Craftsman Weedwacker 172.74533 User manual

Operator's Manual
4.0 Amp 12-in.
WEEDWACKER ®
ELECTRIC TRIMMER
Model No.
172.74533
I _1_ IWARNING: Read, understand and follow
_lall Safety Rules and Operating Instructions
_lin this manual before using this product. i • SAFETY
• ASSEMBLY
•OPERATION
• MAINTENANCE
•PARTS LIST
? For answers to your questions about this product:
Call 7AM - 7 PM, Mon. - Sat; Sun, 10 am - 7pm
1-800-4-MY-HOME® (Hours listed are Central 13me)
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Warranty ................................................................. Page 2
Safety Rules ......................................................... Pages 3-8
Description ............... '.............................................. Page 9
Specifications ......................................................... Page 9
Assembly. ............................................................... Pages 10-14
Operation ........................................................... Pages 15-17
Maintenance ........................................................... Page 18
Repair Parts ........................................................... Pages 19-20
ONE YEAR FULL WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN WEEDWACKER
ELECTRIC TRIMMER
If this Craftsman Electric Trimmer fails due to defects in material or
workmanship within one year from the date of purchase, RETURN IT TO
THE NEAREST SEARS STORE IN THE UNITED STATES, and Sears will
replace it, free of charge.
If this Craftsman Electric Trimmer is used for commercial or rental
purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
rights which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Dept. 817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS!
2

The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible
dangers. The safety symbols and their explanations deserve your careful
attention and understanding. The safety warnings do not by themselves
eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not
substitutes for proper accident prevention measures.
JSYMBOL MEANING I
_i_i DANGER: Failure to obey a safety
warning will result in serious injury to
yourself or to others. Always follow the
safety precautions to reduce the risk of
fire, electric shock and personal injury.
_1 , WARNING: Failure to obey a safety
!I_ warning can result in serious injury to
yourself or to others. Always follow the
safety precautions to reduce the risk of
fire, electric shock and personal injury.
NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or
maintenance of the equipment.
Read the operator's Manual(s) and follow all warnings and safety
instructions,
Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the operator and/or
bystanders,
3

GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS/PLAN AHEAD
SYMBOL MEANING
WARNING: If correctly used, this line trimmer/
edger is a quick, easy to handle and efficient
tool; if used improperly or without the due
precautions it could become a dangerous tool.
For pleasant and safe work, ALWAYS strictly
comply with the safety rules that are contained
i in this manual.
WARNING: BE SURE to read and understand
all instructions.Failure to follow all instructions
listed below may result in electric shock, fire
and/or serious personal injury.
Safety is a combination of common sense, staying alert, and knowing
how to use your tool.
WARNING: To avoid mistakes that could I
cause serious injury, DO NOT plug in the I
trimmer/edger untilthe following steps have
been read and understood.
1. ALWAYS avoid dangerous conditions. DO NOT use in wet or damp areas
or expose to rain.
2. DO NOT use in the presence of flammable gases or liquids.
3. ALWAYS keep bystanders at asafe distance. NEVER allow children
near the tool.
4. ALWAYS dress for safety. DO NOT wear loose clothing, gloves,
neckties, or jewelry (rings, watches, etc.) when operating tool. They can
get caught and draw you into moving parts.
5. ALWAYS wear eye protection.
6. ALWAYS remove the power cord plug from the electrical outlet when
making adjustments, changing parts or cleaning.
7. ALWAYS avoid accidental start-ups. ALWAYS make sure the power
switch is in the OFF position BEFORE plugging in the power cord.
8. DO NOT abuse the power cord. DO NOT use it to carry the tool.
ALWAYS keep the cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving
parts. Replace damaged cord immediately; they may create a shock or
fire hazard.
9. NEVER leave a running tool unattended. Turn the power switch to OFE
DO NOT leave the tool until it has come to a complete stop.
10. DO NOT overreach. ALWAYS keep proper footing and balance at all
times. SAVE THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
4

GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS cont.
11. DO NOT operate this unit while tired, ill or under the
influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
12. Children MUST NOT operate the unit.
13. Secure hair above shoulder length. DO NOT wear loose
clothing or jewelry; they can get caught in moving parts.
14. ALWAYS inspect the unit before use. Replace all damaged
parts prior to starting. MAKE SURE the unit is in original
operating condition before operating.
15. Know the controls and know how to stop the blade quickly.
16. Wear protective gear. ALWAYS use proper work shoes with non-slip
soles; snug-fitting clothing; heavy- duty non-slip gloves; eye protection
such as non-fogging, vented goggles or face screen; an approved
safety hard hat.
17. MAINTAIN TOOLS PROPERLY. ALWAYS keep tools clean
and in good working order.
18. CHECK FOR DAMAGED PARTS. Check for alignment of
moving parts, binding, breakage, or any other conditions
that may affect the tool's operation. Any part that is
damaged should be properly repaired or replaced before
use.
19. KEEP THE HANDLE DRY, CLEAN AND FREE OF OIL AND
GREASE. ALWAYS use aclean cloth when cleaning.
DO NOT use solvents, brake fluids, gasoline, or other
petroleum products to clean the tool, they may damage
plastic parts.
WARNING! The operation of any trimmer can
result in foreign objects being thrown into your
eyes, which can result in severe eye damage.
Before beginning power tool operation,
ALWAYS wear safety goggles or safety glasses
with side shield and a full face shield when
needed. We recommend a Wide Vision Safety
Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard
safety glasses with side shield, available at
Sears Retail Stores.
SAVE THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
5

ELECTRICAL SAFETY
1. Double insulated tools are equipped with a polarized plug
(one blade is wider than the other). This plug will fit in a
polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully
into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit,
contact a qualified electrician to install a polarized outlet.
DO NOT change or alter the plug in any way.
2, Double insulation SYMBOL eliminates the need for the three
wire grounded power cord and grounded power supply
system. Applicable only to Class II (double insulated) tools.
3. Before plugging in the tool, BE SURE that the outlet voltage
supplied is within the voltage marked on the tool's data plate.
DO NOT use "AC only" rated tools with a DC power supply.
4. If operating the power tool in damp locations is
unavoidable, ALWAYS use a Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter to supply power to your tool. ALWAYS wear
electrician's rubber gloves and footwear in damp
conditions.
5. DO NOT expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric
shock.
6. DO NOT abuse the cord. NEVER use the cord to carry the
tools or pull the plug from the outlet. Keep cord away
from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Replace
damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords increase the
risk of electric shock.
8. When operating a power tool outside, ALWAYS use an
outdoor extension cord marked "W-A" or "W". These cords
are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electric
shock.
NOTE: The extension cord must have adequate wire size AWG
(American Wire Gauge) for safe, efficient use. Smaller gauge wires,
have greater capacity (16 gauge wire has more capacity than 18 gauge wire).
6

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR LINE TRIMMERS /EDGERS
1. ALWAYS avoid accidental starting. DO NOT carry a
plugged in trimmer with you finger on the switch. Be sure the
switch is in the OFF position BEFORE plugging it in.
2. DO NOT carry the trimmer by the cord or yank cord to
disconnect it from power receptacle. Keep cord away from
heat oil and sharp edges.
3. DO NOT grasp the exposed cutting line when picking up or
holding the trimmer.
4. DO NOT FORCE THE TRIMMER. It will do the job
better and with less chance of injury at the rate for which it
was designed.
5. DO NOT OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times.
6. STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing. Use common
sense. DO NOT operate the trimmer when you are tired.
7. ALWAYS disconnect the trimmer from power source when
not in use, or when you are cleaning or servicing it.
8. ALWAYS store the trimmer indoors, when not in use.
It should be stored dry and high or locked in a place that
is out of the reach of children.
9. ALWAYS maintain the trimmer with care. ALWAYS inspect
the extension cord periodically and replace it if damaged.
ALWAYS keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and
grease.
10. ALWAYS maintain the trimmer with care. ALWAYS inspect
the extension cord periodically and replace it if damaged.
ALWAYS keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and
grease.
WARNING: NEVER REACH UNDER THE GRASS
TRIMMER (CUTTING LINE AREA) UNTIL IT HAS
COMPLETELY STOPPED. THE GRASS TRIMMER'S
CUTTING LINE WILL CONTINUE TO ROTATE FOR A
FEW SECONDS AFTER IT IS SWITCHED OFF.
11. ALWAYS use only the accessories provided by or sold by
Sears. Use of any other accessories may create a
hazardous situation.
12. ALWAYS keep guards in place and in good working order.
Keep hands and feet away from cutting line.
13. WHEN LENGTHENING NEW CUTTING LINE, be careful
of the line cutter on the guard, it is sharp.
7

