Operator's Manual

3.4 HP, 2-Cycle

53 cc/3.2 cu. in.

235 mph/705 cfm

BACKPACK AIR BLOWER

Model 360.796900

CAUTION:

Before using this product, read this manual and follow all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions.

Sears. Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates,

???Safety

???Assembly

???Operation

???Maintenance

???Parts

???Espa_ol

IL 60179 U.S.A

V=s=four Craftsman website ;vww sears COmlCrattsman

Dear Valued Customer,

When you operate your new Craftsman air blower don'texpect !o hear the high-pitchedengine noise commonly associatedwith motorizedpower equipment.L

This is a blower designedto meet the needs of both professionaland occasional users and comply with future noise and emission standards.Many years of reseamh and engineeringwent intocreating this quieter, more efficientunit. By redesigningthe engine,fan, and blower housingcomponents, noise emissionswere cut by 50%. Engine speed was lowered by 2,500 RPM, which reduces noise, fuel consumption,and emissions, while increasing operatingtime between refuelingwith the added benefit of a longer engine life.

Incorporatinga very powerfulengine and specially designed high volume fan the Craftsman blower is able to achieve maximum air power at only 4,800 RPM. Competitive blowers typically run at 7,000 to 8,000 RPM. This air blower is quietand powerful,features you and your neighborswill quicklyappreciate.

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY

Fortwo (2) years from the date of pumhase if the backpack air blower is maintained, lubricated and tuned up accordingto the instructionsin the Operator'sManual, Sears will repair or replace, free of charge, any parts found to be defective in materialor workmanship.If this productis used commemially, this warranty only applies for 90 days.

This warranty does not cover:.

???Exper{_ableitems which become worn during normal use, such as spark plugs and air filters.

???Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, negligence, improper storage, accident, or the failure to maintainthe equipmentaccording to the instructionscontained in the Operator'sManual.

Warranty service is available by retumingthe air blower to the nearest Sears Service Center in the United States. This warrantygives you specificlegal rights,and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Dept. 817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Model No. 360.796900 Serial No.

Date of Pumhase

"rhemodel and serial number will be

found to the left of the fuel cap. You should record both serial number and

date of pumhase and keep in a safe place for future reference.

?? Sears, Roebuck and Co.

2

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place',Where it cannot contact spark plug to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

TRAINING

Read the operator'smanual carefuUy.Become familiar with the controlsand know how to operate your air blower"properly.

???Do not allow childrento use your air blower. Never allow adultsto use air blower without proper instructions.

???Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially small children and pets..

???Use air blower only as described in this manual.

???Do not operate air blower if it has been dropped or damaged in any manner. Always have damage repaired before using your air blower.

???Do not use accessory attachmentsthat are not recommended by the manufacturer. Use of such attachments may be hazardous.

PREPARATION

???Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when starting and while usingyour air blower.

???Dress properly.Do not operate air blower when barefoot or weadng open sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good traction.

???Wear long-sleeved clothesthat are snug fitting. Avoid wearing loose clothing.

???Wear either tightlycuffed or cuffless pants.

???Wear hearing protectioneven when workingfor a short period of time. Remember - hearingdamage is cumulative.

???Wear protective,non-slip glovesfor safer operation_

???Check fuel.tank before starting engine. Do not fill fuel tank indoors,when the engine is runningor when the engine is hot. Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before fillingthe fuel tank. Clean off any spilled gasoline before startingthe engine.

???Always make adjustmentsbefore startingyour air blower. Never attemptto do this while the engine

is running.

???Use only in daylightor good artificial light.

OPERATION

???Keep your eyes and mind on your air blower and the area being blown. Don'tlet other interests distractyou.

???Always be sure of your footing. Use extra caution in wet or slipperyareas. WALK - DON'TRUN.

???Do not put hands or feet near rotatingpads. Keep clear of the nozzle opening at all times.

???Always stop the engine whenever you leave or are not using your air blower.

