Craftsman 917.773410 User Manual

Owner's Manual

[CRAFTSMAN°[

4.0 HORSEPOWER 20INCH CUT

WHEELED WEEDTRIMMER

Model No.

917.773410

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espahol

• Repair Parts

A_,KCAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment.

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

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

Warranty Safety Rules Assembly Operation

Maintenance Schedule Maintenance

2 Product Specifications 2 Service and Adjustments 1:

5 Storage 1, 6 Troubleshooting 1! 9 Repair Parts 3[

9 Parts Ordering Back Cove

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).

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.

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.

DONO_

• 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 |or 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 trimme 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.

ta_nL.Ookfor this symbol to point out impor

t safety precautions. It means CAU-

TION!!! BECOME AWAREI!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

,I(_CAUTION: 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.

_WARNING: The engine exhaust from

this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer,

birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or

operate your new trimmer. IMPORTANT: This tdmmer 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.

HOW TO 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 20 oz. Trimmer Lines

Goggles Bottle of oil (2) Sets

(0.130 diameter

x 16.75 inches long)

Handle knob

Lower handle

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 adiustments. Save this manual for future reference.

These symbols may appear on your trimmer or in literaturesuppliedwith the product.Learn and understand

their meaning. WARNIIIG

A_O _ RARYOROU'IU _ @

CAUTION

FAST SLOW

FUEL OIL

Trimmer head control bar

ENGINE OFF

Throttle control

Starter handle

Handle knob

Engine oil cap w/

dipstick

Trimmer head control lever

Gasoline cap

Engine

cover

Primer

Chassis

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.

The operation of any trimmer can result in :oreign objects thrown into the eyes, ,vhich can result in severe eye damage. &lways wear safety glasses or eye shields ,vhile operating your trimmer or perform- ing 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 spec-

tacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR TRIMMER

ENGINESPEED

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 wilt stop when the control bar is released.

Drive control

lever

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.

To engage trimmer head

Trimmer head

control bar

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 20 oz. of oil. For type and

grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this manual.

• Pour oil slowly. Do not over |ill.

• 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.

Ji_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.

_, 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.

Gasoline

Engine oil cap

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primer thr_ (3) times before tryingto start. Use a fin push. This step is not usually necessal

when starting an engine which has already run for a few minutes.

• Move throttle control lever to fast positic

• Hold upper handle firmly and pull start_ handle quickly. Do not allow starter rol:

snap back.

TO STOP ENGINE

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

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather overpriming may cau:

flooding and engine will not start. If yo

do flood engine, wait a few minutes before attempting to start and do not

repeat priming steps. __7_',_

control Throttle __,

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 cle_ and clean of grass clippings and chaff

This will help engine air flow and exte

engine life. See TO REMOVE ENGINI COVER in the Maintenance section o

this manual.

• For best results and longer lasting tin(

use the ends of the line to do the cutti_

This is easily done by moving slowly through very thick and heavy weeds.

• Use the left side of trimmer when

trimming along fences, walls, flowerb_ and other such objects.

• If trimmer lines become too short, it wi take longer to complete the job. If

trimmer lines are worn to less than hal

their original length, they should be

replaced. See TO REPLACE TRIMME LINE in the Maintenance section of thi

manual.

• Trimmer head contact with concrete,

asphalt or other hard surfaces may cause premature wear of the ball on

bottom of trimmer head.

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