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GT249 GT259GT250 GT260GT251 GT261

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machine. If the sound level seemsuncomfortable, use ear protection.

• Use outdoor extension cords. Neveruse an indoor extension cable for usewith this machine.

• Do not abuse the cord. Never carry thehedgetrimmer by its cord or yank thecord to disconnect it from the socket.Keep the cord away from heat, oil andsharp edges.

• Remove the plug from the mainsimmediately if the cable is damagedor cut.

• Inspect hedge. Ensure that the hedgehas nothing lying on top of it or beside it,e.g. barbed wire or railings which maydamage your machine.

• Consider the work environment.Do not use the machine in the rain orallow it to get wet or damp. Keep thework area well lit. Do not use in thepresence of flammable liquids or gases.

Operation• Avoid unintentional starting. Do not

carry a plugged-in tool with a finger onthe switch.

• Before using the machine. Disconnectit from the electrical supply and visuallycheck that the blade fixings are secure.A damaged blade or loose blade nuts area major hazard and must be replaced.Always be sure that your machine is in asafe operating condition.

• Guard against electric shock.Avoid touching grounded surfaces(e.g. railings, lamp posts etc.) while usingyour machine.

360˚

6m/2

0ft

• Keep people away while the machineis in use. Do not allow children, otherpeople or animals near your machinewhile you are using it - always keep themat least 6m (20ft) away from the cuttingarea and never let anyone touch themachine or the extension cord.

• Do not force the tool. It will do the jobbetter and more safely at the rate forwhich it was intended.

HedgetrimmerGT249/250/251/259/260/261

IntroductionThis manual provides operating and maintenanceinstructions for all of the hedgetrimmers in theBlack & Decker GT250/260 range including theGT249/259.

Description (Fig. A)

A 1. Front handle switch2. Front handle3. Rear switch4. Handle guard (GT251C & GT261C)5. Front guard (GT249C, GT250C,

GT259C & GT260C)6. Blade7. Blade sheath

Know your machine

!Warning! When using electric tools, basicsafety precautions should always be taken toreduce the risk of fire, electric shock andpersonal injury.

Read this manual carefully, observingall of the recommended safety instructionsbefore, during and after using yourmachine. Maintain your machine in goodworking order.Familiarise yourself with the controls on yourmachine before attempting to operate it,but above all, be sure you know how to stopthe machine in an emergency.

Retain this manual and all other literaturesupplied for future reference.

Safety instructionsPreparation• Dress properly. Do not wear loose

clothing or jewellery which could getcaught in moving parts. Always wearstout, non-skid footwear and gloveswhen operating your machine andmake sure that long hair is kept awayfrom the blades.

• Protect your eyes/ears. Use safetyglasses or goggles while operating your

User manual

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ENGLISH• Use the right tool. Never force smalltools or attachments to do the job of aheavy duty tool. Do not use tools forpurposes not intended: e.g, do not usethe hedgetrimmer as a chain saw.

• Do not overreach. Keep proper footingand balance at all times, especially whileworking on a slope.

• Stay alert. Watch what you are doing.Use common sense. Do not operatewhen you are tired.

!

• Use the correct electrical supply.Your machine is designed for use onAC (mains) electrical supplies only - donot attempt to use on any other supply.Be sure to plug the machine into a powerpoint, never a lighting socket.

• Always turn off and unplug themachine. Whenever you leave themachine unattended. Before checking,cleaning, adjusting, unjammingthe blades or carrying out work onthe machine. If the machine starts tovibrate abnormally, check immediately.After striking a foreign object- inspect fordamage and make repairs as necessary.

• Always keep the power supply cableaway from the blades. Be aware of itsposition at all times.

• Do not put your hands or feet near theblades and never attempt to stop theblades - they will stop on their own.

• Never operate your machine with abroken or missing guard.

• Remember that the operator/user isresponsible for accidents or hazardsoccurring to other people or theirproperty. A first time user should getsome practical instruction on how touse a hedgetrimmer as well as readingthis manual.

Maintenance and storage• Always disconnect the machine

before carrying out any adjustment,servicing or maintenance.

