Safety Definitions 2
Important Safety Information 3-5
Product Specifications 6
Parts & Features 6
Assembly 7-8
Operation 9-11
Maintenance 12
Storage 13
Troubleshooting 14
Technical Service 14
Warranty 15
MODEL Nos. SWB43170
IMPORTANT:
Thank you for purchasing this Southland® Walk Behind Blower.
This manual provides complete instructions for safely operating and maintaining your Blower. Read and save these
instructions. Refer to this manual each time before using your Blower.
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
Refer to the website for electronic manual and parts book.
www.southlandpowerequipment.com
WARNING
CONTAINS LEAD. May be harmful if eaten or chewed. May generate dust containing lead. Wash hands after use. Keep out
of reach of children.
WARNING
This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
If you have a question or problem...
CALL TOLL FREE: 1-800-737-2112
KEEP THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
04/11/2019 Printed in China A204148
Safety Definitions
CHOKE/
COLD
START
RUN/
WARM
START
6x
PRIMER BULB
ON
UNDER SIDE
6x
PRIMER BULB
ON
UNDER SIDE
• Save these instructions
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
NOTICE
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.
Indicates a situation which may result in equipment / property damage or may relate to general safety
messages.
The following symbols can be found on your blower. Carefully read and understand their meaning.
Safety Warning Symbols
Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means: Attention! Become Alert! Your Safety
Is Involved.
Read operator’s manual before operating this machine.
Failure to follow directions could result in serious injury.
Do not use if children or bystanders are present.
Unit will blow objects and debris at high speeds. Never
stand in front of discharge chute. Never allow discharge
chute to point toward bystanders, pets, or valuable
property.
Wear eye protection complying with ANSI Z87.1 and
hearing protection.
To prevent entanglement, always wear protective hair
covering to contain long hair.
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. These parts are
extremely hot from operation and may remain hot for a
short time after operation.
There are rotating blades inside the blower which can
cause serious injury. Keep hands out of intake and
discharge openings. Never insert foreign objects such as
sticks or tools into the intake guards or discharge chute.
Do NOT operate machine without shields, guards, and safety devices (e.g. intake guard) in place and working.
Control and Operating Symbols
Choke Control:
Cold Start
Run/Warm Start
Fuel Primer:
Press 6 times
STOP
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.
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 blower. 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 instructions in this manual.
- Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means: “ Attention! Become Alert! Your Safety Is
Involved.”
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.
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 blower before starting. Know how to stop the engine quickly.
• Familiarize yourself with all the safety and operating decals on this equipment.
CAUTION
• Blower will propel debris at high speed and can cause damage. Before use, check that area is free 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.
OPERATION SAFETY
WARNING
• Keep area of operation clear of all bystanders, particularly small children and pets.
• Never allow children or young teenagers to operate the walk behind blower. Only allow responsible individuals, who
are familiar with the instructions, to operate the blower.
WARNING
• Do not operate the blower 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.
• This equipment was designed specically for the purpose of blowing leaves and debris. Do NOT use this equipment
for any other purpose.
• Always wear ANSI compliant safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating blower 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
Important Safety Information
low hanging branches, twigs, or other objects, which may be unnoticed by the operator.
WARNING
• There are rotating blades inside blower which can cause serious injury. NEVER place hand or anything else in the
intake or discharge openings when machine is running.
WARNING
• Do NOT operate without shields and guards (such as the intake guard) in place and secure.
• Do not stand or put your hand in front of the discharge opening. Always pay attention to the direction of the discharge
opening. Never allow discharge opening to point towards bystanders, pets, or valuable property.
• 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 blower at high transport speeds on slippery surfaces.
• Look behind and use care when backing.
• Never operate the blower 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 blower unattended when the engine is running. Stop the engine and make sure all moving parts have
stopped. Remove the wire from the spark plug.
• If the blower 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.
• Never pick up or carry machine when engine is running.
