PE3500 - Brush cutter POULAN - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL PE3500 POULAN

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions before using this product. Failure to do so can result in serious injury.

ADVERTENCIA:

Electrolux Home Products

North America

Div. of WCI Outdoor Products, Inc.

Augusta, GA 30907

Copyright ©2001 WCI Outdoor Products, Inc.

530086382 7/20/01

SAFETY RULES

WARNING: When using gardening appliances, basic safety precautions must always be followed to reduce the risk of fire and serious injury. Read and follow all instructions.

This power unit can be dangerous! Operator is responsible for following instructions and warnings on unit and in manual. Read entire Operator's Manual before using unit! Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the unit. Restrict the use of this unit to persons who have read, understand and will follow the instructions and warnings on the unit and in the manual. Never allow children to operate this unit.

OPERATOR SAFETY

ADANGER: RISK OF CUT. KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM BLADE AND CUTTING AREA. Do not attempt to clear away cut material or hold material to be cut when the blade is in motion. Make sure the engine is stopped and spark plug wire disconnected when removing jammed material from the cutting blade. Do not grab or hold unit by the cutting blade.

• Dress properly. Always wear safety glasses or similar eye protection when operating, or performing maintenance on your unit (safety glasses are available). Eye protection should be marked ANSI Z87.
  Always wear face or dust mask if operation is dusty.
  Always wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves.
  Always wear foot protection. Do not go barefoot or wear sandals.
• Secure hair above shoulder length. Secure or remove loose clothing and jewelry or clothing with loosely hanging ties, straps, tassels, etc. They can be caught in moving parts.
• Being fully covered also helps protect you from debris and pieces of toxic plants thrown by spinning blade.
• Stay Alert. Do not operate unit when you are tired, ill, upset or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication. Watch what you are doing; use common sense.
• Wear hearing protection.
• Never start or run the engine inside a closed room, building or other unventilated area. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill.
• Keep handles free of oil and fuel.
  Always use the handle.
• Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders or allow anyone near the area of operation. Use care in directing discharge to avoid glass enclosures, automobiles, and the like.

UNIT/MAINTENANCE SAFETY

WARNING: Disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance except carburetor adjustments.

• Inspect entire unit before each use. Replace damaged parts. Check for fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in place and securely fastened.
• Maintain the unit according to recommended procedures.
• Throw away blades that are bent, warped, cracked, broken, or damaged in any other way. Replace parts that are cracked, chipped, broken, or damaged before using the unit.
• Use only recommended Poulan replacement parts and accessories. Never use wire, rope, string, flailing devices, etc.
• Be sure blade stops turning when engine idles (see CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS).
• Remove the blade before making carburetor adjustments. Hold the unit by hand. Do not make carburetor adjustments from the blade side of the unit.
• Keep others away when making carburetor adjustments.
• Never start the unit with the clutch housing removed. The clutch can fly off and cause serious injury.
• Have all maintenance and service not explained in this manual performed by your Authorized Service Dealer.
• If product strikes a foreign object follow these steps: stop unit, disconnect spark plug lead, inspect for damage, and repair any damage before resuming operation of the unit.

EDGING SAFETY

WARNING: Inspect the area to be edged before each use. Remove objects (rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string, etc.) which can be thrown by the blade or can wrap around the shaft.

• Keep others including children, animals and bystanders, and helpers at least 50 feet (15 meters) away. Stop the unit immediately if you are approached.
• Hold the unit firmly with both hands.
• Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach.
  Always keep the wheels in contact with the ground.
• Keep all parts of your body away from the blade and muffler.
  Always push the unit slowly over the ground. Stay alert for uneven sidewalks, holes in the terrain, large roots, etc.
• Do not force the unit. Use only for jobs explained in this manual. USE EDGER-TRIMMER PROPERLY. Use only for edging or trimming the type of shrub, growth and the like described in the operating in

strictions. Do not abuse product. Do not use product in rain or wet locations. Never allow children to operate the product. Never allow adults to operate the product without proper instructions.

