Instruction Manual

4.5 Amp Motor

15 Inch Cutting Path/0.065

In. Line

ELECTRIC WEEDWACKER ®

Model No.

358.745240

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaSol

®

WARNING:

Rules and Operating

Instructions before first use of this product.

i_ For answers to your questions about this product:

•

1-800-235-5878

{.o._listed

are CentraI Time)

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

530163622 12/9/02

Warranty Statement

Safety Rules

Assembly

Operation

Maintenance

Service & Adjustments

2

2

5

6

8

9

Parts Available

Storage

Troubleshooting Table

Spanish

Parts Ordering

9

9

10

11

Back Cover

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ELECTRIC WEEDWACKER ®

LINE TRIMMER

If this Craftsman Electric Weedwacker ® Line Trimmer fails to perform properly due to a defect in material or workmanship within (1) one year from the date of

purchase, Sears will replace it free of charge.

This warranty does not cover the nylon line.

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN ELECTRIC

WEEDWACKER C">LINE TRIMMER TO THE NEAREST SEARS STORE OR SERVICE CEN-

TER 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., D/817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

41_WARNING: When using electric gardening appliances, basic safety precautions must always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and serious injury.

Read and follow all instructions.

@@@

SAFETY INFORMATION

411.WARNING: Trimmer line throws objects violently. You and others can be blinded/in ured. Wear safety g asses, boots, and eg protect on.

Keep body parts clear of rotating line.

Safety Glasses or similar eye protection

This power unit can be dangerous!

Operator is responsible for following the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the unit. Read entire instruction manual before using unit!

Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the unit.

Restrict the use of this unit to persons who read, understand, and follow unit and manual warnings and instructions. Never allow children to operate this unit. Close attention is necessary when used near children.

DANGER: Never use blades or flailing devices. Unit is designed for line trimmer use only. Use of any other accessories or attachments will increase the risk of injury.

U ooots

2

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

if situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good udgement.

If you need assistance, call 1-800-235-5878.

OPERATOR SAFETY

• Dress properly. Always wear safety glasses or similar eye protection when operating, or performing maintenance on your unit. (Safety glasses are

available.) Always wear face or dust mask if operation is dusty. Always wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves. Do not go barefoot or wear sandals.

• Secure hair above shoulder length.

Secure or remove loose clothing and jewelry or clothing with loosely hanging ties, straps, tassels, etc.

They can be caught in moving parts.

• Being fully covered also helps protect you from debris and pieces of toxic plants thrown by spinning line.

• Stay Alert. Do not operate unit when you are tired, ill, upset or under influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.

Watch what you are doing; use common sense.

• Avoid unintentional starting of the unit. Never carry unit with your finger on the switch.

Be sure the switch is in the OFF position and never touch the switch when connecting extension cord.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

WARNING: Avoid a dangerous environment.

To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use in rain, in damp or wet locations, or around swimming pools, hot tubs, etc. Do not expose to snow, rain, or water to avoid the possibility of electrical shock.

• Use a voltage supply as shown on unit.

• Avoid dangerous situations.

Do not use in the presence of flammable liquids or gases to avoid creating a fire or explosion and/or causing damage to unit.

• To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this equipment has a polar* ized plug (one blade is wider than the other) and will require the use of a polarized extension cord. The ap* pliance plug will fit into a polarized extension cord only one way. if the plug does not fit fully into the extension cord, reverse the plug. if the plug still does not fit, obtain a correct polarized extension cord. A polarized extension cord will require the use of a polarized wall outlet.

This plug will fit into the polarized wall outlet only one way. If plug does not fit fully into the wall outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper wall outlet. Do not change the equipment plug, extension cord receptacle, or extension cord plug in any way.

3

• To reduce risk of electrical shock, use extension cords specifically marked as suitable for outdoor appliances having electrical rating not less than the rating of unit.

Cord must be marked with suffix "W-A" (in

Canada "W"). Make sure your extension cord is in good condition.

Inspect extension cord before use and replace if damaged.

Do not use a damaged cord. Cord insulation must be intact with no cracks or deterioration.

Plug connectors must be undamaged.

An undersized extension cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating.

If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge.

The lower the

_isaUgenumber, the heavier the cord ee SELECT AN EXTENSION CORD in the OPERATION section).

• Do not use multiple cords.

• Do not abuse cord. Never carry the unit by the extension cord or yank extension cord to disconnect unit.

• Use cord retainer to prevent disconnection of extension cord from unit and possible damage to the unit due to plug movement.

See ATTACH THE

EXTENSION CORD TO YOUR TRIM-

MER in the OPERATION section.

