Black & Decker Hedgetrimmer

Intended Use

The Black & Decker hedgetrimmer is designed for trimming hedges, shrubs, and brambles. This tool is intended for consumer use only.

Safety Instructions

Warning! When using mains-powered tools, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, personal injury, and material damage.

• Read this manual carefully before operating the tool.
• Retain this manual for future reference.
• Remove the plug from the socket before carrying out any adjustment, servicing, or maintenance.

Keep Work Area Clean

Cluttered areas and benches can cause accidents.

Consider Work Area Environment

Do not expose the tool to rain. Do not use the tool in damp or wet conditions. Keep the work area well lit. Do not use the tool where there is a risk of causing fire or explosion, e.g., in the presence of flammable liquids and gases.

Keep Children Away

Do not allow children, visitors, or animals to come near the work area or to touch the tool or mains cable.

Dress Properly

Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery, as these can be caught in moving parts. Wear rubber gloves and non-slip footwear when working outdoors. Wear protective hair covering to keep long hair out of the way.

Personal Protection

Always use safety glasses. Use a face or dust mask whenever operations may produce dust or flying particles. Hearing protection should be worn.

Guard Against Electric Shock

Prevent body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces (e.g., pipes, radiators, cookers, refrigerators). Electric safety can be further improved by using a high-sensitivity (30 mA / 30 mS) residual current device (RCD).

Do Not Overreach

Keep proper footing and balance at all times.

Stay Alert

Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do not operate the tool when you are tired.

Secure Workpiece

Use clamps or a vice to hold the workpiece. It is safer and frees both hands to operate the tool.

Connect Dust Extraction Equipment

If devices are provided for dust extraction and collection, ensure they are connected and properly used.

Remove Adjusting Keys and Wrenches

Always check that adjusting keys and wrenches are removed from the tool before operating.

Extension Cables

Before use, inspect the extension cable and replace if damaged. When using the tool outdoors, use extension cables intended for outdoor use. Up to 30 m of Black & Decker extension cable can be used without loss of power.

Use Appropriate Tool

Do not force small tools or attachments to do the job of a heavy-duty tool. The tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was intended. Do not force the tool.

Warning! The use of any accessory or attachment, or performance of any operation with this tool other than those recommended in this manual, may present a risk of personal injury.

Check for Damaged Parts

Before use, carefully check the tool and mains cable for damage. Check for misalignment and seizure of moving parts, breakage of parts, damage to guards and switches, and any other conditions that may affect its operation. Ensure that the tool will operate properly and perform its intended function. Do not use the tool if any part is damaged or defective. Do not use the tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Have any damaged or defective parts repaired or replaced by an authorized repair agent. Never attempt any repairs yourself.

Unplug the Tool

Unplug the tool when it is not in use, before changing any parts, accessories, or attachments, and before servicing.

Avoid Unintentional Starting

Do not carry the tool with a finger on the on/off switch. Be sure that the tool is switched off when plugging in.

Do Not Abuse Cord

Never carry the tool by its cord or pull it to disconnect from the socket. Keep the cord away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.

Store Idle Tools

When not in use, tools should be stored in a dry, locked up or high place, out of reach of children.

Maintain Tools with Care

Keep cutting tools sharp and clean for better and safer performance. Follow the instructions for maintenance and changing accessories. Keep handles and switches dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.

Repairs

This tool complies with relevant safety requirements. Repairs should only be carried out by qualified persons using original spare parts; otherwise, this may result in considerable danger to the user.

Electrical Safety

This tool is double insulated; therefore, no earth wire is required. Always check that the power supply corresponds to the voltage on the rating plate.

