Weed Eater RTE115 Electric Line Trimmer User Guide

Weed Eater RTE115 Electric Line Trimmer

SAFETY RULES

WARNING: When using electric gardening appliances, basic safety precautions must always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and serious injury. Read and follow all instructions.

This power unit can be dangerous! The operator is responsible for following the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the unit.

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 read, understand, and follow the unit and manual warnings and instructions. Never allow children to operate this unit. Close attention is necessary when used near children.

 DANGER: Never use blades or flailing devices. The 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, boots, and leg protection. Keep body parts clear of the rotating line.

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

If situations occur that are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. If you need assistance, 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.) Always wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty.
  Always wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves. Do not go barefoot or wear sandals.
• Secure hair above shoulder length. Secure or remove loose clothing and jewelry 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 the unit when you are tired, ill, upset, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication. Watch what you are doing; use common sense.
• Avoid unintentional starting of the unit. Never carry a unit with your finger on the switch. Be sure the switch is in the OFF position and never touch the switch when connecting the extension cord.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

WARNING: Avoid a dangerous environment.
TO reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use it in rain, in damp locations, or around swimming pools, hot tubs, etc. Do not expose to snow, rain, or water to avoid the possibility of electrical shock.

• Use a voltage supply as shown on the unit.
• Avoid dangerous situations. Do not use in the presence of flammable liquids or gases to avoid creating a fire or explosion and/or causing damage to the unit.
• To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this equipment has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other) and will require the use of a polarized extension cord. The appliance plug will fit into a polarized extension cord only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the extension cord, reverse the plug. If the plug still does not fit, obtain a correct polarized extension cord. A polarized extension cord will require the use of a polarized wall outlet. This plug will fit into the polarized wall outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the wall outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper wall outlet. Do not change the equipment plug, extension cord receptacle, or extension cord plug in any way.
• TO reduce the risk of electrical shock, use extension cords specifically marked as suitable for outdoor appliances having an electrical rating not less than the rating of the unit.
  The cord must be marked with the suffix “W-A” (in Canada, “W”). Make sure your extension cord is in good condition. Inspect the extension cord before use and replace it if damaged. Do not use a damaged cord. Cord insulation must be intact with no cracks or deterioration. Plug connectors must be undamaged. An undersized extension cord will cause a drop in line voltage, resulting in loss of power and overheating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The lower the gauge number, the heavier the cord (see SELECT AN EXTENSION CORD in the OPERATION section).
• Do not use multiple cords.
• Do not abuse the cord. Never carry the unit by the extension cord or yank the extension cord to disconnect the unit.
• Use a cord retainer to prevent disconnection of the extension cord from the unit and possible damage to the unit due to plug movement (see ATTACH THE EXTENSION CORD TO YOUR TRIMMER in the OPERATION section).
• Do not use the unit if the switch does not turn the unit on and off properly. Repairs to the switch must be made by your authorized service dealer.
• Keep the extension cord clear of the operator and obstacles at all times. Do not expose cords to heat, oil, water, or sharp edges.
• To avoid the possibility of electric shock, avoid body contact with any grounded conductor, such as metal fences or pipes.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection should be provided on the circuit or outlet to be used. Receptacles are available having built-in GFCl protection and may be used for this measure of safety.

ASSEMBLY

WARNING: If received assembled, review all assembly steps to ensure your unit is properly assembled and all fasteners are secure.

ADJUSTING ASSIST HANDLE

1. Place the unit on a flat surface.
2. Loosen and remove the wing nut and bolt from the assist handle.
3. Firmly push the assist handle over the tube. To make installation easier, tilt the handle toward the trigger housing while pushing down (see illustration).
4. Reinstall the bolt in the handle. Thread the wing nut onto the bolt.
5. Adjust the handle up or down the tube to a comfortable position; tighten the wing nut securely.

