Craftsman 917.77341 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

CRRFTSMRN

4.0 HORSEPOWER 20INCH CUT

WHEELED WEEDTRIMMER

Mode! No.

917.773410

Safety Assembly Operation

Maintenance

Español

Repair Parts

^CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL60179

Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty Safety Rules Assembly Operation

Maintenance Maintenance

Schedule

2 Product Specifications i 2 Service and Adjustments 1:

5 Storage 1

6 Troubleshooting 11

9 Repair Parts 3(

9 Parts Ordering Back Cove

WARRANTY

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN WEEDTRIMMER For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Weedtrimmer is maintained,

lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner’s manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workman ship.

If this Craftsman Weedtrimmer is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty

applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase. This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotating lines,

belts, air cleaners and spark plug.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner’s manual.

Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman Weedtrimmer to the nearest Sears Service Center in the United States. This warranty applies only while this produc’ is in use 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., Dept. 817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

WARNING: This trimmer is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should

not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-

covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester

meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.

In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California

Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest authorized service center/department (See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).

SAFETY RULES

The operation of any trimmer can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your trimmer or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses. The safety goggles provided with your trimmer may be worn over spectacles.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual before starting. Be thoroughly

familiar with the controls and the proper

use of the machine before starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.

• Keep all parts of your body away from muffler and spinning line. A hot muffler

can cause serious burns.

• Only allow responsible individuals, who

are familiar with the instructions, to

operate the machine.

• Stay away from breakable objects, such

as house windows, auto glass, green

houses, etc.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,

toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the spinning lines.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before trimming, particularly small children and pets. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Wear appropriate clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt or jacket. Also wear long trousers or slacks. Do not wear shorts.

• Do not wear loose clothing which could get caught in this equipment.

• Do not operate the machine when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Always wear work gloves and sturdy footwear. Leather work shoes or short boots work well for most people. These will protect the operator’s ankles and shins from small sticks, splinters, and other debris, and improve traction.

• Do not pull machine backwards unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while

moving backwards.

Do not operate the machine without

proper guards, plates or other safety protective devices in place. See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer. Never use blades, wire, or flailing devices. This unit is designed for line trimmer use only. Use of other accesso ries or attachments will increase the risk of injury. Stop the rotating trimmer head when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Wait for the cutting lines to stop rotating. Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment, before cleaning, repairing or inspecting the unit. Be sure

the trimmer head and all moving parts have stopped. Operate only in daylight or good artificial light.

Do not operate the machine while

under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Never operate machine in wet grass.

Always be sure of your footing: keep a firm hold on the handle and walk; never

run. If the equipment should start to vibrate

abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble. Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operat ing machine.

SAFETY RULES (CONT.)

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip

and fall accidents which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do

not trim it.

DO:

• Trim across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or

embankments. The operator could lose footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not trim on wet grass. Reduced

footing could cause slipping.

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the trimming activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the trimming area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children

enter the area.

• Before and while moving backwards, look behind and down for small children.

• Never allow children to operate the machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind

corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive.

- Use only an approved container.

- Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke.

- Never refuel the machine indoors.

- Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater.

- Move away from fueling site before starting engine.

• Never run a machine inside a closed area.

• Never make adjustments or repairs

with the engine (motor) running.

Disconnect the spark plug wire, and

keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially trimmer head and engine bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or

other debris buildup. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine.

• Clean and replace safety and instruc

tion decals as necessary.

Atook for this symbol to point out impor

tant safety precautions. It means CAU TION!!! BECOME AWARE!!! YOUR SAFETY !S !NVOLVED.

AcaUTION: In order to prevent acci

dental starting when setting up, transport ing, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place

wire where it cannot contact spark plug.

AwARNING: The engine exhaust from

this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

ASSEMBLY

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or operate your new trimmer. IMPORTANT: This trimmer is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. Your new trimmer has been assembled at the

factory with the exception of those parts left

unassembled for shipping purposes. All parts

such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been placed

in the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper

operation of your trimmer, all parts and

hardware you assemble must be tightened

securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

Loose Parts Packed Separately

TO REMOVE TRIMMER FROM CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with trimmer.

• Cut down two end comers of carton and lay end panel down flat.

• Remove all packing materials.

• Roll trimmer out of carton and check carton thoroughly for additional loose parts.

HOWTO SET UP YOUR TRIMMER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so as

not to pinch or damage control cables.

• Loosen handle knobs enough to allow upper handle to be unfolded from the shipping position.

• Raise upper handle section into place on lower handle and tighten handle knob.

• Remove handle padding holding trimmer head control bar to upper handle.

Safety

Goggles

20 oz.

