Chicago Electric 47944 Quick reference guide

47944
ASSEMBLY & OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
®
14” ELECTRIC
GRASS TRIMMER

THANK YOU for choosing a HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS product. For future reference, please complete the owner’s
record below:
Model___________ Serial No._____________ Purchase Date_____________
Save This Manual
You will need the manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly instructions, operating
and maintenance procedures, parts list and diagram. Keep your invoice with this manual. Write the
invoice number on the inside of the front cover. Keep the manual and invoice in a safe and dry
place for future reference.
Technical Specifications
Product Name:Electric Grass Trimmer-14"
Product Number: 47944
Motor: 3.5 Amps, 120 Volts, Single Phase 60 HZ,
9000 RPMS, Double Insulated
Line Capacity: Up to 36 Feet
Pole: Handle Pivots with Large Thumb Screw
Adjusts 3" in length
Weight: 6.05 LBS.
Safety Warnings and Precautions
WARNING: When using product, basic safety precautions should always be followed to
reduce the risk of personal injury and damage to equipment.
Read all instructions before using this product!
1. Keep work area clean. Cluttered areas invite injuries.
2. Observe work area conditions. Do not use machines or power tools in damp or wet
locations. Don’t expose to rain. Keep work area well lighted. Do not use electrically powered
tools in the presence of flammable gases or liquids.
3. Keep children away. Children must never be allowed in the work area. Do not let them
handle machines, tools, or extension cords. Do not let them use the Trimmer, machines or
tools.
4. Store idle equipment. When not in use, tools must be stored in a dry location to inhibit rust.
Always lock up tools and keep out of reach of children.
5. Use the right tool for the job. Do not attempt to force a small tool or attachment to do the
work of a larger industrial tool. There are certain applications for which this tool was designed. It
will do the job better and more safely at the rate for which it was intended. Do not modify this
tool and do not use this tool for a purpose for which it was not intended.
6. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry as they can be caught in moving parts.
Protective, electrically non-conductive clothes and non-skid footwear are recommended when
working. Wear restrictive hair covering to contain long hair.
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7. Use eye and ear protection. Always wear ANSI approved impact safety goggles. Wear a full
face shield if you are producing metal filings or wood chips. Wear an ANSI approved dust mask
or respirator when working around metal, wood, and chemical dusts and mists.
8. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Do not reach over or across
running machines.
9. Maintain tools with care. Keep tools sharp and clean for better and safer performance.
Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. Inspect tool cords periodically and,
if damaged, have them repaired by an authorized technician. The handles must be kept clean,
dry, and free from oil and grease at all times.
10. Disconnect power. Unplug tool when not in use.
11. Remove adjusting keys and wrenches. Check that keys and adjusting wrenches are
removed from the tool or machine work surface before plugging it in.
12. Avoid unintentional starting. Be sure the switch is in the Off position when not in use and
before plugging in. Do not carry any tool with your finger on the trigger, whether it is plugged in
or not.
13. Stay alert. Watch what you are doing; use common sense. Do not operate any tool when you
are tired.
14. Check for damaged parts. Before using any tool, any part that appears damaged should be
carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function.
Check for alignment and binding of moving parts; any broken parts or mounting fixtures; and
any other condition that may affect proper operation. Any part that is damaged should be
properly repaired or replaced by a qualified technician. Do not use the tool if any switch does
not turn On and Off properly.
15. Guard against electric shock. Prevent body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes,
radiators, ranges, and refrigerator enclosures.
16. Replacement parts and accessories. When servicing, use only identical replacement parts.
Use of any other parts will void the warranty. Only use accessories intended for use with this
tool. Approved accessories are available from Harbor Freight Tools.
17. Do not operate tool if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Read warning labels on
prescriptions to determine if your judgment or reflexes are impaired while taking drugs. If there
is any doubt, do not operate the tool.
18. Use proper size and type extension cord. If an extension cord is required, it must be of the
proper size and type to supply the correct current to the tool without heating up. Otherwise, the
extension cord could melt and catch fire, or cause electrical damage to the tool. This tool
requires use of an extension cord of 0 to 10 amps capability (up to 50 feet), with wire size rated
at 18 AWG. Longer extension cords require larger size wire. If you are using the tool outdoors,
use an extension cord rated for outdoor use. (signified by “WA” on the jacket).
19. Maintenance. For your safety, service and maintenance should be performed regularly by a
qualified technician.
20. Make certain area is clear of rocks and debris before starting the Electric Grass
Trimmer.
21. Do not start the Trimmer while it is laying down or upside down.
22. Make certain that the Guard is always between you and the Nylon Line.
23. Never stop the Nylon Line with your hands. Always let it come to a complete stop
before handling or doing any maintenance.
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Note: Performance of this tool (if powered by line voltage) may vary depending on
variations in local line voltage. Extension cord usage may also affect tool
performance.
24. Make certain that the power cord is kept clear of the Nylon Line, failure to do so may
result in the power cord being cut, resulting in serious damage and injury.
Warning: The warnings, cautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction
manual cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may
occur. It must be understood by the operator that common sense and
caution are factors which cannot be built into this product, but must be
supplied by the operator.
Warning: This product contains or produces a chemical known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects (or other reproductive
harm).
(California Health & Safety Code 25249.5 et seq.)
VOLTAGE WARNING
Before connecting the tool to a power source receptacle be sure the voltage supplied is about the
same as that specified on the nameplate of the tool. If one says 120V and the other says 110V
then there will be no complications. Never try to plug a 110V tool into a 220V outlet, or the other
way around. The plug and outlet have completely different shapes. This is because a power source
with a voltage greater than that spedified on the tool can result in a serious injury to the user-as well
as damage to the tool. If in doubt, do not plug in the tool.
Your tool is double insulated and has a two-prong plug. you may use either a two or three prong
extension cord. Only use rounded jacket extension cords. If you plan on indoor use, you may also
us an outdoor rated cord. Extension cords rated for outdoor use have the letters “WA” on the cord
jacket.
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Do not modify your plug in any way. If you have any doubt, call a qualified electrician.
Warning: People with pacemakers should consult with their physician before using this
product; operation of equipment in close proximity to a heart pacemaker could cause
interference or failure of the pacemaker.
Assembly
Your Electric Grass Trimmer-14” will require minor assembly prior to operation. It is important that
your read the entire manual to become familiar with the unit BEFORE you use the Grass Trimmer.
Before assembling your Electric Grass Trimmer be sure that you have all parts described in the
Parts List.
Attaching the Guard
Step 1) Snap the Guard (#6) into place at the base of the Electric Grass Trimmer. Line up
the two (2) prongs in the Motor Housing (#7) with the two holes in the Guard (#6).
The Guard will snap into place and sit flush with the Motor Housing (#7)-see
Figure 1 on following page.