???Before cleaning, inspecting,or repairingyour air

blower,stop the engine and make absolutelysure all moving parts have stopped. Then disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away from the spark plug to prevent accidentalstarting.

???Do not adjustcarburetor,Overspeeding, engine damage or personal injurymay result.

???Do not operate your air blower if it vibrates abnormally.Excessivevibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine, safely check for the cause of vibrationand repair as needed.

???Do not run the engine indoors.Exhaust fumes are dangerous.

???Never operate your air blower without proper guards, tubes, or other safety devices in place.

WARNING: CaliforniaProposition65

The engine exhaust from this productcontains chemicalsknown to the State of Californiato

cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

???Check the engine mountingboltsoften to be sure they are tightened properly.

???Check all bolts, nuts, and screwsat frequent intervalsfor proper tightnessto be sure air blower is in safe working condition.

???Keep all safety devices in place and working.

???To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of debris and excessive grease and oil.

Allow engine to cool before storingin any enclosure.

???Never store air blower with fuel in the tank inside a . buildingwhere fumes may reach an open flame or an ignitionsource such as hot water heater, spacd heater, clothes dryer, etc.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

???Read and observethe Safety Rules.

???Followa regular schedule in maintaining, caring and using your air blower.

???Followthe instructionsunderthe Maintenanceand Storage sectionsof this manual

3

:lead these instructionsand the operating manual in its entirety_beforeyou attemptto operate your new air blower.

BlowerTube Curved Nozzle Tube

Clamp (_,

ExtensionTube

Cable Guide

Clamp with

Combi-Wrench

_TO][o._]:,,,."[._o__tl[.,._

The following items for the operation of your blower are available at your nearest Sears store.

V-!.'%'1hVd:]lWd

Read these instructionsand the operating manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or operate your new backpack air blower.

Your new backpack air blower has been assembled at the factory except for the blower tubes. The necessary clamps to complete assembly as well as a combination

wrench are included in the parts bag enclosed with the unit.

To ensure safe and proper operation of your backpack air blower, any clamp that you install must be tightened securely.

HOW TO ASSEMBLE

1.The elbow tube is already inserted intothe blower housing. Insure that the two screws (Fig. 1, A) are

tight, but not so tight that the tube cannot be easily swiveled.

2.Slidethe pleatedtube (Fig. 2, E) onto the elbow (Fig. 2, B) and secure with the clamp (Fig. 2, C) that has an attached cable guide. Install throttle cable (Fig. 2, D) intothe clamp cable guide.

FIGURE 2

FIGURE 1

3,

Loosenthe two screws (Fig. 3, H) on the bottomof the attached handle clamp. Make sure that the clamp goes over the top of the raised _ on the undersideof the blower tube, and that the leg of the "T" is alignedwith the slot on the clamp. Push blower tube into the pleated tube and secure with the plasticclamp (Fig. 3, G). The multi-function

handle (Fig. 3, F) has a 2-inch adjustment range. Locate the most comfortablehandle location and

4

then tighten the multi-functionhandle to blower with the two screws (Fig. 3, H).

FIGURE 3

4. Once the handle is secured, the blower tube with

-handle can be twisted and swiveled. Ensure that the throttle cable does not become pinched or trapped when swiveling handle.

.5. Installthe extension tube (if desired) onto blower tube by aligningthe tab on the extension with the correspondingarea on blower tube; then push togetherand twist to secure.

6.Installthe curved nozzle tube in the same manner. Twist to secure.

KNOW YOUR BACKPACK AIR BLOWER

Read this Operator'sManual and Safety Instructionsbefore operatingyour backpack air blower. Compare the illustrationbelow (Figure 4) with your backpack air blower to familiarize yourselfwith the locationof various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

FIGURE 4

5

HOW TO USE YOUR BACKPACK AIR

BLOWER

GASOUNE AND OIL MIXTURE

Important! Do not use automotive or boat oils in your air blower. These oilsdo not have proper additives for 2-cycle, air-cooled enginesand can cause engine damage.

