Poulan 530088777 User Manual

Operator’s Manual

Manual del Operador

Manuel de l’utilisateur

U

L

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For Occasional Use Only

ENGLISH ESPAÑOL

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PP196

IMPORTANT MANUAL -- Do not throw away
MANUAL IMPORTANTE -- No lo descarte
MANUEL IMPORTANT -- À Conserver

DANGER:

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 instruc­ciones de seguridad. El no hacerlo puede resultar en lesiones graves.

A VERTISSEMENT:

Lire le manuel de l’utilisateur et bien respecter tous les avertisse­ments et toutes les instructions de sécurité. Tout défaut de le faire
pourrait entraîner des blessures graves.

Electrolux Home Products
North America
Div. of WCI Outdoor Products, Inc.
Augusta, GA 30907

CopyrightE2000 WCI Outdoor Products, Inc.

530088777 11/28/00

FRANÇAIS

SAFETY RULES

Hazard Zone

WARNING:

appliances, basic safety precautions should
always be followed to reduce the risk of fire
and serious injury. Read and follow all instruc­tions. Failure to do so can result in serious in­jury.

DANGER:

This unit can cause serious injury in-

gerous!

cluding amputation or blindness to the opera­tor and others. The warnings and safety
instructions in this manual must be followed to
provide reasonable safety and efficiency in
using the unit. The operator is responsible for
following the warnings and instructions in this
manual and on the unit. Read the entire Op­erator’s Manual before assembling and using
the unit! Restrict the use of this unit to persons
who read, understand, and follow the warn­ings and instructions in this manual and on the
unit. Never allow children to operate this unit.

OPERATORS
MANUAL

DANGER:

away from material it does not cut. Blade
thrust can cause amputation of arms or legs.
Keep people and animals 50 feet (15 meters)
away.

WARNING:

objects violently. You can be blinded or in­jured. Wear eye and leg protection.

ALWAYS WEAR:

Eye

Protection

Leg Guards

Boots

WARNING:

objects. Blade/Trimmer line can throw objects
violently. Others can be blinded or injured.
Keep people and animals 50 feet (15 meters)
away.

When using gardening

This power tool can be dan-

SAFETY INFORMATION
ON THE UNIT

Blade can thrust violently

Trimmer line can throw

Thrown
Objects

Hazard zone for thrown

50 Feet
(15 Meters)

WARNING:

as a fastening device for the blade.

WARNING:

spin after the throttle is released or, engine is
turned off. The coasting blade can throw objects
or seriously cut you if accidentally touched. Stop
the blade by contacting the left hand side of the
coasting blade with material already cut.

Stop coasting blade by
contact with cut material.

Do not use trimmer head

The blade continues to

OPERATOR SAFETY

Dress properly. Always wear safety glasses

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or similar eye protection when operating, or
performing maintenance on your unit.
(Safety glasses are available.) Eye protec­tion should meet the requirements of ANSI
Z87.1 and be marked Z87.
Always wear face or dust mask if operation

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is dusty.
Always wear heavy, long pants, long

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sleeves, boots, and gloves. Wearing safety
leg guards is recommended.
Always wear foot protection. Do not go

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barefoot or wear sandals.
Secure hair above shoulder length. Secure or

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remove loose clothing and jewelry or clothing
with loosely hanging ties, straps, tassels, etc.
They can be caught in moving parts.
Being fully covered also helps protect you

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from debris and pieces of toxic plants
thrown by spinning line/blade.
Stay Alert. Do not operate unit when you are

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tired, ill, or under influence of alcohol, drugs,or
medication. Watch what you are doing; use
common sense.
Wear hearing protection.

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Never start or run the engine inside a closed

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room or building. Breathing exhaust fumes
can kill.
Keep handles free of oil and fuel.

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2

Always use the handlebar and a properly

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adjusted shoulder strap with a blade (see
ASSEMBLY).

UNIT/MAINTENANCE SAFETY

WARNING:

the spark plug before performing mainte­nance (except carburetor adjustments).

