Sears 900.74526 User Manual

Instruction Manual

Form No. 244456-00 NOV. ‘02 Printed in U.S.A.

CAUTION:

Before using this product,
read this manual and follow
all its Safety Rules and
Operating Instructions.

14” TRIMMER/EDGER

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

www.sears.com/craftsman

• Safety

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts List

• Español

Model 900.74526

• ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION –
Wear safety spectacles or goggles at
all times when this tool is plugged in.

• GUARD – Do not use this tool without
guard attached.

• DRESS PROPERLY – Do not wear
loose clothing or jewelry. They can be
caught in moving parts. Rubber gloves
and substantial rubber soled footwear
are recommended when working
outdoors. Don’t operate the tool when

barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Wear long pants to protect your legs.
Wear protective hair covering to contain
long hair.

• NYLON LINE – Keep face, hands and
feet clear of rotating nylon line at all
times.

• THE ROTATING LINE PERFORMS A
CUTTING FUNCTION – Use care
when trimming around screens and
desirable plantings.

2

TO REDUCE RISK OF INJURY:

• Before any use, be sure everyone using
this tool reads and understands all safety
instructions and other information
contained in this manual.

• Save these instructions and review
frequently prior to use and in instructing
others.

WARNING: When using electric
gardening appliances, basic safety
precautions should always be followed
to reduce risk of fire, electric shock, and
personal injury, including the following:

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS.

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TRIMMER/ EDGER

If this Craftsman product fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within one
year from the date of purchase, return it to your nearest Sears store or Craftsman
outlet to have it replaced free of charge.
This warranty applies only while this trimmer / edger is used 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

TRIMMER / EDGER DIAGRAM

SEARS WARRANTY

WARNING: IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS AND

INSTRUCTIONS

GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR

ALL TOOLS

Switch Handle

Auxiliary Handle

Conversion Button

Edge Guide

Hub Cover

Guard

Trigger

Cord Retainer

• KEEP ALL BY-STANDERS AWAY – At
a safe distance from work area,
especially children.

• IMPORTANT WARNING – When being
used as an Edger, stones, pieces of
metal and other objects can be thrown
out at high speed by the line. The tool
and guard are designed to reduce the
danger. However, the following special
precautions should be taken:

• MAKE SURE that other persons and
pets are at least 100 feet away.

• TO REDUCE THE RISK of rebound
(ricochet) injury, work going away from
any nearby solid object such as wall,
steps, large stone, tree, etc. Use great
care when working close to solid objects
and where necessary, do edging or
trimming by hand.

• AVOID ACCIDENTALLY STARTING –
Don’t carry plugged-in tool with finger on
trigger.

• DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL – At a rate
faster than the rate at which it is able to
cut effectively.

• USE THE RIGHT TOOL – Do not use
this tool for any job except that for
which it is intended.

• DON’T OVERREACH – Keep proper
footing and balance at all times.

• DON’T ABUSE CORD – Don’t yank
cord from power supply. Keep cord from
heat, oil, and sharp edges.

• DAMAGE TO UNIT – If you strike or
become entangled with a foreign object,
stop tool immediately, unplug, check for
damage and have any damage repaired
before further operation is attempted.
Do not operate with a broken hub or
spool.

• DAMAGE TO CORD – Keep power
cord away from rotating line. If you
damage the cord, unplug it from the
power supply before moving the tool or
examining the damage. Adamaged cord
must be replaced before further use.

• DISCONNECT TOOL – When not in
use, when replacing line, or prior to
cleaning.

• AVOID DANGEROUS
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS – Do
not use electric tools in damp or wet
locations. Follow all instructions in this
Instruction Manual for proper operation
of your tool. Don’t use the tool in the rain.

• DO NOT OPERATE portable electric

tools in gaseous or explosive
atmospheres. Motors in these tools
normally spark, and the sparks might
ignite fumes.

• STORE IDLE TOOLS INDOORS –
When not in use, tools should be stored
indoors in a dry, locked-up place out of
reach of children.

• GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT
INTERRUPTER (GFCI) protection
should be provided on the circuits or
outlets to be used for the gardening
appliance. Receptacles are available
having built in GFCI protection and may
be used for this measure of protection.

