Poulan ET17 Owner’s Manual
Poulan PRO /
Instruction Manual
Manual de Instrucciones
Manuel d'lnstructions
ET17
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.
ADVERTENOIA:
Lea el manual del operador y siga todas las advertencias e instruc-
ciones de seguridad. Antes de ensamblar el producto lea cuidado-
samente el instructivo. El no hacerlo puede resultar en lesiones gra-
ves.
AVERTISSEMENT:
Veuillez life le manuel de I'utilisateur et bien respecter tousles
avertissements et routes les instructions de securite. Bien life les
instructions avant d'assembler routil. Tout defaut de le faire pourrait
entraTner des blessures graves.
Electrolux Home Products, Inc. Electrolux Canada Corporation
250 Bobby Jones Expressway 6150 McLaughlin Road
Augusta, GA30907 Mississauga, Ontario L5R 4C2
[_ The Electrolux Group. The world's No. 1 choice,
M
KITGHE_ CLF.ANING AND OUTDOOR A_UANCES COMBINED
Copyright t_2003 WCI Outdoor Products, Inc. 530164104 6/16/03
_l_ WARNING: Whenusingelectricgar-
dening appliances, basic safety precautions
must always be foltowed to reduce the risk of
fire, electric shock, and serious injury. Read
and follow all instructions.
_" SAFETY INFORMATION
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 proper use of the unit. Restrict the use
of this unit to persons who read, understand,
and follow unit and manuaI 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.
ON THE UNIT
0
A
WARNING: Trimmer line throws ob-
jects vioientiy. 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
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
• Dress proper_y. Always wear safety
glasses or similar eye protection when op-
erating, or performing maintenance on your
unit. (Safety glasses are available.) Always
wear face or dust mask if operation is dusty.
Always wear heavy, long pants, long
sleeves, boots, and gloves. Do not go bare-
foot or wear sandals.
• Secure hair above shoutder length. Secure
or 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
from debris and pieces of toxic plants
thrown by spinning line.
• Stay 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.
• Avoid 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
A
dt_ WARNING: Avoid a dangerousenvi-
ronment. To reduce the risk of electrical
shock, do not use in 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.
• Use a voltage supply as shown on unit.
• Avoid 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.
• To 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 outIet, 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.
• To 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 is in good condition. Inspect extension
cord before use and replace ifdamaged. 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).
• Do not use multiple cords.
2
• Donotabusecord,Nevercarrytheunitby
theextensioncordoryankextensioncord
todisconnectunit.
• Usecordretah_ertopreventdisconnection
ofextensioncordfromunitandpossible
damagetotheunitduetoplugmovement
(seeA'Ci-ACHTHEEXTENSIONCORD
TOYOURTRIMMERh_theOPERATION
section).
• Donotusetheunitiftheswitchdoesnot
turntheunitonandoffproperly,Repairsto
theswitchmustbemadebyyourautho-
rizedservicedealer,
• Keeptheextensioncordclearofoperator
andobstaclesatalltimes.Donotexpose
cordstoheat,oil,water,orsharpedges,
• Toavoidthepossibilityofelectricshock,
avoidbodycontactwithanygroundedcon-
ductor,suchasmetalfencesorpipes.
• GroundFaultCircuitInterrupter(GFCI)
protectionshouldbeprovidedoncircuitor
outlettobeused.ReceptaclesareavaiF
ablehavingbuilt-inGFCIprotectionand
maybeusedforthismeasureofsafety.
UNIT SAFETY
• Inspect 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 or replaced by an authorized service
dealer These include head parts that are
cracked, or chipped, guards, and any other
part that is damaged.
• Do not repair unit yourself.
• Use only 0.065 inch (1.65 mm) diameter
recommended trimmer line (see USER RE-
PLACEABLE SERVICE PARTS in the
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS section).
Never use wire. rope, string, etc.
• Use specified trimmer spool. Make sure
spoot is properly installed and all parts are
securely fastened.
• Use only Poulan PRO ® replacement parts
and accessories as recommended.
CUTTING SAFETY
_,WARNING: Inspect area to be cut.
Remove objects (rocks, broken glass, nails,
wire, string, etc.) which can be thrown or be-
come entangled in cutting head,
• Donotoverreachorstandon unstablesup-
port, Keep firm footing and balance.
• Keep the cutting head below waist teveL Do
not raise handles above your waist, Cutting
head can come dangerously close to your
body,
• Keep away from cutting head and spinning
line.
• Use unit properly. Use only for trimming,
scalping, and mowing. Do not force unit. It
witl do the job better and with tess risk of in-
jury at the rate for which it was designed.
• Use only in daylight or in good artificial light.
MAINTENANCE SAFETY
,_ WARNING: Disconnect unit from the
power supply before performing mainte-
nance, or when changing trimmer line,
• Maintain unit according to recommended
• Have all service and maintenance not ex-
• Never douse or squirt the unit with water or
• Keep the air vents clean and free of debris
TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE
• Stop the unit and disconnect the power
• Carry the unit with motor stopped.
• Store the unit so the line limiter blade (on
• Store unit indoors in a high, dry place out of
• Do not hang unit so that the trigger switch is
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 of grounding be added to this unit. As a
result, the extension cord used with your unit
can be plugged into any standard 120 volt
electrical outIet.
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 internai
electrical insulation failure.
_I'WARNING; All electrical repairs to
this unit. including housing, switch, motor,
etc.. must be diagnosed and repaired by qual-
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 (squarewithinasquare) [] 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.
procedures. Keep cutting line at proper
length, Follow instructions for changing
trimmer Iine,
plained in this manual performed by an au-
thorized service dealer to avoid creating a
hazard.
any other liquid. Clean unit and labels with
a damp sponge. Keep handles dry. clean.
and free from oil and grease.
to avoid overheating the motor. Clean after
each use.
source when not in use.
underside of shield) cannot cause injury.
the reach of children. Store unit unplugged.
depressed.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
_WARNING: If received assembled,
review all assembly steps to ensure your unit
is properly assembled and all fasteners are
secure.
ADJUSTING THE ASSIST HANDLE
NOTE: If shield is not properly installed.
damage to unit (including motor failure) will re-
sult.
1. Remove washer and wing nut from shield.
2. Assemble parts as shown.
3. Tighten wing nut securely.
_, WARNING: Whenadjustingthehan-
dle, be sure it remains between the trigger
and the safety label.
1. Loosen wing nut on handle.
2. Rotate the handle on the tube to an up-
right position; retighten wing nut.
ATTACHING THE SHIELD
_ WARNING: Theshieldmustbeprop-
erly installed, The shield provides partial
protection from the risk of thrown objects to
the operator and others, Your unit is equipped
with a line limiter blade, which cuts excess
line to the proper length while runnh_g. The
line iimiter blade (on underside of shield) is
sharp and can cut you,
KNOW YOUR TRIMMER
READTHIS INSTRUCTION MANUALAND SAFETY RULESBEFORE OPERATINGYOUR UNIT
Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the location of the various controls
and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
Assist Handle
/ Wing Nut CAUTION:
NOTE: Remove Sharp line
and use washer limiter blade
and wing nut from
this bolt for assem-
bling shield,
Motor Pigtail
Housing Plug
Semi-automatic
Head with .065" line.
/ Debris Shield
!
Tap Button Line Limiter Blade
RECESSED PLUG
The RECESSED PLUG is where you attach
your extension cord to the unit.
TRIGGER SWITCH
The TRIGGER SWITCH is used to turn enthe
unit. Squeeze the trigger switch to operate the
unit. Release to stop.
LINE LIMITER BLADE
The LiNE LIMITER BLADE cuts the cutting
line to the proper cutting length.
Cord Retainer
Trigger Switch
ASSIST HANDLE
The ASSIST HANDLE is used to he_p hold
and guide the unit.
TRIMMER HEAD
The TRIMMER HEAD hems cutting line and
rotates during operation.
TAP BUTTON
The TAP BUqq-ON is used to advance the
cutting line during operation and to remove
the spool during line replacement.
4
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) 18 Gauge
50 Ft. (15 m) 16 Gauge
100 Ft. (30 m) 16 Gauge
Extension cords are available for this unit,
ATTACH THE EXTENSION
,40&WARNING: Useonly0.065inch(1,65
mm) diameter line. Other sizes of line will notad-
vance properly and will result in improper cutting
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
become a dangerous missile that can cause se-
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.
CORD TO YOUR TRIMMER
Make a loopinyour extension cord andattach Trimming
the cord as shown, insure the plugand cord
are firmly and fully engaged.
CORRECT OPERATING POSITION
Trimming Aq
SCALPING
The scalping technique removes unwanted
vegetation down to the ground. Hold the bot-
tom of the trimmer head about 3 inches (8 cm)
above the ground and at an angle. Allow the
tip of the lineto strike the ground around trees,
posts, monuments, etc. This technique in-
creases line wear.
Scalping
3 inches (8 cm)
above ground
Cut only from fight to left,
,_ WAR NIN G: Alwaysweareye protec-
tion. Never lean over the trimmer head.
Rocks or debris can ricochet or be thrown into
eyes and face and cause blindness or other
serious injury.
When operating unit, stand as shown and
check for the following:
• Wear eye protection and heavy clothing.
• Hold trigger handle with right hand and as-
sist handle with left hand.
• Keep unit below waist level.
• Cut only from your right to your left to en-
sure debris is thrown away from you. With-
out bending over, keep line near and paral-
lel to the ground and not crowded into
material being cut,
ADVANCING THE CUTTING LINE
Advance line by tapping bottom of cutting
head lightly on the ground while unit is running
at full speed, A metal line limiter blade at-
tached to the shield will cut the line to the
proper length.
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 and dam-
age the tool.
Mowing _,_ _! _
SWEEPING
ThefanningactionoftherotatingNnecanbe
usedforaquickandeasycleanup.Keepthe
lh_eparalleltoandabovethesurfacesbeing
sweptandmovethetoolfromsidetoside.
