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GT340GT350GT360

GT460 SXC

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E N G L I S H

HEDGETRIMMERGT340/GT350/GT360/GT460SXC

CONGRATULATIONS!You have chosen a Black & Decker tool. Our aim isto provide quality tools at an affordable price.We hope that you will enjoy using this tool formany years.

EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

GT340/GT350/GT360/GT460SXCBlack & Decker declares that theseproducts conform to:98/37/EC, 89/336/EEC, 73/23/EEC,BS 2769 (EN 50144 not including 23.5),EN 55014, EN 61000, 2000/14/EC,Hedge trimmer ≤ 400 W, Annex V

Level of sound pressure, measured according toEN 50144:

LpA (sound pressure) dB(A) 83

LWA (acoustic power) dB(A) 96

LWA (guaranteed) dB(A) 99

Always wear ear protection if the soundpressure exceeds 85 dB(A).

Hand/arm weighted vibration value according toEN 50144:

< 2.5 m/s2

Brian CookeDirector of Engineering

Spennymoor, County Durham DL16 6JG,United Kingdom

3-10-2001

INTENDED USEYour Black & Decker hedgetrimmer GT340/GT350/GT360/GT460SXC has been designed fortrimming hedges, shrubs and brambles. This toolis intended for consumer use only.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Warning symbolsThe following symbols are used in this manual:

Denotes risk of personal injury, loss of lifeor damage to the tool in case of non-observance of the instructions in thismanual.

Denotes risk of electric shock.

Read the manual prior to operation.

Know your tool

� Warning! When using mains-poweredtools, basic safety precautions,including the following, should alwaysbe followed to reduce the risk of fire,electric shock, personal injury andmaterial damage.

� Read all of this manual carefully beforeoperating the tool.

� Before operating the tool, make surethat you know how to switch the tool offin an emergency.

� Retain this manual for future reference.

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General

1. Consider work area environmentDo not expose the tool to rain. Do not use thetool in damp or wet conditions. Keep the workarea well lit. Do not use the tool where there isa risk of causing fire or explosion, i.e. in thepresence of flammable liquids and gases. Keepthe work area free from debris and obstacles.

2. Keep children awayDo not allow children, visitors or animals tocome near the work area or to touch the toolor mains cable.

3. Dress properlyDo not wear loose clothing or jewellery, asthese can be caught in moving parts.Preferably wear rubber gloves and non-slipfootwear when working outdoors. Wear protectivehair covering to keep long hair out of the way.

4. Personal protectionAlways use safety glasses. Use a face or dustmask whenever the operations may producedust or flying particles. Wear ear protectionwhenever the sound level seemsuncomfortable.

5. Guard against electric shockPrevent body contact with earthed orgrounded surfaces (e.g. metal railings, lamp-posts etc.). Electric safety can be furtherimproved by using a high-sensitivity(30 mA/30 mS) residual current device (RCD).

6. Do not overreachKeep proper footing and balance at all times.

7. Stay alertWatch what you are doing. Use common sense.Do not operate the tool when you are tired.

8. Secure workpieceWhere appropriate, use clamps or a vice tohold the workpiece. It is safer and it frees bothhands to operate the tool.

9. Remove keys and adjusting wrenchesAlways check that keys and adjusting wrenchesare removed from the tool before operatingthe tool.

10.Extension cablesBefore use, inspect the extension cable andreplace if damaged. Only use extension cablesintended for outdoor use.

11.Use appropriate toolThe intended use is described in this instructionmanual. Do not force small tools or attachmentsto do the job of a heavy-duty tool. The tool willdo the job better and safer at the rate forwhich it was intended. Do not force the tool.Warning! The use of any accessory orattachment or performance of any operationwith this tool other than those recommendedin this instruction manual may present a risk ofpersonal injury.

12.Check for damaged partsBefore use, carefully check the tool and mainscable for damage. Check for misalignment andseizure of moving parts, breakage of parts,damage to guards and switches and any otherconditions that may affect its operation. Ensurethat the tool will operate properly and performits intended function. Do not use the tool if anypart is damaged or defective. Do not use thetool if the switch does not turn it on and off.Have any damaged or defective parts repairedor replaced by an authorised repair agent.Never attempt any repairs yourself. If the supplycord is damaged, it must be replaced by anauthorised repair agent in order to avoid a hazard.

