Craftsman 944360050 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRRFTSMRN'I

4.0 HORSEPOWER 20 INCH CUT

WHEELED WEEDTRIMMER

Model No.

944.360050

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Repair Parts

_ILCAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment.

Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8

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

Safety Rules ......................................... 3

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

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

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

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

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN WEEDTRIMMER For Two years from date of purchase Sears Canada, Inc. will repair or replace at Sears

option free of charge parts which are defective as a result of material or workmanship. COMMERCIAL OR RENTAL USE:

Warranty on Weedtrimmer will be ninety (90) days from date of purchase if used for commercial or rental purposes.

This Warranty does NOT cover:

• Pre-delivery set-up.

• 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 .................... 12

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

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

Repair Parts ........................................ 16

Parts Ordering ..................... Back Cover

Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman Weedtrimmers only while this

product is in use in Canada. This warranty is in addition to any statutory warranty and does not exclude or limit legal

rights you may have but shall run concurrently with applicable provincial legislation. Furthermore, some provinces do NOT allow limitation on how long an implied warranty

will last so the above limitations may not apply to you.

Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8

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.

A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest authorized service

centerldepartment (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

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.

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 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 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, 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.

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

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 impor- tant salety precautions. It means CAU-

TlONf!! BECOME AWARE!!! YOUR SAFETY IS 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.

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or

operate your new trimmer. IMPORTANT: This _mmer 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. Air 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 20 oz. Trimmer Unes

Goggles Bottle of oll (2) Sets

(0,130 diameter

x 16.75 inches long)

TO REMOVE TRIMMER FROM CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with trimmer.

• Cut down two end comers 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 UP YOUR TRIMMER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so as not to pinch or damage control cables.

• Loosen handle knobs enough to allow

upper handle to be unfolded from the

shipping position.

• Raise upper handle section into place on lower handle and tighten handle knobs.

• Remove handle padding holding ldmmer head control bar to upper handle.

Handle knob

Lower handle

handle

Lift up

KNOW YOUR TRIMMER READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

TRIMMER. Compare the iUustra[_onsv_th your trimmer to fami{(ar(ze yourself with the {oca_n

of various contr,o_ and adiustments. 'Save _nk manual for future reference. , ,,

symbols may appear on your trimmer or In rfmmturesuppnnd w_fftthe product, Learn and understand

C*%q_ _':_lt_ z_"

F_ST S_OW

Throttle Control

Starter handle

Handle knob

Engine oil cap w/

dipstick

i i

Trimmer head control bar

rammer head control lever

Engine

cover

Primer

head

IMPORTANT: This trimmer isshipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

iii I I

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

start oacowengine.

•.Tnmmer line

II I

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

either fast or slow enginaspeed. Starter handle - used for start_ the engine.

Trimmer head control lever- used to engage trimmer head,

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 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.

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.

Drive cor_t_ol lever

Trimmer head control bar

To engage trimmer head

Trimmer head disengaged

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE ADD OIL

Your trimmer is shipped without oil in the

engine.

• Be sure trimmer is level and area around oil

fill is clean.

• Remove engine oil cap and fillto the full

line on the dipstick.

NOTE: Allow oi! to settle down into engine for accurate dipstick reading.

• Engine holds 20 oz. of oil. For type and

grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in

Maintenance section of this manual.

• Pour oil slowly, Do not over fill.

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

• To reed proper level, tighten engine oil cap each time.

• Reiostall engine oil cap and tighten.

• 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.

_WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or

using ethanol or methanol) con 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

filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any

spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use

gasoline near an open flame.

Gasoline

Engine oil c_p_

TO START ENGINE

• 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.

• Move throttle control laver to fast position.

• 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.

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, 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 tdmmer head.

MAINTENANCESCHEDULE .,, ____ ___O_,_ _

Check for Loose Fasteners V' I#/

!R Clean Tdmmer I_ I_

M Clean Under Engine Cover V'2 t/

M Check ddve belt/pulleys

R ChecldRep_ace Trimmer Lines 1_3

Check EngineOil Level

E Change Engine Oil 1_1,2

GN clean AirFilter I_ 2

I Inspec| Muffler t_'

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug V'

ReplaceAir Filter Paper Cartridge id#2

1 - Cha_ge more often when opera_u_Junder a heavy load o_in high ambient tsnlperatures 2 - Service i_ore often when openatmg in dirty or dusty cmld_Jons 3 -Replac_ tdln=_ lines wl_e_ they have worn to half theiF_-_ginal k_ngth.

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 tdmmer as instructed in this

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.

manual.

Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your unit.

All adjustments in the Service and

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Serial No.

Date of Purchase:

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

Gasoline Type: Gasoline Capacity: Oil Type:

(API-SF/SG/SH)

Oil Capacity:

Spark Plug :

(Gap: .030") Valve Clearance:

this manual,

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

Trimmer Line Dla.: ,130 inch Trimmer Line Length: 16,75 inches

• Check for loose fasteners.

• Clean under engine cover.

LUBRICATION

To prolong the useful life of your trimmer,

change engine oil as recommended in

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.

this section of Owner's Manual.

Unleaded Regular

1.25 Quarts

SAE 30 (Above 32° F) SAE 5W-30 (Below 32o F)

20 Ozs.

Champion J19LM

or RJ19LM Intake: .004-.008 Exhaust: .004-.008

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