Craftsman 358795200 Owner’s Manual

Instruction Manual

32cc/1.9 cu.in. 2-Cycle GASOLINE BRUSHWACKER ®

Model No.

358.795200

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts List

• Espahol

For Occasional Use Only

DANGER:

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,our, listed are Centra, T,me)

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

530163427 10/9/02

Warranty Statement 2 Storage 16 Safety Rules 2 Troubleshooting Table 17 Assembly 5 Emissions Statement 17

Operation 8 Parts List 19

Maintenance 13 Spanish 21

Service & Adjustments 14 Parts and Ordering Back Cover

FULL TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ® GAS POWERED BRUSHWACKER ® BLADED TRIMMER.

For two years from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman Gas Powered

Brushwacker is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the instruction 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 Brushwacker is used for commercial purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase. If this Brushwacker is used for rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 30 days from the date of purchase.

This warranty applies only while this product is in use in the United States. WARRANTYSERVICE IS AVAILABLEBYRETURNINGTHE SRUSHWACKERTOTHE

NEARESTSEARS STORE ORSERVICECENTER 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/817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

_WARNING: Whenusinggar- _ _dening appliances, basic safety pre- _:_ cautions must always be followed to J

reduce the risk of fire and serious INSTRUCTION SAFETYINFORMATION

injury. MANUAL ON THE UNIT

DANGER: This power tool can

be dangerous! This unit can cause se-

rious injury including amputation or

blindness to the operator and others. The warnings and safety instructions

in this manual must be followed to pro- vide reasonable safety and efficiency

in using the unit. The operator is re- sponsible for following the warnings

and instructions in this manual and on the unit. Read the entire instruction

manual before assembling and using the unit! Restrict the use of this unit to

persons who read, understand, and follow the warnings and instructions in

this manual and on the unit. Never al-

low children to operate this unit.

_1_DANGER: Blade can thrust vio-

lently away from material it does not cut. Blade thrust can cause amputa- tion of arms or legs. Keep people and animals 50 feet (15 meters) away.

_WARNING: Trimmer line can throw objects violently. You and others

can be blinded or injured. Wear safety glasses and leg protection.

ALWAYS EyWeE_ A Thrown-_r

Protection I 1";1 Objects I

11 LegGuards _n_-._._!

Boots _ nr__

_IbWARNING: Hazard zone for thrown objects. Blade/Trimmer line

can throw objects violently, Others can

be blinded or injured. Keep people

and animals 50 feet (15 meters) away.

Haza_ Zone

_I_WARNING: Do not use trimmer

head as a fastening device for the blade.

_IbWARNING: The blade continues to spin after the throttle is released or,

engine is turned off. The coasting blade can throw objects or seriously cut if ac- cidentally touched. Stop the blade by contacting the right hand side of the coasting blade with material already cut.

Stop coasting blade by contact

with cut material

OPERATOR SAFETY

• Dress properly, Always wear safety glasses or similar eye protection when operating, or performing maintenance

on your unit. (Safety glasses are available.) Eye protection 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 protectiort Do not go barefoot or wear sandals.

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

jewelry or clothing with loosely hang-

ing ties, straps, tassels, etc. They can be caught in moving parts.

• Being fully covered also helps protect you from debris and pieces of toxic plants thrown by spinning line/blade.

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

ence of alcohol, drugs, or medication. Watch what you are doing; use com- mon sense.

• Wear hearing protection

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

exhaust fumes can kill.

• Keep handles free of oil and fuel

• Always use the handlebar and a properly adjusted shoulder strap with a blade (see ASSEMBLY).

UNIT/MAINTENANCE SAFETY

_II_WARNING: Stop unit and dis- connect the spark plug before per-

forming maintenance (except carbure- tor adjustments).

• Look for and replace damaged or loose parts before each use. Look

for and repair fuel leaks before use.

Keep unit in good working condition.

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

aged in any other way. Replace trim- mer head parts that are cracked, chipped, broken, or damaged in any other way before using the unit.

• Maintain unit according to recom- mended procedures. Keep blade sharp. Keep cutting line at the prop-

er length. -_

• Use only Craftsman _ brand replace- ment line. Never use wire, rope, string, etc.

• Install required shield properly before using the unit. Use the metal shield

for all metal blade use. Use the plastic

shield for all line trimmer use.

