Craftsman 358.79101 User Manual
Instruction Manual
25cc/1.5 cu.in. 2-Cycle
17 Inch Cutting Path / 0.080 In. Line
GASOLINE WEEDWAOKER ®
Model No.
358.791010
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Parts List
• Espar_ol
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 (Hours listed are Central Time)
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
545082939 1/20/06
Warranty Statement 2 Storage 11
Safety Rules 2 Troubleshooting Chart 12
Assembly 4 Emissions Statement 13
Operation 5 Parts List 15
Maintenance 9 Spanish 17
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 DGas 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.
WARRANTY SERVICE ISAVAILABLEBY RETURNING THE WEEDWACKER LINE TRIMMER
TO THE NEAREST SEARS STORE OR SERVICE CENTER INTHE UNITED STATES.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
4tSWARNING: 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
_k 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.
@QO
_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
/ Hazard Zone
::4oo,s
Keep children, bystanders, and animals
50 feet (15 meters) away. If approached
stop unit immediately.
2
Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcov-
eredinthismanual,usecareand
goodjudgment.Ifyouneedassis-
tance,contactyourSearsService
Centerorcall1-800-235-5878.
OPERATORSAFETY
• 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 heaW, 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 tile 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 0.080 inch (2 mm) diameter
Craftsman(R_ brand line. Never use
wire, rope, string, etc.
• Install required shield properly before
using the unit. Use only specified trim-
mer 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.
• 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 en-
gine.
• 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 muffler can
cause serious burns.
• Cut from your left to your right. Cutting
on right 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
flamesfromwaterheaters,electric
motorsorswitches,furnaces,etc.
• Storeunitsolinelimiterbladecannot
accidentallycauseinjury.Theunit
canbehungbythetube.
• Storeunitoutofreachofchildren.
SAFETYNOTICE:Exposuretovibra-
tionsthroughprolongeduseofgaso-
linepoweredhandtoolscouldcause
bloodvesselornervedamageinthe
fingers,hands,andjointsofpeople
pronetocirculationdisordersorab-
normalswellings.Prolongedusein
coldweatherhasbeenlinkedtoblood
vesseldamageinotherwisehealthy
people.Ifsymptomsoccursuchas
numbness,pain,lossofstrength,
changeinskincolorortexture,orloss
offeelinginthefingers,hands,or
joints,discontinuetheuseofthistool
andseekmedicalattention.Ananti-
vibrationsystemdoesnotguarantee
theavoidanceoftheseproblems.Us-
erswhooperatepowertoolsonacon-
tinualandregularbasismustmonitor
closelytheirphysicalconditionand
theconditionofthistool.
SPECIALNOTICE:Thisunitis
equippedwithatemperaturelimiting
mufflerandsparkarrestingscreen
whichmeetstherequirementsofCali-
forniaCodes4442and4443.AllU.S.
forestlandandthestatesofCalifornia,
Idaho,Maine,Minnesota,NewJersey,
Oregon,andWashingtonrequireby
lawthatmanyinternalcombustionen-
ginesbeequippedwithasparkarrest-
ingscreen.Ifyouoperateinalocale
wheresuchregulationsexist,youare
legallyresponsibleformaintainingthe
operatingconditionoftheseparts.
Failuretodosoisaviolationofthe
law.Fornormalhomeowneruse,the
mufflerandsparkarrestingscreenwill
notrequireanyservice.After50hours
ofuse,werecommendthatyourmuf-
flerbeservicedorreplacedbyyour
SearsServiceCenter.
CARTONCONTENTS
Checkcartoncontentsagainstthefol-
lowinglist.
Model 358.791010
• Trimmer
• 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
'_WARNING: When adjusting tile
assist handle, be sure it remains above
the safety label and below the mark or
arrow on the shaft.
1. Loosen wing nut on handle.
2. Rotate the handle on the shaft 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
KNOW YOUR TRIMMER illustration in OP-
ERATION section.
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.
Bracket
Slot
Wing Nut
PIVOT
Shield
KNOWYOURTRIMMER
READ THiS iNSTRUCTiON MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
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.
Trier_e r Assist Handle -- Muffler
_ -_11 _ Shaft ___
_._hield Spark Plu '
Line Limiter STOP
Blade Start
Starter Handle
Lever
Fuel Mix Fill Cap
STOP SWITCH
The STOP switch isused to stop the en-
gine. To stop the engine, push and re-
lease the engine STOP switch.
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 air-cooled
engine oil. We recommend
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.
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 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 marine 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.
5
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
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh
fuel next season.
Never use engine or carburetor clean-
er products in the fuel tank or perma-
nent damage may occur.
See the STORAGE section for addition-
al information.
HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT
• To stop the engine, push and re-
lease the engine STOP switch. The
switch will automatically return to the
ON position. Wait 5 seconds before
attempting to restart unit to allow
switch to reset.
