Craftsman C944.511590 User Manual

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Operator’s Manual
ERAFTSMAHl
BRUSHCUTXER ^"yT^VCHMENT
Model No.
C944.511590
DANGER: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating
A
9
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 (Hours listed are Central Time)
Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario MSB 2B8
530086421 4/2/01
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Warranty Statement Safety Rules Assembly 5 Parts List Operation 7 French
Maintenance 9
2
Service & Adjustments 10
2
Storage
Parts and Ordering
11
Back Cover
WARRANTY STATEMENT
LiWIiTED TWO (2) YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN® BRUSHCUTTER
ATTACHMENT
For two (2) years from the 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 or workmanship,
COMMERCIAL OR RENTAL USE:
Warranty on Brushcutter Attachment will be 90 days from the date of purchase if used for commercial or rental purposes. This warranty excludes expendable parts that become worn during normal use.
Warranty service is available by returning the Brushcutter Attachment 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 legislation. Furthermore, some provinces do NOT allow limitations on how long an implied warranty will last, so the above limitations may not apply to you.
Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario MSB 2B8
SAFETY RULES
WARNING: When using garden
ing appliances, basic safety precau tions should always be followed to re
duce the risk of fire and serious injury.
Read and follow all instructions. Fail ure to do so can result in serious injury.
4^ DANGER: This power tool can be
dangerous! This unit can cause seri ous injury including amputation or blindness to the operator and others. The warnings and safety instructions in this manual must be followed to pro vide reasonable safety and efficiency in using the unit- The operator is re sponsible for following the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the unit- Read the entire Operator’s
Manual before assembling and using the unit! Restrict the use of this unit to
persons who read, understand, and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the unit. Never al low children to operate this unit.
OPERATORS MANUAL
SAFETY INFORMATION ON THE UNIT
DANGER: Never use flailing de
vices.
12 13
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A DANGER: Bîade can thrust vio
lently away from material it does not cut. Blade thrust can cause amputa tion of arms or legs. Keep people and animals 50 feet (15 meters) away.
WARNING: Blade can throw ob
jects violently. You can be blinded or
injured. Wear eye and leg protection.
ALWAYS WEAR
Eye Protection
Leg
Guards
Boots
A WARNING: Hazard zone for
thrown objects. Blade can throw ob
jects violently. Others can be blinded
or injured. Keep people and animals 50 feet (15 meters) away.

OPERATOR SAFETY

• Dress properly. Always wear safety glasses or similar eye protection when operating, or performing main tenance on your unit (safety glasses are available). Eye protection should be marked Z87.
• Always wear face or dust mask if op eration is dusty.
• Always wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves. Wearing safety leg guards is recommended.
• Always wear foot protection. Do not go barefoot or wear sandals.
• Secure hair above shoulder length. Secure or remove loose clothing and jewelry or clothing with ioosely hang ing ties, straps, tassels, etc. They can be caught in moving parts.
• Being fully covered also helps pro tect you from debris and pieces of toxic plants thrown by spinning blade.
• Stay Alert. Do not operate unit when you are tired, ill, upset or under influ ence of alcohol, drugs, or medica tion. Watch what you are doing; use common sense.
• Wear hearing protection.
• Never start or run the engine inside a closed room or building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill.
• Keep handles free of oil and fuel.
• Always use the handlebar and a properly adjusted shoulder strap when using brushcutter attachment (see ASSEMBLY).

UNIT/MAINTENANCE SAFETY

WARNING; The blade continues
to spin after throttle is released or en gine is turned off. The coasting blade can throw objects or seriously cut you if accidentally touched. Stop the blade by contacting the left hand side of coasting blade with material already cut.
A WARNING: Disconnect power-
head spark plug before performing maintenance.
• Look for and replace damaged or loose parts before each use. Look for and repair fuel leaks before use.
Keep unit in good working condition.
• Throw away blades that are bent, warped, cracked, broken, or dam aged In any other way. Replace any parts that are cracked, chipped, bro ken, or damaged in any other way before using the unit.
• Maintain the unit according to recom mended procedures. Keep the blade sharp. Never use flailing devices, wire, rope, string, etc.
• Use only specified blade; make sure it is properly installed and securely fastened.
• Never start engine with clutch shroud removed. The clutch can fly off and cause serious injury.
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• Be sure blade stops turning when engine idles.
• Make carburetor adjustments with the lower end supported to prevent the blade from contacting any object. Hold the unit by hand; do not use the shoulder strap for support.
• Keep others away when making car buretor adjustments.
• Use only recommended Craftsman accessories and replacement parts.
• Have all maintenance and service not explained in this manual per formed by a Sears Service Centre.

