Craftsman 358773110 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual /

25cc/1.5 cu. in. 2-Cycle

GASOLINE EDGER

Model No.

358.773110

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 {Hoo,s listed are Central Time)

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

530088961 10/12/00

Warranty Statement 2 Storage 12 Safety Rules 2 Troubleshooting Table 14 Assembly 5 Emissions Statement 15

Operation 6 Illustrated Parts List 17

Maintenance 9 Spanish 20

Service & Adjustments 10 Parts and Ordering Back

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ® EDGER

For one year from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman Edger ismaintained, lubri- cated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the Op- erator's Manual, Sears will repair, free of charge, any defect in materials or workmanship.

If this Edger is used for commercial purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase,

If this Edger is used for rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 30 days from the date of purchase. THIS WARRANTY DOESNOT COVER:

Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary and/or edg- er blades, blades guides, blade adaptors, air cleaners, and spark plugs. Repairs

necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained int he operator's manual.

This warranty applies only while this product is in use in the United States. WARRANTYSERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNINGTHE CRAFTSMANEDGERTOTHE

NEARESTSearsSERVICECENTERIN THE 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

d_I_WARNING: When using garden-

ing appliances, basic safety precau- tions must always be followed to re-

duce the risk of fire and serious injury.

Read and follow all instructions.

This power unit can be dangerous!

Operator is responsible for following

instructions and warnings on unit and

in manual, Read entire Operator's

Manual before using unit! Be thor- oughly 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 chil-

dren to operate this unit. Close atten- tion is necessary when used near chil-

dren.

ON THE UNIT

INFORMATION

OPERATOR SAFETY

• Dress properly, Always wear safety glasses or similar eye protection when operating, or performing main- tenance on your unit (safety glasses

are available).

• Always wear face or dust mask if 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.

• 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

blade.

• Stay alert. Do not operate when you are tired, ill, upset, or under the influ-

enceofalcohol,drugs,ormedica-

tion.Watchwhatyouaredoing;use

commonsense.

• Wearhearingprotection.

• Neverstartorruninsideaclosed roomorbuilding.Breathingexhaust

fumes can kill.

• Keep handles free of oil and fuel.

• Always use the handle.

UNIT/MAINTENANCE SAFETY

• Disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance (except carburetor adjustments).

• Inspect entire unit before each use. Replace damaged parts. Check for

fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners

are in place and securely fastened.

• Maintain the unit according to rec- ommended procedures.

• Throw away blades that are bent,

warped, cracked, broken, or dam-

aged in any other way. Replace

Bladerotates Allowbladetostop afterthe fromtheCUL

beforeremovingit

parts that are cracked, chipped, or damaged before using the unit.

• Use only recommended Craftsman parts and accessories. Never use wire, wire rope, string, flailing de- vices, etc.

• Be sure the blade stops turning when the engine idles (see CARBU- RETOR ADJUSTMENTS).

• Remove the blade before making carburetor adjustments. Hold the unit by hand. Do not make carbure- tor adjustments from the blade side

of the unit.

• Keep others away when making car- buretor adjustments.

• Never start the unit with the gearbox removed. The clutch can fly off and

cause serious injury.

• Have all maintenance and service not explained in this manual per-

formed by a Sears Service Center.

_IkWARNING

Blade can throwobjects violently,

• You can be blinded or injured,

• Wear safety glasses.

WARNING

Hazard zone for thrown objects

• Blade can throwobjects

violently.

• Others can be blindedor

injured.

• Keep people and animals 50 feet (15 m) away.

_WARNING

--Blade rotates momentarily after the trigger is released,

• The blade can seriouslycut you or others.

* Allow blade to stop

before removing it from the cut.

_IkWARNING

Read Operator's Manual.

• Followallwarnings and

instructions.

• Failure to do so can

result in serious injury.

EDGING SAFETY

,d_WARNING: Inspect the area to

be edged before each use. Remove

objects (rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string, etc.) which can be thrown

by the blade or can wrap around the

shaft.

• Keep others including children, ani- mals, bystanders, and helpers at least 50 feet (15 meters) away. Stop the unit immediately if you are ap- proached.

• Hold the unit firmly with both hands.

• Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach or stand on unstable sup-

port.

• Do net attempt to remove cut material nor hold material to be cut when the

engine is running or when cutting member is moving.

• Always keep the wheels and skid in contact with the ground.

• Keep all parts of your body away from

the blade and muffler.

• Always push the unit slowly over the ground. Stay alert for uneven side-

walks, holes in the terrain, large roots,

etc.

• Use only for jobs explained in this manual.

FUEL SAFETY

• Mix and pour fuel outdoors and

where there are net sparks or flames.

• Use a container approved for fuel.

• Do not smoke or allow smoking near

fuel or the unit; do net smoke while

using the unit.

• Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all

fuel spills before starting unit.

• 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.

• Do not store the unit with fuel in the

fuel tank; use up fuel left in the car-

bureter and fuel line by starting the unit and letting it run until it stops.

• Store unit and fuel in an area where

fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or

open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches, fur-

naces, etc.

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

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

• Stop unit before leaving work area.

• Allow unit to cool, run fuel out of the fuel tank, and secure the unit before

storing or transporting it in a vehicle.

• Before storing, use up fuel left in the

carburetor by starting the unit and letting it run until it stops. Always al-

low the unit to cool before storage.

• 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.

• Store unit so blade cannot acciden-

tally cause injury.

• Store unit out of reach of children.

If situations occur which are not cov-

ered in this manual, use care and good judgment. If you need assis-

tance, call 1_800-235-5878.

SPECIAL NOTICE: This unit is not

equipped with a temperature limiting

muffler and spark arresting screen

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

forest land and the states of California,

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

law that many internal combustion en- gines be equipped with a spark arres- tor screen. If you operate in a locale where such regulations exist, you are

legally responsible for installing and

maintaining the operating condition of these parts. Failure to do so is a viola-

tion of the law.

SPECIAL NOTICE: Exposure to vibrations through prolonged use of

gasoline powered hand tools could cause blood vessel or nerve damage

in the fingers, hands, and joints of

people prone to circulation disorders or abnormal 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 tex- ture, 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. Users who operate power tools on a continual and regular basis

must monitor closely their physical condition and the condition of this tool.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

CARTON CONTENTS Check carton contents against the fol-

lowinglist, Model 358,773110

Edger Screws

Locknuts Cable clamp

Hex wrench 2-cycle engine oil

Extra blade

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

.'I,_

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

your unit is properly assembled and all fasteners are secure.

This operators manual has been de- veloped to help you assemble the unit and to provide its safe operation. It is

important that you read the entire

manual to become familiar with the unit before you begin assembly.

Read your operators manual,

Tools you will need:

• Adjustable wrench

• Hex wrench (provided)

TUBE ASSEMBLY

NOTE: When performing the follow-

ing steps, be sure the handle is aligned as follows: label on top, throttle trigger to the operator's right

hand side. The starter rope and the

throttle cable must not wrap around the tube.

1. Assemble handle tube to the lower tube (it will be necessary to pull

some of the starter rope out of the

housing).

2. Align the screw holes; insert the screws through the aligned holes.

3. Thread one iocknut onto each screw and tighten securely.

Handle tube

Screws

Lower Tube

NOTE: When performing the follow_

ing step, be sure the starter rope is not caught under the cable clamp. The starter rope must hang freely to oper_ ate properly.

4. Align the cable clamp between the

tube screws. Install the cable clamp around the tube and throttle

cable.

Stader Rope

Locknuts

Cable Clamp

Throttle cable

KNOW YOUR EDGER READTHiS OPERATOR'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

UNIT. Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the loca-

tion ofthe various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future refer-

ence.

Primer Bulb

ON/OFF Switch

Muffler and _X Guard Depth

Fuel/Oil Mix Cap

Depth

} 4" Control

Lever

Adjusting Skid

ON/OFF SWITCH

The ON/OFF switch is used to select the ON or OFF position.

STARTER ROPE HANDLE

The STARTER ROPE HANDLE is used for starting the engine.

CHOKE

The CHOKE provides additional fuel to the engine when starting a cold or re- fueled engine.

PRIMER BULB The PRIMER BULB circulates fuel to the carburetor. Activate the primer

bulb by pressing it fully.

StartT_rR_peHandlei_.

"4"-" Blade

THROTTLE TRIGGER

The THROTTLE TRIGGER controls en- gine speed. It is designed to be acti-

vated by the right hand.

BLADE

The BLADE is designed to cut sod.

DEPTH ADJUSTING SKID

The DEPTHADJUSTING SKID sets the depth of the cut.

DEPTH CONTROL LEVER

The DEPTHCONTROL LEVER regu-

lares the cutting depth. Move the le- ver backward for full depth edging, for- ward for half depth edging.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

_h_WARNING: Be sure to read the fuel information in the safety rules

before you begin. If you do not understand the safety rules, do not attempt to fuel your unit. Call

1-800-235-5878.

FUELING ENGINE This engine is certified to operate on

unleaded gasoline. Before operation, gasoline must be mixed with a good quality 2-cycle air*cooled engine oil.

We recommend Craftsman brand oil.

Mix gasoline and oil at a ratio of 40:1 (A 40:1 ratio is obtained by mixing 3.2 ounces of oil with 1 gallon of unleaded gasoline). DO NOT use automotive oil

or boat oil. These oils will cause em

gine damage. When mixing fuel, fol-

low 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 relat-

ing 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 sys- tem of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, empty the fuel system before storage for 30 days or

longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines

andcarburetorareempty.Usefresh fuelnextseason.