• SECURE EXTENSION CORD using the
cord retainer shown in Figures 4 and 5.

• STAY ALERT – Watch what you are
doing. Use common sense. Do not
operate tool when you are tired.

• MAINTAIN APPLIANCES WITH CARE
– Follow instructions for lubricating and
changing accessories. Inspect extension
cords periodically and replace if
damaged. Keep handles dry, clean and
free from oil and grease.

• CHECK DAMAGED PARTS – Before
further use of the appliance, a guard or
other part that is damaged should be
carefully checked to determine that it
will operate properly and perform its
intended function. Check for alignment
of moving parts, binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts, mounting, and
any other condition that may affect its
operation. Aguard or other part that is
damaged should be properly repaired or
replaced by a qualified service facility
unless otherwise indicated elsewhere in
this manual.

WARNING: When servicing double

insulated tools, USE ONLY IDENTICAL
REPLACEMENT PARTS. Replace or
repair damaged cords.

WARNING: To prevent electrical shock

hazard, use only with an extension
cord suitable for outdoor use. Always
connect extension cords to a fused line
or one protected by a circuit breaker.

• EXTENSION CORDS. Make sure your
extension cord is in good condition. When
using an extension cord, be sure to use
one heavy enough to carry the current
your product will draw. An undersized
extension cord will cause a drop in line
voltage resulting in loss of power and
overheating. The table below shows the

3

4

DOUBLE INSULA TION

Double insulated tools are constructed
throughout with two separate layers of
electrical insulation or one double
thickness of insulation between you and
the tool’s electrical system. Tools built
with this insulation system are not
intended to be grounded. As a result,
your tool is equipped with a two prong
plug which permits you to use extension
cords without concern for maintaining a
ground connection.
NOTE: Double insulation does not take
the place of normal safety precautions
when operating this tool. The insulation
system is for added protection against
injury resulting from a possible electrical
insulation failure within the tool.
REPLACEMENT PARTS: When
servicing all tools, USE IDENTICAL
REPLACEMENT PARTS.

POLARIZED PLUGS

Repair or replace damaged cords.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, this
equipment has a polarized plug (one
blade is wider than the other). This

equipment must be used with a suitable
polarized 2 wire or 3 wire extension cord.
Polarized connections will fit together
only one way. Make sure that the
receptacle end of the extension cord has
large and small blade slot widths. If the
plug does not fit fully into the extension
cord, reverse the plug. If it still does not
fit, obtain a suitable extension cord. If the
extension cord does not fit fully into the
outlet, contact a qualified electrician to
install the proper outlet. Do not change
the tool plug or extension cord in any way.

SPECIFIC WARNING

WARNING: Some dust created by this

product contains chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer, birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Some examples of these chemicals are:

• compounds in fertilizers

• compounds in insecticides, herbicides
and pesticides

• arsenic and chromium from
chemically treated lumber

To reduce your exposure to these
chemicals, wear approved safety

correct size to use depending on cord
length and nameplate ampere rating. If
in doubt, use the next heavier gauge.
The smaller the gauge number, the
heavier the cord. To reduce the risk of
disconnection of the appliance from the
extension cord during operation, use the
extension cord retainer described in this
manual.

IMPORTANT WARNINGS FOR STRING TRIMMERS

Minimum Gage for Extension Cords (AWG)

120 VAC Tools

Total Cord Length 0-25 26-50 51-100 105-150

Amp Rating AWG AWG AWG AWG
More than 0 18 16 16 14

Not More than 6

More than 6 18 16 14 12

Not More than 10

More than 10 16 16 14 12

Not more than 12

More than 12 14 12 Not

Not more than 16 Recommended

• The guard must be installed before
trimming or edging - if not, the motor
will overheat.

•When replacing the line, use only .065”
diameter ROUND line - otherwise the
unit will not function properly.

• Do not bump the feed head against the
ground - it will disrupt the feed mechanism.

• Angle tool slightly (5˚ to 10˚) when
trimming.

• Always use the cord retainer.

• Wear long pants and substantial
footwear to protect yourself from injury
caused by flying debris. This is
especially important when edging with
the appliance.

