Weed Eater RTE113 User manual

RTE113
RTE114
RTrademark
Instruction Manual
Manual de Instrucciones
Manuel d’Instructions
ENGLISH ESPAÑOL FRANÇAIS
530086743 2/11/03
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
Electrolux Canada Corporation
6150 McLaughlin Road
Mississauga, Ontario L5R 4C2
Copyright E2003 WCI Outdoor Products, Inc.
WARNING:
Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions before
using this product. Read instructions carefully before assembling.
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. Antes de ensamblar el producto lea cuidado-
samenteelinstructivo.Elnohacerlopuederesultarenlesionesgra-
ves.
AVERTISSEMENT:
Veuillez lire le manuel de l’utilisateur et bien respecter tous les
avertissements et toutes les instructions de sécurité. Bien lire les
instructions avant d’assembler l’outil. Tout défaut dele fairepourrait
entraîner des blessures graves.

2
SAFETY RULES
WARNING: When using electric gar-
dening appliances, basic safety precautions
must always be followed to reduce the risk of
fire, electric shock, and serious injury. Read
and follow all instructions.
SAFETY INFORMATION
ON THE UNIT
This power unit can be dangerous! Operator
is responsible for following the warnings and
instructions in this manual and on the unit.
Read entire instruction manual before using
unit! Be thoroughly familiar with the controls
and the properuse of the unit. Restrict theuse
of this unit to persons who read, understand,
and follow unit and manual warnings and
instructions. Never allow children to operate
this unit. Close attention is necessary when
used near children.
DANGER: Never use blades or flail-
ing devices. 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 can be blinded/
injured. Wear safety glasses, boots, and leg
protection. Keep body parts clear of rotating
line.
Safety Glasses or similar eye protection
Boots
Hazard Zone
15 m
50 ft.
Keep children, bystanders, and animals 50
feet (15 meters) away. Ifapproached stop unit
immediately.
If situations occur which are not covered in
this manual, use care and good judgement. If
you need assistance, call 1-800-554-6723.
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.) Always
wearfaceor dust mask ifoperation isdusty.
Always wear heavy, long pants, long
sleeves, boots, and gloves. Donot gobare-
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 line.
SStay Alert.Do not operate unit when you
are tired, ill, upset or under influence of al-
cohol, drugs, or medication. Watch what
you are doing; use common sense.
SAvoid unintentional starting of the unit.
Never carry unit with your finger on the
switch. Be sure the switch is in the OFF
position and never touch the switch when
connecting extension cord.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
WARNING: Avoid a dangerous envi-
ronment. To reduce the risk of electrical
shock, do not usein rain, in damp or wet loca-
tions, or around swimming pools, hot tubs,
etc. Do not expose to snow, rain, or water to
avoid the possibility of electrical shock.
SUse a voltage supply as shown on unit.
SAvoid dangerous situations. Do not use in
the presence of flammable liquids or gases
to avoid creating a fire or explosion and/or
causing damage to unit.
STo reduce the risk of electrical shock, this
equipment has a polarized plug (one blade
is wider than the other) and will require the
use of a polarized extension cord. The ap-
pliance plug will fit into a polarized exten-
sion cord only one way. If the 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 of a
polarized wall outlet. This plug will fit into
the polarized wall outlet only one way. If
plug does not fit fully 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,
extension cord receptacle, or extension
cord plug in any way.
STo reduce risk of electrical shock, use ex-
tension cords specifically marked as suit-
able for outdoor appliances having electri-
cal rating not less than the rating of unit.
Cord must be marked with suffix “W--A” (in
Canada “W”). Make sure your extension
cord isin good condition. Inspect extension
cordbefore useand replace if damaged. Do
not use a damaged cord. Cord insulation
must be intact with no cracks or deteriora-
tion. Plug connectors must be undamaged.
An undersized extension cord will cause a
drop in line voltage resulting in loss of pow-
er and overheating. If in doubt, use the next
heavier gauge. The lower the gauge num-
ber,the heavier the cord (see SELECT AN
EXTENSION CORD in the OPERATION
section).
SDo not use multiple cords.