Additional Safety Instructions for Hedgetrimmers

• Wear safety glasses or goggles when operating this tool.
• Wear gloves 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.
• Keep the cable away from the blades while using this tool.
• If you have not used a hedgetrimmer before, seek practical instruction by 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 worn or damaged.
• Take care to avoid foreign objects (e.g., metal wire, railings) when trimming. Should you accidentally hit any such object, immediately switch the tool off, unplug it, and check for any damage.
• Should the tool start to vibrate abnormally, immediately switch it off and check for any damage.
• If the tool stalls, immediately switch it off. Unplug the tool before attempting to remove any obstructions.
• After use, place the blade sheath supplied over the blades. Store the tool, making sure that the blade is not exposed.
• Always ensure that all handles and 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.
• When operating the extending handle, hold the unit away from your body and loose clothes.
• Be aware of falling debris when cutting the higher sides of a hedge.

Additional Safety Instructions for Australia and New Zealand

• This appliance is not intended for use by young or infirm persons without supervision. Children must be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.
• If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or an authorized Black & Decker Service Centre in order to avoid a hazard.

Features

This tool includes some or all of the following features:

1. Handle switch
2. Trigger switch
3. Extending handle
4. Front handle release buttons
5. Rear handle release buttons
6. Blade
7. Blade sheath

This hedgetrimmer has the following features for your benefit:

• Dual action blades for reduced vibration.
• Laser cut and diamond ground blades for improved cutting.
• Extending handle for cutting the higher sides of hedges.

Use

Changing the Position of the Extending Handle

Warning! Before changing the position of the extending handle, make sure that the tool is switched off and unplugged.

Rotating the Handle into the Extended Position (fig. A1 & A2)

Your hedgetrimmer will reach you with the handle in the forward position. To move the handle into the extended position, proceed as follows:

• Support the underside of the unit with one hand.
• Simultaneously press the front handle release buttons (4) with your thumb and middle finger and rotate the handle (3) backward with your other hand.
• Move the handle fully into the extended position. Make sure the handle clicks and locks into place.

Rotating the Handle into the Forward Position (fig. B1 & B2)

To move the handle from the extended into the forward position, proceed as follows:

• Support the underside of the unit with one hand.
• Simultaneously press the rear handle release buttons (5) with the thumb and index finger of your other hand and rotate the handle (3) forward. As you move the handle out of the extended position, you will hear a click.
• Move the handle fully into the forward position. Make sure the handle clicks and locks into the front handle release buttons (4).

Connecting the Tool to the Mains

Unless the tool is fitted with a mains cable, you will need to connect an extension cable to the power inlet.

• Connect the female socket of a suitable extension cable to the power inlet of the tool.
• Insert the mains plug into a mains outlet.

Warning! The extension cable must be suitable for outdoor use. When using a cable reel, always unwind the cable completely.

Switching On and Off

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

• Carefully guide the cable to avoid accidentally cutting it. A good way to control the cable is by putting it over your shoulder.
• For your safety, this tool is equipped with a double switching system. This system prevents starting the tool inadvertently and will only allow operation while holding the tool with both hands.

Switching On

Warning! Make sure the handle is fully locked in either the forward or the extended position.

• Squeeze the handle switch (1).
• Squeeze the trigger switch (2) to start the tool.

Switching Off

• Release the handle switch (1) or the trigger switch (2).

Warning! Never attempt to lock a switch in the on position.

Hints for Optimum Use

• Start by trimming the top of the hedge. Slightly tilt the tool (up to 15° relative to the line of cut) so that the blade tips point slightly towards the hedge (fig. C1). This will cause the blades to cut more effectively. Hold the tool at the desired angle and move it steadily along the line of cut. The double-sided blade allows you to cut in either direction.
• In order to obtain a very straight cut, stretch a piece of string along the length of the hedge at the desired height. Use the string as a guideline, cutting just above it.
• In order to obtain flat sides, cut upwards with the growth. Younger stems move outwards when the blade cuts downwards, causing shallow patches in the hedge.
• With the handle in the extended position, the tool can be used to cut the high sides of the hedge. Move the tool side to side in a 40° arc (fig. C2).
• Take care to avoid any foreign objects. Especially avoid hard objects such as metal wire and railings, as these could damage the blades.
• Regularly oil the blades.