• Use only specified blade or trimmer head; make sure it is properly in- stalled and securely fastened.

• Never start engine with clutch shroud removed. The clutch can fly off and cause serious injury.

• Be sure blade or trimmer head stops turning when engine idles.

• Make carburetor adjustments with the lower end supported to prevent

blade or trimmer line from contacting any object. Hold unit by hand; do not

use the shoulder strap for support.

• 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 performed by

your Sears Service Center.

FUEL SAFETY

• Mix and pour fuel outdoors

• Keep away from sparks or flame&

• Use a container approved for fuel

• 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 be- fore 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.

CUTTING SAFETY

_!_WARNING: Inspect the area to

be cut before each use. Remove ob-

jects (rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string, etc.) which can be thrown or

become entangled in the blade or

trimmer head.

• Keep others including children, ani-

mals, bystanders, and helpers at least 50 feet (15 meters) away. Stop engine immediately if you are approached.

• Always keep engine on the right-

hand side of your body.

• Hold the unit firmly with both hands

• Keep firm footing and balance Do

not overreach,

• Keep blade or trimmer head below waist level. Do not raise engine

above your waist.

• Keep all parts of your body away from blade, trimmer head, and muf-

fler when engine is running. A hot

muffler can cause serious burns.

• Cut 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

• Stop the unit before carrying

• Keep muffler away from your body

• Allow the engine to cool and secure the unit before storing or transport- ing it in a 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 so the blade or line limiter blade cannot accidentally cause in-

jury. 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 gasoline

powered hand tools could cause blood

vessel or nerve damage in the fingers,

hands, and joints of people prone to cir-

culation disorders or abnormal swell-

ings. Prolonged use in cold weather has been linked to blood vessel dam-

age 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 atten- tion, An anti-vibration system does not

guarantee the avoidance of these prob-

lems, Users who operate power tools on a continual 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 engines

be equipped with a spark arresting screen. If you operate in a locale where such regulations exist, you are legally

responsible for maintaining the operat-

ing condition of these parts, Failure to do so is a violation of the law. For nor-

mal homeowner use, the muffler and spark arresting screen will not require

any service. After 50 hours of use, we

recommend that your muffler be ser- viced or replaced by your Sears Service

Center.

CARTONCONTENTS Checkcartoncontentsagainstthefol-

lowinglist. Model358.795200

• Brushcutter

• BladeShieldScrews(4)

• CuppedWasher

• LargeNutforinstallingBlades

• HexWrench

• MetalShield

• PlasticShield

• ShoulderStrapwithWarning

•4-PointWeedBlade

• 8-PointWeedBlade

• TrimmerHead(assembledonunit)

• Handlebar(assembledonunit)

• WingNut(screwedontoshield)

• Containerofline

• Containerofoil Examinepartsfordamage.Donot

usedamagedparts.

NOTE:Ifyouneedassistanceorfind partsmissingordamaged_call

1-800-235-5878. Itisnormalforthefuelfiltertorattlein

theemptyfueltank,

Findingfueloroilresidueonmuffleris normalduetocarburetoradjustments

and testing done by the manufacturer. ASSEMBLY

_h, WARNING: Always stop unit and disconnect spark plug before per-

forming any assembly procedures. _!i, WARNING: If received as*

sembled, repeat all steps to ensure

your unit is properly assembled and all fasteners are secure.

TOOLS REQUIRED

• Hex Wrench (provided)

• Adjustable Wrench ADJUST AND SECURE THE HAN-

DLEBAR

DANGER: To avoid serious inju-

ry, the barrier portion of the handlebar must be adjusted and remain installed as shown to provide a barrier between operator and the spinning blade, The handlebar clamp must be positioned

between the arrows on the handlebar

decal.

1. Lift handlebar to upright position. Handlebar

2. Rotate handlebar/clamp counter- clockwise toward engine until clamp falls into groove of base.

Clamp

Clarr

Clamp Base

3. Place the handlebar in a comfort- able position,

4. Retighten handlebar by turning clamp knob clockwise until handle-

bar is secure and stationary in

c_amp base (clamp knob can not

be overtightened),

ASSEMBLY OF SHOULDER STRAP _11_WARNING: Proper shoulder

strap and handlebar adjustments must be made with the engine completely stopped before using unit,

1. Insert your right arm and head through the shoulder strap and al-

low it to rest on your left shoulder. Make sure the danger sign is on

your back and the hook is to the

right side of your waist.

