Atom 506AV Installation instructions

PATENTED WORLD’S BEST
LAWN EDGERS
Model 506AV
Honda Powered 35cc 4-Stroke
Gasoline Model
OPERATOR/OWNER
MANUAL
●SafetyPrecautions
●Assembling
●Operating and
Edging Instructions
●Maintenance and
Workshop Manual
®
ATOM
AS WITH ANY
POWER TOOL
IMPROPER USE
CAN CAUSE
SERIOUS INJURY
MAKE SURE THIS
MANUAL IS READ
AND CAREFULLY
UNDERSTOOD
BEFORE STARTING
OR OPERATING
THISEQUIPMENT
NOTE:Forfull“Honda”engineinstructionsandmaintenancepleaserefertoseparate
“Honda Owners Manual” supplied.
IMPORTANT MANUAL – DO NOT THROW AWAY
Manual always to be available for reference or instructing new operators. Please fill
in details of purchase on back cover page.
ACN 000 583 924
✔

Failure to obey a safety
warning can result in
injury to yourself and others.
THE PURPOSE OF SAFETY WARNING AND NOTES IN THIS
MANUAL IS TO ATTRACT YOUR ATTENTION TO POSSIBLE
DANGERS AND THE EXPLANATIONS WITH THEM DESERVE YOUR CAREFUL ATTENTION AND
UNDERSTANDING. THE SAFETY WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL AND ON THE EDGER DO NOT, BY
THEMSELVES, ELIMINATE ANY DANGER. THE INSTRUCTIONS OR WARNINGS THEY GIVE ARE NOT
SUBSTITUTES FOR PROPER ACCIDENT PREVENTION MEASURES.
INTRODUCTION
This Atom Gasoline Powered Lawn Edger is designed
to the highest standards to ensure you many hours of
uninterrupted service.
Pay special attention to the safety precautions outlined
on pages 2 to 5. Only persons who understand this
Manual are to operate the Lawn Edger.
Toreceivemaximumperformanceandsatisfactionfrom
your Lawn Edger, it is important that you read and
understand the maintenance and safety precautions
before using the edger. Contact yourAtom dealer or the
Atom distributor in your area if you do not understand or
cannot carry out any of the operating instructions in this
Manual.
Atom’s philosophy is to continually improve all of its
products. As a result, engineering changes and
improvements are made from time to time. If the
operating characteristics or the appearance of your
Atom Edger differs from those described in this
manual, please contact your Atom dealer for
information and assistance. Call [phone]
(withinAustralia) for your nearest servicing dealer.
NOTE: OUTSIDE AUSTRALIA REFER TO BACK
COVERPAGE.
CONTENTS
Parts and Controls.................................................2-3
Safety Precautions ................................................3-5
Assembling the Lawn Edger .....................................6
Fuel and Oil..............................................................6
Starting and Stopping Instructions ..........................7-8
Edging Instructions
Blade Replacement.........................................10
Lubrication of Gears ........................................ 11
Spark Plug ...................................................... 11
AirFilterMaintenance...................................... 11
Removing Blade Cover ................................... 11
Carburettor Adjustment ...................................12
TroubleShootingTips......................................13
Parts List and Exploded View ............................14-15
At the rear of this manual is a workshop manual for the
lawnedgerbody.ForfullHondaengineinstructions and
maintenance, please refer to the separate “Honda
Owner’s Manual” supplied.All service and warranty on
your Honda engine can be done by your nearest
approved Honda dealer.....................................16-19
Warranty ................................................................20
PARTS & CONTROLS
1,2 The handles of the Lawn Edger are held by both
hands.
3 The throttle trigger which increases speed of
engine for automatic safety clutch to engage and
thus rotate blade.
4ON/STOP switch.
5Starter grip the grip of the pull starter which is the
device to start the engine.
6Handle nut for holding handles onto housing.
7Height adjustment for adjusting depth of cutting
blade.
8Blade cover reduces the risk of flying debris and
direct contact with the feet or hands.
9Sight guide for edging.
10 Cutter blades rotate when engine speed is
increased above idle.
11 Grass shield debris deflector reduces flyback of
stones and foreign material.
