Craftsman 358798461 Owner’s Manual

__S Operator's Manual

CRAFTSMRN

32cc 2-Cycle Engine

18 Inch Cutting Path / .080 In. Line

GASOLINE BRUSHWACKER _

Model No.

358.798461

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating

DANGER:

Instructions before first use of this product.

i_) For answers to your questions about this product:

Call 7 am-7 pm, Mon-Sat; Sun, 10 arn-7 pm

• 1-800-235-5878

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 USA

530-084336 05/06/96

Warranty Statement 2 Storage 17 Safety Rules 2 TroubleshootingChart 18

Assembly 5 Parts List 19 Operation 9

Maintenance 13 Spanish 22 Service & Adjustments 14 Parts and Ordering Back

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN BRUSHWACKER ®

GAS POWERED BLADED TRIMMER.

For one year from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman Gas Powered

Brushwacker is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the Operator's Manual, Sears will repair, free of

charge, any defect il_ materials or workmanship.

This warranty excludes the blade, nylon line, spark plug, anci air filter, which are

expendable parts and become worn during normal use.

If this Brushwacker is used for commercial purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase. If this Brushwacker 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 in use in the United States.

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE BRUSHWACKER' TO THE NEAREST SEARS 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/817 WA Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

DANGER: This power tool can be

dangerous! This unit can cause serious

injuryincludingamputation or blindness to the operator and others. The warn-

ings and safety instructionsin this man-

ual must be followed to provide reason- able safety and efficiency in using the

unit.The operator is responsible for fol-

lowing the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the unit. Read the

entire Operator's Manual before assem-

bling and using the unit! Restrict the use

of this unit to persons who read, under- stand, and follow the wamings and in-

structionsin this manual and on the unit.

Never allow children to use this unit.

WarningDecal Z_

on Tube __f

WARNING: Follow all wamings and

instructions. Failure to do so can result

in serious injury.

SAFETY NOTICE Exposure to vibrations through pro-

longed use of gasoline powered hand tools could cause blood vessel or

nerve damage in the fingers, hands, and joints of people prone to cimula-

tion disorders or abnormal swellings.

Prolonged use in cold weather has been linked to blood vessel damage in otherwise healthy people. If symptoms occur such as numbness, pain, loss of strength, change in skin color or tex-

ture, or loss of feeling in the fingers, hands orjoints, discontinue the use of

this tool and seek medical attention. An anti-vibration system does not

guarantee the avoidance of these problems. Users Who operate power tools on a continual and regular basis

must monitor closely their physical condition and the condition of this tool.

DANGER: Blade can thrust violently away from material it fails to cut. Blade

thrust can result in amputation of arms

or legs. Keep people and animals 50

feet (15 meters) away.

Blade

Coasts

Stop coasting blade by contact with cut

material.

ALWAYS WEAR

_ EyeProtection

THROWN OBJECTS

II Leg

II I Guards

_ Boots

WARNING: Trimmer line can throw

objects violently. You can be blinded or injured. Wear eye and leg protection.

Hazard Zone

WARNING: 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.

WARNING: Do not use trimmer head as a fastening device for the blade.

WARNING: The blade continues to spin (coast) after the throttle is re-

leased or engine is tumed off. The coasting blade can throw objects or seriously cut you if accidentally touched. Stop blade by contacting the

left-hand side of coasting blade with material already cut.

OPERATOR SAFETY

• Dress properly. Always wear safety

glasses or similar eye protection

when operating, or performing main- tenance on your unit. (Safety glasses

are available.) Always wear face or dust mask ifoperation is dusty. Al-

ways wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves. 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 pro- tect you from debris and pieces of

toxic plants thrown by spinning line.

• Stay Alert. Do not operate unit when you are tired, ill, or under influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication. Watch

what you are doing; use common sense.

• Wear hearing protectionif you use unit

for more than 1-1/2 hours per day.

• Never start or run the engine inside a

closed room or building. Breathing

exhaust fumes can kill.

