Black & Decker GL530 User Manual

Grass Trimmer

Instruction Manual

Congratulations!

Your purchase of this Black & Decker Reflex® grass
trimmer and lawn edger assures you of years of
problem free trimming. The Reflex® not only trims
grass and edges the lawn (GL540), it also has a
unique totally automatic line feed system. You do
nothing - the Reflex® system means non-stop
trimming; by the use of a simple mechanism it
senses when the line has worn and, when needed,
automatically feeds out line to its optimum cutting
length. You just switch the unit on and trim.

Description

Following is a list of the parts that will be mentioned
in this instruction leaflet and are shown in the
appropriate diagrams:

Body (1)

1

Secondary handle (2)
Trigger switch (3)
Switch handle (4)
Supply cord restraint (5)
Power inlet or supply cord (6)
Edge conversion button (GL540) (7)
Line trimming blade (8)
Cutting line (9)
Guard (10)
Guard retaining lugs (11)

2

Guard screw (12)
Guard screw hole (13)
Front edge (14)
Spool cover (15)

4

Spool cover tab (16)
Spool housing (17)
Eyelet (18)
Spool (19)

5

Arrow (20)

6

Line retaining hole (21)
Lever (22)

7

Safety instructions

Read all of this manual carefully, observing all
the recommended safety instructions before,
during and after using your machine. Maintain
your machine in good working order.

Familiarise yourself with the controls on your
machine before attempting to operate it, but
above all, be sure you know how to stop
your machine in an emergency.

Retain this manual and all other literature
supplied with your machine for future
reference.

Electrical connection

• Your machine is designed for use on AC

(mains) electrical supplies only. Do not
attempt to use on any other supply.

• Plug your machine into a power point,

never in a light socket.

• Do not leave your machine unattended

whilst it is connected to the electrical supply.

• Always switch off and remove the plug

from the mains before cleaning,

!

inspecting or adjusting any part of the
trimmer, or if the supply cord has
become damaged or entangled.

Double insulation

Your machine is double insulated. This
means that all external metal parts are
electrically isolated from the power supply.
This is achieved by placing an extra
insulation barrier between the electrical and
mechanical parts. Double insulation means
greater electrical safety and obviates the
necessity of having the machine earthed.

Power supply cord

• The power supply cord should be

regularly inspected for signs of damage or
ageing and only used if in good condition.

• Always keep the power supply cord

away from the cutting line (9), be aware
of its position at all times.

• Never carry your machine by the cord or

jerk the cord to remove the plug from the
socket. Keep the cord away from heat,
oils and sharp edges.

• Have damaged cords replaced

completely by your nearest Black & Decker
service centre. Do not attempt to do this
yourself as the switch handle is not
customer serviceable.

2

Cutting line

• Take care against injury from line trimming

blade (8) during unpacking and assembly
and any excess line which may be cut off
when the trimmer is first operated.

• The cutting line (9) will continue to run for

a short time after releasing the trigger
switch. Under no circumstances should
you attempt to stop the cutting line,
always allow it to stop on its own.

• Never fit metal cutting line.

Clothing

• Always wear safety glasses when using

your machine.

• To protect your feet, always wear stout

shoes or boots (not bare footed or
wearing open sandals).

• Wear long trousers to protect your legs -

any debris left on the lawn or cutting path
may be picked up and ejected by the
cutting line.

• Use ear protection if the sound level

seems uncomfortable when using
your machine.

Using your machine

• Always use your machine in the manner

outlined in this manual. Your machine is
designed to be used in an upright
position and if it is used in any other way
an injury may result.

• Before using your machine, disconnect it

from the electrical supply and visually
inspect the rotating parts for damage.
Also, check that the spool assembly
is secure.

• Always check that your lawn or cutting

path is clear of all sticks, stones, wire
and other debris. Contact with such
debris may damage your machine.

• Keep your machine away from your feet

and other parts of your body when
switching on and during operation.

• Do not switch on your machine when it is

upside down.

• Walk, never run with the unit.

• Do not use your machine in the rain and

do not allow it to get wet.

• Use your machine only in daylight or

good artificial light.

• Do not cross gravel paths or roads whilst

the cutting line is rotating.

• Do not cut excessively steep slopes.

Be sure of your footing and cut across
the face of slopes, never up and down.

ENGLISH

• Never use your machine with a

damaged guard (10) or without the guard
fixed in position.

