Craftsman 79481 - Professional 28cc 2 Cycle Gas Blower User manual

Operator's Manual
_P R 0 F E S S I 0 N A L_
28cc/1.5 cu.in. 2-Cycle
170 MPH Peak Velocity/470 CFM
GASOLINE POWERED BLOWER
Model No.
358.794810
• Safety
•Assembly
• Operation
•Maintenance
•Parts List
•Espa_ol, p. 19
&WARNING:
Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating
Instructions before first use of this product.
For answers to your questions about this product:
Call 7 am-7 pm, Mon.-Sat., or 10 am-7 pm, Sun.
1-800-235-5878 <Hoots listed are Central Time)
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
545186786 Rev. 4 8/8/08 BRW

Warranty Statement 2 Storage 12
Identification of Safety Symbols 2 Troubleshooting Table 13
Safety Rules 4 Emissions Statement 14
Assembly 6 Parts List 16
Operation 7 Spanish 19
Maintenance 10 Parts and Ordering Back Cover
CRAFTSMAN PROFESSIONAL FULL WARRANTY
When used and maintained according to the operator's manual, if this product fails
due to a defect in material or workmanship within three (3) years from the date of
purchase, return itto any Sears store, Sears Service Center, or other Craftsman out-
let in the United States for free repair (or replacement if repair proves impossible).
This warranty applies for only 1 year from purchase date if this product is ever
used for commercial or rental purposes.
This warranty covers ONLY defects in material and workmanship. Sears will
NOT pay for:
•Expendable items that can wear out from normal use within the warranty period,
such as blower tubes, filters or spark plugs.
• Repairs necessary because of accident or failure to operate or maintain the
product according to all supplied instructions.
• Preventive maintenance, or repairs necessary due to improper fuel mixture,
contaminated or stale fuel.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
dI_WARNINGi: This unit can be dangerous! Careless or
improper use can cause serious injury.
Read your operator's manual carefully until you completely un-
derstand and can follow all warnings and safety rules before
operating the unit. Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
Save operator's manual.
The blower can throw objects violently. You can be blinded or injured.
Always wear hearing protection and safety glasses, approved protective
goggles or visor marked Z87. Always wear a face mask in dusty environments.
Always wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, boots and gloves.

360 °
Hazard zone for thrown objects. Keep children, bystanders, and
animals away from work area a minimum of 50 feet (15 meters)
when starting or operating unit. Do not point blower nozzle in
the direction of people or pets.
[[ 11 1Always stop unit and disconnect spark plug
before cleaning or servicing. Cleaning at
regular intervals in required.
WARNING: Stop the engine before opening the vacuum inlet door. The
engine must be stopped and the impeller blades no longer turning to avoid serious
injury from the rotating blades. Gently tilt the handle of the screwdriver toward the
back of the unit to release the latch while pulling up on the vacuum inlet cover with
your other hand.
I I j Oh° e'everThe
co d starting, choke helps to supply fuel to the engine to aid in
(A)=_=_ When fueling or refueling unit, always use unleaded or quality
leaded gasoline and two-stroke oil mixed at a ratio of 2.5%.
_k WARNING: The muffler is very hot during and after use.
Do not touch the muffler, muffler guard, or surrounding surfaces,
or allow combustible material such as dry grass or fuel to do so.

