Weed Eater 530163479 User manual

RTrademark
WARNING:
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 de instrucciones y siga todas las advertencias e
instrucciones de seguridad. El no hacerlo puede resultar en lesiones
graves.
AVERTISSEMENT:
Lire le manuel d’instructions et bien respecter tous les avertisse-
ments et toutes les instructions de sécurité. Tout défaut de lefaire
pourrait entraîner des blessures graves.
Instruction Manual
Manual de Instrucciones
Manuel d’Instructions
ENGLISH ESPAÑOL FRANÇAIS
530163479 12/5/02
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
Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
250 Bobby Jones Expressway
Augusta, GA 30907
Copyright E2002 Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
For Occasional Use Only
FX25 / XT250
Electrolux Canada Corporation
6150 McLaughlin Road
Mississauga, Ontario L5R 4C2

2
SAFETY RULES
WARNING: When using gardening
appliances, basic safety precautions must al-
ways befollowed to reduce the risk of fire and
serious injury. Read and follow all instruc-
tions.
This power unit can be dangerous! Operator is
responsible for following instructions and warn-
ings on unit and in manual. Read entire instruc-
tion manual before using unit! Be thoroughly fa-
miliarwiththe controlsand the properuse ofthe
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 children to operate this
unit.
SAFETY INFORMATION
ON THE UNIT
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
DANGER:Neveruseblades orflailing
devices. This unit is designed for line trimmer
use only. Use of any other accessories or at-
tachments will increase the risk of injury.
WARNING: Trimmer line throws ob-
jects violently. You and others canbe blinded/in-
jured. Wear eye and leg protection. Keep body
parts clear of rotating line.
Eye Protection
Boots
HazardZone
50 ft.
(15 m)
Keep children, bystanders, and animals 50 feet
(15 meters) away. If approached stop unit im-
mediately.
If situations occur which are not covered in
this manual, use care and good judgment. If
youneedassistance, contact yourauthorized
service dealer or call 1-800-554--6723.
OPERATOR SAFETY
SDress properly. Always wear safety glasses
or similar eye protection when operating, or
performing maintenance, on your unit (safety
glasses areavailable). Eye protection should
be marked Z87.
SAlways wearface ordust mask if operation is
dusty.
SAlways wearheavy, long pants, long sleeves,
boots, and gloves. Wearing safety legguards
is recommended.
SAlways wearfoot protection. Do not gobare-
foot or wear sandals. Stay clear of spinning
line.
SSecurehairaboveshoulder length. Secureor
remove loose clothing or clothing withloosely
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 line.
SStay Alert. Do not operate this unit when you
are tired, ill, upset or underthe influence ofal-
cohol, drugs, or medication. Watch what you
are doing; use common sense.
SWear hearing protection.
SNever start or run inside a closed room or
building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill.
SKeep handles free of oil and fuel.
UNIT / MAINTENANCE SAFETY
SDisconnect the spark plug before performing
maintenance except carburetor adjustments.
SLook for and replace damaged or loose parts
before each use. Look for and repair fuel
leaks before use. Keep in good working
condition.
SReplace trimmerhead parts that arechipped,
cracked, broken, or damaged in any other
way before using the unit.
SMaintain unit according to recommended pro-
cedures. Keep cutting line at proper length.
SUse only 0.080!(2 mm) diameter Weed Eat-
er"brand line. Never use wire, rope, string,
etc.
SInstall required shield properly before using
the unit. Use only specified trimmer head;
make sureit is properly installed and securely
fastened.
SMake sure unit is assembled correctly as
shown in this manual.
SMake carburetor adjustments with lower end
supported to prevent line from contacting any
object.
SKeep others away when making carburetor
adjustments.
SUse only recommended Weed Eater"ac-
cessories and replacement parts.
SHave all maintenance and service not ex-
plained in this manual performedby anautho-
rized service dealer.
FUEL SAFETY
SMix and pour fuel outdoors.
SKeep away from sparks or flames.
SUse a container approved for fuel.
SDo not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or
the unit.
SAvoid spillingfuel oroil. Wipe upall fuel spills.
SMove at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from
fueling site before starting engine.
SStop engine and allow to cool before remov-
ing fuel cap.
SAlways store gasoline in a container ap-
proved for flammable liquids.