• Keep handles free from oil and fuel.

° Always use the handlebar and a

properly adjusted shoulder strap with a blade. See "Assembly."

UNIT/MAINTENANCE SAFETY

• Look for and replace damaged or loose parts before each use. Look for and repair fuel leaks before use. Keep the unitin 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 the unit according to recom- mended procedures. Keep the blade

sharp. Keep the cutting line at the proper length.

• Use only .080" (2 mm) diameter Craftsman © Pro Trimmer brand line.

Never use wire, rope, string, etc.

• Installthe required shield properly be-

fore 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.

• Never start engine with clutch shroud

removed. The clutch can fly off and cause serious injury.

• Be sure blade or trimmer head stops

turning when engine idles.

• Disconnect the spark plug before

performing maintenance (except car- buretor adjustments).

• Make carburetor adjustments with the lower end supported to prevent

the blade or trimmer line from con-

tacting any object. Hold the unit by hand; do not use the shoulder strap

for support.

• Keep others away when making car-

buretor adjustments.

• Use only recommended Sears ac-

cessories and replacement parts.

• Have all maintenance and service not

explained in this manual performed by your Sears Service Center.

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.

• Wipe up all fuel spills before starting engine.

• Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from fueling site before starting engine.

• Stop engine and allow it to cool be- fore removing fuel cap.

• Empty the fuel tank before storing the unit. Use up fuel left in the carbu-

retor by starting the engine and let-

ting it run until it stops.

• Store unit and fuel in an area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or

open flames from water heaters, elec- tric motors or switches, furnaces, etc.

CUTTING SAFETY

• Inspect the area to be cut before each use. Remove objects (rocks,

broken glass, nails, wire, string, etc.) which can be thrown or become en-

tangled inthe blade or trimmer head.

• Keep others including children, ani- mals, bystanders, and helpers at

least 50 feet (15 meters) away. Stop

the engine immediately if you are ap-

proached.

• Always keep engine on 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 the engine above your

waist.

• Keep all parts of your body away from blade, trimmer head, and muf-

fler when engine is running.

• Cut from your right to your left.

• Use only for jobs explained in this

manual.

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

• Stop the unit before carrying.

• Keep muffler away from your body.

• Allow engine to cool and secure unit

before storing or transporting 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 and fuel in an area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or

openflamesfromwaterheaters,elec- tricmotorsor switches,fumaces,etc.

• Store unit so the blade or line limiter

cannot accidentally cause injury. The unit can be hung by the tube.

• Store unit out of reach of children.

CARTON CONTENTS Check carton contents against the fol-

lowing list. Model: 358.798461

• Brushwacker

* 2 handle bar screws

• 4 Blade shield screws

• 1 Cupped washer

• 1 large nut for installing blade

• 1 long hex key (wrench)

• 1 short hex key (wrench)

• 1 upper handlebar_over bracket

• 1 Shield for use with blades

• 1 Shield for use with trimmer head

• 1 semi-automatic trimmer head

• 1 shoulder strap with warning

• 1 weed blade

• 1 handlebar

• 1 container of oil

ACTUAL SIZE HARDWARE

Screw Blade Handlebar

Shield Screw

Finding fuel or oil residue on muffler is normal due to carburetor adjustments and testing done by the manufacturer.

ASSEMBLY WARNING: If received assembled,

repeat all steps to ensure your unit is properly assembled and all fasteners

are secure.

TOOLS REQUIRED

In addition to the 2 hex key wrenches provided with your unit, you will need an adjustable wrench, or large pliers, and a Phillips screwdriver.

ATTACHING THE HANDLEBAR WARNING: The handlebar must be

installed as shown to provide a barrier between operator and spinning blade.

• Align the handlebar with the straight

barrier portion to the left and the curved portion to the right as shown.

• Position the short, straight section of

the handlebar in the mounting block.

• Place cover on top of the handlebar.

Attach cover to the mounting block with 2 screws; finger tighten only.

