Craftsman 138.74544 User's Manual | Page 8

Craftsman Trimmers User's Manual - 138.74544.
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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.

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 telescoping boom coupler.

Unplug the string trimmer.
Pull up edging coupler and turn handle end 
counterclockwise.
Release edging boom coupler when handle has been 
rotated 180°.

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.

CUTTING TIPS

THE CUTTING LINE

TELESCOPING BOOM

ROTATING REAR HANDLE

EDGING

See Figure 8, page ii.

See Figure 7, page ii.

See Figure 9, page ii.

See Figure 11-13, page ii.

THREE-POSITION PIVOTING HEAD

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.

See Figure 10, page ii.

                             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.

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.

EXTENDING THE CUTTING LINE

                             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.

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