MTD 41AR322G799 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

2-Cycle

GAS BACKPACK BLOWER

Model No. 316.794990

_TM

UNBELIEVABLE S TA R TiN _ E A $ E _

with MAX FIRE'_ IGNITION'_

CAUTION: Before using this

product, read this manual and

follow all safety rules and oper- ating instructions.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.

Visit our website: www.sears.com/craftsman

• SAFETY ASSEMBLY

OPERATION

MAINTENANCE PARTS LIST

9096-320604 date(04/06)

Warranty Page 2

Operation Page 12

Safety Rules Pages 3 - 7

Oil and Fuel information Page 8

Assembly Page 9 Starting / Stopping instrustion Pages 10 - 11

Maintenance Pages 13 - 15

Troubleshooting Page 16

Repair Parts Page 18

Spanish Pages 21 - 40

TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN GAS BACKPACK BLOWER

For two years from the date of purchase, when this Blower is used and maintained according to the

operator's manual, Sears will repair any defect in material or workmanship free of charge. This warranty excludes the spark plug and air filter, which are expendable parts that can wear out from

normal use in less than two years. If this Blower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 30 days from

the date of purchase. WARRANTY SERVICE iS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THiS BLOWER TO THE NEAREST SEARS

STORE OR SEARS PARTS & REPAIR CENTER 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. 817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING

THE ENGINE EXHAUST FROM THIS

PRODUCT CONTAINS CHEMICALS

KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

TO CAUSE CANCER, BIRTH DEFECTS OR

OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM.

SPARK ARRESTOR NOTE

NOTE: For users on U.S. Forest Land and in the

states of California, Maine, Oregon and Washington.

All U.S. Forest Land and the state of California (Public

Resources Codes 4442 and 4443), Oregon and Washington require, by law that certain internal combus- tion engines operated on forest brush and/or grass-cov- ered areas be equipped with a spark arrestor, maintained in effective working order, or the engine be constructed, equipped and maintained for the prevention of fire. Check with your state or local authorities for regulations pertaining to these requirements. Failure to follow these requirements could subject you to liability or a fine. This unit is factory equipped with a spark arrestor. If it requires replacement, ask a Sears or other qualified serv- ice dealer to install the Spark Arrestor Kit.

Thepurposeofsafetysymbolsistoattractyouratten- tionto possibledangers.Thesafetysymbols,andtheir explanations,deserveyourcarefulattentionandunder- standing.Thesafetywarningsdonotbythemselves eliminateanydanger.Theinstructionsorwarningsthey givearenotsubstitutesforproperaccidentprevention

measures.

SYMBOL MEANING i

I SYMBOL MEANING ]

DANGER: Failure to obey a safety

serious injury to yourself or to others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.

warning will result in

SAFETY ALERT: Indicates

warning or caution. Attention is required in order to avoid serious personal injury. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.

NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to

the operation or maintenance of the equipment.

Read the Operator's Manual(s) and follow all warnings

and safety instructions.

Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the

operator and/or bystanders.

iMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •

danger,

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING

• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the con- trois and proper use of the unit.

WARNING: When using the unit,

safety rules. Please read these instructions before operating the unit in order to ensure the

safety of the operator and any by standers. Please keep these instructions for later use.

® Do not operate this unit when tired, ill, or under the

influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.

®Children must not operate the unit. Teens must be

accompanied and guided by an adult.

• All guards and safety attachments must be installed

properly before operating the unit.

• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts.

Check for fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in place and secure. Replace parts that are cracked,

chipped, or damaged in any way. Do not operate the

unit with loose or damaged parts.

® Carefully inspect the area before starting the unit.

Remove all debris and hard or sharp objects such as

glass, wire, etc.

• Clear the area of children, by standers, and pets. At a

minimum, keep all children, by standers, and pets out-

side a 50 feet (15 m.) radius; there still may be a risk to

by standers from thrown objects. By standers should be encouraged to wear eye protection. If you are

approached, stop the unit immediately.

you must follow the

WARNING: Failure to obey a

result in injury to yourself and others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and

)ersonal injury.

CAUTION: Failure to obey a

result in property damage or personal injury

to others. Always follow the

precautions to reduce the risk of fire,

electric shock and personal injury.

safety warning can

safety warning may

FUEL SAFETY WARNINGS

WARNING: Gasoline is highly

vapors can explode if ignited. Take the follow- ing precautions:

Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and

approved for the storage of such material.

Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do

not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.

Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the fuel tank. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank, or add fuel, when the engine is hot. Never

operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place. Loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve any pressure in the tank.

