Craftsman 944.361160 User Manual

Owner's Manual

CRAFTSMAN°

LE

E T

675 Series
22

Model No.

944.361160

Inch Cut

I E

Briggs & Stratton

Engine

A CAUTION'.

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment.

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

Warranty ................................................ 4-5

Safety Rules .......................................... 2-3

Assembly / Pre-Operation ........................ 6

Operation ............................................... 7-9

Maintenance Schedule ........................... 10

Maintenance ...................................... 10-12

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 standard safety glasses or a

wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.

_i,Look for this symbol to point out im-

portant safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

& WARNING" In order to prevent ac-
cidental starting when setting up, trans-

porting, adjusting or making repairs,

always disconnect spark plug wire and

place wire where it cannot contact plug.

& CAUTION: Muffler and .4Tb..-.
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.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instruc-
tions 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 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.

• Clearthe area ofobjects such asrocks, toys,
wire, bones, sticks, etc., which could be

picked up and thrown bythe spinning lines.

Product Specifications .......................... 10

Service and Adjustments ................... 13-14

Storage .............................................. 14-15

Troubleshooting ...................................... 16

Repair Parts ....................................... 18-26

Sears Service .......................... Back Cover

• Be sure the area is clear of other people
before trimming, particularly small chil-
dren 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 bare-

foot 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 un-
less absolutely necessary. Always look

down and behind before and while mov-
ing 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 ap-
proved by the manufacturer.

• Never use blades, wire, orftailing devices.

This unit is designed for line trimmer use

only. Use of other accessories or attach-
ments 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.

2

• Operateonly in daylightor goodartificial
light.

• Donot operatethe machinewhile under
the influenceof alcoholor drugs.

• Neveroperatemachineinwet grass. Al-
ways be sureof yourfooting: keepa firm
holdon the handleandwalk; never run.

• Ifthe equipment shouldstart to vibrate
abnormally,stopthe engine (motor)and
check immediatelyforthe cause. Vibra-
tion is generallyawarningof trouble.

• Alwayswear safetygogglesorsafety
glasseswith sideshieldswhen oper-

ating 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 cau-
tion. 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 foot-
ing 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.

A 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 ap-
plicable 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 Centre/Department in Canada (see the REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).

• 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 set-
ting or overspeed the engine.

• Clean and replace safety and instruction
decals as necessary.

3

GENERAL: Craftsman products are warranted to be free from defects in materials
or workmanship for a specific time period as set-out below (the "Warranty Period").

Warranties extend to the original purchaser of a Craftsman product only. Purchases

made through an online auction or through any website other than www.sears.caare
excluded. The relevant Warranty Periodcommenceson the original date of purchase.
Withinthis period,SearsCanada,Inc.will,at itssoleoption,repairorreplaceanyproducts
or componentswhich fail in normal use. Such repairsor replacementwill be madeat no
chargeto the customerfor partsor labor,providedthatthe customershall be responsible
for any transportationcost.

EXCLUSIONS:This warrantydoesnot coverfailuresdue to normalwear,abuse,misuse,

neglect(including but not limitedto the use of stale fuel, dirt, abrasives,moisture, rust,
corrosion, or any adverse reaction due to improper storage or use habits), improper

maintenanceor failure to follow maintenance guidelines and/or instructions, failure to
operatethe product in accordancewith theowner'smanualor any additionalinstructions
or information provided at the time of purchase or in subsequent communicationswith
the original purchaser,accidentor unauthorizedalterationsor repairsmade or attempted

by others. Also excludedfrom warrantycoverage - except as providedbelow - are the
following: maintenance, adjustments, components subject to wear including but not

limitedto: cosmeticcomponents,belts, blades,blade adapters,bulbs,tires,filters, guide

bars,lubricants,seats,grips,recoilassy's,saw chainsandbars,trimmer linesand spools,
spark plugs,starterropersandtines, and discolorationresultingfrom ultravioletlight. Any

product missing the model and/or serial number identificationlabel will be disqualified
from coverageunder this warranty.

REPAIRS: Repairs have a 90 day warranty. If the defective product is still within the
WarrantyPeriod,thenthe newwarrantyis 90 daysfromthe dateof repairorto the endof
the originalWarranty Period,whicheverperiod is longer.

DISCLAIMERS: THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE

EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER ORAL OR
WRITTEN(OTHERTHANAS STATEDHEREIN),ANDWHETHER EXPRESS,IMPLIED
OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY. THIS WARRANTY

GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS,WHICH MAY VARY FROM PROVINCETO

PROVINCE.

IN NO EVENT SHALL SEARS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE

OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. THE

EXCLUSIONS IN THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL NOT APPLY IN JURISDICATIONS WHERE
APPLICABLE LAW DOES NOT ALLOW FOR THE EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR

CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. IN SUCH JURISDICTIONS, THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL

NOT APPLY, BUT THE REMAINING PROVISIONS OF THIS DOCUMENT SHALL

REMAIN VALID.

Sears retains the exclusive right to repair or replace the product or offer a full refund of
the purchase price at its sole discretion. SUCH REMEDY SHALL BE YOUR SOLE AND

EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES: In additional to complying with all suggested

maintenance guidelines and instructions, customers' obligations shall include but shall

not be limited to: operating the product in accordance with the owner's manual or any
additional instructions or information provided at the time of purchase or in subsequent
communications to the purchaser from time to time, exhibit reasonable care in the use,
operation, maintenance, general upkeep and storage of the product. Failure to comply
with these requirements will void any applicable warranty.

4

LIST OF APPLICABLE WARRANTY PERIODS: The following list contains the applicable

Warranty Period for your Craftsman product and is based on a combination of the type of

product or component and the intended and actual use of the product or component:

.