Figure 1-Guard attached to Motor Housing
Attaching the Wheel
The Electric Grass Trimmer comes with a Wheel Attachment (#1) which can act as a guide for
edging along lawns, fences and walls.
Step 1) With the Guard (#6) in place, line up the two (2) holes in the Wheel Attachment (#1)
with the holes in the Guard and holes in the Motor Housing (#7). Secure in place
with two (2) Screws (#12)-see Figure 2.
Wheel Attachment
(#1)
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Head Adjuster Button (#8)
Motor Housing (#7)
Guard (#6)
FigFigurifj
Figure 2-Using the Grass Trimmer as an Edger
Replacing Nylon Line onto Spool
Step 1) Turn OFF the Grass Trimmer and unplug the Power Cord (#18).
Step 2) To remove the Spool Cap (#2) from the Spool (#4), press on the tabs on each side
of the Spool Housing (#21) and pull up on the Spool Cap (#2). Once the Spool
Cap (#2) is removed, the Spool (#4) will slide off of the Spring (#3)-see Figure 3.
Step 2) Slide Spool (#4) off of the Spring (#3). Remove any Nylon Line (#5) remaining on the
Spool (#4)-see Figure 3.
Step 3) Anchor one end of the new Nylon Line (#5) to Spool (#4). Wrap the Nylon Line (#5)
around the Spool (#4).