• Pivot the handlebar forward or back-

ward to a comfortable position.

• Be sure the handlebar is installed

correctly; then, tighten each screw securely with the large hex wrench.

Curved Grip Screws

Portion _. //.d_

Large nut for

installing

Blade

Cupped Washer

Examine parts for damage. Do not use damaged parts.

NOTE: If you need assistance or find parts missing or damaged, call

1-800-235-5878.

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

1_ _'_' "_--------"_SCi_:t r

._,'_-'_._ Str "g

Mounting

ATTACHING SHOULDER STRAP

WARNING: Proper shoulder strap and handlebar adjustments before starting the engine are required.

• Try on shoulder strap and adjust for fit

and balance before startingthe engine or beginning a cuttingoperation.

F _on

• Insert your nght arm and head through the shoulder strap and allow it to 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.

• Adjust the strap, allowing the hook to be about 6 inches below the waist.

• Fasten the strap hook to the clamp located between the foam grip and

the mounting block and lift the tool to the operating position.

CONFIGURING YOUR UNIT

You can configure your unit using a cutting head for grass and light weeds, or a weed blade for cutting heavy

weeds and similar size material. Go to the section for the desired

configuration and follow the instruc- tions for assembling your unit.

TRIMMER

HEAD

TRIMMER HEAD

ATTACHING THE PLASTIC SHIELD AND TRIMMER HEAD

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 limiter which cuts

excess line to the proper length. The line limiter (on underside of shield) is sharp and can cut you.

• Remove wing nut from shield.

• Insert bracket into slot on shield.

• Pivot shield until bolt passes through hole in bracket.

• Tighten the wing nut securely.

• If your unit has a plastic cover over the threads on the threaded shaft, remove the coveting to expose threads.

• Make sure the dust cup and retaining washer are positioned on the gear-

box as shown below, before instal- ling the trimmer head.

BLADE

WEED

ASSEMBLY INFORMATION FOR USING YOUR UNIT WITH A TRIMMER HEAD

NOTE: If your unit has been as- sembled for weed blade use, refer to the section "ASSEMBLY INFORMATION

FOR USING YOUR UNIT WITH A WEED BLADE" and reverse the steps to re-

move the metal shield and blade be- fore you mount the plastic shield and

trimmer head.

Bracket

Slot

Gearbox

Shield

Wing Nut

DustCup

RetainingWasher _j

NOTE: Make sure all parts are proper-

ly installed as illustrated in the illustra- tion before installing the trimmer head.

• Align hole in the dust cup with the hole in the side of the gearbox by ro-

tating the dust cup.

• Insert a small screwdriver into aligned holes. This will keep the

shaft fromturning whiletightening thetrimmer head.

Screwdriver

• While holding the screwdriver in posi- tion, thread the trimmer head onto the

shaft and tighten until secure.

NOTE: The retaining washer must be positioned with the raised section fac-

ing toward the gearbox.

ASSEMBLY INFORMATION FOR

USING YOUR UNIT WITH A

WEED BLADE.

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

• Insert the 4 mounting screws through the bottom of the shield. Thread

them into the gearbox. Tighten even- ly and securely with one of the hex key wrenches provided.

Shiel6_, Gearb°x

Mounting Screws

_IIN WEED

NOTE: If your unit has been as- sembled for trimmer head use, refer to

the section "ATTACHING THE PLASTIC

SHIELD AND TRIMMER HEAD" and re- verse the steps to remove the plastic

shield and trimmer head before you

mount the metal shield and blade. Store these parts for future use. Never

use the trimmer head with the metal blade installed.

ASSEMBLY OF THE METAL SHIELD

DANGER: The metal shield must be

properly installed on the tool anytime the tool is used with the blade. The for-

ward top of the metal shield helps to

reduce the occurrence of blade thrust

BLADE

ASSEMBLY OF THE METAL BLADE WARNING: Do not use any blades,

or fastening hardware other than the washers and nuts illustrated in the fol-

lowing illustrations. These parts must be provided by Sears, and installed as shown below. Failure to use proper

parts can cause the blade to fly off and. seriously hurt you or others.

