Craftsman 944517742 Owner’s Manual

Instruction Manual

24cc/1.4 cu.in. 2-Cycle

185 MPH/385 CFM

GASOLINE POWERED
BLOWE R/VAC/M ULCH ER

Model No.

0944.517742

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts List

• Franqais

WARNING:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating
Instructions before first use of this product.

For answers to your questions about this product:

Call 7 am-7 pm, Mon.-Sat., or 10 am-7 pm, Sun.

1-800-235-5878 <.o°,, listed are Central Time)

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

530163803 7/25/03

Warranty Statement 2 Troubleshooting Table 12
Safety Rules 2 Emissions Statement 13
Assembly 4 Parts List 15
Operation 6 French 18

Maintenance 9 Parts and Ordering Back

Storage 11

TWO (2) YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ® POWER BLOWER

For two (2) years from date of purchase, Sears Canada, Inc., will repair or replace

free of charge, at Sears' option, parts which are defective as a result of material and
workmanship.

COMMERCIAL OR RENTAL USE:
Warranty on Gas Leaf Blower will be 30 days from the date of purchase if used for
Commercial or Rental purposes.

This warranty does NOT cover:

1. Blower tubes, spark plug, and air cleaner, which are expendable parts and
become worn during normal use.

Warranty service is available by returning the Power Blower to the nearest Sears
Service Centre/Department in Canada. This warranty applies 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 legis-

lation. 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

i'%
iI_WARNING: Failure to follow all

Safety Rules and Precautions can re-
sult in serious injury.

KNOW YOUR UNIT

• Read your instruction manual care-

fully until you completely understand

and can follow all warnings and
safety rules before operating the unit.

• Restrict unit to users who under-
stand and will follow all warnings and
safety rules in this manual.

_WARNING: Inspect area before
starting unit. Remove all debris and

hard objects such as rocks, glass,
wire, etc. that can ricochet, be thrown,

or otherwise cause injury or damage
during operation.

Use your unit as a blower for:

• Sweeping debris or grass clippings

from driveways, sidewalks, patios, etc.

• Blowing grass clippings, straw, or
leaves into piles, around joints, or
between bricks.

Use your unit as a vacuum for:

• Picking up dry material such as
leaves, grass, small twigs, and bits of

paper.

• For best results during vacuum use,

operate your unit at high speed.

• Move slowly back and forth over the
material as you vacuum. Avoid forc-

ing the unit into a pile of debris as

this can clog the unit.

• Keep the vacuum tube about an inch
above the ground for best results.

PLAN AHEAD

• Always wear eye protectionwhen op-
erating, servicing, or performing main-

tenance on unit. Wearing eye protec-
tion will help to prevent rocks or debris
from being blown or ricocheting into

eyes and face which can result in
blindness and/or serious injury. Eye
protection should be marked Z87.

• Always wear foot protection. Do not

go barefoot or wear sandals.

• Always wear respirator or face mask

when working with unit in dusty envi-

ronments.

-2-

• Secure hair above shoulder length.
Secure or remove jewelry, loose cloth-

ing, or clothing with loosely hanging
straps, ties, tassels, etc. They can be

caught in moving parts.

• Do not operate unit when you are

tired, ill, upset, or if you are under the

influence of alcohol, drugs, or medica-

tion.

• Keep children, bystanders, and ani-
mals away from work area a mini-
mum of 30 feet (10 meters) when
starting or operating unit. Do not
point blower nozzle in the direction of

people or pets.

HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION, IT IS
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE

• Eliminate all sources of sparks or

flame (including smoking, open
flames, or work that can cause sparks)

in the areas where fuel is mixed,
poured, or stored.

• Mix and pour fuel in an outdoor area;
store fuel in a cool, dry, well ventilated
place; use an approved, marked con-

tainer for all fuel purposes.

• Do not smoke while handling fuel or

while operating the unit.

• Make sure the unit is properly as-
sembled and in good operating con-

dition.

• Do not fill fuel tank while engine is run-
ning.

• Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up fuel
spills before starting engine.

• Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away

from fuel and fueling site before start-

ing engine.

• Always store gasoline in a container
approved for flammable liquids.

OPERATE YOUR UNIT SAFELY
_,WARNING: Stop the engine be-

fore opening the vacuum inlet door. The
engine must be stopped and the impel-
ler blades no longer turning to avoid se-
rious injury from the rotating blades.

