R
Trademark
Please do not return unit to retailer.
Por favor, no devuelva el aparato al lugar de compra.
Veuillez ne pas retourner l’outil au détaillant.
1-800-554-6723
Instruction Manual
Manual de Instrucciones
Manuel d’Instructions
PE550
WARNING:
Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions before
using this product. Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
ADVERTENCIA:
Lea el manual de instrucciones y siga todas las advertencias e
instrucciones de seguridad. El no hacerlo puede resultar en le-
siones graves.
AVERTISSEMENT:
Lire le manuel d’instructions et bien respecter tous les avertisse-
ments et toutes les instructions de sécurité. Tout défaut de le
faire pourrait entraîner des blessures graves.
Electrolux Home Products
North America
Div. of WCI Outdoor Products, Inc.
Augusta, GA 30907
Copyright E2001 WCI Outdoor Products, Inc.
530088959
10/26/01
S Allow unit to cool, run fuel out of the fuel
tank, and secure the unit before storing or
transporting it in a vehicle.
S Before storing, use up fuel left in the carbu-
retor by starting the unit and letting it run un-
til it stops. Always allow the unit to cool be-
fore storage.
EDGING SAFETY
S Inspect the area to be edged before each
use. Remove objects (rocks, broken glass,
nails, wire, string, etc.) which can be thrown
by the blade or can wrap around the shaft.
S Keep others including children, animals,
bystanders, and helpers at least 50 feet (15
meters) away. Stop the unit immediately if
you are approached.
S Store unit and fuel in area where fuel vapors
cannot reach sparks or open flames from
water heaters, electric motors or switches,
furnaces, etc.
S Hold the unit firmly with both hands.
S Keep firm footing and balance. Do not over-
reach or stand on unstable support.
S Do not attempt to remove cut material nor
hold material to be cut when the engine is
running or when cutting member is moving.
S Always keep the wheels and skid in contact
with the ground.
S Keep all parts of your body away from the
blade and muffler.
S Always push the unit slowly over the
ground. Stay alert for uneven sidewalks,
holes in the terrain, large roots, etc.
S Use only for jobs explained in this manual.
S Store unit so blade cannot accidentally
cause injury.
S Store unit out of reach of children.
If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment. If you
need assistance, call 1-800-554-6723.
SPECIAL NOTICE:
This unit is not
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, Ida-
ho, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon,
and Washington require by law that many inter-
nal combustion engines be equipped with a
spark arrestor screen. If you operate in a locale
where such regulations exist, you are legally re-
sponsible for installing and maintaining the oper-
ating condition of these parts. Failure to do so is
a violation of the law.
HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION, IT
IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE
S Mix and pour fuel outdoors and where there
are not sparks or flames.
S Always store gasoline in a container ap-
proved for flammable liquids.
S Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or
the unit; do not smoke while using the unit.
S Make sure the unit is properly assembled
and in good operating condition.
SPECIAL 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,
S Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all fuel
spills before starting unit.
S Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from
fueling site before starting engine.
S Stop engine and allow to cool before re-
moving fuel cap.
S Do not store the unit with fuel in the fuel change in skin color or texture, or loss of feeling
tank; use up fuel left in the carburetor and in the fingers, hands, or joints, discontinue the
fuel line by starting the unit and letting it run use of this tool and seek medical attention. An
until it stops.
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.
S 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.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE
S Do not grasp or hold exposed blade.
S Stop unit before leaving work area.
3
ASSEMBLY
NOTE: If you need assistance or find parts
Cable Clamp
missing or damaged, call 1-800-554--6723.
ASSEMBLY
Throttle cable
WARNING: If received assembled,
repeat all steps to ensure your unit is properly
assembled and all fasteners are secure.
This instruction manual has been developed
to help you assemble the unit and to provide
its safe operation. It is important that you read
the entire manual to become familiar with the
unit before you begin assembly.
Read your instruction manual.
Tools you will need:
FUEL YOUR UNIT
WARNING: Remove fuel cap slowly
S Adjustable wrench
when refueling.