_WARNING:Failuretofollowall
SafetyRulesandPrecautionscanre-
sultinseriousinjury.
KNOWYOURUNIT
•Readyouroperator'smanualcare-
fullyuntilyoucompletelyunderstand
andcanfollowallwarningsand
safetyrulesbeforeoperatingtheunit.
• Restrictunittouserswhounder-
standandwillfollowallwarningsand
safetyrulesinthismanual.
_ILWARNING:Inspectareabefore
startingunit.Removealldebrisand
hardobjectssuchasrocks,glass,
wire,etc.thatcanricochet,bethrown,
orotherwisecauseinjuryordamage
duringoperation.
Useyourunitasablowerfor:
• Sweepingdebrisorgrassclippings
fromdriveways,sidewalks,patios,etc.
• Blowinggrassclippings,straw,or
leavesintopiles,aroundjoints,orbe-
tweenbricks.
PLANAHEAD
• Alwaysweareyeprotectionwhenop-
erating,servicing,orperformingmain-
tenanceonunit.Wearingeyeprotec-
tionwillhelptopreventrocksordebris
frombeingblownorricochetinginto
eyesandfacewhichcanresultin
blindnessand/orseriousinjury.Eye
protectionshouldbemarkedZ87.
• Alwayswearfootprotection.Donot
gobarefootorwearsandals.
• Alwayswearrespiratororfacemask
whenworkingwithunitindustyenvi-
ronments.
• Securehairaboveshoulderlength.
Secureorremovejewelry,loose
clothing,orclothingwithloosely
hangingstraps,ties,tassels,etc.
Theycanbecaughtinmovingparts.
• Donotoperateunitwhenyouare
tired,ill,upset,orifyouareunderthe
influenceofalcohol,drugs,ormedi-
cation.
• Keepchildren,bystanders,andani-
malsawayfromworkareaamini-
mumof50feet(15meters)when
startingoroperatingunit.Donot
pointblowernozzleinthedirectionof
peopleorpets.
HANDLEFUELWITH CAUTION, IT IS
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE
• Eliminate all sources of sparks or
flame (including smoking, open
flames, or work that can cause
sparks) in the areas where fuel is
mixed, poured, or stored.
• Mix and pour fuel in an outdoor area;
store fuel in a cool, dry, well ventilated
place; use an approved, marked con-
tainer for all fuel purposes.
• Do not smoke while handling fuel or
while operating the unit.
• Make sure the unit is properly as-
sembled and in good operating con-
dition.
• Do not fill fuel tank while engine is
running.
• Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up fuel
spills before starting engine.
• Move at least 10 feet (3 meters)
away from fuel and fueling site be-
fore starting engine.
• Always store gasoline in a container
approved for flammable liquids.
OPERATE YOUR UNIT SAFELY
_ILWARNING: Stop the engine be-
fore opening the vacuum inlet door. The
engine must be stopped and the impel-
ler blades no longer turning to avoid se-
rious injury from the rotating blades.
• Inspect unit before each use for
worn, loose, missing, or damaged
parts. Do not use until unit is in
proper working order.
• Keep outside surfaces free from oil
and fuel.
• Never start or run engine inside a
closed room, building or other un-
ventilated area. Breathing exhaust
fumes can kill.
• To avoid static electricity shock, do
not wear rubber gloves or any other
insulated gloves while operating unit.
• Do not set unit on any surface except
a clean, hard area while engine is run-
ning. Debris such as gravel, sand,
dust, grass, etc. could be picked up by
the air intake and thrown out through
discharge opening, damaging unit,
property, or causing serious injury to
bystanders or operator.
• Avoid dangerous environments. Do
not use in unventilated areas or
where explosive vapors or carbon
monoxide build up could be present.

• Donotoverreachorusefromunsta-
blesurfacessuchasladders,trees,
steepslopes,rooftops,etc.Keepfirm
footingandbalanceatalltimes.
• Neverplaceobjectsinsidethe
blowertubes;alwaysdirecttheblow-
ingdebrisawayfrompeople,ani-
mals,glass,andsolidobjectssuch
astrees,automobiles,walls,etc.The
forceofaircancauserocks,dirt,or
stickstobethrownortoricochet
whichcanhurtpeopleoranimals,
breakglass,orcauseotherdamage.
• Neverrununitwithouttheproper
equipmentattached.Whenusing
yourunitasablower,alwaysinstall
blowertubes.Whenusingtheop-
tionalvacuumkit,alwaysinstallvac-
uumtubesandvacuumbagassem-
bly.Makesurevacuumbagassem-
blyiscompletelyzipped.
• Checkairintakeopening,blower
tubes,andvacuumtubesfrequently,
alwayswithenginestoppedand
sparkplugdisconnected.Keepvents
anddischargetubesfreeofdebris
whichcanaccumulateandrestrict
properairflow.
• Neverplaceanyobjectinairintake
openingasthiscouldrestrictproperair
flowandcausedamagetotheunit.
• Neveruseforspreadingchemicals,
fertilizers,orothersubstanceswhich
maycontaintoxicmaterials.
• Toavoidspreadingfire,donotuse
nearleaforbrushfires,fireplaces,
barbecuepits,ashtrays,etc.
• Useonlyforjobsexplainedinthis
manual.
MAINTAINYOURUNITPROPERLY
WARNING:Disconnectspark
plugbeforeperformingmaintenance
exceptforcarburetoradjustments.
• Haveallmaintenanceotherthanthe
recommendedproceduresdescribed
intheoperator'smanualperformed
byaSearsServiceCenter.
• UseonlyrecommendedCraftsman
replacementparts;useofanyother
partsmayvoidyourwarrantyand
causedamagetoyourunit.
• Emptyfueltankbeforestoringthe
unit.Useupfuelleftincarburetorby
startingengineandlettingitrununtil
itstops.
• Donotuseanyaccessoryorattach-
mentotherthanthoserecommended
bymanufacturerforusewithyourunit.
• Donotstoretheunitorfuelinaclosed
areawherefuelvaporscanreach
sparksoranopenflamefromhot
waterheaters,electricmotorsor
switches,furnaces,etc.
• Storeinadryareaoutofreachof
children.
,_WARNING: The engine exhaust
from this product contains chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects or other re-
productive harm.
SAFETY NOTICE: Exposure to vibra-
tions through prolonged use of gaso-
line powered hand tools could cause
blood vessel or nerve damage in the
fingers, hands, and joints of people
prone to circulation disorders or abnor-
mal swelling. Prolonged use in cold
weather has been linked to blood ves-
sel 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 guaran-
tee the avoidance of these problems.
Users who operate power tools on a
continual and regular basis must moni-
tor closely their physical condition and
the condition of this tool.
SPECIAL NOTICE: This unit is
equipped with a temperature limiting
muffler and spark arresting screen
which meets the requirements of Cali-
fornia Codes 4442 and 4443. All U.S.
forest land and the states of California,
Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey,
Oregon, and Washington require by
law that many internal combustion en-
gines be equipped with a spark arrest-
ing screen. If you operate in a locale
where such regulations exist, you are
legally responsible for maintaining the
operating condition of these parts. Fail-
ure to do so is a violation of the law.
Refer to the MAINTENANCE section for
information on maintenance of the
muffler and spark arresting screen.

CARTONCONTENTS
Checkcartoncontentsagainstthefol-
lowinglist.
Model 358,794810
• Blower
• Blower tube
• Standard nozzle
• High velocity nozzle
• 2-cycle engine oil
Your blower can also be used as a
vacuum by purchasing an optional
vacuum kit (#71-79976), Contact
your Sears Service Center for de-
tails.
NOTE: It is normal for the fuel filter to
rattle in the empty fuel tank.
ASSEMBLY
_WARNING: Stop engine and be
sure the impeller blades have stopped
turning before opening the vacuum in-
let door or attempting to insert or re-
move the vacuum tubes. The rotating
blades can cause serious injury.
,l_ WARNING: If you receive your
unit assembled, repeat all steps to en-
sure your unit is properly assembled
and all fasteners are secure.
BLOWER TUBE ASSEMBLY
1. Remove tube clamp bolt and knob
by turning counterclockwise.
Tube Clamp Bolt _
and Knob \ /%_
2, Align the rib on the blower tube with
the groove in the blower outlet; insert
the tube until the holes in the tube
and housing line up.
Blower Outlet
Groove Rib
3. Secure the tube by re-installing the
tube clamp bolt and knob; turn
clockwise to tighten.
4. Align the slots on the nozzle with the
tabs on the blower tube.
NOTE: When greater accuracy and
high air stream concentration is
desired, use the standard nozzle.
When a wider air stream and greater
air velocity is desired, use the high-
velocity nozzle.
Blower Tube
_--_- -"_ f_, Standard Nozzle
Slot. High Velocity Nozzle
5. Slide the nozzle onto the blower
tube.
6. Turn the nozzle clockwise until a
click is felt to secure the nozzle to
the blower tube.
NOTE: The length of the blower tube
can be adjusted by turning the nozzle
counterclockwise to loosen and sliding
the nozzle to the desired position. Turn
the nozzle clockwise to secure.
7. To remove the tube and nozzle,
remove the tube clamp bolt and
knob by turning counterclockwise;
remove the tube and nozzle.
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KNOW YOUR BLOWER
READ THIS OPERATOR'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
UNIT. Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the location
of the various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
MULCHING BLADES
Your blower is equipped with mulching blades as a standard feature. When using
the optional vacuum kit, the mulching blades automatically reduce debris at a
ratio of up to 16:1.
Inlet
Cover
Mulchin_
Blades
/
Muffler
STOP Switch
Impeller
Throttle
Position
Lever
( -_ - Spark ",.
,_ Plug
Blower Tube
TuBe Clamp
Nut
Rope
Throttle
Trigger Primer
,/"_,.% Bulb
Fuel Mix Choke
Fill Cap Lever
Standard Nozzle
STOP SWITCH
The STOP switch is used to stop the
engine. To stop the engine, push and
hold the STOP switch in the STOP posi-
tion until the engine stops.
THROTTLE TRIGGER
The THROTTLE TRIGGER is used to se-
lect the desired engine speed.
THROTTLE POSITION LEVER
The THROTTLE POSITION LEVER is de-
signed to allow setting engine speed
during blower use only. To avoid caus-
ing damage to the unit, DO NOT at-
tempt to use the throttle position lever
during vacuum use.
PRIMER BULB
The PRIMER BULB removes air from the
carburetor and fuel lines and fills them
with fuel. This allows you to start the en-
gine with fewer pulls on the starter rope
handle. Activate primer bulb by pressing
it and allowing itto return to its original
position.
CHOKE LEVER
The CHOKE helps to supply fuel to the
engine to aid in cold starting. Activate
the choke by moving the choke lever to
the FULL CHOKE (closed) position. After
engine attempts to start, move the
choke lever to the HALFCHOKE position.
Once engine starts, move choke lever to
the OFF CHOKE (opened) position.

OPERATINGTIPS
•While vacuuming or blowing debris,
hold the unit with the muffler side fac-
ing away from your body and clothes
(see OPERATING POSITION).
• To reduce the risk of hearing loss
associated with sound level(s), hear-
ing protection is required.
• To reduce the risk of injury associated
with contacting rotating parts, stop the
engine before installing or removing
attachments. Do not operate without
guard(s) in place.
• Operate power equipment only at rea-
sonable hours-not early in the morn-
ing or late at night when people might
be disturbed. Comply with times listed
in local ordinances. Usual recommen-
dations are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,
Monday though Saturday.
• To reduce noise levels, limit the num-
ber of pieces of equipment used at
any one time.
• To reduce noise levels, operate pow-
er blowers at the lowest possible
throttle speed to do the job.
• Use rakes and brooms to loosen
debris before blowing.
• In dusty conditions, slightly dampen
surfaces or use a mister attachment
when water is available.
• Conserve water by using power blow-
ers instead of hoses for many lawn
and garden applications, including
areas such as gutters, screens, patios,
grills, porches, and gardens.
• Watch out for children, pets, open
windows, or freshly washed cars.
Blow debris away safely.
• Use the full blower nozzle extension
so the air stream can work close to
the ground.
• After using blowers and other equip-
ment, CLEAN UP! Dispose of debris
in trash receptacles.
OPERATING POSITION
Eye Protection
Blower
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
_LWARNING: Be sure to read the
fuel information in the safety rules
before you begin. If you do not
understand the safety rules, do not
attempt to fuel your unit. Call
1-800-235-5878.
FUELING ENGINE
,_LWARNING: Remove fuel cap
slowly when refueling.
This engine is certified to operate on un-
leaded gasoline. Before operation, gaso-
line must be mixed with a good quality
synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil.
We recommend Craftsman brand syn-
thetic oil. Mix gasoline and oil at a ratio
of 40:1. A 40:1 ratio is obtained by mix-
ing 3.2 ounces of oil with 1 gallon of un-
leaded gasoline. Included with this blow-
er is a 3.2 ounce container of oil. Pour
the entire contents of this container into
1 gallon of gasoline to achieve the prop-
er fuel mixture. DO NOT USE automotive
oil or boat oil. These oils will cause en-
gine damage. When mixing fuel, follow
instructions printed on container. Once
oil is added to gasoline, shake container
momentarily to assure that the fuel is
thoroughly mixed. Always read and fol-
low the safety rules relating to fuel be-
fore fueling your unit.
IMPORTANT
Experience indicates that alcohol
blended fuels (called gasohol or using
ethanol or methanol) can attract mois-
ture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage.
Acidic gas can damage the fuel sys-
tem of an engine while in storage.
To avoid engine problems, empty the
fuel system before storage for 30 days
or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the
-8-

