PoulanPRO
Instruction Manual
Manual de Instrucciones
Manuel d'lnstructions
BP400
IMPORTANT MANUAL - Do not throw away
MANUAL IMPORTANTE - No Io descarte
MANUEL IMPORTANT - A Conserver
A
WARNING:
Read the instruction manual and follow all warnings and
safety instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious
injury. Always wear eye protection.
ADVERTENCIA:
Lea el manual de instrucciones y siga todas las adverten-
cias e instrucciones de seguridad. El nohacerlo puede re-
sultar en lesiones graves.
AVERTISSEMENT:
Lire le manuel d'instructions et bienrespecter tousles aver-
tissements et toutes les instructions de s6curite. Tout d6-
faut de le faire pourrait entrafner des blessures graves.
Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
250 Bobby Jones Expressway
Augusta, GA30907
[]From the Eleettoiux Group, The world's No,1 choice,
Copyright (¢)2002 Electrolux Home Products, inc. 5300_8812 4/26/02
Z'A --
nWARNIN_.i: Failure to follow all
Safety Rules and Precautions can result in
serious injury.
KNOW YOUR UNIT
• Read your instruction manual carefully until
you completely understand and can follow
all warnings and safety rules before operat-
ing the unit.
• Restrict unit to users who understand and
will follow all warnings and safety rules in
this manual.
_WARNING: Inspect area before start-
ing unff. Remove all debris and hard objects
such as rocks, glass, wire, etc. that can nca-
chet, be thrown, or otherwise cause injury or
damage during operation.
• Use your unit as a blower for:
• Sweeping debris or grass clippings from
driveways, sidewalks, patios, etc.
• Blowing grass clippings, straw, or leaves
into piles, around joints, or between bncks.
PLAN AHEAD
• Always wear eye protection when operating,
sewicing, or performing maintenance on untt.
Wearing eye protection will help to prevent
rocks or debris from being blown or ricochet-
ing into eyes and face which can result in
blindness and/or serious injury. Eye protec-
tion should meet the requirements of ANSI
Z87.1.
• Always wear foot protection. Do not go
barefoot or wear sandals.
• Always wear respirator or tace mask when
working with unit in dusty environments.
• Secure hair above shoulder length. Secure
or remove jewelry, loose clothing, or cloth-
ing with loosely hanging straps_ ties, tas-
sels, etc. They can be caught m moving
parts.
• Do not operate unit when you are tired, ill, up-
set, or if you are under the influence of alco-
hol, drugs, or medication.
• Keep children, bystanders, and animals
away from work area a minimum of 30 feet
10 meters when starting or operating unit.
Do not pc nt the blower nozzle n the direc-
tion of people or pets.
HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION, IT IS
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE
• Eliminate all sources of sparks or flame (in-
cluding smoking, open flames, or work that
can cause sparks) in the areas where fuel is
mixed, poured, or stored.
• Mix and pour fuel in an outdoor area; store
fuel in a cool, dry, well ventilated place; use
an approved, marked container for all fuel
purposes.
• Do not smoke while handling fuel or while
operating the unit.
• Make sure the unit is properly assembled
and in good operating condition.
• Do not fill fuel tank while engine is hot or
running.
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• Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up fuel spills
before starting engine.
• Move at least I0 feet (3 meters) away from
fuel and fueling site before starting engine,
• Always store gasoline in a container ap-
proved for flammable liquids.
OPERATE YOUR UNIT SAFELY
• Inspect unit before each use for worn,
loose, missing, or damaged parts. Do not
use until unit is in proper working order.
• Keep outside surfaces free of oil and fuel.
• Never start or run engine inside a closed
room, building or other unventilated area.
Breathing exhaust fumes can kill.
• To avoid static electricity shock, do not
wear rubber gloves or any other insulated
gloves while operating unit.
• DO not set unit on any surface except a
clean, hard area while engine is running.
Debris such as gravel, sand, dust, grass,
etc. could be picked up by the air intake and
thrown out through discharge opening,
damaging unit, property, or causing serious
injury to bystanders or operator.
• Avoid dangerous environments. Do not use
in unventilated areas or where explosive
vapors or carbon monoxide build up could
be present.
• Do not overreach or use from unstable sur-
faces such as ladders, trees, steep slopes,
rooftops, etc. Keep firm footing and bal-
ance at all times.
• Never place objects inside the blower
tubes; always direct the blowing debris
away from people, animals, glass, and solid
objects such as trees, automobiles, walls,
etc. The force of air can cause rocks, dirt, or
sticks to be thrown or to ricochet which can
hurt people or animals, break glass, or
cause other damage.
