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

www.weedeater.com

Operator’s Manual

Manual del Operador

Manuel de L’utilisateur

XT 600

t

IMPORTANT MANUAL -- Do not throw away

MANUAL IMPORTANTE -- No lo descarte

MANUEL IMPORTANT -- À Conserver

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 instrucciones de seguridad. El no hacerlo puede resultar en lesiones graves.

AVERTISSEMENT:

Lire le manuel de l’utilisateur et bien respecter tous les avertissements 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.

530087729 2/15/00

SAFETY RULES

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 Operator’s Manual before using unit! Be thoroughly familiar 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.

Operator’s Manual

Safety information on the unit

DANGER:

Never use blades, wire, or flailing devices. This unit is designed for line trimmer use only. Use of any other accessories or attachments will increase the risk of injury.

WARNING:

Trimmer line throws objects violently. You and others can be blinded/injured. Wear safety glasses and leg protection.

Keep body parts clear of rotating line.

Safety Glasses or similar eye protection

Hazard Zone

Boots

50 ft.

(15 m)

Keep children, bystanders, and animals 50 feet (15 meters) away. If approached stop unit immediately.

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

S

Always wear safety eye protection.

S

Always wear long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves. Wearing safety leg guards is recommended. Do not go barefoot or wear sandals. Stay clear of spinning line.

S

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.

S

Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, upset, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.

S

Wear hearing protection if you use this unit for more than 1-1/2 hours per day.

S

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

S Keep handles free of oil and fuel.

UNIT / MAINTENANCE SAFETY

S

Disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance except carburetor adjustments.

S

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

S

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

S

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

S

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

S Keep others away when making carburetor adjustments.

S Use only recommended WEED EATER accessories and replacement parts.

FUEL SAFETY

S

Mix and pour fuel outdoors.

S

Keep away from sparks or flames.

S

Use a container approved for fuel.

S

Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or the unit.

S Wipe up all fuel spills .

S

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

S Stop engine and allow to cool before removing fuel cap.

CUTTING SAFETY

S

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

S

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

Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach.

S Keep all parts of your body away from muffler and spinning line. Keep engine below waist level. A hot muffler can cause serious burns.

S Cutting on left side of the shield will throw debris away from the operator.

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TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

S

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

S Empty fuel tank before storing or transporting the unit. Use up fuel left in the carburetor by starting engine and letting it run until it stops.

S Store unit and fuel in an area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc.

S Store unit so line limiter cannot accidentally cause injury. Unit can be hung by the tube.

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.

SPECIAL NOTICE:

This unit is not equipped with a temperature limiting muffler and spark arresting 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 Washington require by law that many internal combustion engines to be equipped with a spark arrestor screen. If you operate in a locale where such regulations exist, you are legally responsible for installing and maintaining the operating condition of these parts. Failure to do so is a violation of the law. If a spark arrestor is required in your area, contact your Authorized Service

Dealer for the proper kit.

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 abnormal 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 operate power tools on a continual and regular basis must monitor closely their physical condition and the condition of this tool.

ASSEMBLY

WARNING:

Make sure unit is properly assembled and all fasteners are secure.

ADJUST THE HANDLE

S

Loosen wing nut or plastic knob on handle.

S

Rotate handle to upright position and tighten in a comfortable position between the trigger and the safety label on the tube.

Tighten handle securely.

ATTACHING THE SHIELD

WARNING:

The shield must be properly installed. The shield provides partial protection from the risk of thrown objects to the operator and others and is equipped with a line limiter which cuts excess line. The line limiter (on underside of shield) is sharp and can cut you.

S

Insert bracket into slot on shield.

S

Pivot shield until bolt passes through hole in bracket.

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.

Bracket

Wing Nut

Slot

Shield

Dust Cup

FUEL YOUR UNIT

This engine is certified to operate on unleaded 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 recommended. (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.

STARTING

Starting Position

3

HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT

Push and hold the engine stop switch in the

STOP or OFF position until the unit has fully stopped.

Choke lever

Trigger

Primer Bulb

Muffler

REPLACING THE LINE

S

Push and hold the engine stop switch in the stop/off position until the unit has fully stopped.

S Disconnect the spark plug lead wire.

S Remove spool by firmly pulling on tap button.

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) diameter 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.

HOW TO START YOUR UNIT

WARNING:

The trimmer head will turn while starting the engine. A hot muffler can cause serious burns.

COLD ENGINE STARTING OR

STARTING AFTER REFUELING

S

Set unit on a flat surface.

S

Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.

S

Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE position.

S

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

S

Pull starter rope handle sharply 6 times.

S

Move choke lever to HALF CHOKE position.

S Pull starter rope handle no more than 6 pulls, until engine runs.

S

Allow engine to run 10 seconds, then move choke lever to OFF CHOKE position.

RESTARTING A WARM ENGINE

S Move choke lever to OFF CHOKE position.

S Pull starter rope handle until engine runs.

S

If engine does not start in 5 pulls, follow instructions in STARTING A COLD EN-

GINE.

USING YOUR UNIT

OPERATING POSITION

Spool

Line exit holes

Small

Holes

Line in Notch

Line in Notch

Hub

S

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

S

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

S

Insert the line into the the exit holes in the hub as shown in the illustration.

S Align the notches with the line exit hole.

S

Push spool into hub until it snaps into place.

S

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

SERVICE

ALWAYS WEAR: Eye

Protection

Long Pants

Heavy Shoes

Cut from your right to your left.

ADVANCING THE CUTTING LINE

Advance line by tapping the bottom of the cutting 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.

4

We recommend all service and adjustments not listed in this manual be performed by an

Authorized Service Dealer.

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS

Your carburetor is equipped with limiter caps.

Carburetor adjustment is a complicated task.

We recommend that you take your unit to an

Authorized Service Dealer. Damage will occur if you turn the needles beyond the limiter stops.

IGNITION TIMING

The ignition timing is fixed, non-adjustable.

SPARK PLUG

Replace the spark plug yearly using a Champion RCJ--8Y plug. Spark plug gap is 0.025”.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Engine will not start.

S

Fuel tank empty.

S

Engine flooded.

S

Spark plug not firing.

S

Fuel not reaching carburetor.

S

Carburetor requires adjustment.

Engine will not idle properly.

S

Carburetor requires adjustment.

S

Throttle trigger screw too tight.

Engine will not accelerate, lacks power, or dies under a load.

S

Air filter dirty.

S

Spark plug fouled.

S

Carburetor requires adjustment.

Engine smokes excessively.

S

Air filter dirty.

S

Too much oil mixed with gasoline.

S Carburetor requires adjustment.

Line does not advance or breaks while cutting.

S

Line improperly routed in head.

S

Line improperly wound on spool.

S

Line size incorrect.

Line welds onto spool.

S

Line size incorrect

S

Line improperly wound on spool.

S

Crowding line on material being cut.

Line pulls back into head

S

Too little line outside of head.

S

Line size incorrect.

NEED ASSISTANCE?

Need Assistance?

Call 1-800-554-6723.

Need Service Parts?

Contact your dealer.

LIMITED WARRANTY

ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS

NORTH AMERICA, Division of WCI Out-

door Products, Inc., warrants to the original purchaser that each new Weed EaterR brand gasoline tool or attachment is free from defects in material and workmanship and agrees to repair or replace under this warranty any defective gasoline product or attachment 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 producing purposes.

5

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 specifically 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 during the warranty period. This warranty does not cover predelivery setup or normal adjustments 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 HOME PRODUCTS

NORTH AMERICA’S policy is to continuously improve its products. Therefore, ELEC-

TROLUX HOME PRODUCTS NORTH

AMERICA reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue models, designs, specifications, and accessories of all products at any time without notice or obligation to any purchaser.

U.S. EPA

EMISSION CONTROL

WARRANTY STATEMENT

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 emissions 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 emission control system on your lawn and garden equipment engine for the periods of time listed below provided there has been no abuse, neglect, 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 diagnosis, parts and labor. MANUFACTURER’S

WARRANTY COVERAGE: If any emissions related part on your engine (as listed under

Emissions Control Warranty Parts List) is defective or a defect in the materials or workmanship 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 equipment 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 equipment engine owner, you should be aware that

POULAN/WEED EATER may deny you warranty coverage if your lawn and garden equipment engine or a part of it has failed due to abuse, neglect, improper maintenance, unapproved modifications, or the use of parts not made or approved by the original equipment manufacturer. You are responsible for presenting your lawn and garden equipment engine to a POULAN/WEED EATER authorized repair center as soon as a problem exists. Warranty repairs should be completed in a reasonable amount of time, not to exceed

30 days. If you have any questions regarding your warranty rights and responsibilities, you should contact your nearest authorized service center or call POULAN/WEED EATER at

1--800--554--6723.

WARRANTY COM-

MENCEMENT DATE: The warranty 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 replacement of any warranted part will be performed at no charge to the owner at an approved POULAN/WEED EATER servicing center. If you have any questions regarding your warranty rights and responsibilities, you should contact your nearest authorized service center or call POULAN/WEED EATER at

1--800--554--6723. WARRANTY PERIOD:

Any warranted part which is not scheduled for replacement as required maintenance, or which is scheduled only for regular inspection to the effect of “repair or replace as necessary” shall be warranted for 2 years. Any warranted part which is scheduled for replacement as required maintenance shall be warranted for the period of time up to the first scheduled replacement point for that part.

DIAGNOSIS: The owner shall not be charged for diagnostic labor which leads to the determination that a warranted part is defective if the diagnostic work is performed at an approved POULAN/WEED EATER servicing center. CONSEQUENTIAL DAM-

AGES: POULAN/WEED EATER may be liable for damages to other engine components caused by the failure of a warranted part still under warranty. WHAT IS

NOT COVERED: All failures caused by abuse, neglect, or improper maintenance are not covered. ADD--ON OR MODIFIED

PARTS: The use of add--on or modified parts can be grounds for disallowing a warranty claim.

POULAN/WEED EATER is not liable to cover failures of warranted parts caused by the use of add--on or modified parts. HOW TO FILE A

CLAIM: If you have any questions regarding your warranty rights and responsibilities, you should contact your nearest authorized service center or call POULAN/WEED EATER at

1--800--554--6723. WHERE TO GET WAR-

RANTY SERVICE: Warranty services or repairs shall be provided at all POULAN/WEED

EATER service centers. call: 1--800--554--6723

MAINTENANCE, REPLACEMENT AND RE-

PAIR OF EMISSION RELATED PARTS: Any

POULAN/WEED EATER approved replacement part used in the performance of any warranty maintenance or repair on emission related parts will be provided without charge to the owner if the part is under warranty. EMIS-

SION CONTROL WARRANTY PARTS

LIST: Carburetor, Ignition System: Spark

Plug (covered up to maintenance schedule),

Ignition Module. MAINTENANCE STATE-

MENT: The owner is responsible for the performance of all required maintenance as defined in the owner’s manual.

6