Black & Decker GX302 User Manual

English

®

1

Hover Mower
GX302

Congratulations!

On your purchase of your Black & Decker hover
lawnmower.

This user manual provides important operating and
maintenance instructions for all of the hover mowers
in the Black & Decker GX302 range.

Know your mower

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

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

Retain this user manual and all other
literature supplied with your mower for future
refer ence.

Safety instructions

Training

• Never allow children or persons who are

unfamiliar with this type of mower to use
it, nor anyone who has not read this user
manual.

Do not allow children, animals or

6m / 20ft

• Remember that the operator is

• Your mower is designed for use on AC

• Plug your mower into a power point -

• Never carry your mower by the cable or

!

Preparation

• To protect your feet, always wear stout

2

other persons near your mower
when in use - always keep them

360

at least 6m (20ft) away from the
cutting area.

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

(mains) electrical supplies only - do not
attempt to use it on any other supply.

never a lighting socket.

jerk the cable to seperate the
connectors. Keep the cable away from
heat sources, oils or sharp edges. Check
the condition of your cable before use
and do not use if damaged.

shoes or boots - freshly cut grass is
damp and slippery.

User manual

• Rubber or man-made footwear will

enhance your safety.

• Do not operate your mower barefoot or

in open sandals.

• Use protective equipment. Wear safety

spectacles or goggles whilst operating
your mower. Use ear protection if the
sound level seems uncomfortable when
using your mower.

• Use a face mask if dusty.

• Wear long trousers to protect your legs -

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

• The power supply cable should be

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

• Always keep the power supply cable

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

• Always be sure your mower is in a safe

operating condition.

• Before using your mower, disconnect it

from the electrical supply and visually
check that the blade, blade nut and
cutter assembly are not worn or
damaged. A damaged blade or worn
blade nut is a major hazard and must be
replaced. Also check that the blade nut is
securely fastened.

• Always check that your lawn or cutting

path is clear of all sticks, stones, wire
and other debris. Contact with such
debris may be dangerous or may
damage your mower and could be
thrown by the blade.

Operation

• When tilting the handle downwards (or to

the side) to start your mower, do not tilt it
more than is absolutely necessary.
Always ensure that both hands are in the
operating position and feet are well away
from the blades before returning your
mower to the ground.

Your mower will continue to run
for a short time after releasing
the switch lever. Always allow
your mower to stop on its own.

• Release the switch lever to turn your

mower off and remove the plug from
the mains:

• Whenever you leave your mower

unattended.

• Before checking, cleaning, adjusting

or working on your mower.

• Before clearing a blockage.

• If your mower starts to vibrate

abnormally (check immediately).

• After striking a foreign object, inspect

your mower for damage and make
repairs as necessary.

• Never run your mower whilst lying on its

side or attempt to stop the blade ­always allow it to stop on its own.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotating parts.

• Keep clear of discharge openings at all

times.

• Start your mower carefully according to

the instructions and with your feet well
away from the blade.

• Do not use your mower in the rain and

do not allow it to get wet. Avoid using
your mower in wet grass, if possible.

• Use your mower only in daylight or good

artificial light.

• Do not pull your mower towards you or

walk backwards when in operation.

• Do not cross gravel paths or roads whilst

the tines are rotating.

• Always be sure of your footing,

particularly on slopes.

• Always cut across the face of slopes, never

up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.

• Do not cut excessively steep slopes and

always wear non-slip footwear.

• Check the grassbag (if supplied) for wear

or damage and replace if necessary.
Never use your mower without the
grassbag in place.

• Walk, never run. Do not force your mower.

• Never pick up or carry your mower while

the motor is running.

• Ensure the blade has stopped rotating

and take extreme care before lifting your
mower for and during transportation.

• Never operate your mower with defective

guards or shields.

Maintenance and storage

• Store your mower in a dry place when

not in use, out of the reach of children.

ENGLISH

• Do not use solvents or cleaning fluids to

clean your mower - use a blunt scraper
to remove grass and dirt.

• Always disconnect from the electrical

supply before cleaning.