Look for and replace damaged or loose

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parts before each use. Look for and repair
fuel leaks before use. Keep unit in good
working condition.
Throw away blades that are bent, warped,

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cracked, broken, or damaged in any other
way. Replace trimmer head parts that are
cracked, chipped, broken, or damaged in
any other way before using the unit.
Maintain unit according to recommended

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procedures. Keep blade sharp. Keep cut­ting line at the proper length.
Use only 0.080” (2 mm) diameter Poulan

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R

brand line. Never use wire, rope,

PRO
string, etc.
Install required shield properly before using

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the unit. Use the metal shield for all metal
blade use. Use the plastic shield for all line
trimmer use.
Use only specified blade or trimmer head;

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make sure it is properly installed and se­curely fastened.
Never start engine with clutch shroud re-

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moved. The clutch can fly off and cause se­rious injury.
Be sure blade or trimmer head stops turning

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when engine idles.
Make carburetor adjustments with the lower

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end supported to prevent blade or trimmer
line from contacting any object. Hold unit by
hand; do not use the shoulder strap for sup­port.
Keep others away when making carburetor

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adjustments.
Use only recommended Poulan PRO

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cessories and replacement parts.
Have all maintenance and service not ex-

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plained in this manual performed by your Au­thorized Service Dealer.

Stop unit and disconnect

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ac-

FUEL SAFETY

Mix and pour fuel outdoors.

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Keep away from sparks or flames.

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Use a container approved for fuel.

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Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or

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the unit or while using the unit.
Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all fuel

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spills before starting engine.
Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from fu-

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eling site before starting engine.
Stop engine and allow it to cool before re-

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moving fuel cap.
Empty the fuel tank before storing the unit.

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Use up fuel left in the carburetor by starting
the engine and letting it run until it stops.
Store unit and fuel in area where fuel vapors

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cannot reach sparks or open flames from
water heaters, electric motors or switches,
furnaces, etc.
Always store gasoline in a container ap-

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proved for flammable liquids.

CUTTING SAFETY

WARNING:

before each use. Remove objects (rocks, bro­ken glass, nails, wire, string, etc.) which can
be thrown or become entangled in the blade or
trimmer head.

Keep others including children, animals, by-

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standers, and helpers at least 50 feet (15 me­ters) away. Stop engine immediately if you are
approached.
Always keep engine on the right-hand side

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of your body.
Hold the unit firmly with both hands.

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Keep firm footing and balance. Do not over-

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reach.
Keep blade or trimmer head below waist

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level.
Do not raise engine above your waist.

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Keep all parts of your body away from blade,

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trimmer head, and muffler when engine is
running.
Cut from your right to your left.

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Use only in daylight or good artificial light.

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Use only for jobs explained in this manual.

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Inspect the area to becut

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

Stop the unit before carrying.

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Allow engine to cool and secure unit before

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storing or transporting it in a vehicle.
Empty the fuel tank before storing or trans-

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porting the unit. Use up fuel left in the carbu­retor by starting the engine and letting it run
until it stops.
Store unit and fuel in an area where fuel va-

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pors cannot reach sparks or open flames from
water heaters, electric motors or switches, fur­naces, etc.
Store unit so the blade or line limiter cannot

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accidentally cause injury. The unit can be
hung by the tube.
Store unit out of reach of children.

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SAFETY NOTICE:

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 abnor­mal swellings. Prolonged use in cold weather
has been linked to blood vessel damage in
otherwise healthy people. If symptoms 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 seek medical attention.
An anti--vibration system does not guarantee
the avoidance of these problems. Users who
operate power tools on a continual and regular
basis must monitor closely their physical con­dition and the condition of this tool.

SPECIAL NOTICE:

with a temperature limiting muffler and spark
arresting screen which meets the require­ments of California Codes 4442 and 4443. All
U.S. forest land and the states of California,
Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ore­gon, and Washington require by law that many
internal combustion engines be equipped with
a spark arresting screen. If you operate in a
locale where such regulations exist, you are
legally responsible for maintaining the operat-

Exposure to vibrations

This unit is equipped

3

ing condition of these parts. Failure to do so is
a violation of the law. For normal homeowner
use, the muffler and spark arresting screen
will not require any service. After 50 hours of
use, we recommend that your muffler be ser­viced or replaced by your Authorized Service
Dealer.

ASSEMBLY

CARTON CONTENTS

Check carton contents for the following:

brushcutter

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tube mounting screws (2)

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tube mounting nuts (2)

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handlebar screws (2)

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blade shield screws (4)

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cupped washer (1)

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large nut for installing blade (1)

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long hex key wrench (1)

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short hex key wrench (1)

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bracket cover

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shield for use with blades

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shield for use with trimmer head

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semi-automatic trimmer head

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shoulder strap with warning

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brush blade

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handlebar

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Examine parts for damage. Do not use dam­aged parts.

NOTE:

parts are 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 .

ASSEMBLY

connect spark plug before performing any as­sembly procedures.

repeat all steps to ensure your unit is properly
assembled and all fasteners are secure.

TOOLS REQUIRED

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ATTACHING THE TUBE
NOTE:

in identifying the assembly steps. Be sure to
read each section and review the illustrations,
before you begin.

