Black & Decker Hedgetrimmer GT26/GT246/GT250/GT251/GT260/GT261/GT262 User Manual

Introduction

Congratulations on choosing a Black & Decker tool. This manual provides guidance for the safe and effective use of your hedgetrimmer.

Intended Use

Your Black & Decker hedgetrimmer is designed for trimming hedges, shrubs, and brambles. It is intended for consumer use only.

EC Declaration of Conformity

The Black & Decker hedgetrimmer models GT26, GT246, GT250, GT251, GT260, GT261, and GT262 conform to the following directives and standards: 98/37/EC, 89/336/EEC, 73/23/EEC, EN 50144, EN 55014, EN 61000, 2000/14/EC (Hedge trimmer ≤ 380 W, Annex V).

Sound pressure level (measured according to 2000/14/EC):

Always wear ear protection if the sound pressure exceeds 85 dB(A).

Hand/arm weighted vibration value according to EN 50144: < 2.5 m/s².

Issued by Kevin Hewitt, Director of Consumer Engineering, Spennymoor, County Durham DL16 6JG, United Kingdom, on 1-11-2003.

Safety Instructions

Warning symbols used in this manual:

• ⚠ Denotes risk of personal injury, loss of life, or damage to the tool.
• ⚠ Denotes risk of electric shock.
• ℹ Read the manual prior to operation.

Know Your Tool

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

• Read this entire manual carefully before operating the tool.
• Ensure you know how to switch the tool off in an emergency.
• Retain this manual for future reference.

General Safety Precautions

1. Consider Work Area Environment: Do not expose the tool to rain or wet conditions. Keep the work area well lit and free from debris and obstacles. Avoid areas with a risk of fire or explosion from flammable liquids/gases.
2. Keep Children Away: Prevent children, visitors, or animals from approaching the work area or touching the tool or mains cable.
3. Dress Properly: Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery that can catch in moving parts. Wear rubber gloves and non-slip footwear. Use protective hair covering for long hair.
4. Personal Protection: Always use safety glasses. A face or dust mask may be needed for dusty operations. Wear ear protection if the sound level is uncomfortable.
5. Guard Against Electric Shock: Avoid body contact with earthed surfaces. Consider using a high-sensitivity residual current device (RCD) for improved safety.
6. Do Not Overreach: Maintain proper footing and balance at all times.
7. Stay Alert: Pay attention to your work. Use common sense and do not operate when tired.
8. Secure Workpiece: Use clamps or a vice to hold the workpiece if appropriate, freeing both hands for tool operation.
9. Remove Keys and Adjusting Wrenches: Always ensure these are removed before operating the tool.
10. Extension Cables: Inspect extension cables for damage before use. Use only cables intended for outdoor use. Unwind cable reels completely.
11. Use Appropriate Tool: Use the tool for its intended purpose. Do not force it or use it for heavy-duty tasks it was not designed for.
12. Check for Damaged Parts: Before use, inspect the tool and mains cable for damage, misalignment, or defective parts. Do not use if any part is damaged or the switch is not functioning correctly. Have damaged parts repaired by an authorized agent.
13. Unplug the Tool: Disconnect the tool when not in use, before changing parts or accessories, and before servicing.
14. Avoid Unintentional Starting: Do not carry the tool with a finger on the on/off switch. Ensure the tool is switched off when plugging in.
15. Do Not Abuse Cord: Never carry the tool by its cord or pull it to disconnect. Keep the cord away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
16. Store Idle Tools: Store tools in a dry, locked-up place, out of reach of children.
17. Maintain Tools with Care: Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Clean handles and switches.

Additional Safety Instructions for Hedgetrimmers

• Wear safety glasses or goggles.
• Wear gloves.
• Wear ear protection.
• Immediately disconnect the cable if damaged or cut.
• Do not expose the tool to rain or high humidity.
• Keep the cable away from the blades while using the tool.
• If new to hedgetrimmers, seek practical instruction from an experienced user.
• Never touch the blades while the tool is running.
• Never attempt to force the blades to stop.
• Do not put the tool down until the blades have come to a complete standstill.
• Regularly check blades for damage and wear. Do not use worn or damaged blades.
• Avoid hard objects like metal wire and railings, as they can damage the blades. Switch off and check for damage if an object is hit.
• Switch off immediately if the tool vibrates abnormally and check for damage.
• If the tool stalls, switch it off immediately. Unplug before removing obstructions.
• After use, place the blade sheath over the blades and store the tool safely.
• Always ensure all guards are fitted. Never use an incomplete tool or one with unauthorized modifications.
• Never allow children to use the tool.

Additional Safety Instructions for Australia and New Zealand

• This appliance is not intended for use by young or infirm persons without supervision.
• Supervise children 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 to avoid a hazard.

Electrical Safety

The electric motor is designed for one voltage only. Always check that the power supply matches the voltage on the rating plate. This tool is double insulated; no earth wire is required.

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

If your mains plug needs replacing and you are competent to do so, follow these instructions. If in doubt, contact an authorized repair agent or qualified electrician.

