Safety Definitions 1
Important Safety Information 2-4
Product Specifications 5
Parts & Features 5
Assembly 6
Engine Preparation 7-8
Operation 8-1
Maintenance 12-16
Technical Service 16
Troubleshooting
Warranty 18-21
Español 22
17
1
MODEL No. P-WLE-1639-[E]
P-WLE-1639
IMPORTANT:
Thank you for purchasing this Powermate® Edger.
This manual provides complete instructions for safely operating and maintaining your Edger. Read and save these
instructions. Refer to this manual each time before using your Edger.
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
WARNING
This product contains one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
If you have a question or problem...
CALL TOLL FREE: 1-800-737-2112
KEEP THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
03/11/2008 Printed in China A101103
Safety Definitions
INCREASE
CUTTING
DEPTH
START
ENGINE
STOP
START /
RUN
WIRES MUST BE
CONNECTED
DANGER
PUSH TO PRIME
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Safety Alert Symbols
Important Safety Information
The following symbols are used on the product and in this manual to alert the operator of potential safety hazards. Read
them carefully, and understand their meaning.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
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/moderate injury or
equipment/property damage.
The following symbols can be found on your edger. Carefully read and understand their meaning.
Safety Warning Symbols
Indicates WARNING, DANGER, or CAUTION.
Read operator’s manual before operating
this machine. Failure to follow directions
could result in serious injury.
Thrown objects. Remove all rocks, stones,
and foreign objects which could be thrown by
machine
Wear eye protection complying with ANSI
Z87.1 and hearing protection.
Disconnect spark plug wire when not in use
or before servicing, cleaning, or performing
maintenance on the unit.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide,
an odorless and deadly gas. NEVER run unit
indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.
Do NOT touch hot muffler or cylinder.
Do not use if children or bystanders are
present.
These parts are extremely hot from opera-
tion and may remain hot for a short time
after operation.
To reduce risk of fire, clean spilled gas and
Rotating parts can cause serious injury. Keep
hands and feet away.
Always check that the ground wires
are connected before running the unit
Gasoline Fill Location
Start Lever
Release lever to stop engine
Engage lever to start/run engine
Push primer 3 times before starting a
cold engine. Important: Do not prime to
restart a warm engine.
Important Safety Information
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RESPONSIBILITY OF OPERATOR
1. Carefully read and follow these safety instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
2.
Know your product. Read and understand this manual before use. Compare the illustrations to unit. Learn location
and function of all controls. Thoroughly understanding the unit before use will result in the best performance and safety.
3. Follow all instructions when assembling the unit. If the unit was purchased in assembled condition, the operator must
check the unit carefully to make sure it was assembled according the instructions in the manual before use.
4. Regularly inspect the edger. Make sure parts are not bent, damaged, or loose.
5. Use this equipment for its intended purpose only.
6. Operate the unit only with guards, shields, and other safety items in place and working correctly.
7. Service the unit only with authorized or approved replacement parts.
8. Complete all unit maintenance and adjustments according to the instruction in this manual.
WARNING
Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means: “ Attention! Become Alert! Your Safety Is
Involved.”
WARNING
Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
To prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug
wire and put wire where it cannot contact the spark plug.
Important Safety Information
PREPARATION SAFETY
WARNING
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in this manual. Be thoroughly familiar with the
controls and the proper use of the edger before starting. Know how to stop the engine quickly.
• Familiarize yourself with all the safety and operating decals on this equipment.
WARNING
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the edger is to be used and remove all foreign objects. Your equipment can propel
small objects at high speed causing personal injury or property damage. Stay away from breakable objects, such as
house windows, auto glass, greenhouses, etc.
• Check that all nuts and bolts are tight and equipment is in good condition.
WARNING
• Always check that the flameout wire is connected before starting engine.
OPERATION SAFETY
• Never allow children or young teenagers to operate the edger.
WARNING
• Keep area of operation clear of all bystanders, particularly small children and pets.
• Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the edger.
WARNING
•Do not operate the edger while under the inuence of alcohol, drugs, or other medication which can cause drowsiness
or affect your ability to operate this machine safely.
• Do not use this machine if you are mentally or physically unable to operate the machine safely.
• Always wear ANSI compliant safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating edger to protect your
eyes from foreign objects, which can be thrown from the unit.
• Wear appropriate clothing such as a long sleeved shirt or jacket. Also wear long trousers or slacks. Do NOT wear
shorts. Do NOT wear loose clothing, which could get caught in this equipment.
• Always wear work gloves and sturdy footwear such as leather work shoes or short boots. These will protect ankles and
shins from small sticks, splinters, and other ying debris, and improve traction.
• It is advisable to wear protective headgear to protect against being struck by small ying particles, or being struck by
low hanging branches, twigs, or other objects, which may be unnoticed by the operator.
WARNING
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or
trafc.
WARNING
•Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling. Always be sure of your footing; keep a rm hold on the handle and walk;
never run. Never operate the edger at high transport speeds on slippery surfaces.
• Look behind and use care when backing.
• Never operate the edger without good visibility or light.
DANGER
• Do not run the engine indoors or inside a closed area. The exhaust fumes are dangerous, containing CARBON
MONOXIDE, an ODORLESS AND DEADLY GAS.
• Never leave the edger unattended when the engine is running. Stop the engine and make sure all moving parts have
stopped. Remove the wire from the spark plug.
• Do not overload the edger capacity by attempting to till too deep at too fast a rate.
• If the edger should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent it from
touching the spark plug. Check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, or other rough ground. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
FUEL SAFETY
WARNING
• Gasoline is extremely ammable, and gasoline vapors can explode if ignited. Handle with care.
• Use an approved container.
• Check fuel supply before each use, allowing space for expansion as the heat of the engine and/or sun can cause fuel
to expand.
• Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never ll fuel tank indoors.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
WARNING
• Do not smoke while refueling.
• After refueling, replace fuel tank cap securely and wipe up spilled fuel.
• Never store fuel or edger with fuel in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open ame.
STORAGE SAFETY
•
Always refer to the operator’s manual instructions for important details if the edger is to be stored for an extended period.
• Never store the edger with fuel in the fuel tank inside a building where ignition sources are present such as water
heaters, space heaters, clothes dryers, etc.
• To reduce re hazard, keep edger free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove the wire from the spark plug and keep the wire away from the
plug to prevent accidental starting. Thoroughly inspect the edger for any damage. If damaged, have the
equipment repaired by a trained technician before restarting and operating.
WARNING
• Stop the engine before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting the unit. Make sure all moving parts have stopped. Let the
engine cool, disconnect the spark plug wire and move it away from the spark plug.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running except when specically recommended by the
manufacturer.
• Keep the edger in safe working condition. Check all fasteners at frequent intervals for proper tightness.
• When servicing or repairing the edger, do not tip the machine over or up unless specically instructed to do so in this
Manual. Service and repair procedures can be done with the edger in an upright position. Some procedures will be
easier if the machine is lifted on a raised platform or working surface.
• Use only original equipment or authorized replacement parts.
WARNING
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or over-speed engine.
• Clean and replace safety and instruction decals as necessary.
• To guard against engine over-heating, always have engine debris lter mounted and clean.
CHILDREN SAFETY
WARNING
• Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
edger and the edging activity.
• Keep children out of the edging area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult.
• Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
• Be alert and turn edger off if children enter the area.
• Before and while moving backwards, look behind and down for small children.
• Never allow children to operate the edger.
• Use extra care when operating near blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obstruct vision.
Oil Type (API SG-SL) 10W-30 is recommended for all ser-
vice temperatures. See page 7 for additional information.
Oil Capacity ......................... 19 oz (562 ml)
Spark Plug Model ...................... Torch F7RTC
Parts & Features
1. Start Lever Lever on handle which allows the engine to
run. When lever is released, engine will stop.
2. Primer Bulb Injects fuel mixture into the carburetor for
cold starting the engine.
3. Muffler Location of engine exhaust.
4. Adjustable Rear Wheel
level the edger when edging along a curb (curb-hopping).
5. Adjustable Front Wheels Front wheels are adjustable from
side to side for balance. The front wheels can also adjust
down for curb-hopping.
6. Recoil Starter Handle The engine is equipped with an
easy pull recoil starter.
7. Index Lever Permits adjusting the cutting angle to 15
degrees, 0 degrees (vertical), or -15 degrees. To change
the angle, pull the index lever and rotate the quill assembly
to the desired angle.
8. Blade Rotating cutting element.
Right rear wheel is adjustable to
Spark Plug Gap
........... 0.028-0.031 in. (0.7-0.8 mm)
Engine Type ............. 4 Stroke, single cylinder, OHV
Read and follow the assembly instructions. Do not discard any parts or materials until the unit is assembled.
