GF834GF934

GF1034GF1234GF1438GF1838

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English

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Rotary LawnmowerUser manual

Congratulations!On your purchase of your Black & Decker cordedlawnmower.

This user manual provides important operating andmaintenance instructions for all of the mowers in theBlack & Decker 4x4 corded range.

Know your mowerRead all of this manual carefully, observing allthe recommended safety instructions before,during and after using your mower, andmaintain your mower in good working order.

Familiarise yourself with the controls on yourmower before attempting to operate it, butabove all, be sure you know how to stopyour mower in an emergency.

Retain this user manual and all other literaturesupplied with your mower for future reference.

Safety instructionsTraining• Never allow children or persons who are

unfamiliar with this type of mower to useit, nor anyone who has not read this usermanual.

Do not allow children, animals orother persons near your mowerwhen in use - always keep themat least 6m (20ft) away from thecutting area.

• Remember that the operator is responsiblefor accidents or hazards occurring toother people or their property.

• Your mower is designed for use on AC(mains) electrical supplies only - do notattempt to use it on any other supply.

• Plug your mower into a power point -never a lighting socket.

!

• Switch off and remove plug from mainsbefore adjusting, cleaning or if the cord isentangled or damaged. Never carry yourmower by the cable or jerk the cable toseperate the connectors. Keep the cableaway from heat sources, oils or sharpedges. Check the condition of your cablebefore use and do not use if damaged.

Preparation• To protect your feet, always wear stout

shoes or boots - freshly cut grass is

damp and slippery.• Do not operate your mower barefoot or

in open sandals.

• Use a face mask if dusty.

• Wear long trousers to protect your legs -any debris left on the lawn or cutting pathmay be picked up and ejected by theblades.

• Always keep the power supply cableaway from the blades - be aware of itsposition at all times. The power supplycable should be regularly inspected forsigns of damage or ageing, and onlyused if in good condition.

• Always be sure your mower is in a safeoperating condition.

• Before using your mower, disconnect itfrom the electrical supply and visuallycheck that the blade, blade nut andcutter assembly are not worn ordamaged. A damaged blade or wornblade nut is a major hazard and must bereplaced. Also check that the blade nut issecurely fastened.

• Always check that your lawn or cuttingpath is clear of all sticks, stones, wireand other debris. Contact with suchdebris may be dangerous or maydamage your mower and could bethrown by the blade.

Operation• When tilting the handle downwards (or to

the side) to start your mower, do not tilt itmore than is absolutely necessary.Always ensure that both hands are in theoperating position and feet are well awayfrom the blades before returning yourmower to the ground.

Your mower will continue to runfor a short time after releasingthe switch lever. Always allowyour mower to stop on its own.

• Release the switch lever to turn yourmower off and remove the plug fromthe mains:• Whenever you leave your mower

unattended.

• Before checking, cleaning, adjustingor working on your mower.

• Before clearing a blockage.

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ENGLISH• If your mower starts to vibrateabnormally (check immediately).

• After striking a foreign object, inspectyour mower for damage and makerepairs as necessary.

• Never run your mower whilst lying on itsside or attempt to stop the blade -always allow it to stop on its own.

• Do not put hands or feet near or underrotating parts.

• Keep clear of discharge openings at alltimes.

• Do not use your mower in the rain anddo not allow it to get wet. Avoid usingyour mower in wet grass, if possible.

• Use your mower only in daylight or goodartificial light.

• Do not pull machine towards you or walkbackwards when mowing.

• Do not cross gravel paths or roads whilstthe blade is rotating.

• Always be sure of your footing,particularly on slopes.

• Always cut across the face of slopes,never up and down. Exercise extremecaution when changing direction onslopes.

• Do not cut excessively steep slopes andalways wear non-slip footwear.

• Check the grassbox for wear or damageand replace if necessary. Never use yourmower without the grassbox in place.

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

• Never pick up or carry your mower whilethe motor is running.

• Ensure the blade has stopped rotatingand take extreme care before lifting yourmower for and during transportation.

• Never operate your mower with defectiveguards or shields.

Maintenance and storage• Store your mower in a dry place when

not in use, out of the reach of children.

• Always disconnect from the electricalsupply before cleaning.

• Do not use solvents or cleaning fluids toclean your mower - use a blunt scraperto remove grass and dirt.

• Do not operate your mower if any partsare defective; discard all defective partsand fit new parts before use.

• Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight tobe sure your mower is in a safe workingcondition.

• Use only Black & Decker recommendedreplacement parts and accessories.

Black & Decker’s policy is one of continuousimprovement to our products and, as such, wereserve the right to change product specificationswithout prior notice.

Double insulationYour mower is double insulated.This means 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 your mower earthed.