Add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area where there are no sparks or flames. Slowly remove the fuel

cap only after stopping engine. Do not smoke while

fueling or mixing fuel. Wipe up any spilled fuel from the

unit immediately. Always wipe unit dry before using. Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling

source and site before starting the engine. Do not smoke. Keep sparks and open flames away from the

area while adding fuel or operating the unit.

flammable, and its

WHILE OPERATING

® Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or

building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. Operate this unit only in a well-ventilated outdoor area.

• Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as

meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards and are marked as

such. Wear ear/hearing protection when operating this

unit.

• Never run the unit without the the proper equipment attached. When using this unit, always install the blow- er tubes depending on blower application.

®To reduce the risk of hearing loss associated with

sound level(s), always wear ear/hearing protection when operating this unit.

®Wear heavy long pants, boots, gloves, and a long

sleeve shirt. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short

pants, sandals, or go barefoot. Secure hair above

shoulder level.

®To avoid static electricity shock, do not wear rubber

gloves or any other insulated gloves while operating this unit.

• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.

® Keep outside sudaces free from oil and fuel. ®Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position

whenever pulling the starter rope. The operator and

unit must be in a stable position while starting. Refer to

Starting/Stopping Instructions.

• Do not set unit on any surface except a clean, hard area while engine is running. Debris such as gravel,

sand, dust, grass, etc. could be picked up by the air

intake and thrown out by the discharge opening, dam-

aging unit, property, or causing serious injury to

bystanders or operator.

® Use the right tool. Only use this tool for its intended

purpose.

• Do not force unit. It will do the job better and with less

likelihood of injury at a rate for which it was designed.

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

keep proper footing and balance.

• Always hold the unit with a firm grip when operating.

• Keep hands, face, and feet away from all moving parts.

Do not touch or try to stop the impeller when it is rotat- ing. Do not operate without guards in place.

• Do not put any object into openings. Do not use with any opening blocked; keep free of dirt, debris, and any-

thing that may reduce the air flow.

® Do not touch the engine or muffler. These parts get

extremely hot from operation, even after the unit is turned off.

• Do not operate the engine faster than the speed need- ed to do the job. Do not run the engine at high speed

when not in use.

Always stop the engine when operation is delayed or when walking from one location to another.

Stop the engine for maintenance, repair, to install or remove the blower tubes attachments. The unit must

be stopped and the impeller no longer turning to avoid contact with the rotating blades.

If you strike or come into contact with a foreign object, stop the engine immediately and check for damage. Do

not operate before repairing damage. Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.

Use only original equipment manufacturer replacement

parts when servicing this unit. These parts are available from your authorized service dealer. Do not use unau-

thorized parts, accessories, or attachments for this unit. Doing so could lead to serious injury to the user,

or damage to the unit, and void your warranty.

Never use this unit for spreading chemicals, fertilizers or

other substances which may contain toxic materials.

To reduce fire hazard, replace faulty muffler and spark arrestor. Keep the engine and muffler free from grass,

leaves, excessive grease or carbon build up.

®Turn the engine off and disconnect the spark plug for

maintenance of repair.

® Never point the blower or blowing debris in the direc-

tion of people, animals or in the direction of windows. Always direct the blowing debris away from people, animals, and windows. Use extra caution when blowing debris near solid objects such as trees, automobiles, walls, etc.

OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS

®Always disconnect the spark plug before performing

maintenance or accessing movable parts.

+ Never store the unit, with fuel in the tank, inside a build-

ingwhere fumes may reach an open flame (pilot lights,

etc.) or sparks (switches, electrical motors, etc.).

®Allow the engine to cool before storing or transporting.

Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.

+ Store the unit in a dry place, secured, or at a height to

prevent unauthorized use or damage. Keep out of the reach of children.

® Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other

liquid. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from debris. Clean after each use, see Cleaning and Storage

instructions.

® Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use

them to instruct other users. If you loan this unit to oth- ers, also loan these instructions to them.

SPECIAL NOTE: Exposure to vibrations through pro- longed use of gasoline powered hand tools could cause

blood vessel or nerve damage in the fingers, hands, and joints of people prone to circulation disorders or abnormal

swelling. Prolonged use in cold weather has been linked to blood vessel 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 use of this tool and seek medical attention. An anti-vibration system does

not guarantee avoidance of these problems. Users who operate power tools on a regular basis must closely

monitor their physical condition and the condition of this tool.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

SAFETY AND iNTERNATiONAL SYMBOLS This operator's manual describes safety and international symbols and pictographs that may appear on this product.

Read the operator's manual for complete safety, assembly, operating and maintenance and repair information.