• Do not use the unit if the switch does not turn the unit on and off properly.

Repairs to the switch must be made by your Sears Service

Center.

• Keep the extension cord clear of operator and obstacles at all times.

Do not expose cords to heat, oil, water, or sharp edges.

• To avoid the possibility of electric shock, avoid body contact with any

_lerounded conductor, such as metal nces or pipes.

• Ground Fault Circuit interrupter

(GFCl) protection should be provided on circuit or outlet to be used.

Receptacles are available having built-in GFCl protection and may be used for this measure of safety.

UNIT SAFETY

• inspect unit before use. Replace damaged parts. Make sure all handles, guards, and fasteners are in place and securely fastened.

Parts that are damaged must be repaired or replaced by a Sears Service Center These include head parts that are cracked, or chipped, guards, and any other part that is damaged.

* Do not repair unit yourself.

* Use only 0.065 in. (1.65 mm) diameter recommended trimmer line (see

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ). Never use wire, rope, string, etc.

. Use specified trimmer spool, Make sure spool is properly installed and all parts are securely fastened.

. Use only Craftsman replacement parts and accessories as recommended.

CUTTING SAFETY

. Inspect area to be cut. Remove objects (rocks, broken glass, nails, wire string, etc.) which can be thrown orbecome entangled n cutble support. Keep firm footing and balance.

. Keep the cutting head below waist level. Do not raise handles above your waist. Cutting head can come dangerously close to your body.

. Keep away from cutting head and spinning line.

. Use unit properly.

Use only for trimming edging, scalping, and mowing. Do not force unit. It wil do the job better and with less risk of injury at the rate for which it was designed.

. Use only in daylight or in good artificial light.

MAINTENANCE SAFETY

WARNING: Disconnect unit from the power supply before performing maintenance, or when changing trimmet line.

• Maintain unit according to recommended procedures.

Keep cutting line at proper length. Follow instructions for changing trimmer line.

• Have all service and maintenance not explained in this manual performed by a Sears Service Center to avoid creating a hazard.

• Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other liquid.

Clean unit and labels with a damp sponge.

Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.

• Keep the air vents clean and free of debris to avoid overheating the motor. Clean after each use.

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

• Stop the unit and disconnect the power source when not in use.

• Carry the unit with motor stopped.

• Store the unit so the line limiter blade (on underside of shield) cannot cause injury.

• Store unit indoors in a high, dry place out of the reach of children.

Store unit unplugged.

• Do not hang unit so that the trigger switch is depressed.

DOUBLE INSULATION

CONSTRUCTION

This unit is double insulated to help protect against electric shock. Double insulation construction consists of two separate "layers" of electrical insulation instead of grounding.

Tools built with this insulation system are not intended to be grounded. No grounding means is provided on this unit, nor should a means of grounding be added to this unit. As a result, the extension cord used with your unit can be plugged into any standard 120 volt electrical outlet.

Safety precautions must be observed when operating any electrical tool.

The double insulation system only provides added protection against iniury resulting from an internal electrical insulation failure.

WARNING: All electrical repairs to this unit, including housing, switch.

motor, etc., must be diagnosed and repaired by qualified service personnel. Replacement parts for a double insulated appliance must be recommended by the manufacturer.

A double insulated appliance is marked with the words "double insulation" or

"double insulated".

The s_mbol

(square within a square) [] may also be marked on the appliance.

Failure to have the unit repaired by qualified service personnel can cause the double insulation construction to become ineffective and result in serious injury.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

CARTON CONTENTS

Check carton contents against the following list.

Model 358.745240

• Trimmer

• Shield

• Assist Handle with wing nut and bolt

Examine parts for damage. Do not use damaged parts.

NOTE: If you need assistance or find parts missing or damaged, call

1-800-235-5878.

ASSEMBLY

411.WARNING: If received assembled, review all assembly steps to ensure your unit is properly as- sembled and all fasteners are secure.

ATTACHING THE ASSIST HANDLE

1. Place unit on a flat surface.

2.

Loosen and remove wing nut and bolt from assist handle.

3.

Firmly push the assist handle over the tube. To make installation easier, tilt handle toward trigger housing while pushing down (see illustration).

4.

Reinstall bolt in handle. Thread wing nut onto bolt.

5. Adjust the handle up or down the tube to a comfortable position; tighten wing nut securely.

NOTE: Edge guide must be positioned on shield prior to installation on motor housing (see following illustration).

Edge C t_

Shield

1. Hold shield at angle to the trimmer motor housing.

Align the front locking tab of the shield with the front notch of the motor housing

(see illustration below).

2.

Move shield toward motor housing, ensuring trimmer head passes through opening in shield without catching on shield locking tabs.

