Black & Decker GT261, GT260, GT259, GT250, GT249 User Manual

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GT249 GT259
GT250 GT260
GT251 GT261

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English

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Hedgetrimmer
GT249/250/251/259/260/261

User manual

Introduction

This manual provides operating and maintenance
instructions for all of the hedgetrimmers in the
Black & Decker GT250/260 range including the
GT249/259.

Description (Fig. A)

1. Front handle switch

A

2. Front handle

3. Rear switch

4. Handle guard (GT251C & GT261C)

5. Front guard (GT249C, GT250C,
GT259C & GT260C)

6. Blade

7. Blade sheath

Know your machine

Warning! When using electric tools, basic
safety precautions should always be taken to

!

reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and
personal injury.

Read this manual carefully, observing
all of 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
the machine in an emergency.

Retain this manual and all other literature
supplied for future refer ence.

Safety instructions

Preparation

• Dress properly. Do not wear loose

clothing or jewellery which could get
caught in moving parts. Always wear
stout, non-skid footwear and gloves
when operating your machine and
make sure that long hair is kept away
from the blades.

• Protect your eyes/ears. Use safety

glasses or goggles while operating your

machine. If the sound level seems
uncomfortable, use ear protection.

• Use outdoor extension cords. Never

use an indoor extension cable for use
with this machine.

• Do not abuse the cord. Never carry the

hedgetrimmer by its cord or yank the
cord to disconnect it from the socket.
Keep the cord away from heat, oil and
sharp edges.

• Remove the plug from the mains

immediately if the cable is damaged
or cut.

• Inspect hedge. Ensure that the hedge

has nothing lying on top of it or beside it,
e.g. barbed wire or railings which may
damage your machine.

• Consider the work environment.

Do not use the machine in the rain or
allow it to get wet or damp. Keep the
work area well lit. Do not use in the
presence of flammable liquids or gases.

Operation

• Avoid unintentional starting. Do not

carry a plugged-in tool with a finger on
the switch.

• Before using the machine. Disconnect

it from the electrical supply and visually
check that the blade fixings are secure.
A damaged blade or loose blade nuts are
a major hazard and must be replaced.
Always be sure that your machine is in a
safe operating condition.

• Guard against electric shock.

Avoid touching grounded surfaces
(e.g. railings, lamp posts etc.) while using
your machine.

360˚

• Keep people away while the machine

is in use. Do not allow children, other
people or animals near your machine
while you are using it - always keep them
at least 6m (20ft) away from the cutting
area and never let anyone touch the

6m/20ft

machine or the extension cord.

• Do not force the tool. It will do the job

better and more safely at the rate for
which it was intended.

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• Use the right tool. Never force small

tools or attachments to do the job of a
heavy duty tool. Do not use tools for
purposes not intended: e.g, do not use
the hedgetrimmer as a chain saw.

• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing

and balance at all times, especially while
working on a slope.

• Stay alert. Watch what you are doing.

Use common sense. Do not operate
when you are tired.

• Use the correct electrical supply.

Your machine is designed for use on

!

AC (mains) electrical supplies only - do
not attempt to use on any other supply.
Be sure to plug the machine into a power
point, never a lighting socket.

• Always turn off and unplug the

machine. Whenever you leave the
machine unattended. Before checking,
cleaning, adjusting, unjamming
the blades or carrying out work on
the machine. If the machine starts to
vibrate abnormally, check immediately.
After striking a foreign object- inspect for
damage and make repairs as necessary.

• Always keep the power supply cable

away from the blades. Be aware of its
position at all times.

• Do not put your hands or feet near the

blades and never attempt to stop the
blades - they will stop on their own.

• Never operate your machine with a

broken or missing guard.

• Remember that the operator/user is

responsible for accidents or hazards
occurring to other people or their
property. A first time user should get
some practical instruction on how to
use a hedgetrimmer as well as reading
this manual.

Maintenance and storage

• Always disconnect the machine

before carrying out any adjustment,
servicing or maintenance.

• Always lubricate the blades with

light machine oil after use to prevent
corrosion damage.

• Maintain tools with care. Always keep

tools sharp and clean for better and safer
performance. Follow instructions for
lubricating and changing accessories.
Inspect tool cords periodically and if
damaged have repaired by an authorised
service facility. Inspect extension cords
periodically and replace if damaged.
Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil
and grease.

ENGLISH

• Check damaged parts. Before further use

of the tool, a guard or other part that is
damaged should be carefully checked to
determine whether 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 conditions that may affect its
operation. A guard or other part that is
damaged should be properly repaired or
replaced by an authorised service agent
unless otherwise indicated in this
instruction manual. Have defective
switches replaced by an authorised service
agent. Do not use the tool if the switch
does not turn it on and off.

Warning! The use of any accessory or
attachment, other than recommended in this

!

instruction manual, may present a risk of
personal injury.

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.

Electrical safety

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

Fuse replacement (UK only)

If your machine is supplied with cable fitted
with a non-re-wireable plug.

• The plug is fitted with a 3 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.

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