NOTE:

the tube. Make sure this shaft does not fall out
of the tube. Dirt on the shaft will significantly
reduce the life of the unit. If this shaft falls out,
clean, relubricate , and re-install.

If you need assistance or find that

WARNING:

WARNING:

2 hex key wrenches (provided)
adjustable wrench or large pliers
phillips screwdriver

Illustrations within this section will help

A drive shaft is located in the center of

Always stop unit and dis-

If received assembled,

Insert the 2 tube assembly screws and nuts

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as illustrated. Keep loose at this time, you
will tighten them during a later step.

Some units may include a plastic cover over

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the end of the tube. If your unit includes any
covering, remove the cover at this time.
Pull about 1/2 inch of the drive shaft out of

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the inside of the tube.

Pull about 1/2 inch from tube

Tube

NOTE:

This square end fits inside a square hole in a
shaft inside the engine. Look inside the end of
the engine and you willsee the square hole in the
shaft.

NOTE:

aligns with a ridge in the engine opening. Lo­cate the groove and ridge.

S

S

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The end of the drive shaft is square.

The end of the tube has a groove that

GrooveRidge

Align the groove in the tube with the ridge in
the engine opening. Insert the tube into the
opening.
Firmly push the tube into engine until it will no
longer go into the opening.
Tighten the screws, using one of the hex
keys provided with the unit.

ATTACHING THE HANDLEBAR

DANGER:

handlebar must be installed as shown to pro­vide a barrier between operator and the spin­ning blade.

Locate the decal on the handlebar . This de-

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cal includes two arrows. Position the han­dlebar on the mounting bracket between
these arrows.
Position the bracket cover over the handle-

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bar. Again make sure the handlebar is be­tween the arrows.

The barrier portion of the

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Insert screws and hand tighten only. These

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screws will be tightened later.

Bracket Cover

Mounting
Bracket

Screw

Handlebar

ATTACHING THE CONTROL
HANDLE TO THE HANDLEBAR

Make sure the wire going to the con-

NOTE:

trol handle is routed below the tube and re­mains on the right side of the handlebar and
the tube.

Remove screw from control handle.

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Screw

Screw Hole

Slide handle onto the right side of the han-

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dlebar and align the screw hole.
Re-insert screw and tighten securely.

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NOTE:

the right side of the unit as shown in the il­lustration below, and the ON/OFF switch is lo­cated on the top of the control handle.

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Make sure the control handle is on

Adjust the handlebar to the proper position
and tighten the two screws you left loose
during handlebar assembly. Make sure
these screws are securely tightened.

After attaching the control handle and tight­ening the handlebar, route the wire from the
control handle through the slit in the bottom
of the foam grip.

Foam Grip

Slit

Wire

ASSEMBLY OF SHOULDER STRAP

WARNING:

handlebar adjustments before starting the en­gine are required.

Try on shoulder strap and adjust for fit and bal-

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ance before starting the engine or beginning a
cutting operation.
Insert your right arm and head through the

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shoulder strap and allow it to rest on your left
shoulder. Make sure the danger sign is on
your back and the hook is to the right side of
your waist.

Proper shoulder strap and

A one-half twist is built in the shoulder

NOTE:

strap to allow the strap to rest flat on the shoul­der.

Adjust the strap, allowing the hook to be

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about 6 inches below the waist.
Fasten the strap hook to the clamp located

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between the foam grip and the mounting
block and lift the tool to the operating posi­tion.

CONFIGURING YOUR UNIT

You can configure your unit using a cutting
head for grass and light weeds, or a brush
blade for cutting saplings and similar size ma­terial. Go to the section for the desired
configuration and follow the instructions for
assembling your unit.

ASSEMBLY INFORMATION -­TRIMMER HEAD

TRIMMER
HEAD

NOTE:

before attaching the plastic shield and trimmer
head. To remove blade, push in locking lever
and hold. Rotate blade nut until the locking le­ver falls into one of the grooves in the dust cup.
Continue to hold the locking lever. This will
keep the shaft from turning while loosening the
blade nut. Remove blade nut by turning clock­wise. Release locking lever. Remove both
washers and blade. To remove metal shield,
loosen and remove the four mounting screws.
See ASSEMBLY OF THE METAL SHIELD
and ASSEMBLY OF THE METAL BLADE for
illustrations. Be sure to store all parts and in­structions for future use.

Remove the blade and metal shield

ATTACHING THE PLASTIC SHIELD
AND TRIMMER HEAD

WARNING:

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
which cuts excess line to the proper length. The
line limiter (on underside of shield) is sharp and
can cut you.

