Craftsman 358791050 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

25cc/1.5 cu.in. 2-Cycle

17 Inch Cutting Path / 0.095 Inch Line

GASOLINE WEEDWAOKER ®

Model No.

• Safety ._

• Assembly

Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts List

• Espar_ol, p. 23 j_

,,4

/

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_slisted are Central Time)

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

545082941 9/12/06

WarrantyStatement 2 Storage 17
IdentificationofSymbols 2 TroubleshootingTable 18

SafetyRules 3 EmissionsStatement 19
Assembly 8
Operation 10 PartsList 21
Maintenance 14 Spanish 23

Service&Adjustments 15 PartsandOrdering BackCover

ONEYEARFULLWARRANTYONCRAFTSMAN®GASWEEDWACKER®
Whenusedandmaintainedaccordingtotheoperator'smanual,ifthisproductfailsdue

toadefectinmaterialorworkmanshipwithinoneyearfromthedateofpurchase,return
ittoanySearsstore,SearsServiceCenter,orotherCraftsmanoutletintheUnitedStates
forfreerepair(orreplacementifrepairprovesimpossible).

Thiswarrantyexcludescuttingline,sparkplugandairfilter,whichareexpendable
partsthatcanwearoutfromnormaluseinlessthanoneyear.

Thiswarrantyappliesforonly30daysfrompurchasedateifthisproductisusedfor
commercialorrentalpurposes.

Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrights
whichvaryfromstatetostate.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

WARNING[ This trimmer

can be dangerous! Careless or

improper use can cause
serious or even fatal injury.

Always wear appropriate hearing protection, eye protection and head
protection,

Read and understand the
operator's manual before

using the trimmer.

4_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 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

dl_ DANGER: Never use blades
with line trimmer attachment, Never

use flailing devices with any attach-
ment. This unit (when used with sup-
plied line trimmer attachment) is de-

signed for line trimmer use only. Use
of any other accessories with line trim-

mer attachment will increase the risk
of injury.

@OO

_&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

/_zardZone

-tl

lm. 8oots

_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 ap-
proached.

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.

OPERATOR SAFETY

• Dress properly. Always wear safety

glasses or similar eye protection
when operating, or performing main-

tenance, on your unit (safety
glasses are available). Eye protec-

tion should be marked Z87.

• Always wear face or dust mask if op-

eration is dusty.

• Always wear heavy, long pants, long

sleeves, boots, and gloves. Wearing
safety leg guards is recommended.

• Always wear foot protection. Do not
go barefoot or wear sandals. Stay
clear of spinning line.

• Secure hair above shoulder length.
Secure or remove loose clothing or

clothing with loosely hanging ties,
straps, tassels, etc. They can be

caught in moving parts.

• Being fully covered also helps pro-
tect you from debris and pieces of

toxic plants thrown by spinning line.

• Stay Alert. Do not operate this unit
when you are tired, ill, upset or un-

der the influence of alcohol, drugs,
or medication. Watch what you are

doing; use common sense.

• Wear hearing protection.

• Never start or run inside a closed
room or building. Breathing exhaust

fumes can kill.

• Keep handles free of oil and fuel.

• Always keep engine on the right
hand side of your body.

• Hold the unit firmly with both hands.

• Keep trimmer head (or other option-
al attachment) below waist level and

away from all parts of your body. Do
not raise engine above your waist.

• Keep all parts of your body away
from muffler and spinning line (or

other optional attachment). A hot
muffler can cause serious burns.

• Keep firm footing and balance. Do
not overreach or use from unstable

surfaces such as ladders, trees,
steep slopes, rooftops, etc.

• Use only in daylight or good artificial
light.

• Use only for jobs explained in this
manual (or manuals for optional at-
tachments).

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 0.095" (2.4 ram) diameter
Craftsman_R_brand replacement 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 cor-
rectly as shown in this manual.

• Make carburetor adjustments with
lower end supported to prevent line

from contacting any object.

• Keep others away when making car-
buretor adjustments.