3
CUTTING SAFETY
WARNING: Inspect the area before
each use. Remove objects (rocks, broken
glass, nails, wire, etc.) which can be thrown
by or become entangled in line. Hard objects
can damage the trimmer head and be thrown
causing serious injury.
SUse only for trimming, scalping, mowing and
sweeping. Do not use for edging, pruning or
hedge trimming.
SKeep firm footing and balance. Do not over-
reach.
SKeep all parts of your bodyaway frommuffler
and spinning line. Keep engine below waist
level. A hot muffler can cause serious burns.
SCut from yourright to your left. Cutting on left
side of the shield will throw debris away from
the operator.
SUse only in daylight or good artificial light.
SUse only for jobs explained in this manual.
TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE
SAllow engine to cool; secure unit before stor-
ing or transporting in vehicle.
SEmpty the fuel tank before storing or trans-
porting the unit. Use upfuel left in thecarbure-
torby startingthe engineand letting it rununtil
it stops.
SStore unit and fuel in area where fuel vapors
cannot reach sparks or open flames from wa-
ter heaters, electric motors or switches, fur-
naces, etc.
SStore unit so line limiter blade cannot acci-
dentally cause injury. The unit can behung
by the tube.
SStore unit out of reach of children.
SAFETY NOTICE: Exposure to vibrations
through prolonged use of gasoline powered
hand tools could cause blood vessel or nerve
damage in the fingers, hands, and joints of
people prone to circulation disorders or ab-
normal swellings. Prolonged use in cold
weather hasbeen linked toblood vessel dam-
age in otherwise healthy people. Ifsymptoms
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 seekmed-
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 tool.
SPECIAL NOTICE: This unit is equipped
with a temperature limiting muffler and spark
arresting screen which meets the require-
ments of California Codes 4442 and 4443. All
U.S. forest land and the states of California,
Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ore-
gon, and Washington require by law that
many internal combustion engines be
equipped with asparkarresting screen. If you
operate in alocale where such regulations ex-
ist, you arelegally responsible for maintaining
the operating condition of these parts. Failure
to do so is a violation of the law. For normal
homeowner use, the muffler and sparkarrest-
ing screen will not require any service. After
50 hours of use, we recommend that your
mufflerbeserviced orreplaced byyourautho-
rized service dealer.
ASSEMBLY
WARNING: If received assembled,
repeat all steps to ensure your unit is properly
assembled and all fasteners are secure.
Examine parts for damage. Do not use dam-
aged parts.
NOTE: If you need assistance or find parts
missing or damaged, call 1-800-554-6723.
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 adjustments and testing
done by the manufacturer.
ADJUSTING THE HANDLE
WARNING: When adjusting the han-
dle, be sure it remains between the trigger
and the safety label.
1. Loosen wing nut on handle.
2. Rotate the handle on the tube to an upright
position; retighten wing nut.
ATTACHING SHIELD
WARNING: The shield must beprop-
erly installed. The shield provides partial
protection from the risk of thrown objects to
the operator and others and is equipped with
a line limiter blade which cuts excess line to
the proper length. The line limiter blade (on
underside of shield) is sharp and can cut you.
For proper orientation of shield, see KNOW
YOURTRIMMER illustration in OPERATION
section.
1. Remove wing nut from shield.
2. Insert bracket into slot as shown.
3. Pivot shield until bolt passesthrough holein
bracket.
4. Securely tighten wing nut onto bolt.
Slot
Shield
Wing
Nut
Bracket
Line Limiter Blade