Remove wing nut from shield.

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Insert bracket into slot on shield.

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Pivot shield until bolt passes through hole in

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bracket.
Tighten the wing nut securely.

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If your unit has a plastic cover over the threads

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on the threaded shaft, remove the covering to
expose the threads.
Before installing the trimmer head, make

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sure the dust cup and retaining washer are
positioned on the gearbox as shown below.

The shield must be prop-

5

Slot

Bracket

Wing Nut

lustrations. Be sure to store all parts and instruc­tions for future use. Never use the trimmer head
with the metal blade installed.

ASSEMBLY OF THE METAL SHIELD

Shield

NOTE:

installed as illustrated in the illustration before
installing the trimmer head.

Push in locking lever and hold.

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Rotate dust cup until the locking lever falls

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into one of the grooves

Continue to hold in locking lever. This will

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keep the shaft from turning while tightening
the trimmer head.
Thread trimmer head onto the shaft in the di-

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rection shown on the decal. Tighten until se­cure.
Release locking lever.

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NOTE:

tioned with the raised section facing toward
the gearbox.

Gearbox

Dust Cup

Retaining Washer

Make sure all parts are properly

.

Locking Lever

The retaining washer must be posi-

ASSEMBLY INFORMATION -­BRUSH BLADE

BRUSH
BLADE

DANGER:

properly installed on the tool anytime the tool
is used with the blade. The forward tip of the
metal shield helps to reduce the occurrence of
blade thrust which can cause serious injury
such as amputation to the operator or by­standers. Failure to install the shield in the
position shown can result in serious injury to
the operator. The length of the shield must be
aligned with the length of the tube. The blade is
sharp and can cut you. Be sure to wear gloves
while working with blades.

If your unit has a plastic cover over the

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threads on the shaft, remove the covering to
expose the threads.
Place the metal shield under the gearbox,

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and align the screw holes.

Shield

Insert and thread the 4 mounting screws

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through the holes of the gearbox and the
metal shield. Tighten evenly and securely
with the hex wrench provided.

The metal shield must be

Gearbox

ASSEMBLY OF THE METAL BLADE

WARNING:

fastening hardware other than the washers and
nuts shown in the following illustrations. These
parts must be provided by Poulan/Weed Eater
and installed as shown below. Failure to use
proper parts can cause the blade to fly off and
seriously hurt you or others.

When installing the blade, make sure

NOTE:

you install it with the correct side facing up
(marked on the blade). If you are re-installing
an older blade and the writing has worn off,
use the following illustration as a guide.

Top view of blade

Do not use any blades, or

NOTE:

shield before attaching the metal shield and
installing the weed blade. T oremove the trimmer
head, push in locking lever and hold. Rotate
trimmer head until the locking lever falls into one
of the grooves in the dust cup. Continue to hold
in locking lever. This will keep the shaft from
turning while loosening the trimmer head. Re­move trimmer head by turning clockwise. Re­lease locking lever . To remove the plastic shield,
loosen and remove wing nut. Pivot shield to re­lease bracket from slot. See ATTACHING THE
PLASTIC SH IEL DAND TR IMMER HEAD for il-

Remove the trimmer head and plastic

Teeth on
blade point in
this direction

NOTE:

are located on the gearbox and not in the parts
bag.

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The dust cup and retaining washer

Remove the retainer washer from the gear­box, and leave the dust cup on the gearbox.

6

NOTE:

plastic protective covering from the
threaded shaft before removing the retain­ing washer.

Install the blade over the threaded shaft ex-

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tending from the gearbox between the dust
cup and the retaining washer. Make sure the
raised part of the retaining washer is facing
the gearbox, and the raised area fits into the
hole in the center of the blade.
Slide the blade and retaining washer onto

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the shaft of the gearbox.
Now place the cupped washer onto the

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shaft. Make sure the cupped side of the
washer is toward the blade.
Install the blade nut by threading onto the

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shaft counterclockwise.

It may be necessary to remove a

Retaining

Dust Cup

Shield

Dust Cup

Washer

Threaded
Shaft

Locking Lever

Continue to hold in locking lever. This will keep

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the shaft from turning while tightening the
blade nut.
Tighten blade nut firmly with a wrench.

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Release locking lever.

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Turn blade by hand. If the blade binds

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against the shield, or appears to be uneven,
the blade is not centered, and you must rein­stall.

FUEL YOUR UNIT

This engine is certified to operate on unleaded
gasoline. Gasoline must be mixed with a good
quality 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil designed to
be mixed at a ratio of 40:1. Poulan/Weed Eater
brand oil is recommended. (A 40:1 ratio is ob­tained by mixing 3.2 ounces of oil with 1 gallon of
unleaded gasoline). When mixing fuel follow the
instructions printed on the container. Always
read and follow the safety rules under FUEL
SAFETY.