NOTE: A one*half twist is built in the

shoulder strap to allow the strap to rest flat on the shoulder,

2. Adjust the strap, allowing the hook to be about 6 inches below the

waist,

3. Fasten the strap hook to the clamp

located between the trigger handle and the handlebar clamp base and

lift the tool to the operating position.

4. Try on shoulder strap and adjust

for fit and balance before starting the engine or beginning a cutting

operation.

NOTE:Itmaybenecessarytorelo- catetheshoulderstrapclamponthe shaftforproperbalancingofunit.

TO RELOCATE SHOULDER STRAP CLAMP:

1. Loosen and remove both clamp screws.

2. Place the upper shoulder strap clamp over the tube,

3. Position the lower shoulder strap clamp under the tube and align the upper and lower clamp screw

holes.

! Clamp

Lower Shoulde ! Strap Clamp

30 inches

ASSEMBLY INFORMATION - TRIMMER HEAD

4. Insert two screws into the screw holes.

5. Secure shoulder strap clamp by

tightening screws with a hex wrench.

HARNESS

ADJUSTMENT

FOR BALANCE

6 inches = be{ow 4 - 12 waist inches

CONFIGURING YOUR UNIT You can configure your unit using a cut_

ring head for grass and light weeds, or a weed blade for cutting grass, weeds, and brush up to 1/2 inch in diameter. To assemble your unit, go to the section for the desired configuration and follow the

instructions.

above

.1_'_ round

NOTE: Remove the blade and metal

shield before attaching the plastic shield and trimmer head, To remove blade,

align hole in the dust cup with the hole

in the side of the gearbox by rotating the dust cup, Insert a small screwdriv- er into aligned holes. This will keep the shaft from turning while loosening the blade nut, Remove blade nut by turning clockwise. Remove the screw-

driver, Remove beth washers and

blade, To remove metal shield, loosen and remove the four mounting screws,

See ATTACHINGTHE METAL SHIELDand

iNSTALLATIONOFTHE METAL BLADE for

illustrations. Be sure to store all parts and instructions for future use.

INSTALLATION OF THE CUTTING

HEAD (if not already installed)

NOTE: Before installing the trimmer

head, make sure the dust cup and re_ taining washer are positioned on the shaft of the gearbox. The retaining washer must be positioned with the

raised section toward the gearbox.

1. Align hole in the dust cup with the hole in the side of the gearbox by rotating the dust cup,

2. Insert a small screwdriver into aligned holes. This will keep the

shaft from turning while tightening trimmer head.

Screwdriver

3. While holding the screwdriver in position, thread trimmer head onto

the shaft by turning counterclock- wise. Only tighten hand tight!

Cutting Head

4. Remove the screwdriver.

ATTACHING THE PLASTIC SHIELD _IbWARNING: 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 lim-

iter blade which cuts excess line to the

proper length, The line limiter blade (on underside of shield) is sharp and can cut you.

1, Remove wing nut from shield.

2. Insert bracket into slot on shield.

3. Pivot shield until bolt passes

through hole in bracket.

4. Tighten the wing nut securely.

SlotIot__'_--',,._\_Bracket_-_,,,

ShieldSfl-_, .., __N¢,._ WingNut

Retaining Washer

NOTE: Remove the trimmer head and plastic shield before attaching the metal

shield and installing one of the weed

blades. To remove the trimmer head,

align hole in the dust cup with the hole

in the side of the gearbox by rotating

the dust cup. Insert a small screwdriver

into aligned holes. This will keep the

shaft from turning while loosening the trimmer head. Remove the trimmer

head by turning clockwise. Remove the screwdriver. To remove the plastic shield, loosen and remove wing nut.

Pivot shield to release bracket from slot. See INSTALLATIONOF THE CUTTING

HEADand ATTACHINGTHE PLASTIC SHIELD for illustrations. Be sure to store

all parts and instructions for future use.

Never use the trimmer head with the

metal blade installed.