Electrical safetyIncreased safety can be obtained by havinga qualified electrician install a high sensitivity(30mA) circuit breaker in the house wiring.If you do not have such a circuit breakerinstalled, or you do not wish to have oneinstalled, then we strongly recommend thatthe electrical power to your mower 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 ofyour mower from the safety instructions andsafe working practices given in this manual.

Electrical safety (UK only)

!

Your mower should always be switched offat the mains before disconnecting any plugand socket connector or extension cables.

Fuse replacementIf your mower is supplied with cable fittedwith a non-re-wireable plug:

• The plug is fitted with a 13 amp fusewhich is the recommended fuse foryour mower.

• Only use replacement fuses which areapproved to BS1362.

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• 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.

Plug replacement• Disconnect the plug from the supply.• Cut off the plug and dispose of

immediately. Insertion of a detatchedplug into a 13 amp socket outlet mayresult in electric shock.

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

• 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 (seebelow). Brown is for “Live” (L) and blue isfor “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.

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

Note: Do not wire an extension cable directlyinto your mower yourself. Instead, take yourmower to your nearest Black & Deckerservice agent.

Features (Fig. A)

A Your purchase of a Black & Decker lawnmowergives you a product combining quality withmodern design and the following features toprovide safe, efficient and easy mowing.

• Lock-off safety switch to preventaccidental starting of your mower.

• A blade brake for added safety. Stopsthe blade rotating within 3 seconds oncethe switchbox lever is released.

• Large handle wing nuts for easyassembly and storage.

• 14 height of cut positions whichprovides the flexibility to deal with mostgrass conditions.

• The height of cut is easily adjusted byrotating the height adjustment knob tothe desired setting. Rotating the knobadjusts all four wheels in one action.

• Your mower has 360º rotating wheelsfor maximum manoeuverability, whichallows cutting right up to the edge ofthe lawn as well as aroundobstructions.

• The rear wheels are lockable to enableaccurate straight-line cutting.

• Tough, durable plastic deck which willnot rust and contributes to low noise andlow vibration.

• Powerful and efficient induction motorwhich gives effective cutting and baggingin all reasonable conditions and a lownoise level as well as low maintenance.

• Ergonomically designed upswept handlefor comfortable use and ease of pushing.

• Easy grassbox removal.

• Cable restraint helps keep the cable outof the way and prevents the cablesocket being accidentally pulled anddisconnected.

Carton contentsThe carton contains:

1 Lawnmower body1 Handle assembly (3 parts)

1 Grassbox assembly (2 parts)

1 Cable restraint

1 Spanner/scraper1 Screwdriver

2 Wing nuts

2 Washers

2 Shaped washers2 Bolts for upper handle

2 Bolts for lower handle

5 Screws for grassbox

1 Wiper (UK only)2 Screws for wiper (UK only)

2 Cable clips

1 Instruction manual

• Carefully unpack all parts.

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ENGLISHAssembling the handle

• Place the mower with its wheels on afirm and level surface.

B1 • Insert the handle bars into the openingsas shown in fig. B1, so that the curvemakes them widen at the top.

• Secure each of the bars with a bolt andshaped washer as shown.Securely tighten the bolt using thespanner supplied.

B2 • Slide the cable restraint onto theU-shaped handle below the blackswitchbox.

B3 • Place the U-shaped upper handle baronto the bars as shown.

B4 • Secure the upper handle bar using thebolts, washers and wing nuts asshown.

• Secure the cables to the handle usingthe cable clips supplied.

Do not use any tools to tighten the wing nuts.

Grassbox assembly (Fig. C)The grassbox comes supplied in two halves.In order to assemble proceed as follows:

C1 • Align the two halves of the grassbox asshown.

• Fit the two halves together with the5 screws, using the screwdriver supplied.

Fitting the grassbox to your mower:

C2 • The spring loaded rear flap is lifted andthe top of the grassbox is placed overthe mounting.

• The rear flap can now be released to lockthe grassbox into position.

Removing the grassbox from your mower:The full grassbox may be removed by raisingthe grassflap, freeing the grassbox from itsmounting and resting it on the lawn. Thegrassflap can be gently lowered, leavingboth hands free to lift the full grassbox.

How to use your mower (Fig. D)Observe all of the relevant warningswhen using your mower.

We recommend the directional method ofoperation to obtain the maximum cuttingperformance from your mower and toreduce the risk of the trailing extension leadfrom entering the cutting path.

D1 • Place the bulk of the supply cable onthe lawn close to the starting point.

To fix the cable to the restraint, proceed asfollows:

• Bring the socket end of the extensioncable from behind and connect it to yourmower plug.