14. ALWAYS keep ventilation openings clear of debris.
15. BEFORE using the grass trimmer, remove any stones,
sticks, debris or objects that could be entangled or thrown
by the grass trimmer.
WARNING: Some dust particles created by lawn and garden
tools contain chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects
or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these
chemicals are:
• Compounds in fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides.
•Arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber.
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending upon how
often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure to these
chemicals:
• Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust
masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic
particles.
8

Your line trimmer /edger has many built-in convenience features for fast,
efficient trimming and edging. These features include length-adjustable
handle, adjustable trimmer head, a trigger switch with lock-off to help
prevent accidental starts. Bump line feed. An easy-grip handle for
comfort and convenience. Lock Off Button
Handle gger
Switch
Button
Auxiliar_ Cord
Retention
Hook
Power Cord
Auxiliary
Adjustment
Motor
Housing
Edge Guide --,
Tnmmer
Head Adjustment
Trimmer Head
Cutting Swath
Speed
Line Diameter
Line Feed Mechanism
Power Head ]]It
Height Adjustable Shaft
Cord Length
Power Requirement
9
12 inches
9O0O RPM
.065-inch
Bump feed
4 positions
From 16 to 25 inches
10-inch pigtail
120-volt, 60 Hertz AC

UNPACKING (See Fig. 2)
The trimmer is fully assembled except
for the guard and edge guide, that must
be attached.
Remove the trimmer (1),
guard (2) and edge guide (3) from
the carton and examine carefully.
NOTE: Do not discard box or
packing material until all parts
are examined.
1 Trimmer
2 Guard
3 Edge guide
Fig. 2
*any0a o*thetrmmersmissn0or0amage0I
DO NOT plug in the trimmer until the damaged part is repaired or
replaced.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
The guard must be attached to the trimmer head before use.
iAIw,°..oToavodin'u ''W'* t rno'anddi'connecttheI
trimmer from the power outlet BEFORE installing or changing the
trimmer or making any adjustments.
INSTALL THE GUARD (Fig. 3)
1. Turn the trimmer over to
provide access to trimmer
head (2).
2. Remove the 4 screws (1)
from the top of the trimmer head.
3. Fit the guard (3) over the
trimmer head. Make sure the
guard sits level on the head.
4. Align the 4 screws holes on
the guard (3) with the 4 screw
holes on the trimmer head.
The larger side of the guard
should be facing the same
direction as the handle.
5. Insert the 4 screws and tighten.
Be careful and do not over tighten 10
Fig. 3

INSTALL THE EDGE GUIDE (Fig. 4)
1. Remove the edge guide screws
(1) from the guard (2).
2. Align the two holes on the
edge guide (3) with the two holes (4)
on the small side of the guard.
3. Insert the screws and tighten.
Fig. 4
ADJUSTING THE AUXILIARY HANDLE (Fig. 5)
1. Before operating the trimmer,
make sure the auxiliary
handle (1) is tightly locked
into position.
2. Turn the knob clockwise to
lock the handle in position.
Fig. 5 1
11