FUEL SAFETY

• Mix and pour fuel outdoors.
• Keep away from sparks or flames.
• Use a container approved for fuel.
• Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or the unit or while using the unit.
• Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all fuel spills before starting engine.
• Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from fueling site before starting engine.
• Stop engine and allow it to cool be fore removing fuel cap.
• Remove fuel cap slowly.

CUTTING SAFETY

WARNING: Inspect the area to
be cut before each use. Remove ob
jects (rocks, broken glass, nails, wire,
string, etc.) which can be thrown or be come entangled in the blade.
• Keep others including children, ani mals, bystanders, and helpers at least 50 feet (15 meters) away. Stop the engine immediately if you are ap proached.
• Always keep engine on the right­hand side of your body.
• Hold the unit firmly with both hands.
• Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach.
• Keep blade below waist level.
• Do not raise powerhead engine above your waist.
• Keep all parts of your body away from blade and muffler.
• Cut from your right to your left.
• Use only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Use only for jobs explained in this manual.

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

• Stop the powerhead engine before carrying unit.
• Keep muffler away from your body,
• Allow engine to cool and secure unit before storing or transporting it in a vehicle.
• Empty the fuel tank before storing or transporting the unit. Use up fuel left in the carburetor by starting the en gine and letting it run until it stops.
• Store unit and fuel in an area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc.
• Store unit so the blade cannot acci dentally cause injury.
• Store unit indoors, out of reach of children.
If situations occur which are not cov ered in this manual, use care and good judgment. If you need assis tance, call 1-800-235-5878-
SPECIAL NOTICE: Exposure to vibra tions through prolonged use of gaso line powered hand tools could cause blood vessel or nerve damage in the Angers, hands, and joints of people prone to circulation disorders or abnor mal swellings. 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.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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CARTON CONTENTS

Check carton contents against the fol lowing list.
Model 0944.511590
• Brushcutter Attachment
• Handlebar (with Clamp and Knob)
• Handlebar Clamp Base (with Spacer Tabs)
• Shoulder Strap
• Upper Shoulder Strap Clamp
• Lower Shoulder Strap Clamp (with Spacer Tabs)
• Clamp Screws (6)
• Attachment Hanger
• Hex Wrench
Examine parts for damage. Do not use
damaged parts. NOTE: If you need assistance or find that parts are missing or damaged, call
1-800-235“5878.
ASSEMBLY
WARNING: If received assembled,
repeat all steps to ensure your unit is properly assembled and all fasteners are secure.
• A hex wrench (provided) is required for assembly.

HANDLEBAR ASSEMBLY

HANDLEBAR CLAMP BASE
Spacer Tabs
Spacer Tabs ^ positioned for use on 1" diameter upper tube
1. Place the tube clamp over the up per tube above the arrow on the safety decal.
2. Position the clamp base under the upper tube and align the tube clamp and clamp base screw holes (use spacer tabs between tube clamp and clamp base if nec essary to secure clamp, i.e. for 1" diameter upper tube).
Handlebar
POWERHEAD
DANGER: RISK OF CUT. To
avoid serious injury, the barrier portion of the handlebar must be installed as shown on the upper tube of the power­head to provide a barrier between op erator and the spinning blade. Attach tube clamp above arrow on safety warning decal on the upper tube (pow­erhead end of unit). Ensure handlebar is positioned on handlebar clamp be tween the arrows on the handlebar de cal.
NOTE: The tube clamp base has four spacer tabs attached. These tabs are provided to adapt this attachment for use with powerheads that have a 1" diameter upper tube (the tube clamp will not tighten down securely on the 1" diameter upper tube without using these spacer tabs). The tabs must be broken off completely before use and placed over the screw holes on the clamp base. These tabs are not need ed for powerheads with a 7/8" upper tube.
Handlebar Clamp between arrows on handlebar decal
Clamp,
Knob
Tube Clamp
f Arrow on
Safety Decaí
ATTACHMENT END
3. Insert four screws into the screw holes.
4. Secure tube clamp by tightening screws with the hex wrench.
5. Position the handlebar as shown, ensuring the handlebar is posi tioned on the handlebar clamp be tween the two arrows on the han dlebar decal.
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6. Retighten handlebar by turning clamp knob clockwise until handle bar is secure and stationary in clamp (clamp knob cannot be overtightened).

