Black & Decker GR120 User manual

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English
GR120_UK.P65 09-11-2000, 14:271

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RotaryLawnmower
GR120 User manual
Congratulations!
On your purchase of your Black & Decker rotary
lawnmower.
This user manual provides important operating and
maintenance instructions for all of the non grass
collecting rotary mowers in the Black & Decker
GR120 range.
Know your mower
Read all of this manual carefully, observing all
the recommended safety instructions before,
during and after using your mower, and
maintain your mower in good working order.
Familiarise yourself with the controls on
your mower before attempting to operate
it, but above all, be sure you know how to
stop your mower in an emergency.
Retain this user manual and all other literature
supplied with your mower for future reference.
Safety instructions
Training
•Never allow children or persons who
are unfamiliar with this type of mower to
use it, nor anyone who has not read
this user manual.
Do not allow children, animals
or other persons near your
mower when in use - always
keep them at least 6m (20ft)
away from the cutting area.
•Remember that the operator is
responsible for accidents or hazards
occurring to other people or their property.
•Your mower is designed for use on AC
(mains) electrical supplies only - do not
attempt to use it on any other supply.
•Plug your mower into a power point -
never a lighting socket.
!
•Never carry your mower by the cable or
jerk the cable to seperate the
connectors. Keep the cable away from
heat sources, oils or sharp edges.
Check the condition of your cable
before 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.
•Rubber or man-made footwear will
enhance your safety.
•Do not operate your mower barefoot or
in open sandals.
•Use protective equipment. Wear safety
spectacles or goggles whilst operating
your mower. Use ear protection if the
sound level seems uncomfortable when
using your mower.
•Use a face mask if dusty.
•Wear long trousers to protect your legs
- any debris left on the lawn or cutting
path may be picked up and ejected by
the blades.
•The power supply cable should be
regularly inspected for signs of damage or
ageing, and only used if in good condition.
•Always keep the power supply cable
away from the blades - be aware of its
position at all times.
•Always be sure your mower is in a safe
operating condition.
•Before using your mower, disconnect it
from the electrical supply and visually
check that the blade, blade nut and
cutter assembly are not worn or
damaged. A damaged blade or worn
blade nut is a major hazard and must
be replaced. Also check that the blade
nut is securely fastened.
•Always check that your lawn or cutting
path is clear of all sticks, stones, wire
and other debris. Contact with such
debris may be dangerous or may
damage your mower and could be
thrown by the blade.
Operation
•When tilting the handle downwards (or
to the side) to start your mower, do not
tilt it more than is absolutely necessary.
Always ensure that both hands are in
the operating position and feet are well
away from the blades before returning
your mower to the ground.
Your mower will continue to run
for a short time after releasing
the switch lever. Always allow
your mower to stop on its own.
•Release the switch lever to turn your
mower off and remove the plug from
the mains:
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•Do not use solvents or cleaning fluids to
clean your mower - use a blunt scraper
to remove grass and dirt.
•Always disconnect from the electrical
supply before cleaning.
•Do not operate your mower if any parts
are defective; discard all defective parts
and fit new parts before use.
•Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to
be sure your mower is in a safe working
condition.
•Use only Black & Decker recommended
replacement parts and accessories.
Black & Decker’s policy is one of continuous
improvement to our products and, as such, we
reserve the right to change product specifications
without prior notice.
Double insulation
Your mower is double insulated.
This means that all external metal parts are
electrically isolated from the power supply.
This is achieved by placing an extra
insulation barrier between the electrical and
mechanical parts. Double insulation means
greater electrical safety and obviates the
necessity of having your mower earthed.
Electrical safety (UK only)
!
Your mower should always be switched off
at the mains before disconnecting any plug
and socket connector or extension cables.
Fuse replacement
If your mower is supplied with cable fitted
with a non-re-wireable plug:
•The plug is fitted with a 5 amp fuse
which is the recommended fuse for
your mower.