References to the right or left side of the edger are from the viewpoint of the operator’s position behind the edger.
WARNING
Do not operate edger if it is damaged or not completely and correctly assembled.
WARNING
Before doing any assembly or maintenance to the unit, remove the wire from the spark plug.
WARNING
Always wear ANSI compliant safety glasses with side shields while assembling the edger.
The following components will be found in the carton.
Quantities shown in ( ).
1. (1) Edger
2. (1) Edger Operator’s Manual
3. (1) Upper Handle
4. (1) Control Rod
5. (1) Bottle of SAE 30 Engine Oil
6. (1) Parts bag containing the following:
(2) Hair Pins
(2) Plastic Wing Nuts (M8)
(2) M8x35mm Pipe Bolts
(1) Wire Tie
(1) Spark plug socket wrench w/ rod
If you need assistance or find any parts missing, CALL
TOLL FREE: 1-800-737-2112.
WARNING
DANGER
How to Remove Edger from Carton
A
1. Remove all parts and packaging components.
2. Use a utility knife to cut all 4 vertical edges and lay the
side panels flat around the edger.
3. Remove any remaining packaging.
4. Roll the unit out from the carton, and place on a hard
level surface.
How to Assemble the Handle
B
NOTE: Refer to Figure 2 when following steps below:
1. Assemble the upper handle to the lower handle with the
(2) pipe bolts and the (2) plastic wing nuts. Firmly hand-
tighten the wing nuts.
2. Slide one end of the control rod into the hole of the
Depth Control Lever. Secure with hairpin.
3. Slide the other end of the control rod through the hole of
the quill arm. Secure with second hairpin.
4. Attach the recoil starter handle through the rope guide,
by twisting it into position.
5. Remove the temporary insert from the engine flameout
wire terminal.
6. Connect the flameout wires from the engine and handle.
Use cable tie to secure loose wire to handle.
Flameout wires MUST be connected for correct engine
operation. Failure to connect can result in serious injury.
Engine shipped without oil. Failure to add oil will result in
serious engine damage.
A bottle of SAE 30 engine oil is included with your edger.
Refer to the chart on the right for alternative oil types to
use at different temperatures. Always use a high quality
detergent oil classified “For Service, SG, SH, SJ” or higher.
Do not use special additives.
CAUTION
Always use recommended oil type. Using dirty oil or
incorrect oil type such as 2-stroke engine oil will shorten
engine life.
NOTE: Engine Oil Capacity is 562 ml. For first time fill, simply
add the entire contents of the provided oil bottle to the
crankcase.
HOW TO CHECK OIL LEVEL AND FILL TO PROPER LEVEL
WARNING
Before checking oil, make sure engine is off, and spark plug wire has been disconnected from spark plug.
1. Place the edger on a level surface and make sure the
adjustable wheel heights are set so the main frame of the
edger is level. (See Figure 3)
2. Remove the oil ll cap/dipstick and wipe clean with cloth.
(See Figure 3)
3. Insert dipstick into ll spout but do NOT screw in.
Remove dipstick and check oil level.
4. When oil level is full, the oil will be at upper limit on dip
stick. If oil level is near or below the lower limit, oil must
be added. (See Figure 4)
5. Add oil slowly until the oil level reaches the upper limit of
the dipstick. Use a funnel or nozzle to reduce spillage.
CAUTION
Frequently check oil level while filling. DO NOT OVERFILL.
DO NOT UNDERFILL. Running engine at improper oil level
will seriously damage engine.
• Gasoline is extremely flammable and vapors can explode if ignited. Handle with care.
Use fresh, clean, regular-unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 88 Octane.
Do NOT use leaded gasoline, gasohol, methanol, or diesel fuel. Do NOT mix oil with gasoline. Do NOT allow gasoline to
become contaminated with dust, water, or debris.
CAUTION
Using incorrect fuel type or contaminated fuel will cause serious engine damage.
NOTE: Fuel tank capacity is approximately 3.5 qt (3.3L)
HOW TO FILL ENGINE WITH FUEL
WARNING
• Turn engine off and let engine cool for several minutes before removing the fuel cap or adding fuel.
• Never fill fuel tank indoors.
• Do not smoke while adding fuel.
1. Clean surface around fuel tank cap to prevent contamination. (See Figure 3)
2. Loosen fuel cap slowly. After removing cap, place on a clean surface.
3. Pour fuel into the tank. Use care to avoid spillage.
WARNING
Do NOT OVERFILL fuel. Allow space for the fuel to expand due to heat from engine and/or sun.
