob securely by turning clock-
wise.
Wing
Nut
ADJUSTING THE HANDLE
_WARNING: When adjusting the
handle, be sure it remains between
the trigger and the arrow on the safety
label.
1. Loosen wing nut on handle.
2. Rotate the handle on the tube to
an upright position; retighten wing
nut.
9
KNOW YOUR TRIMMER
READTHIS INSTRUCTION MANUALANDSAFETY RULESBEFORE OPERATINGYOUR
UNIT. Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the location
of the various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
Assist Handle
Coupler
Tube
Trimmer "_ ON/OFF Switch
Head
Shield
Starter
Line Limiter
Blade
Throttle
Trigger
Lever
ON/OFF SWITCH
The ON/OFF switch is located on the
trigger handle and is used to stop the
engine. Move the switch to the OFF
position to stop the engine.
PRIMER BULB
The PRIMER BULB removes air from
the carburetor and fuel lines and fills
them with fuel. This allows you to start
the engine with fewer pulls on the
starter rope. Activate the primer bulb
by pressing it and allowing it to return
to its original form.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
WARNING: Be sure to read
the fuel information in the safety rules
before you begin. If you do not under-
stand the safety rules, do not attempt
to fuel your unit. Call 1-800-235-5878.
FUELING ENGINE
_WARNING: Remove fuel cap
slowly when refueling.
This engine is certified to operate on
unleaded gasoline. Before operation,
gasoline must be mixed with a good
quality synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled
engine oil. We recommend Craftsman
Primer Bulb
START LEVER
The START LEVER helps to supply fuel
to the engine to aid in starting. Acti-
vate the starting system by moving the
start lever to the START position. DO
NOT squeeze the throttle trigger until
the engine has started and runs. After
the engine starts, allow the engine to
warm-up 10-15 seconds, then fully
squeeze the throttle trigger to deacti-
vate the starting system.
COUPLER
The COUPLER enables optional at-
tachments to be installed on the unit.
brand synthetic 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.
included with this trimmer is a 3.2
ounce container of oil. Pour the entire
contents of this container into 1 gallon
of gasoline to achieve the proper fuel
mixture. DO NOTUSE automotive oil or
boat oil. These oils will cause engine
damage. When mixing fuel, follow
instructions printed on container.
Once oil is added to gasoline, shake
container momentarily to assure that the
fuel is thoroughly mixed. Always read
and follow the safety rules relating to
fuel before fueling your unit.
10
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