SHOULDER STRAP ASSEMBLY

WARNING: Proper shoulder strap
and handlebar adjustments are required before use. The shoulder strap clamp must be installed as shown above the handlebar on the upper tube (power­head end of unit).
NOTE: The lower shoulder strap clamp has two spacer tabs attached. These tabs are provided to adapt this attachment for use with powerheads that have a 1" diameter upper tube (the shoulder strap clamp will not tight en down securely on the 1" diameter upper tube without using these spacer tabs). The tabs must be broken off completely before use and placed over the screw holes on the lower shoulder strap clamp. These tabs are not need ed for powerheads with a 7/8" upper tube.
LOWER SHOULDER STRAP
CLAMP
Spacer Tabs
Spacer Tabs
positioned for use
on 1" diameter
upper tube
Upper Shoulder Strap Clamp
POWERHEAD END
Lower Shoulder Strap Clamp
Insert two screws into the screw
3.
ATTACHMENT END
Screws
holes.
4. Secure shoulder strap clamp by tightening screws with the hex wrench.
5. Try on shoulder strap and adjust for fit and balance before starting the engine or beginning a cutting opera tion.
6. Insert your right arm and head through the shoulder strap and al low it to rest on your left shoulder. Make sure the danger sign is on your back and the hook is to the right side of your waist.
NOTE: A one-half twist is built in the shoulder strap to allow the strap to rest
flat on the shoulder.
7. Adjust the strap, allowing the hook to be about 6 inches below the waist.
8. Fasten the strap hook to the upper clamp and lift the too! to the oper ating position.
1. Place the upper shoulder strap clamp over the upper tube above the handlebar.
2. Position the lower shoulder strap clamp under the upper tube and align the upper and lower clamp screw holes (use spacer tabs be tween upper and lower clamps if necessary to secure clamp, i.e. for
1" diameter upper tube).
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KNOW YOUR BRUSHCUTTER ATTACHMENT

READ THIS OPERATOR'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR BRUSHCUTTER ATTACHMENT. Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiar ize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

BLADE

The BLADE is designed for cutting grass, weeds, and brush up to 1/2 inch in diameter.

OPERATING THE COUPLER

Your powerhead is equipped with a coupler which enables optional attach ments to be installed- The optional at tachments are:
Edger..............................C944.511570
Cultivator
Blower
........................
............................
C944.511580 C944.511600
WARNING: Always disconnect
powerhead spark plug before remov ing or installing attachments.
REMOVING ATTACHMENT
CAUTION: When removing or instal
ling attachments, place the powerhead and attachment on a flat surface for stability.
1. Loosen the coupler by turning the knob counterclockwise.
Upper Tube
Coupler
Lower \ j Attachment
\ ^ !LOOSEN
TIGHTEN
Knob

LOCKING LEVER

The LOCKING LEVER is used to prevent the blade shaft from turning during
blade replacement.
2.
Press and hold the locking/release button.
Locking/Release Button
/ Coupler!
Lower Attachment
3.
While securely holding the upper
Upper Tube
tube, puli the attachment straight out of the coupler.

INSTALLING ATTACHMENT

1. Remove the tube cap from the at tachment (if present) and discard.
2. Position locking/release button of attachment into guide recess of upper tube coupler.
Coupler Primary Hole
Upper Locking/ Attachment
Tube Release
■ Guide Recess
Button
3. Push the attachment into the cou pler until the locking/release button snaps into the primary hole.
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4. Before using the unit, tighten the knob securely by turning clock wise.