• Always lubricate the blades withlight machine oil after use to preventcorrosion damage.

• Maintain tools with care. Always keeptools sharp and clean for better and saferperformance. Follow instructions forlubricating and changing accessories.Inspect tool cords periodically and ifdamaged have repaired by an authorisedservice facility. Inspect extension cordsperiodically and replace if damaged.Keep handles dry, clean and free from oiland grease.

• Check damaged parts. Before further useof the tool, a guard or other part that isdamaged should be carefully checked todetermine whether it will operate properlyand perform its intended function. Checkfor alignment of moving parts, binding ofmoving parts, breakage of parts, mountingand any other conditions that may affect itsoperation. A guard or other part that isdamaged should be properly repaired orreplaced by an authorised service agentunless otherwise indicated in thisinstruction manual. Have defectiveswitches replaced by an authorised serviceagent. Do not use the tool if the switchdoes not turn it on and off.

!Warning! The use of any accessory orattachment, other than recommended in thisinstruction manual, may present a risk ofpersonal injury.

Double insulationYour machine is double insulated. Thismeans that all external metal parts areelectrically isolated from the power supply.This is achieved by placing an extrainsulation barrier between the electrical andmechanical parts. Double insulation meansgreater electrical safety and obviates thenecessity of having the machine earthed.

Electrical safetyYour machine should always be switched offat the mains before disconnecting any plugand socket connector or extension cables.

Fuse replacement (UK only)If your machine is supplied with cable fittedwith a non-re-wireable plug.• The plug is fitted with a 3 amp fuse

which is the recommended fuse foryour machine.

• Only use replacement fuses which areapproved to BS1362.

• When changing the fuse in your plug,always ensure the fuse cover is refitted.If the fuse cover is missing or damageddo not use the plug.

Note: Fuses do not give personal protectionagainst electric shock.

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Plug replacement (UK only)• Disconnect the plug from the supply.

• Cut off the plug and dispose ofimmediately. Insertion of a detatchedplug into a 13 amp socket outlet mayresult in electric shock.

• Only fit BS1363A approved plugs fittedwith the correctly rated fuse.

Fit aBS1363Aapprovedplug

Connect blueto N (neutral)

Make sure that theouter sheath of thecable is held firmlyby the clamp

Fit a 3 amp fuse approved to BS1362

Connect brownto L (live)

240 volts AC only.Never use a lightsocket

• The cable wire colours, or a letter, will bemarked at the connection points of mostgood quality plugs. Attach the wires totheir respective points in the plug(see above). Brown is for “Live” (L) andblue is for “Neutral” (N).

• Before replacing the top cover of themains plug ensure that the cable restraintis holding the outer sheath on the cablefirmly and that the two leads are correctlyfixed at the terminal screws.

Replacement of the supply cord(Australia & New Zealand only)If the supply cord is damaged, it must bereplaced by the manufacturer or its serviceagent or similarly qualified person in order toavoid a hazard.

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

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

Increased safety can be obtained by havinga qualified electrician install a high sensitivity(30mA 30mS) circuit breaker in the housewiring. If you do not wish to have oneinstalled, then we strongly recommend thatthe electrical power to the machine besupplied through a high sensitivity residualcurrent device (RCD). The RCD is designedto provide a high degree of personalprotection against harmful electric currentshould fault conditions occur.

!Warning! The use of an RCD or other circuitbreaker unit does not release the operator ofthe machine from the safety instructions andsafe working practices given in this manual.

We recommend that if your mains cableis cut or requires replacement that youreturn your machine to a Black & Deckerservice agent. When repaired, yourmachine will be tested for electrical safety.

Cable connection system (UK only)Black & Decker continually make every effort toachieve the highest standards in performance, qualityand reliability and recommend the use of a newoutdoor cable connection system.

The new system gives additional protection againstthe possibility of water or moisture entering into thecable connector during normal use.Note: The new connection system does not releasethe operator of the machine from the safetyprecautions and safe working practices given in theinstruction leaflet. Particular attention is drawn to thecoupler system as being ‘weather resistant’ and notsuitable for immersion, submersion or beingsubjected to water jets. Care should be taken toprevent the cable from lying or trailing through poolsof water or from splashing with hose pipes.

