Craftsman 358745550 Owner’s Manual

Instruction Manual

ICRRFTSMRN°I

25cc/1.5 cu.in. 2-Cycle

17 Inch Cutting Path / 0.065 In. Line

GASOLINE WEEDWACKER ®

Model No.

358.745550

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts List

• Espahol

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 l,ours listed are Centra, T,me)

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

530163371 10/8/02

Warranty Statement 2 Storage 11 Safety Rules 2 Troubleshooting Chart 12

Assembly 4 Emissions Statement 12 Operation 5 Parts List 14

Maintenance 9 Spanish 16

Service & Adjustments 10 Parts and Ordering Back

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ® GAS POWERED

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.

WARRANTYSERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNINGTHE WEEDWACKER LINETRIMMER TO THE NEAREST SEARS STORE OR 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

_Ib,WARNING: 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

_IkWARNING: 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

;_B o_o_]__ HazardZone

Keep children, bystanders, and animals 50 feet (15 meters) away. If approached

stop unit immediately.

Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcov- eredinthismanual,usecareand

goodjudgment.Ifyouneedassis- tance,contactyourSearsService

Centerorcall1-800-235-5878.

OPERATOR SAFETY

• Dress properly. Always wear safety

glasses or similar eye protection when operating, or performing maintenance, on your unit (safety glasses are avail- able). Eye protection 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 protect

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 under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or

medication. Watch what you are do- ing; 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 per-

forming maintenance except carbure- tor 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 0.065" (1,65 mm) diameter

Craftsman@ brand line. Never use

wire, rope, string, etc.

• Install required shield properly before

using the unit. Use only specified

trimmer head; make sure it is properly

installed and securely fastened.

• Make sure unit is assembled correctly

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 performed 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 starting em

gine.

• Stop engine and allow to cool before removing fuel cap.

• Always store gasoline in a container approved for flammable liquids.

CUTTING SAFETY

,i_ 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 muffler 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, furnaces, etc.

• Store unit so line limiter blade cannot 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 em

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 358,745550

• Trimmer

• Shield

• Container of Oil

• Extra Spool

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

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

your unit is properly assembled and all fasteners are secure.

ADJUSTING THE HANDLE

dltJWARNING: 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 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 KNOWYOURTRIMMER illustration in OP-

ERATIONsection.

1. Remove washer and wing nut from bolt,

2, Assemble parts as shown.

3. Tighten wing nut securely.

Shield

washer and wing Washer

nut from this bolt; usefor assembling

shield.

KNOW YOUR TRIMMER READTHiS INSTRUCTIONMANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATINGYOUR

UNIT. Compare the illustrationswith your unit to familiarize yourself with the location

of the various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

Assist Handle

Throttle Trigger ON/STOP

Switch Blade

StaRer

Rope

Tube

Shield

Fuel Mix Fill Cap

_ Trimmer

Head

Line Limiter

Bulb

ON/STOP SWITCH The ON/STOPswitch is used to stop em

gine. Tostop the engine, push and re-

lease the engine ON/STOPswitch.

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

z%_____.__

_IbWARNING: 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

_J_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

brand synthetic oil. Mix gasoline and oil at a ratio of 40:1. A 40:1 ratio is

CHOKE

The CHOKE helps to supply fuel to the engine to aid in cold starting. Activate the choke by moving the choke lever to the FULLCHOKE position, After the em gine attempts to start, move the choke

lever to the HALF CHOKE position. Once

engine has started, move the choke le- ver to the OFF CHOKEposition.

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 NOT USE 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.

IMPORTANT

Experience indicates that alcohol

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

formationofacidsduringstorage. Acidicgascandamagethefuelsys- temofanenginewhileinstorage.

Toavoidengineproblems,emptythe fuelsystembeforestoragefor30days orlonger.Drainthegastank,startthe engineandletitrununtilthefuellines andcarburetorareempty.Usefresh

fuelnextseason.

Neveruseengineorcarburetorclean-

erproductsinthefueltankorperma-

nentdamagemayoccur.

SeetheSTORAGEsectionforaddition- alinformation.

HOWTOSTOPYOURUNIT

• Tostoptheengine,pushandre- leasetheengineON/STOPswitch. Theswitchwillautomaticallyreturn

totheONposition.Wait5seconds

beforeattemptingtorestartunitto

allowswitchtoreset.

