Craftsman 358795740 Owner’s Manual

Instruction Manual

23cc/1.4 cu. in. 2-Cycle
GASOLINE HEDGE TRIMMER

Model No.

358.795740 - 18" Blade

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts List

• Espahol

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; 10 am-7 pm, Sun

1-800-235-5878 _Hoo,s iisted are Central Time)

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

530163361 10/4/02

Warranty Statement 2 Storage 9
Safety Rules 2 Troubleshooting Table 10

Assembly 4 Emissions Statement 11
Operation 5 Parts List 13

Maintenance 7 Spanish 15

Service & Adjustments 8 Parts and Ordering Back Cover

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ® GAS POWERED HEDGE

TRIMMER

For one (1) year from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman Gas Powered
Hedge Trimmer is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to the operat-

ing and maintenance instructions in this manual, Sears will repair, free of charge,

any defects in materials or workmanship.
This warranty excludes spark plug, air filter, and the blade which are expendable

parts and may become worn during normal use.
Ifthis Hedge Trimmer is used for commercial purposes, this warranty applies for only

90 days from the date of purchase. If this Hedge Trimmer is used for rental purposes,
this warranty applies for only 30 days from the date of purchase. This warranty ap-

plies only while this product is used in the United States.

WARRANTY SERVICE ISAVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE HEDGETRIMMER TO THE

NEAREST SEARS STORE OR 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 Co., D/817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

z't

DANGER: THIS POWER TOOLCAN

BE DANGEROUS! This unit can cause se-

rious injury including amputation or blind-

ness to the operator and others. The

warnings and safety instructions in this
manual must be followed to provide rea-

sonable safety and efficiency in using
this unit. The operator is responsible for

following the warnings and instructions in
this manual and on the unit. Never allow

children to use this tool.
_WARNING: 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 understand

and will follow all warnings and safety
rules in this manual and on the unit.

PLAN AHEAD

dD_WARNING: Inspect the area be-
fore starting the unit. Remove all debris

and hard objects such as rocks, glass,
wire, etc. that can ricochet, be thrown,
or otherwise cause injury or damage

during operation.

• Always wear eye protection when op-
erating, servicing, or performing main-
tenance on unit. Wearing eye protec-
tion will help to prevent brush or debris

from being thrown or ricocheting into
eyes and face which can result in
blindness and!or serious injury. Eye

protection should be marked Z87.

• Wear hearing protection when using
this unit.

• Secure hair above shoulder length. Se-
cure or remove jewelry, loose clothing,

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

• Stay alert. Do not operate unit when
you are tired, ill, upset, or if you are

under the influence of alcohol, drugs,
or medication.

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Safety Boots

t

Glasses

_lk WARNING:

Bladescan throwobjectsviolently

• You can be blinded or injured.

• Wear safety glasses.

Hazard zone for thrown objects

• Blades can throw objects violently.

• Others can be blinded or injured.

_lk WARNING:

• Keep people and animals 30 feet
(10m) away.

xE !aCeSntm°'9mome ar,,ilJAllowbladestostop_IkWARN ING:

taiftoeqretrhesJthem from the cut. trigger is released.

_ n

_ed. _ _ • The blades can seriously cut you or

• Keep children, bystanders, and ani-
mals away from work area a mini-
mum of 30 feet (10 meters) when
starting or operating unit.

If situations occur which are not cov-

ered in this manual, use care and good
judgment. If you need assistance, con*
tact your Sears Service Center or call
the Customer Assistance Helpline at

1-800-235-5878.
HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION

• 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.

• Do not fill fuel tank while engine is
running.

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

dition.

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

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

starting engine.

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

before removing Blades move momentarily after the

__ • _,llhoew_Sl_ladesto stop before

removing them from the cut.

OPERATE YOUR UNIT SAFELY

,_IkDANGER: RISK OF CUT; KEEP

HANDS AWAY FROM BLADE - Blade
moves momentarily after the trigger is

released. Do not attempt to clear away
cut material when the blade is in mo-

tion. Make sure the ON/OFF switch is in
the OFF position, the spark plug wire is

disconnected, and the blade has
stopped moving before removing

jammed material from the cutting

blade. Do not grab or hold the unit by
the cutting blade.

• 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 or building. Breathing

exhaust fumes can kill.

• 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.

• Do not raise unit above your shoul-
ders; the cutting blade can come

dangerously close to your body.

• Always keep unit in front of your body.
Keep all parts of your body away from

the cutting blade.

-3-

• Keep the cutting blade and air vents
free from debris.

• Use only for jobs explained in this

manual.

MAINTAIN YOUR UNIT PROPERLY

• Have all maintenance and service

not explained in this manual per-

formed by a Sears Service Center.