• Use only recommended Craftsman
accessories and replacement parts.

• Have all maintenance and service
not explained in this manual per-
formed by a Sears Service Center.

FUEL SAFETY

• Mix and pour fuel outdoors.

• Keep away from sparks or flames.

• Do not smoke or allow smoking near
fuel or the unit.

• Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all
fuel spills.

• Move at least 10 feet (3 meters)
away from fueling site before start-

ing engine. Stop engine and allow 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.

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

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

• Stop the unit before carrying.

• Allow engine to cool before 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 can-
not accidentally cause injury. The

unit can be hung by the shaft.

• Store unit out of reach of children.

This unit is not equipped with an anti-
vibration system and is intended for

occasional use only.
SAFETY NOTICE: Exposure to vibra-

tions through prolonged use of gaso-

line powered hand tools could cause
blood vessel or nerve damage in the

fingers, hands, and joints of people

prone to circulation disorders or ab-
normal swellings. Prolonged use in

cold weather has been linked to blood
vessel damage in otherwise healthy

people. If symptoms occur such as
numbness, pain, loss of strength,

change in skin color or texture, or loss
of feeling in the fingers, hands, or
joints, discontinue the use of this tool

and seek medical attention. An anti-
vibration system does not guarantee

the avoidance of these problems. Us-
ers who operate power tools on a con-

tinual and regular basis must monitor
closely their physical condition and

the condition of this tool.
SPECIAL NOTICE: This unit is

equipped with a temperature limiting

muffler and spark arresting screen

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

forest land and the states of California,

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

law that many internal combustion en-

gines be equipped with a spark arrest-

ing screen. If you operate in a locale

where such regulations exist, you are

legally responsible for maintaining the

operating condition of these parts.

Failure to do so is a violation of the
law. For normal homeowner use, the
muffler and spark arresting screen will

not require any service. After 50
hours of use, we recommend that your

muffler be serviced or replaced by a

Sears Service Center.

LINE TRIMMER SAFETY

WARNING: Inspect the area to

be trimmed before each use. Remove
objects (rocks, broken glass, nails,

wire, etc.) which can be thrown by or
become entangled in line. Hard ob-
jects can damage the trimmer head

and be thrown causing serious injury.

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

• Cut only from your left to your right.
Cutting on right side of the shield will

throw debris away from the operator.

ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES

FOR OPTIONAL ATTACHMENTS

_WARNING: For each optional
attachment used, read entire opera-

tor's manual before use and follow all
warnings and instructions in manual

and on attachment.
_I_WARNING: Ensure handlebar is

installed when using edger or brush-
cutter attachments. Attach handlebar

above arrow on safety label on the up-
per shaft (engine end of unit). If your

edger or brushcutter attachment does
not include a handlebar, a handlebar
accessory kit (#530071451 ) is avail-

able from your Sears Service Center.

EDGER SAFETY

WARNING: Inspect the area to

be edged before each use. Remove
objects (rocks, broken glass, nails,

wire, etc.) which can be thrown by the
blade or can wrap around the shaft.

• Blade rotates momentarily after the
trigger is released. The blade can

seriously cut you or others.

• Allow blade to stop before removing
it from the cut.

Bladerotates Allowbladeto stop

after the fromthe cut.

beforeremoving#

• Throw away blades that are bent,
warped, cracked, broken or dam-

aged in any other way. Replace
parts that are cracked, chipped, or

damaged before using the unit.

• Do not attempt to remove cut materi-
al nor hold material to be cut when

the engine is running or when cut-
ting blade is moving.

• Always keep the wheel and depth
adjusting skid in contact with the

ground.

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

walks, holes in the terrain, large
roots, etc.

• Always use the handlebar when us-
ing edger attachment.

BLOWER/VACUUM SAFETY

_,WARNING: Inspect area before
starting unit. Remove all debris and

hard objects such as rocks, glass,

wire, etc. that can ricochet, be thrown,
or otherwise cause injury or damage

during operation.