S Hex wrench (provided)
This engine is certified to operate on un-
leaded gasoline. Before operation, gasoline
must be mixed with a good quality 2-cycle air-
cooled engine oil. We recommend Poulan/
Weed Eater brand oil. Mix gasoline and oil at a
ratio of 40:1 (A 40:1 ratio is obtained by mixing
3.2 ounces of oil with 1 gallon 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. Always read and
follow the safety rules relating to fuel before
fueling your unit.
TUBE ASSEMBLY
NOTE: When performing the following step,
be sure the handle is aligned as follows: label
on top, throttle trigger to the operator’s right
hand side. The starter rope and the throttle
cable must not wrap around the tube.
Label
Throttle trigger
S Assemble handle tube to the lower tube (it
will be necessary to pull some of the starter
rope out of the housing).
STARTING
S Align the screw holes; insert the screws
through the aligned holes.
STOPPING YOUR ENGINE
S To stop a running engine, move the switch
to the OFF position.
S If engine does not stop, move choke lever
to FULL CHOKE position.
S Thread one locknut onto each screw and
tighten securely.
ON/OFF Switch
Handle tube
Screws
Lower
Tube
Starter Rope
STARTING YOUR ENGINE
Locknuts
DANGER: The cutting blade will
turn when the engine starts.
NOTE: When performing the following step,
be sure the starter rope is not caught under
the cable clamp. The starter rope must hang
freely to operate properly.
WARNING: Avoid any contact with
the muffler. A hot muffler can cause serious
burns.
S Align the cable clamp between the tube S Rest the unit on the ground. Support the
screws. Install the cable clamp around the
tube and throttle cable.
unit so the blade is off of the ground and
away from trees, bushes, onlookers, etc.
4
STARTING A WARM ENGINE THAT
STARTING
POSITION
HAS NOT RUN OUT OF FUEL:
S Make sure switch is in ON position.
S Move the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE
position.
S Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger. Keep
throttle trigger fully squeezed until the en-
gine runs smoothly.
S Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs,
but no more than 5 pulls.
S Allow engine to run 10 seconds, then move
the choke lever to OFF CHOKE position. Re-
lease the throttle trigger.
STARTING A COLD ENGINE OR A
WARM ENGINE AFTER RUNNING
OUT OF FUEL
NOTE: If engine has not started, pull starter
rope 5 more pulls. If engine still does not run, it
is probably flooded. Proceed to STARTING A
FLOODED ENGINE.
S Make sure switch is in ON position.
S Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.
S Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE posi-
tion.
STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE
Flooded engines can be started by placing
the switch in the ON position and the choke
lever in the OFF CHOKE position. Squeeze
and hold the throttle trigger; then, pull the rope
to clear the engine of excess fuel. This could
require pulling the starter rope many times de-
pending on how badly the unit is flooded.
Choke Lever
FULL
HALF
OFF
USING YOUR UNIT
S Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger. Keep
throttle trigger fully squeezed until the en-
gine runs smoothly.
EDGING
As you become familiar with your edger, you
will be able to determine your own operating
pace. Conditions such as depth of cut and
material being cut will regulate the speed and
time required for your edging job.
S Allow the engine to warm up for one minute
before you begin edging.
S Increase the engine speed before placing
the blade in the cut. For best operation, run
the engine at full throttle while cutting.
S Keep you edging path straight by aligning
the blade guide rib on the rear of the blade
guard with the edge of the sidewalk. Keep
all wheels flat on the walkway.
Primer bulb
S Pull starter rope sharply 5 times.
NOTE:The engine may sound as if it is trying
th
to start before the 5 pull. If so, go to the next
step immediately.
S Move the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE
position.
S Pull starter rope sharply until engine runs,
but no more than 6 pulls.
Blade
Guide Rib
NOTE: If the engine has not started after 6
pulls (at HALF CHOKE), check to make sure
the choke lever is in the proper position. Then,
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 more pulls. If the engine still has
not started, it is probably flooded. Proceed to
STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE.