SYMBOL MEANING SYMBOL

Indicates danger, warning, or caution.

,, SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL i

May be used in conjunction with

other symbols or pictographs.

READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL

WARNING: Read the

Operator's Manual(s) and follow all warnings and safety

instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the

operator and/or bystanders.

WEAR EYE, HEARING AND HARD-

HAT PROTECTION

WARNING: Thrown

objects and loud noise can cause severe eye injury and hearing loss. Wear eye protec- tion meeting ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards and ear protection when operating this unit. Wear a

hard hat. Use a full face shield when needed.

MEANING

• ON/OFF CONTROL ON / START / RUN

ON/OFF CONTROL OFF OR STOP

'_MINIMUM OPERATING DISTANCE

WARNING: Keep

children, bystanders, and animals 50 feet (15 meters) away. If approached stop unit

immediately.

UNLEADED FUEL Always use clean, fresh unleaded fuel.

OiL

Refer to operator's manual for the

proper type of oil.

RED CHOKE LEVER POSiTiONS 1 • FULL Choke Position

2 • PARTIAL Choke Position

3 • RUN Position

1 22

BLOWER COMPONENTS

1. THROTTLE TRIGGER

2. THROTTLE LOCK

3. ON/OFF IGNITION SWITCH

4. TOP ASSIST HANDLE

5. SPARK PLUG WIRE / SPARK PLUG

6. CHOKE LEVER

7. STARTER HANDLE

8. AIR CLEANER COVER

9. FUEL CAP

10. FUEL TANK

11. PRIMER BULB

12. HARNESS

13. CONTROL HANDLE

14. OPERATING TUBE

16 15

15. HOSE CLAMP

16. FLEX TUBE

17. THROTTLE LINKAGE

18. MUFFLER COVER

19. SPARK ARRESTER SCREEN

20. VENTED BACK PAD

21. INTERMEDIATE TUBE

22. 56mm NOZZLE

23. 45mm CONCENTRATOR NOZZLE

24. THROTTLE LINKAGE CLIPS

OiL AND FUEL MiXiNG iNSTRUCTiONS

Old and/or improperly mixed fuel are the main reasons for the unit not running properly. Be sure to use fresh, (less than 60 days old) clean unleaded fuel. Follow the

instructions carefully for the proper fuel/oil mixture.

Definition of Blended Fuels

Today's fuels are often a blend of gasoline and oxy- genates such as ethanol, methanol, or MTBE (ether).

Alcohol-blended fuel absorbs water. As little as 1% water in the fuel can make fuel and oil separate and leads to

formation of acids during storage. When using alcohol- blended fuel, use fresh fuel.

Using Blended Fuels If you choose to use a blended fuel, or its use is unavoid-

able, follow recommended precautions:

®Always use the fresh fuel mix explained in your opera-

tor's manual

®Always agitate the fuel mix before fueling the unit

• Drain the tank and run the engine dry before storing the unit

Using Fuel Additives

The bottle of 2-cycle oil that came with your unit contains a fuel additive which will help inhibit corrosion and mini-

mize the formation of gum deposits. It is recommended that you use our 2-cycle oil with this unit.

If unavailable, use a good 2-cycle oil designed for air-cooled engines along with a fuel additive, such as STA-BIL ®Gas Stabilizer or an equivalent. Add 0.8 oz. (23 ml.) of fuel additive per gallon of fuel according to the

instructions on the container. NEVER add fuel additives directly to the unit's fuel tank.

To Obtain Correct Fuel Mix: Thoroughly mix the proper ratio of 2-cycle engine oil with

unleaded gasoline in a separate fuel can. Use a 40:1 fuel/oil ratio. Do not mix them directly in the engine fuel tank. See the table below for specific gas and oil mixing

ratios.

NOTE: One gallon (3.8 liters) of unleaded gasoline mixed

with one 3.2 oz. (95 ml.) bottle of

UNLEADED GAS 2 CYCLE OiL

1 GALLON US 3.2 FL. OZ.

(3.8 LITERS} (95 ml}

1 LITER 25 ml

MIXING RATIO - 40:1

WARNING: Gasoline is

extremely flamma-

ble. ignited Vapors may explode. Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the fuel tank. Do not smoke while fill-

ing the tank. Keep sparks and open flames at a distance from the area.

WARNING: Remove fuelcap

slowlytoavoidinjury

fromfuelspray.Never operatetheunitwithout thefuelcap securelyinplace.

CAUTION: Forproper engine

operation and maxi-

mum reliability, pay strict attention to the oil and fuel mixing instructions on the 2-cycle oil container. Using improperly

mixed fuel can severely damage the engine.