ATTACHING THE SHIELD

WARNING: The shield must be properly installed. If the shield is not properly installed, damage to the unit (including motor failure) will result. The shield provides partial protection to the operator and others from the risk of thrown objects. Your unit is equipped with a line limiter blade, which cuts excess line to the proper length while running. The line limiter blade (on the underside of the shield) is sharp and can cut you.

NOTE: If the shield is not properly installed, damage to the unit (including motor failure) will result. The edge guide must be positioned on the shield before installation on the motor housing (see the following illustration).

1. Hold the shield at an angle to the trimmer motor housing. Align the front locking tab of the shield with the front notch of the motor housing (see illustration below).
2. Move the shield toward the motor housing, ensuring the trimmer head passes through the opening in the shield without catching on the shield locking tabs.
3. Tilt the front of the shield towards the front notch of the motor housing. Push the front locking tab of the shield into the front notch of the motor housing. An audible snap must be heard. Ensure the cutting head remains free to rotate and the line is not caught between the shield and the motor housing.
4. Push back of the shield back toward the motor housing as illustrated until the rear locking tabs snap securely into the rear notches. Make sure the shield is assembled to the unit as shown in the illustration below and in the KNOW YOUR UNIT section of this manual.
   
   CAUTION: Sharp line Iimiter blade

OPERATION

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 various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

RECESSED PLUG

The RECESSED PLUG is where you attach your extension cord to the unit.

TRIGGER SWITCH

The TRIGGER SWITCH is used to turn on the unit. Squeeze the trigger switch to operate the unit. Release to stop.

LINE LIMITER BLADE

The LINE LIMITER BLADE cuts the cutting line to the proper cutting length.

ASSIST HANDLE

The ASSIST HANDLE is used to help hold and guide the unit.

TRIMMER HEAD

The TRIMMER HEAD holds the cutting line and rotates during operation.

TWIST AND EDGE BUTTON

The TWIST AND EDGE BUTTON is used to twist the lower portion of the unit into an edging position.

EDGE GUIDE

The EDGE GUIDE protects the unit from contacting the ground during edging.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Use only a voltage supply as specified on your unit.

SELECT AN EXTENSION CORD

Extension cords are available for this unit.

ATTACH THE EXTENSION CORD TO YOUR TRIMMER

Loop your extension cord through the handle and around the hook as shown. Ensure the plug and cord are firmly and fully engaged.

CORRECT OPERATING POSITION

WARNING: Always wear 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.

When operating the unit, stand as shown and check for the following:

• Wear eye protection and heavy clothing.
• The old trigger handle with your right hand and the assist handle with your left hand.
• Keep the unit below waist level.
• Cut only from your right to your left to ensure debris is thrown away from you. Without bending over, keep the line near and parallel to the ground (perpendicular when edging) and not crowded into the material being cut.

ADVANCING THE CUTTING LINE

The cutting head advances the line automatically. Do not tap your head on the ground to advance the line. This may break parts and cause the cutting head to malfunction.

Upon unit start-up, the line will advance automatically to the correct cutting path length. Always keep the shield in place when the tool is being operated.

WARNING: Use only 0.065 inch (1.65 mm) diameter round line. Other sizes and shapes of line will not advance properly and will result in improper cutting head function, or can cause serious injury. Do not use other materials such as wire, string, rope, etc. A wire can break off during cutting and become a dangerous missile that can cause serious injury. See page 2 for a warning concerning other cutting devices.

TRIMMING

Hold the bottom of the trimmer head about 3 inches (8 cm) above the ground and at an angle. Allow only the tip of the line to make contact. Do not force the trimmer line into the work area.

EDGING POSITION

You can press this button and twist the lower portion 180 ° counterclockwise into an edging position.

EDGING

While edging allows the tip of the line to make contact, do not force the line. The edge guard helps protect the unit and keeps the unit from contacting the ground. Take extra caution while edging, as objects can be thrown from the trimmer line.

SCALPING

The scalping technique removes unwanted vegetation. Hold the bottom of the trimmer head about 3 inches (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.

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.