S Allow the engine 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 trigger.
S Always work going away from people and
solid objects such as walls, large stones,
trees, automobiles, etc.
S Be careful when edging near trees or valu-
able plants. The high speed metal blade
may cut roots and cause damage to the
plants.
S If the blade stalls, immediately move the
unit rearward slightly to allow the blade to
restart. If the blade continues to stall, stop
the engine, disconnect the spark plug, and
inspect for blockage or damage.
S Always keep the blade area clean. Stop the
engine, make sure the blade has complete-
ly stopped turning, and disconnect the
spark plug before cleaning.
NOTE: If engine dies with the choke lever at
the OFF CHOKE position, move the choke le-
ver to HALF CHOKE and pull the rope until
engine runs.
5
SETTING THE EDGING DEPTH
IGNITION TIMING
Ignition timing is fixed, nonadjustable.
WARNING: Never attempt to adjust
the depth adjusting skid when the engine is
running. Always release the throttle trigger,
wait until the blade stops turning, move the
ON/OFF switch to the OFF position, and dis-
connect spark plug before making adjust-
ments. Your edger is equipped with several
edging depths. The depth used will depend
on your personal edging preference and the
condition of the area where the edging opera-
tion is to be done.
SPARK PLUG
Replace the spark plug yearly using a Cham-
pion RCJ--8Y plug. Spark plug gap is 0.025”.
BLADE MAINTENANCE
WARNING: The blade will continue to
spin after the engine stops or after the throttle
trigger has been released. Make sure the
blade has stopped coasting and disconnect
the spark plug before performing work on the
blade.
Always replace a blade that is bent, warped,
cracked, broken, or damaged in any other
way. Never attempt to straighten and reuse a
damaged blade. Use only specified replace-
ment blade.
S The blade is reversible. When the cutting
edge on one side becomes worn, turn the
blade over.
S Check blade for flatness periodically. Lay
the blade on a flat surface to inspect for flat-
ness. Throw away a blade that is not flat.
NOTE: If the area to be edged has never
been cut or several weeks have passed since
the last cut, the first edging should be done at
no more than half depth.
To set the depth:
S Move the depth control lever forward for
shallower edging.
S Move the depth control lever backward for
deeper edging.
Depth Control Lever
BLADE REPLACEMENT
Depth
Adjusting
Skid
WARNING: Wear protective gloves
when handling or performing maintenance on
the blade to avoid injury.
Support Arm
When edging, the trigger handle must be
raised until the skid rests on the ground. The
trigger handle must be held in the raised posi-
tion during the entire edging operation to
maintain a consistent edging depth.
DEPTH ADJUSTING SKID
The surface of the depth adjusting skid will
wear over a period of time. This part is revers-
ible to provide a second wear surface.
S Remove the two mounting screws which
hold the skid to the support arm.
Blade
S Rotate the skid 180 degrees.
S Reinstall the mounting screws.
S To remove the blade, insert a screwdriver
into the hole in the gearbox; then, remove
the nut (clockwise), washer and blade from
the blade shaft.
EDGING TIPS
S Inspect unit before each use.
S Inspect the area to be cut before each use.
S Keep unit in front of your body.
S Cut at full throttle.
S Keep the wheels and skid in contact with
the ground.
Nut
S Always work going away from others.
Hole
SERVICE
We recommend all service and adjustments
not listed in this manual be performed by an
authorized authorized service dealer.
Flat sides
Washer
S Align the flat area of the blade opening with
the flat side of the shaft. Place the new
blade on the shaft.
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS
Your carburetor is equipped with limiter caps.
Damage will occur if you turn the needles be- S Install the washer and nut; turn nut counter-
yond the limiter caps. Carburetor adjustment
is a complicated task. We recommend that
you take your unit to an authorized authorized
service dealer.
clockwise on the blade shaft.
S Bind blade by inserting a screwdriver in to
the hole in the gearbox; then, firmly tighten
nut with a wrench.
