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Black
Cyan
Magenta
Yellow
Code: DC18V
Date:
060320 Edition: 04 Op: DCR
18V
ROTATING HANDLE
RECIPROCATING SAW
DC18V
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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Contents
Full 2 Years Home Use Warranty
Whilst every effort is made to ensure your complete
satisfaction with this tool, occasionally, due to the mass
manufacturing techniques, a tool may not live up to our
required level of performance and you may need the
assistance of our service department.
This product is warranted for a 2-year period from the
date of the original purchase. If found to be defective in
materials or workmanship, the tool or the offending faulty
component will be replaced free of charge with another
of the same item. A small freight charge may apply.
The warranty replacement unit is only made available
by returning the tool to the place of purchase with a
confirmed register receipt. Proof of purchase is essential.
We reserve the right to reject any claim where the
purchase cannot be verified.
This warranty does not include damage or defects to
the tool caused by or resulting from abuse, accidents,
alterations or commercial or business use.
It also does not cover any bonus accessories unless the
tool is a GMC Platinum Professional model.
Please ensure that you store your receipt in a safe place.
Conditions apply to the above warranty.
If you need direction of what constitutes a free of charge
warranty claim, please review the guide given on the
rear of the Receipt Holder. An indication is given as to
the types of claim that are permissible, and those that
are not.
Warranty 2
Description of symbols 3
Specifications 3
General safety rules 4
Additional safety rules for reciprocating saws 5
Additional safety rules for the charger 6
Additional safety rules for the battery pack 7
Contents of carton 8
Unpacking 8
Assembly 8
Know your product 9
Fitting and removing the battery pack 10
Battery charging 10
To obtain the best life for the battery 10
Installing a saw blade 11
Switching on and off 11
Varying the speed 11
Changing the position of the shoe 11
Using the pendulum control 12
Rotating the rear handle 12
General cutting 12
Plunge cutting 13
Metal cutting 13
Cleaning 13
General inspection 13
Repairs 13
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Description of symbols
The rating plate on your tool may show symbols. These
represent important information about the product or
instructions on its use.
Wear hearing protection.
Wear eye protection.
Wear breathing protection.
Double insulated
for additional protection.
Conforms to relevant standards for
electromagnetic compatibility.
Specifications
Voltage: 230–240 Vac ~ 50 Hz
Nominal battery voltage: 18V
Strokes per minute: 0–2700 SPM
Batteries: 2 x 1.2Ah
Charging Time: 1 Hour
Blade stroke: 22mm
Weight: 3.6kg
Common blade types (blades not supplied):
150mm long, 6 TPI For fast smooth cuts in woods,
masonite, plastics, hard composite
board and all plunge cutting.
Keyhole blade shape permits
cutting in hard to reach places.
230mm long, 6 TPI For fast, smooth, deep cuts
through thick wood, plastic,
composition board and hardboard.
300mm long, 6 TPI For rough cuts in wood.
100mm long, 24 TPI High speed steel blade for cutting
ferrous materials.
Dear Customer
If you require any help with your product, whether it is a
Warranty claim, spare part or user information:
Please phone our Help Line for an immediate response. The
appropriate number is given on the rear page of this manual.
Introduction
Your new GMC power tool will more than satisfy your
expectations. It has been manufactured under stringent
GMC Quality Standards to meet superior performance
criteria.
You will find your new tool easy and safe to operate, and,
with proper care, it will give you many years of dependable
service.
CAUTION. Carefully read through this entire Instruction
Manual before using your new GMC Power Tool. Take
special care to heed the Cautions and Warnings.
Your GMC power tool has many features that will make you
job faster and easier. Safety performance and dependability
have been given top priority to the development of this tool,
making it easy to maintain and operate.
Environmental protection
Recycle unwanted materials instead of
disposing of them as waste. All tools, hoses
and packaging should be sorted, taken to the
local recycling centre and disposed of in an
environmentally safe way.
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General safety rules
WARNING Read all instructions. Failure to follow all
instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/
or serious injury. The term “power tool” in all of the warnings
listed below refers to your mains operated (corded) power
tool or battery operated (cordless) power tool.
Save these instructions.
1. Work area
a. Keep work area clean and well lit.
Cluttered and dark
areas invite accidents.
b. Do not operate power tools in explosive
atmospheres,
such as in the presence of flammable
liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which
may ignite the dust or fumes.
c. Keep children and bystanders away while operating
a power tool.
Distractions can cause you to lose control.
2. Electrical safety
a. Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify
the plug in any way.
Do not use any adapter plugs with
earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and
matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
b. Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded
surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and
refrigerators.