• Do not operate your mower if any parts

are defective; discard all defective parts
and fit new parts before use.

• Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to

be sure your mower is in a safe working
condition.

• Use only Black & Decker recommended

replacement parts and accessories.

Black & Decker’s policy is one of continuous
improvement to our products and, as such, we
reserve the right to change product specifications
without prior notice.

Double insulation

Your mower 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 your mower earthed.

Electrical safety (UK only)

Your mower should always be switched off
at the mains before disconnecting any plug

!

and socket connector or extension cables.

Fuse replacement

If your mower is supplied with cable fitted
with a non-re-wireable plug:

• The plug is fitted with a 13 amp fuse

which is the recommended fuse for
your mower.

• 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.

3

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

Plug replacement

• Disconnect the plug from the supply.

• Cut off the plug and dispose of

• Only fit BS1363A approved plugs fitted

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

• Before replacing the top cover of the

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

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

!

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

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 your mower 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.

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

!

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

4

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

with the correctly rated fuse.

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).

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.

Fit the
recommended
fuse

Connect brown
to L (live)

240 volts AC only.
Never use a light
socket

Handle assembly (Fig. A - D)

Remove all the parts from the carton and

A

familiarise yourself with the individual parts of
your mower.

The main parts of your mower are your
mower body (1) which comprises the cutter
cover (2), motor cover (3), air vent shroud (5),
pivot blocks (6) and pivot pins (8).

The handle (10) comprises the lower handle
(11), the upper handle (12), switch box (13)
with switch lever (14) and safety lock-off
switch (15), electrical supply cable (16), the
cable clips (17), and the handle clamp
assemblies (18) which each comprise a wing
nut, washer and bolt.

Note: The electrical supply cable should be
positioned on the right-hand side of your
mower when viewed from the operating
position. Ensure that this is not damaged
or twisted before you begin to assemble
your mower.

Assemble the lower handle to your mower
body, as follows:

• Place the lower handle (11) into the pivot

B

blocks (6) on the cutter cover (2).

Note: It will be necessary to tilt the lower
handle towards the rear of your mower to
allow pivot pins (8) to fit correctly.

• Fit the pivot pins (8) through the holes in

the pivot block flanges (6) and through
the holes in the lugs on the lower
handle (11).

• Using a mallet, or similar tool, tap the

pivot pin (8) through the inner part of the
pivot block (6). The hooks on the end of
the pivot pin will click into position behind
the inner wall, retaining it in position.

• Repeat the process on the other side.

With the lower handle in position, assemble
the upper handle, as follows:

• Place the upper handle (12) over the

C

lower handle (11). Ensure the upper bend
is as shown in Fig. A.

• Align the holes in both the upper and

lower handles and fit a bolt (20) through
each hole. Fit a washer (21) to each bolt
and fit the wing nuts (22) on to the bolts.
Tighten each one with hand pressure only.

Note: Do not use a spanner or other
implement to tighten the wing nuts.

With the upper and lower handles
assembled, fit the switch box to the upper
handle, as follows:

Note: The switch box must be positioned on
the right-hand side of your mower.

Ensure that the electrical supply cable is
not twisted before you begin to assemble
the handle.

• Locate the two pins on the switch box (13)

D

with the holes in the upper handle (12).

• Fit the retaining plate (23) over the stem

of the handle (12) ans secure in position
using the two screws (24) provided.

Note: Do not overtighten these screws - light
pressure will be sufficient to hold the switch
box in position.

• Finally, secure the electrical supply cable

to the lower handle using the cable clip
(17) supplied.

Handle operation (Fig. E)

The handle has three positions, two storage

E

(park) positions and one operating position.
Positions 1 and 3 in Fig. E are the storage
(park) positions and F is the operating range.

For storage purposes, the handle assembly
can be set to position 2 or 3, as follows:

• With the handle in its working range F,

pivot the handle downwards until it
contacts the stops on the end of the
handle tube. This is the park position
2 for the handle.

