Craftsman 917773703 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
JCRIIFTSMAWJ
WHEELED
WEEDTRIMMER
6.0 Horsepower
22 Inch Cut
Model No.
917.773703
_IbCAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman
Warranty ................................................. 2
Safety Rules ........................................ 3-4
Assembly / Pre-Operation ...................... 5
Operation ............................................. 6-8
Maintenance Schedule .......................... 9
Maintenance ...................................... 9-12
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.
Product Specifications ............................ 9
Service and Adjustments ................. 13-14
Storage ................................................. 15
Troubleshooting ................................... 16
Repair Parts ..................................... 34-42
Sears Service ......................... Back Cover
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 used 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 Sears
service center (see the REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).
2
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 standard safety glasses or a
The operation of any trimmer can result in foreign objects thrown into
wide vision safety mask over spectacles.
A, Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONI
• 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
operating 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.
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.
IlL 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 & 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. Don't 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 trimmer 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
4
Read these instructions and this manual in its
entirety before you attempt to assemble or
operate your new trimmer.
IMPORTANT: This trimmer isshipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
Your new trimmer has been assembled at the
factory with the exception of those parts left
unassambled 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 ofyour trimmer, all parts and
hardware you assemble must be tightened
securely. Use the correct tools as necessary
to ensure proper tightness.
When right hand (RH) or left hand (LH) is
mentioned in this manual, it means when
you are in the operating position (stand-
ing behind the handle).
Loose Parts Packed Separately
TO REMOVE TRIMMER 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 UPYOUR TRIMMER
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.
Bottle of oil Trimmer Lines
(2) sets
(0.155 diameter
x 18.75 inches long)
handle
LIFT UP
knob
handle
5
KNOW YOUR TRIMMER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
TRIMMER. Compare the illustrationswith your trimmer to familiarize yourself with the location
of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
_ symbolsmayappearon yourtrimrnerorinliteraturesuppliedwiththeproduct.Learnandunderstand
theirmeaning.
CAUTION ENGINE OFFFAST SLOW FUEL OIL
AVOIDSERIOUS
INJURYORDEATH
Throttle control
Starter handle
Handle
Gasoline cal
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 tnmmer head.
Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold engine.
Trimmer head control bar
Engine oil cap
with dipstick
Muffler
cover
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.
6
Theoperationof 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 performingany adjustments or repairs.
We recommend standard safety glasses
or a wide vision safety mask worn over
spectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR TRIMMER
ENGINESPEED
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
Aq_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.
t. 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
Lockin(
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 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.
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.
7
3. You receive a 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. 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.
oil cap
Primer
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
TO START ENGINE
1. To start a cold engine, push primer three
(3) times before tryingto 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 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.
Gasoline'
filler 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 to bottom of gas tank filler
neck. Do not overfill. 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, CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
ACAUTION: 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 8
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.
• 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.
• 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.
ASYOUCOMPLETE 0 r,
RECUr,SE.V,OE SE"VlOEOATES
Check for Loose Fasteners If I_
T Clean Tdmmer V' V'
al Clean Under Engine Cover I/2 M#
M Check ddvebelt/pulleys I/
R Check/Replace Trimmer Lines I_
Check Engine Oil Level If
E ChangeEngineOil 1_1,2
Clean Air Filter _1 2
I Inspect Muffler i,/
EN Cleanor Replace Spark Plug If
ReplaceAir FilterPaper Cartridge if2
1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures.
2 - Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions.
3 - Replace trimmer lines when they have worn to haft theironginal 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 assure proper air-fuel mixture
and help 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.
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: 1.6 Quarts
Oil Type: SAE 30 (Above32g F)
(API-SF-SJ) SAE 5W-30 (Below 32g F)
Oil Capacity: 20 ounces
Spark Plug : Champion RJ19LM
(Gap: .030") or J19LM
Trimmer Line Diameter: .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.
9
TRIMMER
Always observe safety rules when perform-
ing any maintenance.
TIRES
• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil,or insect
control chemicals which can harm rubber.
• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp
objects and other hazards that may cause
tire damage.
TRIMMER LiNE
For best results, replace trimmer lines
when they have worn to half their original
length. Use .155 inch diameter trimmer
line. Cut new trimmer line length to 18-3/4
inches. After new line is installed on
trimmer head, check all lines so they do
not vary more then one (1) inch in length.
This is important to make sure the trimmer
head is balanced and will not vibrate
abnormally.
_WARNING: Use only the specified
trimmer line. Do not use other materials
such as wire, string, rope, etc. Wire can
break off during trimming and become a
dangerous missile that can cause serious
injury.
TO CUT LINE TO PROPER LENGTH
NOTE: Trimmer line pre-cut to proper
length is available for this unit; see the
Repair Parts section of this manual.
If trimmer line is purchased in bulk, it must
be cut to 18-3/4 inches before using. Use
the built-in length guage as follows:
1. From front of trimmer, place the end of
spooled trimmer line at the mark on
the side of the debris shield as shown.
2. Wrap trimmer line around front of
chassis cover to other side and cut at
the "22" mark (your unit's width of cut).
TO REPLACE TRIMMER LINE
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with spark plug.
2. Remove worn trimmer line from line
carrier plate.
3. Fold new, cut to length, trimmer line in
half and insert folded end through
carrier plate opening to back side of
retainer clip.
4. With folded end of line at back side of
retainer clip, pull line outward until
line is fully seated under the retainer
clip.
5. Repeat on other side of carrier plate.
6. Check all lines to be sure they are the
same length.
7. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark
plug.