The 2.cycle engine on this productrequiresa fuel mixtureof regular unleaded gasolineand a high quality 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil for lubricationof the bearings and other moving pads. The correctfuel:oil mixture is 40-1 (see Fuel Mixture Chad). Too littleoil or the incorrectoil type will cause poor performance and may cause the engine to overheatand seize.

Gasoline and oil must be premixed in a clean approved fuel container. Always use fresh regular unleaded gasoline. This engine is certifiedto operate on unleaded 'gasoline.

IMPORTANTI Alcohol blended fuels called gasohol (using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture, which leads to oil/gas separation and formationof acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoidengine problems,the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, then run the fuel out of the carburetor and fuel lines by startingthe engine and letting it run until it stops.Usa fresh fuel next season. See storageinstructionsfor additionalinfot'mationNever. use engine or carburetor cleaner produc_sin the fuel tank or permanentdamage may occur.

2-CYCLE OIL

Craftsman 2-cycle, air-cooled engine oil is specially blended with fuel stabilizers. If you do not usethis Sears oil, you can add a fuel stabilizer,such as Craftsman No. 33500, to your fuel mix.

FUEL STABILIZER

A fuel stabilizer is an acceptable altamative in minimizingthe formation of fuel gum depositsduring storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline mixturein fuel storage container and mix well. Always follow the fuel mix ratiofound on the stabilizer container. Run engine at least 5 minutes after adding stabilizerto allow the stabilizer to reach the carburetor.You do not have to

drain the fuel tank for storage if you are using fuel stabilizer.

USING THE MULTI-FUNCTION HANDLE

_Themulti-functionhandle has an on-off switch (Fig. 5,

A), a throttlelever (Fig. 5, B), and a speed lever (Fig. 5, C). It can be rotated to assure the operator's

???comfort.Once started, the speed lever can be set at a desired RPM. This frees the operator from holdingthe throttlelever. If not set on maximum RPM and a

???greater RPM is required, simplysqueeze the throttle lever. To returnto the lower RPM, release the throttle lever. If the operator plans on blowing at the maximum

RPM for a long period of time, the speed lever is moved to the =max" setting. If the operator is only blowingin shortbursts leave the speed lever at the "min" settingand use the throttle lever to controlthe speed.

FIGURE 5

STARTING COLD

1.Move on-off switch to the on position identified with an "1"(Fig. 5).

2.Set speed lever half way between the =rain" '_ and "max"'_ positions(Fig. 5).

3.Move choke lever (Fig. 6, A) to the =START" position.

4.Press primer bulb (Fig. 6, B) until it is half full and resistanceis felt.

5.Place left hand on top of the blower housing near carryinghandle. Pull the starter rope handle'with right hand slowly until resistance is felt. Then pull forcefullyand repeatedly until engine attemptsto start; usually2-3 pulls, no more than 5 pulls.

6.When engine attempts to start, immediately move choke lever t0 "RUN" posifion.Continue to pull starter rope handle until engine starts.

FIGURE 6

6

STARTING WARM

Follow cold startinginstructionsbut leave choke lever in "RUN" position.

STOPPING

To stop engine, release the throttle lever and adjust the speed lever to "min_ position.Move switch to

STOP (O) position.In an emergency, immediately move the switch to the STOP (O) position.

ADJUSTING THE CARRYING STRAPS

Put the blower on your back and yourarms through the carrying straps as shown.The back plate of the blower should rest securelyagainst your back. If the straps need to be tightened (Fig. 7), pull the quick adjust dng ends downwardas needed. If the straps need to be loosened, liftthe couplingslocated at the bottomof the padded straps.

FIGURE 7

MAINTENANCESCHEDULE

-0

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this air blower does notcover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence.To receive fullvalue from the warranty, operator must,maintainair bloweras instructedin this manual.

