EarthQuake WE43 Operator's Manual
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WALK BEHIND EDGER
OPERATORS MANUAL
WE43
(manual start)
WE43E
(electric start)
OMWE43E
Rev. 12/16/09
© 2009 Ardisam, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS
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WE43E & WE43 Edger
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800-345-6007
OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS
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WE43E & WE43 Edger
THANK YOU AND CONGRATULATIONS!
on your purchase of a new EARTHQUAKE® WALK BEHIND EDGER from Ardisam, Inc. We have
worked to ensure that your Earthquake Walk Behind Edger will be one of the most trouble-free
and satisfying pieces of equipment you have ever owned. With proper care, your edger will provide
many years of service. Please take the time to read this manual carefully to learn how to correctly
operate and maintain your equipment.
CONTENTS
Registration ....................................................................................................................................................................4
Introduction .....................................................................................................................................................................4
Specifications .................................................................................................................................................................4
Warnings and Cautions .............................................................................................................................................. 5-6
General Safety Rules ................................................................................................................................................. 7-9
Unpacking and Assembly .............................................................................................................................................10
Operating Your Edger ............................................................................................................................................. 11-12
Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................................... 13-14
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................................................15
Parts Diagrams & Parts Lists .................................................................................................................................. 16-23
Warranty ................................................................................................................................................................. 24-25
FEDERAL EMISSION INFORMATION
Ardisam, Inc. warrants to the retail purchaser, that this small, off-road engine was designed, built and equipped to conform at the time of initial sale to all applicable regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
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OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS
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WE43E & WE43 Edger
REGISTRATION
Record your model number and serial number in the space provided for easy reference. Fill out and mail the registration card located in your parts
packet. Warranty is valid only if the completed registration card is received by Ardisam, Inc., within 30 days of purchase.
Model Number
Serial Number
Engine Serial Number
Date of Purchase
Place of Purchase
WE43E WE43
INTRODUCTION
OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITY
Accurate assembly and safe and effective use of the edger is the owner’s responsibility.
• Read and follow all safety instructions.
• Carefully follow all assembly instructions.
• Maintain the edger according to directions and schedule included in this Earthquake operator’s manual.
• Ensure that anyone who uses the edger is familiar with all controls and safety precautions.
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE DISPLACEMENT
FUEL TANK CAPACITY
OIL/GAS RATIO
OIL TYPE
GAS TYPE
SPARK PLUG
SPARK PLUG GAP
CUTTING DEPTH
WHEEL SIZE
BLADE SIZE
WEIGHT OF UNIT
UNIT SIZE L
x W x H (inches)
43cc
30 ounces
50:1 - 2.6 ounces per gallon
VIPER 2 CYCLE ENGINE OIL (p/n 300400)
UNLEADED REGULAR GAS
BM6A
.028
2.75 inch maximum
1.375 x 7.0 inch diameter
2 x 9 x .125 inch thick
WE43E = 39 lbs. / WE43 = 29 lbs.
21 x 14 x 23
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WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS
WE43E & WE43 Edger
WARNING
INDICATES A HAZARD WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED,
COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY
AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Read this entire manual before you assemble and
operate your new edger. Be thoroughly familiar with
the controls and the proper use of the equipment.
Know how to stop the unit and disengage the
controls quickly. Failure to follow instructions may
result in property damage, bodily injury, or even
death. Save manual and keep in a safe dry place.
Practice safety at all times. To prevent accidental
starting, engine must be turned off and allowed to
cool, and spark plug wire must be disconnected and
kept away from the spark plug before attempting
any maintenance or repair.
Dress appropriately when operating the edger.
Always wear sturdy footwear. Never wear sandals,
sneakers, or open shoes, and never operate the
edger with bare feet. Do not wear loose clothing
or jewelry that might get caught in moving parts.
Always wear safety glasses or goggles for eye
protection.
Always wear hearing protection while operating
engine.
DO NOT allow children to operate this edger. Do
not allow adults to operate the edger without proper
instruction.
DO NOT operate edger when fatigued or under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
Never run engine indoors or in an enclosed area.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas.
Temperature of muffler and nearby areas may ex-
ceed 150º F. (65º C). Avoid these areas.
Keep all screws, nuts and bolts tight. When
replacing any parts including hardware, use only
original equipment parts from Ardisam, Inc.
Carefully inspect the area to be edged, and
remove all foreign objects. Do not use edger above
underground utilities, including water lines, gas
lines, electric cables, or pipes. Do not operate the
edger in soil with large rocks and foreign objects
which can damage the equipment.
WARNING
The blade of the edger should not rotate when the
engine is idling. If it does rotate when engine is
idling, refer to troubleshooting guide for remedy.
Never operate the edger without the blade guard
and deflector in place.
If an object becomes lodged in the blade guard
area, turn engine off, remove the wire from the spark
plug and secure, allow to cool before attempting to
remove the foreign object.
Never di rec t discharge of mater ial s toward
bystanders or allow anyone near the area of
operation.
DO NOT use edger on gravel surfaces. Stay alert
for uneven sidewalks, holes in terrain, or other
similar conditions. Always push slowly over rough
ground.
DO NOT transport the edger from one place to
another with the engine running.
DO NOT use edger in rain or wet locations.
DO NOT abuse machine.
Never operate edger without good visibility or
light.
When not in use, allow edger to cool before storing
indoors in a dry place, locked and inaccessible to
children.