NOTE: The dust cup and retaining washer are located on the gearbox

and not in the parts bag. It may be

necessary to remove a plastic protec- tive covering from the threaded shaft

before removing the retaining washer.

• Remove the retainer washer from the gearbox, and leave the dust cup on

the gearbox.

which can cause serious injury such as amputation to the operator or by

standers, Failure to install the shield in the position shown can result in seri-

ous injury to the operator. The length of the shield must be aligned with the

length of the tube. The blade is sharp and can cut you. Be sure to wear

gloves while working with blades.

• "Ifyour unit has a plastic cover over

the threads on the threaded shaft,

remove the covering to expose the

threads.

Retaining

Dust Cup _(______..,J"_"

• Install the blade over the threaded

shaft extending from the gearbox be- tween the dust cup and the retaining washer. Make sure the raised part of the retaining washer is facing the

gearbox, and the raised area fits into the hole in the center of the blade.

• Slide the blade and retaining washer onto the shaft of the gearbox.

Washer

• Now place the cupped washer onto

the shaft. Make sure the cupped side of the washer is toward the blade.

• Install the blade nut by threading onto the shaft counterclockwise.

_ Threaded _

._D_DustCup _ Shaft

Reatsa_nerng_l" _ _

co,,ed

Washer Nut j

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.

• Align hole in the dust cup with the

hole in the side of the gearbox by ro-

tating the blade.

• Insert a small screwdriver into

aligned holes. This will keep the shaft from turning while tightening

the blade nut.

Screwdriver

•"l]ghten blade nut firmly witl_ a wrench while holding screwdriver in position.

• Remove the screwdriver.

• Tum blade by hand. If the blade binds against the shield, or appears to be uneven, the blade is not centered, and you must reinstall the blade.

NOTE: To remove the blade, insert screwdriver into the aligned holes. Un-

thread the nut and remove parts. Be

sure to store parts and instructions for

future use.

KNOW YOUR BRUSHWACKER

READ THIS OPERATOR'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

UNIT.Compare the illustrationswith your unit to familiarize yourself with the locationof

the various controlsand adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

On/Stop Switch

Starter

Throttle Grip Handle

-_ Choke

Handlebar

Primer Bulb

Shield

ON/STOP SWITCH The On/Stop switch is located on the

engine and is used to stop the engine.

Push the switch to the stop position to

stop the unit.

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

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

This engine is certified to operate on

unleaded gasoline. Before operation,

gasoline must be mixed with a good

quality 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil.

We recommend Craftsman brand 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). DO NOT USE automotive oil

or boat oil. These oils will cause

engine damage. When mixing fuel,

follow instructions printed on container.

the primer bulb by pressing it and al- lowing it to return to its original form. CHOKE

The choke helps to supply fuel to the carburetor during starting. This allows you to start a cold engine. Activate the

choke by moving the choke lever to the

Full pos'_on. After engine has started, move the choke to the Off position.

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

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 clean-

er products inthe fuel tank or perma- nent damage may occur.

See the STORAGE section for addi-

tional information.

STOPPINGYOURENGINE

• Move the On/Stop switch to the STOP position.

• If engine does not stop, move choke to the Full Choke position.

On/Stop Switch

STARTING YOUR ENGINE

COLD ENGINE OR WARM ENGINE

AFTER RUNNING OUT OF FUEL WARNING: The blade or trimmer

head will turn while starting the engine.

Avoid any contact with the muffler. A

hot muffler can cause serious burns.

• Rest engine and shield on ground, supporting trimmer head off ground.

• Move the switch to the On position.

• Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.

• Move choke to Full Choke position.

Starter Choke

Handle_-_

• Allow the engine to run 10 seconds, then move the choke lever to Off

Choke. Allow the unit to run for 30 more seconds at Off Choke before

releasing the throttle trigger.