WARNING: Add fuel in a clean,

door area. Wipe up any spilled fuel immedi- ately. Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.

2-cycle oil makes a 40:1 fuel/oil ratio.

NOTE: Dispose of the old fueFoil mix in accordance to

Federal, State and Local regulations.

well ventilated out-

ATTACH FLEX TUBE

Put the hose clamp(C) on the flex tube before connect-

ing the flex tube and the fan's outlet tube together. Connect the flex tube (B) to the fan's outlet tube (A) (Fig.

1) with a hose clamp (C) (Fig. 2) and tighten securely

(Fig. 2).

Fig. 1

Fig, 3

Fig, 2

ATTACH OPERATING TUBE

NOTE: keep the throttle cable as straight as possible

when connecting the blower tubes.

1. Place the unit on flat surface during assembly. Insure screw mechanism of clamp is positioned away from

operator.

2. Put the hose clamp(C) on the flex tube and the oper- ating tube together.

3. Turn the rotary ring mark(D) so it aligns with the throt- tle handle (F). Insert the operating tube (E) into the flex tube (B) (Fig. 3) and then tighten securely with a

hose clamp (G)(Fig. 4).

4. Attached throttle linkage clips (# 24-know your blow- er) - to both ends of the flex tube to secure the throt-

tle cable. ( See Fig. 5 and Fig. 6)

Fig. 4

THROTTLE LINKAGE CLIPS

Fig. 5

THROTTLE LINKAGE

CLIPS

Fig. 6

ATTACH iNTERMEDIATE TUBE AND CON- CENTRATOR NOZZLE

Connect the intermediate tube (H) and air nozzle (I). Push the tubes together and turn them clockwise so that they lock together. (Fig. 7)

°O 0 . /,

56mm

Fig. 7

ADJUST BACK PACK HARNESS AND

CONTROL HANDLE

1. Place blower on your back by slipping arms through the shoulder straps as if you were putting on a jacket

(Figure 8).

2. Once adjustments have been made, to the straps for user comfort, remove the blower from your back and place on level ground in an upright position.

3. Adjust backpack harness and control handle.

Fig. 8

STARTING A COLD ENGINE (Above 55°1=}

Fill fuel tank with proper gas and oil mixture. See FUEL AND LUBRICATION. Set unit upright on ground so that it rests on the back pack frame.

1. Pump primer bulb10 X by pressing up on the bulb(D). (Figure 10)

2. Your unit is designed with a 3 position choke: FULL CHOKE-irll-, PARTIAL CHOKE-M,,, and RUN "El'.

Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE ,,Ill,, position.

(Figure 9)

3. Set throttle lock (C): While holding trigger (B) at wide open position, press down and hold throttle lock (C).

Release throttle trigger (B), then release throttle lock (C). Throttle trigger (B) will now remain in the wide open position. Make sure ignition switch is in the ON

(I) position. (Fig. 11)

Fig. 10

Fig. 9

Fig. 11

NOTE: The unit uses the INCREDt-PULL TM starting

system with MAX FiRE IGNITION TM, which signifi-

cantly reduces the effort required to start the engine.

You must pull the starter rope out far enough to hear

the engine attempt to start. There is no need to pull

the rope briskly--there is no harsh resistance when

pulling. Be aware that this starting method is vastly

different from (and much easier than) what you may

be used to.

4. With the unit on the ground, hold the top assist handle and step on the bottom of the frame with foot. (Figure

12)

5. Pull starter rope 4-6 times-if unit does not start move choke lever to position 2 and pull 4-6 more times (Fig. 13). Wait 10 sec. after unit starts then move choke lever to position 3. (Fig.14)

6. Press tigger to run.

NOTE: If engine fails to start after repeated attempts,

refer to Troubleshooting section.

NOTE: Always pull starter rope straight out. Pulling starter at an angle will cause rope to rub against the eye- let. This friction will cause the rope to fray and wear more quickly. Always hold starter handle when rope retracts.

Never allow rope to snap back from extended position. This could cause rope to snag or fray and also damage

the starter assembly.

iMPORTANT iDLiNG iNFORMATiON

In some cases due to operating conditions (altitude, tem- perature etc.) your blower may need a slight adjustment

to the idle speed. After warm up, If unit does not Idle after restarting 2

times, follow these steps to adjust idle.