• Inspect unit before each use for worn,
loose, missing, or damaged parts. Do
not use until unit is in proper working

order.

• Keep outside surfaces free from oil
and fuel.

• Never start or run engine inside a
closed room, building or other unventi-

lated area. Breathing exhaust fumes
can kill.

• To avoid static electricity shock, do not

wear rubber gloves or any other insu-

lated gloves while operating unit.

• Do not set unit on any surface except
a clean, hard area while engine is run-

ning. Debris such as gravel, sand,
dust, grass, etc. could be picked up by

the air intake and thrown out through

discharge opening, damaging unit,
property, or causing serious injury to

bystanders or operator.

• Avoid dangerous environments. Do
not use in unventilated areas or where

explosive vapors or carbon monoxide
build up could be present.

• Do not overreach or use from unstable
surfaces such as ladders, trees, steep
slopes, rooftops, etc. Keep firm footing

and balance at all times.

• Never place objects inside the blower

tubes; always direct the blowing debris

away from people, animals, glass, and
solid objects such as trees, automo-
biles, walls, etc. The force of air can
cause rocks, dirt, or sticks to be

thrown or to ricochet which can hurt

people or animals, break glass, or
cause other damage.

• Never run unit without the proper
equipment attached. When using your

unit as a blower, always install blower

tubes. When using the optional vacu-

um kit, always install vacuum tubes
and vacuum bag assembly. Make
sure vacuum bag assembly is com-

pletely zipped.

• Check air intake opening, blower

tubes, and vacuum tubes frequently,

always with engine stopped and
spark plug disconnected. Keep vents
and discharge tubes free of debris

which can accumulate and restrict

proper air flow.

• Never place any object in air intake

opening as this could restrict proper air
flow and cause damage to the unit.

• Never use for spreading chemicals,

fertilizers, or other substances which

may contain toxic materials.

• To avoid spreading fire, do not use
near leaf or brush fires, fireplaces, bar-

becue pits, ashtrays, etc.

• Use only for jobs explained in this
manual.

MAINTAIN YOUR UNIT PROPERLY

• Have all maintenance other than the
recommended procedures described

in the instruction manual performed by
a Sears Service Center.

• Disconnect spark plug before perform-
ing maintenance except for carburetor

adjustments.

-3-

• Use only recommended Craftsman®
replacement parts; use of any other

parts may void your warranty and
cause damage to your unit.

• Empty fuel tank before storing the unit.
Use upfuel left in carburetor by start-

ing engine and letting it run until it
stops.

• Do not use any accessory or attach-
ment other than those recommended

by manufacturer for use with your unit.

• Do not store the unit or fuel in a closed
area where fuel vapors can reach

sparks or an open flame from hot

water heaters, electric motors or

switches, furnaces, etc.

• Store in a dry area out of reach of
children.

SAFETY NOTICE: Exposure to vibra-
tions through prolonged use of gaso-

line powered hand tools could cause
blood vessel or nerve damage in the

fingers, hands, and joints of people
prone to circulation disorders or abnor-

mal swelling. Prolonged use in cold
weather has been linked to blood ves-

sel damage in otherwise healthy
people. If symptoms occur such as

numbness, pain, loss of strength,
change in skin color or texture, or loss

of feeling in the fingers, hands, or
joints, discontinue the use of this tool
and seek medical attention. An anti-

vibration system does not guarantee

the avoidance of these problems. Us-

ers who operate power tools on a con-

tinual and regular basis must monitor

closely their physical condition and the
condition of this tool.

SPECIAL NOTICE: For users on U.S.
Forest Land and in some states, includ-

ing California (Public Resources Codes

4442 and 4443), Idaho, Maine, Minne-

sota, New Jersey, Oregon, and Wash-

ington: Certain internal combustion en-
gines operated on forest, brush, and/or
grass covered land in the above areas

are required to be equipped with a spark

arresting screen, maintained in effective
working order, or the engine must be

constructed, equipped, and maintained
for the prevention of fire. Check with

your state or local authorities for regula-
tions pertaining to these requirements.

Failure to follow these requirements is a

violation of the law. This unit is not facto-

ry equipped with a spark arresting

screen; however, a spark arresting

screen is available as an optional part. If

a spark arresting screen is required in
your area, contact your authorized ser-

vice dealer for the correct kit. The spark

arresting screen, blower tubes, and

nozzles must be assembled to unit to be

in full compliance with regulations.

