BLACK & DECKER

Welcome

Thank you for choosing Black & Decker! Register your new product at www.BlackandDecker.com/NewOwner.

PLEASE READ BEFORE RETURNING THIS PRODUCT FOR ANY REASON:

For questions or problems with your Black & Decker purchase, visit www.BlackandDecker.com/InstantAnswers for instant answers 24 hours a day. If you cannot find the answer or do not have internet access, call 1-800-544-6986 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Monday-Friday, to speak with an agent. Please have the catalog number available when you call.

KEY INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• To ensure the extension cord does not come loose, see figures B and C for proper attachment.
• To operate the trimmer, first pull the lock button back (see figure D) then squeeze the trigger.

SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

Also available in Spanish: VEA EL ESPAÑOL EN LA CONTRAPORTADA. INSTRUCTIVO DE OPERACIÓN, CENTROS DE SERVICIO Y PÓLIZA DE GARANTÍA. ADVERTENCIA: LÉASE ESTE INSTRUCTIVO ANTES DE USAR EL PRODUCTO.

Safety Guidelines - Definitions

It is important to read and understand this manual. The information relates to protecting YOUR SAFETY and PREVENTING PROBLEMS. The symbols below help you recognize this information:

• DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
• WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
• CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
• CAUTION (without safety alert symbol): Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

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

The term "power tool" refers to your mains-operated (corded) or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

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). Increased risk of electric shock 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 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. This reduces the risk of electric shock.
• If operating in a damp location is unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. GFCI use reduces the risk of electric shock.
• A GFCI with a tripping current of 30mA or less is recommended.

3) Personal Safety

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use if tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. Inattention may result in serious personal injury.
• Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Other protective equipment such as dust masks, non-skid safety shoes, hard hats, or hearing protection will reduce personal injuries.
• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power, 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 in unexpected situations.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose items can be caught in moving parts.
• If dust extraction/collection facilities are provided, ensure they are connected and used properly. Dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.

4) Power Tool Use and Care

• Do not force the power tool. Use the correct tool for your application. The correct tool will do the job better and safer.
• Do not use if the switch does not turn the tool on and off. Tools that cannot be controlled by the switch are dangerous and must be repaired.
• Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or battery pack before making adjustments, changing accessories, or storing tools. These measures reduce the risk of accidental starting.
• Store idle tools out of reach of children. Do not allow persons unfamiliar with the tool or instructions to operate it. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
• Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment, binding of moving parts, breakage, or any other condition that may affect operation. If damaged, have the tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained tools.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained tools with sharp edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Use the tool, accessories, and bits according to these instructions, considering working conditions and the work to be performed. Using the tool for operations different from intended could result in a hazardous situation.

5) Service

• Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts to ensure safety is maintained.

Hedge Trimmer Safety Warnings

• Use both hands when operating the hedge trimmer. Using one hand could cause loss of control and result in serious personal injury.
• Keep all body parts 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. Blades coast after turn off. Inattention may result in serious personal injury.
• Carry the hedge trimmer by the handle with the cutter blade stopped. Proper handling reduces possible injury from cutter blades.
• Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only, as the cutter blade may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Contact with a "live" wire may make exposed metal parts "live" and could give an electric shock.
• Keep cable away from the cutting area. The cable may be hidden in shrubs and can be accidentally cut by the blade during operation.
• DANGER: Keep hands away from blade. Contact with blade will result in serious personal injury.

Extension Cords

Use an extension cord heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized cord causes voltage drop, loss of power, and overheating. The table below shows the correct size based on cord length and ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge (smaller gauge number).

Minimum Gage for Cord Sets

Ampere Rating

SPECIFIC SAFETY WARNING: Some dust created by this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Examples include compounds in fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, pesticides, and arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber. To reduce exposure, wear approved safety equipment like dust masks designed to filter microscopic particles.

Functional Description

Diagram showing the hedge trimmer components:

• 1. Blade
• 2. Guard
• 3. Bail Handle
• 4. Lock Button
• 5. Trigger Switch
• 6. Rotate Button
• 7. Pigtail Cord / Cord Retainer

Assembly Instructions

Assembly Tools Required (Not Supplied): Phillips Screwdriver.

Attaching Bail Handle to Trimmer

WARNING: Only use with handle and guard properly assembled. Using without them may result in serious personal injury.