SWEEPING

The fanning action of the rotating line can be used for a quick and easy cleanup. Keep the line parallel to and above the surfaces being swept and move the tool from side to side.

MAINTENANCE

WARNING: Disconnect the power source before performing maintenance.

GEN ERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this unit does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, the operator must maintain the unit as instructed in this manual. Various adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your unit.

BEFORE EACH USE

CHECK FOR LOOSE FASTENERS AND PARTS

• Housing Screws
• Assist Handle
• Debris Shield
• Edge Guide

CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR WORN PARTS

Contact an authorized service dealer for the replacement of damaged or worn parts.

• Trigger Switch – Ensure the switch functions properly by pressing and releasing the trigger switch. Make sure the motor stops.
• Debris Shield – Discontinue use of the unit if the debris shield is damaged.

AFTER EACH USE

INSPECT AND CLEAN THE UNIT AND DECALS

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

SERVICES AND ADJUSTMENTS

REPLACING THE LINE

Pre-wound spools offer the most convenient method for replacing line and ensuring optimum performance.

• Replacement spools are color-coded to ensure the use of the correct spool with your unit. Be sure to use the same color spool as the existing spool.
  NOTE: Always clear dirt and debris from cutting head components when performing any type of maintenance.
• Hold the spool and unscrew the cap by turning in the direction shown on top of the cap.
• Remove the line guide ring and spool. Use a pre-wound spool or refill spool with line. If using a pre-wound spool, remove the tape from the line and the spool.

REFILLING THE SPOOL WITH LINE

WARNING: Use only 0.065 inch (1.65 mm) diameter round line. Other sizes and shapes of line will not advance properly and will result in improper cutting head function, or can cause serious injury. Do not use other materials such as wire, string, rope, etc. A wire can break off during cutting and become a dangerous missile that can cause serious injury.

1. Cut a length of 25 feet of 0.065-inch (1.65 mm) diameter round Weed Eater® brand line.
2. Insert one end of the line into the center cavity of the empty spool. Ensure the line will feed into the spool in the direction shown on the spool (counterclockwise).
3. Continue feeding line into the spool, leaving 4 – 6 inches (10 – 15 cm) unwound from the center of the spool.

INSTALLING A SPOOL WITH A LINE

1. Install replacement spool.
2. Thread the line through the line guide ring.
3. Rest the guide ring on the spool and place the line in the slot. Allow the line to extend 4 – 6 inches (10 – 15 cm) from the center of the spool.
4. Ensure the line remains in the slot while screwing the cap onto the shaft. Only tighten the cap hand-tight!

USER REPLACEABLE SERVICE PARTS

STORAGE

WARNING: Perform the following steps after each use.

• Stop the unit and disconnect the power source when not in use.
• Carry the unit with the motor stopped.
• Store the unit so the line limiter blade cannot cause injury.
• Store the unit and extension cord indoors in a high, dry place out of the reach of children. Store unit unplugged.
• Store unit with all guards in place. Position the unit so that no sharp object can accidentally cause injury.

TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE

WARNING: Always stop the unit and disconnect from the power source before performing all of the recommended remedies below, except remedies that require the unit to be operating.

LIMITED WARRANTY

ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC., warrants to the original purchaser that each new Weed Eater brand electric or cordless product is free from defects in material and workmanship and agrees to repair or replace under this warranty any defective Weed Eater brand electric product within two (2) years from the original date of purchase.

If your Weed Eater brand electric or cordless product should fail within the limited warranty period, return it, complete, prepaid, with proof of purchase, to the dealer from whom it was purchased for repair or replacement at the option of ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.

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, INC., for this electric product. Additionally, this warranty does not cover parts that will wear and require replacement with reasonable use during the warranty period. This warranty does not cover predelivery set-up or normal adjustments explained in the instruction 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 EXPRESSLY STIPULATED HEREIN. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LiMiTATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS OR THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATIONS OF iNCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC., policy is to continuously improve its products. Therefore, ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC., 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.

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Weed Eater RTE115 Electric Line Trimmer- FAQs