13.Unplug the toolUnplug the tool when it is not in use, beforechanging any parts of the tool, accessories orattachments and before servicing.

14.Avoid unintentional startingDo not carry the tool with a finger on the on/off switch. Be sure that the tool is switched offwhen plugging in.

15.Do not abuse cordNever carry the tool by its cord or pull it todisconnect from the socket. Keep the cordaway from heat, oil and sharp edges.

16.Store idle toolsWhen not in use, tools should be stored in adry, locked up or high place, out of reach ofchildren.

17.Maintain tools with careKeep cutting tools sharp and clean for betterand safer performance. Follow the instructionsfor maintenance and changing accessories.Keep handles and switches dry, clean and freefrom oil and grease.

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18.RepairsThis tool complies with relevant safetyrequirements. Repairs should only be carriedout by qualified persons using original spareparts; otherwise this may result in considerabledanger to the user.

Additional safety instructions for hedgetrimmers

Wear safety glasses or goggles whenoperating this tool.

Wear gloves when operating this tool.

Wear ear protection when operating thistool.

Immediately disconnect the cable from themains if it is damaged or cut.

Do not expose the tool to rain or highhumidity.

� Keep the cable away from the blades whileusing this tool.

� If you have not used a hedgetrimmer before,preferably seek practical instruction by anexperienced user in addition to studying thismanual.

� Never touch the blades while the tool is running.� Never attempt to force the blades to come to

a standstill.� Do not put the tool down until the blades have

come to a complete standstill.� Regularly check the blades for damage and

wear. Do not use the tool when the blades areworn or damaged.

� Take care to avoid hard objects (e.g. metalwire, railings) when trimming. Should youaccidentally hit any such object, immediatelyswitch the tool off and check for any damage.

� Should the tool start to vibrate abnormally,immediately switch it off and check for anydamage.

� If the tool stalls, immediately switch it off.Unplug the tool before attempting to removeany obstructions.

� After use, place the blade sheath suppliedover the blades. Store the tool, making surethat the blade is not exposed.

� Always ensure that all guards are fitted whenusing the tool. Never attempt to use anincomplete tool or a tool with unauthorisedmodifications.

� Never allow children to use the tool.

Additional safety instructions for Australia andNew Zealand

� This appliance is not intended for use byyoung or infirm persons without supervision.Children must be supervised to ensure they donot play with the appliance.

� If the supply cord is damaged, it must bereplaced by the manufacturer or an authorisedBlack & Decker Service Centre in order toavoid a hazard.

ELECTRICAL SAFETYThe electric motor has been designed for onevoltage only. Always check that the power supplycorresponds to the voltage on the rating plate.

This tool is double insulated; therefore noearth wire is required.

Mains plug replacement (U.K. & Ireland only)

� Should your mains plug need replacing andyou are competent to do this, proceed asinstructed below. If you are in doubt,contact an authorised repair agent or aqualified electrician.

� Disconnect the plug from the supply andremove the fuse from the plug.

� Cut off the plug and dispose of it safely; a plugwith bared copper conductors is dangerous ifengaged in a live socket outlet.

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� Only fit 13 Amperes BS1363A approved plugsfitted with the correctly rated fuse (1).

� The cable wire colours, or a letter, will bemarked at the connection points of most goodquality plugs. Attach the wires to their respectivepoints in the plug (see above). Brown is forLive (L) (2), blue is for Neutral (N) (4).

� Before replacing the top cover of the mainsplug ensure that the cable restraint (3) isholding the outer sheath of the cable firmlyand that the leads are correctly fixed at theterminal screws.

� If the plug has a fuse cover, make sure that thefuse cover is fitted. Do not use the plug if thefuse cover is missing or damaged.

Never use a light socket.

Using an extension cableAlways use an approved extension cable suitablefor the power input of this tool (see technicaldata). The extension cable must be suitable foroutdoor use and marked accordingly. When usinga cable reel, always unwind the cable completely.

Cable connection systemBlack & Decker continually makes every effort toachieve the highest standards in performance,quality and reliability. We recommend the use of anew outdoor cable connection system, whichgives additional protection against the possibilityof water or moisture entering into the cableconnector during normal use.

The new connection system does notrelease the operator of the tool from thesafety precautions and safe workingpractices given in the manual.Particular attention is drawn to the factthat this connection system is ‘weatherresistant’, but not suitable for immersion,submersion or being subjected to waterjets. Take care to prevent the cable fromlying in or trailing through pools of wateror from splashing with hose pipes.

