Weed Eater 530087456 Operator's Manual

using this product. Failure to do so can result in serious injury. PELIGRO: Lea el manual del operador y siga todas las advertencias e instruc- ciones de seguridad. El no hacerlo puede resultar en lesiones graves. DANGER: Lire le manuel de l’utilisateur et bien respecter tous les avertisse- ments et toutes les instructions de sécurité. Tout défaut de le faire pourrait entraîner des blessures graves. Operator’s Manual Manual del Operador Manuel de l’utilisateur ENGLISH ESPAÑOL FRANÇAIS Frigidaire Home Products, Augusta, GA 30907 WCI Outdoor Products, Inc. 530087456 02/04/98 Please do not return unit to retailer. Por favor, no devuelva el aparato al lugar de compra. Veuillez ne pas retourner l’outil au détaillant. 1-800-554-6723 www.weedeater.com R C R PE225 TM

ers, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury. Read all instructions and safety information throughout this manual. DANGER: THIS POWER TOOL CAN BE DANGEROUS! This unit can cause seri- ous injury including amputation or blind- ness to operator and others. The warn- ings and safety instructions in this manual must be followed to provide rea- sonable safety and efficiency in using this unit. The operator is responsible for following warnings and instructions in this manual and on unit. Read entire Operator’s Manual before assembling and using this unit! Restrict use of this power tool to persons who read, under- stand, and follow warnings and instruc- tions in this manual and on the unit. Safety Labels on unit OPERATOR SAFETY D Dress properly. Always wear safety glasses or similar eye protection when operating, or performing main- tenance on your unit. (Safety glasses are available.) Always wear face or dust mask if operation is dusty. Al- ways wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves. Do not go barefoot or wear sandals. Boots Thrown Objects Safety Glasses D Secure hair above shoulder length. Secure or remove loose clothing and jewelry or clothing with loosely hang- ing ties, straps, tassels, etc. They can be caught in moving parts. D Being fully covered also helps pro- tect you from debris and pieces of toxic plants thrown by the blade. D Stay alert. Do not operate unit when you are tired, ill, or under influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication. Watch what you are doing; use common sense. D Avoid unintentional starting of the unit. Never carry the unit with your finger on the switch. Be sure the switch is not in the on position when connecting the extension cord. DANGER: RISK OF CUT. KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM BLADE AND CUT- TING AREA. Do not attempt to clear away cut material when the blade is in motion. Make sure switch is in the off position and the power source is discon- nected when removing jammed material from the cutting blade. Do not grab or hold unit by the cutting blade. CAUTION: Blade rotates momentarily after the switch is released. ELECTRICAL SAFETY D Use only a 120 A.C. voltage supply as shown on the nameplate of unit. D Avoid dangerous situations. Do not use in the presence of flammable liq- uids or gases to avoid creating a fire or explosion and/or causing damage to unit. WARNING: Avoid a dangerous environment. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use in rain, in damp or wet locations, or around swimming pools, hot tubs, etc. Do not expose to snow, rain, or water to avoid the possibility of electrical shock. WARNING: To reduce the risk of elec- trical shock, use extension cords specifi- cally marked as suitable for outdoor appliances having an electrical rating not less than the rating of the unit. The cord must be marked with the suffix “W-A.” Use a polarized cord. Make sure your extension cord is in good condition. Re- place damaged cords. An undersized extension cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge number the heavier the cord (NOTE: The chart in the Extension Cord section shows correct size to be used depend- ing on cord length). D Do not attempt to repair unit. Inspect insulation and connectors on unit and appliance cord before each use. If there is any damage, do not use until damage is repaired by an Au- thorized Service Dealer.

use and replace if damaged. D Don’t abuse cord. Never carry unit by the cord or yank extension cord to disconnect unit. D To reduce the possibility of the ex- tension cord disconnecting from the unit during operation, tie the power cord on the unit to the extension cord as shown in the Extension Cord sec- tion. Insert cord socket on the unit into the extension cord receptacle. D Do not use unit if the switch does not turn the unit on and off properly. Re- pairs to the switch must be made by an Authorized Service Dealer. D Keep extension cord clear of opera- tor, unit, and obstacles at all times. Do not expose the cord to heat, oil, water, or sharp edges. D Avoid any body contact with any grounded conductor, such as metal pipes or wire fences, to avoid the possibility of electric shock. D Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection should be provided on the circuit or outlet to be used for this unit. Receptacles are available hav- ing built-in GFCI protection and may be used for this measure of safety. D To reduce the risk of electric shock, this unit has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other) and will require the use of a polarized exten- sion cord. This plug will fit into a po- larized extension cord only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the extension cord, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, obtain a correct po- larized extension cord. A polarized extension cord will re- quire the use of a polarized wall out- let. This plug will fit into the polarized wall outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit into the wall outlet, re- verse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper wall outlet. Do not change the equipment plug, exten- sion cord receptacle, or extension cord plug in any way. UNIT SAFETY D Do not attempt to repair unit. Inspect entire unit and extension cord before each use. Have damaged parts re- paired or replaced by an Authorized Service Dealer. Make sure all fasten- ers, handles, and guards are in place and securely fastened. A guard or other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by an Authorized Service Dealer. D Replace blades that are bent, warped, cracked, broken, or dam- aged in any other way. D Before using your unit, have an Au- thorized Service Dealer repair or re- place parts that are cracked, chipped, broken, or damaged in any other way. D Use only genuine replacement blades and accessories as recom- mended for this unit. Never use wire, rope, string, etc. Use of any other accessory or attachment may in- crease the risk of injury or cause damage to the unit. D Keep blade guard in place and in good working order. EDGING SAFETY D Inspect the area to be edged before each use. Remove objects (rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string, etc.) which can be thrown by blade or can wrap around blade shaft. D Keep children away. Keep others in- cluding children, animals, bystanders and helpers outside the 100 foot (30 meter) Hazard Zone. Stop the unit immediately if you are approached. 50 ft. (15 m) D Always keep unit in front of your body. Keep hands and feet away from cut- ting area. D Hold the unit firmly with both hands. D Do not overreach or use from unsta- ble support. Keep firm footing and balance at all times. D Keep wheels in contact with ground. D Do not raise the unit above the ground. The blade can come dan- gerously close to your body. D Always push unit slowly over ground. Stay alert for uneven sidewalks, holes in terrain, large roots, etc. D Do not force the unit; it will do the job better and with less likelihood of a risk of injury at the rate for which it

pliance. Use only for jobs explained in this manual. MAINTENANCE SAFETY D Maintain unit with care. Maintain unit according to recommended proce- dures. Follow instructions for chang- ing blades in the SERVICE AND AD- JUSTMENTS section. Keep blade and blade guard clean to reduce the risk of injury. D Never start unit with blade guard re- moved; blade can fly off or can throw objects and cause serious injury. D Disconnect unit from the power source before performing mainte- nance or changing blades. D Use only genuine Weed Eater re- placement parts as recommended. D Have all maintenance and service not explained in this manual per- formed by an Authorized Service Dealer. D Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other liquid. Clean the unit and labels with a damp sponge. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease. TRANSPORTING & STORAGE D Transport unit with motor stopped and the blade away from your body. D Do not grasp or hold exposed blade. D Unplug unit before storing; secure unit when transporting it in a vehicle. D Store unit so the blade cannot acci- dentally cause injury. The unit can be hung by the handle. D Store unit indoors. Store unit un- plugged in a high, dry place out of reach of children. If situations occur which are not cov- ered in this manual, use care and good judgment. If you need assis- tance, contact your nearest Authorized Service Dealer or call 1-800-554-6723. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS ASSEMBLY CARTON CONTENTS Edger Screws Locknuts Operator’s Manual Examine parts for damage. Do not use damaged parts. NOTE: If you need assistance or find parts missing or damaged, call 1-800-554-6723. ASSEMBLY WARNING: If received assembled, repeat all steps to ensure your unit is properly assembled and all fasteners are secure. This Operator’s Manual has been de- veloped to help you assemble the unit and to provide its safe operation. It is important that you read the entire man- ual to become familiar with the unit be- fore you begin assembly. Read your Operator’s Manual Tools you will need: D Phillips Screwdriver TUBE ASSEMBLY D Insert tube into housing as shown. Align the screw holes. D Insert locknuts into the pockets in the housing. D Insert screws through aligned holes. D Thread screws into locknuts; tighten. Locknuts Screws Housing Tube EXTENSION CORD Use only a 120 A.C. voltage supply as shown on nameplate of the unit to power your edger. The extension cord used to reach the power source must be: D Specifically marked as suitable for outdoor use. The cord must be marked with the suffix “W-A.” D Heavy enough to carry current from the power source the full length of the extension cord to the unit. Otherwise, loss of power and overheating can oc- cur causing damage to unit. Refer to chart for minimum wire gauge recom- mendations. The cord must be marked with the proper wire gauge. (Appropriate extension cords are avail- able.) Do not use multiple cords. D In good condition. Cord insulation must be intact with no cracks or deterioration. Plug connectors must be undamaged.

RECOMMENDATIONS VOLTS 25 FT. 50 FT. 100 FT. 120 16 A.W.G.* 16 A.W.G.* *American Wire Gauge 14 A.W.G.* 150 FT. 12 A.W.G.* Secure extension cord to unit: D Tie the power plug on the unit to the extension cord as shown. D Insert plug into cord socket. Extension Cord Power Plug on Unit DOUBLE INSULATION CONSTRUCTION This unit is Double Insulated to help protect against electric shock. Double insulation construction consists of two separate “layers” of electrical insula- tion instead of grounding. Tools and appliances built with a double insulation system are not in- tended to be grounded. No grounding means is provided on this unit, nor should a means of grounding be add- ed to this unit. As a result, the exten- sion cord used with your unit can be plugged into any standard 120 volt electrical outlet. Safety precautions must be observed when operating any electrical tool. The double insulation system only provides added protection against injury result- ing from an internal electrical insulation failure. WARNING: All electrical repairs to this unit, including housing, switch, motor, etc., must be diagnosed and re- paired by qualified service personnel. Replacement parts for a double insu- lated appliance must be identical to the parts they replace. A double insulated appliance is marked with the words DOUBLE INSULATION or DOUBLE INSU- LATED. The symbol (square within a square) may also be marked on the appliance. Failure to have the unit re- paired by an Authorized Service Deal- er can cause the double insulation construction to become ineffective and result in serious injury. OPERATION OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS OPERATING POSITION Your unit has two operating positions, one for edging, one for beveling. To set operating position: S Move pivot locking lever toward the handle. Pivot motor to the desired position. Release pivot locking lever, making sure motor locks into position. Pivot Locking Lever EDGING METHODS WARNING: The operator or others must not try to clear away cut material with the motor running or the blade turning to avoid serious injury. WARNING: Stop motor and blade and disconnect unit from power source before removing materials wrapped around blade shaft to avoid injury. S Allow the motor to reach full speed before entering the material to be cut. The blade has maximum cutting power at full speed and is less likely to bind or stall. S If blade does not turn when switch is activated, make sure it is not stuck or bound by debris. Blade rotates mo- mentarily after the switch is released. Stop rotating blade by contact with cut material. S Always release the switch and allow motor to stop when not cutting. S To stop the motor, release the switch; allow blade to stop turning before re- moving it from the cut. As you become familiar with your edger, you will be able to determine your own operating pace. Conditions such as depth of cut, angle of cut, and material being cut will regulate the speed and time required for your edging job.

around sidewalks, driveways, patios, etc. EDGING BEVELING----provides a wider cut or trench around sidewalks, driveways, patios, etc. Beveling removes more material and therefore increases motor load. Be careful to cut slowly to avoid motor stalling or overload, which may damage the motor. BEVELING OPERATING TIPS S Allow the blade to reach full speed before placing the blade in the cut. Be careful to cut slowly to avoid mo- tor stalling or overload, which may damage the motor. S Keep your edging path straight by keeping the edge guide in contact with the edge of the walkway. S Always work going away from people and solid objects such as walls, large stones, trees, automobiles, etc. S Be careful when edging near trees or valuable plants. The high speed met- al blade may cut roots and cause damage to the plants. S Always keep blade area clean. Stop the unit, make sure blade has com- pletely stopped turning, and discon- nect unit from the power source be- fore cleaning. S If blade stalls, immediately raise the blade from the cut by lowering the handle. If blade continues to stall when raised, stop the unit, discon- nect the power source, and inspect the blade area for blockage or dam- age. Clean the blade area of debris. MAINTENANCE CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES Check for Loose fasteners and parts Before each use Check for damaged or worn parts Before each use Clean unit and labels After each use CARE & MAINTENANCE TASK WHEN TO PERFORM CHECK FOR LOOSE FASTENERS AND PARTS S Blade S Blade guard S Housing Screws S Handle Screws S Wheels CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR WORN PARTS Refer replacement of damaged/worn parts to an Authorized Service Dealer. S Trigger Switch -- Ensure trigger switch functions properly by releas- ing the switch. Make sure motor stops and blade stops turning; then restart motor and continue. S Blade Guard -- Discontinue use of unit if blade guard is damaged. CLEAN UNIT & LABELS S Clean the unit using a damp cloth with a mild detergent. S Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.

BLADE MAINTENANCE WARNING: The blade will spin mo- mentarily after the motor stops. Make sure blade has stopped turning and disconnect unit from the power source before performing work on the blade. CAUTION: Wear protective gloves when handling or performing mainte- nance on blade to help avoid injury. S Use the proper replacement blade. Contact your dealer for a replace- ment blade. S The blade is reversible. When the cutting edge on one side becomes worn, turn the blade over. S Check blade for flatness periodically. Lay the blade on a flat surface and inspect the blade for flatness. Throw away a blade that is not flat. WARNING: Always replace a blade that is bent, warped, cracked, broken, or damaged in any other way. Never attempt to straighten and reuse a dam- aged blade. Use only the specified re- placement blade. To reverse or replace blade: S Disconnect unit from power source. S Fit a wrench onto the shaft behind the blade. S Using another wrench, remove hex nut by turning clockwise. S Remove cupped washer and spring washer. S Remove the blade. S Clean all parts and check for dam- age. Replace damaged parts. S Reverse or replace blade. Reinstall blade onto shaft. S Install the spring washer, making sure the outer, notched edge con- tacts the blade. S Install the cup washer, making sure the lip of the washer is facing toward the spring washer. S Install the hex nut by turning counter- clockwise; tighten securely. Blade Spring Washer Hex Nut Loosen Tighten Cup Washer STORAGE Prepare unit for storage at the end of the season or if it will not be used for 30 days or more. WARNING: S Secure the unit before storing or transporting. S Store unit with all guards in place. Position unit so that any sharp object cannot accidentally cause injury. S Store unit well out of reach of children. EDGER STORAGE S Clean the entire unit. S Inspect the blade area and clean any dirt, grass, leaves, or debris that has collected. Inspect the blade and blade guard; replace a blade that is bent, warped, cracked, broken, or damaged in any other way. S Replace a damaged or worn blade guard. S Lightly oil external metal surfaces. CAUTION: Wear protective gloves when handling the blade. The blade is sharp and can cut you even when it is not moving. S Apply a coating of oil to entire surface of blade; wrap it in heavy paper or cloth. S Be sure all handles and guards are in place and are securely fastened. Replace any damaged parts. S Check entire unit for loose screws, nuts, and bolts. Replace any dam- aged, worn, or broken parts. S Do not cover with plastic. Plastic can- not breathe and will induce condensa- tion and eventual rust or corrosion.

or does not turn when switch is pressed. SForcing blade into material. SBlade guard clogged with debris. SEdge guide bent toward blade. SUnit unplugged. SFuse blown/circuit breaker off. SWorn spring washer. SNone of the above. SCut at a slower pace. SClean blade guard area. SReplace edge guide. SPlug unit into a 120 volt outlet. SReplace fuse/reset breaker. SReplace spring washer. SContact your Service Dealer. Blade turns but will not cut SIncorrect or worn blade. SWorn spring washer. SReplace blade. SReplace spring washer. Edger drags ground or cuts too deep. SWheel mount(s) broken. SContact your Service Dealer. LIMITED WARRANTY FRIGIDAIRE HOME PRODUCTS, Division WCI Outdoor Products, Inc. warrants to the original purchaser that each new Weed Eater or Poulan Pro brand electric or cordless prod- uct is free from defects in material and work- manship and agrees to repair or replace under this warranty any defective Weed Eater or Poulan Pro brand electric or cordless product within two (2) years from the original date of purchase. If your Weed Eater or Poulan Pro brand elec- tric or cordless product should fail within the limited warranty period, return it, complete, prepaid, with proof of purchase, to the dealer from whom it was purchased for repair or re- placement at the option of FRIGIDAIRE HOME PRODUCTS. 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 specifi- cally recommended by FRIGIDAIRE HOME PRODUCTS for this tool. Additionally, this warranty does not cover parts 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 WARRANTIES EXCEPT THOSE EXPRESSLY STIPULATED HEREIN. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS OR THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATIONS OF INCI- DENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. FRIGIDAIRE HOME PRODUCTS policy is to continuously improve its products. Therefore, FRIGIDAIRE HOME PRODUCTS reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue models, designs, specifications, and acces- sories of all products at any time without notice or obligation to any purchaser.