12 Wheel for moving and guiding edger.
13 Cross Brace, attaches downward on handle.
14 Left and right Handle Tubes.
15 Fuel cap, for sealing the fuel tank filler.
16 Fuel Tank.
17 Choke lever for cold engine starting.
18 Filter housing covers the air filter element.
19 Muffler reduces exhaust noises and diverts gases
away from operator.
20 Spark Plug terminal cap connects the spark plug
to the ignition wire.
21 Fuel pump primer under carburettor provides
additional fuel for starting.
22 Warning Label, on left handle.
23 Front Round Anti-Vibration Mounting.
24 RearRoundAnti-VibrationMounting(bothsides).
25 Twin Saddle AV Mounting (both sides).
26 Warning Label, on blade guard.
2
SAFETY WARNINGS
!
!WARNING !NOTE Advises you of information or
instructions vital to the
operation or maintenance of the equipment.

This Lawn
Edger must
not be operated by minors.
Bystanders, especially children
and animals, should not be
allowed in the area where a
machine is in use at least 15
metres (50 feet) away (Fig. 4). Never let the unit
run unattended.
As with any power tool,
the use of any lawn edger
may be dangerous. It is important that you read,
fully understand, and observe the following
safety precautions and warnings. Re-read this
operator’s manual and the safety instructions
periodically.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
3
PARTS & CONTROLS (CONTINUED)
Do not lend, rent or sell
this machine without the
operator’s manual. Be sure that anyone using
this unit understands the information contained
in this manual before use.
As with any power tool,
some special safety
precautionsmustbeobservedto reduce the risk
ofpersonalinjury. Careless or improperusemay
cause serious or even fatal injury.
Safe use of an Atom Lawn Edger involves:
1. The Operator
2. TheAtom Edger
3. The use of theAtom Edger
Electrical shock. Never
touch electrical wires or
components while the engine is running. They
are sources of high voltage and can give you
an electrical shock. Replace immediately any
faulty tension lead or spark plug cap.
THE OPERATOR
PHYSICAL CONDITION
Operator must be in good physical
condition and mental health, and not
under the influence of any substance
(drugs, alcohol, etc.) which might
impair vision, dexterity or judgement
(Fig. 3).
!WARNING
!WARNING
!WARNING
!WARNING
!WARNING
ROTATINGBLADE
DIRECTION OF ROTATION
WARNING
KEEP INSIDE OF BLADE GUARD CLEAN.
ESPECIALLY IN WET CONDITIONS A
CLOGGED GUARD CAN SLOW DOWN
OR STOP BLADE ROTATION AND MAY
CAUSE DAMAGE TO AUTOMATIC
SAFETY CLUTCH. ALWAYS OPERATE
BLADE AT HIGH SPEED WHEN EDGING.
DANGER !
KEEP HANDS & FEET AWAY
22
WARNING – TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY
FOLLOW ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN OPERATOR MANUAL – IMPROPER USE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS OR FATAL
INJURY • OBJECTS MAY BE THROWN OR RICHOCHET IN ALL DIRECTIONS – ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION •
KEEPBYSTANDERS AT LEAST50FT(16M)AWAY•ALWAYS WEAREAR PROTECTION• WEARSNUG FITTINGCLOTHING
• MINORS SHOULD NEVER BE PERMITTED TO USE THIS EDGER • WEAR STURDY SHOES WITH NON-SLIP SOLES •
DO NOT LEND, RENT OR SELL THIS EDGER WITHOUT THE OPERATOR MANUAL.

4
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS (CONTINUED)
Prolonged use of any
hand-held powered
machine exposing the operator to vibrations
may produce whitefinger disease (Raynaud’s
phenomenon)orcarpal tunnelsyndrome.These
conditions reduce the hand’s ability to feel and
regulate temperature, produce numbness and
burning sensations, and may cause nerve and
circulation damage and tissue necrosis.
!WARNING
PROPER CLOTHING
Clothing must be sturdy and snug-fitting, but allow
complete freedom of movement (see Fig. 5). Avoid
loose-fitting jackets, flared or cuffed pants, or anything
that could trip the operator. Wear overalls or long
pants to protect your legs. DO NOT wear shorts. Use
of gloves when working with the Lawn
Edger is recommended.
