Craftsman C944.511591 Brushcutter Attachment Instruction Manual

Instruction Manual

I CRAFTSMAN°I

BRUSHCU'I-FER A'I-FACHMENT

Model No.

O944.511591

NOT DESIGNED FOR USE

WITH ELECTRIC POWERHEADS

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts List

_

Instructions before first use of this product.

545001413

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

2/14/05

Warranty Statement

Identification of Symbols

Safety Rules

Assembly

Operation

2

2

2

5

7

Maintenance

Service & Adjustments

Storage

Parts List

Parts and Ordering

10

10

11

Center Section

Back Cover

LIMITED 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

DANGER!

This brushcutter can be dangerous! Careless or improper use can cause serious or even fatal injury.

Always wear appropriate ear protection, eye protection and head protection.

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

Read and follow all instructions.

Failure to do so can result in serious injury.

Ai_ DANGER: This power tool can be dangerous!

This unit can cause serious injury including amputation or blindness to the operator and others.

The warnings and safety instructions in this manual must be followed to provide reasonable safety and efficiency in using the unit. The operator is responsible for following the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the unit. Read the entire instruction 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 allow children

OPERATORS

MANUAL

2

_k DANGER: vices.

to operate this unit.

SAFETY INFORMATION

QN THE UNIT

Never use flailing de-

._

with cut matefi_l_

II

_

DANGER: lently cut.Blade

Leg

I I Guards

Boots frommaterial tionofarms animals people away.

_ WARNING: jects

Wear

ALWAYS eyeandlegprotection.

WEAR

_WARNING: Hazard zone for thrown objects.

Blade can throw objects violently.

Others can be blinded or injured.

Keep people and animals

50 feet (15 meters) away.

Hazard Zone

OPERATOR SAFETY

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

Eye protection should be marked Z87.

• Always wear face or dust mask if operation 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 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 blade.

• 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.

• 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 engine 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.

3

,_WARNING: Disconnect powerhead 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 damaged in any other way. Replace any parts that are cracked, chipped, bro-

ken,ordamaged before

• Maintain mended sharp.

procedures.

Never wire,rope, itisproperly

• Never etc.

• Useonlyspecified andsecurely startengine removed.

serious

• Besureblade engine stops carburetor thelower theblade

Hold fromcontacting theunitbyhand; strap donotusethe forsupport.

others buretor

• Useonlyrecommended accessories

Craftsman andreplacement allmaintenance notexplained formed inthismanual byaSears

FUEL SAFETY

• 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 left to your right.

• 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 engine 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 accidentally cause injury.

• Store unit indoors, out of reach of children.

• 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 before removing fuel cap.

• Remove fuel cap slowly.

CUTTING SAFETY

_i WARNING: Inspect the area to be cut before each use. Remove objects (rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string, etc.) which can be thrown or become entangled in the blade.

• Keep others including children, animals, bystanders, and helpers at least

50 feet (15 meters) away. Stop the engine immediately if you are approached.

• Always keep engine on the righthand side of your body.

• Hold the unit firmly with both hands.

SPECIAL NOTICE: Exposure to vibrations through prolonged 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 swellings.

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 the use of this tool and seek medical attention. An antivibration system does not guarantee the avoidance of these problems.

Users who operate power tools on a continual and regular basis must monitor closely their physical condition and the condition of this tool.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

CARTON

Check lowing

0944.511591

• Brushcutter

• Handlebar mounting

(2.5cm)shaft mounting

(2.2cm)shaft cover

• Shoulder

• Upper strap shoulder

• Lower strap shoulder

• Handlebar

• Shoulder

• HexWrench parts damaged

NOTE: tabs) clamp

Hanger parts.

ordamaged,

Service orfind con-

ASSEMBLY

WARNING: repeat properly aresecure.

(provided) forassembly.

INSTALLING

AT-

TACHMENT

CAUTION: When removing or installing attachments, place the unit on a flat surface for stability.

1.

Loosen the coupler by turning the knob counterclockwise=

5.

Before using the unit, tighten the knob securely by turning clockwise.

Coupler

"\

Pnmary Hole

/ Guide Recess

!er oe ino

SP_ff RBe_ttase AttL°_erent

£k

,ram,WARNING: Make sure the locking/release button is locked in the primary hole and the knob is securely tightened before operating the unit.