• The handle can be moved to a park

position 3. Push the handle upwards in
the working range F, to the top position

1. Pull the handle upwards. While still
pulling the handle upwards, pivot the
handle down towards the ground to
position 3.

Height of cut adjustment (Fig. F & G)

Your mower employs a manual method of

F

height of cut adjustment. The method
involves changing the arrangement of the
spacers fitted between the impeller and the
blade, and applies to mowers fitted with the
steel or plastic blade cutting systems which
can be purchased as an accessory.

The following procedure assumes that the
steel blade is fitted. If the plastic blade
cutting system is fitted then take blade to
mean blade carrier. The blade carrier (25) is
shown in Fig. F.

The procedure for adjusting the height of cut
is as follows:

Caution: The plastic blade cutting system has
been designed to maintain lawns at a fixed
length, not for cutting long grass. We strongly
recommend that you use the steel blade to
cut your grass to the required length, then
use the plastic blade to maintain that length.

ENGLISH

• Ensure your mower is disconnected from

the mains supply.

• Place the handle assembly into position

3 (see “Handle operation”).

• Turn your mower over onto its side so

that the underside of the cutter cover
is exposed.

• Using a cloth placed over the blades or

heavy duty gloves to protect your hands,
grip the blade and, using the spanner
provided, loosen and remove the nut
(21) from the motor spindle. Turn the nut
in anti-clockwise direction to loosen it.

Note: If the plastic blade cutting system is
fitted then it will be necessary to grip the
blade carrier (25) firmly to prevent it from
turning (Fig. F).

• Remove the blade nut, white washer

G

Carrying your mower

Disconnect your mower from the mains.
Remove the grassbox (if fitted), lower the handle to

the flat “park” position and then, holding one handle
near the pivot block and carry with the blade pointing
away from you.

How to use your mower (Fig. H & J)

!

(26) (if supplied), spacers and blade
(21-24) and re-assemble to give the cut
height required, showing the 6 cut
heights available.

• Once the cut height is selected,

re-assemble the blade, ensuring the
cutter blade (23) is assembled with the
cutting tips downwards as shown in
Fig. F and ensure the white washer
(26) is fitted to the blade nut.

• Ensure the blade nut (21) is tight.

Note: Your mower is supplied with the blade
height in position E (Fig. G).

• Always re-fit 3 spacers and never fit more

or your mower will become unsafe.

Observe all the relevant warnings when
using your mower .

We recommend the dir ectional method of
operation to obtain maximum cutting
performance from your mower and to reduce
the risk of the trailing extension lead from
entering the cutting path.

5

• Place the bulk of the extension cable

on the lawn close to the starting point
(Fig. Ja position 1).

Your switch box incorporates a cable
restraint. To fix the cable to the restraint,
proceed as follows:

• Bring the socket end of the extension

cable from behind and connect it to your
mower plug.

• Form a loop on your extension cable

H

close to the switchbox.

• Push the loop through the slot from

the opposite side of the restraint hook,
position the loop over the hook and
pull the cable back through the slot.
Your cable will now be restrained.

• The extension cable should now fall

away from your mower and behind the
operator, ready for use.

Warning! Do not attempt to operate your
mower with one hand - you must guide it

!

with both hands.

• Lift the handle up to release it from the

park position.

• Tilt the unit slightly on its side to reduce

the risk of lawn damage whilst starting,
depress the safety lock-off button (15)
on the switchbox (13) (Fig. D), and whilst
still depressed pull the switch lever (14)
towards you. Y our mower will start, and
you can now allow it to return to its
proper cutting position, and commence
cutting.

• Proceed down the cutting area as

J

shown in Fig. Ja, working from position
1 towards position 2 and, on reaching
position 2, turn to the right and proceed
towards position 3. Continue to the end
of the cutting area, turn to the left, and
proceed towards position 4. Continue in
the same manner as shown in Fig. Ja,
always working away from the cable.
Do not adopt the method shown in
Fig. Jb, working towards the cable,
as this can be dangerous.