STARTING A WARM ENGINE

• Move the switch to the on position,

and choke to Half Choke position.

• Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger.

Keep throttle trigger fully squeezed until the engine runs smoothly.

• Pull starter rope sharply until engine

runs, but no more than 5 pulls.

• Allow engine to run 15 seconds, then

move the choke lever to Off Choke.

NOTE: If engine has not started, pull starter rope 5 more pulls. If engine still does not run, it is probably flooded.

DIFFICULT STARTING OR 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 the

TROUBLESHOOTING chart or call

1-800-235-5878.

Throttle Trigger Primer Bulb

• Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger.

• Pull starter rope sharply 5 times.

• Move the choke to the Half Choke

position.

• Continue to hold throttle trigger; pull starter rope sharply until engine runs, but no more than 6 pulls.

NOTE: If the engine has not started

after 6 pulls (at half choke), check to make sure the choke lever is in the

proper position. Then, move the choke 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 Half Choke and pull the

starter rope until the engine runs, but

no more than 6 more pulls. If the en- gine still has not started, it is probably

flooded. Proceed to "Starting a Flooded Engine."

OPERATING POSITION

Operating

Position

Right Hand on

Throttle Grip

• Left arm extended with hand holding the handlebar grip.

• Right hand on throttle grip with fin-

gers on throttle trigger.

• Engine below waist level.

• Shoulder strap pad centered on left

shoulder, danger sign centered on

your back.

• Full weight of unit on left shoulder.

• Without operator bending over, the

blade or semi-automatic head is near

and parallel to the ground and easily

contacts material to be cut.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

FOR USE WITH TRIMMER HEAD

Bring the engine to cutting speed be- fore entering the material to be cut.

Do not run 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.

If the trimmer head does not turn when

the engine is in operation, make sure the drive shaft housing is properly seated in engine shroud.

Always release the throttle trigger and allow the engine to return to idle speed

when not cutting. To stop engine:

• Release the throttle trigger.

• Push and hold down the momentary switch until the engine has stopped completely.

ADVANCING THE TRIMMER LINE

The trimmer line will advance approxi-

mately 2 in. (5 cm) each time bottom of trimmer head is tapped on the ground with the engine running at full throttle.

The most efficient line length is the

maximum length allowed by the line

limiter. Always keep the shield in place when

the tool is being operated. To Advance Line:

• Operate the engine at full throttle.

• Hold the trimmer head parallel to and

above the grassy area.

• Tap the bottom of the trimmer head

lightly on the ground one time. Ap- proximately 2 in. (5 cm) of line will be

advanced with each tap. A blade on

the shield will cut the line to the cor-

rect length.

Always tap the trimmer head on a grassy area. Tapping on surfaces such as concrete or asphalt can cause ex-

cessive wear to the trimmer head.

If the line is wom down to 2 in. (5 cm) or less, more than one tap will be required to obtain the most efficient line length.

WARNING: Use only .080" (2 mm) diameter line. Other sizes of line will

not advance properly and can cause serious injury. Do not use other materi- als such as wire, string, rope, etc. Wire can break off during cutting and be-

come a dangerous missile that can cause serious injury.

CUTTING METHODS

WARNING: Use minimum speed and do not crowd the Finewhen cutting

around hard objects (rock, gravel, fence posts, etc.), which can damage the trim-

mer head, become entangled in the Fine, or be thrown causing a serious hazard.

• The tip of the line does the cutting. You will achieve best performance and minimum line wear by not crowding the line into the cutting area. The right and wrong ways are shown below.

Tipof the Line Does The Cutting

Right

• 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. To help avoid dam- age especially to delicate vegetation

or trees with tender bark, shorten line to 4-5 in. (10-13 cm) and use at less

than full throttle.

• 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.

WARNING: Always wear eye protec- tion. 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.