• Disconnect spark plug before per-
forming maintenance except for car-

buretor adjustments.

• Do not use a cutting blade that is

bent, warped, cracked, broken, or
damaged in any other way. Have

worn or damaged parts replaced by
your Sears Service Center.

• Use only recommended Craftsman

cutting blades and replacement
parts; use of any other parts may

void your warranty and cause dam-
age 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.

• Hand carry the unit with the engine

stopped and the muffler and cutting
blade away from your body.

• Allow engine to cool, empty the fuel
tank, and secure the unit before stor-

ing or transporting it in a vehicle.

• 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 the unit so the cutting blade

cannot accidentally cause injury.

• 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: Your hedge trim-

mer is equipped with a temperature
limiting muffler and spark arresting

screen which meets the requirements
of California Codes 4442 and 4443. All

U.S. forest land and the states of Cali-

fornia, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New

Jersey, Oregon, and Washington re-
quire by law that many internal com-

bustion engines be equipped with a
spark arresting screen. If you operate

a hedge trimmer in a state or 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 re-
quire 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 358.795740

• Hedge Trimmer

• 2-Cycle Engine Oil

NOTE: It is normal for the fuel filter to
rattle in the empty fuel tank.

ASSEMBLY

Your hedge trimmer is fully assembled;
no assembly is required.

-4-

KNOW YOUR HEDGE TRIMMER
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.

Muffler

Spark Plug.

ON/OFF

Switch

f Throttle Lock

•.f---- Throttle
Lock-out

Primer Bulb

ON/OFF SWITCH

The ON/OFF SWITCHis used to stop the
engine. To stop the engine, move the

switch to the OFF position.
CHOKE

The CHOKEhelps to supply fuel to the
engine to aid in cold starting, Activate the
choke by moving choke lever to the de-
sired position. See STARTINGYOUREN-
GINE for complete starting information.

dI_,WARNING: 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.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

_IbWARNING: 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

_II, 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.

Included with this hedge trimmer is a

3.2 ounce container of oil. Pour the

Trigger

Choke Lever Fuel Mix Fill Cap

PRIMER BULB

The PRIMER BULB removes air from the

fuel lines and fills them with fuel. This

allows you to start the engine with few-
er pulls on the starter rope. Activate the

primer bulb by pressing it and allowing
it to return to its original form.

THROTTLE TRIGGER

The THROTTLE TRIGGERcontrols engine
speed. Squeeze the trigger for full speed

operation; release it for idle speed.
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. Acid-

ic gas can damage the fuel system of
an engine while in storage. To avoid

engine problems, empty the fuel sys-
tem before storage for 30 days or long-

er. Drain the gas tank, start the engine
and let it run until the fuel lines and car-

buretor are empty. Use fresh fuel next
season. Never use engine or carbure-
tor cleaner products in the fuel tank or
permanent damage may occur.

See the STORAGE section for additional
information.

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT POINTS

• Use the minimum throttle speed nec-
essary to effectively cut hedges for

optimal hedge trimmer performance.

• Never attempt to use this hedge trim-
mer to cut hedges that have any

branches with a diameter larger than
7/16".

OPERATING POSITION

Hearing
Protection

Protection

STOPPING YOUR ENGINE

• To stop the engine, move the ON/OFF
switch to the OFF position.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

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

• Hold the unit on the ground in the
starting position as shown. Support

unit so the blade is off of the ground
and away from trees, bushes, on-
lookers, etc,

STARTING A COLD ENGINE (or a
warm engine after running out of

fuel)

Throttle Lock

_/ Throttle

1. Move the ON/OFF switch to the ON

position,

2. Engage the throttle lock as follows:

• press the throttle lock-out;

• squeeze and hold throttle trigger;

• press and hold throttle lock;

• release the throttle trigger

NOTE: Keep the throttle lock engaged
until the engine starts.

ON OFF

Switch

3. Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.

4. Move the choke lever to the FULL
CHOKE position.

Primer Bulb Choke

_o_er

5. Pull starter rope handle sharply until
engine sounds as if it is trying to run,

but do not pull rope more than 6
times.

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

7. Pull starter rope sharply until the em
gine runs, but no more than 6 pulls.

NOTE: If the engine doesn't start af-
ter 6 pulls (at the HALF CHOKE posi-

tion), check to make sure the ON/
OFF switch is in the ON position.

Move the choke lever to the FULL
CHOKE position and press the prim-
er bulb 6 times; 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 more pulls.
If the engine still doesn't start, it is

probably flooded. Proceed to
STARTINGA FLOODED ENGINE.