1. Locate the idle adjustment screw (G) on the carbure- tor (Figure 15).

2. Using a Phillips or slotted screwdriver - turn screw 1/4 to 1/2 turn clockwise (to the right). Unit should

then idle properly.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

Emergency Stopping Procedure. When it is necessary

to stop blower engine immediately, DEPRESS the OFF "STOP O" switch (A) until the engine stops completely

(Figure 16).

Normal Stopping Method. For normal stopping, release

trigger and allow engine to return to idle speed. Then

DEPRESS the OFF "STOP O" switch (A) until the engine

stops completely. (Figure 16)

STARTING A WARM ENGINE (Enginehas been

stopped for no more than 15-20 minutes).

1. Set throttle latch (see step 2 for starting a cold engine), pull starter rope briskly.

2. If engine does not start, or starts and then stops after 5 rope pulls, follow procedure "STARTING A

COLD ENGINE".

Fig. 12

Fig. 13

Fig. 14

Fig. 15

Fig. 16

BLOWER OPERATIONS

1. Use the blower for trees, shrubs, flower beds, and

hard-to-clean areas.

2. Use the unit around buildings and for other normal cleaning procedures.

3. Use the blower around walls, overhangs, fences, and screens.

WARNING: Because of flying

debris, always wear

American National Standards Institute

approved shielded safety glasses or face shield when operating blower.

WARNING: Beforeusingyour

blower, review Safety Precautions in your User Manual, and all reg- ulations for operation of the unit. These pre- cautions and regulations are for your protec-

tion.

OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Follow the instructions "STARTING A COLD ENGINE".

2. Once unit is running, place unit on your back by slipping arms through the shoulder straps as if your were putting on a jacket (Figure 17).

3. When preparing to clear an area of debris, always

position yourself so that you can control the direc-

tion debris will be blown.

4. The control handle (A, Fig. 16) and the flexibility of the blower tube assembly will allow you to clear the

most hard-to-reach areas.

5. The hand grip, throttle trigger, throttle lock and igni- tion on/off switch (B)are all mounted on a swivel

handle that offers a wide range of operating posi-

tions and comfort (Figure 19).

CAUTION: DO NOT operate the

blower with other

people or animals in the immediate vicinity.

Allow a minimum of 50 feet (15 meters)

between operator and other people or ani- mals.

4. We recommend that a face mask be worn when operating blower in dusty areas.

5. Stand away from the debris, at a distance that will easily allow you to control the direction of blown debris. Never blow debris in direction of bystanders.

6. To control velocity of airstream, blower can be operated at any speed between idle and full throttle.

Experience with the unit will help you determine the

amount of airflow necessary for each application.

7. Operate power equipment only at reasonable hours--not early in the morning or late at night when people might be disturbed. Comply with times listed

in local ordinances.

8. To reduce sound levels, limit the number of pieces of equipment used at any one time.

9. Operate power blowers at the lowest possible throttle speed to do the job.

10. Check your equipment before operation, especially the muffler, air intakes and air filters.

11. Use rakes and brooms to loosen debris before blowing.In dusty conditions, slightly dampen

surfaces when water is available.

12. Conserve water by using power blowers instead of hoses for many lawn and garden applications, including areas such as gutters, screens, patios, grills, porches and gardens.

13. Watch out for children, pets, open windows or freshly washed cars, and blow debris safely away.

14. Use intermediate tube plus nozzle of your choice so the airstream can work close to the ground.

15. After using blowers and other equipment, CLEAN

UP! Dispose of debris in trash receptacles.

iiiiii_

Fig. 17

Fig. 18

Fig. 19

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Perform these required maintenance procedures at the fre- quency stated in the table. These procedures should also be a part of any seasonal tune-up.

NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the

emission control devices and system may only be performed by a Sears or other qualified service

dealer.

A good preventive maintenance program of regular inspection and care will increase life and improve performance of your chain saw. This maintenance checklist is a guide for such a program.

Cleaning, adjustment, and part replacement may be required, under certain conditions, at more frequent intervals than

those indicated.

NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-

sion control devices and system may be perormed by a Sears or other qualified service dealer.

WARNING: TO prevent serious

maintenance or repairs with unit running. Always service and repair a cool unit. Disconnect the spark plug wire to ensure that

the unit cannot start.

injury, never perform

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITY

MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

ITEM

CHECK FOR LOOSE SCREWS/ NUTS/BOLTS

CLEAN OR REPLACE THE FILTER

REPLACE FUEL FILTER

REPLACE SPARK PLUG

INSPECT SPARK ARRESTER SCREEN

INSPECT FUEL HOSES

INSPECT VACUUM TUBES

BEFORE EACH USE

AFTER

EACH USE

HOURS OF

OPERATION

10 20

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