• Be careful when trimming as freshly cut

grass is damp and slippery.

Safety of others

• Remember that the operator/user is

responsible for accidents or hazards
occuring to other people or their property.

• Never allow children or persons who are

unfamiliar with this type of machine to
use it, nor anyone who has not read

360˚

6m/20ft

Electrical safety

this leaflet.

• Do not allow children, animals or other

adults near your machine when in use ­always keep them well away from the
cutting area.

Care of your machine

• Store your machine in a dry place when

not in use, out of the reach of children.

• Do not use solvents or cleaning fluids

to clean your machine - use a blunt
scraper to remove grass and dirt. Always
disconnect from the electrical supply and
ensure the cutting line (9) is stationary
before cleaning.

• Do not operate your machine if any parts

are defective.

• Do not attempt to remove any parts

other than those mentioned in these
instructions.

• Use only Black & Decker recommended

replacement parts and accessories.

Your machine should always be switched off
at the mains before disconnecting any plug
and socket connector, extension cables,
or cordsets.

Mains plug replacement - UK only

Should your mains plug need replacing and
you are competent to do this, proceed as
instructed below. If you are in doubt contact
a Black & Decker service centre or a
qualified electrician.

• Disconnect the plug from the supply.

• Cut off the plug and dispose of it safely,

a plug with bared copper conductors
is dangerous if engaged in a live
socket outlet.

3

• Only fit 13 amp BS1363A approved

plugs fitted with the correctly rated fuse.

• The cable wire colours, or a letter, will be

marked at the connection points of most
good quality plugs. Attach the wires to
their respective points in the plug (see
below). Brown is for 'Live' (L) and blue is
for 'Neutral' (N).

Fit a
BS1363A
approved
plug

Connect blue
to N (neutral)

Make sure that the
outer sheath of the
cable is held firmly
by the clamp

• Before replacing the top cover of the

mains plug ensure that the cable restraint
is holding the outer sheath of the cable
firmly and that the two leads are correctly
fixed at the terminal screws.

• Warning! Never connect Live or Neutral

wires to Earth pin marked E or .

Fuse replacement - UK only

Your machine is supplied with cable fitted
with a non-wireable plug.

• The plug is fitted with a 5 amp fuse

which is the recommended fuse for
your machine.

• Only use replacement fuses which are

approved to BS1362.

• When changing the fuse in your plug,

always ensure the fuse cover is refitted.
If the fuse cover is missing or damaged
do not use the plug.

Note: Fuses do not give personal protection
against electric shock.

Increased safety can be obtained by having
a qualified electrician install a high sensitivity
(30mA) circuit breaker in the house wiring.
If you do not have such a circuit breaker
installed, or you do not wish to have one
installed, then we strongly recommend that
the electrical power to the machine be
supplied through a high sensitivity residual
current device (RCD). The RCD is designed
to provide a high degree of personal
protection against harmful electric current
should fault conditions occur.

Fit the
recommended
fuse

Connect brown
to L (live)

Never use a

240 volts AC only.

light socket

Never use a light
socket

Warning! The use of an RCD or other circuit
breaker unit does not release the operator of

!

the machine from the safety instructions and
safe working practices given in this manual.

Extension cables or cordsets

You can use up to 30 metres (100ft) of
extension cord without undue loss of power.
Extension cords and cordsets should comply with
national regulations.

Preparing the trimmer for use
(Fig. 2)

• Take the trimmer and the guard (10) out

2

of the box.

• Remove the guard screw (12) which is

located on the underside of the guard
(Fig. 2.1).

• Place the guard into the channel on the

trimmer body (Fig. 2.2).

• Push the guard fully home until the guard

is flush with the body (Fig. 2.3).

• Replace the guard screw (Fig. 2.4).

• If correctly assembled, the guard will now

be secured to your trimmer.

• In transit, the end of the cutting line (9)

is taped to the side of the spool cover.
Please discard the tape to release the
length of line. There should be a
minimum of 9cm (3.5") of cutting line
protruding from the spool housing
before using your trimmer.

Note: When your machine is operated for
the first time any excess line will be cut off by
the line trimming blade (8) housed in the
guard. This is also the case for any
subsequent line adjustment. Because line
cut off by the blade in the guard may be
ejected, it is important that the amount of
excess line is kept to a minimum. Where an
excessive amount of line is pulled out, the
line should be cut back to the outside of the
guard before switching on your trimmer. Cut
the line off on the trimmer blade by hand.