STARTING

HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT

To stop the engine, move the ON/OFF switch
to the OFF position (toward the cutting head).

ON/OFF
Switch

ON

Retaining
Washer

Cupped

Washer

Nut

Make sure all parts are in place as il-

NOTE:

lustrated, and the blade is sandwiched be­tween the dust cup and the retaining washer.
There should be no space between the blade
and the dust cup or the retaining washer.

Push in locking lever and hold.

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Rotate blade nut until the locking lever falls

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into one of the grooves in the dust cup.

Blade

OFF

Throttle Trigger

STARTING YOUR ENGINE

WARNING:

head will turn while starting the engine. Avoid
any contact with the muffler. A hot muffler can
cause serious burns.

NOTE:

lock” holds the throttle trigger in the depressed
position during starting.

S

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A special feature called the “throttle

Lock throttle trigger into the starting postion
by first pressing the lock--out lever on the
top of the control handle. While the lock--out
lever is depressed, squeeze and hold the
throttle trigger.

Throttle Trigger

Before releasing the throttle trigger, press
the lock button. While this button is still de­pressed release the throttle trigger.

The blade or trimmer

Lock Button

Lock--out
Lever

7

NOTE:

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to remain in the depressed position for start­ing. You may want to practice this a few times
before you first start the unit.

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This should allow the throttle trigger

DO NOT squeeze throttle trigger during
starting; otherwise, it will be necessary to
reset the throttle lock.

Starter

Starter
Handle

Handle

Choke

Choke

Primer Bulb

Primer Bulb

Muffle

COLD ENGINE STARTING (or warm
engine after running out of fuel)

Rest engine and shield on ground, support-

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ing trimmer head off ground.
Move the ON/OFF switch to the ON posi-

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tion.
Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.

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Move the choke lever to FULL CHOKE

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position.
Set the throttle trigger in the starting position

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using the throttle lock feature. Keep throttle
trigger in the starting position until engine runs
smoothly.
Pull starter rope handle sharply 6 times.

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Move choke lever to HALF CHOKE posi-

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tion.
Pull starter rope handle no more than 6

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pulls, until engine runs.
Allow engine to run 10 seconds, then move

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choke lever to OFF CHOKE position. Allow
unit to run for 30 more seconds at OFF
CHOKE before releasing throttle trigger
from the starting position. Release throttle
trigger by squeezing the trigger and then re­leasing it.

STARTING A WARM ENGINE

Move the ON/OFF switch to the ON posi-

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tion.
Move the choke lever to the OFF CHOKE

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position.
Pull starter rope handle until engine runs.

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If engine does not start in 5 pulls, follow in-

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structions in STARTING A COLD ENGINE.

USING YOUR UNIT

OPERATING POSITION

Control Handle
in Right Hand

Extend your left arm and hold handlebar grip

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with your left hand.
Hold throttle grip with your right hand with

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finger on throttle trigger.
Keep unit below waist level.

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Keep shoulder strap pad centered on your

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left shoulder and danger sign centered on
your back.
Maintain full weight of tool on your left shoul-

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der.
Without bending over, keep the blade or

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trimmer head near and parallel to the ground
and not crowded into material being cut.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR
USE WITH TRIMMER HEAD

Before trimming, bring engine to a speed suffi­cient to cut material to be trimmed.
Do not run 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.
If the trimmer head does not turn when the en­gine is in operation, make sure the drive shaft
housing is properly seated in engine shroud.
Always release the throttle trigger and allow
the engine to return to idle speed when not cut­ting.

ADVANCING THE TRIMMER LINE

Advance line by tapping the bottom of the cutting
head lightly on the ground while engine is run­ning at full speed. The line limiter blade (on un­derside of shield) will cut the line to the proper
length..

WARNING:

diameter line. Other sizes of line will not ad­vance properly and can cause serious injury.
Do not use other materials such as wire,
string, rope, etc. Wire can break off during cut­ting and become a dangerous missile that can
cause serious injury.

Use only 0.080” (2 mm)

8

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR

g

USE WITH BRUSH BLADE

Blade Thrust is a reaction that only occurs

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when using a bladed unit. This reaction can
cause serious injury such as amputation.
Carefully study this section. It is important that
you understand what causes blade thrust,
how you can reduce the chance of its occur­ring, and how you can rem ain in control of unit
if blade thrust occurs.