•Only use replacement fuses which are
approved to BS1362.
•When changing the fuse in your plug,
always ensure the fuse cover is refitted.
If the fuse cover is missing or damaged
do not use the plug.
Note: Fuses do not give personal
protection against electric shock.
•Whenever you leave your mower
unattended.
•Before checking, cleaning, adjusting
or working on your mower.
•Before clearing a blockage.
•If your mower starts to vibrate
abnormally (check immediately).
•After striking a foreign object,
inspect your mower for damage and
make repairs as necessary.
•Never run your mower whilst lying on its
side or attempt to stop the blade -
always allow it to stop on its own.
•Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts.
•Keep clear of discharge openings at all
times.
•Start your mower carefully according to
the instructions and with your feet well
away from the blade.
•Do not use your mower in the rain and
do not allow it to get wet. Avoid using
your mower in wet grass, if possible.
•Use your mower only in daylight or
good artificial light.
•Do not pull your mower towards you or
walk backwards when in operation.
•Do not cross gravel paths or roads
whilst the tines are rotating.
•Always be sure of your footing,
particularly on slopes.
•Always cut across the face of slopes,
never up and down. Exercise extreme
caution when changing direction on
slopes.
•Do not cut excessively steep slopes
and always wear non-slip footwear.
•Check the grassbag (if supplied) for
wear or damage and replace if
necessary. Never use your mower
without the grassbag in place.
•Walk, never run. Do not force your
mower.
•Never pick up or carry your mower
while the motor is running.
•Ensure the blade has stopped rotating
and take extreme care before lifting your
mower for and during transportation.
•Never operate your mower with
defective guards or shields.
Maintenance and storage
•Store your mower in a dry place when
not in use, out of the reach of children.
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Plug replacement
•Disconnect the plug from the supply.
•Cut off the plug and dispose of
immediately. Insertion of a detatched
plug into a 5 amp socket outlet may
result in electric shock.
•Only fit BS1363A approved plugs fitted
with the correctly rated fuse.
•The cable wire colours, or a letter, will
be marked at the connection points of
most good quality plugs. Attach the
wires to their respective points in the
plug (see below). Brown is for “Live” (L)
and blue is for “Neutral” (N).
•Before replacing the top cover of the
mains plug ensure that the cable restraint
is holding the outer sheath on the cable
firmly and that the two leads are correctly
fixed at the terminal screws.
Warning! Never connect live or neutral
wires to the earth pin marked “E” or .
Note: Do not wire an extension cable directly
into your mower yourself. Instead, take your
mower to your nearest Black & Decker
service agent.
Increased safety can be obtained by having
a qualified electrician install a high
sensitivity (30mA) circuit breaker in the
house wiring.
If you do not have such a circuit breaker
installed, or you do not wish to have one
installed, then we strongly recommend that
the electrical power to your mower be
supplied through a high sensitivity residual
current device (RCD). The RCD is designed
to provide a high degree of personal
protection against harmful electric current
should fault conditions occur.
Warning! The use of an RCD or other
circuit breaker unit does not release the
operator of your mower from the safety
instructions and safe working practices
given in this manual.
Handle assembly (Fig. A - E)
ARemove all the parts from the carton and familiarise yourself with the individual parts
of your mower.
The main parts of your mower are your
mower body (1) which houses the motor.
Attached to your mower body are the front
wheels (2) which incorporate adjustment
for the cutting height and the rear roller (3).
Pivot pins are built into your mower body to
accept the handle.
The handle comprises the lower handle
tube (20), the upper handle tube (21),
switch box (22) with switch lever (23) and
safety lock-off button (24), electrical supply
cable (11), the cable clips (12) and the
handle clamp assemblies (25), which each
comprise a wing nut, spacer and bolt.
Note: The electrical supply cable should be
positioned on the right hand side of your
mower when viewed from the operating
position. Ensure that this is not damaged
or twisted before you begin to assemble
your mower.
