Weed Eater TE400LE TYPE 4, TE400LE TYPE 3, TE400LE TYPE 2 Owner’s Manual

_) Trademark

Por favor, no devuelva el aparato al lugar de compra.

Please do not return unit to retailer. Veuillez ne pas retourner I'outil au d_taillant.

• 1-800-554-6723

www.weedeater.com

Instruction Manual

Manual de Instrucciones

Manuel d'lnstructions

TE400 LE

For Occasional Use Only

WARNING:

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

ADVERTENCIA:

Lea el manual del operador y siga todas tasadvertencias e instruc-

ciones de seguridad. El no hacerto puede resultar en lesiones gra- ves.

AVERTISSEMENT:

Lirele manuel de I'utilisateuret bien respecter tousles avertisse-

ments et toutes les instructions de s6curit6. Tout d6faut de le

faire pourrait entrainer des blessures graves.

Electrolux HomeProducts,Inc. 250 BobbyJones Expressway

Augusta, GA30907

[] Ftorn the EtectroluxGroup. The world's No.l choice.

I_ITCH_N,CLE,_N/NGAN_OUTDOOR,_p,'_N_ESCOM_NEIJ

_WARNING: When using gardening

appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire and serious injury. Read and follow all

instructions.

This power unit can be dangerous! Operator is

responsible for following unit and manual instructions and warnings. Read entire instruc-

tion manual before using unit! Be thoreughly fa- miliar with the controls and the proper use of the

unit. Restrict the use of this unit to persons who read, understand, and follow unit and manual

instructions and warnings. Never allow children to operate this unit.

INSTRUCTION SAFETY INFORMATION MANUAL ON THE UNIT

dll DANGER: Never use blades, wire or

flailing devices. This unit is designed for line trimmer use only. Use of any other accesso-

ries or attachments will increase the risk of injury.

@QO

_WARNING: Trimmer line throws ob-

jects violently. You and others can be blinded/ injured. Wear safety glasses and leg protec- tion. Keep body parts clear of rotating line.

Safety Glasses or similar 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 judgement. If you need assistance, contact your authorized

service dealer or call 1-800-554-6723. OPERATOR SAFETY

• Dress properly. Always wear safety glasses or similar eye protection when op-

erating, or performing maintenance, on

your unit (safety glasses are available).

Eye protection should be marked 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.

• Always wear foot protection. Do not go barefoot or wear sandals. Stay clear of spinning line.

• Secure hair above shoulder length Se- cure 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 debris 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 influ-

ence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.

• Wear hearing protection.

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

• Keep handles free ofoil 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 work- ing 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 pre- cadures. Keep cutting line at proper length.

• Use only g.080" (2 mm) diameter Poulan/ Weed Eater@ brand line. Never use wire, rope, string, etc.

• install required shield properly before using the unit. Use only specified trimmer head; make sure it is properly installed and se- curely fastened.

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

• Make carburetor adjustments with lower end supported to prevent line from contact- ing any object.

• Keep others away when making carburetor adjustments.

• Use only recommended Weed Eater@ ac- cessories and replacement parts.

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

thorized 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 or oil. 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 re- moving 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 trimmer head and be thrown causing serious injury.

• Use only for trimming, mowing, edging and sweeping. Donor usefor pruningorhedge

trimming.

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

• Keep all parts of your body away from spin- ning line and muffler. Keep engine belowwaist

level. A hot muffler can cause serious bums.

• CL_ting with the line on left side of the shield

will throw debris away from the operator.

• Use only in daylight or good artificial light.

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

• Allow the engine to cool; secure unit before storing or transporting in vehicle.

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

buretor by starting the engine and letting it run until it stops.

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

from water heaters, electric motors or

switches, furnaces, etc.

• Store unit so line limiter blade cannot acci-

dentally cause injury. Unit can be hung by the tube.