6
TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE
WARNING: Always stop unit and disconnect spark plug before performing any
of the recommended remedies below other than remedies that require operation of
the unit.
TROUBLE
Engine will not
start.
CAUSE
REMEDY
S See “Starting.”
S Engine flooded.
S Fuel tank empty.
S Spark plug not firing.
S Fuel not reaching
carburetor.
S Fill tank with correct fuel mixture.
S Install new spark plug.
S Check for dirty fuel filter; replace.
Check for kinked or split fuel line;
repair or replace.
S Contact your authorized service
dealer.
S Carburetor requires
adjustment.
Engine will not
idle properly.
S Carburetor requires
adjustment.
S See “Carburetor Adjustments.”
S Clean or replace air filter.
S Clean or replace spark plug
and re-gap.
Engine will not
accelerate,
lacks power, or
dies under a
load.
S Air filter dirty.
S Spark plug fouled.
S See “Carburetor Adjustments.”
S Carburetor requires
adjustment.
S Empty fuel tank and refill with
correct fuel mixture.
S Clean or replace air filter.
S See “Carburetor Adjustments.”
Engine smokes
excessively.
S Fuel mixture incorrect.
S Air filter dirty.
S Carburetor requires
adjustment.
recommended by ELECTROLUX HOME
PRODUCTS NORTH AMERICA for this tool.
Additionally, this warranty does not cover tune-
ups, spark plugs, filters, etc., that will wear and
require replacement with reasonable use during
the warranty period. This warranty does not
cover predelivery setup or normal adjustments
explained in the instruction manual.
NEED ASSISTANCE?
Need Assistance?
Call 1--800--554--6723.
Need Service Parts?
Contact your dealer.
THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC
LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY HAVE
OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM
STATE TO STATE.
LIMITED WARRANTY
ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS NORTH
AMERICA, Division of WCI Outdoor Prod-
NO CLAIMS FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR
OTHER DAMAGES WILL BE ALLOWED,
ucts, Inc., warrants to the original purchaser AND THERE ARE NO OTHER EXPRESS
that each new Weed Eater brand gasoline tool WARRANTIES EXCEPT THOSE EX-
or attachment is free from defects in material PRESSLY STIPULATED HEREIN.
and workmanship and agrees to repair or re-
SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITA-
place under this warranty any defective gaso- TIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WAR-
line product or attachment as follows from the RANTY LASTS OR THE EXCLUSION OR
original date of purchase.
2 YEARS--Parts and Labor, when used for
household purposes.
LIMITATIONS OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSE-
QUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE
LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT
90 DAYS--Parts and Labor, when used for com- APPLY TO YOU.
mercial, professional, or income producing pur- ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS NORTH
poses.
AMERICA’S policy is to continuously improve
30 DAYS--Parts and Labor, if used for rental its products. Therefore, ELECTROLUX HOME
purposes.
PRODUCTS NORTH AMERICA reserves the
This warranty is not transferable and does not right to change, modify, or discontinue models,
cover damage or liability caused by improper designs, specifications, and accessories of all
handling, improper maintenance, or the use of products at any time without notice or obligation
accessories and/or attachments not specifically to any purchaser.
7
WEED EATER at 1--800--554--6723. WAR-
RANTY COMMENCEMENT DATE: The war-
ranty period begins on the date the lawn and
garden equipment engine is purchased.