There is an increased risk of electric shock
if your body is earthed or grounded.
c. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of
electric shock.
d. Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for
carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool.
Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving
parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of
electric shock.
e. When operating a power tool outdoors, use an
extension cord suitable for outdoor use.
Use of a cord
suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric
shock.
3. Personal safety
a. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use
common sense when operating a power tool.
Do
not use a power tool while you are tired or under the
influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of
inattention while operating power tools may result in
serious personal injury.
b. Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.
Safety equipment such as dust mask, non-skid
safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for
appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
c. Avoid accidental starting. Ensure the switch is in the
off position before plugging in. Carrying power tools with
your finger on the switch or plugging in power tools that
have the switch on invites accidents.
d. Remove any adjusting key or wrench before
turning the power tool on.
A wrench or a key left
attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in
personal injury.
e. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at
all times. This enables better control of the power tool in
unexpected situations.
f. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewellery.
Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from
moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can
be caught in moving parts.
g. If devices are provided for the connection of dust
extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are
connected and properly used.
Use of these devices
can reduce dust related hazards.
4. Power tool use and care
a. Do not force the power tool.
Use the correct power tool
for your application. The correct power tool will do the job
better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
b. Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn
it on and off.
Any power tool that cannot be controlled
with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
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c. Disconnect the plug from the power source before
making any adjustments, changing accessories, or
storing power tools.
Such preventive safety measures
reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
d. Store idle power tools out of the reach of children
and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power
tool or these instructions to operate the power tool.
Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained
users.
e. Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or
binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and
any other condition that may affect the power tools
operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired
before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly
maintained power tools.
f. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly
maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less
likely to bind and are easier to control.
g. Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc.,
in accordance with these instructions and in the
manner intended for the particular type of power
tool, taking into account the working conditions and
the work to be performed.
Use of the power tool for
operations different from those intended could result in a
hazardous situation.
5. Battery tool use and care
a. Ensure the switch is in the off position before
inserting battery pack.
Inserting the battery pack into
power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
b. Recharge only with the charger specified by the
manufacturer.
A charger that is suitable for one type
of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with
another battery pack.
c. Use power tools only with specifically designated
battery packs.
Use of any other battery packs may
create a risk of injury and fire.
d. When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from
other metal objects like paper clips, coins, keys,
nails, screws, or other small metal objects that can
make a connection from one terminal to another.
Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns
or a fire.
e. Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected
from the battery; avoid contact.
If contact accidentally
occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes,
additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the
battery may cause irritation or burns.
6. Service
a. Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair
person using only identical replacement parts.
This
will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
Additional safety rules for reciprocating saws
Always remove the plug from the mains socket before
making any adjustments or maintenance, including
changing the blade.
• When operating the saw, use safety equipment including
safety goggles or shield, ear protection, dust mask and
protective clothing including safety gloves.
• Ensure that the lighting is adequate.
• Keep the area free of tripping hazards.
• Do not let anyone under the age of 18 years operate
this saw.
• Always stand to one side when operating the saw.
• Never use a cracked or distorted saw blade. Only use
sharp blades.
• When cutting round wood, use clamps that prevent the
work piece from turning on both sides of the blade.
• Never use your hands to remove sawdust, chips or waste
close by the blade.
• Use only blades as recommended.
• Rags, cloths, cord and string and the like should never be
left around the work area.
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• Avoid cutting nails. Inspect the work piece and remove all
nails and other foreign objects before beginning sawing.
• Support the work properly.
• Never reach over the blade to remove waste or off cuts.
• Do not attempt to free a jammed blade before first
switching off the machine.
• Do not slow or stop a blade with a piece of wood. Let the
blade come to rest naturally.
• If you are interrupted when operating the saw, complete
the process and switch off before looking up.
• Periodically check that all nuts, bolts and other fixings are
properly tightened.
• Always hold the saw on parts that are insulated. If you
accidentally cut into hidden wiring or the saw’s own cable,
the metal parts of the saw will become “live”.
• Never saw near combustible liquids or gases.
The tool must be used only for its prescribed purpose.
Any use other than those mentioned in this Manual will
be considered a case of misuse. The user and not the
manufacturer shall be liable for any damage or injury
resulting from such cases of misuse.
The manufacturer shall not be liable for any changes made
to the tool nor for any damage resulting from such changes.
Even when the tool is used as prescribed it is not possible to
eliminate all residual risk factors. The following hazards may
arise in connection with the tool’s construction and design:
• Contact with the blade.
• Kickback of work piece and parts of work piece.
• Blade fracture.
• Catapulting of blade pieces.
• Damage to hearing if effective earmuffs are not worn.