3
SDo not abuse cord. Never carry the unit by
the extension cord or yank extension cord
to disconnect unit.
SUse cord retainer to prevent disconnection
of extension cord from unit and possible
damage to the unit due to plug movement
(see ATTACH THE EXTENSION CORD
TO YOUR TRIMMER in the OPERATION
section).
SDo not use the unit if the switch does not
turn the unit on and off properly. Repairs to
the switch must be made by your autho-
rized service dealer.
SKeep the extension cord clear of operator
and obstacles at all times. Do not expose
cords to heat, oil, water, or sharp edges.
STo avoid the possibility of electric shock,
avoid body contact with any grounded con-
ductor, such as metal fences or pipes.
SGround Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
protection should be provided on circuit or
outlet to be used. Receptacles are avail-
able having built-in GFCI protection and
may be used for this measure of safety.
UNIT SAFETY
SInspect unit before use. Replace damaged
parts. Make sure all handles, guards, and
fasteners are in place and securely fas-
tened. Parts that are damaged must be re-
paired orreplaced by anauthorized service
dealer. These include head parts that are
cracked, or chipped, guards, and any other
part that is damaged.
SDo not repair unit yourself.
SUse only 0.065 in. (1.65 mm) diameter rec-
ommended trimmer line (see USER RE-
PLACEABLE SERVICE PARTS in the
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS section).
Never use wire, rope, string, etc.
SUse specified trimmer spool. Make sure
spool is properly installed and all parts are
securely fastened.
SUse only Weed Eaterrreplacement parts
and accessories as recommended.
CUTTING SAFETY
SInspect area to be cut. Remove objects
(rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string,
etc.) which can be thrown or become en-
tangled in cutting head.
SDonot overreach orstand on unstable sup-
port. Keep firm footing and balance.
SKeep the cutting head below waist level. Do
not raise handles above your waist. Cutting
head can come dangerously close to your
body.
SKeep away from cutting head and spinning
line.
SUse unit properly. Use only for trimming,
edging, scalping, and mowing. Do not
force unit. It will do the job better and with
less risk of injury at the rate for which it was
designed.
SUse only indaylight or ingood artificial light.
MAINTENANCE SAFETY
WARNING: Disconnect unit from the
power supply before performing mainte-
nance, or when changing trimmer line.
SMaintain unit according to recommended
procedures. Keep cutting line at proper
length. Follow instructions for changing
trimmer line.
SHave all service and maintenance not ex-
plained in this manual performed by an au-
thorized service dealer to avoid creating a
hazard.
SNever douse orsquirt the unit with water or
any other liquid. Clean unit and decals with
a damp sponge. Keep handles dry, clean,
and free from oil and grease.
SKeep the air vents clean and free of debris
to avoid overheating the motor. Clean after
each use.
TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE
SStop the unit and disconnect the power
source when not in use.
SCarry the unit with motor stopped.
SStore the unit so the line limiter blade (on
underside of shield) cannot cause injury.
SStore unit indoors in a high, dry place out of
the reach of children. Store unit unplugged.
SDo not hang unit so that the trigger switch is
depressed.
DOUBLE INSULATION
CONSTRUCTION
This unit is double insulated to help protect
against electric shock. Double insulation
construction consists of two separate “layers”
of electrical insulation instead of grounding.
Tools built with this insulation system are not
intended to be grounded. No grounding
means is provided on this unit, nor should a
means ofgrounding beadded to this unit. Asa
result, the extension 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 in-
sulation system only provides added protec-
tion against injury resulting from an internal
electrical insulation failure.
WARNING: All electrical repairs to
this unit, including housing, switch, motor,
etc., must bediagnosed and repaired byqual-
ified service personnel. Replacement parts
for a double insulated appliance must be rec-
ommended by the manufacturer. A double in-
sulated appliance is marked with the words
“double insulation” or “double insulated”. The
symbol (square within asquare) mayalso
be marked on the appliance. Failure to have
the unit repaired by qualified service person-
nel can cause the double insulation construc-
tion to become ineffective and result in seri-
ous injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

4
ASSEMBLY
WARNING: If received assembled,
review all assembly steps to ensure your unit
is properly assembled and all fasteners are
secure.
ADJUSTING ASSIST HANDLE
1. Place unit on a flat surface.
2. Loosen and remove wing nut and bolt
from assist handle.
3. Firmly push the assist handle over the
tube. To make installation easier, tilt han-
dle toward trigger housing while pushing
down (see illustration).
4. Reinstall bolt in handle. Thread wing nut
onto bolt.
5. Adjust the handle up ordown the tube to a
comfortable position; tighten wing nut se-
curely.
Assist handle
Tube
Trigger
Housing
ATTACHING THE SHIELD
WARNING:The shield must be prop-
erly installed. If shield isnot properly installed,
damage to unit (including motor failure) will re-
sult. The shield provides partial protection to
the operator and others from the risk of
thrown objects. Your unit is equipped with a
line limiter blade, which cuts excess line to the
proper length while running. The line limiter
blade (on underside of shield) is sharp and
can cut you.
NOTE: If shield is not properly installed, dam-
age to unit (including motor failure) will result.
Edge guide must be positioned on shield prior
to installation on motor housing(see followingil-
lustration).
Edge Guide
Shield
1. Hold shield at angle to the trimmer motor
housing. Align the front locking tab of the
shield with the front notch of the motor
housing (see illustration below).
2. Move shield toward motor housing, en-
suring trimmer head passes through
opening in shield without catching on
shield locking tabs.
3. Tilt front of the shield towards front notch
of motor housing. Push front locking tab
of the shield into the front notch of the mo-
tor housing. An audible snap must be
heard. Ensure the cutting head remains
free to rotate and the line is not caught be-
tween the shield and the motor housing.
4. Push back of the shield toward the motor
housing as illustrated until the rear locking
tabs snap securely into the rear notches.
Make sure the shield is assembled to the
unit as shown in the illustration below and
in the KNOW YOUR UNIT section of this
manual.
CAUTION:Sharp line limiter blade
Front
Notch
Rear
Notches
Rear
Locking
Tabs
Front Locking Tab
Trimmer
Head
Trimmer
Motor
Housing

5
OPERATION
KNOW YOUR TRIMMER
READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOURUNIT.
Compare the illustrations with yourunit to familiarize yourself with thelocation of the various controls
and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
Cord
Retainer Recessed
Plug
Trigger Switch Assist Handle
Twist and Edge Button
Motor Housing
Edge Guide
Line Limiter Blade
Trimmer
Head with
0.065 in.
Trimmer
Line
Debris Shield
Air Vents
Tap
Button
RECESSED PLUG
The RECESSED PLUG is where you attach
your extension cord to the unit.
TRIGGER SWITCH
The TRIGGER SWITCHisused toturn onthe
unit. Squeeze thetrigger switchtooperate the
unit. Release to stop.
LINE LIMITER BLADE
The LINE LIMITER BLADE cuts the cutting
line to the proper cutting length.
ASSIST HANDLE
The ASSIST HANDLE is used to help hold
and guide the unit.
TRIMMER HEAD
The TRIMMER HEAD holds the cutting line
and rotates during operation.
TWIST AND EDGE BUTTON
The TWIST AND EDGE BUTTON is used to
twist the lower portion of the unit into an edg-
ing position.
EDGE GUIDE
The EDGE GUIDE protects the unit fromcon-
tacting the ground during edging.
TAP BUTTON
The TAP BUTTON is used to advance the
cutting line during operation and to remove
the spool during line replacement.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Use only a voltage supply as specified on
your unit.
SELECT AN EXTENSION CORD
Extension Cord Gauge Chart
Length of Cord Gauge
25 Ft. (7.5 m)
50 Ft. (15 m)
100 Ft. (30 m)
18 Gauge
16 Gauge
16 Gauge
Extension cords are available for this unit.
ATTACH THE EXTENSION
CORD TO YOUR TRIMMER
Loop your extension cord through the handle
and around the hook as shown. Insure the
plug and cord are firmly and fully engaged.
Cord Retainer
Extension Cord