Guidelines for Trimming (UK & Ireland)

• Trim hedges and shrubs with seasonal leaves (new leaves every year) in June and October.
• Trim evergreens in April and August.
• Trim conifers and other fast-growing shrubs every six weeks from May until October.

Guidelines for Trimming (Australia & New Zealand)

• Trim hedges and shrubs with seasonal leaves (new leaves every year) in December and March.
• Trim evergreens in September and February.
• Trim conifers and other fast-growing shrubs every six weeks from October until March.

Maintenance

Your tool has been designed to operate over a long period of time with minimum maintenance. Continuous satisfactory operation depends upon proper tool care and regular cleaning.

Warning! Before performing any maintenance, switch off and unplug the tool.

• After use, carefully clean the blades. After cleaning, apply a film of light machine oil to prevent the blades from rusting.
• Regularly clean the ventilation slots in your tool using a soft brush or dry cloth.
• Regularly clean the motor housing using a damp cloth. Do not use any abrasive or solvent-based cleaner.
• Make sure all handle release buttons and switches are free of debris before and after use.
• Always store the tool with the handle locked in the forward position.

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 the fitting instructions supplied with good quality plugs. Recommended fuse: 5 A.

Troubleshooting

EC Declaration of Conformity

Black & Decker declares that these products conform to: 98/37/EC, 89/336/EEC, 73/23/EEC, EN 50144, EN 55014, EN 61000, 2000/14/EC.

Hedgetrimmer 520 W, Annex V

LpA (sound pressure): 82 dB(A), Lwa (acoustic power) 96 dB(A), LWA (guaranteed) 98 dB(A), hand/arm weighted vibration < 2.5 m/s²

K. Hewitt
Kevin Hewitt
Director of Consumer Engineering
Spennymoor, County Durham DL16 6JG, United Kingdom
1-7-2006

Protecting the Environment

Separate Collection. This product must not be disposed of with normal household waste.

Should you find one day that your Black & Decker product needs replacement, or if it is of no further use to you, do not dispose of it with household waste. Make this product available for separate collection.

Separate collection of used products and packaging allows materials to be recycled and used again. Re-use of recycled materials helps prevent environmental pollution and reduces the demand for raw materials.

Local regulations may provide for separate collection of electrical products from the household, at municipal waste sites, or by the retailer when you purchase a new product.

Black & Decker provides a facility for the collection and recycling of Black & Decker products once they have reached the end of their working life. To take advantage of this service, please return your product to any authorized repair agent who will collect them on our behalf.

You can check the location of your nearest authorized repair agent by contacting your local Black & Decker office at the address indicated in this manual. Alternatively, a list of authorized Black & Decker repair agents and full details of our after-sales service and contacts are available on the Internet at: www.2helpU.com

Technical Data

Guarantee

Black & Decker is confident in the quality of its products and offers an outstanding guarantee. This guarantee statement 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.

If a Black & Decker product becomes defective due to faulty materials, workmanship, or lack of conformity, within 24 months from the date of purchase, Black & Decker guarantees to replace defective parts, repair products subjected to fair wear and tear, or replace such products to ensure minimum inconvenience to the customer, unless:

• The product has been used for trade, professional, or hire purposes;
• The product has been subjected to misuse or neglect;
• The product has sustained damage through foreign objects, substances, or accidents;
• Repairs have been attempted by persons other than authorized repair agents or Black & Decker service staff.

To claim on the guarantee, you will need to submit proof of purchase to the seller or an authorized repair agent. You can check the location of your nearest authorized repair agent by contacting your local Black & Decker office at the address indicated in this manual. Alternatively, a list of authorized Black & Decker repair agents and full details of our after-sales service and contacts are available on the Internet at: www.2helpU.com

Please visit our website www.blackanddecker.co.uk to register your new Black & Decker product and to be kept up to date on new products and special offers. Further information on the Black & Decker brand and our range of products is available at www.blackanddecker.co.uk.