DO NOT alter/modify engine or edger from the
factory.
Labels should be inspected before each use.
Replace damaged labels immediately.
Avoid electrical shock! DO NOT use battery charger
around water or in wet conditions.
Make sure the unit is in a stable position before
pulling the starter handle.
When the unit starts to fire or run, release the
throttle control momentarily with your right hand
and return your left hand to the handlebar position
to maintain control and stability of the unit with both
hands.
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WE43E & WE43 Edger
WARNING
Hot gases are a normal by-product of a functioning
catalytic converter. Follow all safety instructions to
prevent burns and fires.
Never store engine with fuel in the tank inside an
enclosed area or building. Fuel and fuel vapors
are highly flammable.
Always handle fuel in a well ventilated area, out-
doors, away from flames or sparks.
To avoid injury or death, never siphon fuel by
mouth.
DO NOT start engine if fuel is spilled. Wipe off
excess fuel and allow to dry. Remove engine from
area to avoid sparks.
Never leave engine running while unattended.
Turn off after every use.
Never mix fuel and oil directly in engine fuel tank.
Use only non-metal, portable fuel containers approved by the Underwriter’s Laboratory (U.L.)
or the American Society for Testing & Materials
(ASTM).
An adult must always handle and fill the engine
with fuel.
Starter rope can cause an unanticipated jerk to-
wards engine. Please follow instructions to avoid
injury.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
Engine exhaus t fr om this produ ct co nta ins
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
CAUTION
INDICATES A HAZARD WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED,
MIGHT RESULT IN MINOR OR MODERATE INJURY
AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.
If engine fails to start after trying starting proce-
dures, please contact our customer service department at 800-345-6007.
Use edger only for edging along flower beds,
terraces, sidewalks and curbs. Trim along buildings
trees, walks, marker hedges and fences.
An adult must always do maintenance and repair
on equipment.
Keep all screws, nuts and bolts tight. When
replacing any parts including hardware, use only
original equipment parts from Ardisam, Inc.
Always keep the throttle in the “slow” position when
not in use.
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WE43E & WE43 Edger
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
SPECIAL MESSAGES
Your manual contains special messages to bring attention to potential safety concerns, machine damage
as well as helpful operating and servicing information.
Please read all the information carefully to avoid injury
and machine damage.
NOTE: General information is given throughout the
manual that may help the operator in the operation
or service of the machine.
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Please read this section carefully. Operate the edger
according to the safety instructions and recommendations outlined here and inserted throughout the text.
Anyone who uses this edger must read the instructions
and be familiar with the controls.
IMPORTANT
INDICATES HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR PROPER
ASSEMBLY, OPERATION, OR MAINTENANCE OF YOUR
EQUIPMENT.
ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Warning Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
All engines contain carbon monoxide in their exhaust.
Carbon monoxide is a deadly, colorless, tasteless, odorless
gas which may be present even if you do not smell or see
any engine exhaust. Levels of carbon monoxide, which can
be deadly, can be present for days in an enclosed area
that has poor ventilation. Any level of carbon monoxide,
if inhaled, can cause headaches, drowsiness, nausea,
dizziness, confusion and eventually death. If you experience
any of these symptoms, seek fresh air and medical attention
immediately.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Never run engine indoors.
• 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
where hills surround your working area.)
• Always run the engine with the exhaust from the muffler
pointed in the direction away from the operator.
• Never point the exhaust from the muffler towards
anyone. People should always be many feet away from
the operation of the engine and its attachments.
Gasoline Fires and Handling Fuel Safely
Fuel and fuel vapors are highly flammable. Never use fuel
where a spark or flame may be present. Never use fuel
where a potential source of ignition could occur. (Examples
include: hot water or space heaters, clothes dryer, electric
motors, etc.) Keep flames and sparks away from engine
and fuel to prevent fires. Fuel fires spread very quickly and
are highly explosive.
Prevention of Gasoline Fires
• Never fill your fuel tank with fuel indoors. (Examples
include: basement, garage, barn, shed, house, porch,
etc.)
• Always fill fuel tank outside in a well ventilated area.
• Never remove the fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Stop engine and allow to cool before filling.
• Never drain fuel from engine in an enclosed area.
• Always wipe up excess (spilled) fuel from engine before
starting. Clean up spilled fuel immediately.
• Allow spilled fuel to 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.
• Always unscrew gas cap vent screw while engine is
running.
• Never smoke while refilling engine fuel tank.
• Prevent fire 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).
• Do not store engine with fuel in fuel tank indoors. Fuel
and fuel vapors are highly explosive.
• During storage, screw down gas cap vent screw
tightly.
• Never pour fuel from engine fuel tank.
• Never siphon fuel by mouth to drain fuel tank.
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• Always have an adult fill the fuel tank.
• Never allow an adult or anyone under the influence of
drugs or alcohol to fill fuel tank.
• Never allow children to fill the fuel tank.
• The clutch will transfer maximum power after about two
hours of normal operation. During this break-in period
clutch slippage may occur. The clutch should be kept
free of oil or other moisture for efficient operation.
BURNS AND FIRES
The catalytic converter muffler, muffler 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 muffler guard from the engine.
• Never touch the muffler 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 muffler
guard and other hot parts of the engine to avoid fires.
This engine is designed to operate using a catalytic converter which contributes to the engine’s compliance with
the EPA.
OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS
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