Craftsman WS235 - User Manual

Questions and Answers

C
carlos90Aug 4, 2025
Why won't my Craftsman WS235 engine start?
- N
  nancy95Aug 4, 2025
  If your Craftsman Trimmer engine won't start, consider these potential causes: * The fuel tank might be empty; in this case, fill it with properly-mixed fuel. * You may not have pressed the primer bulb enough; press it 10 times. * The engine could be flooded; press the throttle lockout, squeeze the throttle control, and pull the starter rope until the engine starts. * The fuel might be old or improperly mixed; drain the tank and add fresh, properly-mixed fuel. * The spark plug could be fouled; replace it. * The choke lever might not be flipped; refer to Starting Instructions in the Starting and Stopping section.
R
Raven LiuAug 9, 2025
Why won't my Craftsman WS235 cutting head advance line?
- B
  Benjamin FarleyAug 9, 2025
  If the cutting head of your Craftsman Trimmer won't advance line, it could be due to several reasons: * The cutting head might be bound with grass; stop the engine and clean the cutting head. * The cutting head might be out of line; clean or replace the air filter. * The inner reel might be bound up; clean or replace the air filter. * The cutting head might be dirty; clean or replace the air filter. * The line might be welded; open the cutting head and remove the welded section. * The line might be twisted; rewind the line. * Not enough line is extended; stop the unit, push the bump knob, and pull the line until 4 inches (102 mm) is outside of the cutting head.
A
anthony94Aug 13, 2025
What causes the cutting line to advance uncontrollably on a Craftsman Trimmer?
- S
  Samantha RamirezAug 13, 2025
  If the cutting line on your Craftsman Trimmer advances uncontrollably, it could be due to oil, cleaner, or lubricant in the cutting head. To resolve this, clean and thoroughly dry the cutting head.
A
alexa66Aug 18, 2025
What to do if my Craftsman WS235 engine lacks power or stalls?
- D
  Darius CollinsAug 18, 2025
  If your Craftsman Trimmer engine lacks power or stalls, the possible reasons are: * The fuel is old (over 30 days) and/or improperly mixed, drain the fuel tank and add fresh, properly-mixed fuel. * The air filter is dirty, clean or replace the air filter. * The spark plug is fouled, replace the spark plug.
J
Justin SimpsonAug 23, 2025
What to do if my Craftsman Trimmer engine will not accelerate?
- J
  Jason WalshAug 23, 2025
  If your Craftsman Trimmer engine will not accelerate, consider these potential issues: * The fuel is old (over 30 days) and/or improperly mixed; drain the fuel tank and add fresh, properly-mixed fuel. * The cutting head is bound with grass; stop the engine and clean the cutting head. * The air filter is dirty; clean or replace the air filter.
J
Jerry HollandAug 29, 2025
How to fix a Craftsman WS235 engine that will not idle?
- G
  Gregory EspinozaAug 29, 2025
  If your Craftsman Trimmer engine will not idle, there are a few things to check: * The air filter might be dirty; clean or replace it. * The fuel could be old or improperly mixed; drain the fuel tank and add fresh, properly-mixed fuel. * The idle speed might be incorrect; adjust the idle speed.

Craftsman WS235 Specifications

General

Brand	Craftsman
Model	WS235
Category	Trimmer
Language	English

Summary

Product Safety Overview

Spark Arrestor Note

Note for users in specific regions regarding the spark arrestor system.

California Proposition 65 Warning

Warning about chemicals known to cause cancer or birth defects.

Safety Symbols Explained

Explains hazard symbols like Danger, Warning, Caution, and Note.

Key Safety Instructions

General Operating Precautions

Instructions for safe operation, including alertness, supervision, and pre-operation checks.

Fueling Precautions

Safety measures for handling and storing gasoline.

Safe Operation Procedures

Guidelines for safe handling and use while operating the unit.

Application-Specific Safety Warnings

Trimmer Operation Safety

Safety advice specific to operating the unit as a trimmer.

Brushcutter Operation Safety

Safety advice specific to operating the unit as a brushcutter.

General Maintenance and Storage Safety

Warnings related to maintenance, parts, and storing the unit safely.

Safety Symbols and Pictographs

Hazard Alert Symbols

Explains symbols indicating danger, warning, or caution.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Symbols

Symbols for wearing head, eye, hearing, foot, and hand protection.

Operational Symbols

Symbols for controls like ON/OFF, primer bulb, and handling.

Hazard Warnings

Symbols and warnings for thrown objects, hot surfaces, sharp blades, and blade thrust.

Unit Identification and Specifications

Unit Applications

Describes the uses of the unit as a trimmer and brushcutter.

Required Assembly Tools

Lists the tools needed for assembling the unit.

Product Specifications

Details technical specifications like engine type, displacement, and capacities.

Attachment Assembly

Installing an Attachment

Step-by-step guide to attach accessories using the coupler.

Removing an Attachment

Instructions for safely detaching accessories from the unit.

Handle Installation and Adjustment

Installing the Handle

Procedures for assembling the handle to the upper shaft housing.

Adjusting the Handle Position

Steps to adjust the handle angle and position for comfort.

Shoulder Strap Assembly and Use

Assembling the Shoulder Strap

Instructions for attaching the shoulder strap to the buckle.

Using the Shoulder Strap

Guide on wearing and adjusting the shoulder strap for operation.

Convert to Trimmer

Removing the Brushcutter Blade

Steps to safely remove the blade assembly.

Installing the Trimmer Cutting Head

Instructions for attaching the cutting head for trimmer use.

Convert to Brushcutter

Removing the Trimmer Cutting Head

Steps to safely remove the cutting head assembly.

Installing the Brushcutter Blade

Instructions for attaching the blade for brushcutter use.

Cutting Head Shield Installation

Installing the Cutting Head Shield

Procedure for attaching the shield for trimmer operation.

Removing the Cutting Head Shield

Steps to detach the shield for brushcutter operation or maintenance.

Fuel and Oil Requirements

Fuel Mixing Instructions

Guide on correctly mixing gasoline and 2-cycle oil for the engine.

Fueling the Unit Safely

Procedures and warnings for safely filling the fuel tank.

Starting and Stopping Procedures

Starting Procedure

Step-by-step guide to start the engine, including choke and primer use.

Stopping the Engine

Instructions on how to safely turn off the engine.

Operating the Unit

Holding the Unit Correctly

Proper stance and grip for safe and effective operation.

Brushcutter Operation Tips

Advice for optimal cutting performance and safety with the brushcutter.

Trimmer Operation and Line Adjustment

Adjusting Trimming Line Length

How to extend the trimmer line using the bump head.

Trimmer Operation Tips

Guidance for efficient grass trimming and avoiding common issues.

Decorative Trimming Technique

Method for precise trimming around objects at a 30° angle.

Trimmer Use and Maintenance Schedule

Edging with the Trimmer

Instructions for using the trimmer for edging tasks.

Trimming Line Maintenance

Tips for maintaining line durability on hard surfaces.

Maintenance Schedule Overview

Summary of required maintenance tasks and frequencies.

Trimming Line Replacement and Winding

Removing the Inner Reel

Steps to detach the inner reel from the cutting head.

Winding Trimming Line

Instructions for winding single or split line onto the inner reel.

Trimming Line Installation and Blade Care

Installing the Inner Reel

Procedure to reassemble the cutting head with the new line.

Blade Maintenance

Guidance on blade care, including when to replace it.

Engine Maintenance: Air Filter and Idle Speed

Air Filter Maintenance

Instructions for cleaning and maintaining the air filter for optimal performance.

Adjusting Idle Speed

How to adjust the engine's idle speed for proper operation.

Spark Plug Maintenance and Unit Cleaning

Spark Plug Maintenance

Steps for inspecting, cleaning, and gapping the spark plug.

Cleaning the Unit

Methods for cleaning the exterior of the unit after use.

Unit Storage

Guidelines for short-term and long-term storage of the unit.

Troubleshooting Engine and Cutting Head Issues

Engine Starting Problems

Solutions for issues when the engine fails to start.

Engine Running Problems

Solutions for issues like the engine not idling or accelerating.

Cutting Head Issues

Solutions for problems with line advancement or uncontrolled advancement.

Limited Warranty Details

Limited Warranty Terms

Explains the terms and duration of the product warranty.

Warranty Exclusions

Lists items and conditions not covered by the limited warranty.

Warranty Limitations and Legal Information

Warranty Disclaimers and Responsibilities

Details responsibilities MTD LLC disclaims and other warranty limitations.

State Law Rights and Limitations

Information on how state laws affect warranty rights.

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Craftsman WS235 - User Manual

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers

Craftsman WS235 Specifications

Summary

Product Safety Overview

Spark Arrestor Note

California Proposition 65 Warning

Safety Symbols Explained

Key Safety Instructions

General Operating Precautions

Fueling Precautions

Safe Operation Procedures

Application-Specific Safety Warnings

Trimmer Operation Safety

Brushcutter Operation Safety

General Maintenance and Storage Safety

Safety Symbols and Pictographs

Hazard Alert Symbols

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Symbols

Operational Symbols

Hazard Warnings

Unit Identification and Specifications

Unit Applications

Required Assembly Tools

Product Specifications

Attachment Assembly

Installing an Attachment

Removing an Attachment

Handle Installation and Adjustment

Installing the Handle

Adjusting the Handle Position

Shoulder Strap Assembly and Use

Assembling the Shoulder Strap

Using the Shoulder Strap

Convert to Trimmer

Removing the Brushcutter Blade

Installing the Trimmer Cutting Head

Convert to Brushcutter

Removing the Trimmer Cutting Head

Installing the Brushcutter Blade

Cutting Head Shield Installation

Installing the Cutting Head Shield

Removing the Cutting Head Shield

Fuel and Oil Requirements

Fuel Mixing Instructions

Fueling the Unit Safely

Starting and Stopping Procedures

Starting Procedure

Stopping the Engine

Operating the Unit

Holding the Unit Correctly

Brushcutter Operation Tips

Trimmer Operation and Line Adjustment

Adjusting Trimming Line Length

Trimmer Operation Tips

Decorative Trimming Technique

Trimmer Use and Maintenance Schedule

Edging with the Trimmer

Trimming Line Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule Overview

Trimming Line Replacement and Winding

Removing the Inner Reel

Winding Trimming Line

Trimming Line Installation and Blade Care

Installing the Inner Reel

Blade Maintenance

Engine Maintenance: Air Filter and Idle Speed

Air Filter Maintenance

Adjusting Idle Speed

Spark Plug Maintenance and Unit Cleaning

Spark Plug Maintenance

Cleaning the Unit

Unit Storage

Troubleshooting Engine and Cutting Head Issues

Engine Starting Problems

Engine Running Problems

Cutting Head Issues

Limited Warranty Details

Limited Warranty Terms