ATTACHING THE METAL SHIELD *'I,_

_I_WARNING: The metal shield

must be properly installed on the tool anytime the tool is used with a blade. The forward tip of the metal shield

helps to reduce the occurrence of

blade thrust which can cause serious

injury such as amputation to the oper- ator or bystanders. Failure to install

the shield in the position shown can

result in serious injury to the operator. The length of the shield must be aligned with the length of the tube.

1. Place the metal shield under the gearbox, and align the screw holes.

V _ Gearbox ___

ASSEMBLY INFORMATION - WEED

BLADES

Shield__.. Gearbox

2. Insert and thread the 4 mounting screws through the holes of the

gearbox and the metal shield. Tighten evenly and securely with

the hex wrench provided.

INSTALLATION OF THE METAL

BLADE

_11_WARNING: Wear protective gloves when handling or performing

maintenance on the blade to avoid inju- ry. The blade is sharp and can cut you

even when it is not moving.

4_IbWARNING: Do not use any

blades, or fastening hardware other

than the washers and nuts shown in the following illustrations. These parts must

be provided by Sears, and installed as

shown below. Failure to use proper

parts can cause the blade to fly off and

seriously hurt you or others.

NOTE: The dust cup and retaining washer are located on the gearbox shaft and not in the parts bag. All other fasteners mentioned in the following as- sembly steps are in the parts bag.

1. Remove the retaining washer from the threaded shaft of the gearbox.

Leave the dust cup on the shaft.

2. Install the blade and the retaining washer over the threaded shaft.

3. Make sure the raised part of the

retaining washer is facing the gearbox and the raised area fits

into the hole in the center of the blade.

4. Slide the blade and retaining wash-

er onto the shaft of the gearbox, NOTE: When installing 8-point

weed blade, ensure side of blade with decal is facing gearbox and

points of blade will rotate counter- clockwise (see illustration).

8-POINT BLADE DECAL SIDE OF

BLADE MUST FACE GEARBOX

Gearbox

Shield

Threaded Shaft

Retaining

Washer ---_

Cupped__ ,_

Washer

@-_'_ Nut

NOTE: Make sure all parts are in place

as illustrated, and the blade is sand- wiched between the dust cup and the

retaining washer. There should be no space between the blade and the dust cup or the retaining washer.

7. Align hole in dust cup with hole in side of gearbox by rotating the

blade.

8. Insert a small screwdriver into aligned holes. This will keep the

shaft from turning while tightening the blade nut.

Screwdriver _

5. Place the cupped washer onto the shaft, Make sure the cupped side

of the washer is toward the blade.

6. Install the blade nut by threading onto the shaft counterclockwise.

9. Tighten blade nut firmly with a wrench while holding screwdriver in position,

10. Remove the screwdriver,

11. Turn blade by hand. If the blade binds against the shield, or appears

to be uneven, the blade is not cen- tered, and you must reinstall.

NOTE: To remove blade, insert screw-

driver into aligned holes. Unthread the

nut and remove parts, Be sure to store parts and instructions for future use.

KNOW YOUR BRUSHWACKER READTHiS INSTRUCTIONMANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFOREOPERATINGYOUR

UNIT. Compare the illustrationswith your unit to familiarize yourself with the location

of the various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

Tnmmer Handlebar Head

Tube

ON/STOP Switch

Starter Handle

Primer Bulb

Throttle Trigger

Choke Lever

ON/STOP SWITCH The ON/STOP switch is used to stop the

engine. To stop the engine, push and release the engine ON/STOPswitch.

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

_I_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 gallon of unleaded gasoline. In- cluded with this brushcutter is a 3.2

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 em

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 CHOKE position.

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 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 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

formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel sys-

tem of an engine while in storage.

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 clean-

er products in the fuel tank or perma-

nent damage may occur.

See the STORAGE section for addition- al information.

HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT

• To stop the engine, push and re- lease the engine ON/STOP switch. The switch will automatically return

to the ON position. Wait 5 seconds

before attempting to restart unit to allow switch to reset,

• If engine does net stop, move choke lever to FULL CHOKE position.

_I_ ON/STOP

Choke position

decal

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

5. Pull starter rope handle sharply until engine sounds as if it is trying to start, but do not pull rope more

than 6 times.

6. As soon as engine sounds as if it is trying to start, move choke lever to HALF CHOKE by aligning lever with position shown on decal (see illustration below).

