Craftsman 358795511 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.

358.795511

• 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.

530163348 10/9/02

Warranty Statement 2 Storage 10 Safety Rules 2 Troubleshooting Chart 11 Assembly 4 Emissions Statement 11

Operation 5 Parts List 13

Maintenance 8 Spanish 15

Service & Adjustments 9 Parts and Ordering Back

FULL ONE YEAI_ 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 AVAILABLEBYRETURNINGTHEWEEDWACKER LINETRIMMER TO THE NEAREST SEARS STOREOR 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

for line trimmer use only. Use of any other accessories or attachments will

increase the risk of injury.

@@O

_IkWARNING: 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

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.

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. 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" (2 mm) diameter Craftsman@ brand line. Never use

wire, rope, string, etc.

• Install required shield properly before using the unit. Use only specified

trimmer head; make sure it is properly

installed and securely fastened.

• 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

II_ 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 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.

• 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 cam

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 em

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 358.795511

• Trimmer

• Shield

• Wing Nut (screwed onto shield)

• Wall Mount Bracket

• 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

z% _

_IbWARNING: If received as- sembled, repeat all steps to ensure

your unit is properly assembled and all fasteners are secure.

ADJUSTING THE HANDLE

_IbWARNING: 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

KNOW YOUR TRIMMER READTHiS INSTRUCTIONMANUALAND SAFETYRULES 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.

Assist Handle

Tube

Trimmer

Muffler _ Throttle

ON/STOP Trigger Switch \ Spark Plug

Starter _X_ _'_

_'==---_ FCri_ke;BII; r

Shield

Head

ON/STOP SWITCH The ON/STOPswitch is used to stop en-

gine. Tostop the engine, push and re-

lease 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

_IkWARNING: Be sure to read the 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

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

obtained by mixing 3.2 ounces of oil with 1 gallon of unleaded gasoline.

FiVl_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.

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 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.

Line Limiter Blade

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

to the FULL CHOKE position.

Engine ON/STOP

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. Slowly press the primer bulb 6

times.

3. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE

position.

4. Squeeze the throttle trigger fully and

hold through all remaining steps.

Choke Lever

._ Lever

ho e

Primer

Bulb

5. Pull starter rope handle sharply until engine sounds as it if 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 the HALFCHOKE position.

7. 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.

8. Once the engine starts, allow it to 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 the choke lever to the HALF CHOKEposition.

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 CHOKEposition.

NOTE: If engine has net started, pull starter rope 5 more pulls. If engine still does not 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 how badly the unit is flooded.

If the unit still doesn't start, refer to TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE or call

1-800-235-5878.

OPERATINGPOSITION

• Tap the bottom of the trimmer head lightly on the ground one time, Ap- proximately 2 inches (5 cm) of line will be advanced with each tap,

Toadvance line, tap bottom of trimmer head on ground one time.

_lrnp/i_egt_Uts Iineto_, /

Cut from your right to your left.

z_ 4_I_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 cloth- ing.

• 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.

• Push and release the engine ON/ STOP switch.

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.

Always tap the trimmer head on a grassy area. Tapping on surfaces such as concrete or asphalt can cause ex-

cessive 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 ram) 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

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 seri-

ous 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 the Line Line Crowded Into Does The Cutting Work Area

Right _ _'_-_u_

• 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 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.

Tr mm ng /,i -

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 I_

'!L'

3 in. (8 cm) A'"_',._\ Above Ground _ "_ _._t

SWEEPING - The fanning action of the rotating line can be used for a quick and easy clean up. Keep the

SCALPING - The scalping technique removes unwanted vegetation down to the ground. Hold the bottom of the trimmer head about 3 in. (8 cm) above

line parallel to and above the surfaces

being swept and move the tool from side to side.

Sweeping

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.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance 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

WHEN TO PERFORM

Before each use Before each use After each use

Every 5 hours of operation Every 50 hours of operation Yearly

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 Screw

• Debris Shield

+ 18 hidden pages