90 DAYS: Craftsman products intended for use or actually used for commercial,
institutional, professional or income-producing purposes

.

2 YEARS: Craftsman riding lawn mowers, yard and garden tractors, walk behind
mowers, tillers, brush cutters, snow blowers, handheld blowers, backpack blowers,
hedge trimmers and electrical products for noncommercial, nonprofessional, non-

institutional, or non-income-producing use, except for those components which are
part of engine systems manufactured by third party engine manufacturers for which
the purchase has received an separate warranty with product information supplied at
the time of purchase.

.

1 YEAR: Craftsman power cutters, stump grinders, pole pruners, gas chain saws,
electric chain saws, trimmer attachments, baggers and pole saws for noncommercial,
nonprofessional, non-institutional, or non-income-producing use.

.

90 DAYS: All defective batteries, which will be replaced during this 90-day Warranty
Period.

.

60 DAYS: Additional Warranty Period of 60 days will apply to adjustments and worn
products or components BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE WEAR OR ADJUSTMENTS
for products used for commercial, institutional, professional or income-producing
purposes. Wear items include but are not limited to: belts, blades, tires, spark plugs,
air filters, chains, shear bolts, skid plates, scraper bars, drift cutters, ropes, tines,

collection bags and pulleys.

As the Warranty Period runs from the date of purchase and NOT from the date that a

product is delivered, opened, assembled or first used, plea se ensure during this time
period that your product or component has been assembled and tested for correction
operation regardless of when you intend to actually use it. Claims made after the

Warranty Period has expired will not be honored.

PROOF OF PURCHASE/DOCUMENTATION: Warranty coverage is conditioned upon

the original purchaser furnishing Sears Canada or its authorized third party service

provider if applicable, with the original sales receipt or other adequate written proof of

the original purchase date and identification of the product. In the event that the original

purchaser is unable to provide a company of the original sales receipt, Sears Canada
Inc. reserves the right to determine in its sole discretion what other written proof of the
original purchase date and identification of the product is acceptable.

5

Readthese instructionsandthis manualin
its entirety beforeyou attemptto assemble

or operateyour newtrimmer.
IMPORTANT: Thistrimmer is shipped

WITHOUTOILOR GASOLINEin the
engine.

Your newtrimmer has beenassembled
at thefactorywith the exceptionof those

parts leftunassembledfor shipping
purposes. All partssuch as nuts,wash-

ers, bolts,etc., necessaryto completethe
assemblyhavebeenplaced inthe parts
bag. Toensure safeand properoperation
of your trimmer,all parts and hardware
you assemblemust betightened securely.

Usethe correct tools as necessaryto
ensurepropertightness.
When right hand (RH)or left hand(LH) is

mentionedin this manual, it meanswhen
you are in the operating position(standing

behindthe handle).

Loose Parts Packed Separately

TO REMOVE TRIMMER FROM
CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with trim-
mer.

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.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR 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 trim-

mer 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

× 18.75 inches long)

Upper handle

LIFT UP

\\

Handle
knob

Lower
handle

S --¸ [ ._

6

KNOWYOUR TRIMMER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING

YOUR TRIMMER. Compare the illustrations with your trimmer to familiarize yourself with
the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

These symbols may appear on your trimmer or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and

understand their meaning.

RAPIDE LENT ATTENTION OU

AVERTISSEMENT

• ,WAR

Throttle control

Starter handle

COUPER ESSENCE

LE MOTEUR

INJURYORDEATH

Trimmer head control bar

Engine oil cap w/dipstick

Primer

HUILE

AVOIDSERIOUS

Handle knob

Gasoline cap

Air

Spark plug

Muffler

cover

Trimmer head

IMPORTANT: This trimmer is shipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. -Trimmer line
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.

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.

7

The operationof any trimmercan resultin
foreignobjectsbeingthrown intothe eyes,
whichcan result in severeeye damage.
Alwayswear safetyglassesor eye shields
while operatingyour trimmer or performing
any adjustmentsor repairs. We recom-
mendstandard safetyglasses ora wide
visionsafety maskworn overspectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR TRIMMER

ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed is controlled by a throt-
tle 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.

TOADJUST TRIMMINGHEIGHT

ACAUTION: Stop the engineand wait for

all movingpartsto stop. Disconnectspark
plugwirefrom spark plugand placewire

where it cannot come in contact with plug.

The height of cut can be set to six (6) dif-
ferent 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

0

I

TRIMMER HEAD DRIVE CONTROL
Your trimmer is equipped with a trimmer

head drive control bar which wil! 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.

1 1

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.

3. You receive a container of oil with the
unit. Slowly pour the entire container

down the oil fill spout into the engine.

NOTE: Initial oil fil! requires only 18 oz.
due to residual oil in engine from the
manufacturers 100% quality testing. When
changing oil you may need 20 oz.

4. Insert and tighten dipstick.

8

iMPORTANT:

• 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 oi! more often under

dusty, dirty conditions.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck.
Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87

octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Pur-
chase fuel in quantities that can be used
within 30 days to assure fue! freshness.

,_ CAUTION: 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 fue! 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: Wipe off any spilled oil or

fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline

near an open flame.

Engine

oil cap

Gasoline

filler cap

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, move throttle control
lever to STOP position.

TO START ENGINE

1. Tostarta cold engine, push primerthree

(3) times before trying to start. Use a
firm push. This step is not usually neces-
sary 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.

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 _ t

handle

TRIMMING TIPS

= Set the throttle control in the FAST posi-

tion. If the weeds or grass are tal! 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 trim-
ming along fences, walls, ftowerbeds

and other such objects.

• If trimmer lines become too short, it will
take longer to complete the job. If trim-

mer 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, as-
phalt or other hard surfaces may cause
premature wear of the ball on bottom of

trimmer head.

9