SAFETY WARNINGS

WARNING:

Outdoor use extension cords:

To reduce the risk of electric shock, use
only with an extension cord intended for
outdoor use, such as an extension cord of
type SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW -A,
SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-A, or SJTOW -A.

CAUTION:

ALWAYS WEAR EYE

PROTECTION

CAUTION:

Inspect area to be trimmed

and remove any wire, cord, or string-like

objects which could become entangled

in the rotating line or spool. Be particularly
careful to avoid any wire which might be
bent outwardly into the path of the tool,
such as barbs at the base of a chain link
fence.

1. Angle unit as shown in Figure 6.

2. Slowly swing trimmer side to side, as
shown in Figure 7.

WARNING: The guard must always be

on the tool to protect the user.

NEVER OPERATE TOOL WITHOUT
GUARD FIRMLY IN PLACE.
Unplug the tool before attempting to
attach the guard.

1. Attach edge guide to guard, as shown
in Figure 1.

2. Press the guard against the motor

housing, as shown in Figure 2 and

WARNING: This product contains
chemicals, including lead, known to the
State of California to cause cancer, and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.

equipment such as dust masks that are
specially designed to filter out microscopic
particles.

5

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Raised Lug

Cut-off Blade

Rotate 90˚

2

1

3

4

5

6

7

rotate the guard 90 degrees clockwise
until you hit a stop on the housing.

3.With the guard installed, insert the
screw, (see figure 3) through the hole
in the guard and into the bottom of the
Trimmer housing. Tighten the screw.
The screw will firmly retain the guard
to your trimmer.

4.The guard is not intended to be
removed.

5.Secure the extension cord with cord
retainer as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

6.Adjust the auxiliary handle to a point
on the tube where you can best control
the unit. Loosen the auxiliary handle
knob and position the handle as desired.

5˚ - 10˚

3. To convert for maintenance edging
(Figure 8) unplug from power source,
depress conversion button and rotate
the motor housing.

4. When the button snaps back into
place the tool is locked in the edger
position.

5. Return to trimming position by
unplugging the tool, depressing the
button and rotating back.

6. To operate as a maintenance edger,
position tool above sidewalk, as
shown in Figure 9. Rest edge guide
as shown.

CUTTING LINE

Your trimmer uses only .065” (1.65 mm)
diameter, ROUND nylon line to cut grass
and weeds quickly and easily. During
use, the tip of the nylon line will become
frayed and worn and the special self
feeding line hub will automatically feed
and trim a fresh length of line. Cutting
line will wear faster and require more
feeding if the cutting or edging is done
along sidewalks or other abrasive
surfaces or heavier weeds are being cut.
The advanced automatic line feeding
mechanism senses when more cutting
line is needed and feeds and trims the
correct length of line whenever its
required. DO NOT BUMP unit on ground
in attempt to feed line or for any other
purposes.

CLEARING JAMS AND TANGLED LINES

From time to time, especially when
cutting thick or stalky weeds, the line
feeding hub may become clogged with
sap or other material and the line will
become jammed as a result. To clear the
jam, follow the steps listed below.

1. Unplug the trimmer.

2. Press the release tabs on the hub
cover, as shown in Figure 10 and
remove the cap by pulling it straight off.

6

8

9

11

Cutting Line

10

12

3. Lift the spool of nylon line out of the
hub and clear any broken line or
cutting debris from the spool area.

4. Unwrap about one foot (30 cm) of line
and inspect it for damage. Cut away
and discard any damaged line. If line is
okay rewind it and insert the line end
through the eyelet in the spool hub as
shown in Figure 11. Pull on the line
end to keep it taut while placing the
spool down into the hub, as shown in
Figure 11.

5. Press the spool down GENTLY and
rotate it until you feel it drop into place.
(When in place, the spool will turn a
few degrees left and right freely). Take
care to keep the line from becoming
trapped under the spool.

6. Snap the hub cover and spring back on
and turn the tool on. In a few seconds
or less you’ll hear the nylon line being
cut automatically to the proper length.

SPOOL OR LINE REPLACEMENT
(Use only 0.065” diameter ROUND line)

1. Unplug the trimmer.

2. Press the release tabs on the line hub

cover, as shown in Figure 10. Remove
the cover by pulling it straight off.

