Craftsman 74826 User Manual

Operator's Manual

I CRRFTglVlRN°I

12 AMP Motor

220 MPH/360 CFM

VARIABLE SPEED

ELECTRIC BLOWERNACUUM

Model No.

358.748260

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espar_ol, p 12

FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY

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

7am-Tpm, Mon.-Sat., or 10am-Tpm, Sun.

• 1-800-235-5878 /HoorslistedareCentraITime)

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

530165697 9/12/06

Warranty Statement 2 Parts Available 11
Safety Rules 2 Storage 11

Assembly 5 Troubleshooting Table 11
Operation 8

Maintenance 10 Spanish 12
Service & Adjustments 10 Parts Ordering Back Cover

TWO YEAR FULL WARRANTY ON SEARS CRAFTSMAN ELECTRIC BLOWER
When used and maintained according to the operator's manual, ifthis product fails

due to a defect in material or workmanship within two years from the date of pur-
chase, return it to any Sears store or other Craftsman outlet in the United States for

free replacement.
This warranty applies for only 30 days from purchase date if this product is used

for commercial or rental purposes.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.

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

IMPORTANT WARNINGS AND

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

AWARNING:

When using electric gardening appliances, basic safety precautions should always
be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and serious injury. The warnings

and safety instructions in this manual must be followed to reduce the risk of fire, elec-
tric shock, or injury, and to provide reasonable safety and efficiency in using this unit.
The operator is responsible for following the warnings and instructions in this manual

and on the unit. Read the entire operator's manual before assembling and using the
unit! Restrict the use of this unit to persons who read, understand, and follow the

warnings and instructions in this manual and on the unit. Never allow children to use
this unit. Do not allow the unit to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when

used near children. Always disconnect unit from power source before servicing,
cleaning, performing maintenance, or storing. Nonconforming replacement compo-

nents or the removal of safety devices may cause damage to the unit and possible
injury to the operator or bystanders. Use only accessories and replacement parts as
recommended. Use only for jobs explained in this manual.

OPERATOR SAFETY • Dress safely in long pants. Do not go

• Always wear safety glasses or similar
eye protection when operating, servic-

ing, or performing maintenance on
your unit. Wearing eye protection can

help to prevent rocks or debris from
being blown or ricocheting into eyes

and face which can result in blindness
or serious injury.

• Always wear a respirator or face mask
when working with the unit in dusty

environments.

barefoot or wear short pants or san-

dals.

• Do not operate the unit when you are
tired, ill, upset, or if you are under the

influence of alcohol, drugs, or medica-

tion.

• Secure hair so it is above shoulder

length. Keep loose hair, loose cloth-
ing, fingers, and all other parts of the

body away from openings and mov-
ing parts. Hair, jewelry, loose cloth-

ing, or clothing with loosely hanging
straps, ties, tassels, etc., can be
caught in moving parts.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

AWARNING:

Avoid a dangerous environment. To re-
duce 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.

Do not use on wet surfaces. Do not

handle extension cord plug or unit with
wet hands. Avoid dangerous situations.

Do not use in the presence of flam-

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

age to unit. Do not abuse cord. Never
carry the unit by the extension cord or

yank extension cord to disconnect unit.
To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.

Do not use cord as a handle, close a
door on cord, or pull cord around sharp
edges or corners. Turn off all controls

before unplugging. Do not expose cords
to heat, oil, or water. Do not use with

damaged cord or plug. If unit is not
working as it should, has been dropped,

damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into
water, return it to your Sears Service
Center for repair. Unplug the unit from

the power source when not in use, be-
fore servicing, cleaning, performing

maintenance, or storing. Do not put any
object into openings. Do not use with

any opening blocked; keep free of dust,
lint, hair and anything that may reduce

air flow.

• Use only a voltage supply as shown

on the nameplate of the unit.

• Avoid dangerous environments. Do

not use in unventilated areas or where
dust or explosive vapors can build up.

• To reduce the risk of electrical shock,

this unit has a polarized plug (one
blade is wider than the other) and will
require the use of a polarized exten-

sion cord. The appliance plug will fit
into a polarized extension cord only

one way. If the plug does not fit fully
into the extension cord, reverse the

plug. If the plug still does not fit, obtain
a correct polarized extension cord. A

polarized 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 out-
let. Do not change the equipment
plug, extension cord receptacle, or ex-

tension cord plug in any way.

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

marked as suitable for outdoor ap-
pliances. The electrical rating of the

cord must not be less than the rating
of the unit. The cord must be marked

with the suffix '_#V-A"(in Canada, "W").