• Ifenginedoesnotstop,movechoke

totheFULLCHOKEposition.

Engine Choke Lever ON/STOP

HOW TO START YOUR UNIT

_!1_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 (or a warm engine after running out of

fuel)

1. Set unit on a flat surface.

2, Slowly press the primer bulb 6

times.

3. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE

position.

4, Squeeze the throttle trigger fully and

hold through all remaining steps,

._ Lever

_i h°ke

5. Pull starter rope handle sharply

until engine sounds as if it is trying to start, but do not pull rope more

than 6 times.

6. As soon as engine sounds as if it is trying to start, move choke lever to HALFCHOKE position.

7. Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs. but no more than 6 pulls. NOTE: Ifthe engine doesn't start after 6 pulls (at the HALFCHOKE position), move the choke lever to the FULLCHOKE position and press the primer bulb 6 times. Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger and pull the starter rope 2 more times. Move

the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE position and pull the starter rope un-

til the engine runs, but no more than 6 pulls. Ifthe engine still doesn't

start, it is probably flooded. Proceed to STARTINGA FLOODEDENGINE.

8. Once the engine starts, allow itto run 10 seconds, then move the

choke lever to the OFF CHOKE position. Allow the unit to run for

30 more seconds at OFF CHOKE before releasing the throttle trigger.

NOTE: If engine dies with the choke lever in the OFF CHOKE

position, move the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE position and pull the rope until engine runs, but no more than 6 pulls.

STARTING A WARM ENGINE

1. Move the choke lever to the HALF CHOKEposition,

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

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

4. 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.

Primer

Bulb

STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE

Flooded engines can be started by

placing the choke lever in the OFF CHOKE position; then, pull the rope to clear the engine of excess fuel. This could require pulling the starter handle many times depending on hew badly

the unit is flooded,

If the unit still doesn't start, refer to 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

ALWAYS WEAR:

Eye Protection

Long

Heavy Shoe_

Cut fi'om your right to your left.

To stop engine:

• Release the throttle trigger.

• Push and release the engine ON/ STOP switch.

TRIMMER LINE ADVANCE The trimmer line will advance approxi-

mately 2 in, (5 cm) each time the bot- tom of the 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 the 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 the bottom of the trimmer head lightly on the ground one time. Ap-

proximately 2 inch (5 cm) of line will be advanced with each tap.

To advance line, tap bottom of trimmer

head on ground one time.

dl_ 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 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.

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 the 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 0,065 inch

(1,65 mm) diameter line. Other sizes

and shapes of line will not advance

properly and will result in improper

cutting head function or can cause se-

rious injury. Do not use other materials such as wire, string, rope, etc. Wire can break off during cutting and be- come a dangerous missile that can cause serious injury.

CUTTING METHODS _LWARNING: 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, become

entangled in the line, or be thrown causing a serious 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 Line Crowded Into

Does Tl_eCutling Work Area

Right -':_&_ Wro -"

• 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 damage 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.

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.

Trimming

SCALPING - The scalping technique

removes unwanted vegetationdown to the ground, Hold the bottom of the trimmer head about 3 in, (8 cm) above the ground and at an angle. Allow the tip of the 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 the line parallel to the ground• Avoid pressing the head into the ground as this can scalp the ground and damage the tool.

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 sudaces

being swept and move the tool from

side to side•

3 in. (8 cm)

Above Ground

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance except for carburetor adjustments.

CARE & MAINTENANCE TASK WHEN TO PERFORM Check for loose fasteners and parts Before each use

Check for damaged or worn parts Before each use Inspect and clean unit and labels After each use Clean air filter Every 5 hours of operation Inspect muffler and spark arresting screen Every 50 hours of operation Replace spark plug 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/STOP Switch - Ensure ON/STOP switch functions properly by pushing

and releasing the switch. Make sure engine stops. Wait 5 seconds be-

fore attempting to restart unit to al-

low switch to reset. Restart engine 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.

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 con- sumption and harmful emissions. AP

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 as illustrated. 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.

_S_gilter

Cover

INSPECT MUFFLER AND SPARK

ARRESTING SCREEN

_Ib WARNING: The muffler on this

product contains chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer. As your unit is used, carbon deposits

build up on the muffler and spark arrest- ing screen. For normal homeowner use,

however, the muffler and spark arresting

screen will not require any service. Af- ter 50 hours of use, we recommend that your muffler be serviced or replaced 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.

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