6
CORRECT OPERATING POSITION
Trimming Edging
WARNING: Always wear eye protec-
tion. Never lean over the trimmer head.
Rocks ordebris canricochet orbe thrown into
eyes and face and cause blindness or other
serious injury.
When operating unit, stand as shown and
check for the following:
SWear eye protection and heavy clothing.
SHold trigger handle with right hand and as-
sist handle with left hand.
SKeep unit below waist level.
SCut only from your right to your left to ensure
debris is thrown away from you. Without
bending over, keep line near and parallel to
the ground (perpendicular when edging) and
not crowded into material being cut.
ADVANCING THE CUTTING LINE
Advance line by tapping bottom of cutting
headlightly on theground while unit isrunning
at full speed. A metal line limiter blade at-
tached to the shield will cut the line to the
proper length.
WARNING: Use only 0.065 inch (1.65
mm)diameterline. Othersizes of linewill not ad-
vance properly andwill result in impropercutting
head function or can cause serious injury. Do
not use other materials such as wire, string,
rope, etc. Wire can break off during cutting and
becomea dangerousmissile thatcan causese-
rious injury. See page 2 for warning concerning
other cutting devices.
TRIMMING
Hold the bottom of the trimmer head about 3
inches (8 cm) above the ground and at an an-
gle. Allow only the tip of the line to make con-
tact. Do not force trimmer line into work area.
Trimming
3in.(8cm)
above ground
EDGING POSITION
You can press this button and twist the lower
portion 180_counterclockwise into an edging
position.
Button
EDGING
While edging allow the tip of the line to make
contact. Do not force the line. The edge guard
helps protect the unit and keeps the unit from
contacting the ground. Take extra caution
while edging as objects can be thrown from
the trimmer line.
Edging
SCALPING
The scalping technique removes unwanted
vegetation. Hold the bottom of the trimmer
head about 3 inches (8 cm) above the ground
and at an angle. Allow the tip of the line to
strike the ground around trees, posts, monu-
ments, etc. This technique increases line
wear.
Scalping
MOWING
Your trimmer is ideal for mowing in places
conventional lawn mowers cannot reach. In
the mowing position, keep the line parallel to
the ground. Avoid pressing the head into the
ground as this can scalp the ground anddam-
age the tool.

7
Mowing
SWEEPING
The fanning action of the rotating line can be
used for a quick and easy clean up. Keep the
line parallel to and above the surfaces being
swept and move the tool from side to side.
Sweeping
MAINTENANCE
WARNING: Disconnect power
source before performing maintenance.
GENERALRECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty onthis unit does not coveritems
that have been subjected to operator abuse
or negligence. To receive full value from the
warranty, the operator must maintain unit as
instructed in this manual. Various adjust-
ments will need to be made periodically to
properly maintain your unit.
BEFORE EACH USE
CHECK FOR LOOSE
FASTENERS AND PARTS
SHousing Screws
SAssist Handle
SDebris Shield
SEdge Guide
CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR
WORN PARTS
Contact an authorized service dealer for re-
placement of damaged or worn parts.
STrigger Switch -- Ensure switch functions
properly by pressing and releasing the trig-
ger switch. Make sure motor stops.
SDebris Shield -- Discontinue use of unit if
debris shield is damaged.
AFTER EACH USE
INSPECT AND CLEANUNIT ANDDE-
CALS
SAfter each use, inspect complete unit for
loose or damaged parts. Clean the unit us-
ing a damp cloth with a mild detergent.
SWipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS
REPLACING THE LINE
1. Disconnect the unit from the power
source.
2. Remove the spool by firmly pulling on the
tap button.
3. Clean entire surface of hub and spool.
4. Replace with a pre-wound spool or cut a
length of 30 feet of 0.065!(1.65 mm) di-
ameter Weed Eaterrbrand line. Use of
heavier lines could overload and damage
unit.
WARNING: Never use wire, rope,
string, etc., which can break offand become a
dangerous missile.
5. Insert one end of the line about 1/2 inch(1
cm) into the small hole inside the spool.
6. Wind the line evenly and tightly onto the
spool. Wind in the direction of the arrow
found on the spool.
7. Push the line into the notch, leaving 3 to 5
inches (7 -- 12 cm) unwound.
8. Insert the line into the exit hole in the hub
as shown in the illustration.
9. Align the notch with the line exit hole.
10. Push the spool into the hub until it snaps
into place.
11. Pull on the line extending outside the hub
to release it from the notch; otherwise, the
unit will not function properly.
Small
Hole Spool
Tap
Button
Hub Line exit hole
Line in Notch