WHAT CAUSES BLADE THRUST -- Blade

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Thrust can occur when the spinning blade
contacts an object that it does not cut. This
contact causes the blade to stop for an instant
and then suddenly move or “thrust” awayfrom
the object that was hit. The “thrusting” reaction
can be violent enoughto cause the operatorto
be propelled in any direction and lose control
of the unit. The uncontrolled unit can cause
serious injury if the blade contacts the operator
or others.

WHEN BLADE THRUST OCCURS --

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Blade Thrust can occur without warning if
the blade snags, stalls, or binds. This is
more likely to occur in areas where it is diffi­cult to see the material being cut. By using
the unit properly, the occurrence of blade
thrust will be reduced and the operator will
be less likely to lose control.

Do not swing unit with such force that you

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are in danger of losing your balance.
Bring the engine to cutting speed before enter­ing the material to be cut.
If the blade does not turn when you squeeze
the throttle trigger, make sure tube is fully in­serted into the engine.
Always release the throttle trigger and allow
engine to return to idle speed when not cutting.
The blade should not turn while the engine is
running at idle. If the blade turns at idle, do not
use your unit. Refer to the Carburetor adjust­ment section or contact your Authorized Ser­vice Dealer.

Maintain good firm footing while using the

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unit. Do this by planting feet firmly in a com-

fortable apart position.

Cut while swinging the upper part of your

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body from right to left.

As you move forward to the next area to cut,

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be sure to maintain your balance and foot-

ing.

Cut using the 8 o’clock
to 10 o’clock position of
the blade

10 o’clock

8 o’clock

Cut only grass, weeds, and woody brush up

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to 2 inches in diameter with the brush blade.
Do not let the blade contact material it can­not cut such as stumps, rocks, fences,
metal, etc., or clusters of hard, woody brush
having a diameter greater than 2 inches.
Keep the blade sharp. A dull blade is more

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likely to snag and thrust.
Cut only at full throttle. The blade will have

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maximum cutting power and is less likely to
bind or stall.
“Feed” the blade deliberately and not too

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rapidly. The blade can thrust away if it is fed
too rapidly.
Cut only from your right to your left. Swing-

S

ing the unit in the same direction as the
blade spins increases the cutting action.
Use the shoulder strap and keep a firm grip

S

on the unit with both hands. A properly ad­justed shoulder strap will support the weight
of the unit, freeing your arms and hands to
control and guide the cutting motion.
Keep feet comfortably spread apart and

S

braced for a possible sudden, rapid thrust of
unit. Do not overreach. Keep firm footing and
balance.
Keep blade below waist level; it will be eas-

S

ier to maintain control of unit.
Do not raise the engine above your waist as

S

the blade can come dangerously close to
your body.

WARNING:

must not try to clear away cut material with the
engine running or the blade turning to avoid
serious injury. Stop engine and blade before
removing materials wrapped around blade or
tube.

The operator or others

REPLACING THE LINE

Press the tab on the side of the trimmer

S

head and twist the lock ring.

Remove the lock ring and tap button.

S

Trimmer
Head

Tap B ut t on

Pull spool out of the trimmer head.

S

Clean dirt and debris from all parts.

S

Replace with a pre-wound spool , or replace

S

line using two 20 foot lengths of 0.080” (2

mm) diameter line.

When installing new line on an existing spool,

S

insert 1/16Iof the line into the anchoring hole

in the bed of the spool, and wr apthe line even-

ly and and firmly around the spool in the direc-

tion of the arrow found on the spool.

Insert ends of the lines through the exit holes

S

in the sides of the trimmer head.

Lock Rin

Tab

Anchoring
Hole

9

NOTE:

hole. As your unit wears from use, you can re­install this insert upside down to provide a new
surface for the exit of the line from the trimmer
head.

insert, you must install from the inside of the trim­mer head. If installed on the outside of the trim­mer head, this insert can fly off and become a
dangerous missile.

A metal insert is located in the exit

WARNING:

Metal Insert

When installing the metal

Pull the line extending from the trimmer

S

head. This will allow the spool to release

from the locked position.

SPOOL REPLACEMENT

Replace the spool when the square corners on
the lugs are rounded off, reduced in size, or bro­ken. Follow instructions under REPLACING
THE LINE for removing and installing the spool.

Once line is passed through the exit hole,

S

place the spool in the trimmer head. Press
the spool down and turn it until it locks down
and does not pop up when you release it.
Make sure the line is not caught between the

S

rim of the spool and the wall of the trimmer
head.
Replace the tap button, and place the lock

S

ring onto the trimmer head.
Align the lock ring over the catches on the

S

trimmer head. Push the ring down and turnun­til catches lock into place.