ADJUST THE HEIGHT (Fig. 6, 6a)
1. Press down on the height adjustment latch (1) to release the height
adjustment lock, then pull or push the shaft (2) to the desired height.
2. Release the latch, then pull up on the shaft untilit locks into position.
Fig. 6 Fig. 6a
ADJUST THE CUTTING ANGLE (Fig. 7, 7a)
Your trimmer has a 4-position tilting head that easily adjusts to the right
working angle for optimum operator control and comfort in all trimming tasks
from trimming around hard-to-reach flower beds and shrubs to deck supports
and fences. To change the head angle, press and release the black button (1)
on the motor housing (2). Move the trimmer head to one of 4 different angles
and release the button. Readjust the angle to a more comfortable working
position at any time.
Fig. 7 Fig. 7a
12

up or holding the grass trimmer.
IAIw'"""°"F°"'c°nnec*n"°ur'rass*r ert°t e ° erI
outlet, always turn the switch to the off position. Failure to do so
could result in accidental star[-up causing serious personal injury.
THE CU'I-I'ING LINE
A double-wound cord of monofilament cutting line is pre-installed on the grass
trimmer. When the cutting line needs replacing, install a new spool (71-85945)
or refill the spool with new line.
REMOVE THE SPOOL: (Fig. 8)
1. Unplug the power cord and turn the
trimmer over to access the cutting
line (1).
2. With one hand hold the spool
housing retainer (4) steady, and with
the other hand release the spool
housing (2) by turning it
counterclockwise.
3. Remove the cutting spool housing
from the housing retainer.
4. Remove spool (3) from spool
housing.
Fig. 8
13

REPLACE THE SPOOL (Fig.g)
1. Replace the spool (2) with a new
pre-wound spool (71-85945)
2. Insert the end of one line through an
eyelet (1) in the spool housing. Insert
the other line through the other eyelet.
3. Insert spool into housing. Once spool is
in housing, pull lines to release them
from spool rail notches.
4. Slide the spool and housing over the
spring (3) and place them on the
housing retainer. Make sure the two
sections of the line are not caught
between the housing and the housing
retainer.
Fig. g
5. Hold the retainer with one hand. Press down and turn the cutting spool
housing clockwise until the housing locks in place.
REFILL THE SPOOL (Fig. 10)
If you are unable to purchase a new pre-wound spool, you may purchase
0.065-inch monofilament cutting line and refill the spool that was provided
with your grass trimmer.
1. Remove the spool from the trimmer head. Fig. 10
2. Cut a length of cutting line to approximately
20 feet (6m) long and fold it in half.
3. Loop the fold point all the way down into one
of the notches on the middle rail of the spool
to anchor the line. (Fig. 10)
4. Wind the line evenly and tightly in the direction
of the arrow on the base of the spool, Make
sure each section of the spool contains a
separate half of the line. (Fig. 10) DO NOT
wind the line beyond the edge of the cutting
spool.
5. Leave about six inches of line unwound in
each Section. Stabilize the winding by inserting the top section line into a
notch on the top spool rail, and the bottom section line into a notch on the
bottom spool rail.
6. Insert the end of one line through one opening in the spool housing. Insert
the other line through the other opening. Tug on the lines to release them
from the notches on the top and bottom spool rails.
7. Replace spool and spool housing. (See steps 4 and 5 in "Replace the
Spool" above.)
14

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
I,_ I WARNING: To avoid injury, DO NOT carry the grass trimmer with
!
Iyour finger on the switch. DO NOT push the lock-off button or
squeeze the trigger when the grass trimmer is turned over.
ON/OFF SWITCH (Fig. 11)
Your grass trimmer is equipped with a trigger switch (2) and a lock-off
button (1). It also has a cord retention hook (5) to help keep unit plugged in.
Simply loop cord through the hole in handle and around the hook.
To Turn ON the Grass Trimmer
1. Plug the grass trimmer into an
AC power outlet.
2. Press and hold the Lock-Off
Button (1) and squeeze the
trigger switch (2). The grass
trimmer will stay ON as long as
the trigger switch is squeezed.
Fig. 11
Use as a trimmer Use as a edger
To use the trimmer as an edger (for vertical trimming); press the handle rotation
button (3) and rotate the handle (4) 180°. (See Figs.11 and 12.)
15

