Owner's Manual
JCRRFTSMRWJ
5.5 HORSEPOWER
22 INCH CUT
WHEELED
WEEDTRIMMER
Model No.
917.773422
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Espa_ol
• Repair Parts
_L,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
Warranty ................................................. 2
Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4
Assembly ................................................ 5
Operation ............................................. 6-8
Maintenance Schedule .......................... 9
Maintenance ...................................... 9-12
LIMITED "I3NOYEAR 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 rotatinglines,
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 Weedtdmmer to the nearest
Sears Service Center in the United States. This warranty applies only while this product
isin 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
Product Specifications ............................ 9
Service and Adjustments ................. 13-14
Storage ................................................. 15
Troubleshooting ................................... 16
Repair Parts ..................................... 34-41
Parts Ordering ........................ Back Cover
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 Sears
service center (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
g asses or eye shields while operating your trimmer or performing any
adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wde vision safety mask
over spectacles or standard safety glasses.
L GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all
instructionson 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 aU 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
longtrousers or slacks. Do not wear
shorts,
• Do not wear loose clothingwhich 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
bootswork 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 rotatingtrimmer 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 ofyour 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.
3
II.SLOPEOPERATION
Slopesareamajorfactor 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
nottrim 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.
II1. 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 tdmmer
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
cleaning or 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.
_Look for this symbol to point out
importantsafety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!T! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
A WARNING: In order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark
plug.
A CAUTION: Muffler and other engine
parts become extremely hotduring
operation and remain hot after engine
has stopped. To avoid severe burns on
contact, stay away from these areas.
Readtheseinstructionsandthis manual in its
entirety beforeyouattemptto assembleor
operateyour newtrimmer.
IMPORTANT: Thistrimmeris shipped
WITHOUT OILOR GASOLINE intheengine.
Yournewtrimmerhas been assembledatthe
factorywiththe excepSonof those partsleft
unassambledfor shippingpuq_oses.All parts
suchas nuts,washers,bolts,etc.,necessary
tocompletethe assembly have been placed
inthe parts bag. Toensuresafe andproper
oparationof yourtdmmer,allparts and
hardware you assemblemust be tightened
sacurely. Usathecon'eottoolsas necessary
to ensurepropertightness.
Loose Pads Packed Separately
20 oz.
Bottleof oil
Trimmer Lines
(2) Sets
(0.t55 diameter
x 18.75 Inches long)
TO REMOVETRIMMER FROM CARTON
1, Remove loose parts included with
trimmer.
2. Cut down two end corners of carton
and lay end panel down fiat.
3, Remove all packing materials,
4, Roll trimmer out of carton and check
carton thoroughly for additional loose
parts.
HOWTO SET UPYOURTRIMMER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfoldhandlecarefullyso as
nottopinch_ damage controlcables.
I. 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.
Yourtrimmer handle can be adjusted for
your trimmingcomfort. Refer to "ADJUST
HANDLE" in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.
knob
handle
KNOW YOUR TRIMMER
READTHIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATINGYOUR
TRIMMER. Comparethe illustrationswithyourI_'iromerto familianzeyourselfwiththelocation
ofvar;easconbolsand adjustments.Savethis roanualforfuturereference.
These_ mayappearonyourblmmerorinI_m suppliedwHhU)eproduct.Lea_andunderstand
41WARNING
Av0,o=..0=. Y=o.m @
CAUTION ENGIN_ OFF
FAST bLOW
FUEL OIL
ThrottJe
Starter handle
Engine oil
IMPORTANT: Thisb'immerisshipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe engine.
Trimmer head conbol bar - must be held
downto the handleto engagetrimmerhead.
Releasetostopthe t_mmer head.
Palmer- pumpsadditionalfuelfrom the
carburetorto the cylinderfor use when
startinga coldengine.
- Trimmer head control bar
•Trimmer head control lever
GasoSne cap
COver
cover
aad
- Trimmer line
Throttle control- usedforstartingand
stoppingthe engineand allowsyouto select
eitherfast orslow enginespeed.
Starter handle - usedfor sta_ngthe engine.