D2 • Form a loop on your extension cableclose to the cable restraint.

• Push the loop through the slot from theopposite side of the restraint hook,position the loop over the hook and pullthe cable back through the slot. Yourcable will now be restrained.

• The extension cable should now fallaway from your mower and behind theoperator, ready for use.

Warning! Do not attempt to operate yourmower with one hand - you must guide itwith both hands.

D3 • Tilt the handle downwards to slightly raisethe front of your mower and to reducethe risk of lawn damage whilst starting,depress the safety lock-off button on theswitchbox and whilst still depressed pullthe switch lever towards you. Yourmower will start and you can now allowthe lock-off button to be released andlower your mower to its proper cuttingposition, and commence cutting usingboth hands to guide it.

• Proceed down the cutting area as shownin Fig. D1 (a), working from position 1towards position 2 and, on reachingposition 2, turn to the right and proceedtowards position 3. Continue to the endof the cutting area, turn to the left andproceed towards position 4. Continue inthe same manner as shown in Fig. D1 (a),always working away from the cable.Do not adopt the method as shown inFig. D1 (b), working towards the cable,as this is dangerous practice.

• Ensure the cable is clear of the mowerwhen manoeuvering around obstructionsor when edging.

Note: Your mower has 360º rotating wheelsfor maximum manoeuverability. The rearwheels can be locked into position forstraight, accurate, cutting as follows:

D4 • Push the mower forwards until all wheelsrotate towards the rear of the mower.

D5 • Pull the locking lever on the left-hand sideof the mower until the ratchet engages.

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D6 • To unlock the wheels push the releasebutton forwards.

D7 • Should the lever fully engage on theratchet, but the rear wheels not lock intoplace, then release the lever, unscrew thecable adjustment by one turn and re-engage the lever and ratchet. Repeatuntil the wheels fully lock into position.

Your mower will continue to operate whilstyou are pulling the switch lever. To stop yourmower release the switch lever.

When you have finished using your mowerwe recommend that you clean all debris fromit before putting it away. Refer to the‘Care and maintenance’ section.

Note: To obtain the best results cut yourlawn or grass area regularly and do not cutwhen the grass is wet.

If, when mowing, loose grass is seen to bescattering from beneath the mower, the grass-bag is probably full and should be emptied.

Overload protection (GF1838 only)The GF1838 is fitted with an internal overloadprotector which will switch off the motor if theunit is being used in excessively long grass ata low height of cut, or if it is being forced intolong grass. If the motor stops in theseconditions there is not a fault with the mower.It should be left to cool for 10 minutes andthen tilted slightly and run without moving for1 to 2 minutes. The height of the cut shouldbe set to maximum and after cutting at thatheight be reduced to the desired level.

Manoeuverability (Fig. E)Your mower has fully rotating wheels andas such is capable of manoeuvering aroundtrees posts and other objects. It also allowsaccurate mowing of contoured features inyour garden like flower beds.

For maximum manoeuverability release therear wheel locking mechanism by pushingthe release button forwards.

When manoeuvering your mower always usethe cable restraint and ensure that the cableis out of the way of the desired cutting area.

Height of cut adjustment (Fig. F)Warning! Disconnect your mower from theelectrical supply before making anyadjustment and give the blade time to stoprotating: the cutting blades are sharp.

F1 • Flip the lever outwards and hold it firmly.• Using the lever, rotate the knob to set

the desired height of cut.• Flip the lever back to lock the knob.

F2 • To produce a stripe on your lawn, first slidethe striping flap in position and fix with the2 screws provided, then adjust the heightof cut to a low position (UK only).

Note: For longer or uneven growth lawns(particularly the first cut of the season) firstuse a higher height setting and then finishwith a second cut to the desired length.

Blade maintenanceThe steel blade is designed to give a fine finish inlong or tough grass. The blade will continue tocut 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 thecutting performance deteriorates, then yourmower may require a new blade, or at leastthe existing blade to be sharpened.

We recommend that the steel blade issharpened or a new blade fitted at thebeginning of each season.

Replacement blades are available fromBlack␣ &␣ Decker service agents.Warning! When fitting a new blade use onlythe Black␣ &␣ Decker replacement partspecified for your mower - do not attempt tofit any other blade.

Fitting a new blade (Fig. G)Observe all the relevant warnings beforechanging the blade.

Warning! Disconnect your mower from theelectrical supply before changing the blade.

G • Turn your mower over on its side sothat the underside of the cutter cover isexposed.

• Using a cloth placed over the blade orheavy duty gloves to protect your hands,grip the blade and, using the spannerprovided, loosen and remove the nutfrom the motor spindle. Turn the nut in ananti-clockwise direction to loosen it.

