Weed Eater FEATHERLITE SST LE TYPE 3, FEATHERLITE SST LE TYPE 2, FEATHERLITE SST LE TYPE 1 Owner’s Manual

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• 1-800-554-6723

www.weedeater.com

Manual de Instrucciones

Manuel d'lnstructions

For Occasional Use Only

WARNING:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions before

using this product. Failure to do so can result in sedous injury.

ADVERTENCIA:

Lea el manual del operador y siga todas las advertencias e instnJc- ciones de seguddad. El no hacerlo puede resultar en lesiones graves.

AVERTISSEMENT:

Lire le manuel de I'utitisateur et bien respecter tous les avertisse- ments et toutes les instructions de s_curit6. Tout d6faut de le faire

pourrait entraTner des blessures graves. Electrolux Home Products, Inc.

250 Bobby Jones Expressway Augusta, GA 30907

_Trademark

Instruction Manual

FeatherLite TM SST LE

[]From the Eleetrofux Group, The world's No,1 choice,

WARNING: When using gardening

appliances, basic safety precautions must al- ways be followed to reduce the risk of fire and serious injury. Read and follow all instruc-

tions.

This power unit can be dangerous! Operator is responsible for following instructions and warn- ings on unit and in manual. Read entire instruc-

tion manual before using unitTBe thoroughly fa- miliar with the controls and the proper use of the

unit. Restdct the use of this unit to persons who have read, understand, and will follow the

instructions and warnings on the unit and inthe manual. Never allow children to operate this

unit,

iNSTRUCTION SAFETY iNFORMATION MANUAL ON THE UNIT

DANGER: Never use blades or flailing

devices. This unit is designed for line trimmer use only. Use of any other accessories or at-

tachments will increase the risk of injury.

@OO

,1_WARNING: Trimmer line throws ob-

jects violently. You and others can be blinded/in-

jured. Wear eye and leg protection. Keep body parts clear of rotating line.

Eye Protection _.._

Keep children, bystanders, and animals 50 feet (15 meters) away. if approached stop unit im- mediately.

If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. If

you need assistance, contact your authodzed service dealer or call 1-800-554-6723.

OPERATOR SAFETY

• Dress properly. Always wear safety glasses

or similar eye protection when operating, or

performing maintenance, on your unit (safety

glasses are available). Eye protection should

be marked Z87.

• Always wear face or dust mask if operation is

dusty.

• Always wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves,

boots, and gloves. Wearing safety leg guards is recommended.

_ HazardZone

• Always wear foot protection. Do not go bare- foot or wear sandals. Stay clear of spinning

line.

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

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

• Stay Alert. Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, upset or under the int]uenca of al- cohol, drugs, or medication. Watch what you are doing; use common sense.

• Wear hearing protection.

• Never start or run inside a closed room or building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill.

• Keep handles free of oil and fuel.

UNIT / MAINTENANCE SAFETY

• Disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance except carburetor adjustments.

• Look for and replace damaged or loose parts before each use. Look for and repair fuel leaks before use. Keep in good working

condition.

• Replace trimmer head parts that are chipped, cracked, broken, or damaged in any other way before using the unit.

• Maintain unit according to recommended pro- cadures. Keep cutting line at proper length.

• Use only 0.065" (1.65 mm) diameter Weed Eater® brand line. Never use wire, rope,

stdng, etc.

• Install required shield prepedy before using the unit. Use only specified tdmmer head;

make sure it is properly installed and securely fastened.

• Make sure unit is assembled correctly as shown in this manual.

• Make carburetor adjustments with lower end supported to prevent line from contacting any object.

• Keep others away when making carburetor adjustments.

• Use only recommended Weed Eater® ac- cassories and replacement parts.

• Have all maintenance and service not ex- plained in this manual performed by an autho-

rized service dealer.

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.

• Avoid spilling fuel oroiL Wipe up all fuel spills,

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

• Stop engine and allow to cool before remov- ing fuel cap.

• Always store gasoline in a container ap- proved for flammable liquids.

CUTTING SAFETY

_WARNING: Inspect the area before

each use. Remove objects (rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, etc.) which can be thrown

by or become entangled in line. Hard objects can damage the trimmer head and be thrown causing serious injury.

• Use only for trimming, scalping, mowing and sweeping. Do not use for edging, pruning or hedge trimming.

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

• Keep all parts of your body away from muffler and spinning line. Keep engine below waist

level. A hot muffler can cause serious bums.

• CL_from your rightto your left. Cutting on left side of the shield will throw debris away from

the operaton

• Use only in daylight or good artificial light.

