Craftsman 316.79199 User Manual

Page 7

TIPS FOR BEST TRIMMING RESULTS
• For best trimming results, operate unit at full throttle.
• Keep the cutting attachment parallel to the ground.
• Do not force the cutting attachment. Allow the tip of the line to do

the cutting, especially along walls. Cutting with more than the tip
will reduce cutting efficiency and may overload the engine.

• Cut grass over 8 inches (200 mm) by working from top to bottom

in small increments to avoid premature line wear or engine drag.

• Slowly move the trimmer into and out of the cutting area at the

desired height. Move either in a forward-backward or side-to-side
motion. Cutting shorter lengths produces the best results.

• Trim only when grass and weeds are dry.
• The life of your cutting line is dependent upon:

• Proper adherence of explained trimming techniques
• What vegetation is cut
• Where vegetation is cut

For example, the line will wear faster
when trimming against a foundation wall
as opposed to trimming around a tree.
DECORATIVE TRIMMING
Decorative trimming is accomplished by
removing all vegetation around trees,
posts, fences and more.
Rotate the whole unit so that the cutting
attachment is at a 30° angle to the
ground (Fig. 14).

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Perform these required maintenance procedures at the frequency
stated in the table. These procedures should also be a part of any
seasonal tune-up.
NOTE:

Some maintenance procedures may require special tools or
skills. If you are unsure about these procedures take your unit to
Sears or other qualified service dealer. Call 1-800-4-MY-HOME

for more information.

NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission

control devices and system may be performed by a Sears
or other qualified service dealer. Call 1-800-4-MY-HOME

for more information.

MAINTENANCE & REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

LINE REPLACEMENT
Always use Craftsman Hassle-Free™ XTRA QUIET Spiral Line.
Choose the line size best suited for the job at hand. Red colored line
is designed for cutting grass and small weeds. Black colored line is
designed for cutting larger weeds and light brush.
NOTE: Before inserting new

line into the holes in
the cutting head,
identify the proper
holes. Follow
directions as shown
on the glide plate. Do
Not attempt to
remove the cutting
head from the unit
when replacing line.

NOTE: Do not mix lines. Use

2 black or 2 red only.

Remove the old line and
line glide plate from the
cutting head.

Clean entire surface of
cutting head.

Reinstall line glide plate
(Fig. 15). The glide plate is
a keyed item and will only
fit one way. If it does not
go into the cutting head
smoothly, DO NOT force it.
Rotate the glide plate until
it slides into the cutting
head easily.

NOTE: The glide plate must

be installed in the
cutting head before
inserting new line.

Insert both ends of your line through the large holes in the side
of the cutting head (Fig. 16).

Push and/or pull the line so that the line is snug against the hub and
is fully extended through the positioning tunnels. (Fig. 17)

Correctly installed line will be the same length on both sides.

NOTE: Make sure that when installing new line, that the line is as close

to even as possible. Any variation in lengths may cause the unit
to vibrate excessively. If this happens, stop the unit and make
sure the line is even.

Repeat steps 4 thru 6 to install the second trimmer line.

NOTE: Do not rest the Hassle-Free™ PLUS Cutting Head on the

ground while the unit is running.

Some line breakage will occur from:
• Entanglement with foreign matter
• Normal line fatigue
• Attempting to cut thick, stalky weeds
• Forcing the line into objects such as walls or fence posts
NOTE: During normal use the trimming line may become worn

unevenly which may cause excessive vibrations in the unit.
If this becomes uncomfortable or uncontrollable, stop the
unit and replace the line. Refer to the Line Replacement
instructions above.

WARNING:

To prevent serious injury, never perform

maintenance or repairs with unit running. Always service
and repair a cool unit.

Fig. 14

FREQUENCY

MAINTENANCE REQUIRED

SEE

Before starting
engine

Fill fuel tank with fresh fuel
Check oil

p. 4
p. 6

Every 10 hours

Clean and oil air filter

p. 5

Every 25 hours

Change oil
Change oil
Clean spark arrestor and change oil

p. 5
p. 5
p. 6

Every 25 hours

Check rocker arm to valve clearance
and adjust
Check rocker arm to valve clearance
and adjust
Check spark plug condition and gap

p. 6

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

MAINTENANCE & REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

Glide Plate

Cutting Head

Fig. 15

Large Holes

Fig. 16

Positioning Tunnel

Fig. 17