Weed Eater HT14 User manual

530085739 10/3/97
HT14/HT17/HT19/HT22
Frigidaire Home Products, Augusta, GA 30907
WCI Outdoor Products, Inc. 530085739 10/03/97
R
C
R
For Household Use Only
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 del operador y siga todas las advertencias e instruc-
ciones de seguridad. El no hacerlo puede resultar en lesiones graves.
AVERTISSEMENT:
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.
CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE 1-800-554-6723
Operator’s Manual
Manual del Operador
Manuel de L’utilisateur
ENGLISH ESPAÑOL FRANÇAIS
Do not return unit to retailer. Call 1--800--554--6723
for customer assistance.
Visit us at our web site: www.weedeater.com

2
SAFETY RULES
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: Whenusingelectric hedge trim-
mers,basicsafetyprecautionsshouldalways
be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric
shock, and personal injury. Read all instruc-
tions. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls
and the proper use of the equipment.
OPERATOR SAFETY
SDANGER:Risk of cut. Keep hands away
from blades. Keep both hands on handles
when power is on. Do not attempt to clear
away cut material when blades are in mo-
tion. Make sure trigger switch is not en-
gaged and power source is disconnected
when removing jammed material from
blades. Do not grab or hold unit by blades.
SWARNING: Do not use without handle
and guard. See Assembly section.
SDress properly. Always wear safety
glasses. Always wear face or dust mask if
operationisdusty.Alwayswearheavy,long
pants,boots,andgloves.Securehairsoitis
above shoulder length. Do not go barefoot
orwearshortpants,sandals,jewelry,loose
clothing, or clothing with loosely hanging
straps, ties, tassels, etc.; they can be
caught in moving parts.Being fully covered
will help protect you from pieces of toxic
plants such as poison ivy thrown by the
blades, which could be more of a hazard
than touching the plant itself.
SStay alert. Do not operate unit when you
are tired,ill,or under theinfluence ofalco-
hol, drugs, or medication. Watch what
you are doing. Use common sense.
SAvoid unintentional starting of unit. Never
carry unit with your finger on trigger switch.
Be sure trigger switch is not engaged be-
fore connecting extension cord.
SCAUTION:Blades move momentarilyafter
the trigger switch is released. Allow blades
to stop before removing them from the cut.
SWear hearing protection when using unit.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
SWARNING: To reduce risk of electrical
shock, avoid dangerous environment. Do
not use on wet hedges or shrubbery, in
damp or wet locations, or around swim-
ming pools, hot tubs, etc. Do not expose
to snow,rain, or water to avoid the possi-
bility of electrical shock.
STo reduce the risk of electric shock,this ap-
pliance has a polarized plug (one blade is
wider than the other) and will require the
use of a polarized extension cord. Theap-
pliance plug will fit into a polarized exten-
sion cord only one way. Ifthe plug does not
fit fully into the extension cord, reverse the
plug. If the plug still does not fit, obtain a
correct polarized extension cord. A polar-
ized extension cord will require the use ofa
polarized wall outlet. This plug will fit into
the polarized walloutletonly one way. Ifthe
plug does not fit fully into the wall outlet,re-
verse the plug. If the plug still does not fit,
contact a qualified electrician to install the
proper wall outlet. Do not change the
equipmentplug,extension cordreceptacle,
or extension cord plug in any way.
SWARNING: To reduce the risk of electri-
cal shock, use extension cords specifi-
cally marked as suitable for outdoor
appliances having electrical rating not
less than the rating of the unit. The cord
must be marked with the suffix “WA”(“W”
in Canada). An undersized extension
cord will cause a drop in line voltage re-
sulting in loss of power and overheating.
If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge.
The smaller the gauge number, the
heavier the cord. See Select an Exten-
sion Cord section.
SUse only a 120 A.C. voltage supply as
shown on the nameplate of unit.
SMake sure your extension cord is in good
condition.
SDo not use in the presence of flammable
liquids or gases to avoid creating a fireor
explosion and/or causing damage tounit.
SDo not attempt to repair unit. Inspect in-
sulation and connectors on unit and ex-
tension cord before each use. If there is
any damage, do not use until damage is
repaired by qualified service personnel.
Do not use a damaged extension cord.
SDon’t abuse cord. Never carry unit by
cord or yank cord to disconnect unit.
STo reduce the possibility of extension
cord disconnecting from unit during oper-
ation, attach extension cord to cord re-
tainer on unit.See illustration in Select an
Extension Cord section.
SDo not use unit if the trigger switch does
not turn the unit on and off properly. Re-
pairstothe switch mustbemade byquali-
fied service personnel.
SKeep the extension cord clear of the op-
erator, blades, and obstacles at all times.
Do not expose cords to heat,oil, water,or
sharp edges.
SAvoidbody contact withany grounded con-
ductor, such as metal pipes orwire fences,
to avoid the possibility of electric shock.
UNIT SAFETY
SGround Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
protection should be provided on the cir-
cuit or outlet to be used for the hedge