Neveruseengineorcarburetorclean-

erproductsinthefueltankorperma-

nentdamagemayoccur.Seethe

STORAGEsectionforadditionalin- formation.

STOPPINGYOURENGINE

• Tostop a running engine, move the switch to the OFF position.

ON/OFF Switch

STARTING YOUR ENGINE

(For location of controls, refer to

KNOWYOUR UNIT)

• Fuel the engine; then move 10 feet (3 meters) away from the fueling

site.

DANGER: The cutting blade will

turn when the engine starts.

4[JWARNING: Avoid any contact with the muffler. A hot muffler can

cause serious burns.

• Rest the unit on the ground. Sup- port the unit so the blade is off of the ground and away from trees, bushes, onlookers etc.

POSITION

STARTING

STARTING A COLD ENGINE (or a warm engine after running out of

fuel)

1. Make sure switch in is ON position.

2. Slowly press the primer bulb 6

times.

3. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE

position.

Choke Lever

FULL

OFF

4. Squeeze and hold the throttle trig- ger. Keep throttle trigger fully

squeezed until the engine runs smoothly.

Primer bulb

5. Pull starter rope sharply 5 times. NOTE: The engine may sound as if it

is trying to start before the 5th pull. If

so, go to the next step immediately.

6. Move the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE position,

7. Pull starter rope sharply until en- gine runs, but no more than 6 pulls.

NOTE: If the engine has not started

after 6 pulls (at HALF CHOKE), check to make sure the choke lever is in the

proper position. Then, move the choke lever to the FULL CHOKE posF tion 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 until the engine runs, but no

more than 6 more pulls, If the engine still has not started, it is probably

flooded. Proceed to STARTINGA

FLOODED ENGINE.

8. Allow the engine to 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 at the OFF CHOKE position,

move the choke lever to HALF CHOKE

and pull the rope until engine runs.

STARTING A WARM ENGINE:

1. Make sure switch is in ON position.

2. Move the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE position.

3. Squeeze and hold the throttle trig- ger. Keep throttle trigger fully

squeezed until the engine runs smoothly.

4. Pull starter rope sharply until en- gine runs, but no more than 5 pulls.

5. Allow engine to run 10seconds, then move the choke lever to OFF CHOKE

position, Release the throttle triggen

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

Proceed to STARTING A FLOODED EN-

GINE.

DIFFICULT STARTING (or starting a

flooded engine)

Flooded engines can be started by placing the switch in the ON position

and 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 rope many times depending on how badly the

unit is flooded.

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

1-800-235-5878.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

EDGING

As you become familiar with your edg_ er, you will be able to determine your

own operating pace. Conditions such as depth of cut and material being cut

will regulate the speed and time re- quired for your edging job.

• Allow the engine to warm up for one

minute before you begin edging.

• Increase the engine speed before

placing the blade in the cut. For best operation, run the engine at full

throttle while cutting.

• Keep you edging path straight by

aligning the blade guide rib on the rear of the blade guard with the edge of the sidewalk. Keep all

wheels flat on the walkway.

• Always work going away from

people and solid objects such as

walls, large stones, trees, automo-

biles, etc.

• Be careful when edging near trees

or valuable plants. The high speed metal blade may cut roots and cause damage to the plants.

• If the blade stalls, immediately move

the unit rearward slightly to allow the

blade to restart. If the blade contin- ues to stall, stop the engine, discon-

nect the spark plug, and inspect for blockage or damage.

• Always keep the blade area clean.

Stop the engine, make sure the blade has completely stopped turn- ing, and disconnect the spark plug before cleaning.

SETTING THE EDGING DEPTH

_h_WARNING: Never attempt to ad- just the depth adjusting skid when the

engine is running. Always release the throttle trigger, wait until the blade stops turning, move the ON/OFF switch to the OFF position, and disconnect spark plug before making adjust*

ments. Your edger is equipped with

several edging depths. The depth

used will depend on your personal edging preference and the condition of the area where the edging opera-

tion is to be done.

NOTE: If the area to be edged has

never been cut or several weeks have

passed since the last cut, the first edg_

ing should be done at no more than

half depth. To set the depth:

1. Squeeze levers together to disen- gage depth lock.

2. Move depth control lever to the de_ sired position.

3. Move the depth control lever for- ward for shallower edging, back_ ward for deeper edging.

Control Lever

Depth

Adjusting

When edging, the trigger handle must

be raised until the skid rests on the

ground. The trigger handle must be

held in the raised position during the entire edging operation to maintain a consistent edging depth.

DEPTH ADJUSTING SKID

The surface of the depth adjusting skid will wear over a period of time. This part is reversible to provide a

second wear surface.