LENGTH OF COVERAGE: This warranty shall
be for a period of two years from the initial date
of purchase. WHAT IS COVERED: REPAIR
OR REPLACEMENT OF PARTS. Repair or re-
U.S. EPA
EMISSION CONTROL
WARRANTY STATEMENT
YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGA-
TIONS: The U. S. Environmental Protection placement of any warranted part will be per-
Agency and POULAN/WEED EATER, DIVI-
SION OF WCI OUTDOOR PRODUCTS are
formed at no charge to the owner at an ap-
proved POULAN/WEED EATER servicing
pleased to explain the emissions control system center. If you have any questions regarding your
warranty on your lawn and garden equipment warranty rights and responsibilities, you should
engine. All new utility and lawn and garden contact your nearest authorized service center
equipment engines must be designed, built, and or call
POULAN/WEED EATER at
equipped to meet the stringent anti--smog stan- 1--800--554--6723 WARRANTY PERIOD: Any
dards. POULAN/WEED EATER must warrant warranted part which is not scheduled for re-
the emission control system on your lawn and placement as required maintenance, or which is
garden equipment engine for the periods of time scheduled only for regular inspection to the ef-
listed below provided there has been no abuse, fect of “repair or replace as necessary” shall be
neglect, or improper maintenance of your lawn warranted for 2 years. Any warranted part which
and garden equipment engine. Your emission is scheduled for replacement as required main-
control system includes parts such as the car-
tenance shall be warranted for the period of time
buretor and the ignition system. Where a war- up to the first scheduled replacement point for
rantable condition exits, POULAN/WEED EAT- that part. DIAGNOSIS: The owner shall not be
ER will repair your lawn and garden equipment charged for diagnostic labor which leads to the
engine at no cost to you. Expenses covered un- determination that a warranted part is defective
der warranty include diagnosis, parts and labor.
MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY COVER-
if the diagnostic work is performed at an ap-
proved POULAN/WEED EATER servicing cen-
AGE: If any emissions related part on your en- ter. CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES: POU-
gine (as listed under Emissions Control Warran- LAN/WEED EATER may be liable for damages
ty Parts List) is defective or a defect in the to other engine components caused by the fail-
materials or workmanship of the engine causes ure of a warranted part still under warranty.
the failure of such an emission related part, the WHAT IS NOT COVERED: All failures caused
part will be repaired or replaced by POULAN/ by abuse, neglect, or improper maintenance are
WEED EATER. OWNER’S WARRANTY RE-
not covered. ADD--ON OR MODIFIED
SPONSIBILITIES: As the lawn and garden PARTS: The use of add--on or modified parts
equipment engine owner, you are responsible can be grounds for disallowing a warranty claim.
for the performance of the required mainte- POULAN/WEED EATER is not liable to cover
nance listed in your instruction manual. POU- failures of warranted parts caused by the use of
LAN/WEED EATER recommends that you re-
add--on or modified parts. HOW TO FILE A
tain all receipts covering maintenance on your CLAIM: If you have any questions regarding
lawn and garden equipment engine, but POU- your warranty rights and responsibilities, you
LAN/WEED EATER cannot deny warranty
should contact your nearest authorized service
solely for the lack of receipts or for your failure to center or call POULAN/WEED EATER at
ensure the performance of all scheduled main- 1--800--554--6723. WHERE TO GET WAR-
tenance. As the lawn and garden equipment RANTY SERVICE: Warranty services or re-
engine owner, you should be aware that POU- pairs shall be provided at all POULAN/WEED
LAN/WEED EATER may deny you warranty
EATER service centers. call: 1--800--554--6723
coverage if your lawn and garden equipment MAINTENANCE, REPLACEMENT AND RE-
engine or a part of it has failed due to abuse, ne- PAIR OF EMISSION RELATED PARTS: Any
glect, improper maintenance, unapproved mod- POULAN/WEED EATER approved replace-
ifications, or the use of parts not made or ap- ment part used in the performance of any war-
proved by the original equipment manufacturer. ranty maintenance or repair on emission related
You are responsible for presenting your lawn parts will be provided without charge to the own-
and garden equipment engine to a POULAN/ er if the part is under warranty. EMISSION
WEED EATER authorized repair center as
soon as a problem exists. Warranty repairs
CONTROL WARRANTY PARTS LIST: Car-
buretor, Ignition System: Spark Plug (covered
should be completed in a reasonable amount of up to maintenance schedule), Ignition Module.
time, not to exceed 30 days. If you have any MAINTENANCE STATEMENT: The owner is
questions regarding your warranty rights and re- responsible for the performance of all required
sponsibilities, you should contact your nearest maintenance as defined in the instruction manu-
authorized service center or call POULAN/
al.
8
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