Craftsman 358.79474 User Manual

Operator's Manual

JCRFIFTSMIIN°I

25cc/1.5 cu.in. 2-Cycle
200 MPH/430 CFM

GASOLINE POWERED
BLOWERNAC

Model No.

358.794740

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts List

• Espar_ol, p. 20

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,s listed are centra_ Time)

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

545146930 Rev. 1 5/31/07 BRW

WarrantyStatement 2 Storage 13
IdentificationofSafetySymbols2 TroubleshootingTable 14

SafetyRules 3 EmissionsStatement 15
Assembly 6 PartsList 17
Operation 8 Spanish 20

Maintenance 11 PartsandOrdering BackCover

TWO YEAR FULL WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN@ GAS BLOWER
When used and maintained according to the operator's manual, if this product fails

due to a defect in material or workmanship within two (2) years from the date of pur-
chase, return it to any Sears store, Sears Service Center, or other Craftsman outlet

in the United States for free repair (or replacement if repair proves impossible).
This warranty excludes spark plug and air cleaner, which are expendable parts that

can wear out from normal use in less than two years.
This warranty applies for only 30 days from the date of purchase if this product is
used for commercial or rental purposes.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.

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

_IWARNING: This unit can be dangerous! Careless or

improper use can cause serious injury.

Read your operator's manual carefully until you completely un-
derstand and can follow all warnings and safety rules before
operating the unit. Failure to do so can result in serious injury.

Save operator's manual.

violently. You can be blinded or
injured. Always wear hearing

protection and safety glasses
The blower can throw objects

I marked Z87. Always wear
| heavy, long pants, long sleeves,
J boots and gloves.

Hazard zone for thrown objects. Keep children,
bystanders, and animals away from work area a
minimum of 30 feet (10 meters) when starting or
operating unit. Do not point blower nozzle in the

direction of people or pets.

-2-

Do not wear jewelry, loose clothing,

or clothing with loosing hanging
straps, ties, tassels, etc. They can

be caught in moving parts.

_ "_ I Always stop unit and disconnect spark plug

O before cleaning or servicing.

I @@1

_, WARNING: Stop the engine before opening the vacuum inlet door. The
engine must be stopped and the impeller blades no longer turning to avoid serious

injury from the rotating blades. Gently tilt the handle of the screwdriver toward the
back of the unit to release the latch while pulling up on the vacuum inlet cover with

your other hand.

When using the vacuum attachment, the unit is designed to

pick up dry material such as leaves, grass, small twigs, and bits

of paper. Do not vacuum stones, gravel, metal, broken glass,
etc., to avoid severe damage to the impeller.

@ --_rusWeAttReNulnNitGn:eFirre ha ZmardorNpVa_t_sm(iiX'ciP°Urn; rsst° rktngaSpline

A_______
IlllWARNING: Failure to follow all

Safety Rules and Precautions can re-
sult in serious injury.

KNOW YOUR UNIT

• Read your instruction manual care-
fully until you completely understand

and can follow all warnings and
safety rules before operating the unit.

• Restrict unit to users who under-
stand and will follow all warnings and

safety rules in this manual.

_I_WARNING: Inspect area before
starting unit. Remove all debris and

hard objects such as rocks, glass,

f ames, or work that can cause sparks).

wire, etc. that can ricochet, be thrown,

or otherwise cause injury or damage
during operation.
Use your unit as a blower for:

• Sweeping debris or grass clippings
from driveways, sidewalks, patios, etc.

• Blowing grass clippings, straw, or

leaves into piles, around joints, or be-

tween bricks.

Use your unit as a vacuum for:

• Picking up dry material such as

leaves, grass, small twigs, and bits of
paper.

• For best results during vacuum use,
operate your unit at high speed.

-3-

• Move slowly back and forth over the
material as you vacuum. Avoid forc-
ing the unit into a pile of debris as

this can clog the unit.