The following items are available:A6615 20 m cable, socket, 13 Amp plugA6616 20 m cable, socket, 13 Amp plug and

Cable Tidy frameA6617 30 m cable, socket, 13 Amp plug and

Cable Tidy frameA6613 40 m cable, socket, 13 Amp plug and

Cable Tidy reel

Existing cable systemsYour tool either comes with a cable attached(the cat. no. ends with a C) or with a male connectorbuilt into the tool. If you already own an outdoorcable system with the old female connector shownbelow, we recommend that you replace thisconnector with the new female connector, which isavailable from most major DIY outlets and fromBlack & Decker service centres (cat. no. A6624S).

old female connector new female connector

Follow the instructions supplied with the connector.If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician.

Existing outdoor toolsTo connect existing Black & Decker outdoor toolsto the new system, you will need an adaptor (seebelow), which is available as an accessory frommost major DIY outlets and from Black & Deckerservice centres (cat. no. A6623S).

This adaptor is only suitable for productsrated up to 500 W. It is not recommendedfor use with hover mowers, rotary mowerswith grass collection, chainsaws, shreddersand blower vacs. Please contact your localservice centre if you need further advice.

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Fitting your own extension cable� When making your own extension cable, fit a

13 Amp plug to one end of the cable(see “Mains plug replacement”) and a femaleconnector to the other end. For wiringinstructions, see those supplied with thefemale connector.

� A male connector (see below) is alreadyattached to the power supply cable on yourtool. It is non-rewireable and should not beremoved. If the connector is damaged andneeds replacement, take the tool to aBlack & Decker service centre.

female connector male connector

Never wire an extension cable withanything other than the female connectorsupplied and a 13 Amp BS1363Aapproved plug with the recommendedfuse. Never wire a male connector to theextension cable. Never wire an extensioncable with a plug of any kind at each endof the cable. This is extremely dangerousand results in the pins being live, whichmay cause a fatal electric shock.

CARTON CONTENTSThe carton contains:1 Hedgetrimmer1 Blade sheath1 Guard2 Screws1 Instruction manual

� Carefully unpack all parts.� Please note that additional items may be found

in the carton, depending on the letter suffixfollowing the catalogue number of your tool.

OVERVIEW (fig. A)1. Front handle switch2. Trigger switch

3. Front handle4. Guard5. Blade6. Blade sheath

ASSEMBLY

Before assembly, make sure that the toolis switched off and unplugged.

Fit the blade sheath over the blades.

You will need a number 2 Posidrive screwdriver forassembly.

Fitting the guard (fig. B)� Place the guard (4) onto the tool as shown.� Secure the guard using the two screws

supplied.

Never use the tool without the guard.

Connecting the tool to the mains (fig. C)Unless the tool is fitted with a mains cable, you willneed to connect an extension cable to the powerinlet.

� Connect the female socket of a suitableextension cable to the power inlet.

� Loop the extension cable through the cablerestraint (7) as shown to prevent it frombecoming detached during use.

� Insert the mains plug into a mains outlet.

The extension cable must be suitable foroutdoor use.

USE

Let the tool work at its own pace.Do not overload.

� Carefully guide the cable in order toavoid accidentally cutting it. A goodway to control the cable is by putting itover your shoulder.

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Switching on and off (fig. A)For your safety, this tool is equipped with adouble switching system. This system preventsstarting the tool inadvertently and will only allowoperation while holding the tool with both hands.

Switching on� Squeeze both the front handle switch (1) and

the trigger switch (2).

Switching off� Release the front handle switch (1) or the

trigger switch (2).

Never attempt to lock a switch in the onposition.

Hints for optimum use� Slightly tilt the tool (up to 15° relative to the

line of cut) so that the blade tips point slightlytowards the hedge (fig. D). This will cause theblades to cut more effectively.

� Start by trimming the top of the hedge.Hold the tool at the desired angle and move itsteadily along the line of cut. The double-sidedblade allows you to cut in either direction.

� In order to obtain a very straight cut, stretch apiece of string along the length of the hedgeat the desired height. Use the string as aguideline, cutting just above it.

� In order to obtain flat sides, cut upwards withthe growth. Younger stems move outwardswhen the blade cuts downwards, causingshallow patches in the hedge.

� Take care to avoid any foreign objects.Especially avoid hard objects such as metal wireand railings, as these could damage the blades.