_i WARNING: Disconnect unit from the
power source before performing mainte-
nance.
GENERAL RECOMMEN DATIONS
The warranty on this unit does not cover items
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 win need to be made periodicaNy to
properly mah_tain your unit.
BEFORE EACH USE
CHECK FOR LOOSE
FASTENERS AND PARTS
• Housing Screws
• Assist Handle
• Debris Shield
REPLACING THE LINE
1. Disconnect the unit from the power
source.
2. Remove the spool by firmly puNing 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 Poulan PRO ® brand line. Use of
heavier lines could overload and damage
unit.
_I_WARNING: Never use wire, rope,
string, etc.. which can break offand become a
dangerous missile.
5. Insert one end ofthe 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 tine exit hole.
10. Push the spool into the hub until it snaps
into place.
CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR
WORN PARTS
Contact an authorized service dealer for re-
placement of damaged or worn parts.
• Trigger Switch - Ensure switch functions
properly by pressing and releasing the trig-
ger switch. Make sure motor stops.
• Debris Shield - Discontinue use of unit if
debris shield is damaged.
AFTER EACH USE
INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT AND LA-
BELS
• After each use. inspect complete unit for
loose or damaged parts. Clean the unit us-
ing a damp cloth with a mild detergent.
• Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.
11. Pull on the line extending outside the hub
to release it from the notch; otherwise, the
unit will not function properly.
Small
,-'7_'d'_XY ','¢_-'- spool
1,_'77(LO)I}
Tap/"
Button _"_:_/"
Line inNotch
,;,"J/
Hub
Line exit hole
USER REPLACEABLE SERVICE PARTS
REPLACEMENT PART
Spool with 0.080" Trimmer Line
Assist Handle
Bolt Carriage. 1/4-20
Wing Nut
Shield Assembly
PART NUMBER
952701666
530038584
530015820
530016118
530069752
_WARNING: Perform the following
steps after each use.
• Stop the unit and disconnect the power
SOUrCe when not in use,
• Carry the unit with motor stopped.
• Store the unit so the line limiter blade can-
not cause injury.
• Store unit and extension cord indoors in a
high, dry place out of the reach of children.
Store unit unplugged.
• Store unit with all guards in place. Position
unit so that any sharp object cannot acci-
dentally cause injury.
TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE
,_ WAR NIN G: Always stopunitand disconnectfromthepower sourcebeforeperforming
all of the recommended remedies below exce 3t remedies that require unit to be operating.
TROUBLE CAUSE REMEDY
Trimmer head 1. Crowding trimmer line 1. Allow tip of line to do the cutting.
stops under a against material being
load or does not cut.
turn when switch 2. Electrical failure. 2. Contact your authorized service dealer.
is pressed. 3. Thrown circuit breaker. 3. Check Breaker Box.
Line does not 1. Line improperly routed 1. Check line routing.
advance or in head.
breaks while 2. Line improperly 2. Rewind line tightly and evenly.
cutting, wound into spool.
Line welds onto 1. Line size is incorrect. 1. Use only 0.065 inch (1.65 mm) dia. line.
spool. 2. Incorrect spool. 2. Replace with correct spool.
Line releases 1. Line improperly 1. Check line routing.
continuously, routed in head.
Line usage is 1. Line improperly routed 1. Check line routing.
excessive, in head.
Line pulls back 1. Too tittle line outside 1. Remove cover and pull 4 inches
into head. of head. (10 cm) of line outside of head.
4. Debris stopping head. 4. Remove debris.
3. Incorrect line size 3. Use onIy 0.065 inch (1.65 mm) dia. line.
4. Not enough line 4. Remove cover and pull 4 inches
outside of head. (10 cm) of line out of head.
5. Dirt buildup on unit. 5. Clean unit.
3. Line is being crowded 3. Cut with tip of line fufly extended.
against material being
cut.
2. Spool damaged. 2. Replace spool.
2. Line size is incorrect. 2. Replace spool.
3. Crowding line against 3. Cut with tip of line fully extended.
material being cut.
4. Spool worn or damaged. 4. Replace spool.
2. Line size incorrect. 2. Use only 0.065 inch (1.65 mm) dia. line.
ELECTROLUXHOMEPRODUCTS, INC.,
warrants to the original purchaser that each
new Poulan PRO ® brand electric or cordless
product is free from defects in material and
workmanship and agrees to repair or replace
under this warranty any defective Poulan
PRO ® brand electric product within two (2)
years from the origina_ date of purchase,
If your Poulan PRO ® brand electric or cord-
less product should fail within the Hmited
warranty period, return it, complete, prepaid,
with proof of purchase, to the dealer from
whom it was purchased for repair or replace-
ment at the option of ELEOTROLUX 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 ELEOTROLUX HOME
PRODUCTS, INC,, for this electric product, Ad-
ditionally, this warranty does not cover parts that
will wear and require replacement with reason-
able use during the warranty period, This war-
raety does not cover predelivery set-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 HERE
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, ELEOTROLUX 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.
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