FUEL SAFETY
WARNING
• Gasoline is extremely ammable, and gasoline vapors can explode if ignited. Handle with care. Allow engine to cool at
least 2 minutes before refueling.
• Wash skin or clothes immediately if they come in contact with gasoline.
• 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 ll fuel tank while machine is in a vehicle.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool completely before refueling.
WARNING
• Do not smoke while refueling.
• After refueling, replace fuel tank cap securely and wipe up spilled fuel.
• Never store fuel or blower 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 blower is to be stored for an extended period.
• Never store the blower 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 blower 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 blower 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.
• Keep the blower in safe working condition. Check all fasteners at frequent intervals for proper tightness.
• When servicing or repairing the blower, 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 blower 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 air 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
blower and the leaf clearing activity.
• Keep children out of the area of operation and under the watchful care of a responsible adult.
• Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
• Be alert and turn blower off if children enter the area.
• Before and while moving backwards, look behind and down for small children.
• Never allow children to operate the blower.
• Use extra care when operating near blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obstruct vision.
Do not operate blower if it is damaged or not securely and fully assembled.
Tools Needed for Assembly
• 10 mm wrench or adjustable wrench
• 12 mm socket or open wrench
Unpacking
1. Remove components from carton.
2. Remove foam and corrugated protection
Handle Assembly
A
1. Install straight round middle handle to lower handle
and secure using two M6 x 35 hex bolts and locknuts. (Fig. 1)
2. Route throttle cable through legs of upper handle. Install upper handle
to middle handle and secure using two saddle bolts and plastic knobs. Install saddle
bolts from opposing sides so plastic knobs will not interfere with each other. Orient
handle so the “V” shape is upward. Tighten knobs securely.
3. Secure throttle cable to the underside of the middle
handle using the two spring clamps which have been
installed at the factory. (Fig. 3) Inspect throttle cable to
assure generous loops. Do not kink cable.
1. Install the wheels to the frame using the provided hex
screws and washers. Install one washer on the inside
and one washer on the outside of each wheel.
Tighten to 9-13 ft. lbs. (12-18 Nm) torque using a
12 mm wrench. (Fig. 4)
Blower Assembly
C
1. Install the tube end of the blower assembly
into the engine clutch housing. It may be necessary
to rotate the blower assembly slightly to align the shafts.
Rotate the installed tube so the index screw opening
in the housing matches the hole in the blower assembly
tube. Install the socket head screw (M6 x 12) with the
provided hex wrench. Tighten securely. (Fig. 5)
2. Set the unit on a flat hard surface. The swivel wheel
should sit flat and perpendicular to the surface. Tighten
the clamp screw (M6 x 25) securely. Try to rotate the
tube within the housing. If you can rotate the tube,
tighten the clamp screw additionally. Repeat if
necessary. (Fig. 5 & 6)
Thoroughly inspect the area where the Blower is to be used and remove all foreign objects. Your equipment can throw
small objects at high speed causing personal injury or property damage.
Keep all children and bystanders at least 50 ft (15 m) away when operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
1. Throttle:
The throttle is located on the upper handle.
Rotating the lever downward will increase the engine
speed. Rotating the lever to the up-most position will
return to idle speed. (Fig. 9)
2. Start/Stop Switch:
An ignition switch is located on the engine shroud.
The switch must be in the “on” position for the engine
to run. Moving the switch to the “off” position will stop
the engine. (Fig. 10)
Before Starting the Engine
B
Mixing Fuel / 2-Cycle Oil
WARNING
Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or the Blower. Mix and pour fuel outdoors WHERE THERE ARE NO SPARKS
OR FLAMES.
The 2-cycle engine on your Blower requires that fuel and
2-cycle engine oil be pre-mixed before adding to the
blower’s fuel tank. To mix the fuel/ 2-cycle oil:
1. Use fresh unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of 87 or higher. Do not use gasoline containing more
than 10% ethanol.
