Poulan Pro PE3500 User manual

PE3500
DANGER:
Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions before using this
product. Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
ADVERTENCIA:
Lea el manual del operador y siga todas las advertencias e instrucciones de
seguridad. El no hacerlo puede resultar en lesiones graves.
AVERTISSEMENT:
Lire le manuel de l’utilisateur et bien respecter tous les avertissements 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
530087730 4/6/00
R
Electrolux Home Products
North America
Div. of WCI Outdoor Products, Inc.
Augusta, GA 30907
Copyright E2000 WCI Outdoor Products, Inc.
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.poulan.com
For Parts Call K&T 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com

2
SAFETY RULES
WARNING: When using gardening
appliances, basic safety precautions must al-
ways be followed to reduce the risk of fire and
serious injury. Read and follow all instruction
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 thor-
oughly familiar with the controls and the prop-
er 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 chil-
dren to operate this unit.
OPERATOR SAFETY
SDress properly. Always wear safety
glasses or similar eye protection when op-
erating, or performing maintenance on your
unit. (Safety glasses are available.) Eye
protection should meet the requirements of
ANSI Z87.1.
SAlways wear face or dust mask if operation
is dusty.
SAlways wear heavy, long pants, long
sleeves, boots, and gloves. Do not go bare-
foot or wear sandals.
SSecure 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.
SBeing fully covered also helps protect you
from debris and pieces of toxic plants
thrown by spinning blade.
SStay 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.
SWear hearing protection when using this
unit.
SNever start or run the engine inside a
closed room, building or other unventilated
area. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill.
SKeep handles free of oil and fuel.
SAlways use the handle.
SKeep hands and feet away from cutting
area.
SDo not attempt to remove cut material nor
hold material to be cut when engine is run-
ning or when cutting member is moving.
SMake sure spark plug is disconnected
when cleaning jammed material from cut-
ting member.
SNever direct discharge of material toward
bystanders nor allow anyone near the area
of operation. Use care in directing dis-
charge to avoid glass enclosures, automo-
biles, and the like.
Allow blades to stop
before removing them
from the cut.
WARNING:
Blades can throw objects violently.
DYou can be blinded or injured.
DWear safety glasses.
WARNING:
Hazard zone for thrown objects
DBlades can throw objects violently.
DOthers can be blinded or injured.
DKeep people and animals 50 feet
(15 m) away.
Boots
Blades move
momentarily
after the
trigger is
released.
WARNING:
Blades move momentarily after the
trigger is released.
DThe blades can seriously cut you or
others.
DAllow blades to stop before
removing them from the cut.
Safety
Glasses
Thrown
Objects
Operator’s
Manual Safety Labels
WARNING:
Read Operator’s Manual
DFollow all warnings and instructions.
DFailure to do so can result in
serious injury.
UNIT SAFETY
SInspect entire unit before each use. Re-
place damaged parts. Check for fuel leaks.
Make sure all fasteners are in place and se-
curely fastened.
SMaintain the unit according to recom-
mended procedures.
SThrow away blades that are bent, warped,
cracked, broken, or damaged in any other
For Parts Call K&T 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
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3
way. Replace parts that are cracked,
chipped, broken, or damaged before using
the unit.
SUse only recommended Poulan replace-
ment blades. Never use wire, rope, string,
flailing devices, etc.
SDisconnect the spark plug before perform-
ing maintenance (except carburetor adjust-
ments).
SBe sure blade stops turning when engine
idles (see CARBURETOR ADJUST-
MENTS).
SRemove the blade before making carbure-
tor adjustments. Hold the unit by hand. Do
not make carburetor adjustments from the
blade side of the unit.
SKeep others away when making carburetor
adjustments.
SNever start the unit with the clutch housing
removed. The clutch can fly off and cause
serious injury.
SHave all maintenance and service not ex-
plained in this manual performed by your Au-
thorized Service Dealer.
SIf product strikes a foreign object follow
these steps: Stop product, disconnect
spark plug lead, inspect for damage, and
repair any damage before restarting and
operating the product.
EDGING SAFETY
SInspect 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.
SKeep others including children, animals
and bystanders, and helpers at least 50 feet
(15 meters) away. Stop the unit immediate-
ly if you are approached.
SHold the unit firmly with both hands.
SKeep firm footing and balance. Do not over-
reach.
SAlways keep the wheels in contact with the
ground.
SKeep all parts of your body away from the
blade and muffler.
SAlways push the unit slowly over the
ground. Stay alert for uneven sidewalks,
holes in the terrain, large roots, etc.
SDo not force the unit. Use only for jobs ex-
plained in this manual. USE EDGER--
TRIMMER PROPERLY. Use only for edg-
ing or trimming the type of shrub, growth
and the like described in the operating in-
structions. Do not abuse product. Do not
use product in rain or wet locations. Never
allow children to operate the product. Nev-
er allow adults to operate the product with-
out proper instructions.
SDISCONNECT (UNPLUG) SPARK PLUG
LEAD, when not in use; before servicing,
cleaning and the like, before changing ac-
cessories.
STo reduce the risk of fire, do not allow ex-
cessive grass, leaves, or grease to accu-
mulate on the product.
SObjects struck by the cutting member can
cause serious injuries to persons. The
lawn should always be carefully examined
and cleared of all objects prior to edging or
trimming.
SNever operate the product without guards,
plates, or other protective devices in place.
HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION, IT
IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE
SMix and pour fuel outdoors and where there
are not sparks or flames.
SUse a container approved for fuel.
SDo not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or
the unit or while using the unit.
SMake sure the unit is properly assembled
and in good operating condition.
SAvoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all fuel
spills before starting engine.
SMove at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from fu-
eling site before starting engine.
SStop engine and allow it to cool before re-
moving fuel cap.
SDo 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.
SStore 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
SDo not grasp or hold exposed blade.
SStop unit before leaving work area.
SAllow unit to cool, run fuel out of the fuel
tank, and secure unit before storing or
transporting it in a vehicle.
SBefore storing, use up fuel left in the carbu-
retor by starting the unit and letting it run un-
til it stops. Always allow the unit to cool be-
fore storage.
SStore unit and fuel in an area where fuel va-
pors cannot reach sparks or open flames
from water heaters, electric motors or
switches, furnaces, etc.
SStore unit so the blade cannot accidentally
cause injury.
SSTORE PRODUCT INDOORS -- When not
is use, store product indoors in a dry place
locked or otherwise inaccessible to chil-
dren.
SStore unit out of 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 vibra-
tions through prolonged use of gasoline pow-
ered 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 dam-
age 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 med-
ical attention. An anti-vibration system does
not guarantee the avoidance of these prob-
lems. Users who operate power tools on a
continual and regular basis must monitor
closely their physical condition and the condi-
tion of this unit.
For Parts Call K&T 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com

