Craftsman 138.74500 Operator's Manual page 8

THE CUTTING LINE
DO NOT grasp the exposed cutting line
when picking up or holding the trimmer.
A single 0.065-inch round cutting line is pre-installed on the
trimmer. When the cutting line needs replacing, install a
new pre-wound spool Craftsman 71-85967.
EXTENDING THE CUTTING LINE
See Figure 7, page i.
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. Cutting line will wear faster
and require more feeding if the cutting or edging is done
along sidewalks or other abrasive surfaces or heavier
weeds are being cut.
While the trimmer is on and spinning, gently bump the
spool housing on a firm surface (hard ground or
sidewalk). This should release additional cutting line
from the spool.
If no line is released, bump the trimmer head more
sharply or try bumping it on a firmer surface.
If there is no change in the cutting line length, un-plug
the trimmer's pigtail power cord from the extension
cord. After the trimmer head stops rotating, gently pull at
the cutting lines manually. Once the lines are pulled out
(extended), plug the trimmer's pigtail power cord into the
extension cord and resume cutting.
If the cutting line still does not feed from the spool, the
spool might be empty or the cutting line may be tangled
or jammed on the spool. Un-plug the trimmer's pigtail
power cord from the extension cord. After the trimmer
head stops rotating,remove the spool (see steps1
through 3 in "Removing the Spool" on page 9).
If the line is tangled or jammed, untangle and replace
the line. If the spool is empty, replace the spool.
To avoid injury, ALWAYS turn off and
disconnect the trimmer from the power outlet BEFORE
installing parts or cleaning the trimmer or making any
adjustments.
CUTTING TIPS
See Figure 8, page ii.
Keep the trimmer tilted toward the area being cut; this is
the best cutting area.
The string trimmer cuts when passing the unit from left
to right. This will avoid throwing debris at the operator.
Avoid cutting in the dangerous area shown in figure 8.
Use the tip of the string to do the cutting; do not force
string head into uncut grass.
Wire and picket fences cause extra string wear, even
breakage. Stone and brick walls, curbs, and wood may
wear strings rapidly.
Avoid trees and shrubs. Tree bark, wood moldings,
siding, and fence posts can easily be damaged by the
strings.
TELESCOPING BOOM AND FRONT HANDLE
See Figure 9, page ii.
The boom can be extended or shortened for ease of use.
Unplug the string trimmer.
Unscrew telescoping boom coupler and slide to desired
position.
Tighten boom coupler.
The angle of the front handle can be adjusted 180°.
Unplug the string trimmer.
Set the trimmer on a flat surface and turn the knob
counterclockwise to loosen the handle.
For trimming, adjust the handle upward.
For edging, adjust the handle downward.
Turn the knob clockwise until the handle is securely
tightened.
THREE-POSITION PIVOTING HEAD
See Figure 10, page ii.
Unplug the string trimmer.
Depress the pivot button and move the trimmer head
up or down to one of the three positions indicated by
the notches.
ROTATING REAR HANDLE
See Figure 11, page ii.
Unplug the string trimmer.
Pull up edging coupler and turn handle end
counterclockwise.
Release edging boom coupler when handle has been
rotated 180°.
EDGING
See Figure 12-13, page ii.
The rotating handle can be used in combination with the
edger guide for edging sidewalks and walkways. To use
the edger guide, flip down from it's stored position.