Assemble the lower handle tube (20) to
your mower body (1), as follows:
B•Compress the lower handle tube (20) and fit oyour mower body (1).
With the lower handle tube (20) in position,
assemble the upper handle tube (21) to it,
as follows:
C•Place the upper handle tube (21) over
the lower handle tube (20), aligning the
holes in the upper handle tube (21) and
the lower handle tube (20).
•Fit a bolt (26) through each hole and fit
a wing nut (27), flat washer and lock
washer to the bolt (26). Tighten each
wing nut with firm pressure only.
Note: Do not use a spanner or other
implement to tighten the wing nuts.
•With the upper and lower handle tubes
assembled, fit the switch box (22) to
the upper handle tube (21), as follows:
Note: The switch box must be positioned
on the right-hand side of your mower.
Ensure that the electrical supply cable (11)
is not twisted.
E•Locate the two pins on the switch box (22) with the holes in the upper handle
tube (21).
•Fit the retaining plate (28) over the
stem of the upper handle tube (21)
and secure in position using the screws
(29) provided.
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Note: Do not overtighten these screws -
light pressure will be sufficient to hold the
switch box in position.
•Finally, using the cable clips (12)
provided, secure the electrical supply
cable (11) to the upper and lower
handle tubes (20 and 21) (Fig. A).
Fitting a new blade (Fig. F & G)
Observe all the relevant warnings before
changing the blade.
Warning! Disconnect your mower from the
electrical supply before changing the blade.
F•The plastic blades are designed for safer mowing and can be used to
maintain grass at the required length -
they are not designed for heavy cutting.
•Assembly of the blades (35) to the
blade carrier (38) is done by placing a
blade onto the metal rivet in direction of
arrow (A) and then pulling the blade in
direction of arrow (B) until it fully snaps
into position. Repeat for second blade.
G•Two cable clips are provided. You may
find assembly of the motor cable to
these clips easier if the cable is
attached to the clips first and then push
the clips onto the handle tubes.
Note: Some mowers are fitted with a
clutch washer, between the blade nut and
the blade, which must be re-assembled at
all times.
Height of cut adjustment (Fig. H)
HThere are three cutting height positions on your mower.
These are selected by loosening the wing-
nuts (36) on the front wheels (2) (Fig. H),
moving the wheels to the required height
position and re-tightening the wing-nuts (36).
Note: The three cutting height settings are
indicated by raised mouldings on the
underside of your mower body (1). Indicator
plates (37), fitted to the rear of the bolts
which pass through each front wheel, are
provided as a guide to set the cutting height
i.e. aligning the pointer on the indicator plate
with the raised mouldings on the underside
of your mower body. Both wheels must be
set to the same height position to achieve a
good finish on your lawn.
The three cutting height positions are
as follows:
•Lowest setting. This is for use on dry
grass less than 38mm (11⁄2inches) in
height, on a flat lawn.
•Medium setting. This is for use on
damp grass or grass between 38 to
65mm
(11⁄2to 21⁄2inches) in height.
•Highest setting. This is for use on damp
grass more than 65mm (21⁄2inches) in
height, or where the lawn is not flat.
For grass more than 76mm (3 inches) high
(i.e. at the beginning of the season) use
your mower for short periods of time, then
allow the motor to run for 2 to 3 minutes
whilst your mower is stationary to allow it to
cool down. If the motor suddenly stops
during use, disconnect the power and
check that the blade carrier is free to rotate
and clean away cuttings if necessary.
How to use your mower (Fig. J & K)
Observe all the relevant warnings when
using your mower.
JWe recommend the directional method of operation to obtain the maximum cutting
performance from your mower and to
reduce the risk of the trailing extension lead
from entering the cutting path.
•Place the bulk of the extension cable
on the lawn close to the starting point
(Fig. J, position 1).
•Hold the handle assembly with
both hands.