The trimmer is shipped with the bail handle tied. To attach:

• Cut the zip tie holding the handle.
• Remove Phillips head screws from both sides of the trimmer housing.
• Position the handle as shown in Figure A.
• Reinsert screws and tighten securely.

Figure A: Illustration showing the bail handle being positioned and attached to the trimmer housing.

Attaching Extension Cord to Trimmer

An extension cord retainer is built into the switch handle to prevent the tool from unplugging.

To use this feature:

1. Overlap the pigtail cord with the extension cord and tie them in a knot (Figure B).
2. Double the extension cord several inches from the end.
3. Hook the loop over the post in the opening at the back of the handle area (Figure C).
4. Gently tug the cord to ensure it is firmly retained.

Figure B: Illustration showing how to tie a knot between the tool's cord and the extension cord.

Figure C: Illustration showing the looped extension cord being hooked onto the retainer post.

Operating Instructions

To Turn the Tool On

Pull the LOCK BUTTON (4) back with your thumb and squeeze the TRIGGER (5) with your fingers (Figure D). Once running, you can release the LOCK BUTTON. Release the TRIGGER to turn the tool OFF.

Figure D: Illustration showing the lock button being pulled back and the trigger being squeezed.

To Lock the Tool On for Continuous Run

With the tool running, pull the LOCK BUTTON (4) ALL THE WAY back, release the TRIGGER (5), then release the LOCK BUTTON. The tool is now locked ON. To turn OFF, squeeze and release the TRIGGER. NOTE: Release the trigger BEFORE releasing the lock button.

Rotating the Rear Handle

The rear handle on the HH2455 can rotate 180° during use. Optional stops are available at 0°, 55°, and 90° for side cuts and rounded or irregular shrubs.

To rotate the rear handle, press the pivoting button (6) and turn in the desired direction (Figure E).

Figure E: Illustration showing how to press the rotation button and turn the handle.

Figure F shows the rear handle in the 90° left (f1), 0° (f2), and 90° right (f3) positions.

Figure F: Depiction of the rear handle in its three adjustable positions.

Trimming Instructions

1. Extension Cord (Figure G)

Always keep the extension cord behind the trimmer and away from the trimming operation. Never drape it over a hedge being trimmed. If you cut or damage the cord, unplug it immediately before inspecting or repairing.

Figure G: Illustration showing the correct placement of the extension cord during operation.

2. Working Position

Maintain proper footing and balance; do not overreach. Wear safety goggles, non-skid footwear, and rubber gloves. Hold the tool firmly with both hands and turn it ON. Always hold the trimmer with one hand on the switch handle and one hand on the bail handle. Never hold the tool by the blade guard.

3. Trimming New Growth (Figure H)

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

CAUTION: Do not use the trimmer for cutting stems greater than 3/4 in. (19mm). Use only for cutting normal shrubbery.

Figure H: Illustration demonstrating the sweeping motion for trimming new growth.

4. Level Hedges (Figure I)

To obtain exceptionally level hedges, stretch a piece of string along the hedge length as a guide.

Figure I: Illustration showing a guide string used for leveling hedges.

5. Side-Trimming Hedges (Figure J)

Begin at the bottom and sweep up.

Figure J: Illustration showing the technique for side-trimming hedges.

General Warnings for Trimming

• WARNING: TO GUARD AGAINST INJURY, OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING: READ MANUAL, SAVE MANUAL. CHECK HEDGE FOR FOREIGN OBJECTS (WIRE, FENCES) BEFORE EACH USE. KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM BLADES. KEEP HANDS ON HANDLES. DO NOT OVERREACH.
• CAUTION: BLADE COASTS AFTER TURN OFF. DO NOT USE UNDER WET CONDITIONS. DO NOT USE WITH DAMAGED EXTENSION CORD. DO NOT UNPLUG OR STORE WITH SWITCH LOCKED ON.
• DANGER: KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM BLADES.
• CAUTION: BLADE COASTS AFTER TURN OFF.

Troubleshooting

For assistance, visit www.blackanddecker.com or call 1-800-544-6986.

Maintenance, Service & Warranty

Maintenance

The cutting blades are made from high-quality, hardened steel and typically do not require resharpening with normal use. If a nick occurs from hitting wire fence, stones, glass, or other hard objects, it does not need removal unless it interferes with blade movement. If it interferes, unplug the unit and use a fine-toothed file or sharpening stone to remove the nick.