• Keep the vacuum tube about an inch
above the ground for best results.

PLAN AHEAD

• Always wear eye protection when op-
erating, servicing, or performing main-

tenance on unit. Wearing eye protec-
tion will help to prevent rocks or debris
from being blown or ricocheting into

eyes and face which can result in
blindness and/or serious injury. Eye

protection should be marked Z87.

• Always wear foot protection. Do not
go barefoot or wear sandals.

• Always wear respirator or face mask
when working with unit in dusty envi-

ronments.

• Secure hair above shoulder length.
Secure or remove jewelry, loose

clothing, or clothing with loosely
hanging straps, ties, tassels, etc.
They can be caught in moving parts.

• Do not operate unit when you are
tired, ill, upset, or if you are under the

influence of alcohol, drugs, or medi-
cation.

• Keep children, bystanders, and ani-
mals away from work area a mini-

mum of 30 feet (10 meters) when
starting or operating unit. Do not
point blower nozzle in the direction of

people or pets.

HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION, IT IS
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE

• Eliminate all sources of sparks or
flame (including smoking, open
flames, or work that can cause

sparks) in the areas where fuel is
mixed, poured, or stored.

• Mix and pour fuel in an outdoor area;
store fuel in a cool, dry, well ventilated
place; use an approved, marked con-

tainer for all fuel purposes.

• Do not smoke while handling fuel or
while operating the unit.

• Make sure the unit is properly as-
sembled and in good operating con-

dition.

• Do not fill fuel tank while engine is
running.

• Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up fuel
spills before starting engine.

• Move at least 10 feet (3 meters)
away from fuel and fueling site be-

fore starting engine.

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

OPERATE YOUR UNIT SAFELY

_,WARNING: Stop the engine be-
fore opening the vacuum inlet door.

The engine must be stopped and the

impeller blades no longer turning to
avoid serious injury from the rotating

blades.

• Inspect unit before each use for
worn, loose, missing, or damaged

parts. Do not use until unit is in
proper working order.

• Keep outside surfaces free from oil
and fuel.

• Never start or run engine inside a
closed room, building or other un-
ventilated area. Breathing exhaust

fumes can kill.

• To avoid static electricity shock, do

not wear rubber gloves or any other
insulated gloves while operating unit.

• Do not set unit on any surface except
a clean, hard area while engine is run-

ning. Debris such as gravel, sand,
dust, grass, etc. could be picked up by
the air intake and thrown out through
discharge opening, damaging unit,

property, or causing serious injury to

bystanders or operator.

• Avoid dangerous environments. Do
not use in unventilated areas or

where explosive vapors or carbon

monoxide build up could be present.

• Do not overreach or use from unsta-
ble surfaces such as ladders, trees,

steep slopes, rooftops, etc. Keep firm
footing and balance at all times.

• Never place objects inside the
blower tubes; always direct the blow-
ing debris away from people, ani-

mals, 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. When using the op-

tional vacuum kit, always install vac-

uum tubes and vacuum bag assem-
bly. Make sure vacuum bag assem-
bly is completely zipped.

• Check air intake opening, blower

tubes, and vacuum tubes frequently,
always with engine stopped and
spark plug disconnected. Keep vents

and discharge tubes free of debris

-4-

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.

• Never use for spreading chemicals,
fertilizers, or other substances which

may contain toxic materials.

• To avoid spreading fire, do not use
near leaf or brush fires, fireplaces,

barbecue pits, ashtrays, etc.

• Use only for jobs explained in this
manual.

MAINTAIN YOUR UNIT PROPERLY
,_WARNING: Disconnect spark

plug before performing maintenance
except for carburetor adjustments.

• Have all maintenance other than the
recommended procedures described

in the instruction manual performed
by a Sears Service Center.

• Use only recommended Craftsman
replacement parts; use of any other

parts may void your warranty and
cause damage to your unit.