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

choke lever to the OFF CHOKE posi-
tion. Allow the unit to run for 30 more

seconds at the OFF CHOKE position
before squeezing and releasing the
throttle trigger to release the throttle

lock. NOTE: If engine dies with the
choke lever in the OFF CHOKE posi-

-6-

tion, move the choke lever to the

HALFCHOKE position and pull the

rope until engine runs, but no more
than 6 pulls.

STARTING A WARM ENGINE

1. Move the ON/OFF switch to the ON
position.

2. Slowly press the primer bulb 6
times.

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

4. Engage the throttle lock as directed
in STARTING A COLD ENGINE.

NOTE: Keep the throttle lock engaged

until the engine starts.

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

6. Allow the engine to run 10 seconds,
then move choke lever to the OFF

CHOKE position.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

_k WARNING: Ensure ON/OFF switch is in the OFF position and disconnect

the spark plug before performing maintenance except for carburetor adjust

ments.

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

Replace fuel filter

7. Release the throttle lock by squeez*
ing and releasing the throttle trigger.

NOTE: If engine has not started, pull
starter rope 5 more pulls. If engine still

does not run, it is probably flooded. Pro-
ceed to STARTINGA FLOODED ENGINE.

STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE
Flooded engines can be started by

placing the ON/OFF switch in the ON
position and the choke lever in the OFF

CHOKE position and engaging the
throttle lock as directed in the START-

ING A COLD ENGINE section; then, pull
the rope to clear the engine of excess

fuel. Starting could require pulling the

starter rope many times depending on
how badly the unit is flooded.

If the unit still doesn't start, refer to the
TROUBLESHOOTINGTABLEor call
1-800-235-5878.

WHEN TO PERFORM

Before each use
Before each use

After each use
Every 5 hours of operation

Every 50 hours of operation
Yearly

Yearly

GEN ERAL RECOMMEN DATIONS

The warranty on this unit does not cov-
er items that have been subjected to

operator abuse or negligence. To re-
ceive full value from the warranty, the

operator must maintain unit as instruct-
ed in this manual. Various adjustments

will need to be made periodically to

properly maintain your unit.

CHECK FOR LOOSE

FASTENERS AND PARTS

• Spark Plug Boot

• Air Filter

• Housing Screws

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 OFF position. Make

sure engine stops; then restart engine
and continue.

• Fuel Tank - De not use unit if fuel tank

shows signs of damage or leaks.
INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT AND
LABELS

• Before and after each use, inspect

complete unit for loose or damaged

parts.

• After each use, clean the unit and la-

bels using a damp cloth with a mild

detergent.

• Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.

-7-

CLEAN AIR FILTER

Air Filter
Cover

/

Air Filter

A dirty air filter decreases engine per-
formance and increases fuel consump-
tion and harmful emissions. Always
clean after every 5 hours of operation.

1. Clean the cover and the area
around it to keep debris 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 emis-
sions, do not clean filter in gasoline 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 filter to distribute oil.

6. Replace parts.

Screw

MUFFLER AND SPARK ARRESTING
SCREEN
NOTE: THE SPARK ARRESTINGSCREEN

ONTHIS UNITIS NOTSERVICEABLE.
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 re-
placed by a Sears Service Center.

REPLACE SPARK PLUG

Replace spark plug each year to ensure
the engine starts easier and runs better.

Set spark plug gap at 0.025 inch. Ignition
timing is fixed, nonadjustable.

1. Twist, then pull off spark plug boot.

2. Remove spark plug from cylinder
and discard.

3. Replace with Champion RCJ*CY
spark plug and tighten securely with
a 3/4 inch socket wrench.

4. Reinstall the spark plug boot.

REPLACE FUEL FILTER

To replace fuel filter, drain unit by run-
ning it dry of fuel, then remove fuel cap/

retainer assembly from tank. Pull filter

from tank and remove it from the fuel

line. Install new fuel filter on fuel line;
reinstall parts.

Fuel Filter

41_WARNING: Disconnect the spark

plug before performing maintenance,

service or adjustments except for car-

buretor adjustments.

We recommend all service and adjust-
ments not listed in this manual be per-
formed by your Sears Service Center.

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT

_kWARNING: Keep others away
when making idle speed adjustments.

The blade will be moving during most
of this procedure, Wear your protective

equipment and observe all safety pre-
cautions, When making adjustments,
use a screwdriver short enough to

keep your hands behind the hand-
guard and away from the blade. After
making adjustments, the blade must
not move at idle speed.

The carburetor has been carefully set
at the factory. Adjustments may be

necessary if you notice any of the fol-
lowing conditions:

• Engine will not idle when the throttle

is released.

• The blade moves at idle.

Keep others away when making idle
speed adjustments. Make adjustments

with the unit resting on a level surface

free of debris that can be caught in the

hedge trimmer blade. Serious injury to
the operator and others can occur if the

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