Your mower will continue to operate whilst
you are pressing the switch lever. If you
release it for any reason you will not be able
to press it again until you have pressed the
safety lock-off switch on the switch box.
This feature prevents accidental r estart.

When you have finished using your mower
we recommend that you clean all debris
from it before putting it away. Refer to the
“Care and maintenance” section.

Note: To obtain the best results cut your
lawn or grassed area regularly and do not
cut when the grass is wet.

Changing to the plastic blade system
(Fig. K)

A plastic cutter blade system can be
purchased as an accessory for your mower.
This system comprises a blade carrier and a
number of blades.

The steel blade is designed to give a fine
finish in long or tough grass.

The plastic blade system can be used for
safer cutting in normal conditions. It should
not be used to cut tough or long grass as
the plastic blades are not designed for
this purpose.

To remove the steel blade and to fit the
plastic blade system, proceed as follows:

Warning! Disconnect your mower fr om the
electrical supply before fitting the plastic

!

blade system.

• Remove the steel blade as described in

“Height of cut adjustment” but retain the
two thicker spacers and the nut.

• If you wish to alter the height of cut

whilst fitting the plastic blade system
then follow the instructions given in
“Height of cut adjustment”.

• Using a damp cloth, clean the contact

faces of the spacer rings, removing any
grass or debris.

• Fit any spacers necessary to give the

correct height adjustment, fit the blade
carrier (25) on to the motor spindle with
the ribbed face towards the impeller,
fit any remaining spacers and fit the nut.
Use a cloth or wear a heavy duty glove
to prevent the blade carrier from turning
and tighten the nut with the spanner
provided.

Note: Instructions on how to fit the blade
carrier to your mower are also given on a
label on the blade carrier.

• Attach two plastic blades (30) to the

K

blade carrier (25), by placing one blade
on each blade pivot (31) and pull the
blades outwards so that they are locked
into position.

• Your mower is now ready for use.

6

Overload protection

Your mower is fitted with overload protection.
The reset button (33) can be found on the switch box
(Fig. A).

If you work too quickly in long grass, or in heavy
cutting conditions, you may overload the motor.
This will be indicated by a significant drop in speed,
and eventually the overload protection will operate.
This is not a fault but a safety device to protect
your mower.

When this occurs, release the switch and wait for
2 to 3 minutes to allow the motor to cool, then press
the reset button (33) and restart by operating the
switch lever.

If the cut-out operates again within 10 minutes you
should increase the height of cut (see “Height of cut
adjustment”) and walk more slowly .

Severe overloading may result in a longer delay on
restarting. In such cases, after resetting, you should
allow the motor to cool.

Blade maintenance

Steel blades

The steel blade is designed to give a fine
finish in long or tough grass. The blade will
continue to cut even when it has become
blunt or burred. There is no need for it to be
razor sharp.

If, however, because of damage or wear the
cutting performance deteriorates, then your
mower may require a new blade, or at least
the existing blade to be sharpened.

We recommend that the steel blade is
sharpened or a new blade fitted at the
beginning of each season.

Plastic blades

Plastic blades will wear during use. This type
of blade cannot be sharpened and should be
discarded and new blades fitted when worn.

Note: Plastic blades should be replaced in
pairs, not singly.

A number of spare blades are supplied with
the plastic blade cutting system when
purchased separately.

Replacement blades are available from
Black & Decker service agents.

Warning! When fitting a new blade use only
the Black & Decker replacement part

!

specified for your mower - do not attempt to
fit any other blade.

ENGLISH

Fitting a new blade

Observe all the relevant warnings before
changing blades.

!

Details on the fitment of new steel blades are
given in “Cut height adjustment”. Details on
the fitment of new plastic blades are given in
“Changing to the plastic blade system”.

Handy hints

• Before starting your mower on grass always tilt it

to one side slightly and allow it to run up to
maximum speed before commencing to cut the
grass. This will maximise the hover effect and will
prevent the blades fr om digging into the grass.

• On long grass, above 10cm (4 inches), use two

cuts to get a close finish. We recommend that
the first cut should be taken with the blade set at
maximum height of cut and the second taken
with it set at medium or close. This will prove to
be easier and give a better overall finish to
your lawn.