• Empty fuel tank before storing the
unit. Use up fuel left in carburetor by

starting engine and letting it run until
it stops.

• Do not use any accessory or attach-
ment other than those recommended

by manufacturer for use with your unit.

• Do not store the unit or fuel in a closed
area where fuel vapors can reach

sparks or an open flame from hot
water heaters, electric motors or

switches, furnaces, etc.

• Store in a dry area 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 abnor-
mal swelling. Prolonged use in cold

weather has been linked to blood ves-

sel 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
antivibration system does not guaran-

tee the avoidance of these problems.

Users who operate power tools on a
continual and regular basis must moni-

tor 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. Fail-
ure to do so is a violation of the law.

Refer to the MAINTENANCE section

for information on maintenance of the

muffler and spark arresting screen.

-5-

CARTON CONTENTS
Check carton contents against the fol-

lowing list.
Model 358.794740

• Blower

• Upper blower tube

• Lower blower tube

• High velocity nozzle

• Elbow tube

• Vacuum bag

• Upper vacuum tube

• Lower vacuum tube

• 2-Cycle engine oil

NOTE: It is normal for the fuel filter to

rattle in the empty fuel tank.
ASSEMBLY

_WARNING: Stop engine and be
sure the impeller blades have stopped

turning before opening the vacuum in-
let door or attempting to insert or re-
move the vacuum tubes. The rotating

blades can cause serious injury.

WARNING: If you receive your

unit assembled, repeat all steps to en-
sure your unit is properly assembled

and all fasteners are secure.

• A standard screwdriver is required

for assembly.

BLOWER ASSEMBLY

BLOWER TUBE ASSEMBLY
If you have already assembled your

unit for use as a vacuum, remove the
vacuum tubes and collection bag.

1. Align the slots on the lower blower
tube with the tabs on the upper

blower tube.

Upper Blower Tube

NOTE: Knob must be loose enough to
allow blower tubes to be inserted in

blower outlet. Loosen knob by turning
counterclockwise.

_ Blower Outlet

R'b

5. Secure the tubes by turning the
knob clockwise.

6. To remove the tubes, turn the knob
counterclockwise to loosen the

tubes; remove the tubes.

HIGH-SPEED NOZZLE ASSEMBLY

When greater air speed is desired, use
the high-speed nozzle.

1. Align the slots on the nozzle with
the tabs on the lower blower tube.

(z_-- _, _,_,, High-Speed

_ _,_ __, Nozzle

Lower Blower Tab/ ,,,_.C_%--_
Tube Slot

2. Slide the nozzle onto the lower
blower tube.

3. Turn the nozzle clockwise until a
click is felt to secure the nozzle to
the lower blower tube.

VACUUM BAG ASSEMBLY

1. Open the zipper on the vacuum
bag and insert the elbow tube.

2. Push the small end of the elbow
tube through the small opening in

the bag.

Rib

2. Slide the lower blower tube onto
the upper blower tube.

3. Turn the lower blower tube clock-
wise until a click is felt to secure

the lower blower tube to the upper

blower tube.

4. Align the rib on the upper blower
tube with the groove in the blower

outlet; slide the tube into place.

Opening

Small Opening
NOTE: Make sure edge of the small
opening is flush against the flared area

of the elbow tube, and the rib on the
elbow tube is on the bottom.

3. Close the zipper on the bag. Make
sure the zipper is closed completely.

4. Remove blower tubes from engine.

-6-

4. Align the tabs on the inside of the
vacuum inlet with the slots in the

upper vacuum tube.

I z¢/"

5. Insert the elbow tube into the blow-
er outlet. Make sure elbow tube rib

is aligned with the blower outlet
groove.

6. Turn knob clockwise to secure el-
bow tube.

VACUUM TUBE ASSEMBLY

,_ WARNING: Stop engine and be
sure the impeller blades have stopped

turning before opening the vacuum in-
let door or attempting to insert or re-

move the vacuum or blower tubes.
The rotating blades can cause serious

injury.