If the trimmer is dropped, inspect carefully for damage. If the blade is bent, housing cracked, handles broken, or if any other condition affects operation, contact a Black & Decker Service Center for repairs before reuse.

Fertilizers and other garden chemicals can accelerate metal corrosion. Do not store the tool on or adjacent to them.

With the unit unplugged, clean with mild soap and a damp cloth. Never let liquid get inside the tool or immerse any part in liquid. Prevent blades from rusting by applying light machine oil after cleaning.

IMPORTANT: For product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, maintenance, and adjustments should be performed by authorized service centers or qualified organizations, using identical replacement parts.

Accessories

WARNING: DO NOT use the hedge trimmer with any type of accessory or attachment, as such usage may be hazardous.

Service Information

Black & Decker offers a network of company-owned and authorized service locations throughout North America. Service Centers are staffed with trained personnel for efficient and reliable service. For technical advice, repair, or genuine factory replacement parts, contact your nearest Black & Decker location. Find your local service location in the Yellow Pages under "Tools-Electric" or call 1-800-544-6986.

Warranty Information

FULL TWO-YEAR HOME USE WARRANTY, 30 DAY SATISFACTION GUARANTEE

Black & Decker warrants this product for two (2) years from the date of purchase against defects in material or workmanship. This warranty does not cover damage from negligent handling, misuse, or lack of reasonable maintenance. (Proof of purchase may be required). We will repair or replace, without charge, any defective unit. Return the complete unit, transportation prepaid, to any Black & Decker/DEWALT Certified Service Center, Authorized Service Center, or DEWALT Authorized Service Center listed in the Yellow Pages under "Tools-Electric". Warranties do not cover failures due to abuse, accidental damage, or repairs attempted by unauthorized personnel. These warranties grant specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary by state.

This warranty does not apply to accessories. For questions, contact your nearest Black & Decker Service Center manager.

If you are not completely satisfied, return the tool within 30 days of purchase with a receipt for a full refund (if the store is a participating retailer). This product is not intended for commercial use.

FREE WARNING LABEL REPLACEMENT: If warning labels are illegible or missing, call 1-800-544-6986 for replacements.

Imported by Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., 701 E. Joppa Rd., Towson, MD 21286 U.S.A.

For warranty service and sales, see "Tools-Electric" in the Yellow Pages.

Información Adicional (Español)

Este manual también está disponible en español. Contiene información detallada sobre:

• Pautas de seguridad y definiciones (Peligro, Advertencia, Precaución).
• Advertencias generales de seguridad para herramientas eléctricas.
• Advertencias de seguridad específicas para el cortasetos.
• Instrucciones para el uso de cables de extensión.
• Descripción de funciones y montaje.
• Instrucciones de operación, incluyendo cómo encender la herramienta, el bloqueo continuo y la rotación del mango.
• Métodos de corte (corte de crecimiento nuevo, nivelación de setos, corte lateral).
• Detección y solución de problemas comunes.
• Mantenimiento y cuidado de la herramienta.
• Información de servicio y garantía (Garantía de dos años para uso doméstico, garantía de satisfacción de 30 días).
• Advertencia sobre accesorios.
• Información de servicio y centros de reparación en México.

Para obtener el manual completo en español o más información, visite www.BlackandDecker.com o llame al número de atención al cliente.

Informations Supplémentaires (Français)

Ce manuel est également disponible en français. Il comprend des instructions détaillées sur :

• Directives de sécurité et définitions (Danger, Avertissement, Mise en garde).
• Avertissements généraux de sécurité pour les outils électriques.
• Avertissements de sécurité spécifiques pour le taille-haie.
• Instructions pour l'utilisation des rallonges.
• Description des fonctions et instructions de montage.
• Instructions d'utilisation, y compris comment allumer l'outil, le verrouillage continu et la rotation de la poignée.
• Méthodes de coupe (coupe de nouvelles pousses, nivellement des haies, coupe latérale).
• Dépannage des problèmes courants.
• Entretien et soin de l'outil.
• Informations sur le service et la garantie (Garantie complète de deux ans pour usage résidentiel, garantie de satisfaction de 30 jours).
• Avertissement concernant les accessoires.

Pour obtenir le manuel complet en français ou plus d'informations, visitez www.BlackandDecker.com ou appelez le numéro du service client.