Craftsman Weedwacker 172.74536 User manual

Operator's Manual
12-in. 4.0 Amp
Weedwacker ®
Electric
Trimmer
Model No.
172.74536
Z_CAUTION: Read, understand and follow
all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions in
this Manual before using this product.
WARRANTY
SAFETY
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
PARTS LIST
ESPAI_OL
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman ®website: www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty ....................................................... Page 2
Safety Symbols ........ ...................................... Page 3
Safety Instructions .......................................... Page 4-9
Unpacking ..................................................... Page 9
Description .................................................... Page 10-11
Assembly and Adjustments ............................. Page 12-16
Operation ........................................................... Page 16-19
Maintenance .......................................................... Page 20
Acessories ............................................................. Page 21
Repair Parts ........................................................... Page 22-23
Spanish .................................................................. Page 25-47
ONE-YEAR FULL WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN
WEEDWACKER® ELECTRIC TRIMMER
If this Craftsman product fails due to defect in material or workmanship
within one year from the date of purchase, RETURN IT TO ANY SEARS
STORE OR OTHER CRAFTSMAN OUTLET IN THE UNITED STATES
FOR FREE REPLACEMENT.
This warranty excludes the cutting line, which is an expendable part that
can wear out from normal use in less than one year.
If this line Craftsman product is used for commercial or rental purposes,
this warranty applies for 30 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 the explanations with them, deserve your careful
attention and understanding. The symbol warnings DO NOT by themselves
eliminate any danger. The instructions and warnings they give are no substitutes
for proper accident prevention measures.
,/_ WARNING: BE SURE to read and understand all safety Instructions in I
this manual, including all safety alert symbols such as "DANGER", "WARNING" I
and "CAUTION", BEFORE using this trimmer. Failure to follow all instructions
listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.
SYMBOL MEANING
//_ SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL: IndicatesDANGER,WARNING,OR
CAUTION. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or
pictographs.
Failure to obey this safety warning WILL result in death or
serious Injury to yourself or to others. Always follow the
safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock
and personal injury.
I/kWARNING ] Failure to obey this safety warning CAN result In death or
serious injury to yourself or to others. Always follow the
safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock
and personal Injury.
1CAUTnONIFailure to obey this safety warning MAY result in personal
injury to yourse]f or others or property damage. Always
follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire,
electric shock and personal injury.
DAMAGE PREVENTION AND INFORMATION MESSAGES
These inform user of important information and/or instructions that could lead to
equipment or other property damage if not followed. Each message is preceded by the
word "NOTE:" as in the example below:
NOTE: Equipment and/or property damage may result if these instructions are ]not followed. I
WEAR YOUR ,_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 shields and
a full-face shield when needed. We recommend a Wide
Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard
safety glasses with side shields, available at Sears
Stores or other Craftsman Outlets.
3

I _.WARNING: If correctly used, this electric trimmer 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 in this manual.
I/KWARNING: BE SURE to read and understand all instructionsin this
manual before using this electric trimmer. Failure to follow all instructions
listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.
iZ_WARNING: To avoid mistakes that could cause serious injury, DO NOTplug in this tool until the following instructions have been read and understood.
WORK AREA SAFETY
1. ALWAYS avoid dangerous conditions. DO NOT use in wet or damp areas
or expose to rain.
2. DO NOT operate in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust.
Electric tools create sparks which may ignite dust or fumes.
3. ALWAYS keep bystanders and visitors at a safe distance while operating
a trimmer. NEVER allow children near the tool. Flying objects can injure
anyone in the area.
4. CHILDPROOF your tools with padlocks and master switches. Lock tools
away when not in use. This trimmer is not a toy.
5. DO NOT use trimmer at night. ALWAYS make sure you have adequate lighting.
6. BEFORE using the trimmer, remove any stones, sticks, debris or objects
that could be entangled in or thrown by the trimmer.
PERSONAL SAFETY • I
z_WARNING: The operation of any trimmer can result in FOREIGN
OBJECTS BEING THROWN, which can result in personal injury or
property damage. ALWAYS use proper safety equipment.
1. KNOW your tool, Read the operator's manual carefully. Learn the electric
trimmer's applications and limitations, as well as the specific potential
hazards related to this tool.
2. STAY ALERT, watch what you are doing and use common sense when
operating this tool.
3. DO NOT use tool while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or
medication. A moment of inattention while operating this tool may result
in serious personal injury.
4

PERSONAL SAFETY cont.
4. DRESS properly. Long sleeves and long pants are advised. Wear eye
protection. Trimmer can pick up objects like rocks and send them flying at
fast speeds. Secure long hair above shoulder length. DO NOT wear loose
clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving
parts. Loose clothing or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
5. DO NOT overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
Proper footing and balance enables better control of the tool in
unexpected situations.
6. USE SAFETY EQUIPMENT. Always wear eye protection, such as non-
fogging, vented goggles or face shield. Proper work shoes with non-slip
soFes, heavy-duty non-slip gloves, hard hat, and hearing protection must be
used for appropriate conditions.
TOOL USE AND CARE SAFETY
z_WARNING: BE SURE to read and understand all instructions before I
operating this tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result I
in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury. I
1. DO NOT use the tool if switch does not turn it "On" or "Off". Any tool that
cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired,
2. DISCONNECT the plug from the power source before making any
adjustments, changing accessories or storing the tool. Such preventive
safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
3. STORE idle tools out of the reach of children and other untrained
persons. Children MUST NOT operate the tool.
Tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
4. MAINTAIN tools with care. ALWAYS keep cutting tools clean and
in good working order.
5. CHECK for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts,
and any other condition that may affect the tool's operation. If damaged,
have the tool serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by poorly
maintained tools,
6. USE ONLY accessories that are recommended for this tool.
Accessories that may be suitable for one tool may become hazardous
when used on another tool.
5

ELECTRICALSAFETY
I_WARNING: Do not permit fingers to touch the terminals of plug I
i
when installing or removing the plug from the outlet, I
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 in 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 [] eliminates the need for the
three-wire grounded power cord and grounded
power supply system. Applicable only to Class II
(double-insulated) tools.This trimmer is a double
insulated toor.
Cover of @
Grounded
Outlet Box-
I
IA CAUTION: This trimmer has a 12-in. Pigtail Power Cord that
must be plugged into a proper extension cord (see page 7).
/k WARNING: Double insulation DOES NOT take the place of
normal safety precautions when operating this tool.
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. DO NOT expose tools to rain or wet conditions or use electric tools
in wet or damp locations. Water entering an electric tool will increase
the risk of electric shock.
5. If operating an electric 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.
6. 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.
7. INSPECT tool cords for damage. Have damaged tool cords repaired at
a Sears Service Center. BE SURE to stay constantly aware of the cord
location and keep it well away from the spinning cutting lines.
8. DO NOT abuse the cord. NEVER use the cord to carry the tool by or
to pull the plug from the outlet. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp
edge or moving parts. Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged
cords increase the risk of electric shock.

EXTENSION CORDS
Use aproper extension cord. ONLY use cords listed by Underwriters
Laboratories (UL). Other extension cords can cause a drop in line voltage,
resulting in a loss of power and overheating of tool.
For this tool an AWG (American Wire Gauge) size of a least 14-gauge is
recommended for an extension cord of 25- ft. or less in length. Use 12-gauge
for an extension cord of 50-ft. Extension cords 100-ft. or longer are not
recommended.
Remember, a smaller wire gauge size has greater capacity than a larger
number (14-gauge wire has more capacity than 16-gauge wire; 12-gauge wire
has more capacity than 14-gauge). When in doubt use the smaller number.
When operating a power tool outdoors, use an outdoor extension cord marked
"W-A" or "W". These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of
electric shock.
IZ_CAUTION: Keep the extension cord clear of the work area.
Position the cord so that it will not get caught on bushes, hedges,
tree trunks, lawnmowers or other obstructions while you are working
with the trimmer.
I A WARNING:Check extension cords before each use. If damaged
replace immediately. Never use tool with a damaged cord since
touching the damaged area could cause electrical shock, resulting
in serious injury.
The label on your tool may include the following symbols.
V................................................................. Volts
A................................................................ Amps
Hz .............................................................. Hertz
W ................................................................ Watts
rain ...................... ...................................... Minutes
,%, .............................................................. Alternating Current
............................................................ Direct Current
no .............................................................. No-load Speed
[] ................................................................ Class II construction
.../rain ........................................................ Revolutions or Strokes per minute
Z_ ............................................................... indicates danger, warning caution.
It means attentioni Your safety is involved.
7