• Use only for jobs explained in this manual.

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

• Allow engine to cool; secure unit before stor- ing or transporting in vehicle.

• Empty the fuel tank before storing or trans- porting the unit. Use up fuel left inthe carbure-

tor by starting the engine and letting itrun until

it stops.

• Store unit and fuel in area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames from wa-

ter heaters, electric motors or switches, fur-

naces, etc.

• Store unit so line limiter blade cannot acciden-

tally cause injury. The unit can be hung by the tube.

• Store unit OL_of reach of children.

SAFETY NOTICE: Exposure to vibrations

through prolonged use of gasoline powered

hand tools could cause blood vessel or nerve

damage in the fingers, hands, and joints of

people prone to circulation disorders or ab- normal 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 tool.

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. Ifyou 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 autho-

rized service dealer.

_WARNING: If received assembled,

repeat all steps to ensure your unit is properly assembled and all fasteners are secure.

Examine parts for damage. Do not use dam- aged parts.

NOTE: If you need assistance or find parts missing or damaged, call 1-800-554-6723.

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 adjustments and testing done by the manufacturer.

ADJUSTING THE HANDLE

,mlWARNING: When adjusting the han-

dle, be sure it remains between the trigger and the safety label.

1. Loosen wing nut on handle.

2. Rotate the handle on the tube to an upright

position; retighten wing nL_.

ATTACHING SHIELD

aWARNING: The shield must be prop-

edy installed. The shield provides partial protec- tion from the risk of thrown objects to the opera- tor and others and is equipped with a line limiter

blade which cuts excess line to the proper length. The line limiter blade (on underside of

shield) is sharp and can CL_yOU.

For proper orientation of shield, see KNOW

YOUR TRIMMER illustration in OPERATION section. Assemble your shield as shown.

1. Remove washer and wing nut from bolt.

2. Assemble pads as shown.

3. Tighten wing nut securely.

?ield

N t

washer and wing Washer

nut from this bolt; use for assembling

shield.

KNOW YOUR TRIMMER

READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR UNIT.

Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the location of the various controls

and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

Throttle Trigger ON/STOP

Assist Handle

Switch Blade

Starter

Rope

Tube

Shield

Fuel Mix Fill Cap

_ Trimmer

Bulb

Head

Line Limiter

ONISTOP SWITCH The ON/STOP switch isused to stop engine. To

stop the engine, push and release the engine ON/STOP switch.

PRIMER BULB The PRIMER BULB removes air from the car- buretor and fuel lines and fills them with fuel.

This allows you to start the engine with fewer pulls on the starter rope. Activate the primer

bulb by pressing it and allowing itto return to its original form.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

WARNING: Be sure to read the fuel

information in the safety rules before you begin. If you do not understand the safety rules, do not attempt to fuel your unit. Call

1-800-554-6723.

FUELING ENGINE

,_ WARNING: Remove fuel cap slowly

when refueling. This engine is certified to operate on unleaded

gasoline. Before operation, gasoline must be mixed with a good quality synthetic 2-cycle

air-cooled engine oil designed to be mixed at a ratio of 40:1. Poulan/Weed Eater brand

synthetic oil is recommended. Mix gasoline and oil at a ratio of 40:1. A 40:1 ratio is obtained by mixing 3.2 ounces (95 ml) ofoil with 1 gallon (4

liters) of unleaded gasoline. DO NOT USE automotive oil or boat oil. These oils will cause

engine damage. When mixing fuel, follow instructions printed on container. Once oil is

added to gasoline, shake container momentarily to assure that the fuel is thoroughly mixed.

CHOKE The CHOKE helps to supply fuel to the engine

to aid in cold starting. Activate the choke by

moving the choke lever to the FULL CHOKE position. After the engine attempts to start, move

the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE position. Once engine has started, move the choke lever

to the OFF CHOKE position.

Always read and follow the safety rules relating to fuel before fueling your unit.

IMPORTANT Experience indicates that alcohol blended

fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or

methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during stor- age. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system

of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, empty the fuel sys-

tem before storage for 30 days or longer.

Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it

run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season.

Never use engine or carburetor cleaner prod-

ucts inthe fuel tank or permanent damage may occur. See the STORAGE section for addi-

tional information.

HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT

• To stop the engine, push and release the

engine ON/STOP switch. The switch will automatically return to the ON position.

Wait 5 seconds before attempting to restart unit to allow switch to reset.

• If engine does not stop, move choke to the

FULL CHOKE position.

Engine ON/STOP

HOW TO START YOUR UNIT

_WARNING: The trimmer head will

turn while starting the engine. Avoid any con- tact with the muffler. A hot muffler can cause

serious burns.