Good footing is most important.
Wear sturdy shoes with nonslip
soles. DO NOT wear sandals
or operate with
bare feet. In hot or
sunny conditions,
always wear a hat
and long sleeve
shirt for protection
against skin
cancers. Use of
a good brand of
sunscreen cream is also recommended on exposed
skin surfaces.
Proper eye protection is
a must. The blade cover
maynotprotect the operatorfromallfast moving
foreign objects, even though the discharge is
directed away from the operator, as ricochets
and bouncebacks may occur during lawn
edging operations. Never operate an Atom
Edgerunlesswearinggogglesor properly fitting
safety glasses with adequate top and side
protection which comply with ANSI Z 87.1.
!WARNING
Replace immediately broken or cracked blade covers
and grass shield debris deflector.
Engine noise may damage your hearing. Wear sound
barriers(earplugsorearmufflers)toprotectyourhearing.
Continual and regular users should have their hearing
checked regularly.
SAFE FUELING INSTRUCTIONS
Gasoline is an extremely
flammable
and explosive fuel. Use
extreme caution when handling
gasoline. Do not smoke or
bring any fire or flame near the
fuel (Fig. 6).
!WARNING
Refuel outdoors only. Always switch off the engine
andallow ittocoolbeforerefueling.Relievefueltank
pressurebylooseningfuelcap slowly.Neverremove
fuel filler cap while engine is running.
Select bare ground for fueling, then move at least 3
metres(10 feet) fromthe fueling spot before starting the
engine.WipeoffanyspilledfuelbeforestartingyourAtom
Edger and check for leakage.
Always tighten fuel filler cap securely after fueling.
Do not operate the Edger when fatigued. Be alert – if
you get tired while operating the machine, take a break.
Tirednessmayresultinlossofcontrol.Workingwithany
power tool can be strenuous. If you have any condition
thatmightbeaggravatedbystrenuouswork,check with
your doctor before operating the machine.
Always allow engine to
cool before refueling.
Accidental spillage of gasoline over hot engine
could cause fire or explosion to occur with
consequent possible disfigurement or fatal
injury. Wash and clean hands after fueling.
!WARNING
The Atom Edger unit uses gasoline only for fuel (Refer
“Fuel and Oil,” page 6).
SAFE STARTING
You should always inspect your unit before starting it.
Make sure the controls and safety devices are working
properly.
Place the machine on firm ground or other solid surface
in an open area. Maintain good balance and secure
footing.
!NOTE When you pull the starter grip,
do not wrap starter rope around
your hand. Do not allow grip to snap back, but
guide starter rope slowly back to permit rope to
rewind properly.
Failure to follow this procedure may result in injury to
hand or fingers or may damage the starter mechanism.
The Atom Edger is a one-
person machine. To
reducetherisk of eye orotherinjury from thrown
objects, ensure that bystanders are at least 15
metres (50 feet) away during use. Replace
immediatelyanywornor broken debris deflector
shield or blade cover. If approached, release
throttle trigger to immediately de-accelerate the
engine.
!WARNING

5
SAFE WORKING INSTRUCTIONS
AND IMPORTANT ADJUSTMENTS
Neveroperateyourmachineifitisdamaged,improperly
adjusted or not completely and securely assembled.At
correctidlespeed,thebladeshouldnotturn.Donotuse
theAtomEdgerwithincorrectidlespeed(referAdjusting
the Carburettor instructions on page 12).
SAFE MAINTENANCE, REPAIR
AND STORING
Use only original Atom replacement parts for
maintenance and repair. Use of parts manufactured by
others will void warranty and/or may cause serious or
fatal injury.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS (CONTINUED)
Always stop the engine,
make sure that the blade
is stopped, and disconnect the spark plug
before adjusting blade height, doing any
maintenance or repair work, or cleaning the unit
or blade.
!WARNING
Follow the maintenance instructions in the appropriate
sectionofthismanual.Anyrepairsshouldbecarriedout
by an authorized servcie dealer or person with suitable
servicing experience.
