Craftsman 358796370 Owner’s Manual

Instruction Manual

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

Model No.

358.796370 - 18" Blade

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts List

• Espa_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 /.oars listed are Central Time)

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

530163860 2/24/03

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 HEDGE TRIMMER TO THE NEAREST SEARS STORE OR SERVICE CENTER INTHE 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: THISPOWER 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

4re.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 ],

Glasses

Blades move I Allow blades to stop

-_. momentarily I before removing

...._._"._'_ after the them from the cut.

_,,1"_/_ trigger is I -_._:_

• 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.

WARNING:

Bladescanthrow 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:

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.

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• 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 358.796370

• Hedge Trimmer

• 2-Cycle Engine Oil

• Gloves

• Hedge Rake

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.

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KNOW YOUR HEDGE TRIMMER

READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUALANDSAFETY RULESBEFORE OPERATINGYOUR 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 (

ON/OFF

Switch

f Throttle Lock

Lock-out

Primer Bulb

ON/OFF SWITCH The ON/OFF SWITCH 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 STARTINGYOUREN- GINEfor complete starting information.

_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

_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 THROTTLETRIGGERcontrols 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.

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 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

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

J Throttle

Throttle Trigger

Lock-out

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,

OFF

Switch

3. Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.

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

Pnmer Bulb Choke

__O er

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 HALFCHOKE 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 HALFCHOKE 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

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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

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

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 STARTINGA FLOODEDENGINE.

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 ACOLD 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.

WHEN TO PERFORM

Before each use Before each use

After each use

Every 5 hours of operation Every 50 hours of operation

Yearly Yearly

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS 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 - 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.

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• 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

_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

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.

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