INSTALLING ATTACHMENT

HANGER

An attachment hanger is provided for storage when attachment is not in use. To install hanger on attachment:
1. Remove the tube cap from the at tachment (if present) and discard.
2. Press and hold the locking/release button.
3. Push hanger onto the attachment until the locking/release button snaps into the hole.

OPERATING POSITION

NOTE: This brushcutter attachment is
not designed for use with electric pow­erheads. When operating unit with brushcutter attachment, clip shoulder strap onto upper shoulder strap clamp, stand as shown and check for the following:
• Wear eye protection and heavy
clothing.
• Keep arms extended with right hand
holding the trigger handle of power­head.
• Keep left arm extended with left hand
holding the handlebar.
• Keep unit below waist level.
• Shoulder strap pad should be cen
tered on your left shoulder and dan ger sign centered on your back.
• Maintain full weight of tool on left
shoulder.
• Without bending over, keep the blade
near and parallel to the ground and not crowded into material being cut.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR
BRUSHCUTTER ATTACHMENT
• Blade Thrust is a reaction that only
occurs when using a bladed unit. This reaction can cause serious injury such as amputation. Carefully study this section. It is important that you under stand what causes blade thrust, how
you can reduce the chance of its oc curring, and how you can remain in control of unit if blade thrust occurs.
WHAT CAUSES BLADE THRUST -
Blade Thrust can occur when spin
ning blade contacts an object that it does not cut. This contact causes blade to stop for an instant and then suddenly move or "thrust” away from object that was hit. The “thrusting” re action can be violent enough to cause operator to be propelled in any direc tion and lose control of unit. The un controlled unit can cause serious injury if blade contacts operator or others.
WHEN BLADE THRUST OCCURS
- Blade Thrust can occur without
warning if the blade snags, stalls, or binds. This is more likely to occur in areas where it is difficult to see the material being cut. By using the unit properly, the occurrence of blade thrust will be reduced and the opera tor will be less likely to lose control.
Cut only grass, weeds, and woody brush up to 1/2 inch in diameter with weed blade. Do not let blade contact material it cannot cut such as stumps, rocks, fences, metal, etc., or clusters of hard, woody brush with a diameter greater than 1/2 inch.
Use a sharp blade. A dull blade is more likely to snag and thrust. Cut only at full throttle. The blade will have maximum cutting power and is less likely to bind or stall. "Feed” the blade deliberately and not too rapidly. The blade can thrust away if it is fed too rapidly. Cut only from your right to your left. Swingit^ unit in the same direction as blade spin increases cutting action.
Use the shoulder strap and keep a firm grip on the unit with both hands. A properly adjusted shoulder strap will support the weight of the unit, freeing your arms and hands to con trol and guide the cutting motion.
Keep feet comfortably spread apart and braced for a possible sudden, rapid thrust of unit. Do not overreach.
Keep firm footing and balance.
Keep blade below waist level. It will be easier to maintain control of unit.
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• Do not raise the engine above your waist as the blade can come danger ously close to your body,
• Do not swing the unit with such force that you are in danger of losing your balance,
Bring the powerhead engine to cutting speed before entering the material to be cut.
If the blade does not turn when you squeeze the throttle trigger of the pow erhead, make sure the attachment is fully inserted into the coupler.
Always release the throttle trigger and aliow powerhead engine to return to idle speed when not cutting. The blade should not turn while the engine is run ning at idle. If the blade turns at idle, do not use your unit. Refer to the CAR BURETOR ADJUSTMENT section of the
powerhead manual or contact your Sears Service Centre.
• Maintain good firm footing whiie us ing the unit. Do this by planting feet firmly In a comfortable apart position.
• Cut while swinging the upper part of your body from right to left.
• As you move forward to the next area to cut, be sure to maintain your balance, and footing.
RECOMMENDED CUTTING POSITION
10 o’clock
Cut using the 8 o’clock ¡’ i
to 10 o’clock position ofVy
the blade n . . ,'
8 o clock
WARNING: The operator or others
must not try to clear away cut material with the engine running or the blade turning to avoid serious injury. Stop en gine and blade before removing materi
als wrapped around blade or tube.
AINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
^WARNING: Always stop unit and disconnect spark plug wire before
performing maintenance.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE TASK

Check for loose fasteners and parts Before each use Check for damaged or worn parts Inspect and clean unit and decals After each use Check or replace blade

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this attachment does not cover items that have been sub
jected to operator abuse or negli
gence. To receive full value from the warranty, the operator must maintain the brushcutter attachment as instruct ed in this manual.
CHECK FOR LOOSE
FASTENERS AND PARTS
• Blade nut

CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR WORN PARTS

Contact Sears Service Centre for re placement of damaged or worn parts.
• Blade Shield - Discontinue use of brushcutter attachment if shield is damaged.

INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT AND DECALS

• After each use, inspect complete unit for loose or damaged parts. Clean the unit and decals using a damp cloth with a mild detergent.
WHEN TO PERFORM
Before each use
Every 5 hours of operation
• Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.
BLADE MAINTENANCE
WARNING: The blade will contin
ue to spin after the engine stops or af
ter the throttle trigger has been re
leased. To avoid serious injury, make sure the blade has stopped coasting and disconnect the spark plug before performing work on the blade.
WARNING: Always replace a
blade that Is bent, warped, cracked, broken, or damaged in any other way. Never attempt to straighten and reuse a damaged blade. Use only specified replacement blade. Wear protective
gloves when handling or performing
maintenance on the blade to help avoid injury.
• Check blade for flatness periodically. Lay the blade on a flat surface to in
spect for flatness. Throw away a blade that is not flat.
9
• if A
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BLADE REPLACEMENT

WARNING: The blade will contin
ue to spin after the engine stops or af ter the throttle trigger has been re leased. To avoid serious injury, make sure the blade has stopped coasting and disconnect the spark plug before performing work on the blade.
WARNING: Wear protective
gloves when handling or performing maintenance on the blade to avoid injury. The blade is sharp and can cut you even when it is not moving.
Locking Lever
GEARBOX
1. To remove the blade, push in lock ing lever and hold.
2. Rotate blade nut until the locking lever falls into one of the grooves in the dust cup.
3. Continue to hold in locking lever. This will keep the shaft from turn ing while loosening the blade nut.
4. Loosen blade nut by turning clock wise as you are facing the nut.
5. Remove the blade nut, both wash ers, and the blade from the blade
shaft. Leave the dustcup on the gearbox.
6. Install new blade and retaining washer onto the threaded shaft ex tending from the gearbox (blade must be between the dust cup and the retaining washer). Make sure the raised part of the retaining washer is facing the gearbox, and the raised area fits into the hole in the center of the blade.
7.
Place the cupped washer onto the shaft. Make sure the cupped side of the washer is toward the blade. Install blade nut by threading onto
8.
the shaft counterclockwise as you
are facing the nut. NOTE: Make sure all parts are in place as illustrated, and the blade is sand
wiched between the dust cup and the
retaining washer. There should be no space ttetween the blade and the dust cup or the retaining washer.
9. Push in locking lever and hold.
10. Rotate blade nut until the locking lever fails into one of the grooves in the dust cup.
11. Continue to hold in locking lever. This will keep the shaft from turning while tightening the blade nut.
12. Tighten blade nut firmly with a wrench.
13. Release locking lever.
14. Turn blade by hand. If the blade binds against the shield, or ap pears to be uneven, the blade is not centered, and you must rein stall.
10
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STORAGE
WARNING: Perform the following
steps after each use:
• Allow attachment and gearbox to cool before storing or transporting.
• Store attachment with blade shield in place. Position attachment so that
any sharp object cannot accidentally cause injury.
• Store the attachment in a dry. well ventilated area out of the reach of children.

SEASONAL STORAGE

Prepare attachment for storage at end of season or if it will not be used for 30 days or more.
If your brushcutter attachment is to be stored for a period of time:
Clean the entire attachment.
Inspect the blade shield area and clean any dirt, grass, leaves, or de bris that has collected. Inspect the blade and blade shield; replace a blade that is bent, warped, cracked, broken or damaged in any other way.
Lightly oil external metal surfaces. Apply a coating of oil to the entire surface of the blade; wrap it in heavy paper or cloth. Check entire attachment for loose screws or nuts. Replace any dam aged, worn or broken parts. At the beginning of the next season, use only fresh fuel having the proper gasoline to oil ratio.
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