NOTICE
Use of gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol can
damage Blower. Use of non-ethanol gasoline is best.
We recommend the continuous use of a fuel additive/
stabilizer to counteract the effects of ethanol. These
additives also prolong the shelf life of gasoline.
2. Always use 2-cycle oil that meets or exceeds
JASO – FC specifications and is intended for mixing at
a fuel/oil ratio of 50:1
5. Follow instructions on 2-cycle oil container for mixing
fuel. Mix gasoline and 2-cycle oil at a ratio of 50:1.
A mixture with a 50:1 ratio is obtained by mixing
1 gallon (4 liters) of gasoline with 2.6 ounces of oil
(77 ml). After adding oil to gasoline, shake container
momentarily to ensure proper mixing.
6. Mix only enough fuel for your immediate needs.
Do not store pre-mixed fuel.
7. Stop engine and allow to cool before refueling.
8. To fill the Blower’s fuel tank with the gasoline/oil mixture, place the Blower upright on the ground or on
a sturdy bench and wipe any debris from around
the fuel cap.
9. Remove fuel cap slowly and use a funnel to pour the
mixture into the tank, and replace the fuel cap.
3. Do not use automotive or 2-cycle marine outboard oil.
These will damage your Blower’s engine and void the warranty.
4. Always mix the gasoline and 2-cycle oil in a container
approved for gasoline. Never mix fuel directly in the
10. Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all fuel spills.
11. Move at least 10 ft (3 m) away from fueling site before starting engine.
Operation (Continued)
• Save all instructions
Before Starting the Engine (Continued)
C
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.
NOTE: When the weather gets cold, please allow the engine to warm up at idle for longer period of time, before engaging to
RUN/WARM START position.
Cold Starting The Engine:
1. Place the Blower on a flat surface.
2. Move the ignition switch to the “ON” position.
3. Move the choke lever up to the “COLD
START” position. (Fig. 11)
4. Press the primer bulb slowly 6 times. (Fig. 13)
5. Pull the recoil starter handle sharply until the engine
starts and runs. (Fig. 14)
6. After engine starts and runs for 10-15 seconds, move
choke lever to “RUN/WARM START” position. (Fig. 12)
Starting Engine
D
NOTE: If the unit still doesn’t start, refer to the TROUBLESHOOTING section of this manual. Starting A Flooded Engine.
Starting A Flooded Engine:
1. Place the Blower on a flat surface.
2. Move the ignition switch to the “ON” position.
3. Move the choke lever to “RUN/WARM START”
position. (Fig. 12)
Warm Starting The Engine:
1. Place the Blower on a flat surface.
2. Move the ignition switch to the “ON” position.
3. Move the choke lever to “RUN/WARM
START” position. (Fig. 12)
4. Pull the recoil starter handle sharply until the
engine starts and runs. (Fig. 14)
4. Fully Rotate the throttle lever downward and pull the
starter handle repeatedly until engine starts and runs.
This could require pulling the starter handle many times,
depending on how badly the unit is flooded. (Fig. 14)
5. If the engine still does not start, allow the unit to sit for
about 30 minutes, and repeat step 1-4.
Stopping the Engine
E
1. Rotate the throttle lever to the up-most position and allow the engine to idle for a few moments.
2. Move the Ignition Switch to the “OFF” position.
2. The airflow can be directed up or down by loosening
the discharge nozzle wing knob and rotating the nozzle
in the desired direction. Tighten wing knob. (Fig. 15)
Tips for Using your Walk Behind Blower
G
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
blower. Keep bystanders away from machine. Keep away
from the fan intake opening and discharge chute, as the
fan is rotating and can cause severe injury.
• Blowing leaves is best performed when conditions are dry.
• To clear a very large and/or heavy pile of leaves, make
two passes: First point the directional adjustment
upward to move the top of the pile. Then point the
directional adjustment downward to move the base of the pile.
