Weed Eater PE225 User manual

RTrademark
DANGER:
Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions before
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 lefaire
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

2
SAFETY RULES
WARNING: When using electric edg-
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: THISPOWERTOOLCANBE
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
DDress 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
DSecure 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.
DBeing fully covered also helps pro-
tect you from debris and pieces of
toxic plants thrown by the blade.
DStay 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.
DAvoid 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
DUse only a 120 A.C. voltage supply
as shown on the nameplate of unit.
DAvoid 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).
DDo 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.

3
DInspect extension cords before each
use and replace if damaged.
DDon’t abuse cord. Never carry unit
by the cord or yank extension cord to
disconnect unit.
DTo 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.
DDo 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.
DKeep extension cord clear of opera-
tor, unit, and obstacles at all times.
Do not expose the cord to heat, oil,
water, or sharp edges.
DAvoid any body contact with any
grounded conductor, such as metal
pipes or wire fences, to avoid the
possibility of electric shock.
DGround 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.
DTo 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
DDo 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.
DReplace blades that are bent,
warped, cracked, broken, or dam-
aged in any other way.
DBefore 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.
DUse 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.
DKeep blade guard in place and in
good working order.
EDGING SAFETY
DInspect 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.
DKeep 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)
DAlways keep unit in front of your body.
Keep hands and feet away from cut-
ting area.
DHold the unit firmly with both hands.
DDo not overreach or use from unsta-
ble support. Keep firm footing and
balance at all times.
DKeep wheels in contact with ground.
DDo not raise the unit above the
ground. The blade can come dan-
gerously close to your body.
DAlways push unit slowly over ground.
Stay alert for uneven sidewalks,
holes in terrain, large roots, etc.
DDo 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

4
was designed. Use the right ap-
pliance. Use only for jobs explained
in this manual.
MAINTENANCE SAFETY
DMaintain 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.
DNever start unit with blade guard re-
moved; blade can fly off or can throw
objects and cause serious injury.
DDisconnect unit from the power
source before performing mainte-
nance or changing blades.
DUse only genuine Weed Eater re-
placement parts as recommended.
DHave all maintenance and service
not explained in this manual per-
formed by an Authorized Service
Dealer.
DNever 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
DTransport unit with motor stopped
and the blade away from your body.
DDo not grasp or hold exposed blade.
DUnplug unit before storing; secure
unit when transporting it in a vehicle.
DStore unit so the blade cannot acci-
dentally cause injury. The unit can be
hung by the handle.
DStore 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:
DPhillips Screwdriver
TUBE ASSEMBLY
DInsert tube into housing as shown.
Align the screw holes.
DInsert locknuts into the pockets in the
housing.
DInsert screws through aligned holes.
DThread 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:
DSpecifically marked as suitable for
outdoor use. The cord must be
marked with the suffix “W-A.”
DHeavy 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.
DIn good condition. Cord insulation
must be intact with no cracks or
deterioration. Plug connectors must
be undamaged.

5
MINIMUM WIRE GAUGE
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:
DTie the power plug on the unit to the
extension cord as shown.
DInsert 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:
SMove 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.
SAllow 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.
SIf 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.
SAlways release the switch and allow
motor to stop when not cutting.
STo 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.

6
EDGING----yields precise, close cutting
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
SAllow 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.
SKeep your edging path straight by
keeping the edge guide in contact with
the edge of the walkway.
SAlways work going away from people
and solid objects such as walls, large
stones, trees, automobiles, etc.
SBe careful when edging near trees or
valuable plants. The high speed met-
al blade may cut roots and cause
damage to the plants.
SAlways 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.
SIf 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
SBlade
SBlade guard
SHousing Screws
SHandle Screws
SWheels
CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR
WORN PARTS
Refer replacement of damaged/worn
parts to an Authorized Service Dealer.
STrigger Switch -- Ensure trigger
switch functions properly by releas-
ing the switch. Make sure motor
stops and blade stops turning; then
restart motor and continue.
SBlade Guard -- Discontinue use of
unit if blade guard is damaged.
CLEAN UNIT & LABELS
SClean the unit using a damp cloth
with a mild detergent.
SWipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.

7
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS
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.
SUse the proper replacement blade.
Contact your dealer for a replace-
ment blade.
SThe blade is reversible. When the
cutting edge on one side becomes
worn, turn the blade over.
SCheck 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:
SDisconnect unit from power source.
SFit a wrench onto the shaft behind
the blade.
SUsing another wrench, remove hex
nut by turning clockwise.
SRemove cupped washer and spring
washer.
SRemove the blade.
SClean all parts and check for dam-
age. Replace damaged parts.
SReverse or replace blade. Reinstall
blade onto shaft.
SInstall the spring washer, making
sure the outer, notched edge con-
tacts the blade.
SInstall the cup washer, making sure
the lip of the washer is facing toward
the spring washer.
SInstall 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:
SSecure the unit before storing or
transporting.
SStore unit with all guards in place.
Position unit so that any sharp object
cannot accidentally cause injury.
SStore unit well out of reach of children.
EDGER STORAGE
SClean the entire unit.
SInspect 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.
SReplace a damaged or worn blade
guard.
SLightly 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.
SApply a coating of oil to entire surface
of blade; wrap it in heavy paper or
cloth.
SBe sure all handles and guards are
in place and are securely fastened.
Replace any damaged parts.
SCheck entire unit for loose screws,
nuts, and bolts. Replace any dam-
aged, worn, or broken parts.
SDo not cover with plastic. Plastic can-
not breathe and will induce condensa-
tion and eventual rust or corrosion.

8
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
SYMPTOM CAUSE REMEDY
Blade stops
under a load
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 WILLBE ALLOWED, ANDTHEREARE
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 ofall products atany time without notice
or obligation to any purchaser.