Craftsman 358794221 Owner’s Manual
Instruction Manual
ICRRFTSMRN°I
25cc/1.5 cu.in. 2-Cycle
17 Inch Cutting Path / 0.080 In. Line
GASOLINE WEEDWACKER ®
Model No.
358.794221
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Parts List
• Espahol
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 l,ours listed are Centra, T,me)
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
530163367 10/21/02
Warranty Statement 2 Storage 11
Safety Rules 2 Troubleshooting Chart 12
Assembly 4 Emissions Statement 12
Operation 5 Parts List 14
Maintenance 9 Spanish 16
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.
WARRANTYSERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNINGTHE WEEDWACKER LINETRIMMER
TO THE NEAREST SEARS STORE OR SERVICECENTER INTHE UNITEDSTATES.
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
_Ib,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 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
_lk DANGER: Never use blades or
flailing devices. This unit is designed
J
for line trimmer use only. Use of any
other accessories or attachments will
increase the risk of injury.
@@O
_I!_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
;_B o_o_]__ HazardZone
Keep children, bystanders, and animals
50 feet (15 meters) away. Stop unit im-
mediately if approached.
2
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.
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
41_WARNING: Inspect the area be-
fore each use. Remove objects
(rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, etc.)
which can be thrown by or become
entangled in line. Hard objects can
damage the trimmer head and be
thrown causing serious injury.
• Use only for trimming, scalping, mow-
ing and sweeping. Do not use for edg-
ing, pruning or hedge trimming.
• Keep firm footing and balance. Do
not overreach.
• Keep all parts of your body away
from muffler and spinning line. Keep
engine below waist level. A hot muf*
tier can cause serious burns.
• Cut from your right to your left. Cut-
ting on left side of the shield will
throw debris away from the operator.
• Use only in daylight or good artificial
light,
• Use only for jobs explained in this
manual.
TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE
• Allow engine to cool; secure unit be-
fore storing or transporting in vehicle.
• Empty the fuel tank before storing or
transporting the unit. Use up fuel left
in the carburetor by starting the en-
gine and letting it run until it stops.
3
• Store unit and fuel in area where
fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or
open flames from water heaters,
electric motors or switches, fur-
naces, etc.
• Store unit so line limiter blade can-
not accidentally cause injury. The
unit can be hung by the tube.
• Store unit out of reach of children.
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
your Sears Service Center.
CARTON CONTENTS
Check carton contents against the fol-
lowing list.
Model 358.794221
• Trimmer
• 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
.'I,_
d_IbWARNING: If received as-
sembled, repeat all steps to ensure
your unit is properly assembled and all
fasteners are secure.
ADJUSTING THE HANDLE
_IlbWARNING: When adjusting the
handle, be sure it remains between
the trigger and the safety label.
1. Loosen wing nut on handle.
2. Rotate the handle on the tube 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
KNOWYOURTRIMMER illustration in OP-
ERATIONsection.
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.
Shield /
"__" Bracket
Li__-_ NWi?g
Slot
4
KNOW YOUR TRIMMER
READ THiS INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
UNIT. Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the loca-
tion of the various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future refer-
ence.
Assist Handle
Tube
Trimmer
Muffler _X Throttle
ON/OFF Trigger
Switch\ Spark Plug
Sta er,'72"Xj
Shield
Head
ON/OFF SWITCH
The ON/OFF switch is used to stop en-
gine. Move switch to the OFF position to
stop 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
_IbWARNING: Be sure to read
the fuel information in the safety rules
before you begin, If you de net
understand the safety rules, de not
attempt to fuel your unit. Call
1-800-235-5878.
FUELING ENGINE
_1_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
FFiVI&aMpx
CHOKE
The CHOKE helps to supply fuel to the
engine to aid in cold starting. Activate
the choke by moving the choke lever to
the FULLCHOKE position, After the en-
gine attempts to start, move the choke
lever to the HALF CHOKE position. Once
engine has started, move the choke le-
ver to the OFF CHOKEposition.
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
boat oil. These oils will cause engine
damage. When mixing fuel, follow
instructions printed on centainen
Once oil is added to gasoline, shake
container momentarily to assure that
the fuel is thoroughly mixed, Always
read and follow the safety rules
relating to fuel before fueling your unit.
IMPORTANT
Experience indicates that alcohol
blended fuels (called gasohol or using
ethanol or methanol) can attract mois-
ture which leads to separation and
5
Line
Limiter
Blade
formationofacidsduringstorage.
Acidicgascandamagethefuelsys-
temofanenginewhileinstorage.
Toavoidengineproblems,emptythe
fuelsystembeforestoragefor30days
orlonger.Drainthegastank,startthe
engineandletitrununtilthefuellines
andcarburetorareempty.Usefresh
fuelnextseason.
Neveruseengineorcarburetorclean-
erproductsinthefueltankorperma-
nentdamagemayoccur.
SeetheSTORAGEsectionforaddition-
alinformation.
HOWTOSTOPYOURUNIT
• Tostoptheengine,movetheON/
OFFswitchtotheOFFposition.
• Ifenginedoesnotstop,movechoke
totheFULLCHOKEposition.