4
SPECIAL NOTICE: This unit is not
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 to
be equipped with a spark arrestor screen. If
you operate in a locale where such regula-
tions exist, you are legally responsible for
installing and maintaining the operating con-
dition of these parts. Failure to do so is a viola-
tion of the law.
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 adjust-
ments 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 you will need:
S2 hex key wrenches (provided)
Sadjustable wrench or large pliers
Sphillips screwdriver
ATTACH THE TUBE TO THE EN-
GINE
SSlip the tube with drive shaft into the engine.
SInsert and tighten two screws, washers,
and nuts into clamp holes in engine.
ATTACHING THE HANDLEBAR
DANGER: The barrier portion of the
handlebar must be installed as shown to pro-
vide a barrier between operator and the spin-
ning blade.
SLocate the decal on the handlebar. This de-
cal includes two arrows. Position the han-
dlebar on the mounting bracket between
these arrows.
SPosition the bracket cover over the handle-
bar. Again make sure the handlebar is be-
tween the arrows.
SInsert screws and hand tighten only. Be
sure the handlebar is installed correctly;
then, tighten each screw securely with the
large hex wrench.
Bracket Cover Screw
Mounting
Bracket
Handlebar
FUELING
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 ob-
tained by mixing 3.2 ounces of oil with 1 gallon of
unleaded gasoline). When mixing fuel follow the
instructions printed on the container. Always
read and follow the safety rules under FUEL
SAFETY.
STARTING
HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT
SMove the ON/STOP switch to the STOP
position.
SIf engine does not stop, move choke to the
FULL CHOKE position.
HOW TO START YOUR UNIT
DANGER: The cutting blade will
turn while starting the engine.
WARNING: Avoid any contact with
the muffler. A hot muffler can cause serious
burns.
SRest engine and shield on ground, support-
ing unit, so the blade is not touching the
ground.
COLD ENGINE STARTING OR
STARTING AFTER REFUELING
SMove the switch to the ON position.
SSlowly press primer bulb 6 times.
SMove the choke lever to FULL CHOKE
position.
Choke Lever
Primer bulb
ON/OFF Switch
Starter
Handle
Muffler
SSqueeze the throttle trigger fully and hold
through all remaining steps.
SPull starter rope handle sharply 6 times.
SMove choke lever to HALF CHOKE posi-
tion.
SPull starter rope handle no more than 6
pulls, until engine runs.
SAllow engine to run 10 seconds, then move
choke lever to OFF CHOKE position.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
SMove the switch to the ON position.
SMove the choke lever to OFF CHOKE posi-
tion.
SPull starter rope handle until engine runs.
SIf engine does not start in 5 pulls, follow in-
structions in STARTING A COLD ENGINE.
For Parts Call K&T 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com