Make sure your extension cord is in

good condition. Inspect extension cord

before use and replace if damaged.

An undersized extension cord will
cause a drop in line voltage resulting

in loss of power and overheating. If in

doubt, use the next heavier gauge.
The smaller the gauge number, the

heavier the cord. (NOTE: The correct

size to be used depending on the cord

length is shown in this manual. See

SELECT AN EXTENSION CORD in the
ASSEMBLY section).

• Do not use multiple cords.

• Keep the extension cord clear of oper-

ator and obstacles at all times.

• Tie cord to cord retainer and connect

to recessed plug as shown in this

manual to prevent damage to unit and/

or extension cord and to reduce the

possibility of the extension cord dis-

connecting from the unit during opera-
tion.

• Do not attempt to repair unit. Inspect

the insulation and connectors on the

unit and extension cord before each
use. If there is any damage, do not

use until damage is repaired by your
Sears Service Center.

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

Have the unit repaired by your Sears

Service Center.

• Avoid accidental starting. Be sure the

switch is in the OFF position and keep
your hand and fingers away from the

switch while connecting the unit to the

power source or when carrying a unit

connected to the power source.

• Avoid any body contact with any

grounded conductor, such as metal
fences, or pipes, to avoid the possibil-

ity of electric shock.

• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
protection should be provided on the

circuit or outlet to be used for this unit.

Receptacles are available having built-
in GFCI protection and may be used

for this measure of safety.

• Stop the motor immediately if you are

approached.

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 and appliances built with a
double insulation system are not in-
tended to be grounded, No grounding
means is provided on this unit, nor

should a means of grounding be add-
ed to this unit, As a result, the exten-

sion cord used with your unit can be
plugged into any standard 120 volt
electrical outlet. Safety precautions

must be observed when operating any
electrical tool. The double insulation

system only provides added protection
against injury resulting from an internal

electrical insulation failure.

, ILWARNING:

All electrical repairs to this unit, including
housing, switch, motor, etc., must be

diagnosed and repaired by qualified ser-
vice personnel. Replacement parts for a

double insulated appliance must be
identical to the parts they replace. 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 Sears service
personnel can cause the double insula-

tion construction to become ineffective
and result in serious injury.

UNIT/MAINTENANCE SAFETY

• Do not set the unit on any surface ex-

cept a clean, hard area while the unit
is running. Debris such as gravel,

sand, dust, grass, etc., could be
picked up by the air intake and thrown
out through the discharge opening,

damaging the unit, property, or caus-
ing serious injury to bystanders or op-

erator.

• Do not overreach or use from unstable

surfaces such as ladders, trees, steep
slopes, rooftops, etc. Use extra care

when cleaning on stairways. Keep
firm footing and balance at all times.
Keep hands out of tubes.

• Inspect the entire unit before each use

for worn, loose, missing, or damaged
parts. Do not use until the unit is in

proper working order.

• This unit is double insulated. See the

DOUBLE INSULATION CONSTRUCTION
section. Have all internal service per-

formed by qualified service repair per-
sonnel to avoid creating a hazard or

voiding your warranty.

• Have all maintenance other than the
recommended procedures described

in the operator's manual performed by

your Sears Service Center.

• Always see your Sears Service Center

to replace a damaged impeller. Parts
that are chipped, cracked, broken, or

damaged in any other way can fly
apart and cause serious injury. Re-

place damaged parts before using the
unit.

• Never place any object in the air in-

take opening as this could restrict

proper air flow and cause damage to

the unit.

• Never douse the unit with water or

other liquids or squirt with a water

hose. Clean the unit using a damp

cloth. Wipe off with a clean dry cloth.
See MAINTENANCE.

• Check air intake openings and tubes

frequently, always with the unit
stopped and power source discon-

nected. Keep vents and tubes free of

debris which can accumulate and re-
strict proper air flow.

• Do not burn, incinerate, or expose this
unit to extreme heat.

• Store the unit unplugged in a high,

cool, dry, indoor area out of the reach
of children.

• Use only recommended attachments

and replacement parts to avoid creat-

ing a hazard and/or voiding warranty.

• Maintain the unit according to recom-
mended procedures.

BLOWER SAFETY

• Use only in daylight or in good artificial
light.

• Inspect the area before using 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 opera-
tion.

• Never run the unit without the proper

equipment attached. When used as a

blower, always install a blower tube.
Use only recommended attachments.

• To avoid spreading fire, do not use
blower near leaf or brush fires, fire-

places, barbecue pits, ashtrays, etc.

• Never place objects inside the blower

tubes; always direct the blowing debris
away from people, animals, glass, and

solid objects such as trees, automo-

biles, walls, etc. The force of air can

cause rocks, dirt, or sticks to be
thrown or to ricochet which can hurt

peopleoranimals,breakglass,or
causeotherdamage.

• Neveruseforspreadingchemicals,
fertilizers,oranyothersubstances

whichmaycontaintoxicmaterials.

VACUUM SAFETY

• Stop the motor and disconnect the
power source before opening the air
inlet door or attempting to insert or re-

move the vacuum tubes. The motor
must be stopped and the impeller

blades no longer turning to avoid seri-
ous injury from the rotating blades.

• Hard objects can be thrown through
the collection bag or the housing and

become dangerous missiles which
can cause serious injury to the opera-

tor or others.

• When using the vacuum attachment,
the unit is designed to pick up dry ma-
terial such as leaves, grass, small

twigs, and bits of paper. Do not vacu-
um stones, gravel, metal, broken
glass, etc., to avoid severe damage to
the impeller. To avoid the possibility of

electrical shock, do not attempt to vac-
uum water or other liquids.

• Never run the unit without the proper
equipment attached. When used as a

vacuum, always install vacuum tubes
and collection bag assembly. Make

sure the collection bag assembly is
completely zipped when unit is running

to avoid flying debris. Use only recom-
mended attachments.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

• Avoid situations which could set the
collection bag on fire. Do not vacuum

discarded matches, cigars, cigarettes,
or ash from fireplaces, barbecue pits,

brush piles, etc. To avoid spreading

fire, do not use blower near leaf or

brush fires, fireplaces, barbecue pits,

ashtrays, etc.

• Always use the collection bag shoul-
der strap when vacuuming to avoid

loss of control.

• Check air intake openings, elbow tube,
and vacuum tubes frequently, always

with the unit stopped and the power
source disconnected. Keep vents and

tubes free of debris which can accu-

mulate and restrict proper air flow. Do
not use with any opening blocked,

Keep free of dust, lint, hair and any-

thing that may reduce air flow.

CAUTION: To avoid causing damage to

the unit, DO NOT attempt to use the vari-

able speed control during vacuum use.

STANDARDS

This product is listed by Underwriters

Laboratories, Inc., in accordance with
UL Standard 1017.

If situations occur which are not covered
in this manual, use care and good judg-

ment. If you need assistance, contact

your Sears Service Center or call

1-800-235-5878. Failure to follow all
Safety Rules and Precautions can result
in serious injury.

CARTON CONTENTS
Model 358.748260

• Blower

• Blower Tube

• 2 Vacuum Tubes

• Elbow Tube

• Collection Bag
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.

_L, WARNING: Stop the unit and
disconnect from the power source be-
fore opening the inlet cover or attempt-

ing to insert or remove the inlet restrictor,
blower tube, or vacuum tubes. The mo-

tor must be stopped and the impeller
blades no longer turning to avoid serious
injury from the rotating blades.

,tDI,WARNING: If received as-

sembled, ensure your unit is properly
assembled and all fasteners are secure.

• A standard screwdriver is required for
assembly.

BLOWER ASSEMBLY
NOTE: Assembly instructions for using

your unit as a vacuum follow this sec-
tion.

Attaching the blower tube

If you have already assembled your
unit for use as a vacuum, refer to the

section HOW TO CONVERT UNiT FROM
VACUUM USE TO BLOWER USE.
To attach blower tube:

1. Align the grooves on the blower

tube with the grooves on the blower
outlet.

2. Pushtheblowertubeontothe
bloweroutletuntilitsnapsinto

place(tubeissecuredbyredtube
releasebutton).

3.Toremovetheblowertube,pressthe

tubereleasebuttonwhilepullingon

tube.

{/_Tube ReleaseButton

\('_'_, b,// Blower Tube

_w_ er outlet

VACUUM ASSEMBLY

NOTE: Assembly instructions for using

your unit as a blower are explained in
the previous section.

If you have already assembled your unit
for use as a blower, remove the blower
tube.

CAUTION: To avoid causing damage to
the unit, DO NOT attempt to use the vari-
able speed control during vacuum use.

Remove the inlet restrietor
An inlet restrictor is used when using

your unit as a blower. This restrictor is
not used during vacuum use and must

be removed during assembly for vacu-
um use.

NOTE: Be sure to keep the inlet re-
strictor for using your unit as a blower.