Engine
ON/OFF
HOW TO START YOUR UNIT
_!1_WARNING: The trimmer head
will turn while starting the engine.
Avoid any contact with the muffler. A
hot muffler can cause serious burns.
STARTING A COLD ENGINE (or a
warm engine after running out of
fuel)
1. Set unit on a flat surface.
2. Move ON/OFF switch to the ON posi-
tion.
3. Slowly press the primer bulb 6
times.
4. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE
position.
5. Squeeze the throttle trigger fully and
hold through all remaining steps.
Choke Lever
._kever
_i h°ke
6. Pull starter rope handle sharply until
engine sounds as it if is trying to
start, but do not pull rope more than
6 times.
7. As soon as engine sounds as if it is
trying to start, move choke lever to
the HALFCHOKE position.
8. Pull starter rope sharply until engine
runs, but no more than 6 pulls.
NOTE: If the engine doesn't start
after 6 pulls (at the HALF CHOKE
position), move the choke lever to
the FULL CHOKE position and
press the primer bulb 6 times,
Squeeze and hold the throttle trig-
ger and pull the starter rope 2
more times. Move the choke lever
to the HALF CHOKE position and
pull the starter rope until the en-
gine runs, but no more than 6
pulls. If the engine still doesn't
start, it is probably flooded. Pro-
ceed to STARTING A FLOODED EN-
GINE.
9. Once the engine starts, allow itto
run 10 seconds, then move the
choke lever to the OFF CHOKE
position. Allow the unit to run for
30 more seconds at OFF CHOKE
before releasing the throttle trigger.
NOTE: If engine dies with the
choke lever in the OFF CHOKE
position, move the choke lever to
the HALF CHOKE position and pull
the rope until engine runs, but no
more than 6 pulls.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
1. Move ON/OFF switch to the ON posi-
tion.
2. Move the choke lever to the HALF
CHOKEposition.
3. Squeeze and hold the throttle trig-
ger. Keep throttle trigger fully
squeezed until the engine runs
smoothly.
4. Pull starter rope sharply until engine
runs, but no more than 5 pulls.
5. Allow engine to run 15 seconds,
then move the choke lever to the
OFF CHOKEposition.
NOTE: If engine has not started, pull
starter rope 5 more pulls. If engine still
does not run, it is probably flooded.
6
Primer
Bulb
STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE
Flooded engines can be started by
placing the choke lever in the OFF
CHOKE position; then, pull the rope to
clear the engine of excess fuel. This
could require pulling the starter handle
many times depending on hew badly
the unit is flooded.
If the unit still doesn't start, refer to
TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE or call
1-800-235-5878.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
It is recommended that the engine
not be operated for longer than 1
minute at full throttle.
OPERATING POSITION
Cut from your right to your left.
dl_ WARNING: Always wear eye
protection. Never lean over the trim-
mer head. Rocks or debris can rico-
chet 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 right to your left to
ensure debris is thrown away from
you. Without bending over, keep line
near and parallel to the ground and
not crowded into material being cut.
Do not run the engine at a higher
speed than necessary. The cutting
line will cut efficiently when the engine
is run at less than full throttle. At lower
speeds, there is less engine noise and
vibration. The cutting line will last
longer and will be less likely to "weld"
onto the spool.
Always release the throttle trigger and
allow the engine to return to idle
speed when not cutting.
To stop engine:
• Release the throttle trigger.
• 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 in. (5 cm) of line will
be advanced with each tap.
Toadvance line, tap bottom of trimmer
head on ground one time.
_nrnp/i_e;t_uts lineto_, /
L
Always tap the trimmer head on a
grassy area. Tapping on surfaces
such as concrete or asphalt can
cause excessive 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.
_IkWARNING: Use only 0.080"
(2 mm) diameter line. Other sizes of
line will not advance properly and 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.
7
• 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 I Line Crowded Into
Does The Cutling Work Area
SCALPING - The scalping technique
removes unwanted vegetation down
to the ground, Hold the bottom of the
trimmer head about 3 in, (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 ....... ,
• 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 in. (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 in. (8 cm) above
the ground and at an angle. Allow only
the tip of the line to make contact. Do
not force trimmer line into work area.
Trrnrnng /.it -
3 in. (8 cm) A'"_'-',,_\
Above Ground _ "* "_"_._t
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 I_
'!L'
hl
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
8
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
GEN ERAL 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 Screws
• Debris Shield
CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR
WORN PARTS
Contact Sears Service Center for re-
placement of damaged or worn parts.
• ON/OFF Switch - Ensure ON/OFF
switch functions properly by moving
the switch to the OFFposition. Make
sure engine stops; then, restart em
gine 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.
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
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. Add a few drops of oil to the filter;
squeeze the filter to distribute oil.
6. Replace parts.
_\ _Filts_rews
Cover
INSPECT MUFFLER AND SPARK
ARRESTING SCREEN
_WARNING: The muffler on this
product contains chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer.
_JkWARNING: Muffler is very hot
during and after use. Do not touch the
muffler or allow combustible material
such as dry grass or fuel to do so.
As your unit is used, carbon deposits
build up on the muffler and spark ar-
resting screen. For normal homeown-
er 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.
9
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