Throttle Trigger _

HOW TO START YOUR UNIT

_b_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)

g Position

Handle

Choke

.Lever

Primer Bulb

Muffler

1, Set unit on a flat surface,

2. Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times,

3. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE

by aligning lever with position shown on decal (see illustration below).

Choke position

7. Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs, but no more than 6 pulls. If the engine doesn't start after 6 pulls (at the HALFCHOKE 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 doesn't start, repeat proce-

dure 2 additional times. NOTE: If engine still doesn't start, it

is probably flooded. Proceed to STARTINGA FLOODED ENGINE.

8. Once the engine starts, allow itto run 10 seconds, then move the

choke lever to OFF CHOKE by align- ing lever with position shown on de- cal (see illustration below). Allow the

unit to run for 30 more seconds at OFF CHOKEbefore releasing the

throttle trigger. NOTE: If engine dies with the choke lever in the OFF

CHOKEposition, move the choke le- ver to the HALFCHOKE position and pull the rope until engine runs, but no more than 6 pulls.

Choke position

STARTING A WARM ENGINE

1. Move the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE position.

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

3. Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs, but no more than 5 pulls.

4. Allow engine to run 15 seconds,

then move the choke lever to the

OFF CHOKE position.

NOTE: If engine has net started, pull starter rope 5 more pulls. If engine still does net run, it is probably flooded.

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 TROUBLESHOOT-

ING TABLE or call 1-800-235-5878. OPERATING POSITION

ALWAYSWEAR:

E e Protection

Long P___

B°°ts"_ _ _1 _ft_ _

Cut only from your e t to your rig t.

When operating unit, clip shoulder strap onto clamp, stand as shown and check for the following:

• Wear eye protection and heavy

clothing.

• Extend your left arm and held han-

dlebar grip with your left hand.

• Hold throttle grip with your right hand

with finger on throttle trigger.

• Keep unit below waist level.

• Keep shoulder strap pad centered on your left shoulder and danger sign centered on your back.

• Maintain full weight of tool on your left shoulder.

• Cut only from your left to your right to ensure debris is thrown away from you. Without bending over, keepthe blade or trimmer head near and par- allel to the ground and not crowded into material being cut.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR

USE WITH TRIMMER HEAD

_h, 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.

Before trimming, bring engine to a

speed sufficient to cut material to be trimmed.

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.

• Push and release the engine ON/ STOP switch.

_JkWARNING: Use minimum speed and de 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 net crowding the line into the cutting area. The right and wrong ways are

shown below.

Tip of line does the

Right Wrong

Line crowded into work area

• The line will easily remove grass and weeds from around walls,

fences, trees and flower beds, but it

also can cut the tender bark of trees or shrubs and scar fences.

• For trimming or scalping, use less

than full throttle to increase line life

and decrease head wear, especially:

• During light duty cutting.

• Near objects around which the line

can wrap such as small posts,

trees or fence wire.

• For mowing or sweeping, use full

throttle for a good clean job.

TRIMMING - Hold the bottom of the trimmer head about 3 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.

Trimming

SCALPING - The scalping technique removes unwanted vegetation down to the ground. Hold the bottom of the trim- mer 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 tech-

nique 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.

Sweeping

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE WITH WEED BLADES

• Blade Thrust is a reaction that only occurs when using a bladed unit. This

reaction can cause serious injury such as amputation. Carefully study this section, It is important that you

understand what causes blade thrust, how you can reduce the chance of its

occurring, and how you can remain in control of unit if blade thrust occurs.

• WHAT CAUSES BLADE THRUST - Blade Thrust can occur when the

spinning blade contacts an object that it does not cut. This contact causes

the blade to stop for an instant and then suddenly move or "thrust" away

from the object that was hit. The

"thrusting" reaction can be violent enough to cause the operator to be propelled in any direction and lose

control of the unit. The uncontrolled unit can cause serious injury if the

blade contacts the operator or others.

• WHEN BLADE THRUST OCCURS

- Blade Thrust can occur without warning if the blade snags, stalls, or

binds. This is more likely to occur in areas where it is difficult to see the

material being cut. By using the unit properly, the occurrence of blade thrust will be reduced and the opera- tor will be less likely to lose control.

+ 27 hidden pages

Craftsman 358795200 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual