Operator's Manual
CRAFTSMAN°
24cc/1.3 cu.in. 2-Cycle
17 Inch Cutting Path / .080 In. Line
GASOLINE WEEDWACKER ®
g
Model No.
355.795300
WARNING:
&
Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating
Instructions before first use of this product.
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9
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 USA
530087718 08/02/99
For answers to your questions about this product:
Call 7 am-7 pro, Mon.-Sat., or 10 am-7 pro, Sun.
1-800-235-5878 (HourslistedareCent_31me)
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Warranty Statement 2 Storage 11
Safety Rules 2 Troubleshooting Chart 12
Assembly 4 Emissions Statement 12
Operation 5 Parts List 14
Maintenance g 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 the Operator's 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 wom during normal use.
Ifthis Weedwacker line _mmer is used for commercial purposes, this warranty ap-
plies for only go 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 IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE WEEDWACKER UNE TRIM-
MER TO THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER IN THE 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 Coo, I)/817 WA Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
nWARNING: When using garden-
ing appliances, basic safety precau-
tions must always be followed to re-
duce the risk of fire and sedous injury.
Read and follow all instructions.
This power unit can be dangerous! Op-
erater is responsible for following
instructions and warnings on unit and in
manual. Read entire Operator's Manual
before using unit! Be thoroughly familiar
with the centrols and the proper use of
the unit. Restrict the use of this unitto
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.
Safety infc,rrnation
on the un_._
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.
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,It
WARNING: Trimmer line throws
objects violently. You and others can be
blinded/_njured.Wear eye and leg
protection. Keep body parts clear of ro-
tating line. Keep children, bystanders,
and animals 50 feet (15 meters) away. If
approached stop unit immediately.
Eye Protection
HazardZone
U
If situations occur which are not cov-
ered in this manual, use care and
good judgement. If you need assis-
tance, contact your Authorized Ser-
vice Dealer or call 1-800-235-5878.
OPERATOR SAFETY
• Always wear safety eye protection.
• Always wear long pants, long
sleeves, boots, and gloves. Wearing
safety leg guards is recommended.
Do not go barefoot or wear sandals.
Being fully covered helps protect
you fi-om debris and pieces of toxic
plants thrown by spinning line. 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.
• Do not operate when you are tired,
ill, upset, or under the influence of
alcohol, drugs, or medication.
• Wear hearing protection if you use
unit for more than 1-1/2 hours per
day.
• Never start or run inside a closed
room or building. Breathing exhaust
fumes can kill.
• Keep handles free from 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.
• Make sure unit is assembled cor-
rectly as shown in this manual.
• Make carburetor adjustments with
lower end supported to prevent line
(TOm contacting any object.
• Keep others away when making car-
buretor adjustments.
• Use only recommended Craftsman
accessories and replacement parts.
FUEL SAFETY
• Mix and pour foel outdoors.
• Keep away from sparks or flames.
• Use a container approved for fuel.
• Do not smoke or allow smoking near
fuel orthe unit.
• 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.
CUTTING SAFETY
• Use only for tnmming, scalping, mow-
ing, edging, and sweeping. Do not
use for pruning or hedge trimming.
• inspect the area before 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.
• Keep firm footing and balance. Do
not overreach.
• Keep all parts of your body away
fi-om muffler and spinning line. Keep
engine below waist level. A hot muf-
fler can cause serious burns.
• Cutting on left side of the shield will
throw debris away from the operator.
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 itrun 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, 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.
If situations occur which are not cov-
ered in this manual, use care and
good judgment. Ifyou need assis-
tance, call 1400-235-5878.
SPECIAL NOTICE: This unit isnot
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,andWashingtonrequire by
law that many internal combustion en-
gines be equipped with a spark arres-
tor screen. If you operate in a locale
where such regulations exist, you are
legally responsible for installing and
maintaining the operating condition of
these parts. Failure to do so is a viola-
tion of law. Contact a Sears Service
Center fur the correct parts.
SPECIAL NOTICE: Exposure to
vibrations 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 circulation disorders
or abnormal 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 tax-
tore, 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. Users who operate power
tools on a continual and regular basis
must monitor closely their physical
condition and the condition of this tool.
CARTON CONTENTS
Check carton contents against the fol-
lowing list,
Model 358°795300
• Trimmer
• Shield
• Wing Nut (screwed onto shield)
• Extra Spool
• Fuel Container
• Container of Oil
Examine parts for damage. Do not
use damaged parts.
NOTE: If you need assistance or find
parts missing or damaged, call
f -800-235-5878.
It is normal fur the fuel filter to rattle in
the empty fuel tank.
Finding fuel or oil residue on muffler is
normal due to carburetor adjustments
and testing done by the manufacturer.
ASSEMBLY
_& WARNING:If rece_'ed as-
sembled, repeat all steps to ensure
your unit is properly assembled and all
fasteners are secure.
ADJUSTING THE HANDLE
_ WARNING:When adjusting the
handle, be sure it remains between
the trigger and the safetylabel.
• Loosen wing nut or knob on handle.
• Rotate the handle on the tube to an
upright position; retighten wing nut.
A'I-rACHING SHIELD
Aft=____.__
4_tiWAHNING: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 which cuts
excess line to the proper length. The
line limiter (on underside of shield) is
sharp and can cut you. For proper
orientaiton, see illustration in OperstJon
section.
• Remove wing nut from shield.
• insert bracket into slot as shown.
• Pivot shield until bolt passes through
hole in bracket.
• Securely tighten wing nut onto bolt.
Shield %
Slot
/
Bracket
/
_rmg
Nut