• The blade can now be replaced and thewasher and bolt reassembled.

Note: Do not remove the impeller for anyreason.Note: Some mowers are fitted with a clutchwasher, between the blade nut and the blade,which must be reassembled at all times.

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

cuts to get a close finish. We recommend that thefirst cut should be taken with the blade set atmaximum height of cut and the second taken with

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it set at medium or close. This will prove to beeasier and give a better overall finish to your lawn.

Care and maintenanceThe advice given in this section covers thegeneral care and maintenance of the mainbody of your mower. Advice relating to theblades is given in “Maintenance of blades”.Warning! Do not use an extension cablewhich shows signs of damage. Fit a newcable completely - do not make anypermanent or temporary repairs.

• Always keep your mower clean and freefrom grass cuttings, especially theunderside of the cutter deck, the airvents and the wheels.

• Check all electrical cables at regularintervals, looking for signs of wear,abrasion or other damage.

• At the end of each cutting session werecommend that the build up of grass onthe underside of the cutter cover isremoved using a blunt scraper.

• Clean all plastic components with adamp cloth.

Caution: Do not use solvents or cleaningfluids as these may damage the plasticcomponents of your mower.

Fault findingIf your mower does not operate correctly,use the following table to locate the problem.Warning! Always disconnect your mowerfrom the electrical supply before carrying outany inspection.

Symptoms Possible cause Remedy

Motor buzzes Blade jammed. Disconnect frombut blade does the electricalnot move. supply. Remove

obstruction fromthe blade.

No noise and Faulty electrical Disconnect fromblade does connection. the electricalnot move. supply.

Plug your mowerinto an alternativecompatibleelectrical supply.

No noise and Faulty electrical Fit a new fuse.blade does connection. Re-tighten andnot move. check all electrical

connections inextension cables.Re-set RCD inaccordancewith instructions.

ENGLISH

Symptoms Possible cause Remedy

No noise and GF1838 only See section onblade does Overload Overloadnot move. protector protection.

activated.

Protecting the environment

Black & Decker provides a facility forrecycling Black & Decker products oncethey have reached the end of their workinglife. This service is provided free of charge.To take advantage of this service pleasereturn your product to any authorised repairagent who will collect them 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 on theInternet at: www.2helpU.com.

GuaranteeBlack & Decker is confident of the quality of itsproducts and offers an outstanding guarantee.This guarantee statement is in addition to and in noway prejudices your statutory rights. The guaranteeis valid within the territories of the Member Statesof the European Union and the European FreeTrade Area.

If a Black & Decker product becomes defective dueto 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 other personsthan authorised repair agents or Black & Deckerservice staff.

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ENGLISH

To claim on the guarantee, you will need to submitproof of purchase to the seller or an authorisedrepair agent. You can check the location of yournearest authorised repair agent by contacting yourlocal Black & Decker office at the address indicatedin this manual. Alternatively, a list of authorisedBlack & Decker repair agents and full details of ourafter-sales service and contacts are available on theInternet at: www.2helpU.com.

Other outdoor toolsBlack & Decker has a full range of outdoor powertools that make life in the garden easy. If you wouldlike further information on the following products,please contact our Service and Information Centre(see the address page towards the end of thismanual) or your local Black & Decker retailer.String trimmersChainsawsCordless shearHedgetrimmersLawnmowersLawnrakersLeafbustersShredders

Not all products are available in all countries.

EC Declaration of Conformity

GF834/GF934/GF1034/GF1234/GF1438/GF1838

Black & Decker declares that these toolsconform to:

98/37/EC, 89/336/EEC, 73/23/EEC,EN 55014, EN 60335, EN 61000,

2000/14/EC, Lawn mower, L ≤ 50 cm,Annex VIII, No. 0086

B.S.I., HP2 4SQ, United Kingdom

Level of sound pressure, measured accordingto 2000/14/EC:

LpA (sound pressure) dB(A) 79LWA (acoustic power) dB(A) 93LWA (guaranteed) dB(A) 96

Hand/arm weighted vibration value according toEN 50144: < 2.5 m/s2

Brian Cooke

Director of EngineeringSpennymoor, County Durham DL16 6JG

United Kingdom1-12-2001

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577625-06

Australia DEWALT Industrial Power Tool Company Tel. 03 9895 92007 Clarice Road Fax 03 9899 7465Box Hill, Victoria 3128

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

South Africa Black & Decker South Africa (Pty) Ltd Tel. (011) 653-1400Physical address: Fax (011) 653-149939 Commerce CrescentEastgate, ext. 12, Sandton, Kramerville 2148Postal address:Postnet Suite 107, Private Bag X65Halfway House 1685

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

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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 law

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erand 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.