1. Insert the tip of a screwdriver into
the latch area of the vacuum inlet.

LatchArea

Vacuum inlet Cover

2. Gently tilt the handle of the screw-
driver toward the front of the unit to

release the latch while pulling up
on the vacuum inlet cover with your
other hand.

3. Hold the vacuum inlet cover open
until upper vacuum tube is
installed.

Vacuum

Inlet

Cover

Vacuum inlet

Tab / /)

Slot "--.L.,/

5. Push the upper vacuum tube into
the vacuum inlet. Turn the tube

counterclockwise until a click is felt
to secure the tube to the blower unit,

6. Align slanted end of lower vacuum
tube as shown. Firmly push lower
vacuum tube into upper vacuum

tube.

Slanted end of

lower vacuum tube

HOW TO CONVERT UNIT FROM

VACUUM USE TO BLOWER USE

1. Remove the elbow tube and vacu-
um bag by turning the knob coun-

terclockwise to loosen the elbow
tube.

2. Remove the vacuum tubes by turn-
ing the tubes clockwise.

3. Close the vacuum inlet cover and
make sure it is latched closed,

4. Reinstall the blower tubes (see
BLOWER TUBE ASSEMBLY).

- 7 -

SHOULDER STRAP ADJUSTMENT

1= Hold the unit as shown with the muf-

fler side facing away from your body

and clothes.

2= Pass the shoulder strap over your

head and onto your right shoulder=

3= Extend your left arm toward the

rear of the vacuum bag.

4= Adjust shoulder strap until the vac-

uum bag/shoulder strap seam lies
between your thumb and index fin-
ger.

5= Make sure air flows freely from the

elbow tube into bag. If bag is
kinked, the unit will not operate

properly.

KNOW YOUR BLOWER
READ THIS INSTRUCTION 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.

Upper Vacuum Tube Elbow Tube

Lower Vacuum Tube

STOP

Plug

Upper Blower Tube

Starter

Rope

Fuel Mix
Fill Cap _k

Primer
Button

Throttle Switch
Trigger Spark

STOP SWITCH

The STOP switch is used to stop the
engine. To stop the engine, push and

hold the STOP switch in the STOP posi-
tion until the engine stops.
THROTTLE TRIGGER

The THRO]q-LE TRIGGER is used to se-
lect the desired engine speed.

PRIMER BUTTON

The PRIMER BUqq-ONremoves 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

Lower Blower Tube

Handle

rope. Activate primer button by pressing
it and allowing it to return to its original

position.

CHOKE LEVER

The CHOKE helps to supply fuel to the

engine to aid in cold starting. Activate

the choke by moving the choke lever to
the FULL CHOKE position. After engine

attempts to start, move the choke lever

to the HALF CHOKE position. Once en-

gine starts, move choke lever to the
RUN position.

-8-

High-Speed
Nozzle

OPERATING TIPS

• While vacuuming or blowing debris,
hold the unit with the muffler side fac-

ing away from your body and clothes
(see OPERATING POSITION below).

• To reduce the risk of hearing loss
associated with sound level(s), hear-
ing protection is required.

• To reduce the risk of injury associated
with contacting rotating parts, stop the

engine before installing or removing
attachments. Do not operate without

guard(s) in place.

• Operate power equipment only at rea-
sonable hours-not early in the morn-

ing or late at night when people might
be disturbed. Comply with times listed

in local ordinances. Usual recommen-
dations are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,

Monday though Saturday.

• To reduce noise levels, limit the num-
ber of pieces of equipment used at

any one time.

• To reduce noise levels, operate pow-
er blowers at the lowest possible

throttle speed to do the job.

• Use rakes and brooms to loosen
debris before blowing.

• In dusty conditions, slightly dampen
surfaces or use a mister attachment

when water is available.