• Do not set unit on any surface ex-
cept a clean, hard area while engine
is running. Debris such as gravel,

sand, dust, grass, etc., could be
picked up by the air intake and

thrown out through discharge open-
ing, damaging unit, property, or

causing serious injury to bystanders
or operator.

• Never place objects inside the blow-
er tubes, vacuum tubes or blower

outlet. Always direct the blowing de-
bris away from people, animals,

glass, and solid objects such as
trees, automobiles, walls, etc. The
force of air can cause rocks, dirt, or
sticks to be thrown or to ricochet

which can hurt people or animals,
break glass, or cause other damage.

• Never run unit without the proper
equipment attached. When using
your unit as a blower, always install

blower tubes.

• Check air intake opening, blower
tubes or vacuum tubes frequently,

always with engine stopped and
spark plug disconnected. Keep

vents and discharge tubes free of
debris which can accumulate and

restrict proper air flow.

• Never place any object in air intake
opening as this could restrict proper

air flow and cause damage to the
unit.

• Neveruseforspreadingchemicals,
fertilizers,orothersubstanceswhich

maycontaintoxicmaterials.

• Toavoidspreadingfire,donotuse
nearleaforbrushfires,fireplaces,

barbecuepits,ashtrays,etc.

BRUSHCUTTER SAFETY

'_DANGER: Blade can thrust vio-
lently away from material it does not cut.

Blade thrust can cause amputation of
arms or legs.

z_
dt_WARNING: Do not use trimmer

head as a fastening device for the
blade.

_WARNING: The blade contin-
ues to spin after the throttle is re-

leased or engine is turned off. The
coasting blade can throw objects or
seriously cut you if accidentally
touched. Stop the blade by contacting

the right hand side of the coasting
blade with material already cut.

with cut material j_

WARNING: Inspect the area to

be cut before each use. Remove ob-
jects (rocks, broken glass, nails, wire,

etc.) which can be thrown or become
entangled in the blade or trimmer line.

• Throw away and replace blades that
are bent, warped, cracked, broken

or damaged in any other way.

• Install required shield properly be-
fore using the unit. Use the metal

shield for all metal blade use.

_,WARNING: Only use brushcut-
ter attachments that provide a metal

shield with protruding nose.

Prlotruding

• Use only specified blade and make
sure it is properly installed and se-
curely fastened.

• Cut from your left to your right.

• Always use the handlebar and a
properly adjusted shoulder strap

with blade (see ASSEMBLY instruc-
tions in brushcutter attachment oper-

ator's manual).

CULTIVATOR SAFETY
'_WARNING: Rotating tines can

cause serious injury. Keep away from

rotating tines. Stop the engine and

disconnect the spark plug before un-
clogging tines or making repairs.

dMIWARNING: Inspect the area to

be cultivated before starting the unit.
Remove all debris and hard and sharp

objects such as rocks, vines, branch-
es, rope, string, etc.

• Avoid heavy contact with solid ob-
jects that might stop the tines. If

heavy contact occurs, stop the en-
gine and inspect the unit for dam-

age.

• Never operate the cultivator without
the tine cover in place and properly

secured.

• Keep the tines and guard clear of
debris.

• After striking a foreign object, stop
the engine, disconnect the spark

plug and inspect the cultivator for
damage. Repair before restarting.

• Disconnect attachment from the
drive engine before cleaning the

tines with a hose and water to re-

moveanybuild-up=Oilthetinesto
preventrust.

• Alwaysweargloveswhenservicing
orcleaningthetines.Thetinesbe-

comeverysharpfromuse.

• Donotrununitathighspeedunless
cultivating.

HEDGE TRIMMER SAFETY

_DANGER: RISK OF CUT; KEEP

HANDS AWAY FROM BLADE - Blade
moves momentarily after the trigger is
released. Do not attempt to clear away

cut material when the blade is in motion.

Make sure the switch is in the OFF posi-
tion, the spark plug wire is discon-

nected, and the blade has stopped
moving before removing jammed mate-

rial from the cutting blade. Do not grab
or hold the unit by the cutting blade.

Blades move Allow blades to stop

momentarily before removing

after the them from the cut.

1/_ trigger is

_eleased.

WARNING: Inspect the area be-

fore starting the unit. Remove all de-
bris and hard objects such as rocks,

glass, wire, etc. that can ricochet, be
thrown, or otherwise cause injury or
damage during operation.

• Do not use a cutting blade that is

bent, warped, cracked, broken or
damaged in any other way. Have

worn or damaged parts replaced by
your Sears Service Center.

• Always keep unit in front of your

body. Keep all parts of your body
away from the cutting blade.

• Keep the cutting blade and air vents

clear of debris.

POLE PRUNER SAFETY

_,WARNING: The reciprocating
blade/rotating chain can cause severe
injury. Inspect the unit before use. Do

not operate unit with a bent, cracked
or dull blade or dull chain. Keep away
from the blade/chain.

WARNING: The reciprocating

blade/rotating chain is sharp. Do not
touch. To prevent serious injury, always
stop engine and ensure blade/chain

has stopped moving, disconnect spark
plug, and wear gloves when changing
or handling the blade or chain.

_.WARNING: A coasting blade/ro-

tating chain can cause injury while it
continues to move after the engine is

stopped. Maintain proper control of the
unit until the blade/chain has completely

stopped moving. Keep hands, face and
feet at a distance from all moving parts.

Do not attempt to touch or stop the

blade or chain when it is moving.

_WARNING: Falling objects can
cause severe head injury. Wear head

protection when operating this unit

with a pole pruner attachment.

_WARNING: To prevent serious

injury, do not use more than one boom

extension with a pole pruner attach-

ment.

A0&WARNING: Keep the pruner
away from power lines or electrical

wires.

• Only use for pruning limbs or
branches up to 4 inches in diameter.

• Do not operate the unit faster than
the speed needed to prune. Do not
run the unit at high speed when not

pruning.

• Always stop the unit when work is
delayed or when walking from one

cutting location to another.

• If you strike or become entangled
with a foreign object, stop the engine
immediately and check for damage=

Have any damage repaired by a
Sears Service Center before at-

tempting further operations. Discard
blades that are bent, warped,

cracked or broken.

• Stop the unit immediately if you feel
excessive vibration= Vibration is a

sign of trouble. Inspect thoroughly
for loose nuts, bolts or damage be-
fore continuing. Contact Sears Ser-

vice for repair or replacement of af-
fected parts as necessary.

7

SNOW THROWER SAFETY

_WARNING: Keep hands and
feet away from the rotor when starting

or running the engine. Never attempt
to clear the rotor with the engine/motor

running. Stop engine and disconnect
spark plug before unclogging snow or
debris from discharge chute or when
adjusting vanes.

.... I

4tlWARNING: Never lean over dis-
charge chute. Rocks or debris could

be thrown into the eyes and face and
cause serious injury or blindness.

,_ WARNING: Inspect the area
where the unit is to be used. Remove

objects that could be thrown or dam-
age the unit. Some objects may be
hidden by fallen snow -- be alert for

the possibility.

• Direct material discharge away from
glass enclosures, automobiles, etc.

• Do not run engine at high speed
while not removing snow.

• Be attentive when using the snow-
thrower, and stay alert for holes in
the terrain and other hidden haz-
ards.

• Make sure the rotor will spin freely
before attaching the snowthrower to

the powerhead.

• If the rotor will not rotate freely due
to frozen ice, thaw the unit thorough-

ly before attempting to operate
under power.

• Keep the rotor clear of debris.

• Do not throw snow near other
people. The snow thrower could

propel small objects at high speed
causing injury.

• After striking a foreign object, stop
the engine, disconnect spark plug

and inspect the snowthrower for
damage and repair if necessary be-

fore restarting unit.

• Never operate the snowthrower near
glass enclosures, automobiles and

trucks.

• Never attempt to use the snow-
thrower on a roof.

• Never operate the snowthrower near
window wells, dropoffs, etc.

• Never discharge snow onto public
roads or near moving traffic.

• Clear snow from slopes by going up
and down; never across. Use cau-

tion when changing directions. Nev-
er clear snow from steep slopes.

• Let snowthrower run for a few min-
utes after clearing snow so moving

parts do not freeze.

• Look behind and use care when
backing up. Exercise caution to

avoid slipping or falling, especially
when operating in reverse.

• Know how to stop quickly.

CARTON CONTENTS
Check carton contents against the fol-

lowing list.
Model 358.791050

• Powerhead

• Trimmer attachment

• Shield

• Wing nut (screwed onto shield)

• Container of oil
Examine parts for damage. Do not

use damaged parts.

NOTE: If you need assistance or find

parts missing or damaged, call

1-800-235-5878.
It is normal for the fuel filter to rattle in

the empty fuel tank.

Finding fuel or oil residue on muffler is

normal due to carburetor adjustments
and testing done by the manufacturer.

ASSEMBLY
,J_,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.

INSTALLING TRIMMER ATTACH-
MENT

CAUTION: When installing trimmer
attachment, place the unit on a flat

surface for stability.

1. Loosen the coupler by turning the
knob counterclockwise=

Coupler

Shipping
protector

TIGHTEN

Knob

2. Remove shipping protector from
coupler.

3. Remove the shaft cap from the

trimmer attachment (if present).

4. Position locking/release button of
attachment into guide recess of
coupler.

5. Push the attachment into the cou-
pler until the locking/release button

snaps into the primary hole.

6. Before using the unit, tighten the
knob securely by turning clock-

wise.

Coupler Primary Hole

Guide Recess

For optional attachments, see the AS-

SEMBLY section of the applicable at-
tachment operator's manual.

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.

Wing Nut

Bracket ,, p/

Slot

Locking/

Upper Release Attachment

Shaft

Button

,_LWARNING: Make sure the lock-
ing/release button is locked in the pri-
mary hole and the knob is securely

tightened before operating the unit. All
attachments are designed to be used in

the primary hole unless otherwise
stated in the applicable attachment op-
erator's manual. Using the wrong hole

could lead to serious injury or damage
to the unit.

Secondary Hole

Locking/Release
Button in Primary Hole

I

Shield

Gearbox

ADJUSTING THE HANDLE

A0&WARNING: When adjusting the

handle, be sure it remains above the

safety label and below the mark or ar-

row on the shaft.

1. Loosen wing nut on handle.

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

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.

_4uffler

Assist Handle

Trimmer Shaft

Head _ Throttle Trigger

_ _,_j_ Primer Bulb

__. Shield

Coupler

/

Line Limiter Start
Blade Lever

ON/OFF Switch

Starter
Handle

ON/OFF SWITCH
The ON/OFF switch is located on the

trigger handle and is used to stop the
engine. Move the switch to the OFF

position to stop the engine.

PRIMER BULB
The PRIMER BULB removes air from

the carburetor and fuel lines and fills
them with fuel. This allows you to start
the engine with fewer pulls on the

starter rope. Activate the primer bulb
by pressing it and allowing it to return

to its original form=

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).
COUPLER

The COUPLER enables optional at-
tachments to be installed on the unit=

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

_.WARNING: Be sure to read
the fuel information in the safety rules

before you begin. If you do not under-
stand 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 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

10

damage.Whenmixingfuel,follow
instructionsprintedoncontainer.
Onceoilisaddedtogasoline,shake
containermomentarilytoassurethatthe

fuelisthoroughlymixed.Alwaysread
andfollowthesafetyrulesrelatingto

fuelbeforefuelingyourunit.
IMPORTANT

Experienceindicatesthatalcohol
blendedfuels(calledgasoholorusing
ethanolormethanol)canattractmois-

turewhichleadstoseparationand
formationofacidsduringstorage.

