Operator's Manual
ICRRFTgMRN°I
25cc/1.5 cu. in. 2-Cycle
GASOLINE HEDGE TRIMMER
Model No.
358.795792 - 19" Blade
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Parts List
• Espar_ol, p. 15
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 (Hours listed are Central Time)
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
545001468 9/12/06
WarrantyStatement 2 Storage 9
SafetyRules 2 TroubleshootingTable 10
Assembly 4 EmissionsStatement 11
Operation 5 PartsList 13
Maintenance 7 Spanish 15
Service&Adjustments 8 PartsandOrdering BackCover
ONEYEARFULLWARRANTYONCRAFTSMAN®GASOLINEHEDGETRIMMER
Whenusedandmaintainedaccordingtotheoperator'smanual,ifthisproductfails
duetoadefectinmaterialorworkmanshipwithinoneyearfromthedateofpur-
chase,returnittoanySearsstore,SearsServiceCenter,orotherCraftsmanoutletin
theUnitedStatesforfreerepair(orreplacementifrepairprovesimpossible).
Thiswarrantyexcludes spark plug, air filter and blades, which are expendable
parts that can wear out from normal use in less than one year.
This warranty applies for only 30 days from purchase date 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
A
DANGER: THIS POWER TOOL CAN
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 operator's 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
_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.
-2-
Safety Boots
Glasses
_releasedmOmentarily before removing
• 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.
t
Blades move Allow blades to stop
after the them from the cut.
trigger is.
WARNING:
Blades can throw objects violently.
• You can be blinded or injured.
• Wear safety glasses.
WARNING:
Hazard zone for thrown objects
• Blades can throw objects violently.
• Others can be blinded or injured.
• Keep people and animals 30 feet
(10 m) away.
WARNING:
u
Blades move momentarily after the
trigger is released.
• The blades can seriously cut you or
others.
• Allow blades to stop before
removing them from the cut.
OPERATE YOUR UNIT SAFELY
DANGER: 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
_WARNING: Disconnect spark
plug before performing maintenance
except for carburetor adjustments.
• Have all maintenance and service
not explained in this manual per-
formed by a Sears Service Center.
• 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 358.795792
• 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
READ THIS OPERATOR'S 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.
Muffler
Spark Plug _.
Hand Guard _- _ Throttle
ON/OFF
Switch
,_/Throttle Lock
Lock-out
Primer Bulb
ON/OFF SWITCH
The ON/OFFSWITCH is used to stop the
engine. To stop the engine, move the
switch to the OFF position.
CHOKE
The CHOKE helps to supply fuel to the
engine to aid in cold starting. Activate the
choke by moving choke lever to the de-
sired position. See STARTING YOUR EN-
GINE for complete starting information.
ItlWARNING: 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
_WARNING: 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.
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 THROqq-LETRIGGER controls 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 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.
See the STORAGE section for additional
information.
-5-
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
To maximize operating efficiency, do
not run the engine for longer than 30
seconds at a time at full throttle.
Releasing the trigger and allowing the
engine to briefly return to idle speed
(5-10 seconds) will be sufficient.
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
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.
Protection
TL-.:/',,
,I_S/
STARTING A COLD ENGINE (or a
warm engine after running out of
fuel)
Throttle Lock
X Throttle
Lock-out
/ ,
Throttle
Trigger
1 /
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
3. Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.
4. Move the choke lever to the FULL
CHOKE position.
Primer Bulb Choke
Pull starter rope handle sharply until
engine sounds as if it is trying to run,
but do not pull rope more than 6
times.
Move the choke lever to the HALF
6,
CHOKE position.
7.
Pull starter rope sharply until the en-
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
STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE.
Once the engine starts, allow it to
run 10 seconds, then move the
Lever
chokelevertotheOFFCHOKEposi-
tion.Allowtheunittorunfor30more
secondsattheOFFCHOKEposition
beforesqueezingandreleasingthe
throttletriggertoreleasethethrottle
lock.NOTE:Ifenginedieswiththe
chokeleverintheOFFCHOKEposi-
tion,movethechokelevertothe
HALFCHOKEpositionandpullthe
ropeuntilengineruns,butnomore
than6pulls.
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.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
_t 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 WHEN TO PERFORM
Check for loose fasteners and parts Before each use
Check for damaged or worn parts Before each use
Inspect and clean unit and labels After each use
Clean air filter Every 5 hours of operation
Inspect muffler and spark arresting screen Every 50 hours of operation
Replace spark plug Yearly
Replace fuel filter Yearly
GENERAL 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
6. Allow the engine to run 10 seconds,
then move choke lever to the OFF
CHOKE position.
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 STARTING A 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
TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE or call
1-800-235-5878.
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 - Do not use unit iffuel 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.
-7-
• 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.
CLEAN AIR FILTER
Air Filter
Cover
Air Filter
Screw
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.
INSPECT MUFFLER AND SPARK AR-
RESTING SCREEN
_.WARNING: The muffler on this
product contains chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer.
As the unit is used, carbon deposits
build up on the muffler and spark ar-
resting screen. For normal homeowner
use, however, the muffler and spark ar-
resting screen will not require any ser-
vice. After 50 hours of use, we recom-
mend that your muffler and spark ar-
resting screen be serviced or replaced
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-6Y
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
Fuel Line
_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
,_WARNING: Keep others away
when making idle speed adjustments.
The blade will be moving during most
ofthis 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.
-8-