Trimmer
line
WRAP
LINE
Debris New
shield End of trimmer
mark spooled line line
Carrier plate
opening
clip
10
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SF-SJ.
Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating
tem
-20 0 30 60 80 100
-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils
(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in
cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils
will result in increased oil consumption
when used above 32°F. Check your
engine oil level more frequently to avoid
possible engine damage from running
low on oil.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or at least once a year if the
unit is not used for 25 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before
starting the engine and after each five (5)
hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug
securely each time you check the oil
level.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
NOTE: Before tipping tdmmer to drain
oil, drain fuel tank by running engine
until fuel tank is empty.
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with spark plug.
2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a
clean surface.
3. Tip trimmer on its side as shown and
drain oil into a suitable container.
Rock trimmer back and forth to
remove any oil trapped inside of
engine.
4. Wipe off any spilled oil from trimmer or
side of engine.
5. Fill engine with oil (See "ADD OIL" in
the Operation section of this manual).
6. Replace engine oil cap.
7. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark
plug.
Container
11
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly and may
be damaged by using a dirty air filter.
Replace the air filter every 100 hours of
operation or every season, whichever
occurs first. Service air cleaner more
often under dusty conditions.
TO CLEAN AIR FILTER
1. Loosen screw and tilt cover to remove.
2. Carefully remove cartridge.
3. Clean by gently tapping on a flat
surface. If very dirty, replace cartridge.
ACAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such as
kerosene, are not to be used to clean
cartridge. They may cause deterioration of
the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not
use pressurized air to clean or dry
cartridge.
4. Install cartridge, then replace cover
making sure the tabs are aligned with
the slots in the back plate. Fasten
screw securely.
Back
Slots
Cover
Cover tabs
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffler as
it could create a fire hazard end/or
damage.
SPARK PLUG
Replace spark plugs at the beginning of
each mowing season or after every 100
hours of operation, whichever occurs first.
Spark plug type and gap setting are
shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"
in the Maintenance section of this
manual.
CLEANING
IMPORTANT: For best performance,
keep trimmer free of built-up grass and
trash. Clean the underside of your
trimmer after each use.
ACAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire
from spark plug and place wire where it
cannot come in contact with the spark
plug.
• Turn trimmer on its side. Make sure air
filter and carburetor are up. Clean the
underside of your trimmer by scraping
to remove build-up of grass and trash.
• Clean engine often to keep trash from
accumulating. A clogged engine runs
hotter and shortens engine life.
• Keep finished surfaces and wheels
free of all gasoline, oil, etc.
• We do not recommend using a garden
hose to clean trimmer unless the
electrical system, muffler, air filter and
carburetor are covered to keep water
out. Water in engine can result in
shortened engine life.
12
A WARNING: To avoid serious injury,
before performing any service and
adjustments:
1. Stop engine.
2. Make sure the rotating lines and all
moving parts have completely
stopped.
3. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place where it cannot come
in contact with plug.
TRIMMER
TO ADJUST TRIMMING HEIGHT
See 'qO ADJUSTTRIMMING HEIGHT" inthe
Operation section of this manual.
TO ADJUST HANDLE
The upper handle may be adjusted to
different height positions.
• Loosen handle knob only enough to
allow the upper handle to pivot to the
desired position.
• Tighten handle knob securely.
NOTE: The handle knob and bolt may be
reversed for left handed operation.
Upper handle
TO REMOVE/REPLACE TRIMMER HEAD
DRIVE BELT
1. Remove screw at front of chassis
cover.
2. Liftcover up and away from trimmer.
Chassis
cover
3. Remove the two (2) screws on sides
of trimmer securing the debris shield.
4. Turn trimmer on its side with carbure-
tor and fuel cap up.
5. Remove the two (2) screws on
underside of trimmer securing the
debris shield.
6. Slide the debris shield rearward and
remove.
7. Remove belt from engine pulley on
crankshaft.
Handle knob J
pulley
Debris shietd screws
13
8. Remove belt from trimmer head pulley.
9. Note the position of the control cable
and idler return spring, then remove
idler assembly from chassis and
remove belt and idler from trimmer.
10. Remove belt from idler assembly by
removing bottom belt keeper and idler
pulleys.
11.Assemble new belt, idler pulleys and
bottom belt keeper to idler bracket.
Tighten pulley bolts securely.
NOTE: Be sure belt is inside top belt
keeper on idler assembly.
12. Position belt and idler assembly in
trimmer, reconnect idler spring and
assemble idler to chassis.
13.Install belt around trimmer head pulley
and engine pulley.
14. Replace debris shield and tighten the
four (4) screws securely.
15. Replace chassis cover and tighten
screw securely.
Always use Craftsman replacement parts
to assure proper fit and long life.
Idler bracket
Flatidler
Spacer,
ENGINE
ENGINE SPEED
Your engine speed has been factory set.
Do not attempt to increase engine speed
or it may result in personal injury. If you
believe that the engine is running too fast
or too slow, take your unit to a Sears or
other qualified service center for repair
and/or adjustment.
CARBURETOR
Your carburetor has a nonadjustable fixed
main jet for mixture control. If your engine
does not operate properly due to sus-
pected carburetor problems, take your
unit to a Sears or other qualified service
center for repair and/or adjustment.
BoSom
belt
keeper
Flat idler
2
Trimmer head pulley
IMPORTANT: Never tamper with the
engine governor, which is factory set for
proper engine speed. Overspeeding the
engine above the factory high speed
setting can be dangerous. If you think the
engine-governed high speed needs
adjusting, take your unit to a Sears or
other qualified service center, which has
proper equipment and experience to
make any necessary adjustments.
14
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