Craftsman 0944.511590 User manual

Operator's Manual
BRUSHCUTI'ER ATTACHMENT
Model No.
0944.511590
NOT DESIGNED FOR USE
WITH ELECTRIC POWERHEADS
DANGER:
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 <.o°,, listed are Central Time)
Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8
530086421 4/2/01

Warranty Statement 2 Service & Adjustments 10
Safety Rules 2 Storage 11
Assembly 5 Parts List 12
Operation 7 French 13
Maintenance 9 Parts and Ordering 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 RENTALUSE:
Warranty on Brushcutter Attachment will be g0 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 M5B 2B8
4re.WARNING: When using garden-
ing appliances, basic safety precau-
tions should always be followed to re-
duce the risk of fire and serious injury.
Read and follow all instructions. Fail-
ure to do so can result in serious injury.
DANGER: This power tool can be
dangerous! This unit can cause seri-
ous injury including amputation or
blindness to the operator and others.
The warnings and safety instructions
in this manual must be followed to pro-
vide reasonable safety and efficiency
in using the unit. The operator is re-
sponsible for following the warnings
and instructions in this manual and on
the unit. Read the entire Operator's
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 al-
low children to operate this unit.
OPERATORS SAFETY INFORMATION
MANUAL ON THE UNIT
DANGER: Never use flailing de-
vices.

DANGER: Blade can thrust vio-
lently away from material it does not
cut. Blade thrust can cause amputa-
tion of arms or legs. Keep people and
animals 50 feet (15 meters) away.
_WARNING: Blade can throw ob-
jects violently, You can be blinded or
injured, Wear eye and leg protection.
ALWAYS WEAR
_ Eye _O_4_
Protection
tim Leg
• • Guards
_ Boots
_WARNING: Hazard zone for
thrown objects. Blade can throw ob-
jects violently. Others can be blinded
or injured. Keep people and animals
50 feet (15 meters) away.
Hazard Zone
WARNING: The blade continues
to spin after throttle is released or en-
gine 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.
Stop coasting %
blade by contact _m"
with cut material.
OPERATOR SAFETY
* Dress properly. Always wear safety
glasses or similar eye protection
when operating, or performing main-
tenance on your unit (safety glasses
are available). Eye protection should
be marked Z87.
* Always wear face or dust mask if op-
eration 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 hang-
ing ties, straps, tassels, etc. They
can be caught in moving parts.
* Being fully covered also helps pro-
tect 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 influ-
ence of alcohol, drugs, or medica-
tion. 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: Disconnect power-
head 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 dam-
aged in any other way. Replace any
parts that are cracked, chipped, bro-
ken, or damaged in any other way
before using the unit.
• Maintain the unit according to recom-
mended procedures. Keep the blade
sharp. Never use flailing devices,
wire, rope, string, etc.
• Use only specified blade; make sure
it is properly installed and securely
fastened.
• Never start engine with clutch shroud
removed. The clutch can fly off and
cause serious injury.

• Besurebladestopsturningwhen
engineidles.
• Makecarburetoradjustmentswith
thelowerendsupportedtoprevent
thebladefromcontactinganyobject.
Holdtheunitbyhand;donotusethe
shoulderstrapforsupport.
• Keepothersawaywhenmakingcar-
buretoradjustments.
• UseonlyrecommendedCraftsman
accessoriesandreplacementparts.
• Haveallmaintenanceandservice
notexplainedinthismanualper-
formedbyaSearsServiceCentre,
FUEL SAFETY
• 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 be-
fore removing fuel cap.
• Remove fuel cap slowly.
CUTTING SAFETY
411.WARNING: Inspect the area to
be cut before each use. Remove ob-
ects (rocks, broken glass, nails, wire.
str ng, etc.) wh ch can be thrown or be-
come entangled in the blade.
• Keep others including children, ani-
mals, bystanders, and helpers at
least 50 feet (15 meters) away. Stop
the engine immediately if you are ap-
proached.
• Always keep engine on the right-
hand side of your body.
• Hold the unit firmly with both hands.
• 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 right to your left.
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 en-
gine 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 acci-
dentally cause injury.
• Store unit indoors, out of reach of
children.
If situations occur which are not cov-
ered in this manual, use care and
good judgment. If you need assis-
tance, call 1-800-235-5878.
SPECIAL 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 swellings. 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 anti-
vibration system does not guarantee
the avoidance of these problems. Us-
ers who operate power tools on a con-
tinual and regular basis must monitor
closely their physical condition and the
condition of this tool.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

