Craftsman 358796354 Owner’s Manual

Instruction Manual

25cc/1.5 cu. in. 2-Cycle GASOLINE HEDGE TRIMMER

Model No.

358.796354 - 22" Blade

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

Maintenance Parts List

Espar_ol

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.

530165300-01 6/1/04

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 Ciaflsmarl 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 IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE HEDGE TRIMMER 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

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 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

_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.

_' B!ots

Safety

Glasses

Blades move Allow blades to stop

_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.

after the them from the cut.

trigger is.

WARNING:

Blades can throw objectsviolently.

• You can be blinded orinjured.

• Wear safety glasses.

WARNING: Hazard zone forthrown objects

• Blades can throw objects violently.

• Others can be blinded or injured.

• Keep peopleand animals 30 feet (10 m)away.

WARNING:

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

_i 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.

• Be 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 C[aftsman 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 358.796354

• Hedge Trimmer

• Scabbard

• 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.

KNOW YOUR HEDGE TRIMMER

READ THIS iNSTRUCTiON MANUALAND 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 Pill 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.

OPERATINGINSTRUCTIONS

It is recommended that the engine not be operated for longer than 30

seconds at full throttle. Releasing

the trigger and allowing the engine to briefly return to idle speed (5 - 10 sec-

onds) 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

CHOKE position.

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, itis 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 isflooded.

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 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.

• Aftereachuse,cleantheunitandla- belsusingadampclothwithamild detergent.

• Wipeoffunitwithacleandrycloth.

CLEANAIR 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.

INSPECT MUFFLER AND SPARK AR-

RESTING SCREEN

_&WARNING: The muffler on this product contains chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer.

Screw

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 itfrom the fuel line. Install new fuel filter on fuel line;

reinstall parts.

Fuel Filter

4I_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 Aid,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. Keep others

away when making idle speed adjust- ments.

-8-

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 carburetor

is not properly adjusted. Keep all parts of your body away from the blade and muffler.

Idle Speed Adjustment Allow engine to idle. Adjust speed until

engine runs without blade moving (idle too fast) or engine stalling (idle speed

too slow).

• Turn idle speed screw clockwise to increase engine speed if engine

stalls or dies.

• Turn idle speed screw counterclock- wise to decrease engine speed if the

blade moves at idle.

_WARNING: Recheck the idle speed after each adjustment. The

blade must not move at idle speed to avoid serious injury to the operator or

others.

If you require further assistance or are

unsure about performing this proce- dure, contact your Sears Service Cen-

ter or call our customer assistance help line at 1-800-235-5878.

Idle Speed Screw

It _WARNING: Perform the following

steps after each use:

• Allow engine to cool, and secure the unit before storing or transporting.

• Store unit and fuel in a well ventilated area where fuel vapors cannot reach

sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches,

furnaces, etc.

• Store unit with all guards in place. Position unit so that any sharp object cannot accidentally cause injury.

• Store unit and fuel well out of the reach of children.

SEASONAL STORAGE

Prepare unit for storage at end of sea- son or if it will not be used for 30 days

or more.

If your unit is to be stored for a period

of time:

• Clean the entire unit.

• Store in a clean dry area.

• Clean all parts and check for damage= Have damaged parts repaired or re- placed by your Sears Service Center.

• Lightly oil external metal surfaces, in- cluding the blade.

To oil the blade:

• Stop the engine and allow blade to come to a complete stop.

• Ensure ON/OFF switch is in the OFF position.

• Disconnect the spark plug wire.

• Apply a light machine oil along the edge of the top strap as shown=

FUEL SYSTEM

Under FUELING ENGINE in the OPERA-

TION section of this manual, see mes- sage labeled IMPORTANT regarding

the use of gasohol in your engine.

Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alterna-

tive in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabi-

lizer to gasoline in fuel tank or fuel stor- age container. Follow the mix instructions

found on stabilizer container. Run engine at least 5 minutes after adding stabilizer. Craftsman 40:1,2-cycle engine oil (air

cooled) is already blended with fuel stabilizer. If you do not use this Sears oil, you can add a fuel stabilizer to your

fuel tank=

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