• If engine does not stop, move choke
to the FULL CHOKE position.
HOW TO START YOUR UNIT
_WARNING: Avoid any contact
with the muffler. A hot muffler can
cause serious burns.
¢_,_{% Starting Position
STARTING A COLD ENGINE
NOTE: DO NOT squeeze the throttle
trigger until tile engine has started and
runs.
1. Set unit on a flat surface.
2. Slowly press the primer bulb 6
times.
3. Move the start lever to the START
position.
Primer
Start
Lever
Starter Handle
4. Pull starter rope handle sharply
until engine starts and runs.
5. Allow unit to run for 10-15 seconds,
then fully squeeze the throttle trigger
to disengage the starting system.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
1= Squeeze and hold tile throttle trig-
ger. Keep throttle trigger fully
squeezed until engine runs
smoothly.
2. 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 used, it will be neces-
sary to start the unit by following the
steps under STARTING A COLD EN-
GINE or following the starting instruc-
tion steps shown on the unit.
STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE
Flooded engines can be started by
moving the start lever to the RUN posi-
tion. Fully squeeze throttle trigger.
Pull the starter handle repeatedly
while squeezing throttle trigger until
engine starts and runs. This could re-
quire pulling the starter handle 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
It is recommended that the engine
not be operated longer than 1 min-
ute at full throttle.
OPERATING POSITION
ALWAYS WEAR: _ _r- Eye protection
Hearing _{L_
protection _. "_
/
Cut from your left to your right _
A ________
,I_,WARNING: Always wear eye
protection, Always use hearing protec-
tion, 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.
• Out only from your left to your right 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.
• Push and release the engine STOP
switch.
TRIMMER LINE ADVANCE
The trimmer line will advance approxi-
mately 2 inches (5 cm) each time the
bottom 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 inches (5 cm) of line
will be advanced with each tap.
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 inches (5
cm) or less, more than one tap will be
required to obtain the most efficient line
length.
Ag&WARNING: Use only 0.080 inch
(2 ram) diameter round line. Other
sizes and shapes of line will not ad-
vance 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
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 line does Line crowded into
the cutting.
Right W_'ong
7
• Thelinewilleasilyremovegrass
andweedsfromaroundwalls,
fences,treesandflowerbeds,butit
alsocancutthetenderbarkoftrees
orshrubsandscarfences.Tohelp
avoiddamageespeciallytodelicate
vegetationortreeswithtenderbark,
shortenlineto4-5inches(10-13
cm)anduseatlessthanfullthrottle.
• Fortrimmingorscalping,useless
thanfullthrottletoincreaselinelife
anddecreaseheadwear,especially:
• Duringlightdutycutting.
• Nearobjectsaroundwhichtheline
canwrapsuchassmallposts,
treesorfencewire.
• Formowingorsweeping,usefull
throttleforagoodcleanjob.
TRIMMING- Holdthebottomofthe
trimmerheadabout3inches(8cm)
abovethegroundandatanangle.Al-
lowonlythetipofthelinetomake
contact.Donotforcetrimmerlineinto
workarea.
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.
Scalping
MOWING - Your trimmer is ideal for
mowing in places conventional lawn
mowers cannot reach. In the mowing
position, keep the line parallel to the
ground. Avoid pressing the head into
the ground as this can scalp the
ground and damage the tool.
Mowing
SWEEPING - The fanning action of
the rotating line can be used for a
quick and easy clean up. Keep the
line parallel to and above the surfaces
being swept and move the tool from
side to side.
Sweeping
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
_, WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug
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
GENERAL RECOMMEN DATIONS
The warranty on this unit does not
cover items that have been subjected
to operator abuse or negligence. To
receive full value from the warranty,
the operator must maintain unit as
instructed in this manual. Various ad-
justments will need to be made peri-
odically to properly maintain your unit.
CHECK FOR LOOSE
FASTENERS AND PARTS
• Spark Plug Boot
• Air Filter
• Housing Screws
• Assist Handle Screw
• Debris Shield
CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR
WORN PARTS
Contact your Sears Service Center for
replacement of damaged or worn
parts.
• STOP Switch - Ensure STOP switch
functions properly by pushing and
releasing the switch. Make sure en-
gine stops. Wait 5 seconds before
attempting to restart unit to allow
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.
9
before performing maintenance
WHEN TO PERFORM
Before each use
Before each use
After each use
Every 5 hours of operation
Every 50 hours of operation
Yearly
CLEAN AIR FILTER
A dirty air filter decreases engine per-
formance and increases fuel consump-
tion and harmful emissions. Always
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. Replace parts.
INSPECT MUFFLER AND SPARK
ARRESTING SCREEN
_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 ar-
resting screen.
For normal homeowner 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 replaced by your
Sears Service Center.
Button
Air Filter
Air Filter Cover
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