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

®

GT249 GT259
GT250 GT260
GT251 GT261

B

C

E1

E2

D

A

1

4

6

2

3

5

7

English

®

1

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.

2

• 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.

3

Plug replacement (UK only)

• Disconnect the plug from the supply.

• Cut off the plug and dispose of

immediately. Insertion of a detatched
plug into a 13 amp socket outlet may
result in electric shock.

• Only fit BS1363A approved plugs fitted

with the correctly rated fuse.

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

• 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 above). Brown is for “Live” (L) and
blue is for “Neutral” (N).

• Before replacing the top cover of the

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

Replacement of the supply cord
(Australia & New Zealand only)

If the supply cord is damaged, it must be
replaced by the manufacturer or its ser vice
agent or similarly qualified person in order to
avoid a hazard.

Warning! Never connect live or neutral wires
to the earth pin marked “E” or .

!

Note: Do not wire an extension cable
directly into your machine yourself.
Instead, take your machine to your
nearest Black & Decker service agent.

Increased safety can be obtained by having
a qualified electrician install a high sensitivity
(30mA 30mS) circuit breaker in the house
wiring. If 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 a 3 amp
fuse approved
to BS1362

Connect brown
to L (live)

240 volts AC only.
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.

We recommend that if your mains cable
is cut or requires r eplacement that you
return your machine to a Black & Decker
service agent. When repaired, your
machine will be tested for electrical safety .

Cable connection system (UK only)

Black & Decker continually make every effort to
achieve the highest standards in performance, quality
and reliability and recommend the use of a new
outdoor cable connection system.

The new system gives additional protection against
the possibility of water or moisture entering into the
cable connector during normal use.

Note: The new connection system does not release
the operator of the machine from the safety
precautions and safe working practices given in the
instruction leaflet. Particular attention is drawn to the
coupler system as being ‘weather resistant’ and not
suitable for immersion, submersion or being
subjected to water jets. Care should be taken to
prevent the cable from lying or trailing through pools
of water or from splashing with hose pipes.

A6615 20m cable, socket, 13 amp plug
A6616 20m cable, socket, 13 amp plug and

cable tidy frame

A6617 30m cable, socket, 13 amp plug and

cable tidy frame

A6613 40m cable, socket, 13 amp plug and

cable tidy reel

Existing cable systems (UK only)

Your hedge trimmer comes with either, 12 metre
cable attached (Cat. number ends with a C), or a
male connector built into the product. If you already
own an outdoor cable system, we recommend that
you replace the existing ‘female’ cable connector
with the new ‘female’ connector which is available
as an accessory from most major DIY retail outlets
and from Black & Decker service agents
(cat. no. A6624S).

old ‘female’ connector new ‘female’ connector

When fitting the connector, follow the instructions
which are supplied with it. If in doubt, consult a
qualified electrician.

4

Existing powered garden tools
(UK only)

To connect existing Black & Decker garden power
tools to the new system you will require an adaptor
(see below). This is available as an accessory from
most major DIY retail outlets (cat. no. A6623S).

Warning! This adaptor is only suitable for
products rated up to 500W. It is not

!

recommended for use with the following:
Hover mowers, rotary mowers with grass
collection, chainsaws, shredders and blower
vacs. Please contact your local service agent
should you require further advice.

Fitting your own extension cable
(UK only)

• When making your own extension cable, fit a

13 amp plug (see “fitting the mains plug”) to one
end of the cable and a ‘female’ connector to the
other end (see below). For wiring instructions see
those supplied with the female connector.

• A ‘male’ connector is already attached to the

electrical supply cable on your machine and is
designed to be non-rewireable (see below).
This should not be removed. Should the plug
become damaged or need replacing, please
return the machine to your Black & Decker
service agent.

‘female’ connector ‘male’ connector

Warning! Never wire an extension cable with
anything other than the ‘female’ connector

!

supplied and a 13 amp BS1363A approved
plug with the recommended fuse. Never

wire a ‘male’ connector to your extension
cable and never wire an extension cable
with a plug of any kind at each end of the
cable. This is extremely dangerous and
results in the pins being live which may
cause a fatal electric shock.

ENGLISH

Technical data

Specifications

Insulation Class II
Strokes per minute 1900
Blade length 41cm, 51cm
Weight 2.4 to 2.5kg
Noise 88dB (A)
Vibration <2.5m/s

Assembly (Figs. B & C)

• You will need a number 2 Posidrive

B

screwdriver.

• During assembly it is recommended that

the blade sheath is fitted over the blades
to reduce the risk of injury.

Fitting the guard

• Slide the guard into position as shown.

C

• Fix in place using two of the screws

provided. Do not over tighten them.

Operation (Fig. D)

To start the hedgetrimmer

• Press the front handle switch (Fig. A.1).

• Squeeze the rear switch (Fig. A.3).

• The hedgetrimmer will now run.

To stop the hedgetrimmer

• Release the front handle switch or the

rear switch.

This product is built with a cable r etention

D

system. To operate this, feed your cable
through the hole provided and hook it over
the pegs as shown in Fig. D.

Useful hints for trimming hedges
(Fig. E)

Read the safety rules first!

Cutting

• Tip the blades a little towards

E

the hedge (Fig. E1).

• First cut both sides, working from the

bottom up, then trim the top (Fig. E2).

• Take care to avoid any hard objects in or

around the hedge that could damage
the blades.

2

5

• Where the branches are very long,

cut the hedge back in several stages
(short cuttings are easier to tidy up).

When to trim (UK only)

• As a general guide, hedges and shrubs

with seasonal leaves (new ones each year)
can be trimmed in June and October .

• Evergreens can be trimmed in April

and August.

• Conifers and other fast growing shrubs

can be trimmed about every six weeks
from May onwards.

When to trim (Australia & New Zealand
only)

• As a general guide, hedges and shrubs

with seasonal leaves (new ones each year)
can be trimmed in December and March.

• Evergreens can be trimmed in

September and February.

• Conifers and other fast growing shrubs

can be trimmed about every six weeks
from May onwards.

Failure to work

If your hedgetrimmer does not work, unplug it
and check:

• The power point (try another tool or appliance).

• The plug and its fuse (UK only).

• The plug and socket connections (UK only).

If in doubt, get help from a qualified electrician, or visit
your Black & Decker service agent.

Care and maintenance

• Switch off and disconnect from power supply

before cleaning or adjusting your machine.

• For best performance, keep the blades and air

slots in the motor housing clean. Use a cloth or
brush to remove cuttings, sap or other debris.

• Prevent the blades from rusting by applying a film

of light machine oil after cleaning.

• Plastic parts may be cleaned by using a non

abrasive cleaner and a cloth dampened with
warm water.

• Do not immerse any part of the hedgetrimmer

in water .

• Avoid all other types of detergents, cleaners or

solvents. These may contain chemicals that
could seriously damage the plastic. Do not spray
the hedgetrimmer with water, and do not allow
water to enter the hedgetrimmer.

• After cleaning, the tool can be stored in its

packaging for protection.

• Self lubricating bearings are used in the tool and

lubrication is not required. (Other than to the
blades as stated above).

What to do if your hedgetrimmer
needs repair

For after sales service please refer to the section
‘Lawnmowers & Garden’ within your local
Yellow Pages or refer to the warranty sheet.

Unwanted products and the
environment

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

Black & Decker lawn and garden
guarantee

This guarantee provides: 36 months parts cover
and 12 months labour (UK), 24 months parts
cover and labour (Australia and New Zealand).

In all cases proof of purchase will be required.
lf your Black & Decker hedgetrimmer 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 your hedgetrimmer free of charge,
provided that:

• Your hedgetrimmer is returned to one of our

authorised repair agents with evidence of
purchase.

• Your hedgetrimmer has been used within the

parameters of its consumer classification.

• Your hedgetrimmer has not been used for hir e

purposes.

• Repairs have not been attempted by anyone

other than our authorised repair agents.

• The failure represents normal wear and tear.

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

Our guarantee policy

Failure due to the following are not covered:

• Replacing worn or damaged blades, nylon line

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

• Failure as a result of sudden impact or obvious

abuse.

6

• Failure due to usage not in accordance with

instructions and recommendations contained in
this manual.

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

Black & Decker after sales service

Black & Decker offers a nationwide network of
authorised service agents. The use of other than
genuine Black & Decker accessories and parts may
damage or reduce the performance of your
Black & Decker hedgetrimmer and may also
endanger the user. The terms and conditions of the
warranty may also be effected.

It is our aim that all Black & Decker customers should
be totally satisfied with their Black & Decker product
and after sales service, if help or advice is needed
please contact a local Black & Decker authorised
repair agent who will be happy to help. Full details of
our after sales service can be obtained from any of
our Black & Decker authorised repair agents.

Other Black & Decker products
(UK only)

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 towards the back of this
manual, or contact your Black & Decker stockist.

Lawnmowers String trimmers
Chainsaws Lawnrakers
Compost shredders Leafbusters
Blade trimmers Cordless brooms
Cordless trimsaws Cordless shrubbers
Cordless shears Hedgetrimmers

ENGLISH

EC Declaration of Conformity

We declare that units:

GT249, GT250, GT251, GT259, GT260, GT261

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

EN50144, EN55014, EN55104, 73/23/EEC

A weighted sound pressure 91dB (A)

A weighted sound power 104dB (A)

Hand/arm weighted vibration <2.5m/s

Brian Cooke

Director of Engineering

Spennymoor, County Durham DL16 6JG

United Kingdom

2

7

8910

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

New Zealand Black & Decker Tel: [phone]

South Africa Black & Decker South Africa (Pty) Ltd Tel: [phone]

United Kingdom Black & Decker Tel: [phone]

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

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

Suite no 107, PostNet X65, Halfway House 1685 Fax: [phone]

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

Part no. 369162-02.2 2/98.2

®

Yes No

Date of your purchase:

Was your hedgetrimmer a gift?

Was your hedgetrimmer your first purchase?

Was your hedgetrimmer bought as a replacement?

What was the price of your hedgetrimmer?

Address of the dealer where your hedgetrimmer was purchased:

Name:

House number or name and street:

Town:

County or state:

Address of the dealer where your hedgetrimmer was purchased:

GT___

Data protection act: Tick this box if you prefer not to receive

information from Black & Decker or other companies.

Postcode:

Country:

Product catalogue number:

11

Please complete this section immediately after the purchase of your hedgetrimmer

South Africa: Black & Decker South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Suite no 107, PostNet X65, Halfway House 1685

If you live in Australia or New Zealand, please register your purchase by using

and post it to the Black & Decker address in your country (above).

United Kingdom & Ireland: PO Box 821, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 3AR

the alternative guarantee card.

GUARANTEE CARD

Part no. 369162-02.2 2/98.2