Catch

Catch

Make sure the lock ring is securely fastened

S

by pulling on it and twisting it in both direc­tions.

WARNING:

tened and lock tab latched in the lock ring. If
installed incorrectly, lock ring can fly off and be­come a dangerous missile.

All catches must be fas-

Catch

Catch

Lock
Tab

Normal lug

Worn
Lug

SERVICE

We recommend all service and adjustments
not listed in this manual be performed by an
Authorized Service Dealer.

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT

Your carburetor is equipped with limiter caps.
Damage will occur if you turn the needles be­yond the limiter caps. Carburetor adjustment is a
complicated task. We recommend that you take
your unit to an Authorized Service Dealer .

SPARK PLUG

Replace spark plug yearly with a Champion
RCJ-8Y plug; spark plug gap is 0.025 inches.

IGNITION TIMING

Ignition timing is fixed, non-adjustable.

NEED ASSISTANCE?

Need Assistance?

Call 1-800-554-6723 for assistance.

Need Service Parts?

Contact your dealer or call 1-800-554-6723.

10

TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE

e

WARNING:

recommended remedies below other than remedies that require operation of the unit.

Always stop unit and disconnect spark plug before performing any of th

TROUBLE CAUSE REMEDY

See “Starting.”

Engine will not
start.

Engine will not
idle properly.

Engine will not
accelerate,
lacks power,
or dies under
a load.

Engine
smokes
excessively.

Line does not
advance or
breaks while
cutting.

Line welds
onto spool.

Line pulls
back into
head.

Engine flooded.

S

Fuel tank empty.

S

Spark plug not firing.

S

Fuel not reaching carburetor.

S

Carburetor requires adjustment.

S

Carburetor requires adjustment.

S

Throttle trigger screw too

S

tight.

Air filter dirty.

S

Spark plug fouled.

S

Carburetor requires adjustment.

S

Fuel mixture incorrect.

S

Air filter dirty.

S

Carburetor requires adjustment.

S

Line improperly routed in head.

S

Line improperly wound in

S

spool.
Line size incorrect.

S

Line size incorrect.

S

Incorrect spool.

S

Line is being crowded against

S

material being cut.

Too little line outside of head.

S

Line size incorrect.

S

S

Fill tank with correct fuel mixture.

S

Install new spark plug.

S

Check for dirty fuel filter; replace.

S

Check for kinked or split fuel line;
repair or replace.
See “Carburetor Adjustments.”

S

See “Carburetor Adjustments.”

S

Loosen screw.

S

Clean or replace air filter.

S

Clean or replace spark plug; re-gap.

S

See “Carburetor Adjustments.”

S

Empty fuel tank and refill with

S

correct fuel mixture.
Clean or replace air filter.

S

See “Carburetor Adjustments.”

S

Check line routing.

S

Rewind line tightly and evenly.

S

Use only 0.080” (2 mm) dia. line.

S

Use only 0.080” (2 mm) dia. line.

S

Replace with correct spool.

S

Cut with tip of line fully extended.

S

Remove spool and pull 4 -- 6 inches

S

(10 -- 15 cm) of line outside of head.
Use only 0.080” (2 mm) dia. line.

S

LIMITED WARRANTY

ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS NORTH
AMERICA, Division of WCI Outdoor Prod­ucts, Inc., warrants to the original purchaser that

each new Poulan PRO
attachment is free from defects in material and
workmanship and agrees to repair or replace un­der this warranty any defective gasoline product
or attachment as follows from the original date of
purchase.
2 YEARS --Parts and Labor, when used for
household purposes.
90 DAYS--Parts and Labor, when used for
commercial, professional, or income produc­ing purposes.
30 DAYS--Parts and Labor, if used for rental
purposes.
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 NORTH AMERICA for this tool.
Additionally, this warranty does not cover tune­ups, spark plugs, filters, etc., that will wear and
require replacement with reasonable use during
the warranty period. This warranty does not cov-

brand gasoline tool or

!!!!

er predelivery setup or normal adjustments ex­plained in the operator’s manual.
THIS W ARRANTY 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 INCIDENTAL 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, ELEC-

TROLUX HOME PRODUCTS NORTH
AMERICA reserves the right to change, modify,

or discontinue models, designs, specifications,
and accessories of all products at any time with­out notice or obligation to any purchaser.