• Never run unit without the proper equip-
ment attached. When using your unit as a
blower, always install blower tubes.
• Check air intake opening and all blower
tubes frequently, always with engine
stopped and spark plug disconnected.
Keep vents and discharge tubes free of de-
bris which can accumulate and restrict
proper air flow.
• Never place any object in the air intake open-
ing as this could restrict proper air flow and
cause damage to the unit.
• Never use for spreading chemicals, fertiliz-
ers, orother substances which maycontain
toxic materials.
• To avoid spreading fire, do not use near leaf
or brush fires, fireplaces, barbecue pits,
ashtrays, etc.
• Use only for iobs explained in this manual.
MAINTAIN YOUR UNIT PROPERLY
• Have all maintenance other than the rec-
ommended procedures described in the in-
struction manual performed by an Autho-
rized Service Dealer.
• Disconnect spark plug before performing
maintenance except for carburetor adjust-
ments.
• Use only recommended Poulan PRO ® re-
placement parts; use of any other parts
may void your warranty and cause damage
to your unit.
• Empty fuel tank before storing the unit. Use
upfuel left incarburetor by starting engine and
letting it run until it stops.
• Do not use any accessory or attachment
other than those recommended by manufac-
turer for use with your unit.
• Do not store the unit or fuel in a closed area
where fuel vapors can reach sparks or an
open flame from hot water heaters, electric
motors or switches, furnaces, etc.
• Store in a dry area out of reach of children.
SPECIAL NOTICE: Your blower is
equipped 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
lawthat many internal combustion engines be
equipped with a spark arrestor screen. If you
operate a blower in a state or locale where
such regulations exist, you are legally re-
sponsible for maintaining the operating condi-
tion of these parts. Failure to do so is a viola-
tion of the law.
SPECIAL NOTICE: Exposure to vibra-
tions through prolonged use of gasoline pow-
ered hand tools could cause blood vessel or
nerve damage in the fingers, hands, and
joints of people prone to circulation disorders
or abnormal swelling. Prolonged use in cold
weather has been linked to blood vessel dam-
age 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 antivibration 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 condi-
tion of this tool.
CARTON CONTENTS
t. Engine Assembly
2. Hose Clamp with Screw
3. Flexible Tube
4. Base Tube
5. Middle Tube
6. Nozzle
7. Assembly Tool
d_I_WARNING: If you receive your unit
assembled, check each step to insure your
unit is properly assembled and all fasteners
are secure. Follow all safety information in
the manual and on the unit.
• Locate and identify all components.
• Slip one hose clamp onto each end of the
flexible tube.
• Install the flexible tube onto the output tube
on the engine.
• Connect the base tube to the flexible tube
and securely tighten both hose clamp
screws.
• Assemble the middle tube and nozzle, then
connect them to the base tube.
,Hose Clamps
i
Base Tube
Flexible Tube _1
Middle Tube Nozzle
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• Before operating the blower, loosen the
knob and rotate the throttle arm to the posi-
tion as shown in the illustration. Retighten
the knob.
Throttle arm Knob
NOTE: When the blower is strapped to the
back of the operator, the throttle lever is lo-
cated on the left side. The lowest position of
lever is IDLE setting, and the highest position
is the FULL THROTTLE setting.
FULL
IDLE
START/STOP Switch
Throttle lever
_11ill
_ WARNING: You MUSTmakesure the
tubes aresecure before usingthe unit.
OPERATING POSITION
e Protection
OPERATING TIPS
• To reduce the risk of hearing loss
associated with sound level(s), hearing
protection is required.
• To reduce the risk of injury associated with
contacting rotating parts, stop the engine be-
fore installing or removing attachments. Do
not operate without guard(s) in place.
• Operate power equipment only at reasonable
hours-not early in the morning or late at night
when people might be disturbed. Comply with
times listed in local ordinances. Usual recom-
mendations are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,
Monday though Saturday.
• To reduce noise levels, limit the number of
pieces of equipment used at any one time.
• To reduce noise levels, operate power
blowers at the lowest possible throttle
speed to do the job.
• Use rakes and brooms to loosen debris be-
fore blowing.
• In dusty conditions, slightly dampen sur-
faces or use a mister attachment when wa-
ter is available.
• Conserve water by using power blowers
instead of hoses for many lawn and garden
applications, including areas such as gutters,
screens, patios, gdlls, porches, and gardens.
• Watch out for children, pets, open windows,
or freshly washed cars. Blow debris away
safely.
• Use the full blower nozzle extension so the
air stream can work close to the ground.