� Regularly oil the blades.

Guidelines for trimming (UK & Ireland)� Trim hedges and shrubs with seasonal leaves

(new leaves every year) in June and October.� Trim evergreens in April and August.� Trim conifers and other fast growing shrubs

every six weeks from May until October.

Guidelines for trimming (Australia & New Zealand)� Trim hedges and shrubs with seasonal leaves

(new leaves every year) in December and March.� Trim evergreens in September and February.� Trim conifers and other fast growing shrubs

every six weeks from October until March.

MAINTENANCEYour Black & Decker tool has been designed tooperate over a long period of time with aminimum of maintenance. Continuous satisfactoryoperation depends upon proper tool care andregular cleaning.

Before performing any maintenance,switch off and unplug the tool.

� After use, carefully clean the blades.After cleaning, apply a film of light machine oilto prevent the blades from rusting.

� Regularly clean the ventilation slots in your toolusing a soft brush or dry cloth.

� Regularly clean the motor housing using adamp cloth. Do not use any abrasive orsolvent-based cleaner.

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

Black & Decker provides a facility forrecycling Black & Decker products oncethey have reached the end of theirworking life. This service is provided freeof charge. To take advantage of thisservice please return your product to anyauthorised repair agent who will collectthem on our behalf.

You can check the location of your nearestauthorised repair agent by contacting your localBlack & Decker office at the address indicated inthis manual. Alternatively, a list of authorisedBlack & Decker repair agents and full details of ourafter-sales service and contacts are available onthe Internet at: www.2helpU.com.

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Technical dataGT340 GT350 GT41

Voltage VAC 230 230 230(Australia & New Zealand) VAC 240 240 240Power input W 400 400 400(Australia & New Zealand) W - 800 -Blade strokes (no load) min-1 3,700 3,700 3,700Blade length cm 40 51 40Blade gap mm 16 16 16Blade brake time s < 0.5 < 0.5 < 0.5Weight kg 2.3 2.5 2.3

GT360 GT460SXCVoltage VAC 230 230(Australia & New Zealand) VAC 240 240Power input W 400 400(Australia & New Zealand) W - -Blade strokes (no load) min-1 3,700 3,700Blade length cm 63 63Blade gap mm 16 16Blade brake time s < 0.5 < 0.5Weight kg 2.7 2.7

GUARANTEEBlack & Decker is confident of the quality of itsproducts and offers an outstanding guarantee.This guarantee statement is in addition to and inno way prejudices your statutory rights.The guarantee is valid within the territories of theMember States of the European Union and theEuropean Free Trade Area.

If a Black & Decker product becomes defectivedue to faulty materials, workmanship or lack ofconformity, within 24 months from the date ofpurchase, Black & Decker guarantees to replacedefective parts, repair products subjected to fairwear and tear or replace such products to ensureminimum inconvenience to the customer unless:

� The product has been used for trade,professional or hire purposes;

� The product has been subjected to misuse orneglect;

� The product has sustained damage throughforeign objects, substances or accidents;

� Repairs have been attempted by others thanauthorised repair agents or Black & Deckerservice staff.

To claim on the guarantee, you will need tosubmit proof of purchase to the seller or anauthorised repair agent. You can check thelocation of your nearest authorised repair agent bycontacting your local Black & Decker office at theaddress indicated in this manual. Alternatively,a list of authorised Black & Decker repair agentsand full details of our after-sales service andcontacts are available on the Internet at:www.2helpU.com.

OTHER OUTDOOR TOOLSBlack & Decker has a full range of outdoor powertools that make life in the garden easy. If youwould like further information on the followingproducts, please contact our Service andInformation Centre (see the address page towardsthe end of this manual) or your local Black & Deckerretailer.

String trimmersChainsawsCordless shearHedgetrimmersLawnmowersLawnrakersLeafbustersShredders

Not all products are available in all countries.

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AustraliaBlack & Decker (Australia) Pty. Ltd. Tel. 03-8720 510020 Fletcher Road, Mooroolbark, Fax 03-9727 5940Victoria, 3138

New ZealandBlack & Decker Tel. 09 579 760081 Hugo Johnston Drive Fax 09 579 8200Penrose, Auckland, New Zealand

United KingdomBlack & Decker Tel. 01753 511234210 Bath Road Fax 01753 551155Slough, Berkshire SL1 3YD Helpline 01753 574277