BLACK+DECKER Hedge Trimmer

Intended Use

The BLACK+DECKER BEHT201 and BEHT251 hedge trimmers are designed for trimming hedges, shrubs, and brambles. These tools are intended for consumer use only.

Safety Instructions

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

Warning! Read all safety warnings and instructions. Failure to follow these may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury. Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.

1. Work Area Safety

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres (e.g., presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust). Power tools create sparks that may ignite dust or fumes.
• Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause loss of control.

2. Electrical Safety

• Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug. Do not use adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets reduce the risk of electric shock.
• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces (e.g., pipes, radiators, ranges, refrigerators). An increased risk of electric shock exists if your body is earthed or grounded.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool increases the risk of electric shock.
• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling, or unplugging the power tool. Keep the cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges, or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
• When operating outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use.
• If operating in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protected supply.

3. Personal Safety

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense. Do not use a power tool when tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.
• Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Other protective equipment such as a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to a power source and/or battery pack, picking up, or carrying the tool. Carrying tools with a finger on the switch or energizing tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or key left attached to a rotating part may result in personal injury.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times for better control.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts.
• If dust extraction and collection facilities are provided, ensure they are connected and properly used.

4. Power Tool Use and Care

• Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application.
• Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off.
• Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack before making adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the tool.
• Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the tool or instructions to operate it.
• Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any other condition that may affect operation. Have damaged tools repaired before use.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean.
• Use the power tool, accessories, and tool bits in accordance with these instructions, taking into account working conditions and the work to be performed.

5. Service

• Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts.

Additional Power Tool Safety Warnings for Hedge Trimmers

• Keep all parts of the body away from the cutter blade.
• Do not remove cut material or hold material to be cut when blades are moving. Ensure the switch is off when clearing jammed material.
• Carry the hedge trimmer by the handle with the cutter blade stopped. Always fit the cutting device cover when transporting or storing the hedge trimmer.
• Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only, as the cutter blade may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Cutter blades contacting a "live" wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool "live" and could give the operator an electric shock.
• Keep cable away from the cutting area. During operation, the cable can be hidden in shrubs and can be accidentally cut by the blades.
• The intended use is described in this manual. Use of accessories or operations not recommended in this manual can present a risk of personal injury and/or damage to property.
• If you have not used a hedge trimmer before, seek practical instruction from an experienced user in addition to studying this manual.
• Never touch the blades while the tool is running.
• Never attempt to force the blades to come to a standstill.
• Do not put the tool down until the blades have come to a complete standstill.
• Regularly check the blades for damage and wear. Do not use the tool when the blades are damaged.
• Take care to avoid hard objects (e.g., metal wire, railings) when trimming. If you accidentally hit such an object, immediately switch the tool off and check for any damage.
• Should the tool start to vibrate abnormally, immediately switch it off, disconnect it from the mains supply, and check for any damage.
• If the tool stalls, immediately switch it off. Disconnect it from the mains supply before attempting to remove any obstructions.
• After use, place the blade sheath supplied over the blades. Store the tool, ensuring the blade is not exposed.
• Always ensure that all guards are fitted when using the tool.
• Never attempt to use an incomplete tool or a tool with unauthorized modifications.
• Never allow children to use the tool.
• Be aware of falling debris when cutting higher sides of a hedge.
• Always hold the tool with both hands and by the handles provided.

Residual Risks

Even with safety regulations and devices, certain residual risks cannot be avoided. These include:

• Injuries caused by touching any rotating/moving parts.
• Injuries caused when changing any parts, blades, or accessories.
• Injuries caused by prolonged use of a tool. Take regular breaks.
• Impairment of hearing.
• Health hazards caused by breathing dust developed when using your tool (e.g., working with wood).

Vibration

The declared vibration emission values are stated in the technical data and declaration of conformity. These have been measured according to a standard test method (EN 60745) and may be used for comparing tools. The declared value may also be used for preliminary exposure assessment.

Warning! The vibration emission value during actual use can differ from the declared value depending on how the tool is used. The vibration level may increase above the stated level.

When assessing vibration exposure, consider actual conditions of use, including operating cycle times (tool switched off, running idle, and trigger time).

Labels on Tool

The following pictograms are shown on the tool:

• Warning! To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read the instruction manual.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles when operating this tool.
• Wear ear protection when operating this tool.
• Immediately disconnect the cable from the mains if it is damaged or cut.
• Do not expose the tool to rain or high humidity.
• 97 dB Directive 2000/14/EC guaranteed sound power.

Assembly

Warning! Before assembly, ensure the tool is switched off, unplugged, and the blade sheath is fitted over the blades.

Attaching Guard to Trimmer (Fig. A, B)

• Remove guard retaining screw 10 with a Phillips screwdriver.
• Position the guard as shown in Fig. A, ensuring the guard slots into the grooves on the unit.
• Insert guard retaining screw 10 into the opening on the side of the guard and tighten securely as shown in Fig. B.
• Warning! Only use with handle and guard properly assembled to the hedge trimmer.

Attaching Extension Cord to Trimmer (Fig. C)

• Near the end of the extension cord, fold it to create a loop.
• Feed the loop into the cord retainer housing 11 as shown in Fig. C.
• Hook the loop onto the cord retainer 7 so it rests in the cord retainer.
• Plug the extension cord into the unit.

Correct Hand Position (Fig. D)

Always hold the trimmer with one hand on the switch handle and one hand on the auxiliary handle. Never hold the unit by the blade guard.

Use

Warning! Let the tool work at its own pace. Do not overload.

Switching On and Off

Note: This tool has a double switching system to prevent inadvertent starting. Operation is only possible while holding the tool with both hands.