CARTONCONTENTS
Checkcartoncontentsagainstthefol*
lowinglist.
Model C944.511590
•Brushcutter Attachment
•Handlebar (with Clamp and Knob)
•Handlebar Clamp Base (with Spacer
Tabs)
• Shoulder Strap
• Upper Shoulder Strap Clamp
• Lower Shoulder Strap Clamp (with
Spacer Tabs)
• Clamp Screws (6)
• Attachment Hanger
• Hex Wrench
Examine parts for damage. Do not use
damaged parts.
NOTE: If you need assistance or find
that parts are missing or damaged, call
1-800-235-5878.
ASSEMBLY
_WARNING: If received assembled,
repeat all steps to ensure your unit is
properly assembled and all fasteners
are secure,
* A hex wrench (provided) is required
for assembly.
HANDLEBAR ASSEMBLY
DANGER: RISK OF CUT. To
avoid serious injury, the barrier portion
of the handlebar must be installed as
shown on the upper tube of the power-
head to provide a barrier between op-
erator and the spinning blade. Attach
tube clamp above arrow on safety
warning decal on the upper tube (pow-
erhead end of unit). Ensure handlebar
is positioned on handlebar clamp be-
tween the arrows on the handlebar de-
cal.
NOTE: The tube clamp base has four
spacer tabs attached. These tabs are
provided to adapt this attachment for
use with powerheads that have a 1"
diameter upper tube (the tube clamp
will not tighten down securely on the 1"
diameter upper tube without using
these spacer tabs). The tabs must be
broken off completely before use and
placed over the screw holes on the
clamp base. These tabs are not need-
ed for powerheads with a 7/8" upper
tube.
HANDLEBAR CLAMP BASE
Spacer T_.._ ___1,4__
Spacer Tabs _
positioned for use--_ _
on 1" diameter _._,_,,,_
upper tube
1,
2.
Place the tube clamp over the up-
per tube above the arrow on the
safety decal.
Position the clamp base under the
upper tube and align the tube
clamp and clamp base screw
holes (use spacer tabs between
tube clamp and clamp base if nec-
essary to secure clamp, i.e. for 1"
diameter upper tube).
Handlebar
POWERHEAD
END
between arrows on
handlebar decal
Knob
Clamp Screws
Arrow on
Safety Decal
ATTACHMENT
END
3. Insert four screws into the screw
holes.
4. Secure tube clamp by tightening
screws with the hex wrench.
5. Position the handlebar as shown,
ensuring the handlebar is posi-
tioned on the handlebar clamp be-
tween the two arrows on the han-
dlebar decal.

6, Retightenhandlebarbyturning
clampknobclockwiseuntilhandle-
barissecureandstationaryin
clamp(clampknobcannotbe
overtightened),
SHOULDERSTRAPASSEMBLY
i_ WARNING: Proper sbeulder strap
and handlebar ad ustments are required
before use, The shou der strap camp
must be installed as shown above the
handlebar on the upper tube (power-
head 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 tube
(the shoulder strap clamp will not tight-
en down securely on the 1" diameter
upper tube 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 need-
ed for powerheads with a 7/8" upper
tube,
LOWER SHOULDER STRAP
CLAMP
SpacerTabs_ub"l_l_lt_l_,_
.r_- SpacerTabs
positioned for use
on 1" diameter
upper tube
1,
2,
Place the upper shoulder strap
clamp over the upper tube above
the handlebar.
Position the lower shoulder strap
clamp under the upper tube and
align the upper and lower clamp
screw holes (use spacer tabs be-
tween upper and lower clamps if
necessary to secure clamp, i.e. for
1" diameter upper tube),
Upper Shoulder
Clamp
POWERHEAD
END
ATTACHMENT
LowerShoulden END
Strap Clamp Scows
3, Insert two screws into the screw
holes.
4, Secure shoulder strap clamp by
tightening screws with the hex
wrench,
5, Try on shoulder strap and adjust for
fit and balance before starting the
engine or beginning a cutting opera-
tion,
6, Insert your right arm and head
through the shoulder strap and al-
low 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,
7, Adjust the strap, allowing the hook
to be about 6 inches below the
waist.
8, Fasten the strap hook to the upper
clamp and lift the tool to the oper-
ating position,
Shoulder Strap
Shoulder
Stra
Clamp

KNOW YOUR BRUSHCUTTER ATTACHMENT
READ THIS OPERATOR'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
BRUSHCUTTER ATTACHMENT. Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiar-
ize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments, Save this
manual for future reference,
ocking Lever
e
Hanger _b, Gearbox _
Blade Shield "__ Blade
BLADE
The BLADE is designed for cutting grass,
weeds, and brush upto 1/2 inch in
diameter,
LOCKING LEVER
The LOCKINGLEVER is used to prevent
the blade shaft from turning during
blade replacement,
OPERATING THE COUPLER
Your powerhead is equipped with a
coupler which enables optional attach-
ments to be installed. The optional at-
tachments are:
Edger ............... C944,511570
Cultivator ............ C944.511580
Blower .............. C944,511600
WARNING: Always disconnect
powerhead spark plug before remov-
ing or installing attachments,
REMOVING ATTACHMENT
CAUTION: When removing or instal-
ling attachments, place the powerhead
and attachment on a flat surface for
stability,
1, Loosen the coupler by turning the
knob counterclockwise.
UpperTube
Coupler
Lower
Attachment
TIGHTEN Knob
2, Press and hold the locking/release
button,
Locking/Release
Button
/
Lower Attachment UpperTube
3, While securely holding the upper
tube, pull the attachment straight
out of the coupler,
INSTALLING ATTACHMENT
1, Remove the tube cap from the at-
tachment (if present)and discard.
2, Position locking/release button of
attachment into guide recess of
upper tube coupler.
Coupler Primary Hole
uide Recess
Upper Locking/ Attachment
Tube Release
Button
3, Push the attachment into the cou-
pler until the locking/release button
snaps into the primary hole,