• Store the unit out of the 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 abnor- mal swellings. Prolonged 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. An

anti-vibration system does not guarantee the avoidance of these problems. Users who oper- ate power tools on a continual and regular basis

must monitor closely their physical condition

and the condition of this tooL

SPECIAL NOTICE: This unit is equipped

with a temperature limiting muffler and spark ar-

resting screen which meets the requirements of

California Codes 4442 and 4443. All U.S. forest

land and the states of California, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washing-

ton require by law that many internal combus- tion engines be equipped with a spark arresting

screen, if you operate in a Iocole where such

regulations exist, you are legally responsible for maintaining the operating condition of these parts. Failure to do so is a violafion of the law. For normal homeowner use, the muffler and

spark arresting screen will not require any ser- vice. After 50 hours of use, we recommend that your muffler be serviced or replaced by your au-

thorized 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 ratfie in the

empty fuel tank. Finding fuel or oil residue on muffler is normal due to carburetor adjustments and testing done by the manufacturer.

ATTACHING THE HANDLE NOTE: Be sure to attach the assist handle to the unit before attaching the shield,

1. Assemble handle to the unit as shown; make sure bottom of handle is seated in

the groove in the trigger housing.

NOTE: Knob must be assembled on the right hand side of the unit as shown in the il-

lustration.

2. Make sure the bolt is seated in the hex- shaped hole in the handle.

3. Pivot the handle to a comfortable position.

4. Tighten knob securely.

ATTACHING SHIELD

WARNING: The shield must be prop-

erly installed. The shield provides partial

protection from the risk of thrown objects to

the operator 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 cut you.

For proper orientation of shield, see KNOW

YOUR TRIMMER illustration in OPERATION section.

1.RemovewingnL_fromshield.

2. Insertbracketintoslot as shown.

3. Pivot shield until bolt passes throngh hole in bracket.

4. Securely tighten wing nut onto bolt.

Shield %

Slot

)_racket

Lire_Li_miter Biadl "'_

Wing Nut

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 vadous controls

and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

Tube

Trimmer Head

Shield

Edge Guide

Line Limiter Blade

ONIOFF SWITCH The ON/OFF switch is used to stop engine. To

stop the engine, move the switch to the OFF position.

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 it to return to its original form.

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.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

_WARNING: Be sure to read the fuel

information in the safety rules before you be- gin. If you do not understand the safety rules,

do not attempt to fuel your unit. Call

1-800-554-6723. FUELING ENGINE

_ WARNING: Removefuelcapslowly

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 (95m Dof oil with 1gallon (4 liters) of un-

leaded gasoline. DO NOT USE aL_omotive 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 momentadly to assure that the fuel is thoroughly mixed. 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 system before stor- age 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 clean- er products in the fuel tank or permanent dam- age may occur. See the STORAGE section for

additional information.

HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT

• To stop the engine, move the ON/OFF switch to the OFF position.

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

Engine ON/OFF

HOW TO START YOUR UNIT

_,WARNING: The tdmmer 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)

ng Position

1. Set unit on a fiat surface.

2. Move ON/OFF switch to the ON position.

3. Slowly press the pdmer bulb 6 times.

4. Move choke lever to the FULL CHOKE

position.

5. Squeeze the throttle trigger fully and hold

through aft remaining steps,

Choke

Muffler

6. Pull starter rope handle sharply until engine sounds as if it is trying to starL bL_do not pull

rope more than 6 times.

7. ASsoen as engioe soends as if it is trying to start, move choke lever to HALF CHOKE

position.

8. Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs,

bL_no more than 6 pulls. NOTE: If the en-

gine 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 starter rope until the engine

runs, but no more than 6 pulls. If the en-

ine still doesn't start, it is probably

_oeded. Proceed to STARTING A

FLOODED ENGINE.

9. 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

lever 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 ON/OFF switch to the ON position.

2. Move the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE

position.

3. Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger. Keep throttle trigger fully squeezed until the en-

gine runs smoothly.

4. Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs, bL_no more than 5 pulls.

5. Allow engine to run 15 seconds, then move

the choke lever to OFF CHOKE. NOTE: If engine has not started, pull starter rope 5 more pulls. 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.

Primer Rulh

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS It is recommended that the engine not be

operated for longer than 1 minute at full throttle.

OPERATING POSITION

ALWAYS WEAR: _[_'_ Eye

Protection

Long Pants _ "_

Heavy Shoes -_L

CL_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 cL_ting line will CL_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 cL_ting.

TOstop engine:

• Release the throttle trigger.

• Move the ON/OFF switch to the OFF position.

TWIST AND EDGE The Twist and Edge feature allows for easy

edging of sidewalks, patios, driveways, etc.

1. Pull the tab toward the engine.

2. Twist the tube to the edging position; re-

lease tab.

TRIMMER LINE ADVANCE The trimmer line willadvance approximately 2

in. (5 am) 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 inches (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.

_WARNING: Use only 0.080" (2 mm)

diameter line. Other sizes and shapes of line will not advance properly and will result in im-

proper cutting head function or can cause se-

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

CUTTING METHODS

_WARNING: Use minimumspeed

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 minimum line wear by not crowding the line into the cutting area. The right and wrong ways are shown below.

Tip of the Line i

Doei The Cutting

• 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.

Line Crowded Into Work Area

Trimming . .

3 in. (8 cm) Above Ground

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 trimmer 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

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.

EDGING- Adjust trimmer to the edging posi- tion (see TWIST AND EDGE section). Allow

only the tip of the line to make contact. DOnot force trimmer line into work area.

£= _

41=.WARNIN_i: 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/OFF Switch - Ensure ON/OFF switch functions properly by moving the switch to

the OFF position. Make sure engine stops.

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 parts. Clean the unit and labels using a damp cloth with a mild detergent.

• 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 failing into the carburetor

chamber when the cover is removed.

2. Remove parts 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.

Filtse_rews

MUFFLER AND SPARK ARREST-

ING SCREEN _ WARNING: The muffleron thisprod-

uct contains chemicals known to the State of Californiato cause cancer.

dll 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 authorized 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. Repleca with Champion RCJ_6Y spark plug

end 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-woued spool, or cut a length of 20 feet of 0.080" (2 mm) diameter

Weed Eater¢ brand line.

_,WARNING: Never use wire, rope,

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

4. Insert one end of the line about 1/2 inch (1 cm) into the small hole on the inside of spool.

Small

_ Spool

Hole _

Line in Notch

Hub Line exit hole

5. Wind the line evenly and tightly onto the spool. Wind in the direction of the arrow found on the spool.

6. Push the line into the notch, leaving 3 to 5 inches (7 - 12 cm) unwound.

7. Insert the line into the exit hole in the hub as shown in the illustration.

8. Align the notch with the line exit hole.

9. Push spool into hub until it snaps into place.

10. Pull the line extending outside of the hub to release the line from the notch.

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT

WARNING: Keep others away when

making idle speed adjustments. The trimmer

head will be spinning during this procedure. Wear your protective equipment and observe all safety precautions.

The carburetor has been carefully set at the factory. Adjustments may be necessary if you

notice any of the following conditions:

• Engine will not idle when the throttle is

released.

Make adjustments with the unit supported so the cutting attachment is off the ground and will not make contact with any object. Hold the unit by hand while running and making ad- iustments. Keep all parts of your body away

rom the cutting attachment and muffler.

Idle Speed Adjustment Allow engine to idle. Ad ust speed until engine

runs without stalling (idle speed too slow).

• Turn idle speed screw clockwise to

increase engine speed if engine stalls or dies.

• Turn idle speed screw counterclockwise to

decrease engine speed.

_die Speed

Screw

I_'_ Cover

Ifyou require further assistance orare unsure about performing this procedure, contact an

authorized service dealer or call

1-800-554-6723.

Air Filter

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