All items in the Maintenance sectionof this manual shouldbe checked at least once each season.

1, Service more often when operating in dusty or dirtyconditions.

2.Once a year you shouldreplace the spark plug and clean or replace the air filter. A new spark plug and a clean air filter assure properair-fuel mixtureand help your engine run batter and last longer.

BLOWER

CHECK FASTENERS

Check all fasteners, includingnuts, bolts, screws and

clamps, to insure that they are tight and secure. If not, make all necessary adjustmentspdor to using air blower.

CLEAN AIR FILTER

Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged by usinga dirty air filter. Replace air filter element if deteriorationoccurs. Service more often if you use your air blower in very dusty or dirty conditions.

To Clean Air Filter

1.Remove air filter cover bytuming black knob counterclockwise.

2.Remove foam air filter.

3.Shake out air filter. If heavily soiled, rinse in a mild soap and water solution.

4.Dry air fiifercompletely and oil slightlyby placinga small amount of oil on filter and kneading until evenly distdbuted.Wipe off excess oil.

5.Reassemble the air filterand cover; ensure that the filter is correctly seated in its slot before reinstallingcover.

6.Replace air filter element if detedorated.

INSPECT MUFFLER

Inspect mufflerevery 25 hours of use and replace if corroded.

ENGINE

REPLACE SPARK PLUG

Change your spark plug each year to make your

engine start easy and run better. Set spark plug gap at

.020".

CLEAN FUEL FILTER

The fuel filter is located inside the fuel tank and is attached to the fuel line. To clean, scrub fuel filter surface with a small brush, Replace if deteriorated.

CLEAN ENGINE CYLINDER COOLING FINS

For best performance,keep dirt from accumulating around the engine cooling fins. Clogged coolingfins cause the engine to run hotter and shorten engine life. Coolingfins may be cleaned using a toothbrushor stiff bristle brush.

CLEAN SPARK ARRESTOR SCREEN (if installed) After every 25 hours of use the spark arrestor screen must be cleaned. Replace screen if detadorating(part no. 2048391).

To clean:

1.Remove the four screws from the engine cover.

2.Remove the four screws from the end of the muffler,

3.Remove the screen and clean with a wire brush. Replace the screen if deteriorated.

4.Re-installthe screen and muffler end. Secure with the four screws.

5.Re-installthe engine cover.

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT

To complywith emission regulations,the carburetor mixtureis pre-set at the factory and can not be adjustedwithout propertools. Any adjustment must be performedby _ service center.

The idle speed'canbe adjusted.The idle speed set screw is located on the top of the unit and to the left of the spark plug. It is indicated by the letter =r". To adjustthe idle speed, turn clockwiseto increase and counterclockwiseto decrease idle speed. Idle speed is 2100 + 100 RPM.

_n[ol :P,_[_

Prepare your backpack air blower for storage at the end of the season or if the unitwill not be used for 30

days or more.

BEFORE STORING

1.Use soap and water to wipe down unit.

2.Be sure that all nuts, bolts, screws, and fasteners are securelyfastened. Inspectfor damaged or worn parts. Replace if necessary.

BLOWER TUBES

The straightblower tubes can be removed to ease storage. Use care not to "kink" the throttlecable.

ENGINE

It is importantto prevent gum depositsfrom formingin

essentialfuel system parts such as the carburetor,fuel filter, fuel hose, or tank duringstorage. Also, alcohol blendedfuels, such as gasohol, ethanol or methanol, can attractmoisture,which leads to separationand formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can

damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage.

Do not store gasolinefrom one season to the next. Two-cycle mix ages quickly and can cause engine damage. Replace your gasolinecontainerif it starts to rust. Rust or dirt in your gasolinewill cause engine problems.

To avoid engine problems, the fuel system shouldbe

emptied before storage of 30 days or more. Followthese instructions:

1.Drain the fuel tank.

2.Start engine and let it run untilthe fuel linesand carburetorare empty. (The engine willstop.)

3.Use fresh gas next season.

4.If you use a fuel stabilizer, the gasolinecan be left in the tank. CAUTION: Never store air blower

insidea building with fuel in the tank{ Fumes can concentrateand possibly reach a source of ignition. Allow engine to cool before storage.

5.Remove spark plug.

6, Pour a few drops of oil intothe cylinder.

7.Pull the starter handle slowlyto distributethe oil.

8.Replace spark plug,

STORAGE TIPS

If possible, store your unit indoorsand cover itto give it protectionfrom dust and dirt. Do not use plastic.

Plastic cannot breath, which will allowcondensationto form and will cause your unit to rust. IMPORTANT:

Never cover air blower while engine and mufflerare stillwarm.

8

PROB..BJI

Enginesmokes e._cessively.

Enginehard tostart,will not startor startsand onlyrunsa fewseconds.

removedand engineswitchedoff,crankenginea few timesto remove e_cessfuel fromcylinderReinstall.

Enginewill notaccelerate, !lacks poweror dies undera

load.

5.Carburetorrequiresadjuslment. 5. ContactSears ServiceCanter,

5.Stalefuel mixorwaterin fuel mix. 6. Draintankand refillwith fresh,dean fuel mix.

3.Sparkarrestorscreendogged 3. Cleanor replacescreen. (ifapplies).

4.Carburetorrequiresmaintenance. 4. Contact Sears Service Canter.

9

The Celifomia Air Resources Board and Sears are pleased to explain the eadssisn control system warranty on your t 996 and later lawn and garden equipment engine. In California, now lawn and garden equipment engines m_sl be des_jned, builf, and equipped to meet the state'sstringent anli-smog standards. Sears must warrant the emission contrdi system on your lawn and garden equipment engine for the period of time listed below provided there has been no abuse, neglect, or Improper maintenance of your lawn and garden equipment engine.

Your emission control system includes parts such as the caYouratoror fuel injected system, the ignition system, and connectors end other emlaelon- mlatnd a_;sembllas.

Where a warrantable condition exists, Sears will repair your lawn and garden equipment engine at no cost to you including diagnosis, parts, and labe_

MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY COVERAGE:

"n_e 1996 and later lawn and garden equipment engines are warranted fur two years. If any emiselon-relatod pan on your engine is defective, the part will be repaired or replaced by Sears.

OWNER'S WARRANTY RESPONSIBILITIES:

AS the lawn and garden equipment engthe owner, you are responelb_ for the performance of the required maintenance listed in your Operator'sManuel. Sears recommend_ that you retain all receipts covedeg maintenance on your lawn and g_d_ _ engine. Seem cannot deny warranty solely for the

leek of recelpta o_ tor your fultom to ensure the perfomlance of ell sshedulnd maintenance.

AS the lawn and garden equipment eugine owner, you should howiNer be aware that Sears may deny you warranty coverage If your lawn and garden equipment engine or a part has failed due to abuse, neglect, ir_oropar maintenance or unapproved moddicat_es.

You are responsible for pmsendng your lawn and garden equipment engine to a Sears mpelr center as soon as a problem exists. 1he warranty repelm should be completed in a reasonable amount of _me, not to exceed 30 days.

If you have any questions regarding your warranty dghbl and respon_"o4T_es, you should contact Sears at 1-800-473-7247.

A.WARRANTY COMMENCEMENT DATE

The warranty pe_od begins on the date the equipment is purchased by a reta}l customei_

Sears warrants to the initial owner and each subsequent purchaser that the engine is free from defects in matehals and wedananship for a period of two years from date of odgfoel purchase from Sears.

C.WHAT iS COVERED

1.REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF PARTS

Raper or replacement of any warranted part will be pedormed at no cberge to the owner at a warranty station. To locate a warranty station, you may call Sears it 1-800-473-7247, (24 hours, 7 days I week).

