Powermate PCV43, PCVR43 Operator's Manual

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Safety Definitions 1 Important Safety Information 2-3 Product Specifications 4 Parts & Features 4 Assembly 5-6 Operation 7-8 Maintenance 9 Storage 9 Troubleshooting 10 Technical Service 10 Warranty 1

1-16

Spanish 18-33

12/16/2010 Printed in China A201016

Operator’s Manual

GASOLINE POWERED CULTIVATOR

43cc, 2 Cycle

IMPORTANT:

Thank you for purchasing this Powermate® Cultivator. Read and understand all warnings and instructions in this manual before using this machine. Improper use of equipment can cause severe injury or death. Keep this manual for future reference.

Record the following for future reference: Mfg. Date Code : _________________ Date of Purchase: Attach a copy of your sales receipt. Consumer Toll Free Number: 1-800-737-2112

KEEP THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

MODEL No.S

PCV43

PCVR43

For Occasional Use Only

If you have a question or problem...

CALL TOLL FREE: 1-800-737-2112

Refer to the website for electronic manual and parts book.

www.powermate.com

Indicates WARNING, DANGER, or CAUTION.

This equipment can throw small objects at high speed causing personal injury. Inspect area where used and remove all foreign objects.

Read operator’s manual before operating this machine. Failure to follow directions could result in serious injury.

Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. NEVER run unit indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.

Always wear eye protection that meets or exceeds the requirements of ANSI Z87.1. Wear hearing protection. Wear breathing protection.

To reduce risk of fire, clean spilled gas and oil and keep unit free from debris. Gasoline is extremely flammable. Allow machine to cool completely before refueling.

Do not use if children or bystanders are present.

Extremely hot surface. Do not touch a hot muffler, gear box or cylinder, you may get burned. These parts get extremely hot from operation and remain hot for a short time after the unit is turned off.

Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from rotating tines. Contact with rotating tines may result in serious injury.

Safety Definitions

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Safety Warning Symbols:

Control and Operating Symbols:

Choke Control:

Run/Warm Start

Choke/Cold Start

Fuel Mixture

40:1

Unleaded Gas: 2 Cycle Oil

Caution: Do Not Use Gas Mix with More Than 10% Methanol or Ethanol

Fuel Mixture:

40:1

(Unleaded Gas : 2 Cycle Oil)

Fuel Primer:

Press 6 times.

Throttle Control:

SLOW

FAST

Ignition Switch:

ON/RUN

OFF/STOP

Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury or equipment/property damage

DANGER

CAUTION

WARNING

The information listed below should be read and understood by the operator. We utilize the symbols below to allow the reader to recognize important information about their safety.

Safety Alert Symbols

Important Safety Information

Before Operating Cultivator

1. READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING CULTIVATOR. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment. Know how to stop the unit and disengage the controls quickly.

WARNING

Read and follow all warnings and safety instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to you or bystanders.

2. Avoid Dangerous Environments a. Do not operate cultivator while under the influence of alcohol, medications, or drugs. b. Do not operate cultivator when you are tired. c. Do not use this cultivator if you are mentally or physically unable to operate safely.

3. Inspect cultivator for damaged parts, and make sure all fasteners and guards are in place and secure. Replace any damaged parts.

4. Dress properly when operating cultivator. a. Always wear heavy long pants, boots, gloves, and a long-sleeve shirt. b. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry that can get caught in the moving parts of the cultivator. c. Always wear gloves and substantial foot wear when working outside. d. Always wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.

5. Always wear a face or dust mask if operation is dusty.

6. Always wear eye protection that meets or exceeds the requirements of ANSI Z87.1.

7. Always wear hearing protection which meets or exceeds ANSI standards.

8. Thoroughly inspect the area where the cultivator is to be used and remove all foreign objects.

9. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children, and pets.

WARNING

Your equipment can throw small objects at high speed causing personal injury or property damage.

10. Never allow children to operate the equipment. Never allow adults to operate the equipment without proper instruction.

11. Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people, their property, and themselves.

WARNING

Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer or birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Important Safety Information

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While Operating Cultivator

1. Stay alert. Use common sense. Watch what you are doing.

2. Do not operate cultivator if it is damaged or not securely and fully assembled.

3. Never operate the cultivator without good visibility or light.

4. Never operate the machine without proper guards, plates, or other safety protective devices in place.

5. Keep all part of your body away from the rotating tines. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.

6. Keep children and pets away.

7. Use only for jobs explained in this manual. Do not use cultivator for any job except that for which it is intended.

8. Maintain your balance and proper footing at all times. Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to till too deep.

9. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove the wire from spark plug, thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and operating the machine.

10. Never leave the machine unattended. Stop the engine when leaving the operating position.

11. Stop the engine before unclogging the tines, and when making any repairs, adjustments, and inspections.

12. Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may catch in the ground and propel the cultivator forward. If this occurs, let go of the handles and do not restrain the machine.

13. Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the machine towards you.

14. Do not force cultivator. It will do the job better and with less likelihood of a risk of injury at the rate for which it was designed.

DANGER

Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or building; breathing exhaust fumes can kill.

16. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.

17. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.

18. If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning sign of trouble.

19. Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on hard or slippery surfaces.

20. Start the engine carefully according to instructions and with feet well away from the tines.

21. Never pick up or carry a machine while the engine is running.

Important Safety Information

Important Safety Information (Continued)

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While Operating Cultivator (cont.)

CAUTION

Prolonged exposure to vibrations through use of gasoline powered hand tools could cause blood vessel or nerve damage in fingers, hands, and joints of people prone to circulation disorders or abnormal swellings. Extensive 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.

Fuel Safety

1. Mix and pour fuel outdoors WHERE THERE ARE NO SPARKS OR FLAMES.

2. Use a container approved for gasoline.

3. Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or the cultivator.

4. Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all fuel spills.

5. Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from fueling site before starting engine. Do not refuel a hot engine. Do not refuel a running engine.

6. Stop engine and allow to cool before removing fuel cap. Remove fuel cap slowly.

7. Never store engine with fuel in the tank indoors. Fuel and fuel vapors are highly flammable.

8. Replace all fuel tank and container caps securely.

Maintenance & Storage of Cultivator

1. Stop the engine, and disconnect the spark plug before servicing, cleaning, or performing maintenance on the unit. Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running.

2. Maintain cultivator with care. Inspect cultivator periodically. Keep machine, attachments, and accessories in safe working condition. If cultivator is not working properly or damaged, have it repaired by a qualified service center.

3. Check for misalignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, broken parts, and any other condition that may affect its operation. Check shear bolts, engine mounting bolts, and other bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.

4. Keep guards in place and in working order.

5. A guard or other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by a qualified service center.

6. Use only genuine Powermate® replacement parts and accessories. Use of any non-Powermate® parts or accessories could lead to injury, damage the unit, and void your warranty.

7. Do not remove or modify any parts. Removing or modifying parts could lead to injury, damage the machine and will void the warranty.

8. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.

9. Allow engine to cool and empty the fuel tank before storing or transporting in vehicle. Use up remaining fuel in the carburetor by starting the engine and letting it run until it stops. If the fuel tank has to be drained, do it outdoors.

10. When not in use, store cultivator indoors in a dry location. Store cultivator above the reach of children or in a locked area out of the reach of children.

11. Store unit and fuel in area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc.

12. Always refer to the operator’s manual for important details if the cultivator is to be stored for an extended period.

13. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for safe loading, unloading, transport, and storage of machine.

Important Safety Information

Engine .................... 43 cc, 2 cycle, Full-Crank

Idle Speed ....................... 2,800-3,000 RPM

Tilling Width ................................ 7”-10”

Tilling Depth .............................. Up to 5”

Fuel Tank Capacity.................... 28 oz (840 ml)

Fuel Type .......

Unleaded Gasoline – 87 Octane or higher

2-Cycle Oil Type........

2-Cycle Oil that meets or exceeds

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

JASO – FC Specifications

Fuel Mixture ................

40:1 (Gasoline: 2-Cycle Oil)

Spark Plug ................. NHSP LD L6, NGK BM6A

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CHAMPION - CJ8

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . or equivalent

Net Weight ...........................33 lbs (15 kg)

Product Specifications

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Parts & Features

1. Ignition Switch 7. Tines 13. Air Filter Cover

2. Upper Handle 8. Recoil Starter Handle 14. Throttle Trigger

3. Middle Handle 9. Fuel Tank 15. Muffler

4. Lower Handle 10. Spark Plug 16. Drag Stake

5. Front Carry Handle 11. Fuel Primer Bulb 17. Detent Pin

6. Engine 12. Choke 18. Transport Wheels

Parts Included with Cultivator

• Middle Handle (1)

• Upper Handles (2)

• Wing nuts and bolts (4 ea.)

• Spark Plug Wrench & Rod (1)

• Cable Ties (3)

• Operator’s Manual (1)

• 3.2 oz bottle of 2-Cycle engine oil (1)

* Wrench (1)

Do not operate cultivator if it is damaged or not securely and fully assembled.

