Poulan PE3500 Owner’s Manual

Poulan

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_1_ Please do not return unit to retailer.

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• 1-800-554-6723

www.poulan.com

Operator's Manual

Manual del Operador

Manuel de L'utilisateur

PE3500 !

&

For Occasional Use Only

DANGER:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions before
using this product. Failure to do so can result in serious injury.

ADVERTENClA:

Lea el manual del operador y siga todas las advertencias e instruc-

clones de seguridad. El no hacerio puede resultar en lesiones gra-
ves.

AVERTISSEMENT:

Life lemanuel de I'utilisateur et bien respecter tousles avertisse-
ments et toutes les instructions de s6curit6. Tout d6faut de le

faire pourrait entraTner des blessures graves.

Electrolux Home Products
North America

Div.of WCI Outdoor Products, Inc.
Augusta, GA30907

Copyright 2001 WCI Outdoor Products, Inc.

®

530086382 7/20/01

!

aWARNING: When using gardening

appliances, basic safety precautions must al-
ways be followed to reduce the dsk of fire and

senous injury. Read and follow all instruc-
tions.

This power unit can be dangerous! Operator
is responsible for following instructions and
warnings on unit and in manual. Read entire
Operator's ManuaI before using unit! Bethor-
oughly familiar with the controls and the prop-

er use of the unit. Restrict the use of this unit
to persons who have read, understand and

will follow the instructions and warnings on
the unit and in the manual. Never allow chil-

dren to operate this unit.

OPERATOR SAFETY

z't

• I_DANGER: RISK OF CUT. KEEP

HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM BLADE
AND CUTTING AREA. Do not attempt to

clear away cut material or hold material to be
cut when the blade is in motion. Make sure

the engine is stopped and spark plug wire dis-
connected when removing jammed material
from the cutting blade. Do not grab or hold
unit by the cutting blade.

• Dress properly. Always wear safety
glasses or similar eye protection when op-
erating, or performing maintenance on your

unit (safety glasses are available). Eye
protection should be marked ANSI Z87.

• Always wear face or dust mask if operation
is dusty.

• Always wear heavy, long pants, long
sleeves, boots, and gloves.

• Always wear foot protection. Do not go
barefoot or wear sandals.

• Secure hair above shoulder length. Secure
or remove loose clothing and jewelry or
clothing with loosely hanging ties, straps,
tassels, etc. They can be caught in moving
parts.

• Being fully covered also helps protect you
from debris and pieces of toxic plants
thrown by spinning blade.

• Stay Alert. Do not operate unit when you
are tired, ill, upset or under the influence of
alcohol, drugs, ormedication. Watchwhat
you are doing; use common sense.

• Wear hearing protection.

• Never start or run the engine inside a
closed room, building or other unventilated
area. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill.

• Keep handles free ofoil and fuel.

• Always use the handle.

• Never direct discharge of material toward
bystanders or allow anyone near the area
of operation. Use care in directing dis-
charge to avoid glass enclosures, automo-

biles, and the like.

Blades move
momentarily

after the
trigger is

Operator's
Manual

Allow blades to stop ,_
before removing them

from the cut.

_cals

_lb WARNING:

Bladescan throwobjectsviolently

• You can be blinded or injured.

• Wear safety glasses and boots.

WARNING:
Hazard zone for thrown objects

• Blades can throw objects violently.

• Others can be blinded or injured.

• Keep people and animals 50 feet
(15 m) away.

WARNING:

Blades move momentarily after the

trigger is released.

• The blades can seriously cut you or
others.

• Allow blades to stop before

removing them from the cut.

,&WARNING:

Read Operator's Manual

• Follow all warnings and instructions.

• Failure to do so can result in
serious injury.

UNIT/MAINTENANCE SAFETY

_IkWARNING: Disconnect spark plug

before performing maintenance except car-
buretor adjustments.

• Inspect entire unit before each use. Re-
place damaged parts. Check for fuel leaks.
Make sure all fasteners are in place and se-
curely fastened.

• Maintain the unit according to recom-
mended procedures.

• Throw away blades that are bent, warped,
cracked, broken, or damaged in any other

way. Replace parts that are cracked,

chipped, broken, or damaged before using

the unit.

• Use only recommended Poulan replace-
ment parts and accessories. Never use

wire, rope, stdng, flailing devices, etc.

• Be sure blade stops turning when engine
idles (see CARBURETOR ADJUST-

MENTS).

• Remove the blade before making carbure-

toradjustments. Hold the unit by hand. Do

not make carburetor adjustments from the
blade side of the unit.

• Keep others awaywhen making carburetor
adjustments.

• Never start the unit with the clutch housing
removed. The clutch can fly off and cause
sedous injury.