CARTON CONTENTS
Check carton contents against the fol-

lowing list.
Model C944.517742

Blower
Blower tube
Elbow tube

Vacuum bag

Upper vacuum tube
Lower vacuum tube

2-Cycle Engine Oil

NOTE: It is normal for the fuel filter to
rattle in the empty fuel tank.

ASSEMBLY

_WARNING: Stop engine and be
sure the impeller blades have stopped

turning before opening the vacuum in-
let door or attempting to insert or re-

move the vacuum tubes. The rotating
blades can cause serious injury.

d_WARNING: If you receive your

unit assembled, repeat all steps to en-

sure your unit is properly assembled

and all fasteners are secure.

• Astandard screwdriver is required
for assembly.

BLOWER ASSEMBLY
BLOWER TUBE ASSEMBLY

If you have already assembled your unit

for use as a vacuum, remove the vacu-

um tubes and collection bag.

1. Align the rib on the blower tube
with the groove in the blower outlet;
slide the tube into place.

NOTE: Knob must be loose enough to
allow blower tube to be inserted in blow-

er outlet. Loosen knob by turning coun-

terclockwise.

-4-

Blower
Outlet Blower

Tube

Upper

Vacuum Tube--_-_

Groove Rib

2. Secure the tube by turning the
knob clockwise.

3. To remove the tube, turn the knob
counterclockwise to loosen the

tube; remove the tube.

VACUUM ASSEMBLY
VACUUM BAG ASSEMBLY

1. Open the zipper on the vacuum
bag and insert the elbow tube.

2. Push the small end of the elbow
tube through the small opening in

the bag.

Elbow
Tube Small

Opening

Opening Rib

NOTE: Make sure edge of the small
opening is flush against the flared area
of the elbow tube, and the rib on the
elbow tube is on the bottom.

3. Close the zipper on the bag. Make

sure the zipper is closed completely.

4. Remove blower tube from engine.

Rib

Lower

Vacuum Tube

2. Insert the tip of a screwdriver into
the latch area of the vacuum inlet.

Latch - _ _ Blower

Area ,_[ _ ] _ Outlet

LatchArea

_'_/_/_..___"_ l(7_,._/y_- Vacuum

= Inlet Cover

3. Gently tilt the handle of the screw-
driver toward the back of the unit to

release the latch while pulling up
on the vacuum inlet cover with your

other hand.

4. Hold the vacuum inlet cover open
until upper vacuum tube is installed.

Vacuum Inlet -._\

Retaining POS_" L_,'_

Vacuum ,_ - _.Li

Cover "7~__-Z:_...

5, Place the hooks of the upper vacu-

um tube on the retaining posts of
the unit.

6, Pivot the tube until it is secured to

the blower unit by the vacuum inlet
latch.

5. Insert the elbow tube into the blow-
er outlet. Make sure elbow tube is

aligned with the blower outlet

groove.

6. Turn knob clockwise to secure el-
bow tube.

VACUUM TUBE ASSEMBLY

1. Align the lower vacuum tube as
shown. Push lower vacuum tube

into upper vacuum tube.

PIVOT

Inlet Cover

Latch

HOW TO CONVERT UNIT FROM

VACUUM USE TO BLOWER USE

1, Remove the vacuum tubes by in-

serting the tip of a screwdriver into
the latch area of the vacuum inlet,

-5-

Retaining

Post

2• Gently tilt handle of screwdriver to-

ward the back of the unit to release
the latch while pulling up on the up-

per vacuum tube with your other
hand.

2. Pass the shoulder strap over your
head and onto your right shoulder•

3. Extend your left arm toward the
rear of the vacuum bag.

4. Adjust shoulder strap until the vacu-
um bag/shoulder strap seam lies be-

tween your thumb and index finger•

5• Make sure air flows freely from the

elbow tube into bag. If bag is kinked,
the unit will not operate properly.

3. Remove the vacuum bag.

4. Close the vacuum inlet cover and
make sure it is latched closed•

5. Reinstall the blower tube (see
BLOWER TUBE ASSEMBLY)•

SHOULDER STRAP ADJUSTMENT
lfor vacuum use only)

• Hold the unit as shown with the
muffler side facing away from your

body and clothes•

KNOW YOUR BLOWER

READTHIS INSTRUCTIONMANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFOREOPERATINGYOUR

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

MULCHING BLADES
Your blower is equipped with mulching blades as a standard feature. When using
the vacuum attachment, the mulching blades automatically reduce debris at a

ratio of up to 16:1.