4
OPERATION
KNOW YOUR TRIMMER
READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOURUNIT.
Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the location of the various controls
and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
Line
Limiter
Blade
Primer Bulb
Fuel Mix
Fill Cap
Assist Handle
Starter
Handle
ON/STOP
Switch
Throttle
Trigger
Choke Lever
Spark Plug
Shield
Trimmer
Head
Tube
Muffler
ON/STOP SWITCH
The ON/STOP switch is used tostop engine. To
stop the engine, push and release the engine
ON/STOP switch.
PRIMER BULB
The PRIMER BULB removes air from the car-
buretor and fuel lines and fills them with fuel.
This allows you to start the engine with fewer
pulls on the starter rope. Activate the primer
bulb by pressing it and allowing it to return to
its original form.
CHOKE
The CHOKE helps to supply fuel to the engine
to aid in cold starting. Activate the choke by
moving the choke lever to the FULL CHOKE
position. Aftertheengineattemptsto start,move
the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE position.
Once engine hasstarted, move the chokelever
to the OFF CHOKE position.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
WARNING: Be sure to read the fuel
information in the safety rules before you
begin. If you do not understand the safety
rules, do not attempt to fuel your unit. Call
1-800-554-6723.
FUELING ENGINE
WARNING: Remove fuel cap slowly
when refueling.
This engine is certified to operate on unleaded
gasoline. Before operation, gasoline must be
mixed with a good quality synthetic 2-cycle
air-cooled engine oil designed to be mixed at a
ratio of 40:1. Poulan/Weed Eater brand
synthetic oil is recommended. Mix gasoline and
oil at a ratio of 40:1. A 40:1 ratio is obtained by
mixing 3.2 ounces (95 ml)of oil with1 gallon (4
liters) of unleaded gasoline. DO NOT USE
automotive oil or boat oil. These oils will cause
engine damage. When mixing fuel, follow
instructions printed on container. Once oil is
addedtogasoline,shakecontainermomentarily
to assure that the fuel is thoroughly mixed.
Always read and follow the safety rules relating
to fuel before fueling your unit.
IMPORTANT
Experience indicates that alcohol blended
fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or
methanol) can attract moisture which leads to
separation and formation of acids during stor-
age. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system
of an engine while in storage.
Toavoid engine problems, empty the fuelsys-
tem before storage for 30 days or longer.
Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it
run until the fuel lines and carburetor are
empty. Use fresh fuel next season.
Never use engine or carburetor cleaner prod-
ucts in the fuel tank or permanent damage may
occur. See the STORAGE section for addi-
tional information.
HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT
STo stop the engine, push and release the
engine ON/STOP switch. The switch will
automatically return to the ON position.
Wait 5 seconds before attempting to restart
unit to allow switch to reset.
SIf engine does not stop, move choke to the
FULL CHOKE position.

5
Engine
ON/STOP
Switch
Choke Lever
FULL HALF OFF
HOW TO START YOUR UNIT
WARNING: The trimmer head will
turn while starting the engine. Avoid any con-
tact with the muffler. A hot muffler can cause
serious burns.
STARTING A COLD ENGINE (or a
warm engine after running out of
fuel)
Starting Position
1. Set unit on a flat surface.
2. Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.
3. Move choke lever to the FULL CHOKE
position.
4. Squeeze the throttle trigger fully and hold
through all remaining steps.
Choke
Lever
Primer Bulb
Starter Handle
Muffler
5. Pull starter rope handle sharply until engine
sounds as if it is trying to start, but do not
pull rope more than 6 times.
6. As soon as engine soundsas if itis trying to
start, move choke lever to HALF CHOKE
position.
7. Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs,
but no more than 6 pulls.
NOTE: If the engine doesn’t start after 6
pulls (at the HALF CHOKE position),
move the choke lever to the FULL
CHOKE position and press the primer
bulb 6 times. Squeeze and hold the
throttle trigger and pull the starter rope 2
more times. Move the choke lever to the
HALF CHOKE position and pull the start-
er rope until the engine runs, but nomore
than 6 pulls. If the engine still doesn’t
start, it is probably flooded. Proceed to
STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE.
8. Once the engine starts, allow it to run 10
seconds, then move the choke lever to
the OFF CHOKE position. Allow the unit
to run for 30 more seconds at OFF
CHOKE before releasing the throttle trig-
ger.
NOTE: If engine dies with the choke le-
ver in the OFF CHOKE position, move
the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE
position and pull the rope until engine
runs, but no more than 6 pulls.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
1. Move the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE
position.
2. Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger. Keep
throttle trigger fully squeezed until the en-
gine runs smoothly.
3. Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs,
but no more than 5 pulls.
4. Allow engineto run 15seconds, then move
the choke lever to OFF CHOKE.
NOTE: If engine has not started, pull starter
rope 5more pulls. If engine still does not run,it
is probably flooded.
STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE
Flooded engines can be started by placing
the choke lever in the OFF CHOKE position;
then, pull the rope to clear the engine of ex-
cess fuel. This couldrequire pulling the starter
handle many times depending on how badly
the unit is flooded.
If the unit still doesn’t start, refer to
TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE or call
1-800-554-6723.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
OPERATING POSITION
Eye Protection
Long Pants
Heavy Shoes
ALWAYS WEAR:
Cut from your right to your left.
WARNING: Always wear eyeprotec-
tion. Never lean over the trimmer head.
Rocks ordebris canricochet orbe throwninto
eyes and face and cause blindness or other
serious injury.
Do not run the engine at a higher speed than
necessary. The cutting line will cut efficiently
when the engine is run at less than full throttle.
At lower speeds, there is less engine noise and
vibration. The cutting line will last longer and will
be less likely to “weld” onto the spool.
Always release the throttle trigger and allow the
engine to return to idle speed when not cutting.
To stop engine:
SRelease the throttle trigger.
SPush and release the engine ON/STOP
switch.