Black & Decker ST4500 User Manual

TRIMMER/EDGER

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

CATALOG NUMBER

ST4500

Thank you for choosing BLACK+DECKER!
PLEASE READ BEFORE RETURNING THIS PRODUCT FOR ANY REASON.

If you have a question or experience a problem with your BLACK+DECKER purchase, go to http://www.blackanddecker.com/instantanswers
If you can’t find the answer or do not have access to the Internet, call 1-800-544-6986 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Mon. - Fri. to speak with an
agent. Please have the catalog number available when you call.

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

VEA EL E SPANOL EN LA CONTRAPORTADA. INSTRUCTIVO DE OPERACIÓN, CENTROS DE SERVICIO Y PÓLIZA DE GARANTÍA. ADVERTENCIA: LÉASE ESTE INSTRUCTIVO ANTES DE USAR E L PRODUCTO.

To register your new product, call 1-800-544-6986 or visit www.BlackandDecker.com/NewOwner

SAFETY GUIDELINES - DEFINITIONS

It is important for you to read and understand this manual. The
information it contains relates to protecting YOUR SAFETY and
PREVENTING PROBLEMS. The symbols below are used to help
you recognize this information.

DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which,

if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which,

if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if

not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.

NOTICE: Used without the safety alert symbol indicates a

potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in
property damage.

WARNING: IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS AND

INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: When using gardening appliances, basic

safety precautions should always be followed to reduce risk of fire,
electric shock, and personal injury, including the following.

WARNING:Some dust created by this product contains

chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth
defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these
chemicals are:

• compounds in fertilizers

• compounds in insecticides, herbicides and pesticides

• arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber
To reduce your exposure to these chemicals, wear approved safety
equipment such as dust masks that are specially designed to filter
out microscopic particles.

WARNING:Wear appropriate personal hearing protection

during use. Under some conditions and duration of use, noise from
this product may contribute to hearing loss.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

• Before any use, be sure everyone using this garden appliance
reads and understands all safety instructions and other
information contained in this manual.

• Save these instructions and review frequently prior to use and in
instructing others.

GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR

ALL APPLIANCES

• AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT. Don’t use appliances in
damp or wet locations. Don’t use appliances in the rain.

• KEEP CHILDREN AWAY. All visitors should be kept at a distance
from work area.

• STORE IDLE APPLIANCES INDOORS. When not in use,
appliances should be stored indoors in dry, and high or locked-up
place – out of reach of children.

• DON’T FORCE APPLIANCE. It will do the job better and with less
likelihood of a risk of injury at the rate for which it was designed.

• USE RIGHT APPLIANCE. Do not use the appliance for any job
except that for which it is intended.

• DRESS PROPERLY. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They
can be caught in moving parts. Rubber gloves and substantial,
non-skid footwear are recommended when working outdoors.
Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.

• USE SAFETY GLASSES AND OTHER SAFETY EQUIPMENT.
Use safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields, complying
with applicable safety standards and, when needed, a face shield.
Also use face or dust mask if operation is dusty. This applies to all
persons in the work area. Also use a hard hat, hearing protection,
gloves, safety shoes and dust collection systems when specified
or required. Safety glasses or the like are available at extra cost at
your local dealer or BLACK+DECKER Service Center.

• DON’T ABUSE CORD. Never carry appliance by cord or yank it to
disconnect from receptacle. Keep cord from heat, oil, and sharp edges.

• DON’T OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.

• MAINTAIN APPLIANCE WITH CARE. Keep cutting edge sharp
and clean for best performance and to reduce the risk of injury.
Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.
Inspect appliance cord periodically and if damaged, have it

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repaired by authorized service facility. Inspect extension cords
periodically and replace if damaged. Keep handles dry, clean, and
free from oil and grease.

• DISCONNECT APPLIANCES. Disconnect the appliance from

the power supply when not in use, before servicing, and when
changing accessories such as blades and the like.

• AVOID UNINTENTIONAL STARTING. Don’t carry plugged-

in appliance with finger on switch. Be sure switch is off when
plugging in.

• GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER (GFCI) protection

should be provided on the circuits or outlets to be used for the
gardening appliance. Receptacles are available having built in
GFCI protection and may be used for this measure of safety.

• STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing. Use common sense.

Do not operate appliance when you are tired.

• CHECK DAMAGED PARTS. Before further use of the appliance,

a guard or other part that is damaged should be carefully checked
to determine that 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 authorized service
center unless otherwise indicated elsewhere in this manual.

• USE OF ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS. The use of

any accessory or attachment not recommended for use with this
appliance could be hazardous. Note: Refer to the accessory
section of this manual for further details.

• EXTENSION CORDS. Make sure your extension cord is in good

condition. When using an extension cord, be sure to use one heavy
enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized
extension cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of
power and overheating. The table below shows the correct size
to use depending on cord length and nameplate ampere rating.
If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge
number, the heavier the cord. To reduce the risk of disconnection
of the appliance from the extension cord during operation, use the
extension cord retainer described in this manual.

Volts Total Length of Cord in Feet

Minimum Gauge for Cord Sets

120V 0-25 26-50 51-100 101-150
(0-7,6m) (7,6-15,2m) (15,2-30,4m) (30,4-45,7m)

Ampere Rating

More Not more American Wire Gauge
Than Than
0 - 6 18 16 16 14
6 - 10 18 16 14 12
10 - 12 16 16 14 12
12 - 16 14 12 Not Recommended

WARNING:OUTDOOR USE EXTENSION CORDS To reduce the

risk of electric shock, use only with an extension cord intended for
outdoor use, such as an extension cord of type SW-A, SOW-A, STW­A, STOW-A, SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-A, or SJTOW-A.

• REPAIRS AND SERVICE. Repairs, maintenance and any
adjustments not specified in this manual should be performed by
BLACK+DECKER authorized service centers or other qualified
service organizations, always using identical replacement parts.

IMPORTANT WARNINGS FOR STRING TRIMMERS

1. Use the proper size and type of cutting line. Do not use metal wire, rope
or the like. Do not use cutting line heavier than that recommended by
the manufacturer. See the accessory section of this manual for more
detailed information about the proper cutting line to use.

2. Keep the cutting line trimmed to the proper length (done automatically
by the appliance). Make sure that the guard is firmly in place, in
working order and positioned between yourself and the cutting line.

3. Wear long pants and substantial footwear to protect yourself from
injury caused by flying debris. This is especially important when
edging with the appliance.

SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS: POLARIZED PLUGS

To reduce the risk of electric shock, this equipment has a polarized
plug (one blade is wider than the other). This equipment must be
used with a suitable polarized 2 wire or 3 wire extension cord.
Polarized connections will fit together only one way. Make sure that

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the receptacle end of the extension cord has large and small blade
slot widths. If the plug does not fit fully into the extension cord,
reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, obtain a suitable extension
cord. If the extension cord does not fit fully into the outlet, contact
a qualified electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not change the
tool plug or extension cord in any way.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

ATTACHING THE GUARD, HANDLE AND EDGE GUIDE TO THE
TRIMMER/EDGER

WARNING:The guard and handle must always be on the

tool to protect the user. NEVER OPERATE TOOL WITHOUT
GUARD AND HANDLE FIRMLY IN PLACE.
Unplug the tool before attempting any of the following assembly steps.

1. Locate the edge guide and spread it apart as shown in figure 1.

2. Attach the edge guide to the housing by locating the two ends into
the holes in the housing.

3. See figure 1A for edge guide assembled on the trimmer.

DO NOT INSERT THE ENDS OF THE EDGE GUIDE INTO THE
FAN HOLES AS SHOWN IN FIGURE 1B.

The handle is shipped with the screw partially threaded in to prevent
loss.
To attach the handle:

1. Remove the screw.

2. Slide the handle onto the handle

housing as shown in figure 2.