A worn or damaged
muffler is a fire hazard
and may cause loss of hearing. Check to see
that the muffler is in good condition. The lawn
edger must not be operated if the muffler is not
functioning properly, is damaged, or has been
removed. In order to reduce the risk of fire, do
not modify or remove any part of the muffler and
ensure it is not worn or broken.
!WARNING
Rememberthat the risk offorest or grass firesis greater
in hot weather.
Check fuel filler cap for leaks at regular intervals. Use
thespecifiedsparkplugandmakesureitandtheignition
lead are always in good condition.
Never touch a hot muffler
as burns will result.
!WARNING
StoreAtom Edger in a dry, high or blocked location and
out of reach of children.
Never store the machine
with gasoline inside a
building where fumes may reach an open flame
or spark (e.g. gas or oil-fired heater appliance,
electric motor, etc.).
!WARNING
Beforestoringforalongerperiod,alwaysemptythefuel
tank.
Keep the space behind and beside the engine clear at
alltimes to allow for the escape ofhot and toxic exhaust
fumes.
Operateyourmachineundergoodvisibilityanddaylight
conditions only. Work carefully.
The engine exhaust from
this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
SAFE WORKING CONDITIONS
When working with the Atom Edger, always wrap your
fingers tightly around each handle. Keep your hands in
this position to have your machine under control at all
times. NEVER attempt to operate the Atom Edger with
one hand, as a loss of control may result in serious or
fatal injury.
Make sure the handle grips are in good condition and
free of moisture, pitch, oil or grease. Use both hands,
one on each handle, to operate and control the lawn
edger. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times.
!WARNING
Do not touch hot engine
during and immediately
after use as you may burn yourself.
!WARNING
!WARNING Start and operate your
unit outdoors and in a
ventilated area.

DANGER!
FUEL IS EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. HANDLE IT
WITH CARE. KEEP AWAY FROM IGNITION
SOURCES. DO NOT SMOKE WHILE FUELING
YOUR EQUIPMENT.
Always allow engine to
cool before refueling.
Accidentalspillageofgasolineover a hot engine
could cause fire or explosion to occur. See
Page 4 – Safe Fueling Instructions.
Running the engine with
insufficient oil can cause
serious engine damage. Be sure to check the
engine on a level surface, with the engine
stopped, at regular intervals.
YourAtom Edger is poweredbyafour-stroke,aircooled
enginewhichrequiresunleadedgasolineonlyinthefuel
tank.
NOTE: Do not mix oil with the gasoline.
Onlyusesufficientfuelforafewweeksworkandstorein
an approved safety type container.
Pressure may build up in
the canister. Remove fuel
cap slowly to avoid injury from fuel spray.
Replace fuel cap securely. Take care when
handling gasoline.Avoid direct contact with the
skin and avoid inhaling fuel vapor.
!WARNING !WARNING
!WARNING
!WARNING
ASSEMBLING THE lll ATOM LAWN EDGER
6
Beforefuelingtheedger,cleanthefiltercapandthearea
around it to ensure that no dirt falls into the tank.
ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Removetheoilfillercapandfilltankwithoilcontainer
supplied and check the oil level: it should reach the
top of the oil filler neck.
2. Ifthelevelislow,filltothetopoftheoilfillerneckwith
the recommended oil.
After every 10 hours use, check the engine oil level and
replenish oil up to the top of the oil filler neck.
FUEL AND OIL
1. Fit A.V. handle brace #1 to main body #2 (Fig. 7)
with screws and nuts provided. Use straight bladed
screwdriver or torx 25 driver.
2. Sliderighthandletube#3throughroundA.V.rubber
mount #4.
3. Slide left handle tube #5 through roundA.V. rubber
mount #6.
4. Point black female hex bolt retainer #7 forward
and insert the 150mm (6”) hex bolt #8 through
retainer, through left handle tube #5, through
leftA.V. rubber saddle #9, through main
body #2, through right A.V. rubber
saddle #10, through handle tube #3.
5. Screw on handle wing nut #11
sufficiently. DO NOT
OVERTIGHTEN wing nut as
A.V. becomes less effective.
6. Fit handle cross-brace #12
to handle tubes #3 and
#5. Use 2 screws #13
and 3 lock nuts #14
provided.
7. Insert trigger handle
#15 into right handle
tube #3 using one
screw #13 and one
nut #14 to hold into
place.
NOTE: Throttle cable/switch wire from engine
must be fitted under handle and clipped into
holding lugs of cross-brace #12. Do not loop
throttle/switch wire over handle.
8. Insert left handle #16 into left handle tube #5 using
one screw #13 and one nut #14 to hold in place.

Fill or add fuel to the tank
only when the edger is in
a horizontal position as shown (Fig. 9). Allow
enginetocooldownfor at least 5 minutesbefore
adding fuel. Use fuel funnel (not supplied) to
prevent spills.
STARTING & STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS
7
FUEL AND OIL (CONTINUED)
IMPORTANT NOTE
DO NOT use old or stale gasoline. Always use the
proper gasoline, otherwise your engine will suffer
rapid, permanent damage and you will void the
engine warranty.
!WARNING
Using nondetergent oil or
2 stroke engine oil could
shorten the engine’s service life.
!WARNING
3. Press and
release the
primer bulb
5 times
(Fig. 13).
4. Make sure
you have a
firm footing.
Hold down
motor with
left hand and
put one foot on the cross brace. With right hand
pull the starter grip slowly until you feel it engage –
and then give it a fast pull (Fig. 14).
1. Place lawn edger
on ground in
horizontal position
(see Fig. 14). Be
sure the ignition
switch is “ON”.
Push switch down
toward operator to
turn ON. Switch
located on top of
trigger handle
(See Fig. 10).
2. COLD START: Slide the choke level to full choke
position (Fig. 12A).
Use Honda 4-stroke, or an equivalent high detergent,
premium
quality
motor oil
certified to
meet or
exceed
U.S.
automobile
manufacturer’s
requirements for service
classification SG, SF. Motor
oils classified SG, SF will
show this designation on the container. SAE 10W-
30 is recommended for general, all temperature use.
Do not pull out starter rope more than 65cm (26”) – it
might break. Stand between handles to start. Do not let
starter grip snap back. Guide it back slowly so that the
starter rope can rewind slowly.

8
STARTING & STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS (CONTINUED)
1. TheAtomEdgerisveryeasyand simpletouse.For
some people, it may take a few edgings to become
use to it.
2. Thoroughly inspect the area where the edger is to
be used and remove all stones, sticks wires and
other foreign objects.
3. Adjust blade height (Fig. 15). With a new blade, try
the second hole closest to operator.
5. PULL THE STARTER ROPE BRISKLY until the
engine starts. Gradually move the choke lever to
the open position. Allow engine to warm-up until it
runs smoothly.
6. Throttle trigger (engine accelerator control) is
operatedbypushingdowninterlockwiththumband
pulling on trigger (Fig. 12C).
TO AVOID PERSONAL
INJURY, NEVER CARRY
THE EDGER WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING.
Stay clear of the rotating blade. Stop the engine
prior to making adjustments and cleaning.
!WARNING
EDGING INSTRUCTIONS
7. HOTORWARMSTART:(Enginehasalreadybeen
started and warmed up). Switch ignition “ON”.
Make sure you have a firm footing with one foot on
the cross brace. Pull starter until motor runs, allow
to warm-up.
NOTE: A built in automatic centrifugal clutch
disengages the blade from rotating at engine idle
speed. The clutch engages the blade when the
engine speed is increased.
8. FLOODEDENGINE:(Enginewillnotstart).Ifsmoke
orfuelcomesfromexhaustandenginewillnotstart.
a) Check that ignition switch is “ON”, CHOKE
LEVER is on RUN position.
b) Pull starter rope up to 10 times to clear engine
of fuel so it can start.
c) If engine has excessive fuel that cannot be
cleared by (a) & (b) above, remove spark plug from
engine and from spark plug terminal, crank engine
to clear excess fuel, wipe and dry spark plug of all
fuel, re-install spark plug terminal, and restart as
above.
9. To stop engine push ignition switch down on top of
throttle trigger away from operator (Fig 10).
AFTERFINISHINGWORK
Storing for a short period: Keeptheunit in adry place
until you need it again. Do not store where open flame
or electrical machinery is operating.
