Operator's Manual
32cc/1.9 cu.in. 2-Cycle
GASOLINE WEEDWAOKER ®
Model No.
358.791070
Safety
Assembly
Operation
Maintenance
Parts List
Espar_ol, p. 22 ,_
/
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 Centrat Time)
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
545082942 9/12/06
4_WARNING:Whenusinggar-
deningappliances,basicsafetypre-
cautionsmustalwaysbefollowedto
reducetheriskoffireandserious
injury.Readandfollowallinstructions.
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: Disconnect the
spark plug before performing mainte-
nance except carburetor 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 Craftsman(_ 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 or while using the unit.
• Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all
fuel spills before starting engine.
• 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 muf-
fler 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.
• Only use the trimmer attachment for
trimming, scalping, mowing and
sweeping. Do not use the trimmer
attachment 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-
tors manual before use and follow all
warnings and instructions in manual
and on attachment.
_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.
Blade rotates Allowbladeto stop
after the fromthe cut. J
release_
td_lgeris _/
• 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.
BLOWERNACUUM 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.
beforeremovingit #
• Checkairintakeopening,blower
tubesorvacuumtubesfrequently,
alwayswithenginestoppedand
sparkplugdisconnected.Keep
ventsanddischargetubesfreeof
debriswhichcanaccumulateand
restrictproperairflow.
• Neverplaceanyobjectinairintake
openingasthiscouldrestrictproper
airflowandcausedamagetothe
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 amputa-
tion of arms or legs.
4t_WARNING: Do not use trimmer
head as a fastening device for the
blade.
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.
Protruding
• 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
operator'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.
• The blade continues to spin after the
throttle is released or engine is turned
off. The coasting blade can throw ob-
jects or seriously cut you if accidental-
ly touched. Stop the blade by contact-
ing the right hand side of the coasting
blade with material already cut.
S_a°cPC_yStio_rgact ,
with cut mat_ L
A
41WARNING: Inspect the area to
be cut before each use. Remove ob-
jects (rocks, broken glass, nails, wire,
dMI=WARNING: 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 objects
that might stop the tines. If heavy con-
tact occurs, stop the engine and in-
spect the unit for damage.
• 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.
6
• Disconnectattachmentfromthedrive
enginebeforecleaningthetineswith
ahoseandwatertoremoveany
build-up.Oilthetinestopreventrust.
• Alwaysweargloveswhenservicingor
cleaningthetines.Thetinesbecome
verysharpfromuse.
• Donotrununitathighspeedunless
cultivating.
HEDGE TRIMMER SAFETY
DANGER: RiSK OF CUT; KEEP
HANDS AWAY FROMBLADE - Blade
moves momentarily after the trigger is
released. Do not attempt to clear away
cut material when the blade is in mo-
tion. Make sure the switch is in the OFF
position, 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
momentarily
after the
triggeris
eased.
Allow blades to stop
before removing
them from the cut.
,_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.
_bWARNING: Falling objects can
cause severe head injury. Wear head
protection when operating this unit
with a pole pruner attachment.
,_WARNING:
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.
Inspect the area be-
A _______
4_WARNING: To prevent serious
injury, do not use more than one boom
extension with a pole pruner attach-
ment.
&WARNING: Keep the pruner
away from power lines or electrical
wires.
• Only use for pruning limbs or
branches up to 4 inches (10 cm) 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
7
beforecontinuing.ContactSears
Serviceforrepairorreplacementof
affectedpartsasnecessary.
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.
all.WARNING: 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 tile fol-
lowing list.
Model 358.791070
• Powerhead
• Trimmer attachment
• Shield
• Wing Nut (screwed onto shield)
• Container of line
• 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: 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.
8
1. Loosen the coupler by turning the
knob counterclockwise.
Coupler
Shipph_g
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
Upper Locking/ Attachment
Release
Shaft
Button
mlWARNING: 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.
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
I
Slot
Shield
Bracket _/
Gearbox
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.
Secondary Hote
Locking/Release
Button in Primary Hole
For optional attachments, see the AS-
SEMBLY section of the applicable at-
tachment operator's manual.
KNOWYOUR 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.
Assist H andIe .,_i_1_ "
Coup,er ___ --
TrimmerRead ON OFFSwItoh
Shaft _1_ I_'_ .... ) ..........
j_,,'- ,r_" Starter Handle
/ Trigger
Line Limiter
Blade
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.
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 en-
gine oil. We recommend Craftsman
brand synthetic oil. Mix gasoline and oil
at a ratio of 40:1. A 40:1 ratio is ob-
tained by mixing 3.2 ounces of oil with 1
Throttle
Start Lever
_ Primer Bulb
Muffler
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 5 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.
gallon of unleaded gasoline. Included
with this trimmer is a 3.2 ounce contain-
er 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 relat-
ing to fuel before fueling your unit.
IMPORTANT
Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol
or using ethanol or methanol) can at-
tract moisture which leads to separa-
tion and formation of acids during stor-
10
age.Acidicgascandamagethefuel
systemofanenginewhileinstorage.
Toavoidengineproblems,emptythe
fuelsystembeforestoragefor30days
orlonger.Drainthegastank,startthe
engineandletitrununtilthefuellines
andcarburetorareempty.Usefresh
fuelnextseason.
Neveruseengineorcarburetorclean-
erproductsinthefueltankorperma-
nentdamagemayoccur.
SeetheSTORAGEsectionforaddition-
alinformation.
HOWTO STOP YOUR UNIT
• Release the throttle trigger.
• Move the ON/OFF switch to the OFF
position.
ON/OFF Switch
HOW TO START YOUR UNIT
_WARNING: Avoid any contact
with the muffler, A hot muffler can
cause serious burns.
_ '_"St arting Position
STARTING A COLD ENGINE
NOTE: DO NOT squeeze tile 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.
_,/Starter Handle
Start
Primer Bulb
Muffler
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 5 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 rope handle re-
peatedly while squeezing throttle trig-
ger until engine starts and runs. This
could require pulling the starter rope
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.
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.
11
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
.OOSEN
Attachment
TIGHTEN Knob
2. Press and hold the locking/release
button.
Locking/Release
Button
C°uF 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 tile at-
tachment (if present).
2. Position locking/release button of
attachment into guide recess of
coupler.
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
Guide Recess
Button
_WARNING: 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
Protection Eye Protection
Long
Pants
Heavy
Shoes
Cut from your left to your right.
dllWARNING: Always wear eye
protection and hearing protection. 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, hearing protec-
tion 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.
12
Alwaysreleasethethrottletriggerand
allowtheenginetoreturntoidle
speedwhennotcutting.
HOWTO STOP YOUR UNIT
• Release the throttle trigger.
• Move the ON/OFF switch to the OFF
position.
CUTTING METHODS
,i_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 line does the Line crowded into
wor__
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.
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.
SCALPING - The scalping technique
removes unwanted vegetation down to
the ground. Hold the bottom of the trim-
mer head about 3 inches (8 cm) above
the ground and at an angle. Allow the
tip of the line to strike the ground
around trees, posts, monuments, etc.
This technique increases line wear.
Scalping
MOWING - Your trimmer is ideal for
mowing in places conventional lawn
mowers cannot reach. In the mowing
position, keep the line parallel to the
ground. Avoid pressing the head into
the ground as this can scalp the
ground and damage the tool.
Mowing
SWEEPING - The fanning action of the
rotating line can be used to blow away
loose debris from an area. Keep the line
parallel to and above the area surface
and swing the tool from side to side.
j_ Sweeping
3 inches
(8 cm) abow
ground
Trimming
13