4. Beforeusingtheunit,tightenthe
knobsecurelybyturningclock-
wise.
INSTALLINGATTACHMENT
HANGER
Anattachmenthangerisprovidedfor
storagewhenattachmentisnotinuse.
Toinstallhangeronattachment:
1. Remove the tube cap from the at-
tachment (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.
OPERATING POSITION
ALWAYS WEAR:
Eye Protection
Heavy,
NOTE: This brushcutter attachment is
not designed for use with electric pow-
erheads.
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 power-
head.
• Keep left arm extended with left hand
holding the handlebar.
• Keep unit below waist level.
• Shoulder strap pad should be cen-
tered on your left shoulder and dan-
ger 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 in ury such
as amputat on. Carefu y study th s
section. It is important that you under-
stand what causes blade thrust, how
you can reduce the chance of its oc-
curring, and how you can remain in
control of unit if blade thrust occurs.
• WHAT CAUSES BLADE THRUST -
Blade Thrust can occur when spin-
ning 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" re-
action can be violent enough to cause
operator to be propelled in any direc-
tion and lose control of unit, The un-
controlled 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 opera-
tor will be less likely to lose control.
• Cut only grass, weeds, and weedy
brush up to 1/2 inch 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.
• 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 right to your left.
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 con-
trol 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.

• Donotraisetheengineaboveyour
waistasthebladecancomedanger-
ouslyclosetoyourbody.
• Donotswingtheunitwithsuchforce
thatyouareindangeroflosingyour
balance.
Bringthepowerheadenginetocutting
speedbeforeenteringthematerialto
becut.
Ifthebladedoesnotturnwhenyou
squeezethethrottletriggerofthepow-
erhead,makesuretheattachment 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 run-
ning 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 us-
ing the unit. Do this by planting feet
firmly in a comfortable apart position.
• Cut while swinging the upper part of
• your body from right to left.
As you move forward to the next
area to cut, be sure to maintain your
balance, and footing.
RECOMMENDED CUTTING POSITION
10 o'clock _,_
Cut using the 8 o'clock | | '_ ]1_})
to 10 o'clock position of -y"11
the blade 8 o'clock%'_ _'_
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 en-
gine and blade before removing materi-
als wrapped around blade or tube.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
_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
Check for damaged or worn parts
Inspect and clean unit and decals
Check or replace blade
_ENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this attachment does
not cover items that have been sub-
jected to operator abuse or negli-
gence. 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 re-
placement 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.
Before each use
Before each use
After each use
Every 5 hours of operation
• Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.
BLADE MAINTENANCE
_WARNING: The blade will contin-
ue to spin after the engine stops or af-
ter the throttle trigger has been re-
leased. To avoid serious injury, make
sure the blade has stopped coasting
and disconnect the spark plug before
performing work on the blade.
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 in-
spect for flatness, Throw away a
blade that is not flat,

BLADE REPLACEMENT
_WARNING: The blade will contin-
ue to spin after the engine stops or af-
ter the throttle trigger has been re-
leased. Toavoid 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.
,/ ocking Lever
GEARBOX
1. To remove the blade, push in lock-
ing lever and hold.
2. Rotate blade nut until the locking
lever falls into one of the grooves
in the dust cup.
3. Continue to hold in locking lever.
This will keep the shaft from turn-
ing while loosening the blade nut.
4. Loosen blade nut by turning clock-
wise as you are facing the nut.
5. Remove the blade nut, both wash-
ers, and the blade from the blade
shaft. Leave the dustcup on the
gearbox.
6. Install new blade and retaining
washer onto the threaded shaft ex-
tending 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
\
Dust Cu Threaded Shaft
Blade
Retaining
Washer
Cupped__.
Washer _-q-_ Nut
7. Place the cupped washer onto the
shaft. Make sure the cupped side
of the washer is toward the blade.
8. Install blade nut by threading onto
the shaft counterclockwise as you
are facing the nut.
NOTE: Make sure all parts are in place
as illustrated, and the blade is sand-
wiched between the dust cup and the
retaining washer. There should be no
space between the blade and the dust
cup or the retaining washer.
9. Push in locking lever and hold.
10. Rotate blade nut until the locking
lever falls into one of the grooves
in the dust cup.
11. Continue to hold in locking lever.
This will keep the shaft from turning
while tightening the blade nut.
12. Tighten blade nut firmly with a
wrench.
13. Release locking lever.
14. Turn blade by hand. If the blade
binds against the shield, or ap-
pears to be uneven, the blade is
not centered, and you must rein-
stall.
10

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 adry, 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 de-
bris 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 dam-
aged, worn or broken parts.
• At the beginning of the next season,
use only fresh fuel having the proper
gasoline to oil ratio.
11