3. Remove the spool from the tool.

Discard it if you plan to replace it.
Remove and discard all line from it if
you plan to rewind it with new line.

7

MAINTENANCE

4. If you are rewinding the spool with new
line, see “Rewinding Spool”. If you are
replacing the spool, use Craftsman
replacement spool number 85820,
available at Sears.

5. Insert the line end of the new or
rewound spool through the eyelet in
the spool hub, as shown in Figure 11.
Pull on the line end to keep it taut
while placing the spool down into the
hub, as shown in Figure 12.

6. Press the spool down GENTLY and
rotate it until you feel it drop into place.
(When in place, the spool will turn a
few degrees left and right freely). Take
care to keep the line from becoming
trapped under the spool.

7. Snap the hub cover back on, (figure 10)
and turn the tool on. In a few seconds
or less you’ll hear the nylon line being
cut automatically to the proper length.

13

REWINDING SPOOL

Use .065” diameter ROUND line only. Do
not use heavier gauge line; it will
overload motor and cause overheating.

1. Insert line end about 1/4” into the
spool hole.

2. Snugly and evenly wind the line onto
the spool in the direction of the arrow
on the spool until the line builds up to
the notches in the spool rim
(Figure 13). Do not overfill spool. The
spool holds about 30 feet of line.

3. Proceed to step 5 of “Spool or Line
Replacement”

CLEANING AND STORAGE

Be sure the tool is unplugged.

1. Keep the air intake slots (Figure 14)
clean to avoid overheating.

2. Your trimmer line can dry out over
time. To keep your line in top condition,
store spare pre-wound spools or bulk
line in a plastic, sealable bag with a
tablespoon of water.

3. Plastic parts may be cleaned by using
a mild soap and a damp rag.

4. DO NOT immerse tool in water or
squirt it with a hose. DO NOT allow
any liquid to get inside it.

5. Do not store the tool on or adjacent to
fertilizers or chemicals.

6. DO NOT clean with a pressure washer.

7. The line cutter on the edge of the
guard can dull over time. It is
recommended you periodically
touch-up the sharpness of the blade
with a file.

Conversion Button

Air Intake Slots

14

ACCESSORIES

• Replacement spool Craftsman Model
No. 85820.

• 0.065” diameter ROUND nylon
monofilament trimmer line.

The above accessories are available at
your local Sears store or Sears service
center.

WARNING: The use of any accessory

not sold by Sears for use with this tool
could be hazardous.

IMPORTANT: To assure product
SAFETY AND RELIABILITY, repairs
should be performed by a Sears or other
qualified service facility, using only
identical replacement parts.

8

Parts List

9

Para pedir servicio de reparación

a domicilio, y para ordenar piezas:

1-888-SU-HOGAR

SM

(1-888-784-6427)

Au Canada pour service en français:

1-800-LE-FOYER

MC

(1-800-533-6937)

www.sears.ca

To purchase a protection ag reement (U.S .A.)

or maintenance agreement (Canada ) on a produ ct servi ced by Sears:

1-800-827-6655

(U.S.A.) 1-800-361-6665 (Canada)

Our Hom

e

For repair of carry-in products like vacuums, lawn equipment,

and electronics, call or go on-line for the nearest

Sears Parts and Repair Center.

1-800-488-1222

Anytime, day or night (U.S.A. only)

www.sears.com

Your Home

For repair - in your home - of all major brand appliances,

lawn and garden equipment, or heating and cooling systems,

no matter who made it, no matter who sold it!

For the replacement parts, accessories and

ownerís manuals that you need to do-it-yourself.

For Sears professional installation of home appliances

and items like garage door openers and water heaters.

1-800-4-MY-HOME

®

Anytime, day or night

(1-800-469-4663) (U.S.A. and Canada)

www.sears.com www.sears.ca

Get it fixed, at your home or ours!

© Sears, Roebuck and Co.
® Registered Trademark /

TM

Trademark /

SM

Service Mark of Sears, Roebuck and Co.

® Marca Registrada /

TM

Marca de Fábrica / SM Marca de Servicio de Sears, R oebuck and Co.

MC

Marque de commerce / MD Marque déposée de Sear s, Roebuck and Co.