Craftsman 358745530 Owner’s Manual

Instruction Manual

25cc/1.5 cu.in. 2-Cycle

17 Inch Cutting Path / 0.080 Inch Line

GASOLINE WEEDWACKER ®

Model No.

358.745530

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts List

• Espa_ol

For Occasional Use Only _YL_

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.

530163608 I/3/03

Warranty Statement 2 Storage 11
Safety Rules 2 Troubleshooting Chart 12

Assembly 4 Emissions Statement 12
Operation 5 Parts List 14

Maintenance 8 Spanish 16

Service & Adjustments 9 Parts and Ordering Back

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON

WEEDWACKER ® LINE TRIMMER

For one year from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman Gas 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.

WARRANTYSERVICEISAVAILABLE BYRETURNINGTHE WEEDWACKER LINETRIMMER
TO THE NEARESTSEARSSTOREOR SERVICECENTER INTHE UNITEDSTATES.

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/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

41SWARNING: When using gar-
dening appliances, basic safety pre-
cautions must always 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 or

flailing devices. This unit is designed
for line trimmer use only. Use of any

other accessories or attachments will

increase the risk of injury.

O(9@

411.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.

H Boots

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 1-800-235-5878.

2

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. Wearing
safety leg guards is recommended.

• 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 of oil and fuel.

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 inch (2 mm) diame-

ter 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,

CUTTING SAFETY
_ WARNING: Inspect the area be-

fore each use. Remove objects

(rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, etc.)

which can be thrown by or become
entangled in line. Hard objects can
damage the trimmer head and be
thrown causing serious injury.

• Use only for trimming, scalping, mow-
ing and sweeping. Do not use for edg-
ing, pruning or hedge trimming.

• Keep firm footing and balance. Do
not overreach.

• Keep all parts of your body away

from muffler and spinning line. Keep

engine below waist level. A hot muf-

fler can cause serious burns.

• Cut from your right to your left. Cut-
ting on left side of the shield will
throw debris away from the operator.

• Use only in daylight or good artificial
light.

• Use only for jobs explained in this
manual.

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

• Allow engine to cool; secure unit be-

fore 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, fur-
naces, etc.

3

* Store unit so line Imiter 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-

gines be equipped with a spark arrest-

ing 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

your Sears Service Center.

CARTON CONTENTS
Check carton contents against the fol-

lowing list.
Model 358.745530
* Trimmer
* 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

_ WARNING: If received as-
sembled, repeat all steps to ensure

your unit is properly assembled and all
fasteners are secure.

ADJUSTING THE HANDLE

Ill.WARNING: When adjusting the
handle, be sure it remains between

the trigger and the safety label.

1. Loosen wing nut on handle.

2. Rotate the handle on the tube to an
upright position; retighten wing nut.

ATTACHING SHIELD
_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 Imiter blade

which cuts excess line to the proper

length. The line ]imiter blade (on under-

side of shield) is sharp and can cut you.

For proper orientation of shield, see
KNOWYOURTRIMMER illustrationin OP-

ERATIONsection.

1. Remove wing nut from shield.

2. Insert bracket intoslot as shown.

3. Pivot shield until bolt passes
through hole in bracket.

4. Securely tighten wing nut onto bolt.
Slot

Shield _S

_ _"'--'_.'#Y\X Bracket

Line Limiter Blade Nut

4

_ng

KNOW YOUR TRIMMER

READTHIS INSTRUCTIONMANUALANDSAFETY RULES BEFOREOPERATINGYOUR

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

Tube

_X Throttle

Trigger

ON/OFF Spark Plug

Shield

Trimmer

Heed

\

Handle

Fuel Mix
Fill Cap Start Lever

ON/OFF SWITCH
The ON/OFF switch is used to stop en-

gine. Move switch to the OFF position to
stop 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
understand 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 aircooled
engine oil. We recommend Craftsman
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

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.

ounce container of oil. Pour the entire
contents of this container into 1 gallon

of gasoline to achieve the proper fuel

mixture. DO NOT USEautomotive 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.