Elbow Tube

Blower
Tube

Lower
Vacuum Tube

Throttle

Lever

-6-

Vacuum

Upper T_

Primer Button

Choke Lever

Fuel Mix

Starter
Rope

Rear
Handle

THROTTLE LEVER
The THROTTLE LEVER is used to select

the desired engine speed and to stop
the engine. Move the throttle lever to
the '_, position for full speed opera-

tion. Move the throttle lever to the

position for idle speed. To stop

the engine, move the throttle lever to
the STOP position.

PRIMER BUTTON
The PRIMER BUTTONremoves air from
the carburetor and fuel lines and fills

them with fuel. This allows you to start

the engine with fewer pulls on the starter

rope. Activate primer button by pressing
it and allowing it to return to its original

position.
CHOKE LEVER

The CHOKEhelps to supply fuel to the

engine to aid in cold starting. Activate

the choke by moving the choke lever to
the FULL CHOKEposition. After engine

attempts to start, move the choke lever

to the HALFCHOKE position. Once en-
gine starts, move choke lever to the

RUNposition.

OPERATING TIPS

• While vacuuming or blowing debris,

hold the unit with the muffler side fac-
ing away from your body and clothes

(see OPERATING POSITION below).

• To reduce the risk of hearing loss

associated with sound level(s), hear-
ing protection is required.

• To reduce the risk of injury associated

with contacting rotating parts, stop the

engine before installing or removing
attachments. Do not operate without

guard(s) in place.

• Operate power equipment only at rea-

sonable hours-not early in the morn-
ing or late at night when people might

be disturbed. Comply with times listed
in local ordinances. Usual recommen-

dations are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..
Monday though Saturday.

• To reduce noise levels, limit the num-

ber of pieces of equipment used at
any one time.

• To reduce noise levels, operate pow-

er blowers at the lowest possible

throttle speed to do the job.

• Use rakes and brooms to loosen

debris before blowing.

• In dusty conditions, slightly dampen

surfaces or use a mister attachment

when water is available.

• Conserve water by using power blow-

ers instead of hoses for many lawn
and garden applications, including

areas such as gutters, screens, patios.

grills, porches, and gardens.

• Watch out for children, pets, open

windows, or freshly washed cars.

Blow debris away safely.

• Use the full blower nozzle extension

so the air stream can work close to

the ground.

• After using blowers and other equip-

ment, CLEAN UP! Dispose of debris
in trash receptacles.

OPERATING POSITION

/

Blower Vacuum

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

_I_WARNING: Be sure to read the
fuel information in the safety rules

before you begin. If you do not
understand the safety rules, do not

attempt to fuel your unit. Call
1-800-235-5878.

FUELING ENGINE

_I_WARNING: Remove fuel cap

slowly when refueling.

This engine is certified to operate on un-

leaded gasoline. Before operation, gaso-
line must be mixed with a good quality

synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil.
We recommend Craftsman brand syn-
thetic oil. Mix gasoline and oil at a ratio

of 40:1. A40:1 ratio is obtained by mix-

ing 95 ml of oil with 4 litres of unleaded
gasoline. Included with this trimmer is a

95 ml container of oil. Pour the entire

contents of this container into 4 litres of
gasoline to achieve the proper fuel mix-

ture. DO NOTUSE automotive oil or boat
oil. These oils will cause engine dam-

age. When mixing fuel, follow instruc-
tions printed on container. Once oil is

added to gasoline, shake container mo-

mentarily to assure that the fuel is thor-
oughly mixed. Always read and follow

the safety rules relating to fuel before
fueling your unit.

-7-

IMPORTANT

Experience indicates that alcohol

blended fuels (called gasohol or using
ethanol or methanol) can attract mois-

ture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage,
Acidic gas can damage the fuel sys-

tem of an engine while in storage.
To avoid engine problems, empty the

fuel system before storage for 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. Never use engine or
carburetor cleaner products in the fuel

tank or permanent damage may occur.

Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alter-

native in minimizing the formation of
fuel gum deposits during storage.
Craftsman brand oil is already blended
with fuel stabilizer. See the STORAGE
section for additional information.

NOTE: Unit must be placed on its side
when adding fuel (see illustration below).