3. Thread the screw back into the
hole and tighten securely with a
screwdriver.

• Remove the guard attachment
screw from the guard. Slip the
guard onto the trimmer housing
and lineup the screw hole in the
guard with the screw hole in the
housing (figure 3).

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3

• Insert the guard attachment screw

1

1A

1B

to secure the guard in place as
shown in figure 4.

4

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WARNING: Ensure the

trigger switch is not engaged to
reduce the risk of starting the
appliance accidentally.
A cord retainer is incorporated into the
rear of the handle on the power head.

• Near the end of the extension
cord, fold the extension cord to
create a loop.

• Feed the loop into the cord
retainer housing (A) as shown in

Figure 5.

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CAUTION: Inspect area to be trimmed and remove any

wire, cord, or string-like objects which could become entangled in the
rotating line or spool. Be particularly careful to avoid any wire which
might be bent outwardly into the path of the tool, such as barbs at
the base of a chain link fence.

A

1. Angle unit as shown in figure 7.

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• Hook the loop onto the cord
retainer (B) so it rests in the cord
retainer as shown in Figure I.

• Plug the extension cord into the
power head.

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B

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR CATALOG #

ST4500 BUMP FEED TRIMMER

LINE FEED

Your trimmer uses .065 in. (1.65 mm) diameter, ROUND nylon
line to cut grass and weeds quickly and easily. Cutting line will wear
faster and require more feeding if the cutting or edging is done along
sidewalks or other abrasive surfaces or heavier weeds are being
cut. As you use the trimmer, the string will get shorter due to wear.
Gently bump the unit on the ground and the line will feed.

CAUTION: ALWAYS USE EYE PROTECTION.

2. Slowly swing trimmer side-to-side
as shown in figure 8.

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(10° TO 30°)

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3. To convert for maintenance

edging, turn off the tool. Holding
the trimmer (as shown in
figure 9) with one hand by
the auxiliary handle, grasp the
trimmer head collar, push in
direction of arrow and rotate the
trimmer head clockwise (when
viewed from the switch end) until
it stops, (half turn), release your
hand. The tool is locked in the
edger position.

4. To operate as a maintenance
edger, position trimmer above
sidewalk as shown in figure 10.

5. Return to trimming position by
turning the tool off, pushing in
direction of arrow and rotating the
trimmer head counter clockwise
until it stops.

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RELOADING LINE ST4500
USE ONLY .065 in. (1.65mm) DIAMETER NYLON
MONOFILAMENT LINE. Heavier line will overload the motor and

cause overheating. This line is available at your local dealer or
authorized service center.
Do not use fishing line or other lines
that are not recommended.

1. Unplug extension cord at
trimmer.

2. Remove the bump cap by pulling
up while depressing the two
release tabs on the sides of the
hub at the points shown in

figure 11.

NOTE: It may be necessary to pull

up on the cap while depressing the
release tabs one side at a time.

3. Remove any broken cutting line,
wrap the remaining line tight and
reinsert spool into hub as follows.

a. Wind the line tight enough
so that it is all below the edges
of the flanges on the spool. If
it extends past the flanges, it

won’t fit into the hub.

b. Place the loose end of the
cutting line through the gap in
the spool flange as shown in
figure 12. (Either gap will do
but try to leave yourself about 3
or 4 inches of line to work with.)

11

12

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c. Holding the line in the gap,
insert the end through the
eyelet in the hub and slip the
spool into the hub, as shown
in figure 13.
Make sure the spring is still
in place in the hub. If the
spool does not slip into the
hub easily, press gently and
pull straight out on the cutting
line that protrudes through
the eyelet.

4. Once the spool drops into the
hub, align the release tabs on
the shroud with the slots in the
hub as shown in figure 14 and
press the shroud into place.
Be sure that both release tabs
snap into place.

5. To replace the line on a spool,
follow the steps below

a. Locate, on the empty
spool, one of the two small
holes shown in figure 15.

13

14

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b. Insert the end of the line no
more than 1/8 in. into the hole
and begin winding the line
around the spool (figure 16).