• DISCONNECT (UNPLUG) SPARK PLUG LEAD: when not in use, before servicing, cleaning and the like, before changing accessories.
• To reduce the risk of fire, do not allow excessive grass, leaves, or grease to accumulate on the unit.
• Objects struck by the cutting blade can cause serious injuries to persons. The lawn should always be carefully examined and cleared of all objects prior to edging or trimming.
• Never operate the product without guards, plates, or other protective devices in place.

FUEL SAFETY

• Mix and pour fuel outdoors.
• Keep away from sparks or flames.
• Use a container approved for fuel.
• Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or the unit or while using the unit.
• Make sure the unit is properly assembled and in good operating condition.
• Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all fuel spills before starting engine.
• Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from fueling site before starting engine.
• Stop engine and allow it to cool before removing fuel cap.
• Do not store the unit with fuel in the fuel tank. Use up fuel left in the carburetor and fuel lines by starting the engine and letting it run until it stops.
• Store unit and fuel in area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc.

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

• Do not grasp or hold exposed blade.
• Stop unit before leaving work area.
• Allow unit to cool, run fuel out of the fuel tank, and secure unit before storing or transporting it in a vehicle.
• Before storing, use up fuel left in the carburetor by starting the unit and letting it run until it stops. Always allow the unit to cool before storage.
• Store unit and fuel in an area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc.
• Store unit so the blade cannot accidentally cause injury.
• Store product indoors, out of the reach of children.

If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. If you need assistance, contact your nearest Authorized Service Dealer or call 1-800-554-6723.

SPECIAL NOTICE: Exposure to vibrations through prolonged use of gasoline powered hand tools could cause blood vessel or nerve damage in the fingers, hands, and joints of people prone to circulation disorders or abnormal swellings. Prolonged use in cold weather has been linked to blood vessel damage in otherwise healthy people. If symptoms occur such as numbness, pain, loss of strength, change in skin color or texture, or loss of feeling in the fingers, hands, or joints, discontinue the use of this tool and seek medical attention. An anti-vibration system does not guarantee the avoidance of these problems. Users who operate power tools on a continual and regular basis must monitor closely their physical condition and the condition of this unit.

SPECIAL NOTICE: This unit is equipped with a temperature limiting muffler and spark arresting screen which meets the requirements of California Codes 4442 and 4443. All U.S. forest land and the states of California, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington require by law that many internal combustion engines be equipped with a spark arresting screen. If you operate in a locale where such regulations exist, you are legally responsible for maintaining the operating condition of these parts. Failure to do so is a violation of the law. For normal homeowner use, the muffler and spark arresting screen will not require any service. After 50 hours of use, we recommend that your muffler be serviced or replaced by your Authorized Service Dealer.

ASSEMBLY

It is normal for the fuel filter to rattle in the empty fuel tank. Finding fuel or oil residue on muffler is normal due to carburetor adjustments and testing done by the manufacturer.

ASSEMBLY

WARNING: If received assembled, repeat all steps to ensure your unit is properly assembled and all fasteners are secure.

TOOLS REQUIRED:

• 2 hex key wrenches (provided)
• Adjustable wrench or large pliers
• Phillips screwdriver

ATTACH THE TUBE TO THE ENGINE

• Slip the tube with drive shaft into the engine.
• Insert and tighten two screws, washers, and nuts into clamp holes in engine.

ATTACHING THE HANDLEBAR

DANGER: RISK OF CUT. To avoid serious injury, the barrier portion of the handlebar must be installed as shown to provide a barrier between operator and the spinning blade.

• Locate the decal on the handlebar. This decal includes two arrows. Position the handlebar on the mounting bracket between these arrows.
• Position the bracket cover over the handlebar. Again make sure the handlebar is between the arrows.
• Insert screws and hand tighten only. Be sure the handlebar is installed correctly; then, tighten each screw securely with the large hex wrench.

FUELING

WARNING: Remove fuel cap slowly when refueling.

This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline. Gasoline must be mixed with a good quality 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil designed to be mixed at a ratio of 40:1. Poulan/Weed Eater brand oil is recommended. (A 40:1 ratio is obtained by mixing 3.2 ounces of oil with 1 gallon of unleaded gasoline). When mixing fuel follows the instructions printed on the oil container. Always read and follow the safety rules under FUEL SAFETY.

STARTING

HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT

• Move the ON/OFF switch to the OFF position.
  If engine does not stop, move choke to the FULL CHOKE position.

HOW TO START YOUR UNIT

A DANGER: The cutting blade will turn while starting the engine.

WARNING: Avoid any contact with the muffler. A hot muffler can cause serious burns.
- Rest engine and shield on ground, supporting unit, so the blade is not touching the ground.

STARTING A COLD ENGINE (or a warm engine after running out of fuel)

• Move the ON/OFF switch to the ON position.
• Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.
• Move choke lever to the FULL CHOKE position.

• Squeeze the throttle trigger fully and hold through all remaining steps.
• Pull starter rope handle sharply 6 times.
• Move choke lever to HALF CHOKE position.
• Pull starter rope handle no more than 6 pulls, until engine runs.
• Allow engine to run 10 seconds, then move choke lever to the OFF CHOKE position.

STARTING A WARM ENGINE

• Move the ON/OFF switch to the ON position.
• Move choke lever to the OFF CHOKE position.
• Pull starter rope handle until engine runs.
  If engine does not start in 5 pulls, follow instructions in STARTING A COLD ENGINE.

USING YOUR UNIT

• Do not change the engine governor settings or over speed the engine.
• If the product vibrates abnormally, immediately stop the engine and check for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
• Stop the engine whenever you leave the operating position; disconnect the spark plug lead before unclogging the cutting blade guard, when making a repair, adjustment, inspection, or the like.
• Operate product from position where guards block the line of sight to the cutting blade.

EDGING

As you become familiar with use of your edge attachment, you will be able to determine your own operating pace. Conditions such as depth of cut and material being cut will regulate the speed and time required for your edging job.

• Allow the engine to warm up before you begin edging.
• Increase the engine speed before placing the blade in the cut. For best results, run the engine at full throttle while cutting.
  Always work going away from people and solid objects such as walls, large stones, trees, automobiles, etc.
• Be careful when edging near trees or valuable plants. The high speed metal blade may cut roots and cause damage to the plants.
  If the blade stalls, immediately move the unit back slightly to allow the blade to restart. If

the blade continues to stall, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug, and inspect for blockage or damage.

WARNING: Keep the blade area

clean. Always release the throttle trigger, move the ON/OFF switch to the OFF position, disconnect the spark plug, and make sure the blade has completely stopped turning before cleaning.

SETTING THE DEPTH OF THE WHEEL

WARNING: Never attempt to adjust

the wheel when the engine is running. Always stop the engine, wait until the blade stops turning and disconnect the spark plug before making adjustments.

• Loosen plastic knob on the blade guard.
• Raise or lower the wheel to obtain desired edging depth.
• Tighten knob hand tight.

NOTE: If area has not been edged for several weeks, do not cut deeper than 1/2 inch the first time.

SERVICE

We recommend all service and adjustments not listed in this manual be performed by an Authorized Service Dealer.

BLADE REPLACEMENT

WARNING: The blade will continue

to spin after the engine stops or after the throttle trigger has been released. To avoid serious injury, make sure the blade has stopped coasting and disconnect the spark plug before performing work on the blade.

WARNING: Wear protective gloves

when handling or performing maintenance on the blade to avoid injury. The blade is sharp and can cut you even when it is not moving.

Locking Lever

• To remove the blade, push in locking lever and hold.
• Rotate blade nut until the locking lever falls into one of the grooves in the dust cup.
• Continue to hold in locking lever. This will keep the shaft from turning while loosening the blade nut.
• Remove the blade nut by turning clockwise.
• Remove both washers and the blade from the blade shaft.

• Install new blade and the flat washer over the threaded shaft extending from the gearbox.
  Now place the cupped washer onto the shaft. Make sure the cupped side of the washer is toward the blade.
  Install the blade nut by threading onto the shaft counterclockwise.

• Push in locking lever and hold.

• Rotate blade nut until the locking lever falls into one of the grooves in the dust cup.
• Continue to hold in locking lever. This will keep the shaft from turning while tightening the blade nut.
• Tighten blade nut firmly with a wrench.
• Release locking lever.

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS

Your carburetor is equipped with limiter caps. Damage will occur if you turn the needles beyond the limiter caps. Carburetor adjustment is a complicated task. We recommend that you take your unit to an Authorized Service Dealer.

IGNITION TIMING

Ignition timing is fixed, non-adjustable.

SPARK PLUG

Replace spark plug yearly with a Champion RCJ-8Y plug; spark plug gap is 0.025 inch.

TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE

WARNING: Always stop unit and disconnect spark plug before performing any of the recommended remedies below other than remedies that require operation of the unit.

TROUBLE	CAUSE	REMEDY
Engine will not start.	·Engine flooded. ·Fuel tank empty. ·Spark plug not firing. ·Fuel not reaching carburetor. ·Carburetor requires adjustment.	·See “Starting.” ·Fill tank with correct fuel mixture. ·Install new spark plug. ·Check for dirty fuel filter; replace. Check for kinked or split fuel line; repair or replace. ·Contact your Service Dealer.
Engine will not idle properly.	·Carburetor requires adjustment. ·Throttle trigger screw too tight.	·See “Carburetor Adjustments.” ·Loosen screw.
Engine will not accelerate, lacks power, or dies under a load.	·Air filter dirty. ·Spark plug fouled. ·Carburetor requires adjustment.	·Clean or replace air filter. ·Clean or replace spark plug and re-gap. ·See “Carburetor Adjustments.”
Engine smokes excessively.	·Fuel mixture incorrect. ·Air filter dirty. ·Carburetor requires adjustment.	·Empty fuel tank and refill with correct fuel mixture. ·Clean or replace air filter. ·See “Carburetor Adjustments.”

NEED ASSISTANCE?

NEED ASSISTANCE?

Call 1-800-554-6723 for assistance.

NEED SERVICE PARTS?

Contact your dealer or place of purchase.

LIMITED WARRANTY

ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS NORTH AMERICA, Division of WCI Outdoor Prod

ucts, Inc., warrants to the original purchaser that each new Weed Eater brand gasoline tool or attachment is free from defects in material and workmanship and agrees to repair or replace under this warranty any defective gasoline product or attachment as follows from the original date of purchase.

2 YEARS-Parts and Labor, when used for household purposes.

90 DAYS-Parts and Labor, when used for commercial, professional, or income producing purposes.

30 DAYS-Parts and Labor, if used for rental purposes.

This warranty is not transferable and does not cover damage or liability caused by improper handling, improper maintenance, or the use of accessories and/or attachments not specifically recommended by ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS NORTH AMERICA for this tool.

Additionally, this warranty does not cover tuneups, spark plugs, filters, etc., that will wear and require replacement with reasonable use during the warranty period. This warranty does not cover predelivery setup or normal adjustments explained in the operator's manual.

THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

NO CLAIMS FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES WILL BE ALLOWED, AND THERE ARE NO OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTYES EXCEPT THOSE EXPRESSLY STIPULATED HEREIN.

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS OR THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATIONS OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS NORTH AMERICA'S policy is to continuously improve its products. Therefore, ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS NORTH AMERICA reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue models, designs, specifications, and accessories of all products at any time without notice or obligation to any purchaser.

U.S. EPA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT

YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS: The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and POULAN/WEED EATER, DIVISION OF WCI OUTDOOR PRODUCTS are pleased to explain the emissions control system warranty on your lawn and garden equipment engine. All new utility and lawn and garden equipment engines must be designed, built, and equipped to meet the stringent anti-smog standards.

