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
Operator’s Manual
Manual del Operador
Manuel de L’utilisateur
PL 500
U
RL
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 serious injury.
ADVERTENCIA:
Lea el manual del operador y siga todas las advertencias e instruc-
ciones de seguridad. El no hacerlo puede resultar en lesiones graves.
AVERTISSEMENT:
Lire le manuel de l’utilisateur 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 E2000 WCI Outdoor Products, Inc.
530088828 10/30/00
S Stop engine and allow to cool before re- ments of California Codes 4442 and 4443. All
moving fuel cap.
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 a spark arresting screen. If you
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 Au-
thorized Service Dealer.
S 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.
S Use only for trimming, mowing, and sweep-
ing. Do not use for edging, pruning, or
hedge trimming.
S Keep firm footing and balance. Do not over-
reach.
ASSEMBLY
S Keep all parts of your body away from muf-
fler and spinning line. Keep engine below
waist level. A hot muffler can cause serious
burns.
WARNING: Make sure unit is proper-
ly assembled and all fasteners are secure.
S Cutting on left side of the shield will throw
debris away from the operator.
ADJUST THE HANDLE
S Loosen wing nut or plastic knob on handle.
S Rotate handle to upright position and tight-
en in a comfortable position between the
trigger and the safety label on the tube.
Tighten handle securely.
S Use only in daylight or good artificial light.
TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE
S Allow the engine to cool; secure unit before
storing or transporting in vehicle.
S Empty fuel tank before storing or transport-
ing the unit. Use up fuel left in the carburetor
by starting engine and letting it run until it
stops.
ATTACH THE 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. The
line limiter blade (on underside of shield) is
sharp and can cut you.
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.
S Store unit so line limiter blade cannot acci-
dentally cause injury. Unit can be hung by
the tube.
S Insert bracket into slot on shield.
S Pivot shield until bolt passes through hole in
bracket.
S Store the unit out of the 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.
S Securely tighten wing nut.
S Remove packing cover from the arbor shaft
if so equipped. Thread trimmer head onto
shaft; tighten securely against dust cup.
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.
Wing Nut
Bracket
Slot
Dust Cup
Shield
SPECIAL NOTICE: This unit is equipped
with a temperature limiting muffler and spark
arresting screen which meets the require-
3
S Pull starter rope handle until engine runs.
S If engine does not start in 5 pulls, follow
instructions in STARTING A COLD ENGINE.
FUEL YOUR UNIT
This engine is certified to operate on un-
leaded gasoline. Gasoline must be mixed
with a good quality 2-cycle air-cooled engine
oil designed to be mixed at a ratio of 40:1.
Poulan/Weed Eater brand oil is recom-
mended. (A 40:1 ratio is obtained by mixing
3.2 ounces of oil with 1 gallon of unleaded
gasoline). When mixing fuel follow the
instructions printed on the container. Always
read and follow the safety rules under FUEL
SAFETY.
USING YOUR UNIT
OPERATING POSITION
ALWAYS WEAR:
Eye Protection
Long Pants
Heavy Shoes
STARTING
Cut from your right to your left.
To stop the engine, push and release the en- ADVANCING THE CUTTING LINE
HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT
gine STOP switch. The switch will automati-
cally return to the ON position. Wait 5 sec-
onds before attempting to restart unit to allow
switch to reset.
Advance line by tapping the bottom of the cut-
ting head lightly on the ground while engine is
running at full speed. The metal line limiter
blade attached to the shield will cut the line to
the proper length.
HOW TO START YOUR UNIT
REPLACING THE LINE
S Remove spool by firmly pulling on tap but-
ton.
Starting Positio
S Clean entire surface of hub and spool.
S Replace with a pre-wound spool, or cut two
lengths of 12-1/2 feet of .080” (2 mm) diam-
eter Weed Eaterr brand line. Never use
wire, rope, string, etc., which can break off
and become a dangerous missile.
S Insert ends of the line about 1/2 inch (1 cm)
into the small hole on the inside of spool.
Choke lever
Trigger
Spool
Small
Holes
Primer Bulb
Muffler
WARNING: The trimmer head will
turn while starting the engine. Avoid any con-
tact with the muffler. A hot muffler can cause
serious burns.
Line exit holes
Line in Notch
STARTING A COLD ENGINE (or a
warm engine after running out of
fuel)
S Set unit on a flat surface.
S Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.
S Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE posi-
tion.
Line in Notch
Hub
S Squeeze the throttle trigger fully and hold
through all remaining steps.
S Wind the line evenly and tightly onto the
spool. Wind in the direction of the arrows
found on the spool.
S Pull starter rope handle sharply 6 times.
S Move choke lever to HALF CHOKE posi-
tion.
S Push the lines into the notches, leaving 3 to
5 inches (7 -- 12 cm) unwound.
S Pull starter rope handle no more than 6
pulls, until engine runs.
S Insert the lines into the the exit holes in the
hub as shown in the illustration.