5
USING YOUR UNIT
SDo not change the engine governor set-
tings or over speed the engine.
SIf the product vibrates abnormally, immedi-
ately stop the engine and check for the
cause. Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.
SStop the engine whenever you leave the
operation position; disconnect the spark
plug lead before unclogging the cutting
member guard, when making a repair, ad-
justment, inspection, or the like.
SOperate product from position where
guards block the line of sight to the cutting
member.
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.
SLoosen plastic knob on the blade guard.
SRaise or lower the wheel to obtain desired
edging depth.
STighten knob hand tight.
NOTE: If area has not been edged for sever-
al 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.
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS
Your carburetor is equipped with limiter caps.
Damage will occur if you turn the needles be-
yond 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 .025 inches.
TROUBLE CAUSE REMEDY
Engine will not
start.
SEngine flooded.
SFuel tank empty.
SSpark plug not firing.
SFuel not reaching
carburetor.
SCarburetor requires
adjustment.
SSee “Starting.”
SFill tank with correct fuel mixture.
SInstall new spark plug.
SCheck for dirty fuel filter; replace.
Check for kinked or split fuel line;
repair or replace.
SContact your Service Dealer.
Engine will not
idle properly.
SCarburetor requires
adjustment.
SThrottle trigger screw
too tight.
SSee “Carburetor Adjustments.”
SLoosen screw.
SAir filter dirty.
SSpark plug fouled.
SCarburetor requires
adjustment.
Engine will not
accelerate,
lacks power, or
dies under a
load.
SClean or replace air filter.
SClean or replace spark plug
and re-gap.
SSee “Carburetor Adjustments.”
Engine smokes
excessively.
SFuel mixture incorrect.
SAir filter dirty.
SCarburetor requires
adjustment.
SEmpty fuel tank and refill with
correct fuel mixture.
SClean or replace air filter.
SSee “Carburetor Adjustments.”
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.
For Parts Call K&T 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com

6
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 WCI Outdoor Products,
Inc., warrants to the original purchaser that
each new Weed Eater brand gasoline tool or at-
tachment is free from defects in material and
workmanship and agrees to repair or replace
under this warranty any defective gasoline prod-
uct 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 com-
mercial, professional, or income producing pur-
poses.
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 tune-
ups, 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
WARRANTIES EXCEPT THOSE EX-
PRESSLY STIPULATED HEREIN.
SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITA-
TIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WAR-
RANTY LASTS OR THE EXCLUSION OR
LIMITATIONS OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSE-
QUENTIAL 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 exits, 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
For Parts Call K&T 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com

7
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.
For Parts Call K&T 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com