3
trimmer. Receptacles are available hav-
ing built-in GFCI protection and may be
used for this measure of safety.
SInspect entire unit, including guards, be-
fore each use. Have damaged parts re-
placed by a qualified service dealer.
Make sure all fasteners are in place and
securely fastened.
SBefore using the unit, have your service
dealer replace blades or parts that are
cracked, chipped, broken, ordamaged in
any other way. Throw away damaged or
bent blades.
SUse only Weed EaterRblades.
OPERATING SAFETY
SDon’t force the unit; it will do the job better
and with less likelihood of a risk of injury at
the rate for which it was designed.
SInspect area to be trimmed before each
use. Remove objects (rocks, broken
glass, nails, wire, string, etc.) which can
wrap around or be thrown by blades.
SKeep children away. Keep others includ-
ing children, animals, bystanders and
helpers outside the 30 foot (10 meter)
Hazard Zone.Stop theunitimmediately if
you are approached.
SAlways keep unit in front of your body.
SDon’t overreach or stand on unstable
support such as ladders, stools, truck
beds, etc. Keep firm footing and balance
at all times.
SDo not raise unit above your shoulders.
The blades can come dangerously close
to your body.
SKeep all parts of body away from blades.
SUse unit properly. Use only for jobs ex-
plained in this manual.
SUse only indaylight orgood artificiallight.
MAINTENANCE SAFETY
SMaintain unit according torecommended
procedures.
SKeep blades/air vents free of debris.
SDisconnect unit from the power supply
before performing maintenance.
SUse only genuine Weed Eater replace-
ment parts as recommended.
TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE
SClean unitand labels withadamp sponge
and mild household detergent. Keep
handles dry, clean, and free from oil and
grease.
SDisconnect unit from the power supply
when not in use.
SHand carry unit with the motor stopped
and the blades away from your body.
SSecure the unit before storing or trans-
porting it in a vehicle.
SStore unit so blades cannot accidentally
cause injury. The unit can be hung bythe
hole in the blades.
SStore unit indoors, unplugged in a high,
dry place out of the reach of children.
If situations occur which are not covered in
this manual, use care and good judgment.
Ifyouneed assistance,contactyourAutho-
rized Service Dealer or call the Customer
Assistance Hotline, 1-800-554-6723.
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 30 feet
(10 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.
30 ft.
(10 m)
Safety
Glasses
WARNING
Blades can cut extension cord.
DKeep extension cord away from blades.
DA cut extension cord can cause serious electrical
shock to you or others.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

4
ASSEMBLY
CARTON CONTENTS
Hedge Trimmer
Assist Handle
Screw
Nut
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.
If you receive your unit assembled, check
each step to be sure your unit is properly
assembled. Follow all safety information in
the manual and on unit.
ASSIST HANDLE ATTACHMENT
WARNING: Do not use without the as-
sist handle properly installed.
This unit is equipped with an assist handle
for extra comfort and control.
SPlace the assist handle on the unit.
Assist Handle
SInsert screw through assist handle and
motor housing.
Screw
Nut
SThread nut onto screw. Tighten securely.
OPERATION
Use only the voltage supplyspecified on your
unit. See chart below to select the properex-
tension cord.
SELECT AN EXTENSION CORD
Extension Cord Gauge Chart
100 ft.
16 gauge
50 ft.25 ft.
16 gauge 16 gauge
Extension cords are available for this unit.
Recessed
Plug
Cord
Receptacle
Cord Retainer Hook
DOUBLE INSULATION CONSTRUCTION
This unit is Double Insulated to help pro-
tectagainstelectric shock. Doubleinsula-
tion construction consists of two separate
“layers” of electrical insulation instead of
grounding.
Tools and appliances built with a double in-
sulation system are not intended to be
grounded.Nogroundingmeansisprovided
on this unit, nor should a means of ground-
ing be added to this unit. As aresult, the ex-
tension cord used with your unit can be
plugged into any standard 120 volt electri-
cal outlet.
Safety precautions must be observed
when operating any electrical tool. A
double insulation system only provides
added protection against injury resulting
from internal electrical insulation failure.
WARNING: All electrical repairs to this
unit, including housing, switch, motor, etc.,
must be diagnosed and repaired by quali-
fied service personnel. Replacement parts
for a double insulated appliance must be
identical to the parts they replace. A double
insulated appliance is marked with the
words DOUBLE INSULATION or DOUBLE IN-
SULATED. The symbol (square within a
square) may also be marked on the ap-
pliance. Failure to have the unit repaired by
qualified service personnel can cause the
double insulation construction to become
ineffective and result in serious injury.
CORRECT OPERATING POSITION
Stand as shown; check for the following:
SOperator wearing safety glasses/eye
protection and proper clothing.
SRight hand holding rear handle, left hand
holding assist handle.
SUnit below waist level.