11

U.S. EPA

EMISSION CONTROL

WARRANTY STATEMENT

YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS: The U. S. Environmental

Protection Agency and POULAN/WEED

EATER, DIVISION OF WCI OUTDOOR
PRODUCTS are pleased to explain the

emissions control system warranty on your
lawn and garden equipment engine. All new
utility and lawn and garden equipment
engines must be designed, built, and
equipped to meet the stringent anti--smog
standards. POULAN/WEED EATER must
warrant the emission control system on your
lawn and garden equipment engine for the
periods of time listed below provided there has
been no abuse, neglect, or improper
maintenance of your lawn and garden
equipment engine. Your emission control
system includes parts such as the carburetor
and the ignition system. Where a warrantable
condition exits, POULAN/WEED EATER will
repair your lawn and garden equipment
engine at no cost to you. Expenses covered
under warranty include diagnosis, parts and
labor. MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY
COVERAGE: If any emissions related part on
your engine (as listed under Emissions
Control Warranty Parts List) is defective or a
defect in the materials or workmanship of the
engine causes the failure of such an emission
related part, the part will be repaired or
replaced by POULAN/WEED EATER.

OWNER’S WARRANTY
RESPONSIBILITIES: As the lawn and

garden equipment engine owner, you are
responsible for the performance of the
required maintenance listed in your Owner’s
Manual. POULAN/WEED EATER
recommends that you retain all receipts
covering maintenance on your lawn and
garden equipment engine, but

POULAN/WEED EATER cannot deny

warranty solely for the lack of receipts or for
your failure to ensure the performance of all
scheduled maintenance. As the lawn and
garden equipment engine owner, you should
be aware that POULAN/WEED EATER may
deny you warranty coverage if your lawn and
garden equipment engine or a part of it has
failed due to abuse, neglect, improper
maintenance, unapproved modifications, or
the use of parts not made or approved by the
original equipment manufacturer . You are
responsible for presenting your lawn and
garden equipment engine to a

POULAN/WEED EATER authorized repair

center as soon as a problem exists. Warranty
repairs should be completed in a reasonable
amount of time, not to exceed 30 days. If you
have any questions regarding your warranty
rights and responsibilities, you should contact
your nearest authorized service center or call

POULAN/WEED EATER at

1--800--554--6723. WARRANTY

COMMENCEMENT DATE: The warranty
period begins on the date the lawn and garden
equipment engine is purchased. LENGTH
OF COVERAGE: This warranty shall be for a
period of two years from the initial date of
purchase. WHAT IS COVERED: REPAIR
OR REPLACEMENT OF PARTS. Repair or
replacement of any warranted part will be
performed at no charge to the owner at an
approved POULAN/WEED EATER servicing
center. If you have any questions regarding
your warranty rights and responsibilities, you
should contact your nearest authorized
service center or call POULAN/WEED

EATER at 1--800--554--6723 WARRANTY

PERIOD: Any warranted part which is not
scheduled for replacement as required
maintenance, or which is scheduled only for
regular inspection to the effect of “repair or
replace as necessary” shall be warranted for 2
years. Any warranted part which is scheduled
for replacement as required maintenance
shall be warranted for the period of time up to
the first scheduled replacement point for that
part. DIAGNOSIS: The owner shall not be
charged for diagnostic labor which leads to the
determination that a warranted part is
defective if the diagnostic work is performed at
an approved POULAN/WEED EATER
servicing center. CONSEQUENTIAL

DAMAGES: POULAN/WEED EATER may

be liable for damages to other engine
components caused by the failure of a
warranted part still under warranty. WHAT IS
NOT COVERED: All failures caused by
abuse, neglect, or improper maintenance are
not covered. ADD--ON OR MODIFIED
PARTS: The use of add--on or modified parts
can be grounds for disallowing a warranty claim.

POULAN/W EED EATER is not liable to cover

failures of warranted parts caused by the use
of add--on or modified parts. HOW TO FILE A
CLAIM: If you have any questions regarding
your warranty rights and responsibilities, you
should contact your nearest authorized
service center or call POULAN/WEED

EATER at 1--800--554--6723 . WHERE TO

GET WARRANTY SERVICE: Warranty
services or repairs shall be provided at all

POULAN/W EED EATER service centers. call:
1--800--554--6723 MAINTENANCE,

REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR OF
EMISSION RELATED PARTS:Any

POULAN/WEED EATER approved

replacement part used in the performance of
any warranty maintenance or repair on
emission related parts will be provided without
charge to the owner if the part is under
warranty. EMISSION CONTROL
WARRANTY PARTS LIST: Carburetor,
Ignition System: Spark Plug (covered up to
maintenance schedule), Ignition Module.
MAINTENANCE STATEMENT: The owner is
responsible for the performance of all required
maintenance as defined in the owner ’s
manual.

12