Black & Decker GH610 User Manual

TRIMMER / EDGER

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Model Number GH610

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INSTRUCTIVO DE OPERACIÓN, CENTROS DE SERVICIO Y
PÓLIZADE GARANTÍA. ADVERTENCIA: LÉASE ESTE
INSTRUCTIVO ANTES DE USAR EL PRODUCTO.

Model No. GH610

KEY INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• The guard must be installed before trimming or edging - if
not, the motor will overheat (page 5).

• When replacing the line, use only .065 inch diameter
ROUND line (B&D Model No. AF-100 is recommended) ­otherwise the tool will not function properly (page 8).

• Do not bump the feed head against the ground - it will
disrupt the feed mechanism.

• Always use the cord retention feature (page 7).

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety Guidelines - Definitions .................................................2

Important Safety Warnings and Instructions ............................2

Safety Warnings and Instructions: Polarized Plugs .................4

Safety Warnings and Instructions: Extension Cords ................4

Components.............................................................................5

Assembly / Adjustment ............................................................5

Operating Instructions..............................................................7

Replacement Accessories .......................................................8

Maintenance ............................................................................10

Troubleshooting .......................................................................10

Service Information ..................................................................11

Full Two-Year Home Use Warranty..........................................11

SAFETY GUIDELINES - DEFINITIONS

It is important for you to read and understand this manual. The
information it contains relates to protecting YOUR SAFETY and
PREVENTING PROBLEMS. The symbols below are used to 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.

NOTICE: Used without the safety alert symbol indicates a

potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in
property damage.

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS

AND INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: When using electric gardening appliances, basic

safety precautions should always be followed to reduce risk of fire,
electric shock, and personal injury, including the following.

Read All Instructions

• ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION – Wear safety spectacles
or goggles at all times when this tool is plugged in.

• GUARD – Do not use this tool without guard attached.

• DRESS PROPERLY – Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry.
They can be caught in moving parts. Rubber gloves and
substantial rubber soled footwear are recommended when
working outdoors. Donʼt operate the tool when barefoot or
wearing open sandals. Wear long pants to protect your legs.
Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.

• NYLON LINE – Keep face, hands and feet clear of rotating nylon
line at all times.

• THE ROTATING LINE PERFORMS A CUTTING FUNCTION –
Use care when trimming around screens and desirable plantings.

• KEEP ALL BYSTANDERS AWAY – at a safe distance from
work area, especially children.

• IMPORTANT WARNING – When being used as an Edger,
stones, pieces of metal and other objects can be thrown out at
high speed by the line. The tool and guard are designed to
reduce the danger. However, the following special precautions
should be taken:

• MAKE SURE that other persons and pets are at least 100 feet
(30m) away.

• TO REDUCE THE RISK of rebound (ricochet) injury, work going
away from any nearby solid object such as wall, steps, large
stone, tree, etc. Use great care when working close to solid
objects and where necessary, do edging or trimming by hand.

2

• AVOID ACCIDENTALLY STARTING – Donʼt carry plugged-in
tool with finger on trigger.

• DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL – at a rate faster than the rate at
which it is able to cut effectively.

• USE THE RIGHT TOOL – Do not use this tool for any job except
that for which it is intended.

• DONʼT OVERREACH – Keep proper footingand balance at all times.

• DONʼT ABUSE CORD – Donʼt yank cord from power supply.
Keep cord from heat, oil, and sharp edges.

• DAMAGE TO UNIT – If you strike or become entangled with a
foreign object, stop tool immediately, unplug, check for damage
and have any damage repaired before further operation is
attempted. Do not operate with a broken hub or spool.

• DAMAGE TO CORD – Keep power cord away from rotating
line. If you damage the cord, unplug it from the power supply
before moving the tool or examining the damage. A damaged
cord must be replaced before further use.

• DISCONNECT TOOL – when not in use, when replacing line, or
prior to cleaning.

• AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS – Do
not use electric tools in damp or wet locations. Follow all
instructions in this Instruction Manual for proper operation of your
tool. Donʼt use the tool in the rain.