If you need assistance or find any parts missing, CALL TOLL FREE: 1-800–737-2112

Assembly

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WARNING

How to Unpack Cultivator from Carton

1. Remove all parts and packing components.

2. Use a utility knife to cut all 4 vertical edges. Lay the side panels flat around the cultivator.

3. Remove inner components and packaging.

CAUTION

Use care when removing parts not to damage any cables or wires that are attached to the parts.

4. Roll the unit out from the carton, and place on a hard level surface.

Fig. 2

Drag stake pointed down

Detent Pin

1. Place the cultivator upright with tines and wheels on a hard level surface. Wheels should be set in the lowest position.

WARNING

Do NOT place the cultivator on a high surface where it can fall and cause property damage or personal injury.

2. Assemble the middle handle to the lower handle with the 2 bolts and wing nuts. Refer to Figure 1. Firmly hand-tighten the wing nuts.

3. Attach the upper handles to the middle handle using the two remaining bolts and wing nuts. Refer to Figure 1.

4. Assemble the ignition switch and throttle trigger to the right upper handle with the screw. Use included wrench. See Figure 1.

5. Make sure the ignition wire is connected to both the ignition switch (on the upper handle) and the engine. Make sure the wires are connected at the white connection terminal.

6. Use the cable ties to secure the throttle cable and ignition wire to the handles.

7. The drag stake is shipped with the point facing upwards. To use for cultivating, remove detent pin, and turn the drag stake upside down so the point faces downward. Re-insert the detent pin. Refer to Figure 2.

How to Assemble the Handles and Drag Stake

Fig. 1

Lower Handle

Middle Handle

Left Upper Handle

Right Upper Handle

Wingnut

Bolt

Cable Ties

Ignition Wire

Throttle Wire

Screw

Ignition Switch

Throttle Trigger

Assembly (Continued)

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To Remove Tines

1. Remove the pins from each end of the tine shaft. Refer to Figure 3.

2. Slide the four tines off the tine shaft.

To Install Tines

The 4 different tines are labeled “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D”. Refer to Figure 4a for the location of the label.

For a 10” tilling width:

1. Assemble the tines as shown in Figure 4b. Make sure the collars of the tines are facing each other.

2. Insert the pins into the holes at each end of the tine shaft to lock the tines into place. See Figure 3.

For a 7” tilling width:

1. Only assemble tines B and C (the two inside tines). Do not assemble tines A and D (the two outside tines). Refer to figure 4b.

2. Insert the pins into the INSIDE holes of the tine shaft to lock the tines into place. See Figure 5.

How to Assemble the Tines

Fig. 3

Fig. 5

Fig. 4a

D C BA

Fig. 4b

Before Starting Engine:

Adding Fuel to Cultivator:

1. Stop engine and allow it to cool before refueling.

2. Place the unit upright on the ground or on a sturdy bench and wipe and any debris from around the fuel cap.

3. Remove fuel cap slowly and use a funnel to pour the mixture into the tank, and replace the fuel cap.

4. Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all fuel spills.

5. Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from fueling site before starting engine.

Operation

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Fig. 6 Fig. 9

Fig. 7

COLD START

RUN/WARM

START

Fig. 8

PRIMER BULB

Mixing Fuel / 2-Cycle Oil

WARNING

Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or the cultivator. Mix and pour fuel outdoors WHERE THERE ARE NO SPARKS OR FLAMES.

The 2-cycle engine on your cultivator requires that fuel and 2-cycle engine oil need to be pre-mixed before adding to the fuel tank.

WARNING

Always mix the gasoline and 2-cycle oil in a container approved for gasoline. Never mix fuel directly in the engine fuel tank.

Use fresh unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher and less than 10% ethanol or methanol.

Use 2-cycle oil that meets or exceeds JASO – FC specifications and is intended for mixing at a fuel to oil ratio of 40:1.

CAUTION

Use of incorrect gasoline such as diesel fuel or gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol or methanol will damage the cultivator engine and void your warranty.

CAUTION

Use of incorrect oil, such as automotive oil, 2-cycle marine outboard oil, or any oil other than specified oil will damage the cultivator engine and void your warranty.

To mix the fuel and 2-cycle oil, follow instructions on 2-cycle oil container for mixing fuel. Mix gasoline and 2-cycle oil at a ratio of 40:1. A mixture with a 40:1 ratio is obtained by mixing 1 gallon (4 liters) of gasoline with 3.2 ounces of oil (95 ml). After adding oil to gasoline, shake container momentarily to ensure proper mixing.

