Craftsman 90074528 Owner’s Manual

Instruction Manual

14" WEEDWACKER ELECTRIC
DUAL LINE TRIMMER

Mod_-I 74R:_R

& CAUTION:

Before using this product,
read this manual and follow

all its Safety Rules and
Operating Instructions.

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

www.sears.comlcraftsman

Form No. 581180-02 Rev 1 FEB. ' 04 Printed in Czech Republic

• Safety

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts List

• Espafiol, p. 12

idr=11_l_l=l__!_1_'[-=]_ _F_,_e]-._I_I

Main Handle -

Secondary Handle - 5

Handle Knob -

Adj. Knob - 7 -----

Head - 9

Spool Housing -

Cable Storage Hooks - $

Guard - 10 Line Trimming Blade - 11

Cable Restraint - 3

Line Storage Pouch - 14

Storage Position _ 16

Jbe - 15

Line - 13

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TRIMMER

If this Craftsmanproductfailsdue to a defect in materialor workmanshipwithinone
yearfrom the date of purchase,returnit to your nearestSears store or Craftsman
outletto have itreplacedfree of charge.
Thiswarrantyappliesonlywhilethistrimmer/ edger is usedinthe UnitedStates.
Thiswarrantygivesyou specificlegal rights,and you may atsohave otherrightswhich
varyfrom state tostate.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Dept. 817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

I-4

Iger Lever - 1

Heavy Duty

_ _ Line Cassette - 25

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

TO REDUCE RISK OF INJURY:

• Beforeanyuse,besureeveryoneusing
thistoolreadsand understandsallsafety
instructionsand otherinformation
containedin thismanual.

• Savetheseinstructionsandreview
frequentlypriortouse and ininstructing

others.

. ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION -

Wear safetyspectaclesor gogglesat
all timeswhenthis tool ispluggedin.

- GUARD - Do not use thistoolwithout

guard attached.

• DRESS PROPERLY - Do notwear

loose clothingor jewelry.They can be
caught in movingparts. Rubbergloves

and substantialrubbersoledfootwear
are recommendedwhen working

outdoors.Don'toperate the toolwhen

&WARNING: When usingelectric

gardeningappliances,basic safety
precautionsshouldalwaysbefollowed

toreduce riskoffire,electricshock,and
personalinjury,includingthefollowing:

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS.

barefoot or wearingopen sandals.

Wear long pantsto protect your legs.

Wear protectivehaircoveringto contain

longhair.
NYLON LINE - Keep face, hands and

feet clear of rotatingnylonlineat all
times.

THE ROTATING LINE PERFORMS A
CUTTING FUNCTION - Use care

when trimmingaroundscreensand

desirable plantings.

• KEEP ALL BY-STANDERS AWAY -At
a safe distancefromwork area,

especiallychildren.

• IMPORTANT - When being usedas an

Edger,stones,pieces ofmetal and
otherobjectscan be thrownout at high

speed by the line. The toolandguard
are designedto reducethe danger.

However,the following special
precautionsshouldbe taken:

• MAKE SURE thatother personsand
petsare at least 100 feet away.

• TO REDUCE THE RISK of rebound
(ricochet)injury,work goingaway from
any nearby solidobject suchas wall
steps, large stone,tree, etc.Use great

carewhen workingcloseto solidobjects
and where necessary,do edgingor
trimmingby hand.

• AVOID ACCIDENTALLY STARTING -

Don'tcarry plugged-intool withfinger on

trigger.

• DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL -At a rate
faster than the rate at whichitis ableto
cut effectively.

• USE THE RIGHT TOOL - Do not usa
this toolfor anyjob exceptthat for

whichit is intended.

• DON'T OVERREACH - Keep proper

footingand balance at all times.

• DON'T ABUSE CORD - Don'tyank

cord from powersupply.Keep cordfrom
heat, oil, and sharpedges.

• DAMAGE TO UNIT - Ifyou strikeor

become entangledwitha foreign object,
stoptool immediately,unplug,checkfor

damage and have anydamage repaired
beforefurther operationis attempted.
Do not operatewitha brokenhubor

spool.

• DAMAGE TO CORD - Keep power

cordaway from rotatingline. If you
damage the cord,unplugitfrom the
powersupplybeforemovingthe toolor

examiningthe damage. A damaged cord
must be replaced beforefurther use.

• DISCONNECT TOOL- When not in
use, when replacing line, or priorto

cleaning.

• AVOID DANGEROUS
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS - Do

not useelectrictoolsindamporwet
locations. Followall instructionsinthis

InstructionManualfor properoperation
ofyourtool.Don'tuse the toolin therain.

- DO NOT OPERATE portableelectric

tools in gaseousor explosive
atmospheres. Motors inthese tools

normally spark, and the sparks might
ignite fumes.

• STORE IDLE TOOLS INDOORS -
When not in use,toolsshouldbestored

indoorsina dry, locked-upplace outof
reach ofchildren.

• GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT
INTERRUPTER (GFCI) protection
shouldbe providedon the circuitsor

outletsto be used for the gardening
appliance.Receptaclesare available
havingbuiltin GFCI protectionand may

be usedfor thismeasure of protection.

• SECURE EXTENSION CORD usingthe
cord retainershownin Figure 4.

• STAY ALERT - Watch what you are

doing. Use common sense. Do not
operate tool when you are tired.

° MAINTAINAPPLIANCES WITH CARE

- Followinstructionsfor lubdceting and
changingaccessories,inspectextension
cordsperiodicallyandreplaceif damaged.

Keephandlesdry, cleanandfree from

oil and grease.

• CHECK DAMAGED PARTS - Before
further useof theappliance, a guard or

other partthat isdamaged shouldbe

carefullycheckedto determinethat it

willoperate properlyand performits

intendedfunction. Check for alignment
ofmovingparts,bindingof moving

parts, breakageof parts,mounting,and
anyothercondition that may affect its
operation.A guardor otherpart that is

damagedshouldbe properlyrepaired or
replaced by a qualified servicefacility

unlessotherwiseindicatedelsewhere in
thismanual.

&WARNING: When servicingdouble

insulatedtools, USE ONLY IDENTICAL
REPLACEMENT PARTS. Repiace or

repair damaged cords.

_WARNING: To preventelectricalshock

hazard, useonlywith an extension
cordsuitablefor outdooruse.Always

connectextensioncordsto a fused line
or one protectedby a circuitbreaker.

• EXTENSION CORDS. Make sureyour
extensioncordis ingoodcondition.When
usinganextensioncord, besureto use

one heavyenoughto carry the current
your productwilldraw.An undersized

extensioncordwiltcause a dropinline
voltageresultingin lossofpowerand
overheating.Thetable belowshowsthe

correctsize to usedepending on cord

length and nameplateampererating.If

in doubt,usethe nextheaviergauge.
The smallerthegauge number,the

heavierthe cord.Toreducetheriskof

disconnectionof theappfiancefrom the
extensioncordduringoperation,usethe

extensioncordretainerdescribedinthis

manual.

& WARN ING:

Outdoor use extension cords:

To reduce the risk of electric shock, use

only with an extension cord intended for
outdoor use, such as an extension cord of

type SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A,
SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-A, or SJTOW-A.

Minimum Gage for Extension Cords (AWG)

Total Cord Length 0-25 2_50 51-100 105-150

Amp.Ratin 9 AWG AWG AWG. AWG
More than 0 18 16 16 14

Not More than 6

More than 6 18 16 14 12

Not More than 10

More than 10 16 16 14 12

Not more than 12

More than 12 "14 12 Not

Not more than 16 Recommended

120 VAC Toots

• The guard must be installed before
trimming or edging - if not, the motor
will overheat.

- When repl_cing the AFS ouffe_,_J!ine,
use only .060" diameter TWISTED line

- otherwise the unit will not function
properly.

• When replacing the HDL fixed line use
only Craftsman line item #85876.

DOUBLE INSULATION

(DNOTE: This symbol denotes Double

Insulation. Double insulated tools are
constructed throughout with two
separate layers of electrical insulation or

one double thickness of insulation
between you and the tool's electrical
system. Tools built with this insulation
system are not intended to be grounded.

As a result, your tool is equipped with a

two prong plug which permits you to use
extension cords without concem for

maintaining a ground connection.
NOTE: Double insulation does not take

the place of normal safety precautions
when operating this tool. The insulation

system is for added protection against
injury resulting from a possible electrical

insulation failure within the tool.
REPLACEMENT PARTS: When

servicing all tools, USE IDENTICAL
REPLACEMENT PARTS.

POLARIZED PLUGS

Repair or replace damaged cords.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, this
equipment has a polarized plug (one

- Do not bump the feed head against the

ground - itwill disrupt the feed mechanism.

- Angle tool slightly (5" to 10") when
trimming.