• DO NOT OPERATE portable electric tools in gaseous or
explosive atmospheres. Motors in these tools normally spark, and
the sparks might ignite fumes.

• STORE IDLE TOOLS INDOORS – When not in use, tools
should be stored indoors in a dry, locked-up place out of reach of
children.

• GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER (GFCI) protection
should be provided on the circuits or outlets to be used for the
gardening appliance. Receptacles are available having built in
GFCI protection and may be used for this measure of protection.

• SECURE EXTENSION CORD using the cord retainer shown in
Figure 7.

• STAY ALERT – Watch what you are doing. Use common sense.
Do not operate tool when you are tired.

• MAINTAIN APPLIANCES WITH CARE – Follow instructions in
maintenance section. Inspect extension cords periodically and
replace if damaged. Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and
grease.

• CHECK DAMAGED PARTS – Before further use of the
appliance, a guard or other part that is damaged should be
carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and
perform its intended function. Check for alignment of moving
parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, mounting, and
any other condition that may affect its operation. A guard or other
part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by
an authorized service center unless otherwise indicated
elsewhere in this manual.

WARNING: When servicing double insulated tools, USE

ONLY IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS. Replace or repair
damaged cords.

WARNING: To prevent electrical shock hazard, use only with

an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Always connect extension
cords to a fused line or one protected by a circuit breaker.

• DO NOT immerse tool in water or squirt it with a hose. DO NOT
allow any liquid to get inside it.

• DO NOT store the tool on or adjacent to fertilizers or chemicals.

• DO NOT clean with a pressure washer.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

The label on your tool may include the following symbols. The
symbols and their definitions are as follows:

V ..............volts A ................amperes

Hz ............hertz W................watts

min............minutes ..............alternating current

..........direct current

..............

3

Class II Construction

............safety alert symbol .../min ......revolutions or

n

o ..............no load speed

............earthing terminal

reciprocations per minute

WARNING: Some dust created by this product contains

chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth
defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these
chemicals are:

• compounds in fertilizers

• compounds in insecticides, herbicides and pesticides

• arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber
To reduce your exposure to these chemicals, wear approved safety
equipment such as dust masks that are specially designed to filter
out microscopic particles.

SAFETY WARNINGS AND

INSTRUCTIONS: POLARIZED PLUGS

To reduce the risk of electric 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 the plug 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.

SAFETY WARNINGS AND

INSTRUCTIONS: EXTENSION CORDS

Make sure your extension cord is in good condition. When using an
extension cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry the
current your product will draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop
in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. The table
shows the correct size to use depending on cord length and
nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge.
The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord. If the
extension will be used outside, the cord must be suitable for outdoor
work. The letters “WA” on the cord jacket indicate that the cord is
suitable for outdoor use.

Minimum Gauge for Cord Sets

Volts Total Length of Cord in Feet

120V 0-25 26-50 51-100 101-150

(0-7,6m) (7,6-15,2m) (15,2-30,4m) (30,4-45,7m)

240V 0-50 51-100 101-200 201-300

(0-15,2m) (15,2-30,4m)(30,4-60,9m) (60,9-91,4m)

Ampere Rating

More Not more American Wire Gauge
Than Than
0-6 18 16 16 14
6-10 18 16 14 12
10 - 12 16 16 14 12
12 - 16 14 12 Not Recommended

4

COMPONENTS

ASSEMBLY & ADJUSTMENT

1. Switch

2. Cord Retainer

3. Cord Receptacle

4. Auxillary Handle

5. Collar (to adjust
height and edge)

6. Motor Housing

7. Edge Guide

8. Guard

9. Spool

ASSEMBLY TOOLS REQUIRED (NOT SUPPLIED):

1

4

2

3

5

6

8

7

9

- Phillips Screwdriver

INSTALLING THE GUARD

WARNING: UNPLUG THE TOOL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO

ATTACH THE GUARD, EDGE GUIDE OR HANDLE. NEVER
OPERATE TOOL WITHOUT GUARD FIRMLY IN PLACE. THE
GUARDMUST ALWAYS BE ONTHE TOOL TO PROTECT THE
USER.