4. Before replacing the fuel cap, inspect and clean the fuel cap seal.
5. Replace the fuel cap and securely hand-tighten.
6. Clean up any spilled fuel.
Operation
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Before Starting the Engine
A
WARNING
Before starting engine, read operator’s manual. Become familiar with location and function of all controls. Know how to
stop the engine quickly.
WARNING
Before starting the engine, check that the flameout wire terminals have been connected.
Before attempting to start the engine, review the following steps:
1. Unit has been assembled according to all assembly instructions.
2. Flameout wire terminals are connected.
3. Unit has been inspected for any damaged or missing components.
6. Fresh, clean, regular-unleaded gasoline has been added
to fuel tank.
7. Spark plug wire is connected to spark plug.
8. Edger has been moved to desired location.
9. Edger is on level surface.
How to Start Engine
B
WARNING
Keep all bystanders, especially CHILDREN, away during
operation.
IMPORTANT: This unit’s engine exhaust system is equipped
with a spark-arresting muffler. Tampering with or removing
the spark-arrestor violates section 4442 of the California
Public Resources Code as well as other applicable state
and federal law.
DANGER
Never Run engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide, an ODORLESS and
DEADLY gas.
WARNING
Debris thrown from edger can cause severe eye damage. Always wear ANSI compliant safety glasses or eye shields when
operating edger. If you wear eyeglasses, put an OSHA certified Wide Vision Safety Mask over your eyeglasses.
1. Review ALL steps in the “BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE” section.
2. Move the Depth Control Lever to the Start Position.
(See Figure 6)
3. Push the primer bulb 3 times - waiting 2 seconds
between each push. (See Figure 5)
NOTE: Not required when re-starting a warm engine.
4. Firmly grip the edger handle with your left hand, pulling
the Start Lever against the handle. (See Figure 6)
NOTE: Engine will not start if the Start Lever is not pulled
against the handle
Firmly grip the Recoil Starter Handle with your right hand.
5.
(See Figure 6)
6. Pull the recoil slowly, until you feel tension in the
starter rope. Then quickly pull the recoil starter handle
to completely unwind the starter rope. DO NOT allow
the starter rope to snap back. Let the starter rope slowly
rewind.
7. If engine fails to start after 5 or 6 more attempts, see
instructions in the “Troubleshooting Chart”
WARNING
Keep hands, feet, hair, and loose clothing away from any
moving parts. Avoid touching muffler and surrounding areas
– temperatures can exceed 150 degrees. Keep all safety
devices and shields in place.
Release the start lever (See Figure 6). This will ground out the engine through the ameout wire, causing the engine to
stop.
WARNING
The flameout wire terminals must be securely connected for the Start Lever to function. Refer to the “How to
assemble the handle” section.
How to Change the Edger Cutting Depth
D
Move the Depth Control Lever forward to increase the
depth. (See Figure 7)
NOTE: There are 6 cutting depth settings from approximately
ground level to 3” (76 mm) deep.
Depth Control
Lever
CAUTION
Do not overload the edger capacity by attempting to edge
too deep at too fast a rate. To edge at deeper settings,
make multiple passes, first cutting at shallow depths.
How to Change the Blade Angle for a Beveled Edge
E
The blade can be adjusted 15 degrees from vertical (both directions) to provide a beveled cut, which will cut the grass
further away from the sidewalk or driveway, reducing the need to edge as often. Using the beveled edge at a deep depth
will cut a trench into the ground.
1. Stop the engine.
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug.
3. Disengage the index lever (See Figure 8). Move the
index lever to the desired notch (15, 0 or -15 degrees).
Start Position
Full Depth
Forward
Depth Selector
Plate
Figure 7
4. Before you start the engine, line up the edger as if you
were going to bevel cut.
CAUTION
Do not overload the edger capacity by attempting to edge
too deep at too fast a rate. To edge at deeper settings, make
multiple passes, first cutting at shallow depths.
The height of the front wheels and right rear wheel are adjustable to allow for edging along a curb.
NOTE: Figure 9 shows the unit correctly configured for edging
along a curb. Refer to Figure 9 when following the steps below:
1. Stop the engine.
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug.
3. Loosen the front wheel knob.
4. Slide the wheels to the right, enough to clear the curb
and balance the unit.
5. Securely tighten the front wheel knob.
6.
Use the front wheels adjustment lever to lower the front
wheels enough so the unit will be level.