• Always use the cord retainer.

. Wear long pants and substantial

footwear to protect yourself from injury

caused by flying debris. This is
especially important when edging with
the appliance.

blade iswider than the other). This
equipment must be used with a suitable

3 wire outdoor extension cord. Polarized
connections will fittogether only one

way. Make sure that the receptacle end

of the extension cord has large and small
blade slot widths. If the plug does not fit

fully into the extension cord, reverse the
plug. If it still does not fit, obtain a

suitable extension cord. If the extension
cord does not fit fully into the outlet,

contact a qualified electrician to install the
proper outlet. Do not change the tool plug

or extension cord in any way.

SPECIFIC WARNING

&WARNING: Somedust created by this

product containschemicalsknown tothe

State of Californiatocause cancer,birth
defectsorother reproductive harm.
Some examplesof thesechemicalsare:

ocompounds in fertilizers

• compounds in insecticides,herbicides

and pesticides

• arsenicandchromiumfrom
chemicallytreatedlumber

Toreduceyour exposuretothese

chemicals,wearapprovedsafety

equipment suchas dustmasksthat are

speciallydesignedtofilteroutmicroscopic
particles.

A WARNING: This productcontains

chemicals,includinglead, knownto the

V,.E,."T:]_ _'d=]I_'j_=] L'_,.']

ASSEMBLY

A WARNING: To avoid seriousinjury,

makesurethatthe toolisswitchedoff
and unpluggedbeforeassembly.

FITTING THE GUARD (FIG, 1)

• Remove the screw (17) from the guard

(10).

• Place the guard onto the tool as shown,

• Firmly press the guard until it snaps
into place.

• Secure the guard with the screw,

#,WARNING: Toavoidserious injury,

never usethe tool unless the guard is
properlyfitted.

FITTING THE SE,CONDARY HANDLE (FIG. 2)

• Place the handle (5) on the tool as

shown.

• Adjust the handle to the most
comfortable position. Use the markings

as a guide.

• Pass the bolt (6) through the secondary

handle and the main handle.

• Screw the bolt into the far side of the
secondary handle, Do not overtighten

the bolt,

STORING THE CASSETFE NOT IN USE

(FIG.3)

The tool has two cutting system cassettes:

- AFS: Autofeed System twin line for

light trimming and edging.

• HDL: Heavy Duty Line cutting system

for more overgrown areas.

The cutting system cassette not in use

can be stored in the position provided (16),

• Align the tabs on the cassette with the
cut outs (28) at the underside of the

handle.

* Push the cassette into the handle until

it snaps securely into place.

StOm_ _mEHEAVY_ UNE(F_ 3)

* The unit is supplied with several pieces

of spare heavy cutting line.

- The extra pieces of heavy cutting line

can be stored securely in the recess in

the handle (14).

State of California to cause cancer, and

birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Wash hands after handling.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

_o_i__ . ii_'

@

19/25

RELEASING THE CUTTING LINE

Forshipmentpurposes,the cuttinglineis
taped to the spoolhousing.
, Remove the tape holdingthe cutting

line (13) to the spoolhousing(12).

CONNECTING THE TOOL (FIG. 4)

- Connect the female plug of a suitable
extension cord to the power inlet (4).

• Loop the cord through the cord

restraint (3).

• Insert the plug into a receptacle,

AWARNING:

Outdooruseextensioncords:

Toreduce the risk of electric shock, use

only with an extension cord intended for
outdoor use, such as an extension cord

of type SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A,
SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-A, or SJTOW-A.

& CAUTION: To avoidtool damage, let

the toolworkat itsown pace. Do not
overload.

SETTING THE TOOL TO TRIMMING OR
EDGING MODE (FIG. 5, 6 & 7)
The tool can be used in trimmingmode
as shown in Fig. 5 or in edgingmode to
trimoverhanginggrass along tawnedges
and flowerbeds as shown in Fig. 6.

A. CAUTION: Toavoid tooldamage, do

notusethe heavy dutycuttingsystem

for edging.

TRIMMING MODE (FIG. 5 & 6)
For trimming,thetrimmer head shouldbe
in the position shown in Fig. 5. If it isnot:

• Depress the adjustmentbutton(7).

• Rotate the head (9), while releasingthe
button.

• When the head isinposition,the
buttonwilllock intoplace.

Note: The head will onlyrotate in one

direction.

EDGING MODE (FIG, 6)
For edging, the trimmer head should be
in the position shown in Fig. 6. If it is not:

. Depress the adjustment button (7).