Your switch box incorporates a cable
restraint. To fix the cable to the restraint,
proceed as follows.
•Bring the socket end of the extension
cable from behind and connect it to
your mowers plug (not GR120C).
K•Form a loop on your extension cable close to the coupler.
•Push the loop through the slot from the
opposite side of the restraint hook,
position the loop over the hook and
pull the cable back through the slot.
Your cable will now be restrained.
•The extension cable should now fall
away from your mower and behind the
operator, ready for use.
Warning! Do not attempt to operate your
mower with one hand - you must guide it
with both hands.
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•To start your mower press the safety
lock-off button (24) on the switch box
(22) (Fig. A), and whilst still depressed
pull the switch lever (23) towards the
handle. Your mower will start and you
can now allow the lock-off button to be
released and commence cutting.
•Proceed down the cutting area as
shown in Fig. Ja, working from position
1 towards position 2 and, on reaching
position 2, turn to the right and proceed
towards position 3. Continue to the end
of the cutting area, turn to the left,
and proceed towards position 4.
Continue in the same manner as shown
in Fig. Ja, always working away from
the cable. Do not adopt the method as
shown in Fig. Jb, working towards the
cable, as this is dangerous practice.
Your mower will continue to operate whilst
you are depressing the switch lever. To
stop your mower release the switch lever.
When you have finished using your mower
we recommend that you clean all debris
from it before putting it away. Refer to the
“Care and maintenance” section.
Note: To obtain the best results cut your
lawn or grassed area regularly and do not
cut when the grass is wet.
•When cutting over the edge of your
lawn, press downwards on the handle
to stop the overhanging front wheels
dropping over the edge.
•To prolong the effective cutting life of
your blades, clear the lawn area of any
loose debris and stones.
•If, when using the plastic blades, a
blade comes in contact with an object
such as a large stone, the blade is
designed to break safely.
•If this occurs, disconnect from the
electrical supply, remove the remainder
of the broken blade and fit a new one.
If only one blade needs to be
exchanged, compare the length of the
new blade with the remaining blade and
if there is an excessive difference, fit two
new blades.
•If your mower is abnormally noisy
and vibrates, then it is probably due
to one blade being shorter than the
other. New blades are available from
Black & Decker service agents.
Handy hints
•On long grass, above 10cm (4 inches), use two
cuts to get a close finish. We recommend that
the first cut should be taken with the blade set
at maximum height of cut and the second
taken with it set at medium or close. This will
prove to be easier and give a better overall
finish to your lawn.
Care and maintenance
The advice given in this section covers the
general care and maintenance of the main
body of your mower. Advice relating to the
blades is given in “Maintenance of blades”.
Warning! Do not use an extension cable
which shows signs of damage. Fit a new
cable completely - do not make any
permanent or temporary repairs.
•Use the plastic blade system for
maintaining your lawn. Do not use it for
any heavy work.
•Always keep your mower clean and free
from grass cuttings, especially the
underside of the cutter deck and the air
vents.
•Check all electrical cables at regular
intervals, looking for signs of wear,
abrasion or other damage.
•At the end of each cutting session we
recommend that the build up of grass
on the underside of the cutter cover is
removed using a blunt scraper.
•Clean all plastic components with a
damp cloth.
Caution: Do not use solvents or cleaning
fluids as these may damage the plastic
components of your mower.
Fault finding
If your mower does not operate correctly,
use the table below to locate the problem.
Warning! Always disconnect your mower
from the electrical supply before carrying
out any inspection.
Symptoms Possible cause Remedy
Motor buzzes Blade jammed. Disconnect from
but blade does the electrical
not move. supply.
Remove
obstruction from
the blade.
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Symptoms Possible cause Remedy
No noise and Faulty electrical Disconnect from
blade does connection. the electrical
not move. supply.
Plug your mower
. into an alternative
compatible
electrical supply.
Fit a new fuse.
Re-tighten and
check all electrical
connections in
extension cables.
