Black & Decker GH710 User Manual

TRIMMER / EDGER

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Model Number GH710

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Model No. GH710

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. DF-065 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).

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 .......................................................9

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

Troubleshooting .......................................................................11

Service Information ..................................................................12

Full Two-Year Home Use Warranty..........................................12

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 heavy 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.

• 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.

• DON’T OVERREACH – Keep proper footing and balanceat all times.

• DON’T 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 H.

• STAY ALERT – Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication

• 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: Do not use tool if the switch trigger does not turn

the tool on or off. Any tool that can not be controlled with the switch trigger is dangerous and must be repaired.

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

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

Class II Construction

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

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

To reduce your exposure to these chemicals, wear approved safety equipment such as dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

• arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber

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 10 - 12 16 16 14 12 - 16 14 12 Not Recommended

COMPONENTS

ASSEMBLY AND ADJUSTMENT

Figure A

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):

- 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 GUARD MUST ALWAYS BE ON THE TOOL TOPROTECT THE USER.

• Turn the trimmer upside down so that you are looking down at the spool cap (1).

• Turn the guard (2) upside down and slide it onto the motor housing (3). Make sure the tabs (4) on the guard engage the ribs (5) 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 C 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.

ATTACHING THE AUXILIARY HANDLE

• To attach the handle, press in on the buttons (7) on both sides of the upper housing as shown in figure D.

• Position the handle as shown in figure E (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.

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

• To adjust the handle up or down, press in on the button (8) and raise or lower the

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 (9) and rotating it in the direction of the arrow shown in figure G.

• 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 G.

ATTACHING EXTENSION CORD

5O-10

• An extension cord retainer (figure H) 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 (10) in the end of the handle area. Hook the loop formed by doubling the cord over the tab (11). 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 (12) in the trimmer.

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.

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 I.

OPERATING THE TRIMMER

• Maintain a cutting angle of 5° to 10° as shown in figure J. Do not exceed 10°(figure J1). Cut with the tip of the line. To keep distance from hard surfaces use edge guide (7). Pull the guide out until it snaps securely into place.

• Maintain a minimum distance of 24 inches (609.6 mm) between the guard and your feet as shown in figure J2. To acheive this distance adjust the overall height of the trimmer as shown in

figure G.

CONVERT TO EDGING MODE

• To operate asa maintenance edger,turnthe collar(9) as showninpart1 of figure K.

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

• Turn the collar (9) until tight.

• If desired, pull the wire edge guide (7) out from the motor housing until it clicks into the locked position as shown in figure L and position the trimmer above the surface as shown in figure L.

• Return to the trimming position by loosening the lock collar (9) 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.

HELPFUL CUTTING TIPS

• Use the tip of the string to do the cutting; do not force string head into uncut grass. Use edge guide along such things as fences, houses and flower beds for best practices.

• Wire and picket fences cause extra string wear, even breakage. Stone and brick walls, curbs, and wood may wear string rapidly.

• Do not allow spool cap to drag on ground or other surfaces.

• In long growth cut from the top down and do not lift trimmer head more than 12 inches (304.8 mm) from the ground.

• Keep trimmer tilted toward the area being cut; this is the best cutting area.

• The trimmer cuts when passing the unit from the right to left. This will avoid throwing debris at the operator.

• Avoid trees and shrubs. Tree bark, wood moldings, siding, and fence posts can easily be damaged by the string.

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.

REPLACEMENT ACCESSORIES

Use Black & Decker replacement spool Model No. DF-065.

• USE ONLY .065 inch (1.65 mm) DIAMETER ROUND NYLON LINE. Do not use heavier gauge line as it will overload the motor and cause overheating. Do not use lighter gauge or serrated .065 inch (1.65 mm) line as it will cause overfeeding.

• 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.

REPLACING THE SPOOL (FIGURES M & N)

• Unplug the tool.

• Depress the tabs (a) and remove the spool cap (b) from the spool housing (c) in the trimmer head (figure M).

• Replace spool with Black & Decker model # DF-065.

• Grasp empty spool (d) with one hand and spool housing with

other hand and pull spool out. If lever (e) (figure N) 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.

• Take the new spool and push it onto the boss (f) (figure N) in the housing. Rotate the spool slightly until it is seated.

• Unfasten the end of one of the cutting lines and guide the line into one of the eyelets (g). figure N. The line should protrude approximately 5-3/8 inches (136mm) from the housing.

• Unfasten the end of the other cutting line and guide the line into the other eyelet. The line should protrude approximately 5-3/8 inches (136mm) from the housing.

• Align the tabs on the spool cap (a) withthe slots(h)in the housing (figure M).

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

NOTICE: To avoid tool

damage, if the cutting lines protrude beyond the trimming blade (i), cut them off so that they

Replacement

spool

Model #

DF-065

just reach the blade (figure M).

