Craftsman 917.773423 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

5.5 HORSEPOWER 22 INCH CUT

WHEELED
WEEDTRIMMER

Model No.

917.773423

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
Operation

Maintenance Schedule.................

Maintenance...............................

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9-12

2

Product Specifications..............

2-4

Service and Adjustments....

5

Storage..................................

6-8

Troubleshooting

9

Repair Parts
Parts Ordering

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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 wili 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:
’ Expendabie items which become worn during normal use, such as rotating iines,

belts, air cleaners and spark plug.

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

Warranty serwce 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 stale to state.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Dept. 817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

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13-14

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34-41

....Back Cover

9

15
16

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 grass­covered 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).

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.

1^

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow ail
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 bums.

• 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
dcvm 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.
Vibraflon 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
^Ari1en 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
comers, 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 vwre 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.

• 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
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONIII BECOME ALERTMI 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 hot during
operation and remain hot after engine
has stopped. To avoid severe burns on
contact, stay away from these areas.

ASSEMBLY

Read these instmctions and this tnanual in its
entirety before you attempt to assemble or
opierate your new trimmer,
IMPORTANT; This trimmer is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOUNE in the engine.
Your new trimmer has been assetrtded at the
factory with the exception of those parts left

unassembled for shipping purposes. Al parts
such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary
to complete the assembly have been placed
in the parts bag. To ensue safe and proper
operation of your triemer, all parts and

hardware you assemble must be tightened
searety. Use the oorrect tools as necessary
to ensue proper tightness.

Loose Parts Packed Separately

20 oz.

Battle of oil

Trimmer Lines

(2)Sets

{0.155 dla mater

X 1S.7S Inches long)

TO REMOVETRIMMER FROM CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with
trimmer.

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

3. Remove all packing materials.

4. Roll trimmer out of carton and check

carton thoroughly for additional loose
parts.

HOWTO SET UPVOURTRIMMER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefuly 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 Adjustments
section of this manual.

Handle
knob

Lower
handle

Upper handle

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR TRIMMER

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

TtMse tymbols may appear on your trimmer or In llBtalura suppled wMh the product Loam and undeistand
their meaning.

___________________

A WARNING

*V0HI SERIOUS BUUBYflR ffiJtTH

■ RtAUANDFOLLOVJO'.VNER'S
[1 MAhUAL.

ill LEA YS'GALL MANUAL DCL
il PROPIETARm.

00 NOT OPE RATE WHEN CHIIDHFN

OR OTFLKS AML AROUND HlF/OUL
DBJEITS ThAUOUlDBETHFtOa'IJ

BVTHI CUniNGLIMS

I

OQ UCT SERU CE DR ADJUST CUriNG
HEAD DR OTHER MOUirJO PARTS
UNLESS ENGITJE IS STOPPED AND
SPARK PLUG WIRE IS DISCONNECTED.

I

■ WEAR SAFETY APPRO'JED EYE

>1 PROTECTION WHtlJ DPtRAl NG

GO ACROSS SLOPES NOT UP AND

DOWN.

• KEEP SAFETY DEUJCES SUCH AS GUARDS AfiD
OEFLECTOHS II! PLACE AND OPERATING

- LOCK oov;n and abiimo before and ivnile
MOVING 6ACKVJARDS.

ÌA

CALinOh

4»

(i

FUEL OIL

Throttle control

starter handle

Handle knob

Engine oil cap w/dipstick

IMPORTANT; This trimmer is shipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOUNE 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 head control bar

Gasoline cap

Engine cover

Primer

Chassis cover

Trimmer head

Trimmer line

Throttle control - used tor starting artd
stopping the engine and alows you to select
^ther fast or stow engine speed.
Starter handle - used tor starting the engirve.

6

The operation of any trimmer can result in
foreign objects being 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.

HOWTO USEYOURTRIMMER
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.

TO ADJUST TRIMMING HEIGHT
ACAUTION: Stop the engine and wait

for alt moving parts to stop. Disconnect

spark plug wire from spade 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 lab and be sure head is
locked into one of the six (6) height
positions.

Adjustable
Trimmer

Head

Locking
Plate Tab

TRIMMER HEAD DRIVE CONTROL
Your trimmer is equipped with a trimmer

head drive control bar which will require
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.

• Trimmer head rotation will stop when
the control bar is released.

BEFORE STARTING EN^NE
ADD OIL
Your trimmer is shipped without oil in the
engine. For type and grade of oil to use,
see “ENGINE" in the Maintenance section
of this manual.

A CAUTION; DO NOT overfill engine with

oil, or it will smoke on startup.

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

2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.

Make sure that rim of spout is clean.

3. You receive a 20 oz. container of oii
with the unit. Slowly pour 3/4 (15 oz.)
of the oil from the container down the

oii fili 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. Fit to fiil ine on dipstick.

• Change the oi after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may need
to change the oil more often under dusty,
dirty conditions.

ADD GASOUNE

• Fil fuel tank. Use fresh, dean, regular
unleaded gasoine with a minimum of 87

octane. Do not mix oil with gasoSne.

Pirchase 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 adds 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 infonuation. 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

1. To start a cold engine, push primer three
(3) tines before trying to start Useaftm
push. This step is not usually necessary
when starling an engine which has
aieady mn ibr a few minutes.

2. Move throttle control lever to fast position.

3. Hold upper handle firmly and pul starter
handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope
to snap back.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engiie, 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.

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 dear
and dean of grass dippings 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 cfojects,

• If bimmer lines become too short, it will

take longer to complete the jcfo, tf
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