IMPORTANT: Mix only enough fuel for your immediate needs. Do not store pre-mixed fuel.

Starting Engine:

Starting a Cold Engine

1. Place the cultivator on a flat surface.

2. Move the ignition switch to the “on” position. (See Figure 6)

3. Move the choke lever to the ‘cold start’ position.

(See Figure 7)

4. Press the primer bulb slowly 6 times. (See Figure 8)

5. Grab the recoil starter handle with your right hand, and support the cultivator with your left hand. (See Figure 9)

6. Pull the recoil starter handle sharply until the engine

starts and runs

7. After engine starts and runs for 10-15 seconds, move choke lever to “run/ warm start” position. (See Figure 7)

Starting a Warm Engine

1. Place the cultivator on a flat surface.

2. Move the ignition switch to the “on” position. (See Figure 6)

3. Move the choke lever to the ‘run/ warm start’ position. (See Figure 7)

4. Grab the recoil starter handle with your right hand, and support the cultivator with your left hand. (See Figure 9)

5. Pull the recoil starter handle sharply until the engine starts and runs.

ON/RUN STOP

Operation (Continued)

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Engine Break-In Period:

During the first ten (10) hours of use, use the slowest engine speed which allows for effective cutting and avoid operation at high engine speeds for extended periods of time. This will maximize the life and performance of your cultivator’s engine. Maximum power will be achieved after the first ten (10) hours of engine operation.

Fig. 11

The drag stake adds resistance when cultivating which makes the unit easier to control. It also can be adjusted to change the depth of cultivating. To adjust the drag stake position, follow the steps below and refer to Figure 11:

1. Remove the detent pin

2. Slide the stake to the desired position, aligning the hole

in the stake with the holes in the support bracket

3. Insert the detent pin through the holes to secure the

drag stake.

Note: For the deepest cultivating depth, set the drag stake in its lowest position. This will give the greatest resistance and allow for the deepest depth.

Adjusting the Drag Stake Position:

1. Loosen knob.

2. Move the wheels up or down. NOTE: the upper position is for cultivating, the lower position is for transport

3. Tighten knob securely after adjusting the wheels to the desired height.

Adjusting the Wheel Height:

Starting Engine (Continued):

Adjusting Engine Speed:

If the unit still doesn’t start, refer to the TROUBLESHOOTING section of this manual or:

If you need assistance or have any questions,

CALL TOLL FREE: 1-800–737-2112

Starting a Flooded Engine

1. Place the cultivator on a flat surface.

2. Move the ignition switch to the ON position.

3. Move the choke lever to the ‘run/ warm start’ position.

(see Figure 7)

4. Hold the throttle trigger fully depressed in fast position.

(See Figure 10)

5. Pull the recoil starter handle repeatedly until engine

starts and runs. This could require pulling the recoil starter handle many times, depending on how badly the unit is flooded.

6. If the engine still does not start, allow the unit to sit for

about 15 minutes, and repeat steps 1-5.

Note: this cultivator is equipped with a centrifugal clutch, so the tines will not turn until the engine speed is increased. To increase the engine speed, lift up on the throttle trigger. (See Figure 10) To slow the engine down, slowly release the throttle trigger. Completely releasing the throttle lever will return the engine to idle and will stop the tines from rotating.

1. Release the throttle trigger and allow the engine to idle for a few moments. (See Figure 10)

2. Push and hold the ignition switch to the ‘stop’ position. (See Figure 6)

Stopping the Engine:

Fig. 10

FAST SLOW

Drag stake

Detent Pin

Holes

Support Bracket

Turn off ignition switch, and disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance except for carburetor adjustments. Reconnect the spark plug wire after the service is done.

WARNING

Maintenance

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Air Filter

Your cultivator has been equipped with two (2) foam air filters inside the air filter housing to prevent dirt and debris from entering the engine.

Accumulated debris and dust in the air filter will reduce engine performance, increase fuel consumption, and increase the risk of damage. Inspect the air filters frequently for dust and debris build-up, and clean the air filters every 5 hours of operation (more frequently in dusty/dirty conditions).

Both air filters should be cleaned by following these instructions:

1. Before removing air filter cover, brush away any loose dirt or debris on and around the filter cover.

2. Remove the screw securing the air filter cover. See Figure 13.

3. Remove and clean foam filter.

• Light surface dust can readily be removed by

tapping the filter.