• Harmful emissions of sawdust when the machine is
used in closed rooms. Always use supplementary dust
extraction where possible.
• Do not use blades that are deformed or cracked.
• Fully unwind cable drum extensions to avoid
potential overheating.
• When an extension cable is required, you must ensure
that it has the right ampere rating for your power tool and
is in safe electrical condition.
• After long working periods external metal parts and
accessories could be hot.
• Do not force the saw; let the tool do the work at a
reasonable speed. Overloading will occur if too much
pressure is applied and the motor slows resulting in
inefficient cutting and possible damage to the motor.
• Always remove the plug from the mains socket before
making any adjustments or maintenance, including
changing the blade.
WARNINGS. Before connecting a tool to a power source
(mains switch power point receptacle, outlet, etc.) be sure
that the voltage supply is the same as that specified on the
nameplate of the tool. A power source with a voltage greater
than that specified for the tool can result in serious injury to
the user, as well as damage to the tool.
If in doubt, do not plug in the tool. Using a power source
with a voltage less than the nameplate rating is harmful to
the motor.
Wear goggles
Wear earmuffs
Wear a breathing mask
Additional safety rules for the charger
• Before using the charger, read all the instructions and
cautionary markings on the charger and battery pack as
well as the instructions on using the battery pack.
• Only charge your batteries indoors as the charger is
designed for indoor use only.
• DANGER. If the battery pack is cracked or damaged in
any other way, do not insert it in the charger. There is a
danger of electric shock or electrocution.
• WARNING. Do not allow any liquid to come into contact
with the charger. There is a danger of electric shock.
• To allow the battery pack to cool down after charging, do
not place it in a hot environment such as a metal shed or
open trailer left in the sun.
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• Recharge only with the charger specified by the
manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of
battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with
another battery pack.
• The charger and battery packs supplied with it are
specifically designed to work together. Do not attempt to
charge the battery pack with any other charger than the
one supplied.
• Do not place any object on top of the charger as it could
cause overheating. Do not place the charger near any
heat source.
• Do not pull on the lead of the charger to disconnect it
from the power source.
• Make sure that the charger cable is positioned where
it will not be stepped on, tripped over or otherwise
subjected to damage or stress.
• Do not use an extension cord unless it is absolutely
necessary. The use of an improper extension cord could
cause the risk of fire, electric shock or electrocution.
• Do not use the charger if it has been subjected to a
heavy knock, dropped or otherwise damaged in any way.
Take the charger to an authorised service centre for a
check or repair.
• Do not disassemble the charger. Take it to an authorised
service centre when service or repair is required.
Incorrect re-assembly may result in the risk of fire, electric
shock or electrocution.
• To reduce the risk of an electric shock, unplug the
charger from the power supply before attempting to clean
it. Removing the battery alone does not reduce the risk.
• Never attempt to connect two chargers together.
• Do not store or use the tool and battery pack in locations
where the temperature may reach or exceed 104°F
(40°C) such as alongside sheds or metal structures in
the summer.
• The charger is designed for use from a standard
household electrical supply (230–240 volts). Do not
attempt to connect the charger to a supply with a different
supply.
• If you wish to charge a second battery pack, unplug the
charger from the mains supply and leave it for at least
15 minutes. After this time you can charge a second
battery pack.
Additional safety rules for the battery pack
• The battery pack for this tool has been shipped in a low
charge condition. You should charge the battery pack fully
before use.
• Ensure the switch is in the off position before inserting
battery pack. Inserting the battery pack into power tools
that have the switch on invites accidents.
• Use power tools only with specifically designated battery
packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk
of injury and fire.
• To ensure the longest battery life and best battery
performance, always charge the battery when the air
temperature is between 18–24°C. Do not charge the
battery pack when the temperature is below 0°C,
or above 40°C. This is important. Failure to observe
this safety rule could cause serious damage to the
battery pack.
• When battery pack is not in use keep it away from other
metal objects like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws
or other small metal objects that can make a connection
from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery
terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
• Do not incinerate the battery pack even if it is seriously
damaged or can no longer hold a charge. The battery
pack can explode in a fire.
• Never attempt to open the battery pack for any reason.
If the plastic housing of the battery pack breaks open
or cracks, immediately discontinue its use and do not
recharge it.
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• Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from
the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs,
flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek
medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause
irritation or burns.
• The battery pack utilizes nickel-cadmium cells.
Cadmium is considered to be a toxic material. Use
an environmentally safe disposal unit at a municipal
waste disposal centre to dispose of a damaged or worn
out battery.