7. Loosen the rear wheel knob.
8.
Lower the right rear wheel enough so the unit will be level.
9. Securely tighten the rear wheel knob.
WARNING
Use extreme caution when edging along a curb. Make sure
the unit is balanced. Make sure of your footing. Stay alert
for trafc or other hazards.
Support
Rod
Right Rear Wheel
Front Wheel
Adjustment Lever
REAR VIEW
Rear Wheel
Front Wheel
Front Wheels
Knob
Knob
Blade Guard
Figure 9
EDGING TIPS
WARNING
Read the Operator’s manual. Know location and functions of all controls. Keep all safety devices and shields in place.
Never allow children or uninstructed adults to operate the edger. Keep bystanders away from machine. Keep away from
the blade and all rotating parts, which cause injury.
• Edging is best performed when conditions are dry. If the soil is too wet, dirt becomes packed around the blade
causing premature belt wear and decreased performance.
• If dirt does become packed around the blade, stop the engine and remove the wire from the spark plug. Remove the
packed dirt and debris from the blade.
• For deep edging, rst cut at shallow depths. Then, cut at greater depths until the desired depth is obtained.
• Edging can be customized by varying the number of passes and the distance between the blade and the edge of sidewalk,
Before performing any maintenance, turn engine off and remove the wire from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting
and serious injury.
IMPORTANT: The warranty on this edger does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence.
To receive full value from the warranty, the operator must maintain the edger as instructed in this manual, and only use
genuine replacement parts. The following table lists required periodic maintenance.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE TABLE
Service Records-
Fill in dates as you complete regular
service
Check Engine Oil Level,
Fill to Proper Level
Check Connection of BOTH
Flameout Wire Connectors
Clean Debris From Unit
Lubricate All Pivot Points
Check Fasteners for Tightness
Check Drive Belt
Replace if Necessary
Check Blade for Wear or Damage
Replace if Necessary
Check Fuel Line
Replace if Necessary
Lubricate Wheel Axles
Check Spark Plug
Replace if Necessary
Before
Each Use
After
Every
10 Hours
of Use
After Every
25 Hours
of Use
After Every
50 Hours of
Use
After Every
100 Hour
of Use
Before
Each
Season
√√
√√
√√√
√√√
√√
√√
√√
√√
√√√
√√
Before
Storage
See
Note
Below
1
Change Engine Oil
Clean Air Filter
Replace if Necessary
√√
Replace Spark Plug
Clean Combustion Deposits from
Cylinder, Piston, and Valves
CAUTION
IMPORTANT NOTES about Maintenance schedule
√√√
√
√
2,3
4
1. Re-check tightness of all fasteners after first 2 hours of initial use
2. Change engine oil after first 5-8 hours of initial use
3. Change oil every 25 hours if operating under heavy load or in high temperatures
4. Clean air filter every 10 hours if operating under dusty conditions.
WARNING
Use only GENUINE replacement parts. Other parts may damage the unit or result in injury.
Add a small amount of engine oil to lubricate parts and pivot points.
Refer to “Periodic Maintenance Schedule Table” for time intervals to lubricate parts.
How to Change the Engine Oil
C
NOTE: Refer to Figure 10 when following the steps below:
1. Stop the engine and let it cool.
2. Disconnect spark plug wire from the spark plug.
3. Raise the front of the unit, by lowering the height
of the front wheels. Refer to “How to Edge Along a
Curb”.
4. Insert a flat pan under the edger, underneath the oil
drain plug and frame hole.
5. Remove oil dipstick. (See Figure 3)
6. Remove the oil drain bolt and washer.
7. Allow all oil to drain through the frame hole into the pan.
IMPORTANT: Used oil is a hazardous waste. Place oil in a
sealed container and take to your local recycling center. Do
NOT discard with household waste.
8. Replace and tighten the oil drain plug and washer.
9. To re-fill engine with oil, see engine preparation section
“How to Check Oil and Fill to Proper Level.”
How to Replace the Belt
D
Drain Plug and Washer
Pan
Frame Hole
Figure 10
Spacer
IMPORTANT: Only use a replacement belt from the manufacturer.
To order spare parts call us at 1-800-737-2112.
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug.
2. To ease the replacement of a belt, remove the control rod
(See Figure 2). This will allow the blade arm to rotate
back creating slack in the belt.
3. Remove the two rear guard bolts to remove the engine
pulley cover. (See Figure 11)