Maintenance; Service & Adjustments; Blade Care - Craftsman 358.796500 Operator's Manual

al blade may cut roots and cause
damageto the plants.
• Alwayskeepblade area clean. Stop
the unit, make sure blade has com-
pletely stoppedturning, anddiscon-
nect unit from the powersource be-
fore cleaning.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• If blade stalls, immediately raise the
blade from the cut by lowering the
handle. If blade continues to stall
when raised, stop the unit, discon-
nect the power source, and inspect
the blade area for blockage or dam-
age. Clean the blade area of debris.
CARE & MAINTENANCE TASK WHEN TO PERFORM
Check for Loose fasteners and pads Before each use
Check for damaged or worn parts Before each use
Clean unit and labels After each use
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this unit does not cover
items that have been subjected to oper-
ator abuse or negligence. To receive full
value from the warranty, the operator
must maintain unit as instructed in this
manual. Various adjustments will need
to be made periodicallyto properly
maintain your unit.
CHECK FOR LOOSE
FASTENERS AND PARTS
• Blade
• Blade guard
• Housing Screws
• Handle Screws
• Wheels
BLADE MAINTENANCE
CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR
WORN PARTS
Refer replacement of damaged/worn
parts to your Sears Service Center.
• Trigger Switch - Ensure trigger
switch functions properly by releas-
ing the switch. Make sure motor
stops and blade stops turning; ther_
restart motor and continue.
• Blade Guard - Discontinue use of
unit if blade guard is damaged.
CLEAN UNIT & LABELS
• Clean the unit using a damp cloth
with a mild detergent.
• Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.
_, WARNING: The blade will spin
momentarily after the motor stops.
Make sure blade has stopped turning
and disconnect unit from the power
source before performing work on the
blade.
CAUTION: Wear protective gloves
when handling or performing mainte-
nance on blade to help avoid injury.
• Use the proper replacement blade.
Contact your Sears store for replace-
ment blade #71-85718.
• The blade is reversible. When the
cutting edge on one side becomes
worn, turn the blade over.
• Check blade for flatness periodically.
Lay the blade on a flat surface and
inspect the blade for flatness. Throw
away a blade that is not flat.
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 the speci-
fied replacement blade.
To reverse or replace blade:
• Disconnect unit from power source.
• Fit a wrench onto the shaft behind
the blade.
• Using another wrench remove hex
nut, cup washer, and spring washer.
• Remove the blade.
• Clean all parts and check for dam-
age. Replace damaged pads.
• Reverse or replace blade. Reinstall
blade onto shaft.
• Install the spring washer, making
sure the outer, notched edge con-
tacts the blade.
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