• Have all maintenance and service not ex-
plained in this manual per[ormed by your Au-

thorized Service Dealert

• If product strikes a foreign object follow

these steps: stop unit, disconnect spark

plug lead, inspect for damage, and repair
any damage before resuming operation of

the unit.

EDGING SAFETY

oWARNING: Inspect the area to be

edged before each use. Remove objects
(rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string, etc.)
which can be thrown by the blade or can wrap

around the shaft.

• Keep others including children, animals
and bystanders, and helpers at least 50 feet

(15 meters) away. Stop the unit immediate-
ly if you are approached.

• Hold the unit firmly with both hands.

• Keep firm footing and balance. Do not over-
reach.

• Always keep the wheels in contact with the
ground.

• Keep all parts of your body away from the
blade and muffler.

• Always push the unit slowly over the
ground. Stay alert for uneven sidewalks,
holes in the terrain, large roots, etc.

• Do not force the unit. Use only for jobs ex-
plained in this manual. USE EDGER-

TRIMMER PROPERLY. Use only for edg-

ing or trimming the type of shrub, growth
and the like described in the operating in-

structions. Do not abuse product. Do not
use product in rain or wet locations. Never

allow children to operate the product. Nev-
er allow adults to operate the product with-

out proper instructions.

• DISCONNECT (UNPLUG) SPARK PLUG
LEAD: when not in use, before servicing,

cleaning and the like, before changing ac-
cessories.

• TO reduce the risk of fire, do not allow ex-
cessive grass, leaves, or grease to accu-

mulate on the unit.

• Objects struck by the cutting blade can
cause serious injuries to persons. The
lawn should always be carefully examined
and cleared of all objects prior to edging or
trimming.

• Never operate the product without guards,
plates, or other protective devices in place.

FUEL SAFETY

• Mix and pour fuel outdoors.

• Keep away from sparks or flames.

• Use a container approved for fuel.

• Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or
the unit or while using the unit.

• Make sure the unit is propedy assembled
and in good operating condition.

• Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all fuel
spills before starting engine.

• Moveatleast 10feet(3 meters)awayfromfu-
eling site before starting engine.

• Stop engine and allow it to cool before re-
moving fuel cap.

• Do not store the unit with fuel in the fuel
tank. Use up fuel left in the carburetor and

fuel lines by starting the engine and letting it
run until it stops.

• Store unit and fuel in area where rue1vapors
cannot reach sparks or open flames from

water heaters, electric motors or switches,
furnaces, etc.

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

• Do not grasp or hold exposed blade.

• Stop unit before leaving work area.

• Allow unit to cool, run fuel out of the fuel
tank, and secure unit before storing or
transporting it in a vehicle.

• Before storing, use up fuel left in the carbu-
retor by starting the unit and letting it run un-
til it stops. Always allow the unit to cool be-
fore storage.

• Store unit and fuel in an area where fuel va-
pors cannot reach sparks or open flames

from water heaters, electric motors or
switches, furnaces, etc.

• Store unit so the blade cannot accidentally
cause injury.

• Store product indoors, out of the reach of
children.

If situations occur which are not covered in

this manual, use care and good judgment. If
you need assistance, contact your nearest

Authorized Service Dealer or call

1-800-554-6723.

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 swellings. 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 med-
ical attention. An anti-vibration system does

not guarantee the avoidance of these prob-
lems. Users who operate power tools on a
continual and regular basis must monitor
closely their physical condition and the condi-

tion of this unit.
SPECIAL NOTICE: This unit is equipped

with a temperature limiting muffler and spark
arresting screen which meets the require-

ments of California Codes 4442 and 4443. All

U.S. forest land and the states of California,

Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ore-
gon, and Washington require by law that
many internal combustion engines be
equipped with asparkarresting screen. If you
operate in a locale where such regulations ex-
ist, you are legally responsible for maintaining
the operating condition of these parts. Failure

to do so is a violation of the law. For normal
homeowner use, the muffler and spark arrest-

ing screen will not require any service. After
50 hours of use, we recommend that your
muffler be serviced or replaced by your Au-

thorized Service Dealer.

• Locate the decal on the handlebar. This de-
caI includes two arrows. Position the han-

dlebar on the mounting bracket between
these arrows.

• Position the bracket cover over the handle-
bar. Again make sure the handlebar is be-

tween the arrows.

• Insert screws and hand tighten only. Be
sure the handlebar is installed correctly;

then, tighten each screw securely with the
large hex wrench.

