GAS WEED WACKER

When you say "replacement lines," do you mean the fuel line or the line that cuts the grass/weeds? In either case, both are available; the cutting line at the store and the fuel line through PartsDirect.

Hi WHOSAWMESHOPPING-

I like your screen name!  Anyway, I am going to send your issue on to the SearsCares team.  They are the customer service representatives on this site, and they may have some advice on parts for that particular tool.

Thanks-

Julie

Hi WHOSAWMESHOPPING

I would like to speak to you in regards to your Weedwacker and see if I can be of assistance in resolving the issue. Please feel free to contact me at searscares@searshc.com and we can further discuss your concerns.

Thank You,

David V.

Senior Case Manager

Sears has 0.050, 0.065, 0.080, 0.130 and 0.155 replacement wacker line in the stores.

There are also a bunch of pre-loaded spools, filled with line at the stores.

What line does your unit use?

And, do you need a new spool?

I almost forgot, you may be able to retro-fit a new Hassle-free head onto your Weed Wacker, also.

The heads are sold in the stores.

There's no "bumping" with these new heads and really thick red or black line.

With the exception of people who want the very cheapest Weedwacker, I can't remember selling one without the Hassle-Free head. It's the easiest system out there, and I have yet to see anybody go back to the bump or auto-feed heads after using the Hassle-Free. Even my electric model from a couple years ago has the HF head (I wish they'd bring it back for electric, as we couldn't keep them on the shelves!).

I have a Craftsman weedwacker (358.798570) that will also have to be discarded since they no longer make the replacement throttle cable assembly. Th engine runs great but the cable has either rusted or broken inside the sheath. It looks like a very easy repair IF I could get the part. Sears parts direct shows it as discontinued. I will not buy another Sears trimmer since the parts are no longer available.

Any product must be supported with parts and service for about ten years after it's discontinued, if I remember correctly. Has it been more than 10 years that you've owned that weedwacker?

Might check with a polun repair/ dealer also.  Many older models used the same cable and they almost certainly have a cross refernce for yours.

I bought the Hassle Free line trimmer, I love the trimmer itself, runs great, but hate the hassle free line head. I have to change the line about 2 or 3 times per cut, and need pliers to pull out the old stubs. I liked the bump style much better, at least for larger lawns that require lots of trimming. I wish I could find a replacement bump head and replace it.

My type of discussion.  Speaking of which, I'm in the market for a weed whacker for my yard and weed-infested hill behind my house.  Does anyone have any experience with this particular one?

Craftsman 33cc Full Crank Gas String Trimmer Straight shaft Convertible

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07179592000P?mv=twitter#reviewsWrap

 

Are you using the line all the way down to the head? If so, that can make it excessively difficult to remove spent line. Also, it's easier if you have the head set for the type of line you're using. And, if you use the ends to push the line back into the head, it will cause the middle of the line to bow out, and that gives a nice piece to grasp and pull.

Full crank is the way to go. More power, better efficiency, greater durability. Also, you might want to consider the propane-powered weedwhacker, which starts extremely easily, burns super clean, and gives an average run-time of 2 hours on a single canister of propane.

I bought a 34cc 4 cycle weed wacker mdl. 358.796121 w/ Briggs and Stratton engine about 3.5-4 years ago. It ran great with no problems until this season when it would not prime. I took it to Sears to fix the priming problem. 2 days later the repair center called me telling me it needed a carb and clutch to the tune of $145 plus tax. They never even addressed the priming issue. I declined the repair, as I can spend a little more for a new one. They quoted me the same type of extensive repair on a Homelite WW which forced me to buy this one. I also bought the Tiller attachment that never worked from day one, mdl. 358.792410 (tines would not turn, even by hand). I will never recommend or buy Craftsman lawn equipment again. They also told me they would warranty the repair but, the engine may not be available later on...and yes, manufacturers are required by law to make parts for 10 years. I suggest everyone look at customer reviews before buying.  

Without knowing exactly what caused your weedwacker not to prime properly, I can't say for sure if they were accurate in saying what the necessary repairs were. However, the repair costs cover the diagnostic fee and labor, which is why the price seems steep. You may want to see what an independent repair center would say the problem is, to compare the diagnoses.

As for the tiller attachment, did you bring it back for an exchange?

Yes I brought the Tiller attachment in for exchange. This was the second one that would not work, just like the first. They would not even look at it without a seperate diag. charge (they didn't say that when I brought it in). They also did not offer to replace it! Since I'm already out $129.99, ($100 for the tiller, $29.99 for diag.) I'd be foolish to invest any more in this piece of junk. The clutch has nothing to do with "priming"! They also returned the WW minus the spark plug. I'm fed up with Sears, which is a shame, since in the past 3 years I've spent over $5000 in all new kitchen appliances (Kenmore Elite), washer/dryer (He5's) and lawn mower and edger. I'm an HVAC Tech., busy, with little time to devote to personal things. I expect more from a company where I have spent so much. Even the Fridge has had the same part replaced 4 times, but that's another story.

ssnake said…

 I have to change the line about 2 or 3 times per cut, and need pliers to pull out the old stubs. I liked the bump style much better, at least for larger lawns that require lots of trimming. I wish I could find a replacement bump head and replace it.

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Sounds like the line is dried out and brittle. Normal wear is more like fraying on the ends. Are you storing the line in a hot shed?

I got to agree with the others. If you think your 2-cycle motor still has some life, get the $20 hassle free head at Sears.

I've got a tiller attachment 79341 and its great. Works on both my electric and 2-cycle Craftsman convertibles. I flipped over the 4 nuts and bolts that hold it on the shield so there was a little more clearance under the shield for rocks but never had a problem with the tines turning, and no they don't turn by hand. Maybe the driveshafts aren't connecting, sure you have it installed all the way? 

just my thoughts on weedwackers....I when i lived in town and had only a small plot of land my craftsman weed wacker was all i ever needed. It did a wonderful job of taking care of the trim along the fence and around the trees and other jobs. The place i have now is over 5 times as much and its covered in blackberry bushes... My old craftsman just wasn't up to it. I Recently bought a shindauwa( i think i misspelled it) and there is just no comparison. I can now do in 2 hours what it use to take me all day to do with my craftsman. I still use my craftsman for small jobs and the fact that its still running strong after 10 years of heavy use says a whole lot about craftsman weed whackers.

On a very important note!Don't use gas with ethanol in 2 cycle motors. The ethanolcauses the oil to separate from the gas and will reduce lubrication and burn out you motor faster.I found a place here in town that sells high octane racing gas. Its about $0.75 a gallon more expensive than fuel at the pump but it will keep my tools working for a lot longer.