Craftsman 917.773420 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

5.5 HORSEPOWER 22 INCH CUT

WHEELED

WEEDTRIMMER

Model No.

917.773420

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, IL 60179

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Warranty
Safety Rules
Assembly 5
Operation
Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance

2

Product Specifications

2

Service and Adjustments
Storage

6

Troubleshooting

9

Repair Parts

9

Parts Ordering

Back Cover

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.

9
12
14
15
30

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 product

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.

A

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 famiiiar 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 and allow it to

cool, 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.

^1

SAFETY BOtES <CONT.)

A

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, light 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
cleaning or storing 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.

Alook for this symbol to point out impor
tant safety precautions. It means CAU

TION!!! BECOME AWARE!!! YOUR
SAFETY !S INVOLVED.

^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.

ASSEMBLY

Read these instructions and this manual in its
entirety before you attempt to assemble or
operate your new trimmer.

IMPOFITANT: 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

Safety

Goggles

20 02.

Bottle of oil

Trimmer Lines

(2) Sets

(0.155 diameter

X 18.75 inches long)

TO REMOVETRIMMER FROM CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with trimmer.

• Cut down two end corners 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 UPYOURTRIMMER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so as

not to pinch or damage control cables.

1. Loosen handle knob enough to allow
upper handle to be unfolded from the
shipping position.

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

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

handle.

Your trimmer handle can be adjusted for

your trimming comfort. Refer to "Adjust

Handle" in the Service and Adjustment
section of this manual.

Handle knob

Lower handle

Upper handle

Lift up

dM*ERATION

KNOW YOUR TRIMMER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND 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 understand
their meaning.

A WARNING

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00 Acnoss SLOPES NOT UP AND
DOWN.

* КШ* SAFHY DEVICES. SUCH AS GUARDS AND

oerbctors. m place and QPSWING.

• LOOK DOWN AND BEHIHO BEFORE AND WHILE
MOVING BACKWARDS.

A

CAUTION

i

FUEL OIL

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

F SAFETT^SSES J

FORESIGHT IS BEHER

THAN NO SIGHT

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 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.

HOWTO USE YOURTRIMMER

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.

Drive
control

lever

control bar

To engage

trimmer head

TO ADJUST TRIMMING HEIGHT

^CAUTION: Stop the engine and wait

Trimmer head
disengaged

for all moving parts to stop. Disconnect

spark plug wire from spark plug and
place wire where it cannot come in
contact with plug.

The height of cut can be set to six (6)

different positions ranging from 1-1/2
inches to 3 inches. Recommended cutting
height for the average yard is 2 inches.

1. To adjust trimming height, push in the
locking plate tab and move trimmer
head up or down to desired position.

2. Release tab and be sure head is
locked into one of the six (6) height
positions.

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.

Adjustable
Trimmer

Head

Locking
Plate Tab

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL

Your trimmer is shipped without oil in the
engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil. For
type and grade of oil to use, see “ENGINE”

in Maintenance section of this manual.

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

2. Remove engine oil cap and fill to the
full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly.

Do not over fill.

NOTE; Allow oil to settle down into engine

for accurate dipstick reading. To read

proper level, tighten engine oil cap, then
remove it to read the dipstick.

3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

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

• 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.

i^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.

Gasoline

TO START ENGINE

1. 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.

2. Move throttle control lever to fast position,

3. Flold upper handle firmly and pull starter
handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope

to snap back.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, move throttle control lever
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. /A_

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 extend
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, wails, flowerbeds

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

manual.

• Trimmer head contact with concrete,
asphalt or other hard surfaces may

cause premature wear of the ball on

bottom of trimmer head.

8