Bracket Cover _

Mountinc
Bracket

Screw

Handlebar

d_kWARNING: Remove fuel cap slowly

when refueling.
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 oiI is recommended. (A 40:1 ratio is ob-

tained by mixing 3.2 ounces of oil with I gallon of

unleaded gasoline). When mixing fuel follow the
instructions printed on the oil container: Always
read and follow the safety rules under FUEL

SAFETY.

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 adjust-
ments and testing done by the manufacturer.

ASSEMBLY

dCiWAI_NINI3: If received assembled,
repeat all steps to ensure your unit is properly

assembled and all fasteners are secure.

TOOLS REQUIRED:

• 2 hex key wrenches (provided)

• Adjustable wrench or large pliers

• Phillips screwdriver

ATTACH THE TUBE TO THE EN-
GINE

• Slip the tube with drive shaft into the engine.

• Insert and tighten two screws, washers,
and nuts into clamp holes in engine.

ATTACHING THE HANDLEBAR

A
_IL DANGER: RISK OF CUT. To avoid

serious injury, the barrier portion of the han-
dlebar must be installed as shown to provide
a barrier between operator and the spinning

blade.

HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT

• Move the ON/OFF switch to the OFF posi-
tion.

• if engine does not stop, move choke to the
FULL CHOKE position.

HOW TO START YOUR UNIT

DANGER: The cutting bladewill

turn while starting the engine.

oWARNING: Avoid any contact with

the muffler. A hot muffler can cause serious

burns.

• Rest engine and shield on ground, support-
ing unit, so the blade is not touching the
ground.

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

• Move the ON/OFF switch to the ON posi-

tion.

• Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.

• Move choke lever to the FULL CHOKE

position.

Choke

Muffler

• Squeezethethrottletriggerfullyandhold
throughall remaining steps,

• Pull starter rope handle sharply 6 times.

• Move choke lever to HALF CHOKE posi-
tion.

• Pull starter rope handle no more than 6

pulls, until engine runs.

• Allow engine to run 10 seconds, then move

choke lever to the OFF CHOKE position.

STARTING A WARM ENGINE

• Move the ON/OFF switch to the ON posi-
tion.

• Move choke lever to the OFF CHOKE posi-
tion.

• Pull starter rope handle until engine runs.

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

structions in STARTING A COLD ENGINE.

• Do not change the engine governor set-
tings or over speed the engine.

• If the product vibrates abnormally, immedi-

ately stop the engine and check for the
cause. Vibration is generally a warning of

trouble.

• Stop the engine whenever you leave the

operating position; disconnect the spark
plug lead before unclogging the cutting
blade guard, when making a repair, adjust-
ment, inspection, or the like.

• Operate product from position where

guards block the line of sight to the cutting
blade.

EDGING

As you become familiar with use of you r edger
attachment, you will be able to determine your
own operating pace. Conditions such as
depth of cut and material being cut will regu-
late the speed and time required for your edg-
ing job.

• Allow the engine to warm up before you begin

edging.

• Increase the engine speed before placing the

blade in the cut. For best results, run the en-
gine at full throttle while cutting.

• Always work going away from people and

solid objects such as walls, large stones,

trees, automobiles, etc.

• Be careful when edging near trees orvaluabIe

plants. The high speed metal blade may cut
roots and cause damage to the plants.

• If the blade stalls, immediately move the unit

back slightly to allow the blade to restart. If

the blade continues to stall, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug, and inspect for
blockage or damage.

II_WARNING: Keep the blade area

clean. Always release the throttle trigger,

move the ON/OFF switch to the OFF position,

disconnect the spark plug, and make sure the

blade has completely stopped turning before

cleaning.

SETTING THE DEPTH OF THE

WHEEL

iI_WARNING: Neverattempt toadjust

the wheel when the engine is running. Always
stop the engine, wait until the blade stops
turning and disconnect the spark plug before

making adjustments.

• Loosen plastic knob on the blade guard.

• Raise or lower the wheel to obtain desired
edging depth.

• Tighten knob hand tight.

NOTE: If area has not been edged for sever-

al weeks, do not cut deeper than 1/2 inch the
first time.

We recommend all service and adjustments

not listed in this manual be performed by an

Authorized Service Dealer.

BLADE REPLACEMENT

z*=

iltl WARNING: The blade will continue

to spin after the engine stops or after the
throttle trigger has been released. To avoid
serious injury, make sure the blade has
stopped coasting and disconnect the spark

plug before performing work on the blade.

il_ WARNING: Wear protective gloves

when handling or performing maintenance on
the blade to avoid injury. The blade is sharp and
can cut you even when it is not moving.

Locking Lever

• To remove the 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 in locking lever'. This will
keep the shaft from turning while loosening

the blade nut.

• Remove the blade nut by turning clockwise.

• Remove both washers and the blade from
the blade shaft.