Be sure to wind the line in
the direction of the arrow
in figure 17. Do not overfill
spool. The spool holds 20
feet (6 m) of line.
c. Perform steps 3 and 4
above.

Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Cause Possible Solution

•Unit will not start. • Cord not plugged in. • Plug in cord.

• Circuit fuse is blown. • Replace circuit fuse.

• Circuit breaker • Reset circuit breaker.
is tripped.

• Cord or switch is • Have cord or switch
damaged. replaced at
BLACK+DECKER
Service Center or
Authorized Servicer.
For assistance with your product, visit our website www.blackanddecker.
com for the location of the service center nearest you or call the
BLACK+DECKER help line at 1-800-544-6986.

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MAINTENANCE
CLEANING

Use only mild soap and damp cloth to clean the tool. Never let any
liquid get inside the tool; never immerse any part of the tool into a
liquid.
IMPORTANT: To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY,
repairs, maintenance and adjustment should be performed by
BLACK+DECKER service centers or other qualified service
organizations, always using identical replacement parts.

ACCESSORIES

WARNING: The use of any accessory not recommended

for use with this tool could be hazardous.
Recommended accessories for use with your tool are available from
your local dealer or authorized service center. If you need assistance
regarding accessories, please call: 1-800-544-6986.

SERVICE INFORMATION

All BLACK+DECKER Service Centers are staffed with trained
personnel to provide customers with efficient and reliable service.
Whether you need technical advice, repair, or genuine factory
replacement parts, contact the BLACK+DECKER location nearest you.
To find your local service location, call: 1-800-544-6986 or visit

www.blackanddecker.com

Two-Year Limited Home Use Warranty

BLACK+DECKER warrants this product for two years against any
defects in material or workmanship. The defective product will be
replaced or repaired at no charge in either of two ways.
The first, which will result in exchanges only, is to return the product to
the retailer from whom it was purchased (provided that the store is a
participating retailer). Returns should be made within the time period of

the retailer’s policy for exchanges (usually 30 to 90 days after the sale).

Proof of purchase may be required. Please check with the retailer for
their specific return policy regarding returns that are beyond the time set
for exchanges.

The second option is to take or send the product (prepaid) to a
BLACK+DECKER owned or authorized Service Center for repair or
replacement at our option. Proof of purchase may be required.
This warranty does not apply to accessories. This warranty gives you
specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary from
state to state or province to province. Should you have any questions,
contact the manager of your nearest BLACK+DECKER Service
Center. This product is not intended for commercial use.
FREE WARNING LABEL REPLACEMENT: If your warning labels
become illegible or are missing, call 1-800-544-6986 for a free
replacement.
LATIN AMERICA: This warranty does not apply to products sold
in Latin America. For products sold in Latin America, check country
specific warranty information contained in the packaging, call the local
company or see the website for warranty information.

Imported by

Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc.,

701 E. Joppa Rd.

Towson, MD 21286 U.S.A.

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TAILLE-BORDURE / COUPE-BORDURE

MANUEL D’INSTRUCTIONS

NUMÉRO DE MODÈLE

ST4500

MERCI D’AVOIR CHOISI BLACK + DECKER!
ÀLIRE AVANT DE RETOURNER CE PRODUIT

POUR QUELQUE RAISON QUE CE SOIT:

Si des questions ou des problèmes surgissent après l’achat
d’un produit BLACK+DECKER, consulter le site Web www.
blackanddecker.com/instantanswers pour obtenir des réponses
instantanément 24 heures par jour. Si la réponse est introuvable ou
en l’absence d’accès à l’Internet, composer le 1 800 544-6986 de 8
h à 17 h HNE, du lundi au vendredi, pour parler avec un agent. Prière
d’avoir le numéro de catalogue sous la main lors de l’appel.

CONSERVER CE MODE D’EMPLOI POUR UN
USAGE ULTÉRIEUR.

Consulter le site web www.BlackandDecker.com/NewOwner pour enregistrer votre nouveau produit.

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