Care and maintenance

The advice given in this section covers the
general care and maintenance of the main
body of your mower. Advice relating to the
blades is given in “Maintenance of blades”.

Warning! Do not use a cable which
shows signs of damage. Fit a new cable

!

completely - do not make any permanent or
temporary repairs.

• Always keep your mower clean and free

from grass cuttings, especially the
underside of the cutter cover and the air
vents.

• Check all electrical cables at regular

intervals, looking for signs of wear,
abrasion or other damage.

• At the end of each cutting session we

recommend that the build up of grass on
the underside of the cutter cover is
removed using a blunt scraper or the
spanner supplied.

• Remove grass cuttings from the slot

between the pivot block flanges.

• Clean all plastic components with a

damp cloth.

7

Caution: Do not use solvents or cleaning
fluids as these may damage the plastic
components of your mower.

Fault finding

If your mower does not operate correctly,
use the following table to locate the problem.

Warning! Always disconnect your mower
from the electrical supply before carrying out

!

any inspection.

Symptoms Possible cause Remedy

Motor buzzes Blade jammed. Disconnect from
but blade does the electrical
not move. supply.

Remove the
obstruction from
the blade.

No noise and Faulty electrical Disconnect from
the blade does connection. the electrical
not move. supply.

Plug your mower
into an alternative
compatible
electrical supply.

Check if a new
fuse is required.

Re-tighten and
check all electrical
connections in the
extension cables.

Overload cut- Reset overload
out operates. cut-out.

Motor stalled. The motor is Disconnect from

Poor cutting Blade damaged Disconnect from
performance. due to impact the electrical

overloading in the electrical
long, thick supply. Reset the
grass. blade height

to a higher
position.

on large stones, supply. Check the
tree stumps, blade for damage.
paving stones or Replace with a
similar objects. new blade,

if necessary.

What to do if your mower needs
repair

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

8

Unwanted products and the
environment

Should you find one day that your mower
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 mower 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
mower free of charge, provided that:

• Your mower is returned to one of our authorised

repair agents with evidence of purchase.

• Your mower has been used within the

parameters of its consumer classification.

• Y our mower has not been used for hire 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

Failures 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.

• Failures as a result of sudden impact or obvious

abuse.

• Failures 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 mower and may
render the guarantee void.

Black & Decker after sales service
(UK, Australia and New Zealand only)

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 product 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

EC Declaration of Conformity

We declare that unit:

GX302

conforms to 89/392/EEC, 89/336/EEC,

EN60335, 73/23/EEC, EN55014, EN55104

A weighted sound pressure 96dB (A)

A weighted sound power 109dB (A)

Hand/arm weighted vibration <2.5m/s

2

ENGLISH

Brian Cooke

Director of Engineering

Black & Decker Ltd, Spennymoor, County Durham

DL16 6JG United Kingdom

9

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. 375813-22 10/97.1

®

Yes No

Date of your purchase:

Address of the dealer where your lawnmower was purchased:

Was your lawnmower a gift?

Was your lawnmoweryour first purchase?

Was your lawnmower bought as a replacement?

What was the price of your lawnmower?

Name:

House number or name and street:

Town:

County or state:

Postcode:

Address of the dealer where your lawnmower was purchased:

GX302/___

Country:

Product catalogue number:

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

information from Black & Decker or other companies.

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

Please complete this section immediately after the purchase of your lawnmower

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

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

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

alternative guarantee card supplied.

GUARANTEE CARD

Part no. 375813-22 10/97.1

®

GX302

A

13

16

33

C

11

12

21

22

B

32

7
6

10

D

E

20

23

24

14

15

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13

1

12

18

17

11

11

4

3
5

8

1

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2

2

8

3

2

F1

F1

F

24

H

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23

21

25

30

a) d)

24
22

b) e)

22
24

c) f)

22

26

30

J

2

1

ab

3

4

✓ ✗

23

21

23

21

22
24

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24
22

23

21

24
22

30

31

25