Craftsman 358.7958 User Manual

Operator's Manual

J€:RAFTSMA#°J

32cc/1.9 cu.in. 2-Cycle

GASOLINE BRUSHWAOKER ®

Model No.

358.795800

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts List

• Espar_ol, p. 22

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 (Hours listed are Central Time)

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

530164363 9/12/06

Warranty Statement 2 Storage 16
Safety Rules 2 Troubleshooting Table 17
Assembly 5 Emissions Statement 18

Operation 9 Parts List 20
Maintenance 13 Spanish 22
Service & Adjustments 15 Parts and Ordering Back Cover

TWO YEAR FULL WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ® GAS BRUSHWACKER ®
When used and maintained according to the operator's manual, if this product fails

due to a defect in material or workmanship within two years from the date of pur-
chase, return it to any Sears store, Sears Service Center, or other Craftsman outlet in
the United States for free repair (or replacement if repair proves impossible).

This warranty excludes cutting line, blade, spark plug and air filter, which are ex-
pendable 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_______
dt_WARNING: When using gar-

dening appliances, basic safety pre-
cautions must always be followed to

reduce the risk of fire and serious
injury.

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 operator's
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,

INSTRUCTION SAFETY INFORMATION
MANUAL ON THE UNIT

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 use:

• Hearing protection

• Eye protection

• Head protection

ALWAYS WEAR:

Eye _

Protection

119

• • Leg Guards
Boots _

'_kWARNING: 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.

2

Hazard Zone

I,l

_WARNING: Do not use trimmer
head as a fastening device for the

blade.

,_WARNING: 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 ifop-
eration is dusty.

• Always wear hea W, long pants, long
sleeves, boots, and gloves. Wearing

safety leg guards is recommended.

• Always wear foot protection. 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

A0&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 _'R'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.

• Neverstartenginewithclutch
shroudremoved.Theclutchcanfly

offandcauseseriousinjury.

• Besurebladeortrimmerheadstops
turningwhenengineidles.

• Makecarburetoradjustmentswith
thelowerendsupportedtoprevent
bladeortrimmerlinefromcontacting

anyobject.Holdunitbyhand;donot
usetheshoulderstrapforsupport.

• Keepothersawaywhenmakingcar-
buretoradustments.

• UseonlyrecommendedCraftsman'!:'
accessoriesandreplacementparts.

• Haveallmaintenanceandservicenot
explainedinthismanualperformedby

yourSearsServiceCenter.

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 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 car 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 tile 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
shaft.

• Store unit out of reach of children.

This unit is not equipped with an anti-
vibration system and is intended for

occasional use only.
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

responsibleformaintainingtheoperat-
ingconditionoftheseparts.Failureto

dosoisaviolationofthelaw.Fornor-
malhomeowneruse,themufflerand
sparkarrestingscreenwillnotrequire

anyservice.After50hoursofuse,we

recommendthatyourmufflerbeser-
vicedorreplacedbyyourSearsService

Center.

CARTONCONTENTS
Checkcartoncontentsagainstthefol-

lowinglist.

Model358.795800

• Brushcutter

• Cuppedwasher

• Largenutforinstallingblades

• Hexwrench

• Handlebar

• Bracketcover

• Bracketcoverscrews(2)

• Metalbladeshield

• Bladeshieldscrews(4)

• 4-Pointweedblade

• 8-Pointweedblade

• Plasticshield

• Wingnut(screwedontoshield)

• Trimmerhead(assembledonunit)

• Shoulderstrapwithwarning

• Containerofline

• Containerofoil
Examinepartsfordamage.Donot

usedamagedparts.

NOTE:Ifyouneedassistanceorfind

partsmissingordamaged,call

1-800-235-5878.
Itisnormalforthefuelfiltertorattlein

theemptyfueltank.

Findingfueloroilresidueonmuffleris

normalduetocarburetoradjustments
andtestingdonebythemanufacturer.

ASSEMBLY
_WARNING:Alwaysstopunit

anddisconnectsparkplugbeforeper-
forminganyassemblyprocedures.

WARNING:Ifreceivedas-

sembled,repeatallstepstoensure
yourunitisproperlyassembledandall

fastenersaresecure.
TOOLSREQUIRED

• HexWrench(provided)

• AdjustableWrench

• PhillipsScrewdriver

ATTACHINGTHEHANDLEBAR

DANGER:Toavoidseriousinju-

ry,thebarrierportionofthehandlebar
mustbeinstalledasshowntoprovidea

barrierbetweenoperatorandthespin-

ningblade.

1. Locatethedecalonthehandlebar.
Thisdecalincludesanarrow.Posi-

tionthehandlebarwiththemount-
ingbracketattheendofthearrow.

2. Positionthebracketcoveroverthe
handlebar.Againmakesurethe

handlebarisattheendofthearrow.

3. Insertscrewsandhandtighten
only.Besurethehandlebaris
installedcorrectly;then,tighten

eachscrewsecurelywiththehex

wrench.

--_ Handlebar•_ Screw

£-_-__Cover

Mounting_ "_'_"_._
Bracket-

ASSEMBLYOFSHOULDER STRAP

'_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 itto 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: It may be necessary to relo-
cate the shoulder strap clamp on the
shaft for proper balancing of unit.

TO RELOCATE SHOULDER STRAP

CLAMP:

1. Loosen and remove both clamp
screws.

2. Place the upper shoulder strap
clamp over the shaft.

3. Position the lower shoulder strap
clamp under the shaft and align

the upper and lower clamp screw

holes.

CONFIGURING YOUR UNIT
You can configure your unit using a cut-

ting 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.