• Conserve water by using power blow-
ers instead of hoses for many lawn
and garden applications, including

areas such as gutters, screens, patios,
grills, porches, and gardens.

• Watch out for children, pets, open
windows, or freshly washed cars.

Blow debris away safely.

• Use the full blower nozzle extension
so the air stream can work close to

the ground.

• After using blowers and other equip-
ment, CLEAN UP! Dispose of debris

in trash receptacles.

OPERATING POSITION

Blower Vacuum \

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

,'_ WARNING: Be sure to read tile
fuel information in the safety rules

before you begin. If you do not
understand the safety rules, do not
attempt to fuel your unit. Call

1-800-235-5878.

FUELING ENGINE

_WARNING: Remove fuel cap
slowly when refueling.

This engine is certified to operate on un-

leaded gasoline. Before operation, gaso-
line must be mixed with a good quality

synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil.
We recommend Craftsman brand syn-

thetic oil. Mix gasoline and oil at a ratio

of 40:1. A 40:1 ratio is obtained by mix-
ing 3.2 ounces of oil with 1 gallon of un-

leaded gasoline. Included with this blow-
er is a 3.2 ounce container of oil. Pour

the entire contents of this container into

1 gallon of gasoline to achieve the prop-
er fuel mixture. DO NOT USE automotive
oil or boat oil. These oils will cause en-

gine 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 fol-

low the safety rules relating to fuel be-

fore 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
formation of acids during storage.

Acidic gas can damage the fuel sys-
tem of an engine while in storage.

-9-

To avoid engine problems, empty the
fuel system before storage for 30 days
or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the

engine and let it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh
fuel next season. Never use engine or

carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.

Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alter-

native in minimizing the formation of
fuel gum deposits during storage.

Craftsman brand oil is already blended
with fuel stabilizer. See the STORAGE

section for additional information.

HOW TO STOP YOUR ENGINE

• Release the throttle trigger.

• Push and hold the STOP switch in
the STOP position until the engine

stops.

HOW TO START YOUR ENGINE

_WARNING: You MUST make sure
the tubes are secure before using the

unit.

• Fuel engine. Move at least 10 feet (3
meters) away from the fueling site.

• Hold the unit in the starting position
as shown. Make sure the blower end

is directed away from people, ani-
mals, glass, and solid objects.

STARTING POSITION

Blower

A

dBkWARNING: When starting engine,
hold the unit as illustrated. Do not set

unit on any surface except a clean, hard
area when starting engine or while en-

gine is running. Debris such as gravel,
sand, dust, grass, etc. could be picked
up by the air intake and thrown out

through the discharge opening, damag-
ing the unit or property, or causing seri-

ous injury to bystanders or the operator.
STARTING A COLD ENGINE

1. Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.

2. Move choke lever to the FULL

CHOKE position.

3. Squeeze the throttle trigger fully and
hold through all remaining steps.

Starter
Handle

Choke

Lever

Primer
Bulb

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

starter rope handle sharply or briskly.
Pull starter rope handle with a con-

trolled and steady motion until en-
gine sounds as if it is trying to start,

but do not pull rope more than 6
times.

5. As soon as engine sounds as if it is
trying to start, move choke lever to
HALF CHOKE position.

6. Pull starter rope 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 trigger and pull the

starter rope 2 more times. Move
the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE

position and pull the starter rope
until the engine runs, but no more

than 6 pulls. If the engine still
doesn't start, it is probably flooded.

Proceed to STARTING A FLOODED
ENGINE.

7. Once the engine starts, allow it to
run 10 seconds, then move the

choke lever to the RUN position. Al-
low the unit to run for 30 more se-

conds at RUN before releasing the
throttle trigger. NOTE: If engine dies

with the choke lever in the RUN
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 the choke lever to the HALF
CHOKE position.

2. Squeeze the throttle trigger fully and
hold through all remaining steps.

-10-