REWINDING SPOOLIF LINE UNRAVELS (USE ONLY .065 IN. ROUND DIAMETER

LINE) (FIGURES O & P)

NOTE: Hand wound spools are likely to

become tangled more frequently than Black & Decker factory wound spools. For best results, factory wound spools are recommended. To rewind spools, follow the steps below:

• Unplug the tool.

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

• Firstwindnew line onto theuppermost partof the spool.

• Feed 3/4 inch (19mm) of cutting line into one of the line anchoring slots.

• 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 O).

• When the wound cutting line reaches the recesses (j), cut the line. (figure P).

• Temporarily park the line in the holding slots (k) on one side of the spool as shown in the inset in figure P.

• Repeat the above procedure for the second cutting line on the lower section of the spool.

• Fitthe spoolontothe tool as describedin“REPLACINGTHE SPOOL”.

CAUTION: Before you begin trimming, only use the

appropriate type of cutting line. Ensure that cutting line is present in both sections of the spool (figure M).

MAINTENANCE

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

tool before performing any maintenance.

1. Keepthe air intakeslotscleanto avoid overheating.

2. Your trimmer linecan dry out overtime.To keep yourlineintopcondition, storespare pre-woundspoolsor bulkline ina plastic,sealablebagwith a tablespoon ofwater.

3. Plastic parts may becleaned byusingamild soapandadamprag.

4.Theline cutteron the edge of theguardcandull overtime.It isrecommended you periodically touch-upthesharpness ofthebladewith 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.

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

PROBLEM

Tool runs slowly.

Automatic line feed does not feed more line.

SOLUTION

• 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 trimmingblade.

• If the tool still runs slowly, stop using the tool and take it to a service center.

• More line is fed when the line shortens to approximately 3 inches (76.2mm). To determine if the line is not feeding, let line wear past this point.

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

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

• Inspect tracks at the bottom of spool for damage. If damaged, replace spool.

•Read thecodeonthe back of spool.Ifitreads “PA66” call customerservicefor a replacement. Ifitreads“ABS” this is notthe issue.

PROBLEM

Automatic line feed does not feed more line.

Overfeeding

SOLUTION

• 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.

• Align the tabs on the spoolcap with the cutouts in the housing.

•Pushthe spoolcapontothehousing

until itsnapssecurelyintoplace.

• 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 spooland checkif the leverinthe spoolhousing can movefreely.

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

• Ensure you are cutting with

the tip of the line (5.25 inches (133.4mm) from the spool). Use the edge guide if needed to ensure proper space is maintained.

• Ensure you are not

exceeding a 10° angle as shown in figure J1.

PROBLEM

Line unravels when cap or spool is removed.

SOLUTION

• Be sure to keep spool fully seated in cap until lines are parked in holding slots (K)

figure P before removing.

SERVICE INFORMATION

All Black& DeckerService Centers arestaffedwithtrained personnel to provide customerswithefficientand reliablepower toolservice.Whether you needtechnicaladvice, repair, or genuine factory replacementparts,contact the Black& Deckerlocationnearestyou.To findyourlocalservice location, refer tothe yellowpagedirectory under "Tools—Electric" orcall: 1-800-544-

6986or visitwww.blackanddecker.com

FULL TWO-YEAR HOME USE WARRANTY

Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc.warrantsthisproduct for two years against any defects inmaterialorworkmanship. Thedefectiveproduct willbe replacedorrepairedat nochargeineitherof two ways.

The firstis toreturntheproductto the retailer from whom itwaspurchased (provided that the storeisaparticipatingretailer). Returns should bemade withinthe timeperiod ofthe retailerʼs policyfor exchanges (usually 30 to90 daysafter the sale). Proof ofpurchasemay berequired. Please checkwith the retailerfortheir specific return policyregarding returnsthat arebeyond the timeset forexchanges.

The second optionisto take orsend theproduct(prepaid)toa Black & Deckerownedor authorizedServiceCenterfor repairor replacementat our option.Proof ofpurchasemay berequired. Black & Decker ownedandauthorizedService Centersare listedunder "Tools-Electric"in theyellow pagesof thephone directory.

Thiswarranty doesnot applyto accessories.This warranty givesyou specificlegal rightsand youmayhaveother rightswhichvaryfrom stateto state orprovincetoprovince.Should youhave anyquestions, contactthe manager ofyournearest Black & Decker ServiceCenter. This productis not intendedfor commercial use.

FREEWARNING LABEL REPLACEMENT: Ifyour warninglabels become illegible or are missing, call 1-800-544-6986for a free replacement.

LATINAMERICA: This warrantydoesnotapplytoproducts sold in Latin America.Forproducts soldin LatinAmerica, checkcountry specific

warrantyinformation containedinthepackaging,callthe local company or see the websiteforwarranty information.

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