• Always ensure that the spool cover is

secure before and after use.

How to use your trimmer (Fig. A - J)

In order to get the most from your trimmer please be
sure to follow the techniques shown. Do not be
impatient; you will obtain the best results through
experience and by following these simple rules.

4

Do not use your trimmer without

A

its guard.
Do not cut wet grass; best results are

achieved when the grass is dry.

B

Trimming

• To switch on your trimmer, squeeze the

trigger switch (3).

• To switch the unit off, release the

trigger switch.

• To carry the trimmer when not in use,

it is preferred that you use the secondary
handle (2).

Cut at an angle and with the tip of the

C

cutting line (9).
Swing the trimmer gently from side to side.

D

Do not overload the trimmer. It operates best

E

at high speeds.
On long grass, start at the top and take

F

small cuts.
Use the edge of the guard (10) to keep the

G

trimmer away from hard surfaces and
delicate items.

Edging (GL540)

Best results are achieved on edges greater

H

than 50mm deep.
Note: Your trimmer is a maintenance tool for

trimming overhanging grass and should not
be used to create edges. Edges can be
created using an edging spade.

If your trimmer is for use with a ‘detachable’
cord, loop a length of cord through the cord

J

restraint (5) to avoid the plug and socket
coming apart accidentally, if the cord is pulled.

How to convert between the
trimming and edging mode (GL540)
(Fig. 3)

In addition to conventional trimming, your
trimmer can be used to trim overhanging
grass along lawn edges and flower beds.

To convert your trimmer between the

3

trimming and edging mode:

• With the trimmer switched off, place one

hand on the switch handle (4) and the
other on the trimmer body (1). Press the
button (7) on the front of the trimmer
body. Keeping the button depressed,
rotate the trimmer body anti-clockwise
and then release the button. Continue to
rotate the trimmer body until it locks into
position (Fig. 3.1).

ENGLISH

• The most effective way to use your

trimmer in edging mode is to stand by
the side of it (Fig. 3.2). Guide the front
edge of the trimmer (14) along the lawn
so that the cutting line just trims the
grass overhanging the lawn edge (Fig. H).

Replacement line

A new spool containing 10 metres of nylon line may
be purchased from your Black & Decker dealer.
Alternatively, replacement packs containing 25 to
50 metres of line are available.

For maximum reliability never put on a heavier or
lighter line (eg. fishing line) which will prevent the
automatic feed from functioning, cause motor failure
or reduce cutting performance.

How to fit a new spool of cutting line
(Fig. 4 & 5)

• Disconnect your trimmer from the

power supply.

• Remove the spool cover by pushing the

4

5

2 spool cover tabs (16) inwards and
upwards (Fig. 4), then pull off (it is not
necessary to push both tabs in at the
same time). The empty spool can now
be withdrawn from the drive shaft.

• Remove any dirt or grass that may have

collected inside the spool housing and
cover.

• Unwind approximately 9cm (3.5") of

cutting line (9) from the new spool (19)
and temporarily park the cutting line end
in one of the ‘L’ shaped slots to prevent
the line unravelling.

• Feed the cutting line through the eyelet
and then push the spool onto the centre
drive shaft while pulling the free end of
the line to release it from the ‘L’ shaped
slot. To fully seat the spool, rotate as
necessary, taking care not to trap the
cutting line underneath the spool and
making sure that there is a minimum of
9cm (3.5") protruding from the
spool housing.

• Replace the spool cover by aligning

both tabs on it (16) with the slots in the
spool housing and pushing them into
place. Make sure that both tabs are
securely located.

5

How to wind new line onto an empty
spool (Fig. 6 & 7)

• A maximum of 10 metres of new cutting

6

line can be wound onto the empty spool.
The spool has an ‘Indicator’ to help you
avoid winding an excessive quantity of
cutting line on the spool, as too much will
prevent the automatic feed system from
functioning.

• Remove any remnant of old cutting line

from the spool (19).

• Push the end of the new cutting line into

one of the two retaining holes (21) provided
in the spool (19) and insert 20mm.

• Bend the cutting line over, pulling it

through the adjacent ‘L’ shaped slot.
The cutting line should now be firmly
anchored to the spool and you may
proceed to wind it on in the direction of
the arrow (20).

• Take time to wind the cutting line on

neatly, in layers. Do not criss cross.

• When you have wound on sufficient

cutting line, temporarily park it in one of
the ‘L’ shaped slots to prevent the spool
unravelling, ensuring you leave a
minimum of 9cm (3.5") protruding.

• Fit the spool and spool cover (15) to the

spool housing as described for fitting a
new spool.

Care and maintenance

• For best performance, please keep the cutting

line, spool and air slots in the trimmer body
clean. Use a dry brush or cloth to remove grass,
sap or other dirt.

• Plastic parts may be cleaned by using a mild

soap and a cloth dampened with hot water.
Do not use any type of detergent, cleaner or
solvent which might contain chemicals which
could seriously damage the plastic. Do not spray
your trimmer with water.

• Self lubricating bearings are used in your trimmer,

therefore, lubrication is not required.

Fault finding

Before checking your trimmer for any faults,
disconnect it from the mains.

• If the trimmer will not start, check that the power

cord is properly connected. If this does not work,
check your power point. Finally, check the fuse
and wiring on the cable extension plug (UK only).

6

• If the automatic line feed fails to operate, it could

be for one of the following reasons:

Line too short or line jammed on spool

• Disconnect your trimmer from the

power supply.

• Remove the spool cover (15) by pushing

both tabs (16) inwards and upwards (Fig. 4).

• Lift the spool (19) approximately 6mm (

from the spool housing (17), while pulling the
cutting line (9). This will allow you to lengthen
the line while clearing any line jammed inside
the spool. Ensure there is a minimum of 9cm
(3.5") protruding from the spool housing.

1

/4")

• Rotate the spool as necessary to fully seat

the spool and replace the cover by aligning
both tabs on the cover with the slots in the
spool housing and push into place. Ensure
that both tabs are securely located.

Line still jammed on spool or broken inside
spool housing

• Disconnect the power supply and remove

the cover, as previously described.

• Lift out the spool (19) completely, holding the

coiled cutting line in place to prevent it
unravelling from the spool (Fig. 7).

• Carefully unwind the cutting line (9) from the

spool until any crossed or trapped loops are
cleared. Rewind the cutting line evenly, in the
direction of the arrow (20) on the spool.

• Temporarily park the cutting line end in one

of the ‘L’ shaped slots to prevent the spool
unravelling. Ensure you leave a minimum of
9cm (3.5") protruding.

• Turn the lever (22) backwards and forwards

to ensure it operates freely.

• Remove any dirt or grass that may have

collected inside the spool housing and cover.

• Feed the end of the line through the eyelet

and then push the spool into the centre drive
shaft while pulling the free end of the line to
release it from the ‘L’ shaped slot. To fully
seat the spool, rotate as necessary, taking
care not to trap the line underneath the
spool, and making sure that there is a
minimum of 9cm (3.5") of line protruding from
the spool housing.

• Finally, replace the cover as previously

described.

What to do if your trimmer
needs repair

Information on how and where to send your trimmer
for repair or service is given on the reverse of the
parts diagram included with your product. We
recommend you keep this in a safe place.

Australia/New Zealand: See Black & Decker under
‘Tools electric’ in your yellow pages.

Unwanted products and
the environment

Should you find one day that your product
needs replacement, or is of no further
use to you, think of the protection of the
environment. Black & Decker service centres
will accept your old products and will dispose
of them in an environmentally safe way.

Black & Decker lawn and
garden guarantee

If your Black & Decker product becomes defective,
within the guarantee period, due to faulty materials
and workmanship, we guarantee to either replace all
defective parts, or at our discretion, replace the unit
free of charge, provided that:

• The product is returned to us or our authorised

repairers with evidence of purchase.

• The product has been used within the

parameters of its consumer classification.

• The product has not been used for hire

purposes.

• Repairs have not been attempted by anyone

other than our own service staff or authorised
repairers.

• The failure represents normal wear and tear.

This guarantee is offered as an extra benefit and is
additional to your statutory rights.

The guarantee policy

Failures due to the following are not covered:

• Replacing worn or damaged blades, nylon line

and chains, or cords damaged during storage or
use. These are regarded as replacement items
which wear during normal usage.

• Failures as a result of sudden impact or

obvious abuse.

• Failures due to usage not in accordance with

instructions and recommendations contained in
the instruction manual.

The use of other than genuine Black & Decker
accessories and parts may damage or reduce the
performance of you Black & Decker product and
may render the guarantee void.

ENGLISH

Black & Decker after sales service

Black & Decker offers a nationwide after sales service
through company operated service centres. It is our
aim to offer excellent service, fast repairs, extensive
parts availability and full accessory support.

If you need any help or advice please contact your
local Black & Decker service centre manager.
Full details of our unique after sales service can be
obtained from any of our service centres (a full
directory is printed on the reverse of the parts
drawing included with your product).

Australia/New Zealand: See Black & Decker under
‘Tools electric’ in your yellow pages.

Other Black & Decker products

Black & Decker has a full range of outdoor power
tools that make life easy in the garden. If you would
like further information on other products, please
contact the Black & Decker service information
centre at the address on the back cover, or contact
your Black & Decker stockist.

Other products include (UK only):

Lawn mowers Hedge trimmers
Grass trimmers Chainsaws
Lawnrakers Compost shredders
Blower vacs

EC Declaration of Conformity

We declare that units:

GL530/GL540 families

conform to 89/392/EEC, 89/336/EEC,

EN60335, EN55014, EN55104, 73/23/EEC

A weighted sound pressure 96dB (A)

A weighted sound power 96dB (A)

Hand/arm weighted vibration 4m/s

Brian Cooke

Director of Engineering

Spennymoor, County Durham DL16 6JG

United Kingdom

2

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Australia Black & Decker (A’asia) Pty Ltd Tel: [phone]

286-288 Maroondah Highway Fax: [phone]
North Croydon, Victoria 3136

Belgique/België Black & Decker Belgium NV Tel: [phone]

Weihoek 1, Nossegem Fax: [phone]
1930-Zaventem-Zuid

Danmark Black & Decker AB Tlf: 70-20 15 10

Hejrevang 26 B, 3450 Allerød Fax: [phone]

Deutschland Black & Decker GmbH Tel: [phone]

Black & Decker Straße 40 Fax: [phone]
65510 Idstein

Eλλάσ Black & Decker (Eλλάσ) AE Tηλ: 01 9242870-75

Λεωφ. Συγγρού 154 Service: 01 9242876-7
Aθήνα 176 71 Fax: [phone]

España Black & Decker de España SA Tel: [phone]

Ctra. de Acceso a Roda de Bará, km 0,7 Tlx: 56631 BLADE E
43883-Roda de Bará, Tarragona Fax: [phone]

France Black & Decker (France) Sarl Tel: [phone]

Le Paisy Tlx: 300 250
69570 Dardilly, Lyon Fax: [phone]

Helvetia Black & Decker AG Elektrowerkzeuge Tel: [phone]

Rütistraße 14, CH-8952 Schlieren Tlx: 54462 BDZH CH
Schweiz/Suisse Fax: [phone]

Italia Black & Decker Italia SpA Tel: [phone]

Viale Elvezia 2, 20052 Monza (Mi) Fax: [phone]

Nederland Black & Decker (Nederland) BV Tel: [phone]

Florijnstraat 10 Fax: [phone]
4879 AH Etten-Leur

New Zealand Black & Decker Tel: [phone]

483 Great South Road, Penrose, Auckland Fax: [phone]

Norge Black & Decker (Norge) A/S Tel: [phone]

Strømsveien 344, 1081 Oslo Fax: [phone]

Österreich Black & Decker Tel: [phone]

Werkzeugevertriebs GmbH Tlx: 13228 BLACK A
Erlaaerstraße 165, Postfach 69, 1231 Wien Fax: [phone]

Portugal Black & Decker Tel: [phone]

Rua Egas Moniz 173, Apartado 19 Tlx: 16 607 BLADEC P
S. João do Estoril, 2768 Estoril, Codex Fax: [phone]

South Africa Powerdek Tool Distributors Tel: [phone]

22 Inglestone Road, Village Deep Fax: [phone]
Johannesburg, South Africa

Suomi Black & Decker Oy Puh: 90-870 29 94

Rälssitie 7 C, 01510 Vantaa Fax: [phone]
Frälsevägen 7 C Tel: [phone]

01510 Vanda Fax: [phone]

Sverige Black & Decker AB Tel: [phone]

Box 603, 421 26 Västra Frölunda Fax: [phone]
Besöksadr. Ekonomivägen 11

United Kingdom Black & Decker Tel: [phone]

210 Bath Road, Slough Tlx: 848317 BAND MH
Berkshire SL1 3YD Fax: [phone]

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Part no. 808876-01 1/96

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English

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