Step 4) Once you have wound the Nylon Line (#5) into place, place the Spool (#4) onto the
Spring (#3). Thread the end of the Nylon Line (#5) through the eyelet in the
Spool Housing (#21). Leave about 5 inches of Nylon Line (#5) beyond the Spool
Housing (#21) so that it remains inside of the Guard (#6) -see Figure 3.
Step 5) Replace the Cap (#2) on the Spool by inserting Cap so that tabs snap into place.
Spool Cap (#2)
Spool (#4) and Nylon Line (#5)
Spring (#3)
Figure 3-Replacing Nylon Line onto Spool
Operation
To assist you with operation please refer to the Operational Figures as well as the Parts List located
on the last page of this manual.
Handle
Step 1) To adjust the Handle, loosen the Handle Knob (#13) and rotate the Handle (#11) up
or down into the desired position. Retighten the Handle Knob (#13).
Shortening and Extending Tube
The Top Tube (#10) can be adjusted up or down to shorten or extend the length between the Hand
Grip (#15) and the Guard (#6).
Step 1) Press the Tube Button (#14) and move the Top Tube (#10) up or down over the
Bottom Tube (#9). Release the Tube Button (#14) when the Top Tube (#10) is in the
desired position-see Figure 4, page 7.
Adjusting the Head
Step 1) Tilt the Head/Motor Housing (#7) to the desired angle by pushing in on the Head
Adjuster Button (#8). The Head will swivel up and down to the position for best
trimming-see Figure 1.
Step 2) Release Head Adjuster Button (#8) once Head is at the ideal position.
Line Release Button(#20)
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Spool Housing (#21)

Top Grip (#15)
Trigger (#16)
Power Cord (#18)
Handle (#11)
Tube Button (#14)
Top Tube (#10)
Bottom Tube (#9)
Figure 4-Key Parts of the Electric Grass Trimmer
Using the Electric Grass Trimmer-14”
Step 1) Set Trimmer as desired for the job you are going to perform.
Step 2) Attach Extension Cord (not included) to Power Cord (#18). Plug in Extension Cord.
Step 3) The Electric Grass Trimmer has a Safety Button (#17) on the Top Grip (#15) which
must be pressed-in at the same time that you are pressing down the Trigger (#16).
Press down Trigger (#16) and engage Safety Button (#17).
Step 4) Moving the Trimmer back and forth in short arcs, trim growth starting at the top and
working downward.
Step 5) If you should need additional Nylon Line (#5), tap the Nylon Release Button (see
Figure 3) gently against the ground. This will extend the Nylon Line which will be cut
to the proper length by the blade located under the Guard (#6).
WARNING: Never bring legs, arms, fingers or body near or into contact with the Nylon Line (#5)
while the Trimmer is running. The Electric Grass Trimmer cuts with excessive force
and severe injury may result Always keep clear of the blade.
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Unpacking
When unpacking your Electric Grass Trimmer-14”, check to make sure the following parts are
included. If any parts are missing or broken, please call HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS at
1-800-444-3353.
Parts List
1 Wheel Attachment 1 12 Screws 2
2 Spool Cap 1 13 Handle Knob 1
3 Spring 1 14 Tube Button 1
4 Spool 1 15 Top Grip 1
5 Nylon Line 1 16 Trigger 1
6 Guard 1 17 Safety Button 1
7 Motor Housing 1 18 Power Cord 1
8 Head Adjuster Button 1 19 Motor 1
9 Bottom Tube 1 20 Line Release Button 1
10 Top Tube 1 21 Spool Housing
11 Handle 1
Note: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only and are not available
individually as replacement parts.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS DIAGRAM IN THIS MANUAL
AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY
REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO
MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT OR THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OF
THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL
REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSED
TECHNICIANS AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT
OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO, OR
ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.
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2, 3, 4, 5, 20, 21 (see Figure 3)
Wheel Attachment (#1) and
Screws (#12) not shown-see Figure #2.
6
7
8
9
10
Parts Diagram
11
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
Note: #12 Screws are used when attaching
the Wheel Attachment (not shown)