HANDLEBAR ASSEMBLY

_lJ DANGER: RISK OF CUT. To avoid serious injury, the barrier portion of the handlebar must be installed as shown on the upper shaft of the powerbead to provide a barrier between operator and the spinning blade. Attach handlebar mounting bracket above arrow on safety warning decal on the upper shaft (powerhead end of unit).

Ensure handlebar is positioned on mounting bracket at the end of the arrow on the handlebar decal.

NOTE: Two mounting brackets are included with this attachment.

Both brackets are provided to adapt this attachment for use with powerheads that have either a 1" (2.5 cm) diameter or a 7/8"

(2.2 cm) diameter upper shaft. The correct bracket must be used to ensure that the handlebar is mounted securely to the upper shaft before use.

Coupler

Handlebar _ _ Screw

_OOSEN

TIGHTEN Knob

2.

Remove the shaft cap from the brushcutter attachment (if present).

3.

Position locking/release button of attachment into guide recess of coupler.

4.

Push the attachment into the coupler until the locking/release snaps into the primary hole.

button

ou2tito

J

Place the mounting bracket over the upper shaft above the arrow on the safety label.

Be sure to use the correct mounting bracket for either the 1" (2.5 cm) or 7/8" (2.2

cm) diameter upper shaft.

2. Position under oneofthebracket mounting screw screws

3. Secure themounting tightening wrench.

thedecal

Thisdecal anarrow.

tionthehandlebar ingbracket withthemountattheendofthearrow.

thesecond overthehandlebar.

ingbracket screw themountandthebracket

Again handlebar cover surethe isattheendofthearrow.

6. Insert only.

twoscrews installed screw correctly; withthehexwrench.

SHOULDER STRAP ASSEMBLY

1,

2.

Place the upper shoulder strap clamp over the upper shaft above the handlebar.

Position the lower shoulder strap clamp under the upper shaft and align the upper and lower clamp screw holes (use spacer tabs between upper and lower clamps if necessary to secure clamp, i.e. for

1" diameter upper shaft).

POWERHEAD

END

Lower Shoulder

Strap Clamp l

Upper Shoulder

Screws

Clamp

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 shaft (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 shaft

(the shoulder strap clamp will not tighten down securely on the 1" diameter upper shaft 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 needed for powerheads with a 7/8" upper shaft.

LOWER SHOULDER STRAP

CLAMP

3.

Insert two screws into the screw holes.

4.

Secure shoulder strap clamp by tightening screws with the hex wrench.

5.

Insert your right arm and head through the shoulder strap and allow 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.

6.

Adjust the strap, allowing the hook to be about 6 inches below the waist.

7.

Fasten the strap hook to the upper clamp and lift the tool to the operating position.

8.

Try on shoulder strap and adjust for fit and balance before starting the engine or beginning a cutting operation.

NOTE: It may be necessary to relocate the shoulder strap clamp on the shaft for proper balancing of unit.

41;_L-_,_Spacer Tabs positioned for use on 1" diameter upper shaft

6 inches below waist

HARNESS

ADJUSTMENT

FOR BALANCE

4 - 12 inches above ground

30i

KNOW YOUR BRUSHCUTTER ATTACHMENT

READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

BRUSHCUTTER ATTACHMENT. Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments.

Save this manual for future reference.

Hanger j

Blade Shield__

BLADE

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

Blade

BLADE SHIELD

The BLADE SHIELD provides protection from the spinning blade.

OPERATING THE COUPLER

Your powerhead is equipped with a coupler which enables optional attachments to be installed.

The optional attachments are:

Edger ...............

Cultivator ............

71-51157

71-51158

Blower ..............

Pruner ..............

71-51160

71-51161

_k WARNING: Always disconnect powerhead spark plug before removing or installing attachments.

REMOVING ATTACHMENT

CAUTION: When removing or installing attachments, place the powerhead and attachment on a flat surface for stability.

1.

Loosen the coupler by turning the knob counterclockwise.

Upper Shaft OPERATING POSITION

ALWAYS WEAR:

Coupler

Lower

Attachment

\

LOOSEN

Eye Protection

Heavy,

Lonc

TIGHTEN Knob

Boots

2= Press and hold the locking/release button.