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

fuel)

.. Starting Position

1. Set unit on a flat surface.

2. Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.

3. Move choke lever to the FULL CHOKE position.

4. Squeeze the throttle trigger fully and hold through all remaining steps,

Choke

"Lever

8. Once the engine starts, allow it to run 10 seconds, then move the choke lever to

the OFF CHOKE position. Allow the unit to run for 30 more seconds at OFF

CHOKE before releasing the throttle trig- ger.

NOTE: If engine dies with the choke le-

ver in the OFF CHOKE position, move the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE position

and pull the rope until engine runs, but no

more than 6 pulls.

STARTING A WARM ENGINE

1. Move the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE

position.

2. Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger. Keep throttle trigger fully squeezed until the en- gine runs smoothly.

3. Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs, bL_no more than 5 pulis.

4. Allow engine to run 15 seconds, then move the choke lever to OFF CHOKE.

NOTE: If engine has not started, pull starter rope 5 morepulls. If engine still does not run, it

is probably flooded. STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE

Flooded engines can be started by placing the choke lever in the OFF CHOKE position; then, pull the rope to clear the engine of ex- cess fuel. This could require pulling the starter

handle many times depending on how badly the unit is flooded.

If the unit still doesn't start, refer to TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE or call

1-800-554-6723. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

It is recommended that the engine not be operated for longer than 1 minute at full

throttle. OPERATING POSITION

ALWAYS WEAR:

Muffler

Primer Bulb

5. Pull stader rope handle sharply until engine sounds as if itis trying to start, but do not pull rope more than 6 times.

6. As soon as engine soueds as if it istrying to stad, move choke lever to HALF CHOKE

position.

7. Pull stader rope sharply until engine tuns, but no more than 6 pulls.

NOTE: If the engine doesn't start after 6 pulls (at the HALF CHOKE position), move the choke lever to the FULL

CHOKE position and press the primer bulb 6 times. Squeeze and hold the

throttle trigger and pull the starter rope 2 more times. Move the choke lever to the

HALF CHOKE position and pull the start- er rope until the engine runs, but no more

than 6 pulls. If the engine still doesn't start, it is probably flooded. Proceed to START-

ING A FLOODED ENGINE.

Eye Protection

Heav

Cut from your right to your left.

_WARNING: Always wear eye protec-

tion. Never lean over the trimmer head.

Rocks or debris can ricochet or be thrown into

eyes and face and cause blindness or other serious injury.

Do not run the engine at a higher speed than

necessary. The cutting line will cut efficiently when the engine is run at less than full throttle. At lower speeds, there is less engine noise and vibration. The cutting line will last longer and will

be less likely to "weld" onto the spool. Always release the throttle trigger and allow the

engine to return to idle speed when not cutting.

To stop engine:

• Release the throttle trigger.

• Push and release the engine ON/STOP switch.

TRIMMER LINE ADVANCE The trimmer line will advance approximately 2

in. (5 cm) each time the bottom of the trimmer

head is tapped on the ground with the engine running at full throttle. The most efficient line length is the maximum length allowed by the line limiter.Always keep the shield in place when the tool is being oper-

ated. To advance line:

• Operate the engine at full throttle.

• Hold the trimmer head parallel to and above

the grassy area.

• Tap the bottom of the trimmer head lightly

on the ground one time. Approximately 2 in.

(5 cm) of line will be advanced with each

tap.

Always tap the trimmer head on a grassy area. Tapping on surfaces such as concrete

or asphalt can cause excessive wear to the trimmer head.

If the line is worn down to 2 inches (5 cm) or less, more than one tap will be required to ob- tain the most efficient line length.

_kWARNING: Use only 0.065" (1,65

mm) diameter line. Other sizes and shapes of

line will not advance properly and will result in improper cutting head function or can cause

serious injury. Do not use other materials such as wire, string, rope, etc. Wire can break off during cutting and become a dangerous

missile that can cause serious injury. CUTTING METHODS

DWARNIN_: Use minimum speed and do not crowd the line when cutting around

hard objects (rock, gravel, fence posts, etc.), which can damage the trimmer head, become

entangled in the line, or be thrown causing a serious hazard.

• The tip of the line does the cutting. You will

achieve the best performance and mini- mum line wear by not crowding the line into

the cutting area. The right and wrong ways

are shown below. Tip of the Line t Line Crowded Into Does The Cutting I Work Area

Right "_1 Wrong .......