• Turn the trimmer upside
down so that you are looking
down at the spool cap (a).

• Turn the guard (b) upside
down and slide it onto the
motor housing (c). Make
sure the tabs (d) on the
guard engage the ribs (e) on
the motor housing as shown.

• Continue to slide the guard
on until you hear it “snap” into
place.

• Using a phillips
screwdriver, remove the
screw from the guard.

• Insert the guard screw as
shown in figure 2 to
complete the guard
assembly.

• Once the guard is installed,
remove the covering from the
line cut-off blade, located on
the edge of the guard.

1

b

c

d

e

a

2

5

ATTACHING THE AUXILIARY HANDLE

• To attach the handle, press
in on the buttons (f) on both
sides of the upper housing as
shown in figure 3.

• Position the handle as
shown in figure 4 (with the
Black & Decker logo facing
upward). Partially push the
handle on so that it will hold
the buttons in when you
release them with your hand.

3

4

• Push the handle
completely onto the housing
and position it slightly until it
“snaps” into place (figure 5).

• To adjust the handle up or
down, press in on the button
(g) and raise or lower the

f

handle.

• The handle should be
adjusted so that your front
arm is straight when the
trimmer is in the working
position.

HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

• The overall height of the
trimmer can be adjusted by
loosening the collar (h) and
rotating it in the direction of
the arrow shown in figure 6.

• Move the upper housing
straight up or down. When
the desired height is
achieved, tighten the collar
by rotating it opposite of the
direction shown in figure 6.

5

g

6

h

6

ATTACHING EXTENSION CORD

• An extension cord retainer
(figure 7) is built into the switch
handle that prevents the cord
from coming unplugged. To use
this feature, simply double the
extension cord about 8 inches
(203mm) from the end, and
insert it into the slot (i) in the end
of the handle area. Hook the
loop formed by doubling the
cord over the tab (j). Gently tug
on the cord to insure that it is
firmly retained in the trimmerʼs
handle. Plug the receptacle end of the extension cord into the
plug blades (k) in the trimmer.

i

7

j

k

SWITCHING ON AND OFF

• To switch the tool on, squeeze the trigger
lever.

• To switch the tool off, release the trigger
lever.

• With the unit on, angle unit and slowly
swing the trimmer side to side as shown in
figure 8.

8

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: Always use proper eye protection that conforms

to ANSI Z87.1 (CAN/CSA Z94.3) while operating this power tool.

CAUTION: Inspect area to be trimmed and remove any wire,

cord, or string-like objects which could become entangled in the
rotating line or spool. Be particularly careful to avoid any wire which
might be bent outwardly into the path of the tool, such as barbs at the
base of a chain link fence.

CONVERT TO EDGING MODE

9

• To operate as a maintenance edger, turn
the collar (l) as shown in part 1 of figure 9.

• Hold the metal shaft and rotate the lower
housing 180° as shown in part 2.

• Turn the collar (l) until tight.

l

7

• If desired, pull the wire edge guide (m)
out from the motor housing until it clicks
into the locked position as shown in figure
10 and position the trimmer above the
surface as shown in figure 10.

• Return to the trimming position by
loosening the lock collar and rotating the
lower housing back 180°. The tool will lock
in the trimmer position. When using the
tool, retract the wire edge
guide to the original position,
out of the way.

10

REPLACEMENT ACCESSORIES

Use Black & Decker replacement spool Model No. AF-100.
Reload nylon line (either bulk or prewound replacement spool) as
shown in this manual.

• USE ONLY .065 inch (1.65 mm) DIAMETER ROUND NYLON
LINE. Do not use serrated or heavier gauge line, as they will
overload the motor and cause overheating. This line is available
at your local dealer or authorized service center.

• Other replacement parts (guards, spool caps, etc.) are available
through Black & Decker service centers. To find your local service
location call: 1-800-544-6986 or visit www.blackanddecker.com.

