Operator's 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, p. 17
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 9/12/06
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
ONE YEAR FULL WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ® GAS WEEDWACKER ®
When used and maintained according to the operator's manual, if this product fails due
to a defect in material or workmanship within one year from the date of purchase, return
it to any Sears store, Sears Service Center, or other Craftsman outlet inthe United States
for free repair (or replacement if repair proves impossible).
This warranty excludes cutting line, spark plug and air filter, which are expendable
parts that can wear out from normal use in less than one year.
This warranty applies for only 30 days from purchase date if this product is used for
commercial or rental purposes.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
dtSWARNING: 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!
Operator is responsible for following
instructions and warnings on unit and in
manual. Read entire operator's 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.
OPERATOR'S SAFETY INFORMATION
MANUAL ON THE UNIT
,tt
dl_ 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.
Q©©
_,WARNING: Trimmer line throws
objects violently. You and others can be
blinded/injured. Wear eye and leg
protection. Keep body parts clear of
rotating line.
_otection
E* Boots
A
d_WARNING: Hazard zone for
thrown objects. Trimmer line can
throw objects violently. Others can be
blinded or injured. Keep children, by-
standers, and animals 50 feet (15 me-
ters) away. Stop unit immediately
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.
/ Hazard Zone
OPERATORSAFETY
• Dressproperly.Alwayswearsafety
glassesorsimilareyeprotectionwhen
operating,orperformingmaintenance,
onyourunit(safetyglassesareavail-
able).Eyeprotectionshouldbe
markedZ87.
• Alwayswearfaceordustmaskifop-
erationisdusty.
• AlwayswearheaW,longpants,long
sleeves,boots,andgloves.Wearing
safetylegguardsisrecommended.
• Alwayswearfootprotection.Donot
gobarefootorwearsandals.Stay
clearofspinningline.
• Securehairaboveshoulderlength.
Secureorremovelooseclothingor
clothingwithlooselyhangingties,
straps,tassels,etc.Theycanbe
caughtinmovingparts.
• Beingfullycoveredalsohelpsprotect
youfromdebrisandpiecesoftoxic
plantsthrownbyspinningline.
• StayAlert.Donotoperatethisunit
whenyouaretired,ill,upsetorunder
theinfluenceofalcohol,drugs,or
medication.Watchwhatyouaredo-
ing;usecommonsense.
• Wearhearingprotection.
• Neverstartorruninsideaclosed
roomorbuilding.Breathingexhaust
fumescankill.
• Keephandlesfreeofoilandfuel.
UNIT / MAINTENANCE SAFETY
_WARNING: Stop unit and dis-
connect 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 0.080 inch (2 ram) diameter
Craftsman_m 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 it to cool
before removing fuel cap.
• 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.AI-
ways store gasoline in a container
approved for flammable liquids.
• Always store gasoline in a container
approved for flammable liquids.
CUTTING SAFETY
,_&WARNING: Inspect tile 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
• Stop tile unit before carrying.
• 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
3
inthecarburetorbystartingtheen-
gineandlettingitrununtilitstops.
• Storeunitandfuelinareawherefuel
vaporscannotreachsparksoropen
flamesfromwaterheaters,electric
motorsorswitches,furnaces,etc.
• Storeunitsolinelimiterbladecannot
accidentallycauseinjury.Theunit
canbehungbythetube.
• Storeunitoutofreachofchildren.
Thisunitisnotequippedwithananti-
vibrationsystemandisintendedfor
occasionaluseonly.
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-vibrationsystemdoesnot
guaranteetheavoidanceofthese
problems.Userswhooperatepower
toolsonacontinualandregularbasis
mustmonitorcloselytheirphysical
conditionandtheconditionofthistool.
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.
Model358.791010
• Trimmer
• Shield
• ContainerofOil
Examinepartsfordamage.Donot
usedamagedparts.
NOTE:Ifyouneedassistanceorfind
partsmissingordamaged,call
1-800-235-5878.
Itisnormalforthefuelfiltertorattlein
theemptyfueltank.
Findingfueloroilresidueonmuffleris
normalduetocarburetoradjustments
andtestingdonebythemanufacturer.
ASSEMBLY
_&WARNING: Always stop unit
and disconnect spark plug before per-
forming any assembly procedures.
_.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 the
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. Pivotshielduntilboltpasses
throughholeinbracket.
4. Securelytightenwingnutontobolt.
Slot
Bracket
PIVOT
KNOW YOUR TRIMMER
READ THIS OPERATOR'S 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.
Trimmer Shaft "-_
Head _,
,,,,,_'_J_ Primer _ Throttle
Line Limiter STOP
Blade
STOP SWITCH
The STOP switch is used 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.
Assist Handle Muffler
Starter Handle
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 (start lever
returns to RUN position).
Shield
Bulb Trigger
Start
Lever
Fuel Mix Fill Cap
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.
5
WerecommendCraftsman'>brand
syntheticoil.Mixgasolineandoilata
ratioof40:1.A40:1ratioisobtained
bymixing3.2ouncesofoilwith1
gallonofunleadedgasoline.Included
withthistrimmerisa3.2ounce
containerofoil.Pourtheentire
contentsofthiscontainerinto1gallon
ofgasolinetoachievetheproperfuel
mixture.DONOTUSEautomotiveoilor
marineoil.Theseoilswillcause
enginedamage.Whenmixingfuel,
followinstructionsprintedon
container.
Onceoilisaddedtogasoline,shake
containermomentarilytoassurethat
thefuelisthoroughlymixed.Always
readandfollowthesafetyrules
relatingtofuelbeforefuelingyourunit.
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.
_,b_/_L_. _ Starting,_d__'_P°siti°n
STARTING A COLD ENGINE
NOTE: DO NOT squeeze tile throttle
trigger until the engine has started and
runs.
1. Set unit on a fiat 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 with a con-
trolled and steady motion until en-
gine starts and runs.
5. Allow unit to run for 10-15 seconds,
then fully squeeze the throttle trigger
to disengage the starting system
(start lever returns to RUN position).
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 handle with a con-
trolled and steady motion while
squeezing throttle trigger until en-
gine starts and 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.
6
STARTINGAFLOODEDENGINE
Floodedenginescanbestartedby
movingthestartlevertotheRUNposi-
tion.Fullysqueezethrottletrigger.
Pullthestarterhandlerepeatedly
whilesqueezingthrottletriggeruntil
enginestartsandruns.Thiscouldre-
quirepullingthestarterhandlemany
times,dependingonhowbadlythe
unitisflooded.
Iftheunitstilldoesn'tstart,referto
TROUBLESHOOTINGTABLEorcall
1-800-235-5878.
OPERATINGINSTRUCTIONS
Tomaximizeoperatingefficiency,do
notruntheengineforlongerthan1
minuteatatimeatfullthrottle.
OPERATINGPOSITION
AH_rWeo_eriAYncSg_E_R"_ -Eye protection
Longpan.__
Heavy shoe_'_'_l_ _[ _'
Cut from your left to your right.
mlWARNING: 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.
• Hold unit so that engine is below
waist level.
• Cut 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.
HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT
• 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.
_;_,WARNING: Use only 0.080 inch
(2 mm) 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 senous 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 V_ong
• 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 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 with vegetation. Do not force
trimmer line into work area.
Trimming
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.
3 inches (8 err
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.
Sweeping
MAINTENANCESCHEDULE
_, 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