• Rotate the head (9), while releasing the

button.

• When the head is in position, the
button will lock into place.

Note: The head will only rotate in one
direction.

ACAUTION: To avoid tool damage, do

not use the heavy duty cutting system

for edging.

ADJUSTING THE HEIGHT OF THE
TOOL (FIG. 7)

This tool has a telescopic mechanism,
allowing you to set it to a comfortable

height. There are three height settings.
To adjust the height setting, proceed as

follows:

O

i®i

O 15 _*_*_

• Depress the adjustment button (7).

• Gently pull the tube (15) in or out of the

motor housing (9) to the desired height,
while releasing the button.

- When the tube is in position, the button
wilt lock into place.

SWITCHING ON AND OFF

- Toswitchthe toolon, squeeze the

triggerlever (1).

• Toswitchthe tooloff, release the
triggerlever.

£WARNING: Toavoid seriousinjury,

never attemptto lock the
triggerlever in the on position.

HINTS FOR OPTIMUM USE
GENERAL

• In order to achieve optimum cutting
results, only cut dry grass.

TRIMMING

• Holdthe tool as shown in Fig. 5.

• Gent swing the _dmmer fn:x-nside to side.

• When cutting long grass, work in
stages from the top. Take small cuts.

• Keep the tool away from hard objects
and delicate plants.

• If the tool starts running slowly, reduce

the load.

& WARNING: To avoidseriousinjury,

switchoffand unplugthe tool before

performingany maintenance.
Your tool has been designedto operate
overa long periodof timewitha minimum
of maintenance.Continuoussatisfactory

operationdependsupon propertool care

and regularcleaning.

• Regularlyclean the ventilationslotsin
yourtoolusinga softbrushordrycloth,

• Regularlyclean the cuttingline and
spoolusing a soft brush or drycloth.

• Regularlyusea bluntscraperto remove

gr_s._ _nd dirt from the underneath of

the guard,

Frn'ING A NEW SPOOL OF AFS
currlNG LINE (FIG. 8 & 9)

Completecassettescontaininga spoolof
cuttingline are availablefrom your
Craftsmandealer(item no. 85878).

• Unplugthe tool,

° Depressthe tabs (18) and removethe

cassette(19) from the cassette housing
(12) inthe trimmer head. Fig. 8.

° Graspempty spool(20) withone hand

and cassette with other hand and pull
spoolout from cassette. If lever in base

ofcassettebecomes dislodged, replace
in correctpositionbefore insertingnew
spoolinto cassette.

• Remove any dirtand grass from the

cassetteand housing.

• Takethe newspoolandpushitonto

the boss(Fig. 9) in the cassette. Rotate
thespoolslightlyuntilit isseated.

• Uncliptheend ofoneof thecuttinglines

andguidethelineintooneof the eyelets
(21).Fig.9. The lineshouldprob'ude
approx.4-3/8 in.from the cassette.

° Unclip the end of the other cutting line

and guide the line into the other eyelet.
The line shouSdprotrude approx.

4-3/8 in. from the cassette.

• Align the cassette tabs (18) withthe
slots(22) inthe housing.Fig.8.

• Push the cassette onto the housing

until it snaps securely into place.

A CAUTION: To avoid tool damage, If

the cutting lines protrude beyond the
trimming blade (11), cut them off so

that they just reach the blade.

EDGING
Optimum cuttingresults areachieved on

edges deeper than 2 inches.
° Do not usethe toolto create edges. To

create edges, use an edgingspade.

• Guide the toolwith edgeguide on hard
surfaceas shownin Fig, 6.

• Tomakea closercut,slightlytiltthetool.

.11

O .... 20

O

\ !

Boss _ Lever

tg__ 2t

WINDING NEW LINE ONTO AN EMPTY
SPOOL (FIG. 10 &11)

You may wind new cuffing line onto an
empty spool. Replacement packs of

0.050" cutting line are available from your
Craftsman dealer.

• Remove the empty spool from the tool

as described above.

• Remove any remaining cutting line

from the spool.

• First wind new line onto the

uppermost part of the spool.

- Feed 3/4 inch of cutting line into one
of the line anchoring slots.

- Wind the cutting line onto the spool in

the direction of the arrow on the spool.
Make sure to wind the line on neatly

and in layers. Do not criss-<_'_s.

Fig. 10.

- When the wound cutting line reaches
the recesses (24), cut the line. Fig. 11.