Locking/Release

Button

Lower Attachment

3= While securely holding the upper shaft, pull the attachment straight out of the coupler.

INSTALLING ATTACHMENT

1= Remove the shaft cap from the attachment (if present) and discard.

2= Position locking/release button of attachment into guide recess of upper shaft coupler.

Coupler Primary Hole

Guide Recess

Upper

Shaft

Locking/

Release

Button

Attachment

3= Push the attachment into the coupler until the locking/release button snaps into the primary hole.

4= Before using the unit, tighten the knob securely by turning clockwise.

INSTALLING ATTACHMENT

HANGER

An attachment hanger is provided for storage when attachment is not in use.

To install hanger on attachment:

1= Remove the shaft cap from the attachment (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.

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 centered on your left shoulder and danger 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 understand what causes blade thrust, how you can reduce the chance of its occurring, and how you can remain in control of unit if blade thrust occurs.

• WHAT CAUSES BLADE THRUST -

Blade Thrust can occur when spinning 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" reaction can be violent enough to cause operator to be propelled in any direction and lose control of unit. The uncontrolled 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 operator will be less likely to lose control.

• Cut only grass, weeds, and woody brush up to 1/2 inch (1 cm) 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 (1 cm).

• 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 left to your right.

Swinging 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 control 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.

• Do not raise the engine above your waist as the blade can come dangerously 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 powerhead, make sure the attachment is fully inserted into the coupler.

Always release the throttle trigger and allow powerhead engine to return to idle speed when not cutting. The blade should not turn while the engine is running 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 while using the unit. Do this by planting feet firmly in a comfortable apart position.

• Cut while swinging the upper part of your body from left to right.

• As you move forward to the next area to cut, be sure to maintain your balance, and footing.

RECOMMENDED CUTTING POSITION o'clock

Cut using the 2 o'ctock to 4 o'clock V't'f'_/,' position of the blade f !1

_4 o'clock

"IV

_, 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 engine and blade before removing materials wrapped around blade or shaft.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

_l WARNING: Always stop unit and disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE TASK WHEN TO PERFORM

Check for loose fasteners and parts

Before each use

Check for damaged or worn parts

Inspect and clean unit and decals

Before each use

After each use

Check or replace blade

GENERAL RECOMMEN DATIONS

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

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

• Fasteners

CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR

WORN PARTS

Contact Sears Service Centre for replacement 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,

• Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.

Every 5 hours of operation

BLADE MAINTENANCE

,_ WARNING: The blade will contin-

A ue to spin after the engine stops or after the throttle trigger has been released.

To avoid serious injury, make sure the blade has stopped coasting and disconnect the spark plug before performing work on the blade.

A_'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 inspect for flatness.

Throw away a blade that is not flat.

BLADE REPLACEMENT

_ WARNING: The blade will continue to spin after the engine stops or after the throttle trigger has been released. 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.

1.

To remove the blade, align hole in the dust cup with the hole in the side of the gearbox by rotating the blade.

2.

Insert a small screwdriver into aligned holes. This will keep the shaft from turning while loosening the blade nut.

Screwdriver _

3.

While holding the screwdriver in position, remove blade nut by turning clockwise as you are facing the nut.

10

4,

5.

Remove both washers and the blade from the blade shaft.

Leave the dust cup on the gearbox.

Install new blade and retaining washer onto the threaded shaft extending 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.

Gearbox

Shield

6.

Place the cupped washer onto the shaft.

Make sure the cupped side of the washer is toward the blade.

7.

Install blade nut by threading onto the shaft counterclockwise are facing the nut.

as you

NOTE: Make sure all parts are in place as illustrated, and the blade is sandwiched between the dust cup and the retaining washer. There should be no space between the blade and the dust cup or the retaining washer.

8.

Tighten blade nut firmly with a wrench while holding screwdriver in position.

9.

Remove the screwdriver.

10. Turn blade by hand. If the blade binds against the shield, or appears to be uneven, the blade is not centered, and you must reinstall.

Dust Cup de

Retaining

Washer _ _

_"= Nut

A

_, 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 debris 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 damaged, worn or broken parts.

• At the beginning of the next season, use only fresh fuel having the proper gasoline to oil ratio.

11