• When clearing leaves, always pay attention to natural
wind direction and blow the leaves the same direction as
the natural wind.
• To clear a small area, corral the leaves in the center by
circling several times around the perimeter of the area.
• To clear a large area, move the leaves from one side to
the other by making back and forth passes.
• Before starting a clearing project, plan how the leaves
will be collected and disposed.
• Check and clean air intake grille if leaves accumulate
and decreased performance is noticed.
• A drag chain is provided to dissipate any static charges
that may be generated during use. Be sure chain is
present and in contact with ground.
Disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance.
Air Filter
A
Your Blower has been equipped with two air filters inside the housing. Accumulated debris and dust in the air filter will
reduce engine performance, increase fuel consumption and increases the risk of engine damage. Clean the air filters
every 5 hours of operation. It may be necessary to clean the air filter more often in dry conditions due to a large amount
of airborne debris.
1. Before removing air filter cover, brush away any loose
dirt or debris on and around the pre-filter located in
the outer filter housing.
2. Remove air filter by unscrewing the retaining fastener.
(Fig. 16)
3. Remove and clean foam filter. (Fig. 18)
•
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 four drops of thin oil to the foam filter, squeeze
out excess and replace.
5. Remove the paper air filter element. (Fig 19) Clean
filter by gently tapping it on a flat surface. If very dirty,
replace with a new filter.
6. Reassemble the air filter element and air filter cover.
Spark Plug
B
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. Clean and adjust the spark plug gap to
0.024 – 0.028 inches (0.6 - 0.7 mm).
5. Install the spark plug finger tight in the cylinder head,
then tighten firmly with the spark plug wrench.
6. Attach the insulated spark plug boot.
4. Replace any worn plug with a recommended
replacement (see PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS) Clean and adjust the spark plug gap to
To prevent fuel gum deposits and corrosion in the Blower’s
carburetor and fuel system, it is highly recommended to
use a fuel additive / stabilizer formulated for ethanol fuels.
Follow the stabilizer manufacturer’s instructions. Run the
engine at least 5 minutes after adding stabilizer.
1.
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. Squeeze primer bulb several times to purge
fuel from the carburetor.
2. When not in use, store Blower indoors in a dry location. Store Blower 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 Blower for storage or when Blower will not be used for 30 days or more:
a. Inspect and clean the Blower thoroughly.
b. Lightly oil all external metal surfaces.
c. 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.
d. Inspect and clean air filter as required.
5. The upper handle can be folded to reduce the
storage space required. To fold, loosen but do not
remove the upper two knobs retaining the saddle
screws. Remove the throttle cable from the two spring
clamps and move to left side of unit. Pull the upper
handle to the rear which will dis-engage the connector,
and fold the upper handle forward being careful not to
kink the throttle cable. Reassemble in the
reverse manner.
Engine will not idle properly.1. Carburetor requires adjustment.
1. Air filter dirty.
2. Spark plug fouled.
3. Carburetor requires adjustment.
4. Carbon build-up on muffler outlet
screen.
5. Compression low.
2. Air filter dirty.
3. Carburetor requires adjustment.
2. Spark Plug incorrect.
3. Carburetor requires adjustment.
4. Carbon build-up on muffler outlet
screen.
5. Engine air inlet covered
with debris.
2. Crankshaft seals worn.
3. Compression low.
1. Clean air filter.
2. Clean or replace plug.
3. Contact a qualified service center.
4. Contact a qualified service center.
5. Contact a qualified service center.
1. Empty Fuel Tank and refill with correct fuel
mixture.
2. Clean or replace air filter.
3. Contact a qualified service center.
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.
5. Clean engine cooling air inlet.
1. Contact a qualified service center.
2. Contact a qualified service center.
3. Contact a qualified service center.
Technical Service
You may have further questions about assembling, operating, or maintaining this Blower. 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
When contacting the Technical Service Department, have ready: