Craftsman V20 Weed Eater

User Manual & Safety Guide

20V Cordless String Trimmer

Safety Instructions

Important Safety Symbols:

  • ⚠️ WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation
  • ☠️ DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation
  • 📵 PROHIBITED: Indicates prohibited actions
  • ✅ MANDATORY: Indicates actions that must be taken

General Safety Rules

  1. Read All Instructions: Read and understand all instructions before operating.
  2. Work Area Safety: Keep work area clean and well lit. Keep bystanders away.
  3. Electrical Safety: Use only Craftsman V20 battery packs and chargers.
  4. Personal Safety: Wear eye protection, long pants, and sturdy shoes.
  5. Tool Use and Care: Use the tool only for its intended purpose.
  6. Service: Have your tool serviced by a qualified repair person.
  7. Battery Safety: Do not expose battery to fire or excessive heat.
Warning: Failure to follow these safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

Assembly Guide

Tools Needed:

  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Trimmer line (0.080" diameter)
  • Safety glasses
  • Work gloves

Step-by-Step Assembly

  1. Unpack Components: Remove all parts from packaging and verify contents.
  2. Handle Assembly: Attach the handle to the shaft using provided screws.
  3. Battery Installation: Insert Craftsman V20 battery into battery compartment.
  4. Guard Installation: Attach the debris guard to the trimmer head.
  5. Line Installation: Load trimmer line into the spool following diagram.
  6. Spool Assembly: Reassemble the spool and trimmer head components.
  7. Final Check: Ensure all fasteners are tight and components secure.
Note: Do not operate the weed eater until completely assembled and all safety checks are completed.

Specifications

Model Number CMCV20WT
Power Source Craftsman V20 Lithium-Ion Battery
Voltage 20V
Cutting Swath 13 inches
Line Diameter 0.080 inches
Weight (without battery) 7.5 lbs
Shaft Type Straight Shaft
Head Type Bump Feed
Noise Level 85 dB
Run Time (with 2Ah battery) 30-45 minutes
Charge Time 60 minutes
Warranty 3 years limited

Battery Specifications

  • Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
  • Voltage: 20V
  • Capacity Options: 2.0Ah, 4.0Ah, 6.0Ah
  • Charger Type: V20 Fast Charger
  • Battery Life: Up to 1000 charge cycles

For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit Craftsman.com

Operation Guide

Starting Procedure

Insert charged battery, ensure area is clear, hold trimmer with both hands, press and hold safety lock button, then squeeze trigger.

Cutting Techniques

Maintain trimmer at waist level, use sweeping motions from side to side, keep cutting head parallel to ground, overlap passes slightly.

Line Advancement

Tap trimmer head on ground while running to advance fresh line. Do not press too hard or hold against ground.

Battery Management

Monitor battery indicator lights, stop when battery is low, allow battery to cool before charging, store in cool dry place.

Operating Positions

Standard Trimming

Hold trimmer at waist height, maintain 10-15 degree angle, move steadily across work area

Edging

Rotate head 90 degrees, hold vertically, guide along edge for clean borders

Under Fences

Angle head appropriately, use sweeping motions, maintain safe distance from fence

Around Obstacles

Slow movement around trees and posts, maintain safe distance from objects

Important: Always wear eye protection, hearing protection, long pants, and closed-toe shoes while operating.

Maintenance

Regular Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Task Frequency Procedure
Clean air vents After each use Use soft brush to remove debris from cooling vents
Check trimmer line Before each use Ensure adequate line length and replace if worn
Inspect guard Weekly Check for cracks or damage, replace if necessary
Clean battery contacts Monthly Use dry cloth to clean battery and tool contacts
Check fasteners Monthly Ensure all screws and bolts are tight
Motor inspection Annually Have qualified technician inspect motor brushes

Cleaning Instructions

  • Disconnect battery before cleaning
  • Use soft cloth to wipe exterior
  • Use brush to remove grass and debris from cutting head
  • Do not use water or cleaning solvents
  • Store in dry location

Winter Storage

  1. Fully charge battery
  2. Remove battery from tool
  3. Clean entire tool thoroughly
  4. Store in cool, dry place
  5. Recharge battery every 3 months

Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Cause Solution
Trimmer won't start Dead battery, safety lock engaged, trigger not pressed Charge battery, release safety lock, press trigger fully
Weak cutting power Dull line, worn line, low battery Replace trimmer line, charge battery fully
Line won't advance Empty spool, tangled line, worn bump knob Reload spool, untangle line, replace bump knob
Excessive vibration Bent shaft, unbalanced head, loose components Check for damage, tighten all fasteners
Motor overheats Continuous use, blocked vents, heavy load Allow to cool, clean vents, reduce load
Battery won't charge Faulty charger, dirty contacts, battery failure Clean contacts, try different charger, replace battery

Common Issues and Solutions

  • Line breaks frequently: Use correct diameter line, avoid hitting hard objects
  • Battery drains quickly: Check battery age, ensure proper charging, avoid extreme temperatures
  • Uneven cutting: Maintain consistent speed, keep head level, replace worn line
  • Head jams: Clean debris from head, ensure proper line loading
  • Handle discomfort: Adjust handle position, wear gloves, take frequent breaks

Manual Downloads

Current V20 Series Manuals

CMCV20WT

V20 String Trimmer

CMCV20B

V20 Blower

CMCV20CH

V20 Chainsaw

CMCV20HT

V20 Hedge Trimmer

Related Accessories

V20 2.0Ah Battery

Standard Battery Pack

V20 4.0Ah Battery

Extended Run Battery

V20 Fast Charger

Rapid Battery Charger

Trimmer Line Kit

0.080" Replacement Line

Note: For models not listed here, please visit the Craftsman Support Website for complete documentation.