Weed Eater Featherlite XT260 String Trimmer Manual

Weed Eater Featherlite XT260 String Trimmer

SAFETY RULES

WARNING: When using gardening appliances, basic safety precautions must always be followed to reduce the risk of fire and serious injury. Read and follow all instructions. This power unit can be dangerous! The operator is responsible for following the instructions and warnings on the unit and in the manual. Read the entire instruction manual before using the unit! Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the unit. Restrict the use of this unit to persons who have read, understand, and will follow the instructions and warnings on the unit and in the manual. Never allow children to operate this unit.

DANGER: Never useblades 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. If situations occur that are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. If youneed 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 operating or performing maintenance on your unit (safety glasses are available). Eye protection should
  be marked Z87.
• Always wear a face or dust mask if the 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 the 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 debris and pieces of toxic plants thrown by the spinning line.
• Stay Alert. Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, upset, or under the influence of alcohol, 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.

WARNING: The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known totheState ofCalifornia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

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 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 their physical condition and the condition of these tools closely. SPECIAL NOTICE: This unit is equipped with a temperature-limiting muffler and spark-arresting screen, which meets the requirements of CaliforniaCodes 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 be equipped with a spark-arresting screen. If you operate in a locale where such regulations exist, 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-arresting screen will not require any service. After 50 hours of use, we recommend that your muffler be serviced or replaced by your authorized service dealer.

ASSEMBLY

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 damaged 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 onmuffler is normal due to carburetor adjustments and testing done by the manufacturer.

ADJUSTING THE ASSIST HANDLE

1. Loosen the wing nut on the handle.
2. Rotate the handle on the shaft to an upright position; retighten the wing nut.

ATTACHING 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 blade, which cuts excess line to the proper length. The line limiter blade (on the underside of the shield) is sharp and can cut you. For proper orientation of the shield, see KNOW YOUR TRIMMER illustration in OPERATION section.

1. Remove the wing nut from the shield.
2. Insert the bracket into the slot as shown.
3. Pivot shield until the bolt passes through the hole in the bracket.
4. Securely tighten the wing nut onto the bolt.

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR TRIMMER

READ THIS INSTRUCTIONMANUAL AND SAFETYRULES BEFOREOPERATING YOURUNIT. Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the location of the various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

STOP SWITCH

The STOP switch is used to stop the engine. To stop the engine, push and hold the switch in the STOP position until the engine stops.

PRIMER BULB

The PRIMER BULBremoves air fromthecarburetor 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 the engine has started, move the choke lever to the RUN position.

BEFORE STARTING ENGIN

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 the 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 fluid ounces (95 ml) of oil with 1 gallon (4 liters) of unleaded gasoline. DO NOT USE automotive oil or marine oil. These oils will cause engine damage. Whenmixing fuel, follow the instructions printed on the container. Once oil is added to gasoline, shake contain ermomentarily to ensure that the fuel is thoroughly mixed. Always read and follow the safety rules relating to fuel before fueling your unit.

CAUTION: Never use straight gasoline in your unit. This will cause permanent engine damage and void the limited warranty.

FUEL REQUIREMENTS

This engine requires the use of a minimum 87 octane [R+M]/2 clean gasoline.

IMPORTANT: Use of alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can causemajor engine performance and durability problems.

WARNING: Alternative fuels (not gasoline) such as E–15 (15% alcohol), E–20 (20% alcohol),E–85 (85%alcohol) areNOT classified as gasoline and are NOT approved for use in 2–stroke gasoline engines. Use of alternative fuels will cause problems such as: improper clutch engagements, overheating, vapor lock, power loss, lubrication deficiency, deterioration of fuel lines, gaskets, and internal carburetor components, etc. Alternative fuels cause high moisture absorption into the fuel/oil mixture, leading to oil and fuel separation.

HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT

• To stop the engine, push andhold theSTOP switch in the STOP position until the engine stops.
• If the engine does not stop, move the choke to the FULL CHOKE position.

HOW TO START YOUR UNIT

WARNING: The trimmer head will turn while starting the engine. Avoid any contact with the muffler. A hot muffler can cause serious burns.

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

1. Set the unit on a flat surface.
2. Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.
3.  Move the choke lever to the FULL CHOKE position.
4. Squeeze the throttle trigger fully and hold through all remaining steps.
5. Pull the starter rope handle sharply until the engine sounds as if it is trying to start, but do not pull the rope more than 6 times.
6. As soon as the engine sounds as if it is trying to start, move the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE position.
7. Pull the starter rope sharply until the engine runs, 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 starter rope until the engine runs, but no more than 6 pulls. If the engine still doesn’t start, it is probably flooded. Proceed to STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE.
8. Once the engine starts, allowit to run 10 seconds, then move the choke lever to the RUN position. Allow the unit to run for 30 more seconds at RUN before releasing the throttle trigger.
   NOTE: If the engine dies with the choke lever in the RUN position, move the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE position and pull the rope until the 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 the throttle trigger fully squeezed until the engine runs smoothly.
3. Pull the starter rope sharply until the engine runs, but no more than 6 pulls.
4. Allow the engine to run 15 seconds, then move the choke lever to RUN.
   NOTE: If the engine has not started, pull the starter rope 5more pulls. If the 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 RUN position; then, pull the rope to clear the engine of excess 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 the 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

WARNING: Alwayswear eye protection. Never lean over the trimmer head. Rocks or debris can ricochet or be thrown into the 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 the engine:

• Release the throttle trigger.
• Push and hold the STOP switch in the STOP position until the engine stops.

MAINTENANCE

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance except for carburetor adjustments.

HELPFUL TIP

IMPORTANT: Have all repairs other than the recommended maintenance described in the instruction manual performed by an authorized service dealer. If any dealer other than an authorized service dealer performs work on the product, WEED EATERmay not pay for repairs under warranty. It is your responsibility to maintain and perform general maintenance.

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 the replacement of damaged or worn parts.

• STOP Switch — Ensure the STOP switch functions properly by pushing and holding the switch in the STOP position. Make sure the engine stops. Restart the engine and continue.
• Fuel Tank — Discontinue use of the unit if the fuel tank shows signs of damage or leaks.
• Debris Shield — Discontinue use of the unit if the debris shield is damaged.

INSPECT AND CLEAN THE UNIT AND LABELS

• After each use, inspect the complete unit for loose or damaged parts. Clean the unit and labels using a damp cloth with a mild detergent.
• Wipe off the unit with a clean, dry cloth.

CLEAN AIR FILTER

A dirty air filter decreases engine performance and increases fuel consumption and harmful emissions. Always clean after every 5 hours of operation.

1. Clean the air filter cover and the area around it to keep dirt from falling into the carburetor chamber when the cover is opened.
2. Open the air filter cover by pushing the button (see illustration). Remove the air filter.
   NOTE: To avoid creating a fire hazard or producing harmful evaporative emissions, do not clean the filter with gasoline or other flammable solvents.
3. Wash the filter in soap and water.
4. Allow the filter to dry.
5. Replace the air filter and close the cover.

MUFFLER AND SPARK ARRESTING SCREEN

WARNING: The muffler on this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer.

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 require 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 more easily and runs better. Set spark plug gap at 0.025 inch (0.6 mm). Ignition timing is fixed and nonadjustable.

1. Twist, then pull off the spark plug boot.
2. Remove the spark plug from the cylinder and discard it.
3. Replace with Champion RCJ-6Y spark plug and tighten securely with a 3/4 inch (19 mm) socket wrench.
4. Reinstall the spark plug boot.

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS

LINE REPLACEMENT

1. Remove the spool by firmly pulling on the tap button.
2. Clean the entire surface of the hub and spool.
3. Replace with a pre-wound spool, or cut two lengths of 12-1/2 feet of 0.080″ (2 mm) diameter WEED EATER brand line.
   WARNING: Never use wire, rope, string, etc., which can break off and becomea dangerous missile.
4. Insert ends of the lines about 1/2 inch (1 cm) into the small holes on the inside of the spool.
5. Wind the line evenly and tightly onto the spool. Wind in the direction of the arrows found on the spool.
6. Push the lines into the notches, leaving 3 to 5 inches (7 — 12 cm) unwound.
7. Insert the lines into the exit holes in the hub as shown in the illustration.
8. Align the notches with the line exit holes.
9. Push the spool into the hub until it snaps into place.
10. Pull the lines extending outside of the hub to release the lines from the notches.

CARBURETOR IDLE SPEED 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. Adjustmentsmay benecessary if you notice any of the following conditions:

• The 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 handwhile running andmaking adjustments. Keep all parts of your body away from the cutting attachment and muffler.

To adjust idle speed:

Allow the engine to idle. Adjust speed until engine runs without stalling (idle speed too slow).

• Turn the idle speed screw clockwise to increase engine speed if the engine stalls or dies.
• Turn the idle speed screw counterclockwise to decrease engine speed.

If you require further assistanceor are unsure about performing this procedure, contact an authorized service dealer or call 1–800–554–6723.

STORAGE

WARNING: Perform the following steps after each use:

• Allow the engine to cool, and secure the unit before storing or transporting.
• Store unit and fuel in a well-ventilated area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc.
• Store unit with all guards in place. Position the unit so that any sharp object can accidentally cause injury.
• Store unit and fuel well out of the reach of children.

SEASONAL STORAGE

Prepare the unit for storage at the end of the season or if it will not be used for 30 days or more. If your unit is to be stored for a period of time:

• Clean the entire unit before lengthy storage.
• Store in a clean, dry area.
•  Lightly oil external metal surfaces.

FUEL SYSTEM

Under FUELING ENGINE in the OPERATION section of this manual, see the message labeled IMPORTANT regarding the use of gasohol in your engine. Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to the gasoline in the fuel tank or fuel storage container. Follow the mixing instructions found on the stabilizer container. Run the engine for at least 5 minutes after adding the stabilizer.

HELPFUL TIP

During storage of your gas/oil mixture, the oil will separate from the gas. We recommend that you shake the gas can weekly to ensure proper blending of the gas and oil.

ENGINE

• Remove the spark plug and pour 1 teaspoon of 40:1, 2-cycle engine oil (air-cooled) through the spark plug opening. Slowly pull the starter rope 8 to 10 times to distribute oil.
• Replace the spark plugwith new one of the recommended type and heat range.
• Clean air filter.
• Check the entire unit for loose screws, nuts, and bolts. Replace any damaged, broken, or worn parts.
• At the beginning of the next season, use only fresh fuel with the proper gasoline-to-oil ratio.

OTHER

• Do not store gasoline from one season to another.
• Replace your gasoline can if it starts to rust.

TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE

WARNING: Always stop the unit and disconnect the spark plug before performing all of the recommended remedies below, except remedies that require operation of the unit.

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Weed Eater Featherlite XT260 String Trimmer-FAQs