Bottle of oil

Trimmer Lines

(2) Sets

(0.130 diameter

X16.75 inches iong)

Upper handle

Lift up

Handle knob

Lower handle

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR TRIMMER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRIMMER. Compare the illustrations with your trimmer to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

These symbols may appear on your trimmer or in literature supplied with the product Learn and understarKi their meaning. f A WARNING

Avno KMOUS mUlT OR DEATH

READ AND FOLLOW OWNER'S

manual.

UAYSIGA El MANUAL DEL PROPIETARIQ.

00 NOTOPfHATi WHEN CHILDRfN OROTHERSAftEAROUNO. REMOVE OBJECTS TNAT COULD BF THROWN BYTHECUrrrNGUHES. DO NOT SERVICE OR ADJUST CUTTINC HEAD OR OTHER MOVING PARTS UNUSS ENCINT IS STOPPED AND SPARK PLUG WIRE l£ DISCONNEnTD. WEAR SAFETY APPHOVn) EYE PROncnOH WHEN OPERATING.

¡SV GO ACROSS SLOPES NOT OP AND

iÇfl MWM

» KEEP SAFETY DEVICES, SUCH AS GUARDS AMO

DEFLECTORS. IN PLACE AND OPOIADNG.

> LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE

MOVING BACKWARDS

(i 'Sr

Trimmer head control bar

Throttle control

Starter handle

Handle knob

Engine oil cap w/ dipstick

Trimmer head control lever

Gasoline cap

Engine cover

Primer

Chassis cover

Trimmer head

IMPORTANT: This trimmer is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine

Trimmer head control bar - must be held down to the handle to engage trimmer head.

Release to stop the trimmer head. Primer - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.

Trimmer line

Throttle control - used for starting and stopping the engine and allows you to select

either fast or slow engine speed.

Starter handle - used for starting the engine.

Trimmer head control lever - used to

engage trimmer head.

WEAR YOUR

^ SAFETmASSES J

FORESIGHT IS BEHER

THAN NO SIGHT

The operation of any trimmer can result in

oreign objects thrown into the eyes, /i/hich can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your trimmer or perform ing any adjustments or repairs. We

recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety giasses. The safety goggles provided with your trimmer may be worn over spec

tacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR TRIMMER

ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed is controlled by a throttle located on the side of the upper handle. Fast position is for starting and normal trimming. Slow is for light trimming and fuel economy. Stop is for stopping the engine.

TRIMMER HEAD DRIVE CONTROL

Your trimmer is equipped with a trimmer head drive control bar and lever which requires the operator to be positioned behind the trimmer handle to operate the

trimmer.

• Trimmer head rotation is controlled by holding the trimmer head control bar down to the handle and pushing the drive control lever forward until it clicks;

then release the lever.

* Trimmer head rotation will stop when

the control bar is released.

Drive control lever

control bar

To engage trimmer head

Trimmer head disengaged

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE ADD OIL

Your trimmer is shipped without oil in the engine.

• Be sure trimmer is level and area around oil fill is clean.

• Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full line on the dipstick.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine

for accurate dipstick reading.

• Engine holds 20oz. of oil. For type and grade of oil to use, see “ENGINE’ in Maintenance section of this manual.

• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap

each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Change the oil after every 25 hours of

operation or each season. You may need to change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87

octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

^WARNING: Experience indicates that

alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or

using ethanol or methanol) can attract

moisture which leads to separation and

formation of acids during storage. Acidic

gas can damage the fuel system of an

engine while in storage, To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 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. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel

tank or permanent damage may occur.

A CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank

filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primer three (3) times before trying to start. Use a firm

push. This step is not usually necessary when starting an engine which has already run for a few minutes.

• Move throttle control lever to fast position.

• Hold upper handle firmly and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope 1

snap back.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, move throttle control levet to stop position.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be

necessary to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather overpriming may cause flooding and engine will not start. If you do flood engine, wait a few minutes before attempting to start and do not repeat priming steps.

Throttle control

Starter

handle

TRIMMING TIPS

• Set the throttle control in the fast position. If the weeds or grass are tall and thick, operate the trimmer at a slower walking speed.

• Frequently clean the underside of the

trimmer to remove any grass build up. Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine air flow and extent engine life. See TO REMOVE ENGINE COVER in the Maintenance section of

this manual.

• For best results and longer lasting line, use the ends of the line to do the cutting This is easily done by moving slowly through very thick and heavy weeds.

• Use the left side of trimmer when trimming along fences, walls, flowerbed and other such objects.

• If trimmer lines become too short, it will take longer to complete the job. If trimmer lines are worn to less than half

their original length, they should be

replaced. See TO REPLACE TRIMMER LINE in the Maintenance section of this