Craftsman 917.773700 User Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRRFTSMRN°I

60 HORSEPOWER
22 INCH CUT

WHEELED
WEEDTRIMMER

Model No.

917.773700

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• 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

Warranty ................................................. 2

Safety Rules ........................................... 2

Assembly ................................................ 5

Operation ................................................ 6

Maintenance Schedule .......................... 9

Maintenance ........................................... 9

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 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

Product Specifications ............................ 9

Service and Adjustments ...................... 12

Storage ................................................. 14

Troubleshooting ................................... 15

Repair Parts .......................................... 30

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 the REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).

2

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 tr mmer or perform-

ing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety

mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.

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 pads.

• 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 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

adificial 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.

3

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
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

important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

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.

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.

_,WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle compo-

nents contain or emit chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer

and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.

Readtheseinstructionsand this manual in its

entirety before you attempt to assemble or
operate your new trimmer.

IMPORTANT: This tnmmer 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

20 OZ.

Bottle of oil

Trimmer Lines

(2) Sets

(0,155 diameter

x 15.75 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 flat.

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: 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 Adjustments

section of this manual.

knob

hendle

Upper handle

Lift up

KNOW YOUR TRIMMER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
TRIMMER. Compare the illustrations with your tnmmer to familiarize yourself with the location

of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference,

symbolsmayappearonyourtrimmerorinliteraturesuppliedwiththeproduct.Leamandunderstand

CAUTION ENGINE OFF

FAST SLOW

FUEL OIL

met head control bar

head control lever

Starter handle

Gasoline

IMPORTANT: This trimmer is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe engine.

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

Release to stop the trimmer head.
Primer - pumps additionalfuel from the

carburetorto the cylinderfor use when

starting a cold engine.

Engine oil cap

Chassis

_Trimmer line

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

eitherfast or slow engine speed.
Starter handle - used for starting the engine.

Tdrnmer head control lever - usedto

6 engage tnmmer head.

SAFETYGLASSES

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.

.,,,, 0

it

II

_ ,Trimmer head control bar Drive control

\ lever

Toengage trimmer head disengaged

TO ADJUST TRIMMING HEIGHT

_,CAUTION: Stop the engine and wait
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.

Adjustable _
Trimmer

Head

Locking

Plate Tab

\

\

\

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 is controlled by

holding the trimmer head control bar
down to the handle and pushing the

drive control lever forward until it clicks;
then releasing the lever.

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

J

\

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

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.

• l, 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 oil
with the unit. Slowly pour 3/4 (15 oz.)

of the oil from the container down the
6il 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 after every 25 hours of

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

dirty conditions.

Gasoline

oil cap

(Discard

debris plug

inside)

ADD GASOLINE
NOTE; Before filling fuel tank, remove

and discard the debris plug that is inside
the tank.

• 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.

Ai_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)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. Hold upper handle firmly and pull starter
handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope
to snap back.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, move throttlecontrollever

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_

TRIMMINGTIPS _/&

• 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.

• 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, flowerbeds

and other such objects.

• Iftrimmer 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

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE _'_,_"_//- _,_ ,/_.. _O_/_G_/'"

REGUL RSE.V,CE

Check for Loose Fasteners I_ I/

T

a Clean Trimmer I_ I/

I

M Clean Under Engine Cover 11/2 II/

M Check ddve belt/pulleys
R Check/Replace Trimmer Lines 11/3

Check Engine Oil Level I##

E Change Engine Oil I/1,2

(_ Clean Air Filter _ 2

I Inspect Muffler it/

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug ¥1

Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge 1_2

1 Change mote often when operatin 9 under a heaVy load or in high ambient ternpCralures.

2 Service more Often when operallng in dirty or dusty cOflditions.

3. AOplace Irimmer lines when they have worn Io half their original length¸

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this trimmer does not

cover items that have been subjected to

operator abuse or negligence. To receive
full value from the warranty, operator must

maintain trimmer as instructed in this
manual.

Some adjustments will need to be made
periodically to properly maintain your unit.
All adjustments in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual should

be checked at least once each season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug
and replace air filter element. A new
spark plug and clean/new air filter
element assures proper air-fuel

mixture and helps your engine run
better and last longer.

Follow the maintenance schedule in
this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Check for loose fasteners.

3. Clean under engine cover.

LUBRICATION
To prolong the useful life of your trimmer,

change engine oil as recommended in
this section of Owner's Manual.

l/

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic

wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will
attract dust and dirt that will shorten the

life of the self- lubricating bearings. If you

feel they must be lubricated, use only a

dry, powdered graphite type lubricant
sparingly.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Serial No.

Date of Purchase:

Gasoline Type: Unleaded Regular
Gasoline Capacity: 1,25 Quarts
Oil Type: SAE 30 (Above 32 ° F)
(API-SF-SJ) SAE 5W-30 (Below 32° F)
Oil Capacity: 20 Ozs.
Spark Plug : Champion J19LM
(Gap: .030") or RJ19LM

Trimmer Line Dia,: .155 inch
Trimmer Line Length: 18.75 inches

The model and serial numbers will be

found on a decal attached to the rear of
the trimmer. Record both serial number

and date of purchase in space provided
above.