1. Ensure unit is stopped and extension
cord is unplugged.

2. Open the inlet cover by inserting
the tip of a screwdriver into the

latch area on the blower unit. Gent-
ly tilt handle of screwdriver toward

the front of the unit to release the

latch while pulling up on the vacu-
um inlet cover with your other hand.

Bottom view _ Latch Area

Vacuum

}

Inlet
Restdctor

Attaching the vacuum tubes
There are 2 vacuum tubes, an upper

tube and a lower tube. The upper tube

has a vacuum assist handle attached

to one end and is cut straight on both

ends. The upper tube attaches to the
blower unit. The lower tube has an

angled end that you point toward the
ground during vacuum use. The lower

tube attaches to the upper tube.

1. Ensure unit is stopped and exten-
sion cord is unplugged.

2. While holding inlet cover open, place
the hooks of the vacuum assist han-

dle on the retaining posts of the unit.

3. Raise the tube until it is secured to
the blower unit by the red inlet cover

latch.

_k vUaPuPermV,_cuiutHTUn°cte

!_._ Retaining Post

4. To attach the lower vacuum tube to
the upper vacuum tube, first align

the arrows on the two tubes. Then,
press the two tubes together until

the lower tube is securely seated in
the upper tube (about 3 inches).

z_._4 Upper Tube Lower Tube

Vacuum Inlet Cover (closed)

Impelle Latch Area

Vacuum' nlet Cover (opened)

3. Turn the inlet restrictor counterclock-
wise and remove it from the unit. Do

not close the inlet door. You will next

attach the vacuum tubes.

it arrowsoeuppe

d,owertubes

COLLECTION BAG ASSEMBLY

1. Open the zipper on the collection
bag and insert the elbow tube.

2. Push the small end of the elbow
tube through the small opening in

the bag.

NOTE: Make sure edge of the small
opening is flush against the flared area

of the elbow tube and the hole for the

tube release button is on top.

6

ElbowTube Tube

Release
Button

Hole

Zipper _1

Opening Opening

3. Close the zipper on the bag. Make
sure the zipper is closed complete-

ly.

4. Align the grooves on the elbow
tube with the grooves on the blower

outlet.

5. Push the elbow tube onto the blow-
er outlet until it snaps into place (el-

bow tube is secured by red tube re-
lease button).

ADJUSTING THE SHOULDER STRAP
ON THE COLLECTION BAG

1. Carefully loop the shoulder strap
through the buckle as shown in the

illustration below.

Last Int_

2. Position the unit on your right-hand
side, blower outlet and bag pointing

toward the rear. Hold the unit in an

upright position with the lower vacu-
um tube on the ground to support it.

3. Place the shoulder strap over your

head and onto your left shoulder.

4. Adjust the strap to allow a free flow
of air from the blower. If the collec-

tion bag is kinked, the unit will not
operate properly.

NOTE: The strap is designed to posi-

tion the collection bag on your shoulder
without kinks. The strap is not intended

to support the weight of the unit.

Shoulder strap
on left shoulder

No

allows free

HOW TO CONVERT UNIT FROM

VACUUM USE TO BLOWER USE

1. Stop unit and unplug the extension
cord.

2. Remove the vacuum tubes by insert-
ing the tip of a screwdriver into the

latch area on the vacuum assist han-
dle. Gently tilt handle of screwdriver

toward the front of the unit to release
the latch while pulling up on the vac-

uum assist handle with your other
hand.

Latch Area

3. Install the inlet restrictor that was
removed when assembling for vac-

uum use.

NOTE: If you are unable to locate the
inlet restrictor, the unit will still operate.

This restrictor improves the blower
function.

4. Remove the collection bag.

5. Close the inlet cover and make
sure it is latched closed.

6. Re-install the blower tube. Refer to
Aqq-AOHtNGTHE BLOWER TUBE for

instructions on how to attach this
item.

SELECT AN EXTENSION CORD

Use only a 120 A.C. voltage supply as

shown on nameplate of the unit to

power your blower.

The extension cord used to reach the

power source must be:

• Specifically marked as suitable for out-

door use. The cord must be marked
with the suffix WV-A" (in Canada "W")=

• Heavy enough to carry full current

from the power source to the unit.

Otherwise, loss of power and over-
heating can occur causing damage to

unit. Refer to table for minimum wire

gauge recommendations. The cord

must be marked with the proper wire
gauge. (Appropriate extension cords
are available.) Do not use multiple

cords.

• In good condition. Cord insulation
must be intact with no cracks or

deterioration. Plug connectors must be

undamaged. DO NOT use multiple

cords.

7