Contents of carton
The GMC DC18V Reciprocating Saw is supplied with the
following accessories as standard:
• 2 x 18V Battery packs
• Battery charger
• 3 x Blades - Wood cutting blade
- Demolition blade
- Metal cutting blade
Unpacking
Due to modern mass production techniques, it is unlikely
that your GMC Power Tool is faulty or that a part is missing.
If you find anything wrong, do not operate the tool until the
parts have been replaced or the fault has been rectified.
Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury.
Assembly
The GMC DC18V Reciprocating Saw is packed, fully
assembled except for the blade.
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Know your product
1. Variable speed trigger switch
2. Pendulum control
3. Lock-off button
4. Tool-free blade clamp
5. Pivoting shoe
6. Saw blade
7. Blade clamp lever
8. Rotating rear handle
9. Rotating release switch
10. Battery pack
11. Charger
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
11
9
7
10
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Fitting and removing
the battery pack
CAUTION. Always switch off
the tool before inserting or
removing a battery pack.
1. To remove the battery pack
(10), press the tabs on each
side and withdraw the pack
from the tool.
2. To insert the pack, align the
tongue on the pack with the
groove in the housing and
push it into the tool.
3. Make sure that it “clicks” into
its final position so that it is
safely locked in place.
Battery charging
The battery pack for this tool has been shipped in a low
charge condition. You should charge the battery pack fully
before use.
WARNING. Do not use an extension cord.
WARNING. Do not throw used batteries into a fire or
water: it could cause an explosion!
1. Before inserting into or removing the battery pack (10)
from the charger (11) always ensure that the plug is not
in the mains socket.
2. Slide the battery onto the charger with the rails of the
battery pack (d) aligned with the rails of the charger (e).
Slide the battery down until it “clicks” into position.
3. The red light on the charger
(b) should begin to glow
continuously, indicating that
the battery pack is receiving
a “Fast Charge”.
4. After approximately one hour,
the “Fast Charge” indicator
light (red) should go out and
the green light should be lit,
indicating that the battery
pack is fully charged.
NOTE. It is necessary to
depress both battery pack
release buttons in order to
remove the battery pack from
the charger.
Depending on room
temperature, line voltage, and
existing charge level, the initial battery charging may take
longer than one hour.
Disconnect the charger from the power source when it is
not in use.
To obtain the best life for the battery
Never allow the tool to come to a complete standstill before
recharging.
The battery should be placed on charge whenever the
battery is noticeably running down or the tool no longer
performs a task it previously performed.
Avoid conducting short charges. Make sure that the battery
is fully charged every time by allowing the charger to
complete its full charging cycle.
Avoid allowing lose items like screws or nails etc. to be
stored with battery packs as these or similar items can short
battery packs and cause a fire or explosion.
Always unplug the charger when not in use and store in a
dry secure place.
Avoid charging or storing your battery in temperatures
below 0º C and above 40º C.
d
e
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WARNING.
Never leave a battery on charge once it starts
to warm up. Never leave the battery pack on charge for
more than 3 hours after the green LED lights.
If you wish to charge a second battery pack, pull out the plug
from the mains supply and keep it disconnected for at least
15 minutes before attempting to charge the second battery.
WARNING. Never store the battery out of the tool as the
contacts are exposed and could be shorted by a metal
object and cause a fire or explosion!
Installing a saw blade
CAUTION. Always ensure that
the saw is switched off and
the battery is removed before
making any adjustments.
Wear work gloves when
replacing a blade.
1. Loosen the blade clamp (4)
by depressing the clamp
lever (7). This will allow the
saw blade to be inserted.
2. Whilst holding the blade
clamp open, line up and
insert the new saw blade.
3. Let go of the blade clamp
lever to lock the saw blade
in position.
4. Pull on the blade to ensure it
is securely fastened.
WARNING. Make sure that
the blade is securely fastened
before starting the saw.
Failure to do so may result in
serious injury.
Switching on and off
1. Attach the battery pack (10).
2. To start the saw, press
the lock-off button (3) and
squeeze the trigger switch (1).
There is no need to keep the
lock-off button depressed
once the saw has started.
However, if the trigger switch
is released, the lock-off
button will re-engage as a
safety precaution to prevent
accidental operation.
3. In order to restart the saw, both the lock-off button and the
trigger switch must be pressed again.
Varying the speed
The more pressure you apply to the trigger switch, the
higher the speed you will achieve. Vary the speed to suit
the blade and the material being cut.
Changing the position of the shoe
Where possible, rest the
shoe on the material being
cut. Change the angle of the
shoe to suit the shape of the
material.
CAUTION. Do not operate
the reciprocating saw if the
adjustable shoe is damaged or
not installed.