WARNING: The use of any accessory not recommended by

Black & Decker for use with this tool could be hazardous.

m

CUTTING LINE / LINE FEEDING

Your trimmer uses .065 inch (1.65 mm) diameter, ROUND
nylon line. During use, the tips of the nylon lines will become

frayed and worn and the special self feeding spool will
automatically feed and trim a fresh length of line. Cutting line will
wear faster and require more feeding if the cutting or edging is
done along sidewalks or other abrasive surfaces or heavier
weeds are being cut. The advanced automatic line feeding
mechanism senses when more cutting line is needed and feeds
and trims the correct length of line whenever itʼs required. DO
NOT BUMP unit on ground in attempt to feed line or for any other
purposes.

REPLACING THE SPOOL (FIGURES 11,12,13)

• Unplug tool.

• Depress the tabs (n) and
remove the spool cap (o)
from the spool housing (p) in
the trimmer head (figure 11).

• For best results, replace
spool with Black & Decker
model no. AF-100.

• Grasp empty spool with one
hand and spool housing with
other hand and pull spool
out.

8

11

Replacement

spool

model no.

AF-100

n

o

n

p

• If lever (q) (figure 12) in
base of housing becomes
dislodged, replace in correct
position before inserting new
spool into housing.

• Remove any dirt and grass
from the spool and housing.

• Unfasten the end of the
cutting line and guide the line
into the eyelet (r) figure 13.

• Take the new spool and
push it onto the boss (s)
(figure 12) in the housing.
Rotate the spool slightly until it
is seated.
The line should protrude
approximately 5-3/8 inches
(136mm) from the housing.

• Align the tabs on the spool
cap with the slots (t)in the
housing(figure 13).

• Push the cap onto the
housing until it snaps
securely into place.

12

13

t

NOTICE: To avoid tool damage, if the cutting line protrudes

beyond the trimming blade, cut it off so that it just reaches the
blade.

REWINDING SPOOL FROM BULK LINE

(USEONLY .065 IN. ROUND DIAMETERLINE)(FIGURES14,15,16)

Bulk line is also available for purchase from your local retailer.
NOTE: Hand wound spools from bulk line are likely to become
tangled more frequently than Black & Decker factory wound
spools. For best results, factory wound spools are
recommended.

To install bulk line, follow the steps below:

q

s

r

• Unplug tool.

• Remove the empty spool
from the tool as described
in “REPLACING THE
SPOOL”.

• Remove any remaining
cutting line from the spool.

• Make a fold at the end of
the cutting line at about 3/4
inch (19mm)(u). Feed the
cutting line into one of the
line anchoring slots (v) as
shown in figure 14.

• Insert the 3/4 inch (19mm)
end of the bulk line into the
hole (w) in the spool
adjacent to the slot as
shown in figure 15.

9

14

15

u

v

x

w

• Wind the cutting line onto the spool in
the direction of the arrow on the spool.
Make sure to wind the line on neatly and
in layers. Do not crisscross (figure 16).

• When the wound cutting line reaches
the recesses (x), cut the line. (figure 15).

• Fit the spool onto the tool as described
in “REPLACING THE SPOOL”.

16

CAUTION: Before you begin

trimming, only use the appropriate type of
cutting line.

MAINTENANCE

WARNING: To avoid serious injury, switch off and unplug the

tool before performing any maintenance.

1. Keep the air intake slots clean to avoid overheating.

2. Your trimmer line can dry out over time. To keep your line in top
condition, store spare pre-wound spools or bulk line in a plastic,
sealable bag with a tablespoon of water.

3. Plastic parts may be cleaned by using a mild soap and a damp
rag.

4. The line cutter on the edge of the guard can dull over time. It is
recommended you periodically touch-up the sharpness of the
blade with a file.

IMPORTANT: To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY,
repairs, maintenance and adjustment should be performed by
authorized service centers or other qualified service organizations,
always using identical replacement parts.

TROUBLESHOOTING

TOOL RUNS SLOWLY

• Check that the spool housing can rotate freely. Carefully clean it if
necessary.

• Check that the cutting line does not protrude more than
approximately 5-3/8 inches (136mm) from the spool. If it does, cut
it off so that it just reaches the line trimming blade.