POULAN/WEED EATER must warrant the emission control system on your lawn and garden equipment engine for the periods 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 carburetor and the ignition system. Where a warrantable condition exists, POULAN/WEED EATER will repair your lawn and garden equipment engine at no cost to you. Expenses covered under warranty include diagnosis, parts and labor. MANUFACTURER'S

WARRANTY COVERAGE: If any emissions related part on your engine (as listed under Emissions Control Warranty Parts List) is defective or a defect in the materials or workmanship of the engine causes the failure of such an emission related part, the part will be repaired or replaced by POULAN/WEED EATER. OWNER'S WARRANTY

RESPONSIBILITIES: As the lawn and garden equipment engine owner, you are responsible for the performance of the required maintenance listed in your Owner's Manual. POULAN/WEED EATER recommends that you retain all receipts covering maintenance on your lawn and garden equipment engine, but POULAN/WEED EATER cannot deny warranty solely for the lack of receipts or for your failure to ensure the performance of all scheduled maintenance. As the lawn and garden equipment engine owner, you should be aware that POULAN/WEED EATER may deny you warranty coverage if your lawn and garden equipment engine or a part of it has failed due to abuse, neglect, improper maintenance, unapproved modifications, or the use of parts not made or approved by the original equipment manufacturer. You are responsible for presenting your lawn and garden equipment engine to a POULAN/WEED EATER authorized repair center as soon as a problem exists. Warranty repairs should be completed in a reasonable amount of time, not to exceed 30 days. If you have any questions regarding your warranty rights and responsibilities, you should contact your nearest authorized service center

or call POULAN/WEED EATER at 1-800-554-6723. WARRANTY

COMMENCEMENT DATE: The warranty

period begins on the date the lawn and garden equipment engine is purchased. LENGTH OF COVERAGE: This warranty shall be for a period of two years from the initial date of purchase. WHAT IS COVERED: REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF PARTS. Repair or replacement of any warranted part will be performed at no charge to the owner at an approved POULAN/WEED EATER servicing center. If you have any questions regarding your warranty rights and responsibilities, you should contact your nearest authorized service center or call POULAN/WEED EATER at 1-800-554-6723 WARRANTY PERIOD: Any warranted part which is not scheduled for replacement as required maintenance, or which is scheduled only for regular inspection to the effect of "repair or replace as necessary" shall be warranted for 2 years. Any warranted part which is scheduled for replacement as required maintenance shall be warranted for the period of time up to the first scheduled replacement point for that part. DIAGNOSIS: The owner shall not be charged for diagnostic labor which leads to the determination that a warranted part is defective if the diagnostic work is performed at an approved POULAN/WEED EATER servicing center. CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES: POULAN/WEED EATER may be liable for damages to other engine components caused by the failure of a warranted part still

under warranty. WHAT IS NOT COVERED: All failures caused by abuse, neglect, or improper maintenance are not covered. ADD-ON OR MODIFIED PARTS: The use of add-on or modified parts can be grounds for disallowing a warranty claim. POULAN/WEED EATER is not liable to cover failures of warranted parts caused by the use of add-on or modified parts. HOW TO FILE A CLAIM: If you have any questions regarding your warranty rights and responsibilities, you should contact your nearest authorized service center or call POULAN/WEED EATER at 1-800-554-6723. WHERE TO GET WARRANTY SERVICE: Warranty services or repairs shall be provided at all POULAN/WEED EATER service centers. call: 1-800-554-6723 MAINTENANCE, REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR OF EMISSION RELATED PARTS: Any POULAN/WEED EATER approved replacement part used in the performance of any warranty maintenance or repair on emission related parts will be provided without charge to the owner if the part is under warranty. EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY PARTS LIST: Carburetor, Ignition System: Spark Plug (covered up to maintenance schedule), Ignition Module. MAINTENANCE STATEMENT: The owner is responsible for the performance of all required maintenance as defined in the owner's manual.