Instruction Manual
25cc/1.5 cu.in. 2-Cycle
17 Inch Cutting Path / 0.080 Inch Line
GASOLINE WEEDWAOKER ®
Model No.
358.791530
Assembly
Operation
Maintenance
Espar_ol
Parts List
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.
530164380 1/10/05
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 Gas 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 THEWEEDWACKER LINE TRIMMER
TO THE NEAREST SEARS STOREOR 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
zt
dt_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.
Thb 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
,_ 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.
@00
_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.
_Protection /_
Keep children, bystanders, and animals
50 feet (15 meters) away. Stop unit im-
mediately 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.
OPERATORSAFETY
• Dressproperly.Alwayswearsafety
glassesorsimilareye 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. Wear-
ing safety leg guards is recom-
mended.
• 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.
UNIT / MAINTENANCE SAFETY
• Disconnect the spark plug before
performing maintenance except car-
buretor 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) diame-
ter Craftsman@ brand line. Never
use wire, rope, string, etc.
• Install required shield properly be-
fore using the unit. Use only speci-
fied trimmer head; make sure it is
properly installed and securely fas-
tened.
• 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.
• Use a container approved for fuel.
• 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 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, edging and sweeping. Do not use
for 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 muf-
fler can cause serious burns.
• Cut only 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 ve-
hicle.
• 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.
• Storeunitandfuelinareawhere
fuelvaporscannotreachsparksor
openflamesfromwaterheaters,
electricmotorsorswitches,fur-
naces,etc.
• Storeunitsolinelimiterbladecan-
notaccidentallycauseinjury.The
unitcanbehungbythetube.
• 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.
Userswhooperatepowertoolsona
continualandregularbasismustmon-
itorcloselytheirphysicalconditionand
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.
Model358.791530
• Trimmer
• Shield
• WingNut(screwedontoshield)
• ContainerofOil
Examinepartsfordamage.Donot
usedamagedparts.
NOTE:Ifyouneedassistanceorfind
partsmissingordamaged,call
1-800-235-5878.
Itisnormalforthefuelfiltertorattlein
theempty 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 ASSIST HANDLE
1. Loosen wing nut on handle.
2. Pivot the handle to a comfortable
position; retighten wing nut.
Wing Nut
Groove
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 YOURTRIMMER illustration in OP-
ERATION section.
1. Removewingnutfromshield.
2. Insertbracketintoslotasshown.
3. Pivotshielduntilboltpasses
throughholeinbracket.
Bracket _/
Slot
Wing Nut
4. Securelytightenwingnutontobolt.
St
Shield
KNOW YOUR TRIMMER
READ THIS iNSTRUCTiON MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATINGYOUR
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.
Shaft
Spark Plug
Line Limiter
Blade
STO P
Gearbox
Primer Bulb
Muffler
ThrottIe Trigger
--Start Lever
Fuel Mix Fill Cap
STOP SWITCH
The STOP switch is used to stop the en-
gine. To stop the engine, push and hold
the switch in the STOP position until the
engine stops.
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. Ifyou do not
understand the safety rules, do not
attempt to fuel your unit. Call
1-800-235-5878.
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 seconds, then fully
squeeze the throttle trigger to deacti-
vate the starting system.
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
WerecommendCraftsmanbrand
syntheticoil.Mixgasolineandoilata
ratioof40:1.A40:1ratioisobtained
bymixing3.2ouncesofoilwith1
gallonofunleadedgasoline.Included
withthistrimmerisa3.2ounce
containerofoil.Pourtheentire
contentsofthiscontainerinto1gallon
ofgasolinetoachievetheproperfuel
mixture.DONOTUSEautomotiveoilor
boatoil.Theseoilswillcauseengine
damage.Whenmixingfuel,follow
instructionsprintedoncontainer.
Onceoilisaddedtogasoline,shake
containermomentarilytoassurethat
thefuelisthoroughlymixed.Always
readandfollowthesafetyrules
relatingtofuelbeforefuelingyourunit.