5
OPERATING YOUR UNIT
SSqueeze switch to operate your unit. To
turn off the unit, release the switch.
SRead important safety instructions be-
fore operating.
SHedge trimmer is not to be used to cut
stems greater than 3/8 inch thick.
SWhen operating the unit, keep the exten-
sion cord behind the trimmer; never
drape it over the hedge being trimmed.
Operating
Position
MAINTENANCE
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
CARE & MAINTENANCE TASK WHEN TO PERFORM
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
Lubricate blades After each use
BEFORE EACH USE
CHECK FOR LOOSE
FASTENERS AND PARTS
SAssist handle screws
SHousing Screws
CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR
WORN PARTS
Refer replacement of damaged/worn parts
to your Authorized Service Dealer.
SSwitch -- Ensure switch functions prop-
erlybymovingtheswitchtotheOffposi-
tion. Make sure motor stops; then re-
start motor and continue.
SPigtail plug and extension cord -- Have
damaged cords replaced by your Au-
thorized Service Dealer.
AFTER EACHUSE
CLEAN UNIT & LABELS
SClean theunit using adamp cloth with a
mild detergent.
SWipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.
LUBRICATE BLADES
SStop the motor and disconnect the unit
from the power source.
SRemove any debris on blades.
SClean all parts and check for damage.
Have damaged parts replaced. Be cau-
tious of sharp edges.
SApply a light machine oil along the edge
of the top and bottom straps.
NOTE: Ensure that handles remain clean
and dry.
Top Strap
STORAGE
Prepare unit for storage at end of season
or if itwill not beused for 30 days ormore.
SClean the unit before storing. Pay par-
ticular attention to the air intake and air
vents; keep them free of debris. Use a
mild soap and sponge dampened with
warm water to clean the plastic surfaces.
Avoidallothertypes ofdetergents, clean-
ers, or solvents; they can contain chemi-
cals, such as aromatic oils (lemon, pine)
or kerosene that can seriously damage
the plastic housing. Do not spray the unit
with water.
SMake sure the receptacle is free of ob-
structions.
SStore unit so that any sharp edges can-
not accidentally cause injury.
SNever immerse any part of the unit inany
liquid.
SNever douse or squirt the unit with water
or any other liquids.
SStoreunitindoors inacool,high,dryloca-
tion out of the reach of children.

6
SERVICE
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
TROUBLE CAUSE REMEDY
Cutting blades
stop under a
load or do not
move when
switch is
pressed.
SCut at a slower pace.
SClean debris from blades.
SPlug unit into a 120 volt outlet.
STurn on breaker.
SContact your Service Dealer.
SForcing blade into ma-
terial being cut.
SBlades clogged with
debris.
SUnit not plugged in.
SCircuit breaker off.
SNone of the above.
NEED ASSISTANCE?
Call 1-800-554-6723. NEED SERVICE PART? Contact your dealer/place of purchase.
LIMITED WARRANTY
FRIGIDAIRE HOME PRODUCTS war-
rants to the original purchaser that each
new WEED EATER or POULAN PRO
brand electric or cordless product is free
from defects in material and workmanship
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 origi-
nal date of purchase.
If your WEED EATER OR POULAN PRO
brand electric or cordless product should
fail within the limited warranty period, re-
turn it, complete,prepaid, with proof ofpur-
chase, to the dealer from whom it was pur-
chased for repair or replacement at the
option of FRIGIDAIRE HOME PROD-
UCTS.
This warranty is not transferable and does
not cover damage or liability caused by im-
proper handling, improper maintenance or
the use of accessories and/or attachments
not specifically recommended by FRIGID-
AIRE HOME PRODUCTS for this tool. Ad-
ditionally, this warranty does not cover
parts that will wear and require replace-
ment with reasonable use during the war-
ranty 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 EXPRESSLY STIPULATED HEREIN.
SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON
HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS OR
THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATIONS OF INCIDEN-
TAL 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 PROD-
UCTSreservestherighttochange,modify,
or discontinue models, designs, specifica-
tions,andaccessoriesofallproductsatany
time without noticeor obligation to anypur-
chaser.