Storing for a long period: Drain the fuel tank and run
engine until carburettor is dry.
4. With both arms extended
downwards, as in Fig. 16, hold
both handle grips firmly. With
the engine running, pull the
throttle trigger full on. Engine
must run at full speed.

9
EDGING INSTRUCTIONS (CONTINUED)
Only operate unit when
moving forward. DO NOT
operate walking backwards, as you may trip, fall
and injure yourself.
!WARNING
5. If blade is not deep enough, or if digging too deep,
adjustbladeheight,orslightlyraiseorlowerhandles
tosuitdepthrequired(Fig.17).However,itisalways
more comfortable and relaxed to have arms fully
extended downwards.
6. Do not lift handles by excessive bending of
elbows (Fig. 18). Always keep arms straight as
shown in Fig. 16.
Note:Whencuttingefficiently, engine speed should
be full throttle under load.
9. If blade jams or
stops in the
ground (Fig. 20),
lower handles or
release trigger
and recommence.
Engine speed
should be full
throttle under
load with blade
rotating.
10. Edging along
Concrete edge:
For position of
blade,alignedgeguide(atfrontofbladecover)with
edge of concrete. If blade hits concrete, lower
handles and re-position blade at side of concrete.
Even with the grass growing over the concrete and
you cannot see the edge, you can feel the edge
ofthe concretewith therotatingbladebyslightly
sideways tilting the handles of the edger away
fromtheconcreteso that thebladetiltstowards
the concrete and skims the concrete edge and
acts as a guide (Fig 21). Edger blades are made
from high tensile hardened spring steel and will last
alongtime.Oncetheedgeisestablishedthesecond
and subsequent times around are very fast.
11. Sideways Tilting: Lower either left or right handle
to achieve angle cutting (Fig 22).
12. Clutch: The Atom Edger is equipped with a
centrifugal clutch. DO NOT run edger at low
speeds (or, if blade is jammed, at high engine
speeds) as clutch shoes will prematurely wear
and cause damage if cutting blades do not
rotate.
7. As cutting action
begins, move the
lawn edger forward
so that the blade
can cut the edge as
you move forward
(Fig. 19).
8. Continue at a
moderate pace until
you are familiar with
the controls and the
handling of the
Atom Edger.

MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
EDGING INSTRUCTIONS (CONTINUED)
USEONLYATOMBLADES.
Other blades have larger
size holes (1/2”) which will cause out-of-balance
vibrations which will damage unit and cause
injury. Other blades can also break and cause
major injury.
BLADE REPLACEMENT
1. Stopengine.Cleanarea around dustcover #44042
and pry out with screwdriver (Fig. 25) exposing
14mm hex head for unscrewing blade nut.
!WARNING
!WARNING
10
!NOTE Keep inside of blade guard
clean, especially in wet
conditions. A clogged guard can slow down or
stop blade rotation and may cause damage to
automatic safety clutch. Always operate blade
at high speed when edging.
!NOTE Do not run engine without blade
tightened to blade shaft as gear
damage will occur. Always use two blades as
shown above. Never use a single blade. Do not
use other thicker blades as you will damage the
unit.
The Lawn edger can be
transported by pushing it
on it’s wheel, or carrying
it with engine switched
off as in Fig. 23.
2. Through dust cover hole, place 14mm socket and
place 17mm wrench on blade nut (Fig. 26).
3. Unscrew nut counter (anti) clockwise (normal right
hand thread).
4. Remove one small washer, one large washer and
two blades (Fig. 27). Before installing blade and
washers, clean all grit and grease.Assemble these
parts clean and dry. Fit large washer, new blades
withspiggotsofonebladeinterlockingwithholeson
oppositeblade,largewasher,onesmallwasher,and
nut. Tighten nut to 15-20 ft. lbs. (20-27Nm) or hand
tight with 8” (200mm) or longer spanner.
TO AVOID
PERSONAL
INJURY, NEVER
CARRY THE
EDGER WHILE
THE ENGINE IS
RUNNING.
Never hold the
handle cross
brace if the
engine is running
(Fig. 24). Stop the
engine prior to
lifting or
carrying.