• Heavy deposits should be washed out in soap and

water. Squeeze out any remaining water and allow the filter to completely dry.

WARNING

Never clean filter in gasoline or other flammable solvents. 4

. Add a drop of thin oil to the filter and replace it.

Fig. 13

Spark Plug

Inspect the spark plug after every 10-15 hours of use; adjust spark plug gap and replace spark plug as necessary. Replace spark plug every year to maintain engine performance and easy starting. To inspect or replace the spark plug:

1. Remove the insulated spark plug boot.

2. Use the spark plug wrench to remove the spark plug, by turning counter-clockwise.

3. Visually inspect the spark plug for cracks or damage. If damaged, replace spark plug with a recommended replacement

(see “Product Specifications”).

4. Clean carbon deposits. If excessive carbon build up, replace spark plug.

5. Adjust the spark plug gap to 0.024 – 0.028 in. (0.6 - 0.7mm).

6. Install the spark plug finger tight in the cylinder head, and then tighten firmly with the spark plug wrench.

7. Re-install the insulated spark plug boot.

Storage

Allow engine to cool and empty the fuel tank before

storing or transporting in vehicle. Use up remaining fuel in the carburetor by starting the engine and letting it run until it stops.

2. When not in use, store cultivator indoors in a dry

location. Store cultivator above the reach of children or in a locked area out of the reach of children.

3. Store unit and fuel in area where fuel vapors cannot

reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc.

4. When preparing the cultivator for storage or when cultivator will not be used for 30 days or more: a. Empty fuel tank and use up remaining fuel in the carburetor by starting the engine and letting it run until it stops. b. Inspect and clean the cultivator thoroughly. c. Lightly oil all external metal surfaces. d. Remove the spark plug, place a few drops of 2-cycle engine oil into the cylinder. Pull the recoil starter several times to distribute the oil. Replace the spark plug. e. Inspect and clean air filter as required.

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE(S) SOLLUTION(S)

Engine will not start. 1.

Ignition Switch in the “OFF” position.

2. Engine flooded.

3. Fuel Tank empty.

4. Spark Plug not firing.

5. Fuel not reaching carburetor.

6. Carburetor requires adjustment.

1. Move ignition switch to the ON position.

2. See Starting a Flooded Engine in OPERATION section.

3. Fill tank with correct fuel mixture.

4. Replace Spark Plug.

5. Check for kinked or split fuel line; repair or replace.

6. Contact a qualified service center.

Engine will not accelerate, lacks power or stalls.

Fuel not reaching carburetor.

2. Air filter dirty.

3. Spark plug fouled.

4. Carburetor requires adjustment.

5. Carbon build-up on muffler outlet screen.

6. Compression low.

1. Check for kinked or split fuel line; repair or replace.

2. Clean air filter.

3. Clean or replace spark plug

4. Contact a qualified service center.

5. Contact a qualified service center.

6. Contact a qualified service center.

Engine smokes excessively. 1. Fuel mixture incorrect.

2. Air filter dirty.

3. Carburetor requires adjustment.

4. Choke lever in the CHOKE/COLD START position.

1. Empty Fuel Tank and refill with correct fuel mixture.

2. Clean or replace air filter.

3. Contact a qualified service center.

4. Rotate choke lever to the RUN/WARM START position.

Engine runs hot. 1. Fuel mixture incorrect.

2. Spark Plug incorrect.

3. Carburetor requires adjustment.

4. Carbon build-up on muffler outlet screen.

1. See Mixing Fuel / 2-Cycle Oil in OPERATION section.

2. Replace with correct Spark Plug.

3. Contact a qualified service center.

4. Contact a qualified service center.

Engine will not idle properly. 1. Carburetor requires adjustment.

2. Crankshaft seals worn.

3. Compression low.

1. Contact a qualified service center.

2. Contact a qualified service center.

3. Contact a qualified service center.

Troubleshooting

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You may have further questions about assembling, operating, or maintaining this cultivator. If so, you can contact our Technical Service Department at 1-800-737-2112 (English only). You may also write to:

METL Corporate Office - CORRESPONDENCE ONLY ATTN: Technical Service – METL 6700 Wildlife Way

Long Grove, IL 60047

Technical Service

When contacting the Technical Service Department, have

ready:

• Your Name

• Your Address

• Your Phone Number

• Model Number of Product

• Date of Purchase (include copy of receipt for written requests)

If you need assistance or have any questions,

CALL TOLL FREE: 1-800–737-2112

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Powermate PCV43, PCVR43 Operator's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual