Rapala VORTEX User manual

1350 Phillip Murray Avenue
Oshawa ON, Canada
L1J 6Z9
Operator's Manual
Original Operating Instructions
VORTEX™
33cc POWER ICE AUGER
NITRO™
43cc POWER ICE AUGER
BLACK ICE™
43cc POWER ICE AUGER
TUNDRA™
51cc POWER ICE AUGER
ENDURA™
51cc POWER ICE AUGER
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www.rapala.ca
GAS/OIL
RATIO
50:1
BLACK ICE™
43cc POWER ICE AUGER
TUNDRA™
51cc POWER ICE AUGER
NITRO™
43cc POWER ICE AUGER
ENDURA™
51cc POWER ICE AUGER
VORTEX™
33cc POWER ICE AUGER

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Operator's Manual
RAPALA®Power Ice Auger
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Rapala® Power Ice Auger from Normark Inc. We have worked to ensure that this ice auger meets high
standards for usability and durability. With proper care, your ice auger will provide you many years of service. Please take the time
to read this manual carefully to learn how to correctly operate and maintain your ice auger. Congratulations on your investment
in quality. Save these instructions for future reference. Normark Inc reserves the right to change or alter this manual without notice.
CONTENTS
Registration .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2
Important Safety Precautions...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................3-6
Pre-Operation.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
Operation .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................7-8
Maintenance and Storage................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8-10
Service, Troubleshooting and Repair ............................................................................................................................................................................................................10-11
Warranty ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................12-14
REGISTRATION AND SERVICE
Record the product model number and serial number in the space provided for easy reference when ordering parts or requesting
technical support. Excluding emissions-related warranty items, the warranty is valid only if the completed registration is received
by Normark Inc within 30 days of purchase.
OWNERSHIP RECORDS
Place of Purchase:
Place of Purchase Address:
City: State/Province: Zip Code/Postal Code:
Model Number: Serial Number (found next to warning tag):
Date of Purchase:
Notes:
This manual may contain information for several models. Read and keep this manual for future reference. This manual contains
important information on SAFETY, ASSEMBLY, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE. The owner must be certain that all the prod-
uct information is included with the unit. This information includes the MANUAL, and the WARRANTIES. This information must
be included to make sure state laws and other laws are followed. This manual should remain with the unit even if it is resold.

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Operator's Manual
RAPALA®Power Ice Auger
WARNINGS AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
OPERATOR’S RESPONSIBILITY
Accurate, safe and eective use of this unit is the operator’s
responsibility.
• Readandfollowallsafetyinstructions.
• Carefullyfollowallassemblyinstructions.
• Maintain the unit according to directions and schedule
included in this Rapala operator’s manual.
• Ensurethatanyonewho usesthe unitis familiar withand
understands all controls and safety precautions.
SAFETY MESSAGES
Your manual contains special messages to bring attention to
potential safety concerns, engine damage as well as helpful
operating and servicing information. Please read all the infor-
mation carefully to avoid injury and damage to the unit.
NOTE: General information is given throughout the manual
that may help the operator in the operation or service of the
unit.
This symbol points out important safety instruc-
tions which if not followed could endanger your
personal safety.
BEFORE OPERATING:
WARNING
WARNING INDICATES A HAZARD WHICH, IF NOT
AVOIDED, COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS
INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
CAUTION
CAUTION INDICATES YOU CAN BE HURT OR YOUR
EQUIPMENT DAMAGED IF THE SAFETY INSTRUC
TIONS THAT FOLLOW THIS SIGNAL WORD ARE NOT
OBEYED.
IMPORTANT
INDICATES HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR PROPER
ASSEMBLY, OPERATION, OR MAINTENANCE OF
YOUR EQUIPMENT.
WARNING
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ALL SAFETY AND OPERAT
ING INSTRUCTIONS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF ENGINE
CONTROL, SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY TO YOU AND/
OR BYSTANDERS, AND RISK OF EQUIPMENT AND
PROPERTY DAMAGE.
WARNING
READ ENTIRE OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THIS PRODUCT AND THE
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EQUIPMENT THIS ENGINE
POWERS. FAILURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. OPERATE THE
ENGINE ACCORDING TO THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
OUTLINED HERE AND INSERTED THROUGHOUT THE
TEXT. ANYONE WHO USES THIS UNIT MUST READ THE
INSTRUCTIONS AND BE FAMILIARWITHTHECONTROLS.
SAFETY DECALS:
Below are three of the warning decals attached to the auger. It is
important to read all safety precautions and locate the warning
labels before using this product.
WARNING!
Failure to read, understand and
follow all warnings and instruc-
tions listed could result in seri-
ous injury or death. Keep all body
extremities, loose clothing and
foreign objects clear of rotating
auger. Be sure auger is securely
attached to powerhead during
use. Never carry auger between
holes with the engine running.
This auger is not designed to be
utilized as an anchoring device.
Use this auger/powerhead as per
provided instructions only.
LBLAUGER R061909

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Operator's Manual
RAPALA®Power Ice Auger
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
• The ice blades are very sharp. Use extreme caution when
drilling a hole or replacing the blades. Put blade guard on
after each use.
• Donotcarrytheunitbetweenholeswiththeenginerunning.
• The auger should not rotate when the engine is idling. If
it does rotate when engine is idling, contact an Rapala-
authorized service center for instructions.
• Alwayskeephands,feet,hairandlooseclothingawayfrom
any moving parts on engine and auger.
• Do not allow children to operate this unit! Do not allow
adults to operate the unit without proper instruction.
• Donotoperateanypowerequipmentundertheinfluenceof
alcohol or drugs.
• Keepallscrews,nutsandboltstight.
• Engineshouldbeturnedoffandcool,sparkplugwiremustbe
removed from spark plug before any repairs are attempted.
• Temperatureofmufflerandnearbyareasmayexceed150ºF
(65ºC). Avoid these areas.
• Neverrunengineindoorsorinanenclosedarea.Engineex-
haust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
• Iftheaugerbecomesunturnableinahole,turnengineoff
and allow to cool before attempting to remove it manually.
ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Never try to ventilate engine exhaust indoors. Carbon
monoxide can reach dangerous levels very quickly.
• Never run engine outdoors where exhaust fumes may be
pulled into a building.
• Never run engine outdoors in a poorly ventilated area where
the exhaust fumes may be trapped and not easily taken away.
(Examples include: in a large hole or areas that are covered
by snow drifts.)
• Never run engine in an enclosed or partially enclosed area.
(Examples include: buildings that are enclosed on one or
more sides, inside shelters, garages or basements.)
• Always run the engine with the exhaust and muer pointed
in the direction away from the operator.
• Never point the exhaust muer towards anyone. People
should always be many feet away from the operation of the
engine and its attachments.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed
the engine.
• Stay away from rotating parts. Place protective covers over
rotating parts.
WARNING
DO NOT ALTER/MODIFY ENGINE:
NEVER ALTER OR MODIFY THE ENGINE FROM THE
FACTORY. SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH MAY OCCUR IF
ENGINE IS MODIFIED OR ALTERED.
WHEN WORKING ON OR REPLACING PARTS FOR THE
ENGINE OR PRODUCT, YOU MUST ALWAYS DISCON
NECT SPARK PLUG WIRE FROM THE SPARK PLUG AND
KEEP IT AWAY FROM THE SPARK PLUG.
ALWAYS WEAR HEARING PROTECTION WHILE OPER
ATING ENGINE.
PLEASE DO NOT START YOUR ICE AUGER UNTIL YOU
HAVE READ THE PREVIOUS SECTION OF THIS MANU
AL. IF YOU HAVE READ THESE, FOLLOW THE STEPS ON
THE NEXT PAGE TO START YOUR ICE AUGER.
NEVER STORE ENGINE WITH GAS IN THE TANK
INDOORS. FUEL AND FUEL VAPORS ARE HIGHLY
FLAMMABLE.
NEVER MIX FUEL AND OIL DIRECTLY IN ENGINE
GAS TANK. USE ONLY NONMETAL, PORTABLE FUEL
CONTAINERS APPROVED BY THE UNDERWRITER’S
LABORATORY U.L. OR THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR
TESTING & MATERIALS ASTM.
HANDLING AND FILLING THE ENGINE WITH FUEL
MUST ALWAYS BE DONE BY AN ADULT.
ALWAYS HANDLE FUEL IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA,
OUTDOORS, AWAY FROM FLAMES OR SPARKS.
WARNING
ENGINES GIVE OFF CARBON MONOXIDE, AN ODOR
LESS, COLORLESS, POISONOUS GAS. CARBON MON
OXIDE MAY BE PRESENT EVEN IF YOU DO NOT SMELL
OR SEE ANY ENGINE EXHAUST. BREATHING CAR
BON MONOXIDE CAN CAUSE NAUSEA, FAINTING OR
DEATH, IN ADDITION TO DROWSINESS, DIZZINESS
AND CONFUSION.
IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS, SEEK
FRESH AIR AND MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.
START AND RUN ENGINE OUTDOORS. DO NOT START
OR RUN ENGINE IN AN ENCLOSED AREA, EVEN IF
DOORS OR WINDOWS ARE OPEN.
• Do not use engine around dry brush, cloth rags, or other
ammable materials.
• Always keep materials and debris clear of muer guard
and other hot engine parts.

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Operator's Manual
RAPALA®Power Ice Auger
• Never operate the engine without the muer guard in
place.
• Always make sure the exhaust pipe is free of foreign
objects.
• The engine exhaust becomes very hot during operation.
Keepengineatleast threefeetawayfrombuildingsand
other equipment during operation.
• Wear appropriate clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt or
jacket. Also wear long trousers or slacks. Do not wear open
shoes, and never operate the machine with bare feet.
• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can get caught in
moving parts. Always keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing
away from any moving parts on engine and machine.
Gasoline Fires and Handling Fuel Safely
Useextracareinhandling gasoline andother fuels.Theyare
ammable and vapors are explosive.
• Never ll your fuel tank with fuel indoors. (Examples include:
basement, garage, barn, shed, house, porch, ice shelter, etc.)
• When storing extra fuel be sure that it is in an appropriate
container and away from any re hazards.
• Prevent re and explosion caused by static electric discharge.
Useonlynonmetal,portablefuelcontainersapprovedbythe
Underwriter’sLaboratory(U.L.)ortheAmericanSocietyfor
Testing & Materials (ASTM).
• Always ll fuel tank outside in a well ventilated area. Never
fill your fuel tank with fuel indoors. (Examples include:
basement, garage, barn, shed, house, porch, etc.) Never
ll tank near appliances with pilot lights, heaters, or other
ignition sources. If the fuel has to be drained, this should be
done outdoors and with the proper equipment. Do not pour
fuel from fuel tank. The drained fuel should be stored in a
container specically designed for fuel storage or it should
be disposed of carefully.
• Never remove the fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Stop engine and allow to cool before removing the
fuel cap/and or relling the engine.
• Do not smoke near or while handling engine fuel.
• Never drain fuel from engine in an enclosed area.
• Always wipe up excess (spilled) fuel from engine before
starting. Clean up spilled fuel immediately. If fuel is spilled,
do not start the engine but move product and fuel container
away from the area. Clean up spilled fuel and allow to
evaporate and dry after wiping and before starting.
• Allow fuel fumes/vapors to escape from the area before
starting engine.
• Test the fuel cap for proper installation before starting and
using engine.
• Always run the engine with fuel cap properly installed on
the engine.
• Never smoke while relling engine fuel tank.
• Do not store engine with fuel in fuel tank indoors. Fuel and
fuel vapors are highly explosive.
• During storage, tightly screw down fuel cap.
• Never pour fuel from engine fuel tank.
• Never siphon fuel by mouth to drain fuel tank.
• Always have an adult fill the fuel tank and never allow
children to ll the engine.
• Never allow an adult or anyone under the inuence of drugs
or alcohol to ll engine.
• When storing gasoline or equipment with fuel in the tank,
store away from furnaces, stoves, water heaters or other
appliances that have a pilot light or other ignition source
because they can ignite gasoline vapors.
BURNS AND FIRES
The muer, muer guard and other parts of the engine
become extremely hot during the operation of the engine.
These parts remain extremely hot after the engine has stopped.
Prevention of Burns and Fires
• Neverremovethemuerguardfromtheengine.
• Nevertouchthemuerguardbecauseitisextremelyhot
and will cause severe burns.
• Never touchpartsof the enginethatbecomehotafter
operation.
• Alwayskeepmaterialsanddebrisawayfrommuerguard
and other hot parts of the engine to avoid res.
SERVICE
• Always stop the engine whenever you leave the equipment,
before cleaning, repairing or inspecting the unit. Engine
should be turned o and cool, spark plug wire must be
removed from spark plug before any repairs or adjustments
are attempted. Never make adjustments or repairs with the
engine (motor) running. Disconnect the spark plug wire,
and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental
starting.
• Always wear eye protection when you make adjustments or
repairs.
•  Keepallnutsandboltstightandkeepequipmentingood
condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
(SERVICE, continued on page 6)