1. Remove the two mounting screws which hold the skid to the support arm.

2. Rotate the skid 180 degrees.

3. Reinstall the mounting screws.

EDGING TIPS

• Inspect unit before each use.

• Inspect the area to be cut before

each use.

• Keep unit in front of your body.

• Cut at full throttle.

• Keep the wheels and skid in contact

with the ground.

• Always work going away from oth_

ers.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance

except for carburetor adjustments. CARE AND MAINTENANCE TASK Check for loose fasteners and parts

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

Clean air filter Check or replace blade

Replace spark plug

GEN ERAL 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. All adjustments in the SERVICE AND

ADJUSTMENTS section of this manual should be checked at least once each

season.

• Once each year, replace the spark plug, replace air filter element and

check blade for wear. A new spark plug and a cleanlnew air filter ele-

ment assures proper air/fuel mixture and helps your engine run better and last longer.

BEFORE EACH USE

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 and

assure the engine stops; then restart engine and continue.

• Fuel Tank - Discontinue use of edg_ er if fuel tank shows signs of dam- age or leaks.

• Blade Guard - Discontinue use of edger if blade guard is damaged.

CHECK FOR LOOSE

FASTENERS AND PARTS

• Blade nut

• Muffler

• Cylinder shield

• Clutch

• Throttle trigger

WHEN TO PERFORM

Before each use Before each use

After each use Every 5 hours of operation

Every 5 hours of operation Yearly

• Handle screws

• Fasteners

AFTER USE

INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT & LA- BELS

• 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.

EVERY 5 HOURS CLEAN AIR FILTER

A dirty air filter decreases the life and

performance of the engine and im creases fuel consumption and harmful emissions. Always clean your air filter after 5 tanks of fuel or 5 hours of ep-

eratien, whichever comes first. Clean

more frequently in dusty conditions. It

is advisable to replace your air filter with a new one after every 50 hours of operation, or annually, whichever

comes first. To clean filter:

1. Remove the two screws and the air filter cover from the engine.

2. Remove air filter, NOTE: Do net clean the air filter with

gasoline or other flammable solvent to avoid creating a fire hazard or produc-

ing harmful evaporative emissions

3. Wash the filter in soap and water.

4. Allow filter to dry,

5. Add 4 or 5 drops of oil to the filter, NOTE: Do net soak air filter with oil,

6. Squeeze the air filter to distribute

oil,

7. Reinstall air filter in housing.

8. Reinstall air filter cover, CAUTION: Make sure air filter is fitted

into the corners of the housing to keep

dust from entering engine and causing engine damage.

Air Filter.x... Cover _,,_-/.f- ,,,

Cover

BLADE MAINTENANCE

QWARNING: The blade will contin- ue to spin after the engine stops or af-

ter the throttle trigger has been re-

leased. Make sure the blade has

stopped coasting and disconnect the spark plug before performing work on

the blade. Always replace a blade that is bent,

warped, cracked, broken, or damaged

in any other way. Never attempt to

straighten and reuse a damaged

blade. Use only specified replace-

ment blade. Wear protective gloves when handling

or performing maintenance on the

blade to help avoid injury.

• The blade is reversible. When the cutting edge on one side becomes

worn, turn the blade over.

• Check blade for flatness periodically. Lay the blade on a flat surface to in- spect for flatness. Throw away a

blade that is not flat.

BLADE REPLACEMENT

WARNING: Wear protective

gloves when handling or performing maintenance on the blade to avoid

injury.

1. To remove the blade, insert a screwdriver into the hole in the

gearbox; then, remove the nut, washer, and blade from the blade

shaft.

Nut

Flat sides

Washer

2. Align the flat area of the blade opening with the flat side of the

shaft. Place the new blade on the shaft.

3. Install the washer and nut; turn nut counterclockwise on the blade

shaft.

4. Bind blade by inserting a screwdriv- er in to the hole in the gearbox; then, firmly tighten nut with a

wrench.

YEARLY

REPLACE SPARK PLUG

The spark plug should be replaced each year to ensure the engine starts

easier and runs better. Set spark plug gap at 0.025 inches. Ignition timing is fixed, nonadjustable.

1. Twist then pull off the spark plug boot.

2. Remove and discard the spark plug.

3. Replace with Champion RCJ-8Y spark plug and tighten with wrench.

Blade

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS

Properly adjusting the carburetor is a complicated task. Read all warnings and instructions thoroughly before starting adjustments. If you do not think that you completely understand all warnings and instructions, let a Sears Service Center perform these adjustments.

Spark Plug

_kWARNING: Serious injury to the operator and others can occur if the

carburetor is not properly adjusted.

Keep others away when making car- buretor adjustments. The blade shaft

will be spinning during most of this

procedure. Wear your protective

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