SERVICESAFETY
I. If any part of this trimmer is missing or should break, bend, or failin
any way; or should any electrical component fail to perform properly:
SHUT OFF the power switch and remove the trimmer plug from the power
source and have the missing, damaged or failed parts replaced BEFORE
resuming operation.
2. Tool service should be performed at a Sears Parts and Repair Center.
Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in
a risk of injury.
3. When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement parts.
Follow instructions in the maintenance section of this manual.
Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow maintenance instructions
may create a risk of electric shock or injury.
SAFETY RULES FOR ELECTRIC TRIMMERS
1. KNOW your electric tool. Read operator's manual carefully. Learn the
applications and limitations, as well as the specific potential hazards related
to this tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock, fire or
serious injury.
2. DO NOT use trimmer at night. ALWAYS make sure that you have adequate lighting.
3. Use trimmer ONLY when grass and weeds are dry.
4. ALWAYS hold the trimmer by both the main handle and the auxiliary handle
for greater control and balance.
5. AVOID accidental starting. DO NOT carry a plugged in trimmer with your
finger on the switch.
6. DO NOT carry the trimmer by the cord or yank the cord to disconnect itfrom
the power receptacle. Keep cord away from heat, oil and sharp edges.
7. DO NOT grasp the exposed cutting line when picking up or holding the trimmer.
8. DO NOT FORCE the trimmer. Do net try to cut more than what the trimmer is
designed for. It will do a better job with less chance of injury when used at the
rate for which it is designed.
9. MAINTAIN the trimmer with care. ALWAYS inspect the extension cord and
replace it if damaged.
10. KEEP the handle dry, clean and free of oil and grease. Use a clean cloth
when cleaning. DO NOT use solvents, brake fluids, gasoline, or other
petroleum products to clean the trimmer. They can damage plastic parts.
1I. NEVER, for any reason, touch the cutting line or other moving parts during use.
12. KEEP guard in place and in good working order. Keep hands and feet away
from cutting line.
8

SAFETY RULES FOR ELECTRIC TRIMMERS cont,
13. ALWAYS store the trimmer indoors when not in use. It should be stored in
a dry place, high up or locked in a place that is out of the reach of children.
14. WHEN LENGTHENING NEW CUTTING LINE, be careful of the line cutter
on the guard. Cutter is sharp and can cause injury (see page 12, Fig. 4).
15. ALWAYS use only the accessories provided by or sold by Sears. Use of any
other accessories may create a hazardous situation.
16. ALWAYS keep ventilation openings clear of debris.
17. BEFORE using the trimmer, remove any stones, sticks, debris or
objects that could be entangled in or thrown by the trimmer.
z_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.
_WARNING:NEVER reach under the trimmer (cutting line area)
until trimmer has completely stopped. The trimmer's cutting line
will continue to rotate for a few seconds after it is switched off.
UNPACKING (Fig. 1)
1. The trimmer comes fully assembled except
for the guard and edge guide which must
be attached.
2. Remove the trimmer, guard, and edge guide
from the carton and inspect your trimmer.
NOTE: Do not discard box or packing
material until all parts are examined.
1. Trimmer
2. Guard
3. Edge guide
Fig. 1
Trimmer
Guard
_" Edge guide
/_ WARNING:If any part of the trimmer is missing or damaged, donot plug in the trimmer until the damaged part is repaired or replaced.
9

KNOWYOURTRIMMER/EDGER(Fig.2)
Your trimmer/edger has a precision built
electric motor and it should only be
connected to a 120-volt, 60 HzAC ONLY
power supply (normal household current).
The trimmer should always be used with a
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet.
DO NOT operate this trimmer on
direct current (DC). The large voltage
drop would cause a loss of power and
the motor would overheat.
If the trimmer does not operate when
plugged into correct 120-volt.60 Hz AC-
ONLY outlet, check the power supply.
The trimmer comes with a 12-in. pigtail
power cord and should be plugged
into a proper extension cord,
Motor
Housing
Handle Rotation
Button
Auxiliary X
Handle
Trigger
Switch
Handle
Cord
Retention
Hook
Pigtail
Power
Cord
AUXllla
Handler_nob
Height Adjustment
Fig. 2
rrlmmer Head
PIGTAIL POWER CORD (Fig. 3)
Your edger trimmer has a 12-inch pigtail power cord. This cord must be attached
to a proper extension cord (see page 7).
Remove the plug guard from the pigtail power cord (see Fig. 3). Make a loop in
the extension cord. Push loop through hole in the handle (see Fig. 3a). Fasten
loop around cord retention hook. Plug trimmer's power cord into extension cord
plug (see Fig. 3b).
Fig. 3 Fig. 3b
10