A6615 20m cable, socket, 13 amp plug

A6616 20m cable, socket, 13 amp plug andcable tidy frame

A6617 30m cable, socket, 13 amp plug andcable tidy frame

A6613 40m cable, socket, 13 amp plug andcable tidy reel

Existing cable systems (UK only)Your hedge trimmer comes with either, 12 metrecable attached (Cat. number ends with a C), or amale connector built into the product. If you alreadyown an outdoor cable system, we recommend thatyou replace the existing ‘female’ cable connectorwith the new ‘female’ connector which is availableas an accessory from most major DIY retail outletsand from Black & Decker service agents(cat. no. A6624S).

old ‘female’ connector new ‘female’ connector

When fitting the connector, follow the instructionswhich are supplied with it. If in doubt, consult aqualified electrician.

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Technical data

Specifications

Insulation Class IIStrokes per minute 1900

Blade length 41cm, 51cm

Weight 2.4 to 2.5kg

Noise 88dB (A)Vibration <2.5m/s2

Assembly (Figs. B & C)

B • You will need a number 2 Posidrivescrewdriver.

• During assembly it is recommended thatthe blade sheath is fitted over the bladesto reduce the risk of injury.

Fitting the guard

C • Slide the guard into position as shown.

• Fix in place using two of the screwsprovided. 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.

D This product is built with a cable retentionsystem. To operate this, feed your cablethrough the hole provided and hook it overthe pegs as shown in Fig. D.

Useful hints for trimming hedges(Fig. E)

Read the safety rules first!

Cutting

E • Tip the blades a little towardsthe hedge (Fig. E1).

• First cut both sides, working from thebottom up, then trim the top (Fig. E2).

• Take care to avoid any hard objects in oraround the hedge that could damagethe blades.

Existing powered garden tools(UK only)To connect existing Black & Decker garden powertools to the new system you will require an adaptor(see below). This is available as an accessory frommost major DIY retail outlets (cat. no. A6623S).

!Warning! This adaptor is only suitable forproducts rated up to 500W. It is notrecommended for use with the following:Hover mowers, rotary mowers with grasscollection, chainsaws, shredders and blowervacs. Please contact your local service agentshould 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 oneend of the cable and a ‘female’ connector to theother end (see below). For wiring instructions seethose supplied with the female connector.

• A ‘male’ connector is already attached to theelectrical supply cable on your machine and isdesigned to be non-rewireable (see below).This should not be removed. Should the plugbecome damaged or need replacing, pleasereturn the machine to your Black & Deckerservice agent.

‘female’ connector ‘male’ connector

!Warning! Never wire an extension cable withanything other than the ‘female’ connectorsupplied and a 13 amp BS1363A approvedplug with the recommended fuse. Neverwire a ‘male’ connector to your extensioncable and never wire an extension cablewith a plug of any kind at each end of thecable. This is extremely dangerous andresults in the pins being live which maycause a fatal electric shock.

ENGLISH

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• Self lubricating bearings are used in the tool andlubrication is not required. (Other than to theblades as stated above).

What to do if your hedgetrimmerneeds repairFor after sales service please refer to the section‘Lawnmowers & Garden’ within your localYellow Pages or refer to the warranty sheet.

Unwanted products and theenvironment

Should you find one day that yourhedgetrimmer needs replacement, or is of nofurther use to you, think of the protection ofthe environment. Black & Decker serviceagents will accept your old mower and willdispose of it in an environmentally safe way.

Black & Decker lawn and gardenguaranteeThis guarantee provides: 36 months parts coverand 12 months labour (UK), 24 months partscover and labour (Australia and New Zealand).In all cases proof of purchase will be required.lf your Black & Decker hedgetrimmer becomesdefective, within the guarantee period, due to faultymaterials and workmanship, we guarantee to eitherreplace all defective parts, or at our discretion,replace your hedgetrimmer free of charge,provided that:

• Your hedgetrimmer is returned to one of ourauthorised repair agents with evidence ofpurchase.

• Your hedgetrimmer has been used within theparameters of its consumer classification.

• Your hedgetrimmer has not been used for hirepurposes.

• Repairs have not been attempted by anyoneother than our authorised repair agents.

• The failure represents normal wear and tear.

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

Our guarantee policyFailure due to the following are not covered:• Replacing worn or damaged blades, nylon line

and chains, or cables damaged during storageor use. These are regarded as replacement itemswhich wear during normal usage.

• Failure as a result of sudden impact or obviousabuse.

• 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 Apriland August.

• Conifers and other fast growing shrubscan be trimmed about every six weeksfrom May onwards.

When to trim (Australia & New Zealandonly)• 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 inSeptember and February.

• Conifers and other fast growing shrubscan be trimmed about every six weeksfrom May onwards.

Failure to workIf your hedgetrimmer does not work, unplug itand 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 visityour 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 orbrush to remove cuttings, sap or other debris.

• Prevent the blades from rusting by applying a filmof light machine oil after cleaning.

• Plastic parts may be cleaned by using a nonabrasive cleaner and a cloth dampened withwarm water.

• Do not immerse any part of the hedgetrimmerin water.

• Avoid all other types of detergents, cleaners orsolvents. These may contain chemicals thatcould seriously damage the plastic. Do not spraythe hedgetrimmer with water, and do not allowwater to enter the hedgetrimmer.

• After cleaning, the tool can be stored in itspackaging for protection.

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• Failure due to usage not in accordance withinstructions and recommendations contained inthis manual.

The use of other than genuine Black & Deckeraccessories and parts may damage or reduce theperformance of your Black & Decker hedgetrimmerand may render the guarantee void.

Black & Decker after sales serviceBlack & Decker offers a nationwide network ofauthorised service agents. The use of other thangenuine Black & Decker accessories and parts maydamage or reduce the performance of yourBlack & Decker hedgetrimmer and may alsoendanger the user. The terms and conditions of thewarranty may also be effected.

It is our aim that all Black & Decker customers shouldbe totally satisfied with their Black & Decker productand after sales service, if help or advice is neededplease contact a local Black & Decker authorisedrepair agent who will be happy to help. Full details ofour after sales service can be obtained from any ofour Black & Decker authorised repair agents.

Other Black & Decker products(UK only)Black & Decker has a full range of outdoor powertools that make life easy in the garden. If you wouldlike further information on other products, pleasecontact the Black & Decker Service InformationCentre at the address towards the back of thismanual, or contact your Black & Decker stockist.Lawnmowers String trimmersChainsaws LawnrakersCompost shredders LeafbustersBlade trimmers Cordless broomsCordless trimsaws Cordless shrubbersCordless 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/s2

Brian CookeDirector of Engineering

Spennymoor, County Durham DL16 6JGUnited Kingdom

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10Part no. 369162-02.2 2/98.2

Australia Black & Decker (A’asia) Pty Ltd Tel: 03 9213 8200286-288 Maroondah Highway, North Croydon, Victoria 3136 Fax: 03 9726 7150

New Zealand Black & Decker Tel: 09 579 7600483 Great South Road, Penrose, Auckland Fax: 09 579 8200

South Africa Black & Decker South Africa (Pty) Ltd Tel: 011 314 4431Suite no 107, PostNet X65, Halfway House 1685 Fax: 011 314 4435

United Kingdom Black & Decker Tel: 01753 574277210 Bath Road, Slough Tlx: 848317 BAND MHBerkshire SL1 3YD Fax: 01753 551155

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Part no. 369162-02.2 2/98.2

GUARANTEE CARD

South Africa: Black & Decker South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Suite no 107, PostN

et X65, Halfway House 1685

United Kingdom &

Ireland: PO Box 821, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 3AR

Please complete this section im

mediately after the purchase of your hedgetrim

mer

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

If you live in Australia or New

Zealand, please register your purchase by usingthe alternative guarantee card.