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

®

GT249 GT259 GT250 GT260 GT251 GT261

A

B

D

1

4

	3
6	C
2
5
7
	E1	E2

English

®

1

Hedgetrimmer

GT249/250/251/259/260/261

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)

A	1.	Front handle switch
	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 reference.

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

360˚ 6m/20ft

User manual

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.

•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 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 objectinspect 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