• The line will easily remove grass and weeds from around walls, fences, trees and flower beds, but it also can cut the tender

bark of trees or shrubs and scar fences. To help avoid damage especially to delicate

vegetation or trees with tender bark,

shorten line to 4-5 in. (10-13 cm) and use at less than full throttle.

• For trimming or scalping, use less than full throttle to increase line life and decrease

head wear, especially:

• During light duty cutting.

• Near objects around which the line can

wrap such as small posts, trees or fence

wire.

• For mowing or sweeping, use full throttle for a good clean job.

TRIMMING - Hold the bottom of the trimmer

head about 3 in. (8 cm) above the ground and

at an angle. Allow only the tip of the line to

make contact. Do not force trimmer line into

work area.

Trimming / . .

3 in.(8cm) €"_'_J-_\

Above Ground ,_ '.. ":-_'1_.

SCALPING - The scalping technique re-

moves unwanted vegetationdown to the ground. Hold the bottom of the trimmer head about 3 in. (8 cm) above the ground and at an angle. Allow the tip of the line to strike the ground around trees, posts, monuments, etc. This technique increases line wear.

Scalping ...... ,

MOWING - Your tnmmer is ideal for mowing

in places conventional lawn mowers cannot

reach. In the mowing position, keep the line

parallel to the ground. Avoid pressing the

head into the ground as this can scalp the ground and damage the tool.

Mowing It

SWEEPING - The fanning action of the rotat-

ing line can be used for a quick and easy clean up. Keep the line parallel to and above the surfaces being swept and move the tool

from side to side.

Sweeping

oWARNING: Disconnect the spark

plug before performing maintenance except for carburetor adjustments.

CHECK FOR LOOSE

FASTENERS AND PARTS

• Spark Plug Boot

• Air Filter

• Housing Screws

• Assist Handle Screws

• Debris Shield CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR

WORN PARTS Contact an authorized service dealer for re- placement of damaged or worn parts.

• ON/STOP Switch - Ensure ON/STOP switch functions properly by pushing and

releasing the switch. Make sure engine stops. Wait 5 seconds before attempting to

restart unit to allow switch to reset. Restart engine and continue.

• Fuel Tank - Discontinue use of unit if fuel

tank shows signs of damage or leaks.

• Debris Shield - Discontinue use of unit if

debris shield is damaged.

INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT AND

LABELS

• After each use, inspect complete unit for loose or damaged pads. Clean the unit and labels using a damp cloth with a mild deter-

gent.

• Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.

CLEAN AIR FILTER A dirty air filter decreases engine perform-

ance and increases fuel consumption and harmful emissions. Always clean after every

5 hours of operation.

1. Clean the cover and the area around it to keep dirt from falling into the carburetor

chamber when the cover is removed.

2. Remove pads as illustrated. NOTE: To avoid creating a fire hazard or producing harmful evaporative emissions, do

not clean filter in gasoline or other flammable solvent.

3. Wash the filter in soap and water.

4. Allow filter to dry.

5. Add a few drops of oil to the filter; squeeze the filter to distribute oil.

6. Replace pads.

,_!_ '_4_. _ Screws

Air Filter Cover

_Filter

MUFFLER ANDSPARKARREST*

ING SCREEN

oWARNIN_: The muffler on this prod-

uct contains chemicals known to the State of

California to cause cancer.

WARNING: Muffler is very hot during

and after use. Do not touch the muffler or al-

low combustible material such as dry grass or

fuel to do so. As your unit is used, carbon deposits build up

on the muffler and spark arresting screen.

For normal homeowner use, however, the

muffler and spark arresting screen will not re- quire any service. After 50 hours of use, we recommend that your

muffler be serviced or replaced by your autho-

rized service dealer.

REPLACE SPARK PLUG

Replace the spark plug each year to ensure

the engine starts easier and runs better. Set spark plug gap at 0.025 inch. Ignition timing is fixed and nonadjustable.

1. Twist, then pull off spark plug boot.

2. Remove spark plug from cylinder and dis-

card.

3. Replace with Champion RCJ-6Y spark plug and tighten securely with a 3/4 inch

socket wrench.

4. Reinstall the spark plug boot.

LINE REPLACEMENT

1. Remove spool by firmly pulling on tap but- ton.

2. Clean entire surface of hub and spool.

3. Replace with a pre-wound spool, or cut two lengths of 15 feet of 0.065" (1.65 mm) diam-

eter Weed Eater e_brand line.

_WARNING: Never use wire, rope,

string, etc. which can break off and become a dangerous missile.

4. Insert ends of the lines about 1/2 inch (1 cm) into the small holes on the inside of spool.

Spool ....

"'_/'/¢_ Small

_/ Holes

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