Craftsman 358.799452 Operator's Manual

Operator's Manual

ICRRFTSMRN°I

4.6 Amp Motor

15 Inch Cutting Path/.065 In. Line

ELECTRIC WEEDWACKER ®

Model No.

358.799452

®

/
/

/

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; Sun, 10 am-7 pm

• 1-800-235-5878

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

530088745 10/9/00

Warranty Statement 2 Parts Available 9
Safety Rules 2 Storage 9
Assembly 5 Troubleshooting Table 10

Operation 6
Maintenance 8 Spanish 11

Service & Adjustments 9 Parts Ordering Back Cover

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ELECTRIC WEEDWACKER ®
LINE TRIMMER

If this Craftsman Electric Weedwacker '_ Line Trimmer fails to perform properly

due to a defect in material or workmanship within (1) one year from the date of
purchase, Sears will repair or replace it, free of charge.
This warranty does not cover the nylon line.
WARRANTY SE[::iVlOE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN ELECTRIC

WEEDWAOKER '_ LINE TRIMMER TO THE NEAREST SEARS STORE OR SERVICE CEN-
TER 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

all, WARNING: When using electric
gardening appliances, basic safety

precautions must always be followed
to reduce the risk of fire, electric
shock, and serious injury= Read and

follow all instructions=

/.,_j_ SAFETY INFORMATIONON THE UNIT

This power unit can be dangerous!

Operator is responsible for following
the warnings and instructions in this

manual and on the unit. Read entire
Operator's Manual before using unit!

Be thoroughly familiar with the con-

trois and the proper use of the unit.

Restrict the use of this unit to persons

who read, understand, and follow unit
and manual warnings and instruc-

tions. Never allow children to operate
this unit. Close attention is necessary

when used near children.

all, DANGER: Never use blades or
flailing devices. Unit is designed for line

trimmer use only. Use of any other ac-
cessories or attachments will increase

the risk of injury.

@©©

WARNING: Trimmer line throws

objects violently. You and others can

be blinded/injured. Wear safety

glasses, boots, and leg protection.

Keep body parts clear of rotating line.

Safety Glasses orsimilar eye protection

Boots

Keep children, bystanders, and ani-
mals 50 feet (15 meters) away. If ap-

proached stop unit immediately.

If situations occur which are not cov-
ered in this manual, use care and
good judgement. If you need assis-

tance, call 1-800-235-5878.

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

2

faceordustmaskifoperationis
dusty.Alwayswearheavy,long

pants,longsleeves,boots,and
gloves.Donotgobarefootorwear

sandals.

• Securehairaboveshoulderlength.
Secureorremovelooseclothing

andjewelryorclothingwithloosely
hangingties,straps,tassels,etc.

Theycanbecaughtinmovingparts.

• Beingfullycoveredalsohelpspro-
tectyoufromdebrisandpiecesof

toxicplantsthrownbyspinningline.

• StayAlert.Donotoperateunitwhen
youaretired,ill,orunderinfluence

ofalcohol,drugs,ormedication.
Watchwhatyouaredoing;usecom-

monsense.

• Avoidunintentionalstartingofthe
unit.Nevercarryunitwithyourfin-
gerontheswitch.Besurethe

switchisinOFFpositionwhencon-
nectingextensioncord.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

'_ WARNING: Avoid a dangerous
environment. To reduce the risk of

electrical shock, do not use in rain, in
damp or wet locations, or around

swimming pools, hot tubs, etc. Do not
expose to snow, rain, or water to avoid

the possibility of electrical shock.

• Use a voltage supply as shown on
unit.

• Avoid dangerous situations. Do not
use in the presence of flammable

liquids or gases to avoid creating a
fire or explosion and/or causing

damage to unit.

• To reduce the risk of electrical
shock, this equipment has a polar-
ized plug (one blade is wider than

the other) and will require the use of
a polarized extension cord. The ap-

pliance plug will fit into a polarized
extension cord only one way. If the

plug does not fit fully into the exten-
sion cord, reverse the plug. If the
plug still does not fit, obtain a correct

polarized extension cord. A polar-
ized extension cord will require the
use of a polarized wall outlet. This

plug will fit into the polarized wall
outlet only one way. If plug does not
fit fully into the wall outlet, reverse
the plug. If it still does not fit, contact

a qualified electrician to install the
proper wall outlet. Do not change

the equipment plug, extension cord
receptacle, or extension cord plug in

any way.

• To reduce risk of electrical shock,
use extension cords specifically

marked as suitable for outdoor ap-
pliances having electrical rating not

less than the rating of unit. Cord
must be marked with suffix "W-A" (in
Canada "W"). Make sure your exten-

sion cord is in good condition. In-
spect extension cord before use and

replace if damaged. Do not use a
damaged cord. Cord insulation

must be intact with no cracks or de-
terioration. Plug connectors must be

undamaged. An undersized exten-
sion cord will cause a drop in line

voltage resulting in loss of power
and overheating. If in doubt, use the
next heavier gauge. The lower the

gauge number, the heavier the cord

(see SELECT AN EXTENSION CORD).

Do not use multiple cords.

• Do not abuse cord. Never carry the
unit by the extension cord or yank

extension cord to disconnect unit.

• Use cord retainer to prevent discon-
nection of extension cord from unit.

See Aqq-ACH THE EXTENSION CORD
TO YOUR TRIMMER in the OPERA-
TION section.

• Do not use the unit if the switch
does not turn the unit on and off

properly. Repairs to the switch must
be made by your Sears Service

Center

• Keep the extension cord clear of op-
erator and obstacles at all times. Do

not expose cords to heat, oil, water,
or sharp edges.

• To avoid the possibility of electric
shock, avoid body contact with any

grounded conductor, such as metal
fences or pipes.

• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
(GFCI) protection should be pro-

vided on circuit or outlet to be used.

Receptacles are available having

built-in GFCI protection and may be
used for this measure of safety.

UNIT SAFETY

• Inspect unit before use. Replace
damaged parts. Make sure all han-
dles, guards, and fasteners are in

place and securely fastened. Parts
that are damaged must be repaired

or replaced by a Sears Service Cen-
ter These include head parts that
are cracked, or chipped, guards,

and any other part that is damaged.

• Do not repair unit yourself.

• Use only .065" (1.65 mm) diameter
recommended trimmer line. (See

SERVICEANDADJUSTMENTS).Nev-
erusewire,rope,string,etc.

• Usespecifiedtrimmerspool.Make
surespoolisproperlyinstalledand

allpartsaresecurelyfastened.

• UseonlyCraftsmanreplacement
partsandaccessoriesasrecom-

mended.

CUTTINGSAFETY

• Inspect area to be cut. Remove ob-
jects (rocks, broken glass, nails,

wire, string, etc.) which can be
thrown or become entangled in cut-

ting head.

• Do not overreach or stand on unsta-
ble support. Keep firm footing and

balance.

• Keep the cutting head below waist
level. Do not raise handles above

your waist. Cutting head can come
dangerously close to your body.

• Keep away from cutting head and
spinning line.

• Use unit properly. Use only for trim-
ming, edging, scalping, and mow-

ing. Do not force unit. It will do the
job better and with less risk of injury
at the rate for which it was designed.

• Use only in daylight or in good artifi-
cial light.

MAINTENANCE SAFETY

WARNING: Disconnect unit from

the power supply before performing
maintenance, or when changing trim-

mer line.

• Maintain unit according to recom-
mended procedures. Keep cutting
line at proper length. Follow instruc-

tions for changing trimmer line.

• Have all service and maintenance
not explained in this manual per-
formed by a Sears Service Center to

avoid creating a hazard.

• Never douse or squirt the unit with
water or any other liquid. Clean unit

and labels with a damp sponge.
Keep handles dry, clean, and free

from oil and grease.

• Keep the air vents clean and free of
debris to avoid overheating the mo-

tor. Clean after each use.

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

• Stop the unit and disconnect the
power source when not in use.

• Carry the unit with motor stopped.

• Store the unit so the line limiter
blade (on underside of shield) can-
not cause injury.

• Store unit indoors in a high, dry
place out of the reach of children.

Store unit unplugged.

DOUBLE INSULATION

CONSTRUCTION
This unit is double insulated to help

protect against electric shock. Double
insulation construction consists of two

separate "layers" of electrical insula-
tion instead of grounding.

Tools built with this insulation system
are not intended to be grounded. No

grounding means is provided on this
unit, nor should a means of grounding

be added to this unit.

Safety precautions must be observed
when operating any electrical tool.

The double insulation system only
provides added protection against in-
jury resulting from an internal electrical
insulation failure.

,_ WARNING: All electrical repairs
to this unit, including housing, switch,

motor, etc., must be diagnosed and
repaired by qualified service person-

nel. Replacement parts for a double
insulated appliance must be recom-
mended by the manufacturer. A

double insulated appliance is marked
with the words "double insulation" or

"double insulated." The symbol

(square within a square) [] may also
be marked on the appliance. Failure

to have the unit repaired by qualified
service personnel can cause the

double insulation construction to be-
come ineffective and result in serious

injury.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

CARTON CONTENTS
Check carton contents against the fol-

lowing list.
Model 358.799452

• Trimmer

• Shield
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.

ASSEMBLY

_WARNING: If received as-
sembled, review all assembly steps to

ensure your unit is properly as-
sembled and all fasteners are secure.

• Extend the tube until it snaps into

place.

ADJUSTING UPPER HANDLE

• Press button located on the under-

side of the upper handle and extend
handle to a comfortable position.

Button

ADJUSTING ASSIST HANDLE

1. Loosen wing nut or knob on han-

dle.

2. Rotate the handle on the tube to

an upright position; place in a
comfortable position and retighten

wing nut.

ATTACHING THE SHIELD

_,WARNING: The shield must be

properly installed. The shield provides

partial protection from the risk of
thrown objects to the operator and
others. Your unit is equipped with a

line limiter blade, which cuts excess

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

NOTE: If shield is not properly

installed, damage to unit (including

motor failure) will result.

1. Align the installation arrow on the
shield with the installation arrow on

the motor housing (see illustration
below).

2. Insert the shield onto the motor
housing. Ensure cutting line re-

mains free to rotate and is not
caught between the shield and the
motor housing.

3. Twist the shield as illustrated until
it snaps securely into place. Make
sure the shield is facing the back

of the unit as shown on the front
cover of this manual.

ALIGN INSTALLATION ARROWS

CAUTION: Sharp line limiter blade

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

UNIT. Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the loca-
tion of the various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future refer-
ence.

/ Assist Handle

Cord
Retainer

Trigger Button Motor Housing
Switch J

Air Vents

Edge Guide

Semi-automatic

Twist and Edge
Button

RECESSED PLUG

The RECESSED PLUG is where you at-
tach your extension cord to the unit.

TRIGGER SWITCH

The TRIGGER SWITCH is used to turn
on the unit. Squeeze the trigger switch

to operate the unit.

LINE LIMITER

The LINE LIMITER cuts the cutting line
to the proper cutting length.

ASSIST HANDLE

The ASSIST HANDLE is used to help
hold and guide the unit.

HANDLE BUTTON

The HANDLE BUTTON is used to adjust
the upper handle to a comfortable op-

erating position.

.065" line

. Tap Button

_ Line Limiter Blade

SEMI-AUTOMATIC HEAD

The SEMI-AUTOMATIC HEAD holds the
cutting line and rotates during opera-

tion.

TWIST AND EDGE BUTTON

The TWIST AND EDGE BUTTON is used
to twist the lower portion of the unit

into an edging position.

EDGE GUIDE

The EDGE GUIDE protects the unit
from contacting the ground during

edging.

TAP BUTTON

The TAP BUTTON is used to advance
the cutting line during operation and to

remove the spool during line replace-
ment.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Use only a voltage supply as specified

on your unit.

SELECT AN EXTENSION CORD

Extension Cord Gauge Chart

Length of Cord Gauge

25 Ft. (7.5 m) 18 Gauge
50 Ft. (15 m) 16 Gauge

100 Ft. (30 m) 16 Gauge

ATTACH THE EXTENSION
CORD TO YOUR TRIMMER

Loop your extension cord through the
handle and around the hook. Insure

the plug and cord are firmly and fully
engaged.

Extension cords are available for this

unit at Sears

6

CORRECTOPERATINGPOSITION

Trimming Edging

A

,i_ WARNING: Always wear eye
protection. Never lean over the trim-

mer head. Rocks or debris can rico-
chet or be thrown into eyes and face

and cause blindness or other serious
injury.

When operating unit, stand as shown Edging
and check for the following:

• Wear eye protection and heavy
clothing.

• Hold trigger handle with right hand
and assist handle with left hand.

• Keep unit below waist level.

• Cut from your right to your left to en-
sure debris is thrown away from you.

Without bending over, keep line near
and parallel to the ground (perpen-

dicular when edging) and not
crowded into material being cut.

ADVANCING THE CUTTING LINE
Advance line by tapping bottom of cut-

ting head lightly on the ground while
unit is running at full speed. A metal

blade attached to the shield will cut
the line to the proper length.

TRIMMING

Hold the bottom of the trimmer head Scalping

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.

EDGING POSITION

You can press this button and twist
the lower portion 180" into an edging

position.

Bu_on

EDGING

While edging allow tile tip of the line to

make contact. Do not force the line.

The edge guard helps protect the unit
and keeps the unit from contacting the

ground. Take extra caution while edg-

ing as objects can be thrown from the

trimmer line.

SCALPING

The scalping technique removes un-
wanted vegetation. Hold the bottom of

the trimmer head about 3 in. (8 cm)
above the ground and at an angle. Al-

low the tip of the line to strike the

ground around trees, posts, monu-

ments, etc. This technique increases
line wear.

/

Trimming

3 in, (8 cm)
Above Ground

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.

7

Mowing //

SWEEPING

The fanning action of the rotating line
can be used for a quick and easy
clean up. Keep the line parallel to and

above the surfaces being swept and

move the tool from side to side.

/

Sweeping

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

_, WARNING: Disconnect power source before performing maintenance.

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

GENERAL RECOMMEN DATIONS

The warranty on this unit does not
cover items that have been subjected
to operator abuse or negligence. To

receive full value from the warranty,
the operator must maintain unit as

instructed in this manual. Various ad-
justments will need to be made peri-

odically to properly maintain your unit.
BEFORE EACH USE
CHECK FOR LOOSE

FASTENERS AND PARTS

• Housing Screws

• Assist Handle Screws

• Debris Shield

• Edge Guide

CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR

WORN PARTS

Contact Sears Service Center for re-
placement of damaged or worn parts.

• Trigger Switch - Ensure switch func-
tions properly by pressing and re-

leasing the trigger switch. Make sure
motor stops.

• Debris Shield - Discontinue use of
unit if debris shield is damaged.

AFTER EACH USE

INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT AND LA-

BELS

• After each use, inspect complete
unit for loose or damaged parts.

Clean the unit using a damp cloth
with a mild detergent.

• Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.

REPLACINGTHELINE
1, Removethespoolbyfirmlypulling

onthetapbutton.

2, Cleanentire surface of hub and

spool.

3. Replace with a pre-wound spool
(# 71-85837), or cut a length of 30

feet of .065" (1.6 mm) diameter

Craftsman _)Pro Trimmer line. Use
of heavier lines could overload the

unit and damage unit. Never use

wire, rope, string, etc., which can

break off and become a danger-
ous missile.

4. Insert one end of the line about 1/2

inch (1 cm) into the small hole in-

side the spool.

5. Wind the line evenly and tightly
onto the spool. Wind in the direc-

tion of the arrow found on the 5.

spool.

6. Push the line into the notch, leav-
ing 3 to 5 inches (7 - 12 cm) un-

wound.

7. Insert the line into the exit hole in

the hub as shown in the illustra-
tion.

USER REPLACEABLE SERVICE PARTS

8. Align the notch with the line exit
hole.

9. Push the spool into the hub until it
snaps into place.

10. Pull on the line extending outside
the hub to release it from the

notch; otherwise, the unit will not
function properly.

Small

Spool

Button

Line in
Notch

Line exit hole

REPLACEMENT PART PART NUMBER
Spool with .065" Pro Trimmer Line 71-85837

Assist Handle 530402657

Bolt Carriage, 1/4-20 530401989

Wing Nut 530016118

Shield Assy. 530402673
Edge Guide 530402661
Screw, 10-16 X 1/2 H!-LO SEMS 530015815

A

41 WARNING: Perform the following
steps after each use.

• Stop the unit and disconnect the
power source when not in use.

• Carry the unit with motor stopped.

• Store the unit so the line limiter
blade cannot cause injury.

• Store unit and extension cord in-
doors in a high, dry place out of the

reach of children. Store unit un-
plugged.

• Store unit with all guards in place.
Position unit so that any sharp ob-

ject cannot accidentally cause injury.

TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE

,_WARNING: Always stop unit and disconnect from tile power source before

performing all of the recommended remedies below except remedies that re-

quire unit to be operating.

TROUBLE CAUSE REMEDY

Semi-automatic 1. Crowding trimmer line 1. Allow tip of line to do the cutting.
head stops against material being

under a Ioad or cut.
does not turn 2. Electrical failure. 2. Contact your Sears Service Center.

when switch is 3. Thrown circuit breaker. 3. Check Breaker Box.
pressed. 4. Debris stopping head. 4. Remove debris.

Line does not 1. Line improperly routed 1. Check line routing.
advance or in head.

breaks while 2. Line improperly 2. Rewind line tightly and evenly.
cutting, wound onto spool.

3. Incorrect line size 3. Use only .065 in. (1.65mm) dia. line.

4. Not enough line 4. Remove cover and pull 4 in.
outside of head. (10 cm) of line out of head.

5. Dirt buildup on unit. 5. Clean unit.

Line welds onto 1. Line size is incorrect. 1. Use only .065 in. (1.65mm) dia. line.
spool. 2. Incorrect spool. 2. Replace with correct spool.

3. Line is being crowded 3. Cut with tip of line fully extended.
against material being

cut.

Line releases 1. Line improperly 1. Check line routing.
continuously, routed in head.

2. Spool damaged. 2. Replace spool.

Line usage is 1. Line improperly routed 1. Check line routing.

excessive, in head.

2. Line size is incorrect. 2. Replace spool.

3. Crowding line against 3. Cut with tip of line fully extended.
material being cut.

4. Spool worn or damaged. 4. Replace spool.

Line pulls back 1. Too little line outside 1. Remove cover and pull 4 in.
into head. of head. (10 cm) of line outside of head.

2. Line size incorrect. 2. Use only .065 in. (1.65 mm) dia. line.

10