ASSEMBLY INFORMATION -
TRIMMER HEAD

Upper Shoulder

Clamp

Lower Shoulder l
Strap Clamp

Screws

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
below

waist

30 inches

4 -12
inches

above
ground

I

30 i

::_ TRIMMER

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 screwdriver.

Remove both washers and blade. To
remove metal shield, loosen and re-
move the four mounting screws. See

ATTACHING THE METAL SHIELD and

INSTALLATIONOF THE 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.

Screwier _

3. Whileholdingthescrewdriverin
position,threadtrimmerheadonto

theshaftbyturningcounterclock-

wise. Only tighten hand tight!

.,t,_-- Gearbox

I

_ Dust Cup

i_).,=_ Retaining

Cutting Head I

4. Remove the screwdriver.

ATTACHING THE PLASTIC 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 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.

Washer

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 iNSTALLATION OF THE CUq-i-ING

HEAD and 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

,_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 shaft.

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

, Gearbox

Shield

s_earbox_

ASSEMBLY INFORMATION - WEED

BLADES

_WEED

BLADES

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

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

_, 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.
,_;_,WARNING: 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

7

shownbelow.Failuretouseproper
partscancausethebladetoflyoffand

seriouslyhurtyouorothers.

NOTE:Thedustcupandretaining

washerarelocatedonthegearbox
shaftandnotinthepartsbag.Allother
fastenersmentionedinthefollowingas-

semblystepsareinthepartsbag.

1. Removetheretainingwasherfrom
thethreadedshaftofthegearbox.

Leavethedustcupontheshaft.

2. Installthebladeandtheretaining

washeroverthethreadedshaft.

3. Makesuretheraisedpartofthe
retainingwasherisfacingthe

gearboxandtheraisedareafits

intotheholeinthecenterofthe
blade.

4. Slidethebladeandretainingwash-
erontotheshaftofthegearbox.
NOTE:Wheninstalling8-point

weedblade,ensuresideofblade
withdecalisfacinggearboxand

pointsofbladewillrotatecounter-
clockwise(seeillustration).

8-POINT BLADE
DECAL SIDE OF

BLADE MUST
FACE GEARBOX

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.

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 _

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.

Shield

Retaining
Washer _

Cupped

Washer

Gearbox

Dust Cup

de

_ Nut

KNOW YOUR BRUSHWACKER
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.

Trimmer Handlebar

Head

Shaft

Line Umiter
Blade

Starter Handle

Blade

Throttle
Trigger

Choke Lever

ON/OFF SWITCH
The ON/OFF SWITCH is used to stop the
engine. Move the switch to the OFF

position to stop the engine.

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

_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 8.2
ounce container of oil. Pour the entire

ON/OFF
Switch

Primer Bulb

Muffler

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 FULL CHOKE 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 CHOKE position.

contents of this container into 1 gallon
of gasoline to achieve the proper fuel

mixture. DO NOT USE automotive oil or

marine oil. These oils will cause en-
gine damage. When mixing fuel, fol-

low 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

orlonger.Drainthegastank,startthe
engineandletitrununtilthefuellines

andcarburetorareempty.Usefresh

fuelnextseason.

Neveruseengineorcarburetorclean-
erproductsinthefueltankorperma-
nentdamagemayoccur.

SeetheSTORAGEsectionforaddition-
alinformation.

HOWTO STOP YOUR UNIT

• To stop the engine, move the ON/

OFF switch to the OFF position.

• If engine does not stop, move choke

lever to FULL CHOKE position.

ON/OFF

Throttle Trigger _ _.

HOW TO START YOUR UNIT
_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,@ ,J;'_

c_;artingPosition

t&j @

Choke

PLever

Primer Bulb

Muffler

1. Set unit on a flat surface.

2. Move ON/OFF switch to the ON

position.

3. Slowly press the primer bulb 6

times.

4. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE

by aligning lever with position
shown on decal (see following

illustration).

Choke
position

decal

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

6. Pull starter rope handle sharply
until engine sounds as if it is trying

to start, but do not pull rope more
than 6 times.

7. 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).

Choke
position

decal

8. Pull starter rope sharply until engine
runs, but no more than 6 pulls. 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
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
STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE.

9. Once the engine starts, allow it to
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 CHOKE before releasing the

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

CHOKE position, move the choke le-
ver to the HALF CHOKE position and

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

lO

Choke
position

decal

STARTING A WARM ENGINE

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

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

3. Squeeze and hold the throttle trig-
ger. Keep throttle trigger fully

squeezed until the engine runs
smoothly.

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

5. Allow engine to run 15 seconds,

then move the choke lever to the

OFF CHOKE position.

NOTE: If engine has not 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 TROUBLESHOOT-

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

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
To maximize operating efficiency, do

not run the engine for longer than 1
minute at a time at full throttle.

OPERATING POSITION

ALWAYS WEAR: _ Eye Protection

Long Pa__'_/t_ 1

Cut only from your left to your right,

When operating unit, clip shoulder
strap onto clamp, stand as shown and

check for the following:

• Wear hearing protection, eye protec-
tion, head protection and heavy clo-

thing.

• Extend your left arm and hold 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, keep the
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

A0&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.

• Move ON/OFF switch to the OFF
position.

_L, WARNING: 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 serious 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=

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Tip of line does the

Right

Line crowded into

w°r_t_

Wrong

• 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 inches (8 cm)

above the ground and at an angle. Al-
low only the tip of the line to make

contact with vegetation. Do not force
trimmer line into work area.

Trimming

3 inches (8 err
above ground

SCALPING - The scalping technique
removes unwanted vegetation down to

the ground. Hold the bottom of the trim-
mer head about 3 inches (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 technique 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

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