• After using blowers and other equipment,
CLEAN UP! Dispose of debris in trash re-
ceptacles.
nWARNIN_: Be sure to read the fuel
information in the safety rules before you be-
gin. If you do not understand the safety rules,
do not attempt to fuel your unit. Contact your
local service dealer.
FUELING ENGINE
This engine is certified to operate on
unleaded gasoline. Before operation,
gasoline must be mixed with a good quality
2-cycle air-cooled engine oil. We recommend
Poulan or Poclan PRO brand oil. Mix gasoline
and oil at a ratio of 50:1 (A 50:1 ratio is
obtained by mixing 2.6 ounces of oil with 1
gallon of unleaded gasoline). Do not use
automotive oil or beat oil. These oils will
cause engine damage. When mixing fuel,
follow the instructions printed on the
container. Always read and follow safety
rules under HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION
in the safety rules section.
IMPORTANT
Experience indicates that alcohol blended
fuels (called gasobel or using ethanol or
methanol) can attract moisture which leads to
separation and formation of acids during
storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel
system of an engine while in storage. To avoid
engine problems, empty the fuel system
before storage for 30 days or longer. Drain the
gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the
fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh
fuel next season.
TO STOP THE ENGINE
• To stop the engine, move the throttle control
lever all the way downward to the engine
idle position, then move the stop switch to
the STOP position.
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BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
WARNING: Tryon the unit and adjust
the shoulder straps for fit and comfort before
starting the engine to avoid losing control of
the unit. Always start and run the unit in an up-
right position.
• Fuel engine. Move at least 10 feet (3 me-
ters away from the fueling site.
• Hold the unt n the startng poston as
shown. Make sure the blower end is di-
rected away from people, animals, glass,
and solid objects.
STARTING POSITION
nWARNIN_i: When starting engine,
hold the unit as illustrated. Do not set unit on any
surface except a clean, hard area when starting
engine or while engine is running. Debris such
as gravel, sand, dust, grass, etc. could be
picked up by the air intake and thrown out
through the discharge opening, damaging the
unit or properfy, or causing senous injury to by-
standers or the operator.
_WARNING: Avoid contact with the
muffler. A hot muffler can cause serious
burns.
STARTING A COLD ENGINE (or warm
engine that has run out of fuel)
• Press the primer bulb (located under the
carburetor) until fuel can be seen flowing
through the fuel return line.
• Move the choke lever to the CLOSED posi-
tion.
• Move the START/STOP switch to START.
Choke Lever
Fuel
Line
Muffler
Bulb
• Set the throttle lever at HALF speed (see
ASSEMBLY section for illustration of
throttle lever).
• Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs.
NOTE: Only short pulls are necessary. Nev-
er pull the starter cord to its fullest extension.
Never let go of the starter grip until it is at the
fully returned position.
• Once the engine has started, slowly move
the choke lever to the OPEN position.
• Allow the unit to warm up at less than HALF
speed.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
• Move the choke lever tothe OPEN position.
• Set the throttle lever at HALF speed.
• Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs.
DIFFICULT STARTING (or starting e
flooded engine)
• Move the choke lever tothe OPEN position.
Set the throttle lever at HALF speed.
Pullrope to clear engine of excess fuel.
This could require pulling the starter rope
many times.
If unit still doesn't start, contact your aL_hodzed
sewice dealer.
BLOWER OPERATION
When the engine has warmed up, the blower
can be positioned on the back of the operator.
Once the blower is positioned and ready for
operation, ad ust the throttle to a speed re-
quired to accomplish the task,
NOTE: Always run the engine at idle speed
for a few minutes toallow cooling before stop-
ping the engine,
We recommend all service and adjustments
not listed in this manual be performed by an
Authorized Service Dealer.
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS
Your carburetor is equipped with limiter caps.
Carburetor adjustment is a complicated task.
We recommend that you take your unit to an
Authorized Sewice Dealer. Damage may occur
if you turn the needles beyond the limiter stops.
IGNITION TIMING
Ignition timing is fixed, non-adjustable.
SPARK PLUG
Replace the spark plug yearly using a Cham-
pion RCJ-7Y plug. Spark plug gap is .025".
AIR FILTER
CAUTION: Do not clean filter in gasoline or
other flammable solvent to avoid creating a
fire hazard or producing harmful evaporative
emissions
A dirty air filter decreases engine perfor-
mance and increases fuel consumption and
harmful emissions. Always inspect the air fil-
ter each time you use the blower (more often
in extreme conditions) by removing the air fil-
ter cover.
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