2.WARRANTY PERIOD

Any warranted bert which Is-not scheduled for rep_cement as required rnalntenance, or which is scheduled only for regular inspactfon to the effect of *repair or replace as necdssa_" shall be warranted for the warranty pedod. Any warranted part which is scheduled for replacement as required maintenance shall be warranted for the pedod of time up to the first scheduled reqlacement point for that part.

3.DIAGNOSIS

The owner shall _ be charged for diagnostic labor, w_ibh leads to the determination that a warranted pan la defective, if the diagnostic work Is performed it Sears.

'i

E.

F??

G.

H.

4. CONSEQUENTIALDAMAGES

The engine manufacturer is liable for damages to the engine components caused by the failure of a warranted part still under warranty.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED

1.Failures caused by abuse, ne_ect, o_Improper maintenance.

2.ACid-onor mod'dindparts. The use of add-on or mod_lfed parts can

be grounds for disallowing a warranty claim. The engine manufacturer is not liable to cover failures of warranted parts

caused by the use of add-on or modified parts.

3.Any indirect or cc_.sequentild damages that may result from the lailum or malfunction of the Sears product. S_ne states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages so these limitations may not apply to you.

4.Normal sen'icerequirements adelng dudng the warranty period such as carburetor or ignition adjustment, cleablug, nonnst wea??. lubrication, spark plugs, lfhars, starter ropes, etc.

5.Normal service work over and above the repair or replacement of

defective pads.

6.Any failure that results from an accident, customer abuse, noanof wear, neglect or failure to operate the product in accordance with the insm._-tlads provided in the Operators Manual or provided with the prnduct,

7.Pre-delfvePj set-up time.

8.Operslfon of an engine with an lacomlot fuel:o_ ratfo, air filter

removed or speeds in excess of Sears'recommendaUons ap_icaMa).

9.Transportation costs assoclatnd with dalivedug and ratum of product to a Sears warranty station.

HOW TO FILE A CLAIM

Warranty claims may be submitted on several c_ffemntforrr_:

Sears Warranty Claim Request

Outdoor Power Equipment Institute

Universal Warranty Claim Report

En_ne Service Assoctalfon Claim

Warranty claims must be received at Sears within 60 days of the date of repair noted on the delm.

WHERE TO GET WARRANTY SERVICE

Warranty eawine or repairs shall be provided at Sears Sewi,.'_Centers. Forthe address of a Service Center near you call Sears at 1-800-473- 7247, {24 hours. 7 days a week).

MAINTENANCE, REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR OF EMISSION

RELATED PARTS

Sears replacement parts must ha used in the pedoanance of any warranty maintenance or repairs on emlaelen-mlatnd parts and will be provided without charge during the warranty pedod.

EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY PARTS LIST Seam'warranty incfudes the fo_owing parts (ubless said part was

scheduled for tenement as required maintenance): Air FlfteL,Fuel Rltor. Carburetor and internal parts, Choke Mechanism, Intake

Manifold, Spark Plug, Flywheel. ign_on Mndute.

MAINTENANCE STATEMENTS

Follow normal maintenance set.Ace, recommended fuel mixl_m (whom applicable), lubdcatlan, operation and storage of the product as explained in the Oparatc_'sManual. The owner shall not be charged for diugnoslfc labor, which leads to the determination that a warranted dart is defective, if the diagnostic work is performed at Sears.

I0

_,

146

--155

--156

--157

_15o

140

135

125

///

/

/f

/

74

F----95

II

21

20

Po_-N_ Order-No. :_uantity_p_on

12

MODELNUMBER360.796900

I

2

1

Pox'No,er-No. I quantit 3escdption

13

MODEL NUMBER 360.796900

25

14

MODEL NUMBER 360.796900

Operator's

Manual

40

10

11

1

2

15