IMPORTANT
Experienceindicatesthatalcohol
blendedfuels(calledgasoholorusing
ethanolormethanol)canattractmois-
turewhichleadstoseparationand
formationofacidsduringstorage.Acidic
gascandamagethefuelsystemofan
enginewhileinstorage.Toavoiden-
gineproblems,emptythefuelsystem
beforestoragefor30daysorlonger.
Drainthegastank,starttheengineand
letitrununtilthefuellinesandcarbure-
torareempty.Usefreshfuelnextsea-
son.Neveruseengineorcarburetor
cleanerproductsinthefueltankorper-
manentdamagemayoccur.
SeetheSTORAGEsectionforadditional
information.
HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT
• To stop the engine, push and hold
the STOP switch in the STOP position
until the engine stops.
HOW TO START YOUR UNIT
_WARNING: The trimmer head
will turn while starting the engine.
Avoid any contact with the muffler. A
hot muffler can cause serious burns.
_{_/_1 Starting Position
.y_'Z, ""
NOTE: Make sure approximately
3 - 4 inches (8 - 10 cm) of line is
extended from the cutting head be-
fore starting unit. This will allow the
line to advance properly once the
unit starts.
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. Slowly press the primer bulb 6
times.
3. Move the start lever to the START
position.
Primer Bulb
Start
Lever
Starter Handle
4. Pull starter rope handle sharply
until engine starts and runs.
5. Allow unit to run for 10 seconds,
then fully squeeze the throttle trigger
to disengage the starting system.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
1. Squeeze and hold the 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 OFR If
the unit sits for more than 10 minutes
without being run, it will be necessary
to start the unit by following the steps
under STARTING A COLD ENGINE or
following the starting instruction steps
shown on the unit.
STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE
Flooded engines can be started by
pulling 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.
6
Iftheunitstilldoesn'tstart,refertothe
TROUBLESHOOTINGTABLEorcall
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:
I i Eye protection
Longpant_
Heavy shoes
Cut from your left to your right.
z_
_WARNING: Always wear eye
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 and heavy
clothing.
• Hold trigger handle with right hand
and assist handle with left hand.
• Keep unit 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.
J,
To stop engine:
• Release the throttle trigger.
• Push and hold the STOP switch in
the STOP position until the engine
stops.
TWIST AND EDGE
The Twist and Edge feature allows for
easy edging of sidewalks, patios,
driveways, etc.
1. Pull the tab toward the engine.
2. Twist the shaft to the edging posi-
tion; release tab.
Tab
TRIMMER LINE ADVANCE
The cutting head advances line au-
tomatically. Do not tap head on the
ground to advance line. This may
break parts and cause cutting head to
malfunction.
Upon unit start up, the line will advance
automatically to the correct cutting path
length.
Always keep the shield in place when
the tool is being operated.
_&WARNING: Use only 0.080
inch (2 mm) diameter round line.
Other sizes and shapes of line will not
advance 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
_,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 }ine does Line crowded into
the cutting.
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.
Riqht '_/'roncl
• 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. Do not force trimmer line into
work area.
Trimming
(8 cm)
above ground
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
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
EDGING - Adjust trimmer to the edg-
ing position (see TWIST AND EDGE
section). Allow only the tip of the line
to make contact. Do not force trimmer
line into work area.
Edging
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 RECOMMENDATIONS 1.
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 Screws
• Debris Shield
CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR
WORN PARTS
Contact Sears Service Center for re-
placement of damaged or worn parts.
• STOP Switch - Ensure STOP switch
functions properly by pushing and
holding the switch in the STOP posi-
tion. Make sure engine stops. Re-
start 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.
CLEAN AIR FILTER
A dirty air filter decreases engine per-
formance and increases fuel con-
sumption and harmful emissions. Al-
ways clean after every 5 hours of
operation.
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 the cover and the area
around it to keep dirt from falling into
the carburetor chamber when the
cover is removed.
2. Open air filter cover by pushing
button (see illustration). Remove
air filter.
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 air filter and close cover.
Button
Air Filter
Air Filter Cover
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 arrest-
ing 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 re-
placed by your Sears Service Center.
REPLACE SPARK PLUG
Replace the spark plug each year to
ensure the engine starts easier and
runs better. Set spark plug gap at
0.025 inch. Ignition timing is fixed and
nonadjustable.