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 system of an
engine while in storage. To avoid en-
gine problems, empty the fuel system

before storage for 30 days or longer.

5

Line
Limiter
Blade

Drainthegastank,starttheengine

andletit run until the fuel lines and

carburetor are empty. Use flesh fuel
next season. Never use engine or car-
buretor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may oc-

cur. See the STORAGE section for
additional information.

HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT

• To stop the engine, move the ON/
OFF switch to the OFF position.

HOW TO START YOUR UNIT

i_ WARNING: The trimmer head

will turn while starting the engine.
Avoid any contact with the muffler. A

hot muffler can cause serious burns.

STARTING A COLD ENGINE
NOTE: DO NOT squeeze the throttle

trigger until the engine has started and
runs.

1. Set unit on a flat surface.

2. Move ON/OFF switch to the ON

position.

3. Slowly press the primer bulb 6

times.

4. Move the start lever to the START

position.

5. Pull starter rope handle sharply
until engine starts and runs.

6. AIIowunit to runfor 10-15 seconds,
then fully squeeze the throttle trigger
to disengage the starting system.

STARTING A WARM ENGINE

1. Move ON/OFF switch to the ON
position.

2. Move the start lever to the RUN
position.

3. Squeeze and hold the throttle trig-
ger. Keep throttle trigger fully
squeezed until engine runs
smoothly.

4. Pull starter rope sharply while
squeezing throttle trigger until en-

gine runs.

NOTE: Normally, the warm starting
procedure can be used within 5-10

minutes after the unit is turned OFF. If

the unit sits for more than 10 minutes
without being ran, it will be necessary

to start the unit by following the steps

under STARTING A COLD ENGINE or

following the starting instruction steps
shown on the unit.

STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE
Flooded engines can be started by

placing the ON/OFF switch in the ON
position. Move the start lever to the

RUNposition and fully squeeze throttle
trigger. Pull the starter handle repeat-
edly while squeezing throttle trigger

until engine starts and runs. This
could require pulling the starter handle

many times, depending on how badly
the unit is flooded.

If the unit still doesn't start, refer to the
TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE or call

1-800-235-5878.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

It is recommended that the engine

not be operated for longer than 1

minute at full throttle.
OPERATING POSITION

Primer Bulb

Jffler

ALWAYS WEAR: _,,,,,.

i,
_ Eye Protection

Long Pants _. I'_

Heavy Shoes .._. _ _ _

Cut from your nght to your left.

6

4re.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.
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 and
not crowded into material being cut.

Do not run the engine at a higher
speed than necessary. The cutting
line will cut efficiently when the 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 "weld"
onto the spool.

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/OFF switch to the OFF

position.

TRIMMER LINE ADVANCE
The cutting head advances line au-

tomatically. Do not tap head on the
ground to advance line. This may

break parts and cause cutting head to
malfunction,

Upon unit start up, the line will advance
automatically to the correct cutting path
length.

Always keep the shield in place when
the tool is being operated.

posts, etc.), which can damage the
trimmer head, become entangled in
the line, or be thrown causing a seri-

ous hazard.

• The tip of the line does the cutting.
You will achieve the best perform-
ance and minimum line wear by not
crowding the line into the cutting
area. The right and wrong ways are

shown below.

Tip of the Line I LineCrowded Into
Does The Cutting Work Area

• The line will easily remove grass
and weeds from around wails,

fences, trees and flower beds, but it

also can cut the tender bark of trees
or shrubs and scar fences. To help

avoid damage especially to delicate
vegetation or trees with tender bark,
shorten line to 4-5 inches (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.

TRIMMING - Hold the bottom of the
trimmer head about 3 inches (8 cm)

above the ground and at an angle. Al-

low only the tip of the line to make

contact. Do not force trimmer line into
work area.

_ WARNING: Use only 0.080

inch (2 mm) diameter round line.

Other sizes and shapes of line will not
advance properly and will result in im-

proper cutting head function or 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.