8
USER REPLACEABLE SERVICE PARTS
Spool with 0.065!Trimmer Line 952701663
Assist Handle 530403805
Bolt Carriage, 1/4-20 530403886
Wing Nut 530016152
Shield Assembly (RTE113) 530403915
Shield Assembly (RTE114) 530403914
Edge Guide (RTE113) 530403845
Edge Guide (RTE114) 530403824
REPLACEMENT PART PART NUMBER
STORAGE
WARNING: Perform the following
steps after each use.
SStop the unit and disconnect the power
source when not in use.
SCarry the unit with motor stopped.
SStore the unit so the line limiter blade can-
not cause injury.
SStore unit and extension cord indoors in a
high, dry place out of the reach of children.
Store unit unplugged.
SStore unit with all guards in place. Position
unit so that any sharp object cannot acci-
dentally cause injury.
TROUBLE CAUSE REMEDY
Trimmer head
stops under a
load or does not
turn when switch
is pressed.
1. Allow tip of line to do the cutting.
2. Contact your authorized service dealer.
3. Check breaker box.
4. Remove debris.
Line does not
advance or
breaks while
cutting.
1. Check line routing.
2. Rewind line tightly and evenly.
3. Use only 0.065 in. (1.65 mm) dia. line.
4. Remove cover and pull 4 in.
(10 cm) of line out of head.
5. Clean unit.
Line welds onto
spool. 1. Use only 0.065 in. (1.65 mm) dia. line. 2. Replace with correct spool.
3. Cut with tip of line fully extended.
Line releases
continuously. 1. Check line routing.
2. Replace spool.
Line pulls back
into head. 1. Too little line outside
of head.
2. Line size incorrect.
1. Remove cover and pull 4 inches
(10 cm) of line outside of head.
2. Use only 0.065 in. (1.65 mm) dia. line.
TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE
1. Line improperly
routed in head.
2. Spool damaged.
1. Line size is incorrect.
2. Incorrect spool.
3. Line is being crowded
against material being
cut.
1. Line improperly routed
in head.
2. Line improperly
wound into spool.
3. Incorrect line size
4. Not enough line
outside of head.
5. Dirt buildup on unit.
1. Crowding trimmer line
against material being
cut.
2. Electrical failure.
3. Thrown circuit breaker.
4. Debris stopping head.
Line usage is
excessive. 1. Check line routing.
2. Replace spool.
3. Cut with tip of line fully extended.
4. Replace spool.
1. Line improperly routed
in head.
2. Line size is incorrect.
3. Crowding line against
material being cut.
4. Spool worn or damaged.
WARNING: Always stop unit and disconnect from the power source before per-
forming all of the recommended remedies below except remedies that require unit to
be operating.

9
LIMITED WARRANTY
ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.,
warrants to the original purchaser that each
new Weed Eaterr
rr
rbrand electric or cordless
product is free from defects in material and
workmanship and agrees to repair or replace
under this warranty any defective Weed Eat-
er brand electric product within two (2) years
from the original date of purchase.
If your Weed Eater brand electric 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 forrepair orreplacement at the op-
tion of ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS,
INC.
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, INC., for thiselectric product.Ad-
ditionally, this warranty does not coverparts that
will wear and require replacement with reason-
able use during the warranty period. This war-
ranty does not cover predeliveryset--up or nor-
mal adjustments explained in the instruction
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 CON-
SEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE
LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT
APPLY TO YOU.
The policy of ELECTROLUX HOME PROD-
UCTS, INC., is to continuously improve its
products. Therefore, ELECTROLUX HOME
PRODUCTS, INC., reserves the right to
change, modify, or discontinue models, de-
signs, specifications, and accessories of all
products at any time without notice or obliga-
tion to any purchaser.