• Disconnect the plug from the supply and remove the fuse.
• Cut off the plug and dispose of it safely. A plug with bared copper conductors is dangerous if engaged in a live socket outlet.
• Only fit 13 Amperes BS1363A approved plugs with the correctly rated fuse.
• Check cable wire colours or markings at connection points. Attach wires to respective points: Brown for Live (L), Blue for Neutral (N).
• Before replacing the top cover, ensure the cable restraint holds the outer sheath firmly and leads are correctly fixed.
• If the plug has a fuse cover, ensure it is fitted. Do not use the plug if the fuse cover is missing or damaged.
• Never use a light socket.

Using an Extension Cable

Always use an approved extension cable suitable for the tool's power input and marked for outdoor use. When using a cable reel, unwind the cable completely.

Carton Contents

• 1 Hedgetrimmer
• 1 Blade sheath
• 1 Guard
• 2 Screws
• 1 Instruction manual

Note: Additional items may be included depending on the model's catalogue number suffix.

Overview (Diagram A)

The main components are:

• 1. Front handle switch
• 2. Trigger switch
• 3. Front handle
• 4. Guard
• 5. Blade
• 6. Blade sheath

Diagram A shows an exploded view of the hedgetrimmer components.

Connecting the Tool to the Mains (Diagram C)

If the tool does not have a mains cable, connect an extension cable:

• Connect the female socket of a suitable extension cable to the power inlet.
• Loop the extension cable through the cable restraint (7) to prevent detachment.
• Insert the mains plug into a mains outlet. Ensure the extension cable is suitable for outdoor use.

Diagram C illustrates the connection process.

Use

• Let the tool work at its own pace; do not overload.
• Guide the cable carefully to avoid accidentally cutting it, for example, by placing it over your shoulder.

Switching On and Off (Diagram D)

The tool features a double switching system for safety, requiring both hands to operate.

• Switching On: Squeeze both the front handle switch (1) and the trigger switch (2).
• Switching Off: Release either the front handle switch (1) or the trigger switch (2).

Never attempt to lock a switch in the 'on' position.

Diagram D illustrates the switching mechanism.

Hints for Optimum Use

• Slightly tilt the tool (up to 15°) relative to the line of cut, with blade tips pointing towards the hedge, for more effective cutting.
• Start by trimming the top of the hedge. Move the tool steadily along the line of cut at the desired angle. The double-sided blade allows cutting in either direction.
• For a very straight cut, use a string stretched along the desired height as a guideline.
• For flat sides, cut upwards with the growth.
• Avoid hard objects like metal wire and railings, as they can damage the blades.
• Regularly oil the blades.

Guidelines for Trimming

UK & Ireland:

• Trim hedges and shrubs with seasonal leaves: June and October.
• Trim evergreens: April and August.
• Trim conifers and fast-growing shrubs: every six weeks from May to October.

Australia & New Zealand:

• Trim hedges and shrubs with seasonal leaves: December and March.
• Trim evergreens: September and February.
• Trim conifers and fast-growing shrubs: every six weeks from October to March.

Maintenance

Your Black & Decker tool is designed for long-term operation with minimal maintenance. Proper care ensures continuous satisfactory performance.

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

• After use, clean the blades and apply a light machine oil to prevent rusting.
• Regularly clean ventilation slots with a soft brush or dry cloth.
• Clean the motor housing with a damp cloth; do not use abrasive or solvent-based cleaners.

Protecting the Environment

Black & Decker offers a recycling service for its products at the end of their working life, free of charge. Return your product to an authorized repair agent. For locations of authorized repair agents and after-sales service details, visit www.2helpU.com.

Guarantee

Black & Decker offers an outstanding guarantee, in addition to your statutory rights. The guarantee is valid within the European Union and European Free Trade Area.

The guarantee covers faulty materials, workmanship, or lack of conformity within 24 months of purchase. It does not apply if the product is used for trade, professional, or hire purposes; subjected to misuse or neglect; sustained damage from foreign objects, substances, or accidents; or if repairs were attempted by unauthorized persons.

To claim under the guarantee, submit proof of purchase to the seller or an authorized repair agent. Check www.2helpU.com for authorized agent locations.

Other Outdoor Tools

Black & Decker offers a full range of outdoor power tools. For information on string trimmers, chainsaws, cordless shears, lawnmowers, lawnrakers, leafbusters, and shredders, contact the Service and Information Centre or your local retailer.

Technical Data

Assembly Diagrams

Exploded view diagrams (Pages 11 and 12) illustrate the assembly of the hedgetrimmer, detailing various components with corresponding part numbers for models GT26-GT246-GT250-GT250S-GT260S and GT251-GT261S-GT262SXC.

Contact Information

Australia: Black & Decker (Australia) Pty. Ltd., 20 Fletcher Road, Mooroolbark, Victoria, 3138. Tel: 03-8720 5100, Fax: 03-9727 5940.

New Zealand: Black & Decker, 81 Hugo Johnston Drive, Penrose, Auckland, New Zealand. Tel: 09 579 7600, Fax: 09 579 8200.

United Kingdom: Black & Decker, 210 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire SL1 3YD. Tel: 01753 511234, Fax: 01753 551155, Helpline: 01753 574277.