CUTTING METHODS

Use minimum speed and do not
crowd the line when cutting around
hard objects (rock, gravel, fence

Trimming __

3 inches (8 cm) _';._=_.__

above ground

SCALPING - The scalping technique

removes unwanted vegetation down
to the ground. Hold the bottom of the
trimmer head about 3 inches (8 cm)
above the ground and at an angle. Al-

low the tip of the line to strike the
ground around trees, posts, monu-

ments, etc. This technique increases

line wear.

7

Scalping

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.

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

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance

except for carburetor adjustments.

CARE & MAINTENANCE TASK

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

Clean air filter
Inspect muffler and spark arresting screen

Replace spark plug

Sweeping

WHEN TO PERFORM

Before each use
Before each use
After each use

Every 5 hours of operation
Every 50 hours of operation
Yearly

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
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.
CHECK FOR LOOSE

FASTENERS AND PARTS
* Spark Plug Boot

* Air Filter
* Housing Screws

* Assist Handle Screws
* Debris Shield

CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR

WORN PARTS

Contact Sears Service Center for re-

placement of damaged or worn parts.

• ON/OFF Switch - Ensure ON/OFF
switch functions properly by moving

the switch to the OFF position. Make
sure engine stops; then, restart en-
gine and continue.

• Fuel Tank - Discontinue use of unit
if fuel tank shows signs of damage

or leaks.

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

8

INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT AND

LABELS

• After each use, inspect complete

unit for loose or damaged parts.
Clean the unit and labels using a
damp cloth with a mild detergent.

• Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.
CLEAN AIR FILTER

A dirty air filter decreases engine per-
formance and increases fuel coo-

sumption and harmful emissions. Al-
ways clean after every 5 hours of
operation.

1. Clean the cover and the area
around it to keep dirt from falling into

the carburetor chamber when the

cover is removed.

2. Remove parts by pressing latch to
release air filter cover.

NOTE: To avoid creating a fire hazard
or producing harmful evaporative
emissions, do not clean filter in gaso-

line or other flammable solvent.

3. Wash the filter in soap and water.

4. Allow filter to dry.

5. Add a few drops of oil to the filter;
squeeze the filter to distribute oil.

6. Replace parts.

Air Filter

INSPECT MUFFLER AND SPARK

ARRESTING SCREEN

_WARNING: The muffler on this

product contains chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer.

411.WARNING: Muffler is very hot
during and after use. Do not touch the

muffler or allow combustible material

such as dry grass or fuel to do so.
As your unit is used, carbon deposits

build up on the muffler and spark ar-
resting screen. For normal homeown-

er use, however, the muffler and spark
arresting screen will not require any

service.
After 50 hours of use, we recommend

that your muffler be serviced or re-

placed by your Sears Service Center.
REPLACE SPARK PLUG

Replace the spark plug each year to

ensure the engine starts easier and

runs better. Set spark plug gap at

0.025 inch. Ignition timing is fixed and
nonadjustable.

1. Twist, then pull off spark plug boot.

2. Remove spark plug from cylinder

and discard.

3. Replace with Champion RCJ-6Y

spark plug and tighten securely with
a 3/4 inch socket wrench.

4. Reinstall the spark plug boot.

Air Filter
Cover Latch

LINE REPLACEMENT

Pre-wound spools offer the most con-
venient method for replacing line and
ensuring optimum performance.

• Replacement spools are color-

coded to ensure use of the correct
spool with your unit. Be sure to use

the same color spool as the existing

spool.

NOTE: Always clear dirt and debris
from cutting head components when
performing any type of maintenance.

• Hold spool and unscrew cap by turn-

ing in the direction shown on top of

the cap.

Remove line guide ring and spool.
NOTE: When removing and/or instal-

ling spool, ensure dust cup remains
installed over shaft.

Dust spool guide Cap

. Line

Use a pre-wound spool or refill spool

with line. If using a pre-wound spool,

remove tape strip from line and spool.
REFILLING THE SPOOL WITH LINE

_,WARNING: Use only 0.080

inch (2 mm) diameter round line.

Other sizes and shapes of line willnot
advance properly and will result in im-

proper cutting head function or can

cause serious injury. Do not use other

9