S Allow engine to run 10 seconds, then move
choke lever to OFF CHOKE position.
S Align the notches with the line exit holes.
S Push spool into hub until it snaps into place.
S Pull the lines extending outside of the hub to
release them from the notches.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
S Move choke lever to OFF CHOKE position.
4
We recommend that you take your unit to an
Authorized Service Dealer. Damage will oc-
cur if you turn the needles beyond the limiter
stops.
SERVICE
We recommend all service and adjustments
not listed in this manual be performed by an
Authorized Service Dealer.
IGNITION TIMING
The ignition timing is fixed, non-adjustable.
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS
SPARK PLUG
Your carburetor is equipped with limiter caps. Replace the spark plug yearly using a Cham-
Carburetor adjustment is a complicated task. pion RCJ--8Y plug. Spark plug gap is 0.025”.
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
CAUSE
REMEDY
S See “Starting.”
Engine will not S Engine flooded.
S Fill tank with correct fuel mixture.
S Install new spark plug.
S Fuel tank empty.
S Spark plug not firing.
S Fuel not reaching carburetor.
start.
S Check for dirty fuel filter; replace.
Check for kinked or split fuel line;
repair or replace.
S See “Carburetor Adjustments.”
S Carburetor requires adjustment.
Engine will not S Carburetor requires adjustment. S See “Carburetor Adjustments.”
S Throttle trigger screw too
tight.
S Loosen screw.
idle properly.
Engine will not S Air filter dirty.
S Clean or replace air filter.
S Spark plug fouled.
S Clean or replace spark plug; re-gap.
accelerate,
lacks power,
or dies under
a load.
S Carburetor requires adjustment. S See “Carburetor Adjustments.”
Engine
S Fuel mixture incorrect.
S Air filter dirty.
S Empty fuel tank and refill with
correct fuel mixture.
smokes
S Clean or replace air filter.
excessively.
S Carburetor requires adjustment. S See “Carburetor Adjustments.”
Line does not
advance or
breaks while
cutting.
S Check line routing.
S Line improperly routed in head.
S Line improperly wound on
spool.
S Rewind line tightly and evenly.
S Use only 0.080” (2 mm) dia. line.
S Line size incorrect.
S Use only 0.080” (2 mm) dia. line.
S Replace with correct spool.
S Cut with tip of line fully extended.
Line welds
onto spool.
S Line size incorrect.
S Incorrect spool.
S Line is being crowded against
material being cut.
S Remove spool and pull 4 inches
(10 cm) of line outside of head.
S Use only 0.080” (2 mm) dia. line.
Line pulls
back into
head.
S Too little line outside of head.
S Line size incorrect.
5
U.S. EPA
EMISSION CONTROL
WARRANTY STATEMENT
NEED ASSISTANCE?
Need Assistance?
Call 1-800-554-6723.
Need Service Parts?
YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OB-
LIGATIONS: The U. S. Environmental
Protection Agency and POULAN/WEED
EATER, DIVISION OF WCI OUTDOOR
PRODUCTS are pleased to explain the emis-
sions control system warranty on your lawn
and garden equipment engine. All new utility
and lawn and garden equipment engines
must be designed, built, and equipped to meet
the stringent anti--smog standards. POU-
LAN/WEED EATER must warrant the emis-
sion control system on your lawn and garden
equipment engine for the periods of time listed
below provided there has been no abuse, ne-
glect, or improper maintenance of your lawn
and garden equipment engine. Your emission
control system includes parts such as the
carburetor and the ignition system. Where a
warrantable condition exits, POULAN/WEED
EATER will repair your lawn and garden
equipment engine at no cost to you. Ex-
penses covered under warranty include diag-
nosis, parts and labor. MANUFACTURER’S
WARRANTY COVERAGE: If any emissions
related part on your engine (as listed under
Emissions Control Warranty Parts List) is de-
fective or a defect in the materials or work-
manship of the engine causes the failure of
such an emission related part, the part will be
repaired or replaced by POULAN/WEED
EATER. OWNER’S WARRANTY RESPON-
SIBILITIES: As the lawn and garden equip-
ment engine owner, you are responsible for
the performance of the required maintenance
listed in your Owner’s Manual. POULAN/
WEED EATER recommends that you retain
all receipts covering maintenance on your
lawn and garden equipment engine, but POU-
LAN/WEED EATER cannot deny warranty
solely for the lack of receipts or for your failure
to ensure the performance of all scheduled
maintenance. As the lawn and garden equip-
ment engine owner, you should be aware that
POULAN/WEED EATER may deny you war-
ranty coverage if your lawn and garden equip-
ment engine or a part of it has failed due to
abuse, neglect, improper maintenance, un-
approved modifications, or the use of parts
not made or approved by the original equip-
ment manufacturer. You are responsible for
presenting your lawn and garden equipment
engine to a POULAN/WEED EATER autho-
rized repair center as soon as a problem ex-
ists. Warranty repairs should be completed in
a reasonable amount of time, not to exceed
Contact your dealer or place of purchase.
LIMITED WARRANTY
ELECTROLUX
HOME
PRODUCTS
NORTH AMERICA, Division of WCI Out-
door Products, Inc., warrants to the original
purchaser that each new Weed Eater brand
gasoline tool or attachment is free from de-
fects in material and workmanship and
agrees to repair or replace under this war-
ranty any defective gasoline product or at-
tachment as follows from the original date of
purchase.
2 YEARS-- Parts and Labor, when used for
household purposes.
90 DAYS -- Parts and Labor, when used for
commercial, professional, or income produc-
ing purposes.
30 DAYS -- Parts and Labor, if used for rental
purposes.
This warranty is not transferable and does not
cover damage or liability caused by improper
handling, improper maintenance, or the use
of accessories and/or attachments not spe-
cifically recommended by ELECTROLUX
HOME PRODUCTS NORTH AMERICA for
this tool. Additionally, this warranty does not
cover tune-ups, spark plugs, filters, cutting
line, or rotating head parts that will wear and
require replacement with reasonable use dur-
ing the warranty period. This warranty does
not cover predelivery setup or normal adjust-
ments explained in the operator’s manual.
THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC
LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY HAVE
OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM
STATE TO STATE.
NO CLAIMS FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR
OTHER DAMAGES WILL BE ALLOWED,
AND THERE ARE NO OTHER EXPRESS
WARRANTIES EXCEPT THOSE EX-
PRESSLY STIPULATED HEREIN.
SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITA-
TIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WAR-
RANTY LASTS OR THE EXCLUSION OR
LIMITATIONS OF INCIDENTAL OR CON-
SEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE
LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT
APPLY TO YOU.
ELECTROLUX
NORTH AMERICA’S policy is to continu-
ously improve its products. Therefore, ELEC- 30 days. If you have any questions regarding
TROLUX HOME PRODUCTS reserves the
your warranty rights and responsibilities, you
right to change, modify, or discontinue mod- should contact your nearest authorized ser-
els, designs, specifications, and accessories vice center or call POULAN/WEED EATER at
of all products at any time without notice or 1--800--554--6723.
WARRANTY COM-
obligation to any purchaser.
MENCEMENT DATE: The warranty period
HOME
PRODUCTS
6
begins on the date the lawn and garden equip- ranted part still under warranty. WHAT IS
ment engine is purchased. LENGTH OF
COVERAGE: This warranty shall be for a pe-
NOT COVERED: All failures caused by
abuse, neglect, or improper maintenance are
riod of two years from the initial date of pur- not covered. ADD--ON OR MODIFIED
chase. WHAT IS COVERED: REPAIR OR
REPLACEMENT OF PARTS. Repair or re-
PARTS: The use of add--on or modified parts
can be grounds for disallowing a warranty claim.
placement of any warranted part will be per- POULAN/WEED EATER is not liable to cover
formed at no charge to the owner at an ap- failures of warranted parts caused by the use
proved POULAN/WEED EATER servicing
center. If you have any questions regarding
of add--on or modified parts. HOW TO FILE A
CLAIM: If you have any questions regarding
your warranty rights and responsibilities, you your warranty rights and responsibilities, you
should contact your nearest authorized ser- should contact your nearest authorized ser-
vice center or call POULAN/WEED EATER at
1--800--554--6723 WARRANTY PERIOD:
vice center or call POULAN/WEED EATER at
1--800--554--6723 . WHERE TO GET WAR-
Any warranted part which is not scheduled for RANTY SERVICE: Warranty services or re-
replacement as required maintenance, or pairs shall be provided at all POULAN/WEED
which is scheduled only for regular inspection
to the effect of “repair or replace as neces-
sary” shall be warranted for 2 years. Any war-
ranted part which is scheduled for replace-
EATER service centers. call: 1--800--554--6723
MAINTENANCE, REPLACEMENT AND RE-
PAIR OF EMISSION RELATED PARTS: Any
POULAN/WEED EATER approved replace-
ment as required maintenance shall be ment part used in the performance of any war-
warranted for the period of time up to the first ranty maintenance or repair on emission re-
scheduled replacement point for that part. lated parts will be provided without charge to
DIAGNOSIS: The owner shall not be
the owner if the part is under warranty. EMIS-
charged for diagnostic labor which leads to SION CONTROL WARRANTY PARTS
the determination that a warranted part is de- LIST: Carburetor, Ignition System: Spark
fective if the diagnostic work is performed at Plug (covered up to maintenance schedule),
an approved POULAN/WEED EATER serv-
icing center. CONSEQUENTIAL DAM-
AGES: POULAN/WEED EATER may be li-
able for damages to other engine
components caused by the failure of a war-
Ignition Module. MAINTENANCE STATE-
MENT: The owner is responsible for the per-
formance of all required maintenance as de-
fined in the owner’s manual.
7
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