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Using the pendulum control
1. With the pendulum control
(2) set at
the blade
moves backwards and
forwards only and does
not swing up and down as
well. This is called “straight
cutting”. Use straight cutting
when sawing hard materials
such as metal.
2. With the pendulum control
(2) set at
the blade
swings up and down as well
as moving backwards and
forwards. This “pendulum
action cutting” is very
efficient when cutting softer
materials. It provides a more
aggressive and faster cut.
NOTE. Pendulum action cutting can leave a rough finish.
Use a file or rasp to clean up the cut edge if necessary.
WARNING. Use the straight cutting mode when you wish
to make curved or clean cuts, even when working with
soft materials.
Rotating the rear handle
1. The rear handle (8) can
be rotated, there are eight
set positions of operation,
spaced 45° apart.
2. The rear handle must be
“locked” into one of the eight
preset positions. It must not
be used at any position in
between these eight preset
positions as it might rotate
during use and create a hazard.
3. To rotate the handle press on
the rotating release switch
(9) and move the handle to
one of the present positions.
General cutting
1. Hold the saw firmly in front
and clearly away from you.
2. Make sure that the blade is
clear of any obstruction and
that the power cord or any
extension cord is out of the
path of the blade.
3. Ensure that the material to
be cut is held firmly. Small
work pieces should be held
in a vice or clamped to the workbench.
4. Mark out the cutting line.
5. Press the lock-off button and squeeze the trigger.
6. Wait until the saw has reached maximum speed.
7. Place the shoe on the work piece and begin sawing.
NOTE. Use only enough pressure to keep the saw cutting.
Do not force the cutting; allow the blade and the saw to do
the work.
WARNING. Use of excessive pressure that causes bending
or twisting of the blade may cause the blade to break.
Straight Cutting
Pendulum Cutting
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Plunge cutting
1. Mark the line of the cut.
2. Choose a point inside the
area to be cut out and place
the tip of the blade over that
point.
3. Rest the front edge of the
shoe on the work piece
and hold the saw firmly in
position.
4. Press the lock-off button and squeeze the trigger to start
the cutting action.
WARNING. Make sure that the blade does not touch the
work piece until the blade has reached maximum speed
since this could cause loss of control and serious injury.
Metal cutting
Metals such as sheet steel,
pipe, steel rods, aluminium,
brass and copper can be cut
with your saw. Be careful not to
bend or twist the blade and do
not force the cutting action.
We recommend that you use
cutting oil to lubricate the cut
when sawing soft metals and
steel. It keeps the blade cooler
and prolongs blade life.
CAUTION. Clamp the work firmly and cut close to the
clamping point to minimise vibration. When cutting conduit
pipe or angle iron, clamp the work in a vice if possible and
cut close to the vice. To cut thin sheet metal, sandwich
the sheet between hardboard or plywood and clamp the
layers to prevent vibration and the tearing of the metal.
Cleaning
1. Keep the tool’s air vents unclogged and clean at all
times.
2. Remove dust and dirt regularly. Cleaning is best done
with a rag.
3. Re-lubricate all moving parts at regular intervals.
4. Never use caustic agents to clean plastic parts.
CAUTION. Do not use cleaning agents to clean the plastic
parts of the saw. A mild detergent on a damp cloth is
recommended. Water must never come into contact with
the saw.
General inspection
Regularly check that all the fixing screws are tight.
They may vibrate loose over time.
Repairs
Only an authorised service centre should replace the
cordset or carry out other repairs. If the cordset is damaged
or worn, have it repaired or replaced by an authorised
service centre.
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Carefully read the entire Instruction Manual
before using this product.
Before returning this product for a Warranty Claim or any other reason
Please Call 1300 880 001 (Australia) or 0800 445 721 (New Zealand)
When you make your call, please have the following information at hand:
GMC Product Type GMC Product Code
A GMC Service Engineer will take your call and, in most cases, will be able to solve your problem over the phone.
You are welcome to use this phone-in service to make suggestions or give comments about any GMC product.
With continuing product development changes may have occurred which render the product received slightly
different to that shown in this instruction manual.
The manufacturer reserves the right to change specifications without notice.
Note: Specifications may differ from country to country.
Helpline 1300 880 001 (Australia) or 0800 445 721 (New Zealand)
Register your warranty on line at www.gmcompany.com
and enter your receipt details.
The GMC 777 Helpline operates from 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week (EST).
This allows you to contact GMC directly with any queries
and technical questions you have regarding products.
Save this Manual for future reference
GMC Head Office:
45-55 South Centre Road, Melbourne Airport, Victoria, Australia 3045
Telephone (03) 8346 1100 Fax (03) 8346 1200
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