Line Crowded Into

Work Area

:i"!':::::

Wrong

TRIMMING - Hold the bottom of the trimmer head about 3 in. (8 cm) above the ground and at an angle. Allow only

the tip of the line to make contact. Do not force trimmer line into work area.

Trimming

3 ibnov(8(_rmo)un_;__.._;_i' _ t_

SCALPING - The scalping technique removes unwanted vegetation. Hold the

bottom of the trimmer head about 3 in.

(8 cm) above the ground and at an an- gle. 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 ,. -....

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

FOR USE WITH WEED BLADE

• Blade Thrust is a reaction that only

occurs when using a blade. This re- action can cause serious injury such as amputation. Carefully study this section. It is important that you un-

derstand what causes blade thrust, how you can reduce the chance of

its occurring, and how you can re- main in control of the unit if blade

thrust occurs.

• WHAT CAUSES BLADE THRUST Blade Thrust can occur when the spin-

ning 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 wam-

ing if the blade snags, stalls, or binds. This is more likely to occur in

areas where it is difficult to see the material being cut. By using the unit

properly, the occurrence of blade thrust will be reduced and the opera- tor will be less likely to lose control.

SWEEPING - The fanning action ofthe rotating line can be used for a quick and

easy clean up. Keep the line parallelto and above the surfaces being swept and move the tool from side to side.

Sweeping

• Cut only grass and weeds up to 1/2 inch in diameter with the weed blade.

Do not let the blade contact material itcannot cut such as stumps, rocks,

fences, metal, etc., or clusters of

hard, woody brush having a diameter greater than 1/2 inch.

• Keep the blade sharp. A dull blade i_ more likely to snag and thrust.

• Cut only at full throttle. The blade will have maximum cutting power and is less likely to bind or stall.

• "Feed" the blade deliberately and not too rapidly. The blade can thrust

away if it is fed too rapidly.

* Cut only from your right to your left.

Swinging the unit in the same direc-

tion as the blade spins increases the cutting action.

• Use the shoulder strap and keep a firm grip on the unit with both hands.

A properly adjusted shoulder strap will support the weight of the unit, freeing your arms and hands to con- trol and guide the cutting motion.

• Keep feet comfortably spread apart

and braced for a possible sudden, rapid thrust of unit. Do not overreach. Keep firm footing and balance.

• Keep blade below waist level; it will be easier to maintain control of unit.

• Do not raise the engine above your waist as the blade can come danger- ously close to your body.

• Do not swing the unit with such force that you are in danger of losing your

balance.

Bring the engine to cutting speed be-

fore entering the material to be cut.

If the blade does not tum when you squeeze throttle trigger, make sure drive

shaft tube is fully inserted into engine. Always release the throttle trigger and

allow engine to return to idle speed when not cutting. The blade should not turn while the engine is running at idle.

If the blade turns at idle, do not use

your unit. Refer to the Carburetor ad- justment section or contact your Sears

Service Center.

• Maintain firm footing while using the unit. Firmly plant feet comfortably apart.

• Cut while swinging the upper part of your body from right to left.

• As you move forward to the next area to cut, be sure to maintain your

balance and footing.

10o'clock

Cut using the 8 o'clock to 10 o'clock the blade

WARNING: To avoid serious injury,the

operator or others must not try to clear away cut material with the engine run-

ning or the blade tuming. Stop engine and blade before removing materials

wrapped around the blade or tube.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

CARE & MAINTENANCE TASK

Check for Loose fasteners and parts Check for damaged or worn parts

Clean unit and labels

Clean air filter Inspect and clean spark arrestor

Replace spark plug

GENERALRECOMMENDATIONS

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

propedy maintain your unit.

WHEN TO PERFORM

Before each use Before each use

After each use

Every 5 hours of operation Every 25 hours of operation

Yearly

CHECK FOR LOOSE

FASTENERS AND PARTS

• Spark Plug Boot

• Air Filter

• Housing Screws

• Assist Handle Screws

• Shield

+ 30 hidden pages