Trimmer head control lever- usedto
engage thmroer head.
6
The operation of any trimmer can result in
foreign objects being thrown intothe
eyes, which can result in severe eye
damage. Always wear safety glasses or
eye shields while operating your tdmmer
or performing any adjustments or repairs.
We recommend a wide vision safety mask
over spectacles or standard safety
glasses.
HOWTO USEYOURTRIMMER
ENGINESPEED
The engine speed is controlledby a
throttle located on the side of the upper
handle. Fast positionisfor starting and
normaltrimming. Slow isfor lighttrimming
and fuel economy. Stop is for stoppingthe
engine.
.,., @
, Trimmerheadcontrolbar Drive control
lever
Toengagetrimmerhead disengaged
TO ADJUST TRIMMING HEIGHT
ACAUTION: Stop the engine and wait
for all moving partsto stop. Disconnect
spark plug wire from spark plug and
place wire where itcannot come in
contactwith 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 adjusttrimming 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.
Adjustable
Head
TRIMMER HEAD DRIVE CONTROL
Your trimmer is equipped with a trimmer
head drive control bar and lever which
require the operator to be positioned
behind the trimmer handle to operate the
trimmer.
• Trimmer head rotation iscontrolled by
holding the trimmer head control bar
down to the handle and pushingthe
drive control lever forward until itclicks;
then releasing the lever,
• Trimmer head rotationwill stop when
the control bar is released.
Locking
Plate Tab
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your trimmer is shipped withoutoil in the
engine. For type and grade of oil to use,
see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance section
of this manual.
A, CAUTION: DO NOT overfillengine with
oil,or it will smoke on startup.
1. Be sure trimmer is level and area
around oil fill is clean.
2. Remove oil dipstickfrom oil fill spout.
Make sure that rim of spout is clean.
3.Youreceive a 20 oz. container of oil
with the unit. Slowly pour 3/4 (15 oz.)
of the oil from the container down the
oil fill spout into the engine.
4. Wait one minute to allow oil to settle.
Insert and tighten dipstick, then
remove it to check oil level.
5. Continue adding small amounts of oil
and rechecking the dipstick until it
reads full. DO NOT overfill, or engine
will smoke on startup.
6. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick
before starting engine.
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if
needed. Fillto full line on dipstick.
• Change the oil alter every 25 hours of
operationor each season. You may need
to change the ell more often under dusty,
dirty conditions.
ADD GASOUNE
• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix ell with gasoline.
Purchasefuel inquantifJesthat can be
usedwithin30 daysto 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.
_, CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank
tiller neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or
use gasoline near an open flame.
Gasolinefillercap
Engne ol c_
TO START ENGINE
1. To starta cord engine,pushpnmerthree
(3)times before tryingto start. Use a firm
push. Thisstep isnotusuallynecessary
whenstartinganengine which has
alreadyrunfor a few minutes.
2. Move throWecontrolleverto fast position.
3. Held upperhandlefirmly and pullstarter
handlequickly. Do notallowstarterrope
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 pdming 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 throttlecontrolin the fast
position,If the weeds or grass are tall
and thick,operate the trimmer at a
slower walking speed.
• Frequentlyclean the undersideof the
tnmmer to remove any grass buildup.
Keep top of engine around starter dear
and elean ofgrass clippingsand chaff.
Thiswill help engine air flow and extend
engine life. See "TO REMOVE ENGINE
COVER" in the Maintenance sectionof
this manual.
• For best results and longer lasting line,
use the ends of the lineto do the cutting.
This is easily done by moving slowly
throughvery thick and heavy weeds.
• Use the leftside of trimmer when
trimming along fences, walls, flowerbeds
and other such objects.
• Iftrimmer linesbecome too short, itwill
take longer to complete the job. If
trimmer lines are worn to lessthan half
their original length, they should be
replaced. See "TO REPLACE TRIMMER
LINE" in the Maintenance sectionof this
manual.
• Tdmmer head contact with concrete,
asphalt or other hard surfaces may
cause premature wear of the ball on
8 bottom of trimmer head.