AUTOMATIC LINE FEED DOES NOT WORK

• Keep the tabs depressed and remove the spool from the spool
housing in the trimmer head.

• Pull the cutting line until it protrudes approximately 5-3/8 inches
(136mm) from the spool. If insufficient cutting line is left on the
spool, install a new spool of cutting line.

• Ensure that the line is not crisscrossed on the spool as detailed
in figure 16. If it is, unwind the cutting line, then wind it back on
the spool neatly so that the lines do not cross.

• Align the tabs on the spool cap with the cut outs in the housing.

• Push the spool cap onto the housing until it snaps securely into
place.

• If the cutting line protrudes beyond the trimming blade, cut it off
so that it just reaches the blade. If the automatic line feed still
does not work or the spool is jammed, try the following
suggestions:

• Carefully clean the spool and housing.

• Remove the spool and check if the lever in the spool housing
can move freely.

• Remove the spool and unwind the cutting line, then wind it on
neatly again. Replace the spool into the housing.

10

SERVICE INFORMATION

All Black & Decker Service Centers are staffed with trained
personnel to provide customers with efficient and reliable power tool
service. Whether you need technical advice, repair, or genuine
factory replacement parts, contact the Black & Decker location
nearest you. To find your local service location, refer to the yellow
page directory under "Tools—Electric" or call: 1-800-544-6986 or

visit www.blackanddecker.com

FULL TWO-YEAR HOME USE WARRANTY

Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc. warrants this product for two years
against any defects in material or workmanship. The defective
product will be replaced or repaired at no charge in either of two
ways.

The first is to return the product to the retailer from whom it was
purchased (provided that the store is a participating retailer).
Returns should be made within the time period of the retailerʼs
policy for exchanges (usually 30 to 90 days

after the sale). Proof of purchase may be required. Please check
with the retailer for their specific return policy regarding returns that
are beyond the time set for exchanges.

The second option is to take or send the product (prepaid) to a
Black & Decker owned or authorized Service Center for repair or
replacement at our option. Proof of purchase may be required.
Black & Decker owned and authorized Service Centers are listed
under "Tools-Electric" in the yellow pages of the phone directory.

This warranty does not apply to accessories. This warranty gives
you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary
from state to state or province to province. Should you have any
questions, contact the manager of your nearest Black & Decker
Service Center. This product is not intended for commercial use.

LATIN AMERICA: This warranty does not apply to products sold in
Latin America. For products sold in Latin America, check country
specific warranty information contained in the packaging, call the
local company or see the website for warranty information.

FREE WARNING LABEL REPLACEMENT: If your warning labels
become illegible or are missing, call 1-800-544-6986 for a free
replacement.

Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc.,

Imported by

701 E. Joppa Rd.

Towson, MD 21286 U.S.A.

11

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for Service & Sales

TAILLE-BORDURE / COUPE-

BORDURE MODE D’EMPLOI

Numéro de modèle GH610

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www.BlackandDecker.com/NewOwner

pour enregistrer votre nouveau produit.

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pour obtenir des réponses instantanément 24 heures par jour.

Si la réponse est introuvable ou en lʼabsence dʼaccès à lʼInternet,

composer le 1-800-544-6986 de 8 h à 17 h HNE, du lundi au vendredi,

pour parler avec un agent.

Prière dʼavoir le numéro de catalogue sous la main lors de lʼappel.

CONSERVER CE MANUEL POUR UN USAGE ULTERIEUR.

Numéro de modèle GH610

VOICI DES RENSEIGNEMENTS IMPORTANTS

QUʼIL VOUS FAUT CONNAÎTRE :

• Le pare-main doit être installé avant de débuter le taillage
ou la coupe sinon le moteur surchauffera (page 17).

• Utiliser seulement un fil ROND de 1,7 mm (0,065 po) de
diamètre lors du remplacement (modèle AF-100 de B&D
recommandé), sinon lʼappareil ne fonctionnera pas
correctement (page 19).

• Éviter de frapper la tête dʼalimentation contre le sol. En
effet, cela endommagera le mécanisme dʼalimentation.

• Toujours utiliser le dispositif de retenue du cordon (page 18).

12