3. Tilt front of the shield towards front notch of motor housing.

Push front locking tab of the shield into the front notch of the motor housing. An audible snap must be heard.

Ensure the cutting head remains free to rotate and the line is not caught between the shield and the motor housing.

4.

Push back of the shield toward the motor housing as illustrated until the rear locking tabs snap securely into the rear notches.

Make sure the shield is securely attached to the motor housing and is assembled to the unit as shown on the front cover of this manual.

(_

Trigger

Housing

"_\

As_s I handle

_/_'

_ _'_Tube

ATTACHING THE SHIELD

4re.WARNING: The shield must be properly installed.

If shield is not properly installed, damage to unit (including motor failure) will result. The shield provides partial protection to the operator and others from the risk of thrown objects. Your unit is equipped with a line limiter blade, which cuts excess line to the proper length while running.

The line limiter blade (on underside of shield) is sharp and can cut you.

5

CAUTION:

Rear

Locking

Front Locking Tab

Trimmer

Front Motor

Housing

Rear

Notches

Trimmer

Head

Sharp line limiter blade

KNOW YOUR TRIMMER

READ THiS INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

UNI]_ Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the location of the various controls and adjustments, Save this manual for future reference,

Trigger Switch

Assist Handle

Cord

Retainer

Recessed

Plug

Motor Housing

Edge Guide

RECESSED PLUG

The RECESSED PLUG is where you at- tach your extension cord to the unit.

TRIGGER SWITCH

The TRIGGER SWITCH is used to turn on the unit. Squeeze the trigger switch to operate the unit. Release to stop,

LINE LIMITER BLADE

The LINE LIMITER BLADE cuts the cutting line to the proper cutting length.

ASSIST HANDLE

The ASSIST HANDLE is used to help hold and guide the unit,

TRIMMER HEAD

The TRIMMER HEAD holds the cutting line and rotates during operation.

EDGE GUIDE

The EDGE GUIDE protects the unit from contacting the ground during edging,

OPERATING

Use only a voltage supply as specified on your unit.

INSTRUCTIONS

SELECT AN EXTENSION CORD

Extension Cord Gauge Chart

Length of Cord Gauge

25 Ft. (7,5 m)

50 Ft. (15 m)

100 Ft. (30 m)

18 Gauge

16 Gauge

16 Gauge

Extension cords are available for this unit at Sears,

Extension Cord

(16 Gauge) ............

71-85708

Debris Shield mer Head

Line Limiter Blade Trimmer Line

ATTACH THE EXTENSION

CORD TO YOUR TRIMMER

Loop your extension cord through the handle and around the hook as shown, Insure the plug and cord are firmly and fully engaged,

Cord Retainer

6

CORRECT OPERATING POSITION TRIMMING

Hold the bottom of the trimmer head about 3 inches (8 cm) above the ground and at an angle. Allow only the tip of the line to make contact. Do not force trimmer line into work area.

Trimming

_ Trimming

WARNING: Always wear eye protection. Never lean over the trimmer head. Rocks or debris can ricochet or be thrown into eyes and face and cause blindness or other serious injury.

When operating unit, stand as shown and check for the following:

• Wear eye protection and heavy clothing.

• Hold trigger handle with right hand and assist handle with left hand.

• Keep unit below waist level.

• Cut only from your right to your left to ensure debris is thrown away from you. Without bending over, keep line near and parallel to the ground (perpendicular when edging) and not crowded into material being cut.

ADVANCING THE CUTTING LINE

Advance line by tapping bottom of cutting head lightly on the ground while unit is running at full speed. A metal line limiter blade attached to the shield will cut the line to the proper length.

_,WARNING: Use only 0.065 inch

01.65 mm) diameter round line.

ther sizes and shapes of line will not advance properly and will result in improper cutting head function or can cause serious injury. Do not use other materials such as wire, string, rope, etc. Wire can break off during cutting and become a dangerous missile that can cause serious injury.

See page 2 for warning concerning other cutting devices.

3 inches (8 q above ground

SCALPING

The scalping technique removes unwanted vegetation.

Hold the bottom of the trimmer head about 3 inches (8 cm) above the ground and at an angle. Allow the tip of the line to strike the ground around trees, posts, monuments, etc. This technique increases line wear.

Scalping !

,

///

MOWING

Your trimmer is ideal for mowing in places conventional lawn mowers

cannot reach, In the mowing position,

keep the line parallel to the ground,

Avoid pressing the head into the ground as this can scalp the ground

and damage the tool,

Mowing

7

SWEEPING

The fanning action of the rotating line can be used for a quick and easy clean up. Keep the line parallel to and above the surfaces being swept and move the tool from side to side.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

WARNING: Disconnect power source before performing maintenance.