Acidicgascandamagethefuelsys-
temofanenginewhileinstorage.To
avoidengineproblems,emptythefuel

systembeforestoragefor30daysor
longer.Drainthegastank,starttheen-
gineandletitrununtilthefuellinesand

carburetorareempty.Usefreshfuel
nextseason.Neveruseengineorcar-
buretorcleanerproductsinthefuel

tankorpermanentdamagemayoc-

cur.SeetheSTORAGEsectionfor
additionalinformation.

HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT

• Release the throttle trigger.

• Move the ON/OFF switch to the OFF

position.

o.,OFF

/41W

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 the engine has started and
runs.

1. Set unit on a flat surface.

2= Move ON/OFF switch to the ON

position.

3= Slowly press the primer bulb 6

times.

4= Move the start lever to the START

position.

Primer Bulb

Start
Lever

Starter Handle

5. This unit has the Sim-pul" starting
system. You do not have to pull the

starter rope handle sharply or brisk-
ly. Pull starter rope handle with a
controlled and steady motion until

engine starts and runs.

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

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

smoothly.

3. 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.

STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE

Flooded engines can be started by
placing the ON/OFF switch in the ON

position. Move the start lever to the
RUN position and fully squeeze throttle

trigger. Pull the starter handle repeat-

11

edlywhilesqueezingthrottletrigger
untilenginestartsandruns.This

couldrequirepullingthestarterhandle
manytimes,dependingonhowbadly

theunitisflooded.Iftheunitstill
doesn'tstart,refertotheTROUBLE-

SHOOTINGTABLEorcall

1-800-235-5878.

CRAFTSMAN®

CONVERTIBLE TM FEATURE

This model is equipped with a coupler
which enables optional attachments to
be installed. The optional attachments
are:

Edger ................. 358.79240

Cultivator .............. 358.79241

Blower ................ 358.79242

Brushcutter ............ 358.79244

Pruner ................ 358.79245

_WARNING: Always stop unit
and disconnect spark plug before re-

moving or installing attachments.

REMOVING TRIMMER ATTACH-

MENT (OR OTHER OPTIONAL AT-
TACHMENTS)
CAUTION: When removing or instal-

ling attachments, place the unit on a
flat surface for stability.

1= Loosen the coupler by turning the

knob counterclockwise.

Upper Shaft

Coupler

LOOSEN

Attachment

TIGHTEN Knob

2. Press and hold the locking/release
button.

Locking/Release
Button

3. Push the attachment into the cou-
pler until the locking/release button

snaps into the primary hole.

4. Before using the unit, tighten the
knob securely by turning clock-

wise=

Coupler Primary Hole

Upper Locking/ Attachment

Shaft Release

• IWARNING: Make sure the lock-

ing/release button is locked in the pri-

mary hole and the knob is securely
tightened before operating the unit, All
attachments are designed to be used in

the primary hole unless otherwise
stated in the applicable attachment op-

erator's manual. Using the wrong hole
could lead to serious injury or damage

to the unit.

Secondary Hole

Locking/Release
Button in Primary Hole

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
To maximize operating efficiency, do

not run the engine for longer than 1

minute at a time at full throttle.
OPERATING POSITION

ALWAYS USE:
Hearing

Guide Recess

Button

Eye Protection

/ _ Upper Shaft

Attachment

3= While securely holding the engine

and upper shaft, pull the attach-
ment straight out of the coupler.

INSTALLING OPTIONAL ATTACH-

MENTS

1= Remove the shaft cap from the at-

tachment (if present).

2= Position locking/release button of

attachment into guide recess of
coupler=

Long
Pants

Heavy

Cut from your left to your right,

12

4_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.

• Hold unit so that engine is 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.

HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT

• Release the throttle trigger.

• Move the ON/OFF switch to the OFF

position.

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.

_I=WARNING: Use only 0.095 inch

(2.4 ram) diameter line. Other sizes of
line will not advance properly and will

result in improper cutting head func-

tion 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 danger-

ous missile that can cause serious in-
jury.
CUTTING METHODS

A_,WARNING: 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 Line crowded into
does the cutting, work area,

Right Wrong

• 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.

• 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.

13