engine and let it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh
fuel next season. Never use engine or
carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alter-
native in minimizing the formation of
fuel gum deposits during storage.
Craftsman brand oil is already blended
with fuel stabilizer. See the STORAGE
section for additional information.
HOW TO STOP YOUR ENGINE
•Release the throttle trigger.
• Push and hold the STOP switch in the
STOP position until the engine stops.
HOW TO START YOUR ENGINE
_LWARNING: You MUST make sure
the tubes are secure before using the
unit.
• Fuel engine. Move at ]east 10 feet (3
meters) away from the fueling site.
• Hold the unit in the starting position
as shown. Make sure the blower end
is directed away from people, ani-
mals, glass, and solid objects.
STARTING POSITION
Throttle Position Lever
(Cruise Control)
2. Slowly press the primer bulb 10
times.
Primer Bulb
\\
3. Move the choke lever to the FULL
CHOKE (closed) position.
11+1Chok
,_ WARNING: When starting engine,
hold the unit as illustrated. Do not set 4.
unit on any surface except a clean, hard
area when starting engine or while en-
gine is running. Debris such as gravel,
sand, dust, grass, etc. could be picked
up by the air intake and thrown out
through the discharge opening, damag-
ing the unit or property, or causing seri-
ous injury to bystanders or the operator. 5.
STARTING A COLD ENGINE (or
warm engine after running out of fuel)
1. Move the throttle position lever 6.
(cruise control) to the idle position.
Lever
This unit has the Sim-pul TMstarting
system. You do not have to pull the
starter rope handle sharply or
briskly. Pull starter rope handle with
a controlled and steady motion until
engine sounds as if it is trying to
start, but do not pull handle more
than 3 times.
As soon as engine sounds as if it is
trying to start, move choke lever to
HALF CHOKE position.
Pull starter rope handle until engine
starts and runs. NOTE: If the engine
doesn't start after 6 pulls (at the
HALF CHOKE position), move the
choke lever to the FULL CHOKE
(closed) position. Pull the starter
rope handle 2 more times. Move the
choke lever to the HALF CHOKE posi-
tion and pull the starter rope handle
until the engine starts and runs, but
no more than 6 pulls. If the engine
still doesn't start, it is probably
flooded. Proceed to STARTINGA
FLOODED ENGINE.
-9-

7. Once the engine starts, allow it to
run 10 seconds, then move the
choke lever to the OFF CHOKE
(opened) position. NOTE: If engine
dies with the choke lever in the OFF
CHOKE (opened) position, move the
choke lever to the FULL CHOKE
(closed) position and pull the starter
rope handle until engine starts and
runs, but no more than 6 pulls.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
1. Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger.
2. Move choke lever to HALF CHOKE
position.
3. Pull starter rope handle with a con-
trolled and steady motion while
squeezing throttle trigger until en-
gine starts and runs, but no more
than 6 pulls.
4. Allow engine to run 15 seconds,
then move choke lever to the OFF
CHOKE (opened) position.
NOTE: If the engine has not started,
pull starter rope handle 5 more pulls. If
engine still does not start and run, it is
probably flooded. Proceed to START-
ING A FLOODED ENGINE.
STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE
Flooded engines can be started by
placing the choke lever in the OFF
CHOKE (opened) position and fully
squeezing the throttle trigger. Pull the
starter rope handle repeatedly while
squeezing throttle trigger to clear the
engine of excess fuel. This could
require pulling the starter handle many
times, depending on how badly the
unit is flooded. If the unit still doesn't
start, refer to the TROUBLESHOOTING
TABLE or call 1-800-235-5878.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance,
service, or adjustments.
CARE & MAINTENANCE TASK
Check for loose fasteners and parts
Check for damaged or worn parts
Inspect and clean unit and labels
Clean air filter
Replace spark plug
WHEN TO PERFORM
Before each use
Before each use
After each use
Every 5 hours of operation
Yearly
WARNING: Avoid touching muf-
fler unless engine and muffler are cold.
A hot muffler can cause serious burns.
_:_WARNING: Stop engine and be
sure the impeller blades have stopped
turning before opening the vacuum in-
let door or attempting to insert or re-
move the vacuum or blower tubes.
The rotating blades can cause serious
injury. Always disconnect the spark
plug before performing maintenance or
accessing movable parts.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this unit does not cov-
er items that have been subjected to
operator abuse or negligence. To re-
ceive full value from the warranty, the
operator must maintain unit as instruct-
ed in this manual. Various adjustments
will need to be made periodically to
properly maintain your unit.
CHECK FOR LOOSE
FASTENERS AND PARTS
• Muffler
• Spark Plug Boot
• Air Filter
• Housing Screws
CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR
WORN PARTS
Contact Sears Service Center for re-
placement of damaged or worn parts.
• Fuel Tank - Do not use unit if fuel tank
shows signs of damage or leaks.
INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT
AND LABELS
• 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.
-10-