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS cont.
To Turn Off Trimmer (Fig.11)
CAUTION: Allow 5 seconds or more for the grass trimmer to stop
rotating after releasing the trigger switch. DO NOT invert the grass
trimmer or place hands under the guard until the grass trimmer has
come to a complete stop.
1. Release the trigger switch (2).
2. Allow at least 5 seconds for the cutting spool to stop rotating.
3. The trimmer will be locked OFF until you press the
Lock OFF button again.
HOW TO EXTEND THE CUTTING LINE (Fig. 13 and 14)
During operation, cutting lines shorten due to normal wear. For greater
convenience and efficiency, your trimmer has been equipped with a bump feed
head that allows you to simply bump the trimmer head to extend the cutting
lines while the trimmer is operating.
1. While the trimmer is on and spinning, gently bump the spool housing on a
firm surface (hard ground or a sidewalk). This should release additional
cutting line from the spool.
2. If no line is released, bump the trimmer head more sharply ortry a firmer
surface.
3. If still no line extends, turn OFF
the trimmer, wait for the spool
housing to stop, and pull on the
ends of the cutting line.
4. If no cutting line feeds from the
spool, the spool might be empty or
the cutting line might be tangled or
jammed. Replace the spool
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
16

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS cont.
TRIMMER TIPS
Before Each Use
•Make sure the protective guard is tightly installed. "13ghtenthe guard screw.
Be sure not to over tighten.
• Before trimming, inspect the area for string, wire, branches, or other material
that may become entangled in the cutting line or thrown.
During Use
•Trim only when grass and weeds are dry.
•DO NOT trim grass at night. ALWAYS make sure you have adequate lighting.
•ALWAYS hold the grass trimmer by boththe switch handle and the auxiliary
handle for greater control and balance.
•Stand with the cutting head tipped down at an angle in front, guiding the grass
trimmer in a semi-circular motion around you.
• Cut from rightto left whenever possible. Cutting to the left improves the unit's
cutting efficiency. Clippings are thrown away from the operator.
•To produce a smoothly trimmed area, move the grass trimmer in and out of
the area being cut with constant speed and height.
•Use only the tip of the cutting line to do the trimming, especially near walls
and fences. Trimming with the side of the cutting line may overload the motor,
wear out the line faster, and break the line more often.
• DO NOT rest the grass trimmer spool on the ground while trimming. This will
cause spool wear.
• Cut grass over 6 inches in height by working from top to bottom in small
increments to avoid premature line wear or engine drag.
•When the grass trimmer is stopped, and the spool stops rotating, the cutting
line will relax and may recede. Feed extra cutting line before storing the
trimmer to prevent losingthe line in the spool.
•If the diameter of the cutting area gets smaller, the line isworn down and
needs to be advanced more often.
•If the grass trimmer is not cutting correctly, the cutting line may not be feeding
properly. Remove and rewind the line spool.
17

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS cont.
Be sure the trimmer is shut off.
iAIw.....o;urno"' etoo'anOun 'uot eoowercor°'ro t eI
outlet BEFORE any maintenance on the grass trimmer
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Keep your grass trimmer clean and in good repair for maximum long-lasting
performance. Before each use, inspect the switch and cord for damage.
Check for damaged, missing, or worn parts. Check for loose screws,
misalignment, moving parts that are jammed, or any other conditions that
may affect the operation. If abnormal vibration or noise occurs, turn off the
tool immediately and have the problem corrected before further use. DO NOT
use the grass trimmer until it is properly repaired or replaced.
CLEANING
Wipe the outside of the grass trimmer with a dry, soft cloth. DO NOT hose
down or wash the grass trimmer with water. Scrape the guard and spool
area to remove dried clippings and mud. Brush or blow dust, debris, and
grass clippings out of the air vents. Keep the vents free of obstruction.
CU'I-rlNG LINE
Replace the cutting line only with nylon monofilament line on pre-wound
spools. ALWAYS wind the line is the same direction as the arrow on the
bottom of the spool.
18

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IO
WEEDWACKER ELECTRIC TRIMMER - MODEL NUMBER 172.74533
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SEE BACK PAGE FOR PARTS ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS.

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