CARE & MAINTENANCE TASK WHEN TO PERFORM

Check for loose fasteners and parts

Check for damaged or worn parts

Inspect and clean unit and labels

Before each use

Before each use

After each use

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this unit does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence.

To receive full value from the warranty, the operator must maintain unit as instructed in this manual. Various adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your unit.

BEFORE EACH USE

CHECK FOR LOOSE

FASTENERS AND PARTS

• Housing Screws

• Assist Handle

• Debris Shield

• Edge Guide

CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR

WORN PARTS

Contact a Sears Service Center for replacement of damaged or worn parts.

• Trigger Switch - Ensure switch functions properly by pressing and releasing the trigger switch. Make sure motor stops.

• Debris Shield - Discontinue use of unit if debris shield is damaged.

AFTER EACH USE

INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT AND LA-

BELS

• 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.

8

REPLACING THE LINE

1. Remove the spool by firmly pulling on the tap button.

2.

Clean entire surface of hub and spool.

3.

Replace with a pre-wound spool t#71-85837);,or cut a length of 30 eet of 0.065

(1.65 mm) diameter

Craftsman® Pro Trimmer line. Use of heavier lines could overload and damage unit.

_,WARNING: Never use wire, rope, string, etc., which can break off and become a dangerous missile.

4.

Insert one end of the line about 1/2 inch (1 cm) into the small hole inside the spool.

5. Wind the line evenly and tightly onto the spool. Wind in the direction of the arrow found on the spool.

6.

Push the line into the notch, leaving 3 to 5 inches (7 - 12 cm) unwound.

7.

Insert the line into the exit hole in the hub as shown in the illustration.

8.

Align the notch with the line exit hole.

9.

Push the spool into the hub until it snaps into place.

10. Pull on the line extending outside the hub to release it from the notch; otherwise, the unit will not function properly.

Small

H°l e_!_(_ ta0? _//"_'----Spool

Button

Line in Notch

Line exit hole

USER REPLACEABLE SERVICE PARTS

REPLACEMENT PART

Spool with 0.065 inch Trimmer Line

Assist Handle

Bolt Carriage, 1/4-20

Wing Nut

Shield Assembly

Edge Guide

PARTNUMBER

71-85837

530403805

530403886

530016152

530403914

530403824

WARNING: Perform the following steps after each use.

* Stop the unit and disconnect the

power source when not in use.

* Carry the unit with motor stopped.

. Store the unit so the line limiter blade cannot cause injury.

• Store unit and extension cord indoors in a high, dry place out of the reach of children. Store unit unplugged.

• Store unit with all guards in place.

Position unit so that any sharp object cannot accidentally cause injury.

9

TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE

WARNING: Always stop unit and disconnect from the power source before

performing all of the recommended remedies below except remedies that require unit to be operating,

TROUBLE

Trimmer head stops under a load or does not turn when switct

=s pressed,

Line does not advance or

D_aks while

_u_ing,

Line welds onto

_poel.

Line releases

;ontinuously.

Line usage is

_=xcessive,

Line pulls back into head.

CAUSE

1. Crowding trimmer line against material being cut.

2. Electrical failure.

REMEDY

1. Allow tip of line to do the cutting,

3. Thrown circuit breaker.

4. Debris stopping head.

1. Line improperly routed in head.

2. Line improperly wound into spool.

3. Incorrect line size

4. Not enou h line outside u_ head.

5. Dirt buildup on unit.

1. Line size is incorrect.

2. Incorrect spool.

3. Line is being crowded against material being cut.

1. Line improperly routed in head,

2. Spool damaged.

2. Contact Sears Service (see back cover).

3. Check Breaker Box.

4. Remove debris.

1. Check line routing.

2. Rewind line tightly and evenly.

3. Use only 0,065 inch (1.65 mm) dia. line,

4. Remove cover and pull 4 inches

(10 cm) of line out of head.

5. Clean unit.

1. Use only 0.065 inch (1.65 mm) dia. line.

2. Replace with correct spool.

3. Cut with tip of line fully extended.

1. Check line routing.

2, Replace spool.

1. Line improperly routed in head.

1, Check line routing.

2. Line size is incorrect.

3. Crowding line against

2. Replace spool.

3, Cut with tip of line fully extended. material being cut,

4. Spoel worn or damaged.

4, Replace spoel.

1, Too little line outside of head.

2, Line size incorrect.

1. Remove cover and pull 4 inches

(10 cm) of line outside of head.

2. Use only 0,065 inch (1.65 mm) dia, line,

10