Blower \

Vacuum

_1_WARNING: When starting engine,

hold the unit as illustrated. Do not set

unit on any surface except a clean, hard

area when starting engine or while en-
gine is running. Debris such as gravel,

sand, dust, grass, etc. could be picked

up by the air intake and thrown out
through the discharge opening, damag-

ing the unit or property, or causing seri-
ous injury to bystanders or the operator.

STARTING A COLD ENGINE (or a

warm engine after running out of

fuel)

1, Move the throttle lever to the '_'

position.

2. Move the choke lever to the FULL
CHOKE position.

3. Slowly press the primer button 8
times.

Throttle Lever Primer Button

STOPPING YOUR ENGINE

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

STARTING THE ENGINE
_WARNING: You MUST make sure

the tubes are secure before using the
unit.

• Fuel engine. Move at least 10 feet (3
meters) away from the fueling site.

• Hold the unit in the starting position
as shown. Make sure the blower end

is directed away from people, ani-
mals, glass, and solid objects.

Choke Lever

4. Pull starter handle sharply until the
enqine attempts to run, but no more
than 5 pulls (below 30°F, 8 pulls).

NOTE: If the engine attempts to start
before the 5th pull, go to the next step

immediately.

5. Move choke lever to HALF CHOKE.

6. Pull the starter handle sharply until
the engine runs, but no more than
5 pulls (below 30°F, 10 pulls).

7. After a 5 second warm-up, move the
choke lever to the RUN position.

8. Allow the unit to run for 30 more
seconds at RUN before moving the
throttle lever to the -_ position.

-8-

If the engine has not started after 5

pulls (at HALF CHOKE), repeat the
STARTING A COLD ENGINE procedure.

If the engine still does not start, pro-

ceed to STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE.

9. To stop the engine, move the
throttle lever to the STOP position.

STARTING A WARM ENGINE

1. Move the throttle lever to the '_,
position.

2. Pull the starter handle sharply until
the engine starts, but no more than

5 pulls.
NOTE: If the engine has not started,
pull starter handle sharply for 5 more

pulls. If engine still does not run, it is
probably flooded. Proceed to START-

ING A FLOODED ENGINE.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug

service, or adiustments.

CARE & MAINTENANCE TASK

Check for loose fasteners and parts
Check for damaged or worn parts

Inspect and clean unit and labels
Clean air filter

Replace spark plug
Replace fuel filter

Check muffler mounting screws

_I_WARNING: Avoid touching muf-
fler unless engine and muffler are cold.

A hot muffler can cause serious burns.
_WARNING: Stop engine and be

sure the impeller blades have stopped
turning before opening the vacuum in-

let door or attempting to insert or re-
move the vacuum or blower tubes.

The rotating blades can cause serious
injury. Always disconnect the spark

plug before performing maintenance or
accessing movable parts.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this unit does not cov-
er items that have been subjected to

operator abuse or negligence. To re-
ceive full value from the warranty, the

operator must maintain unit as instruct-
ed in this manual. Various adjustments
will need to be made periodically to
properly maintain your unit.

3. To stop the engine, move the
throttle lever to the STOP position.

STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE
Flooded engines can be started by

placing the choke lever in the RUN
position. Move throttle lever to the fast

position _ ; then, pull rope until en-

gine starts. After engine starts, move
the throttle lever to the slow position

to allow engine to idle.
Starting could require pulling the start-
er rope many times depending on how

badly the unit is flooded. If the unit still
doesn't start, refer to the TROUBLE-

SHOOTING TABLE or call
1-800-235-5878.

before performing maintenance,

WHEN TO PERFORM

Before each use
Before each use

After each use
Every 5 hours of operation

Yearly
Yearly

Yearly

CHECK FOR LOOSE

FASTENERS AND PARTS
° Spark Plug Boot

• Air Filter

• Housing Screws
CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR

WORN PARTS

Contact Sears Service Center for re-
placement of damaged or worn parts.

• Throttle Lever - Ensure throttle lever

functions properly by moving the
throttle lever to the STOP position.

Make sure engine stops; then restart
engine and continue.

• Fuel Tank - Do not use unit if fuel tank

shows signs of damage or leaks.

. Vacuum Bag - Do not use vacuum

bag if it is torn or damaged.

INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT

AND LABELS

, After each use, inspect complete unit

for loose or damaged parts, Clean
the unit using a damp cloth with a

mild detergent,

, Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth,

-9-