Switching On (Fig. E)

• To turn the tool "ON", press the lock off button (4) in the auxiliary handle (3) backward and squeeze the trigger switch (5). Once running, you may release the lock off button. To keep the unit running, continue to squeeze the trigger. To turn the tool "OFF", release the trigger.
• Warning! Never attempt to lock a switch in the ON position.
• Regularly oil the blades.

Guidelines for Trimming

Extension Cord (Fig. F)

• Always keep the extension cord behind the trimmer and away from the trimming operation, as shown in Figure F. Never drape it over a hedge being trimmed.
• If you cut or damage the cord, unplug it at the electrical outlet immediately, before inspecting or repairing it.

Working Position

• Maintain proper footing and balance and do not over-reach.
• Wear safety goggles, non-skid footwear, and rubber gloves when trimming.
• Hold the tool firmly in both hands and turn the tool ON. Always hold the trimmer with one hand on the switch handle and one hand on the auxiliary handle. Never hold the tool by the blade guard.

Trimming New Growth (Fig. G)

• A wide, sweeping motion, feeding the blade teeth through the twigs is most effective. A slight downward tilt of the blade, in the direction of motion, gives the best cutting.

Level Hedges (Fig. H)

• To obtain exceptionally level hedges, a piece of string can be stretched along the length of the hedge as a guide.

Side Trimming Hedges (Fig. I)

• Begin at the bottom and sweep up.

The cutting blades are made from high quality, hardened steel and with normal usage, they will not require resharpening. However, if you accidentally hit a wire fence (Fig. J), stones, glass, or other hard objects, you may put a nick in the blade. There is no need to remove this nick as long as it does not interfere with the movement of the blade. If it does interfere, unplug the cord and use a fine-toothed file or sharpening stone to remove the nick. If you drop the trimmer, carefully inspect it for damage. If the blade is bent, housing cracked, or handles broken, or if you see any other condition that may affect the trimmer's operation, contact your local BLACK+DECKER Service Center for repairs before putting it back into use.

Fertilizers and other garden chemicals contain agents which greatly accelerate the corrosion of metals. Do not store the unit on or adjacent to fertilizers or chemicals.

Accessories

The performance of your tool depends on the accessory used. BLACK+DECKER accessories are engineered to high quality standards and designed to enhance the performance of your tool. By using these accessories, you will get the very best from your tool.

Maintenance

Your BLACK+DECKER corded/cordless appliance/tool has been designed to operate over a long period with minimum maintenance. Continuous satisfactory operation depends upon proper tool care and regular cleaning. Lubrication oil is available from your BLACK+DECKER dealer (cat. no. A6102-XJ).

Warning! Before performing any maintenance on corded/cordless power tools:

• Switch off and unplug the appliance/tool.
• Or switch off and remove the battery if it has a separate battery pack.
• Or run the battery down completely if it is integral and then switch off.
• Unplug the charger before cleaning it.
• Regularly clean the ventilation slots using a soft brush or dry cloth.
• Regularly clean the motor housing using a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive or solvent-based cleaners.
• After use, carefully clean the blades. After cleaning, apply a film of light machine oil to prevent the blades from rusting.

Mains Plug Replacement (U.K. & Ireland only)

If a new mains plug needs to be fitted:

• Safely dispose of the old plug.
• Connect the brown lead to the live terminal in the new plug.
• Connect the blue lead to the neutral terminal.
• Warning! No connection is to be made to the earth terminal. Follow fitting instructions supplied with good quality plugs. Recommended fuse: 5 A.

Protecting the Environment

Separate collection. Products and batteries marked with this symbol must not be disposed of with normal household waste. Products and batteries contain materials that can be recovered or recycled, reducing the demand for raw materials. Please recycle electrical products and batteries according to local provisions. Further information is available at www.2helpU.com.

Technical Data

Level of sound pressure according to EN 60745:

• Sound pressure level at operator position (LpA): 85 dB(A), uncertainty (K): 3 dB(A)
• Sound power level (LwA): 97 dB(A), uncertainty (K): 2.5 dB(A)

Vibration total values (triax vector sum) according to EN 60745:

• Vibration emission value (ah): 2.5 m/s², uncertainty (K): 1.5 m/s²

EC Declaration of Conformity

MACHINERY DIRECTIVE, OUTDOOR NOISE DIRECTIVE

CE

BEHT201, BEHT251 - Hedge Trimmer

Black & Decker declares that these products described under "technical data" are in compliance with:

• EN60745-1:2009+A11:2010, EN60745-2-15:2009+A1:2010
• 2000/14/EC, Hedge trimmer, Annex V: Measured sound power level (LwA) 97 dB(A), Uncertainty (K) 2.5 dB(A); Guaranteed sound power (LwA) 100 dB(A)
• These products also comply with Directive 2006/42/EC, 2014/30/EU and 2011/65/EU.

For more information, please contact Black & Decker at the following address or refer to the back of the manual.

The undersigned is responsible for compilation of the technical file and makes this declaration on behalf of Black & Decker.

R. Laverick
Engineering Director
Black & Decker Europe, 210 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 3YD
United Kingdom
31/01/2018

Guarantee

Black & Decker is confident of the quality of its products and offers consumers a 24-month guarantee from the date of purchase. This guarantee is in addition to and in no way prejudices your statutory rights. The guarantee is valid within the territories of the Member States of the European Union and the European Free Trade Area.

To claim on the guarantee, the claim must be in accordance with Black&Decker Terms and Conditions, and you will need to submit proof of purchase to the seller or an authorized repair agent. Terms and conditions of the Black&Decker 2-year guarantee and the location of your nearest authorized repair agent can be obtained on the Internet at www.2helpU.com, or by contacting your local Black & Decker office at the address indicated in this manual.

Please visit our website www.blackanddecker.co.uk to register your new Black & Decker product and receive updates on new products and special offers.