Re-set RCD in
accordance
with instructions.
What to do if your mower needs
repair
For after sales service please refer to the section
‘Lawnmowers & Garden’ within your local
Yellow Pages.
Unwanted products and the
environment
Should you find one day that your mower
needs replacement, or is of no further
use to you, think of the protection of the
environment. Black & Decker service
agents will accept your old mower and will
dispose of it in an environmentally safe way.
Black & Decker lawn and garden
guarantee
This guarantee provides 36 months parts cover
and 12 months labour (UK), 24 months parts
cover and labour (Australia and New Zealand).
In all cases proof of purchase will be required.
lf your Black & Decker mower becomes defective,
within the guarantee period, due to faulty materials
and workmanship, we guarantee to either replace
all defective parts, or at our discretion, replace your
mower free of charge, provided that:
•Your mower is returned to one of our authorised
repair agents with evidence of purchase.
•Your mower has been used within the
parameters of its consumer classification.
•Your mower has not been used for hire purposes.
•Repairs have not been attempted by anyone
other than our authorised repair agents.
•The failure represents normal wear and tear.
This guarantee is offered as an extra benefit and is
additional to your statutory rights.
Our guarantee policy
Failures due to the following are not covered:
•Replacing worn or damaged blades, nylon line
and chains, or cables damaged during storage
or use. These are regarded as replacement
items which wear during normal usage.
•Failures as a result of sudden impact or
obvious abuse.
•Failures due to usage not in accordance with
instructions and recommendations contained in
this manual.
The use of other than genuine Black & Decker
accessories and parts may damage or reduce the
performance of your Black & Decker mower and
may render the guarantee void.
Black & Decker after sales service
(UK, Australia and New Zealand
only)
Black & Decker offers a nationwide network of
authorised service agents. The use of other than
genuine Black & Decker accessories and parts may
damage or reduce the performance of your
Black & Decker product and may also endanger
the user. The terms and conditions of the warranty
may also be effected.
It is our aim that all Black & Decker customers
should be totally satisfied with their Black & Decker
product and after sales service, if help or advice is
needed please contact a local Black & Decker
authorised repair agent who will be happy to help.
Full details of our after sales service can be
obtained from any of our Black & Decker
authorised repair agents.
Other Black & Decker products
(UK only)
Black & Decker has a full range of outdoor power
tools that make life easy in the garden. If you would
like further information on other products, please
contact the Black & Decker Service Information
Centre at the address towards the back of this
manual, or contact your Black & Decker stockist.
Lawnmowers String trimmers
Chainsaws Lawnrakers
Compost shredders Leafbusters
Blade trimmers Cordless brooms
Cordless trimsaws Cordless shrubbers
Cordless shears Hedgetrimmers
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EC Declaration of Conformity
We declare that unit:
GR120
conforms to 98/37/EC, 89/336/EC, 73/23/EC,
EN60335, EN55014, EN61000
A weighted sound pressure 72dB (A)
A weighted sound power 92dB (A)
Hand/arm weighted vibration <2.5m/s2
Brian Cooke
Director of Engineering
Black & Decker Ltd, Spennymoor, County Durham
DL16 6JG United Kingdom
GR120_UK.P65 09-11-2000, 14:278

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836
36
33
41
30
30
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21
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31 - 10 - 2000
E13058/375813-36
www.2helpU.com
GR120C
TYP.
3
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375813 - 36
Australia DEWALT Industrial Power Tool Company Tel. [phone]
7 Clarice Road Fax [phone]
Box Hill, Victoria 3128
New Zealand Black & Decker Tel. [phone]
81 Hugo Johnson Drive Fax [phone]
Penrose, Auckland, New Zealand
South Africa Black & Decker South Africa (Pty) Ltd Tel. [phone]
Physical address: Fax [phone]
146 Lechwe Street
Corporate park
Randjiesfontein, Midrand
Postal address:
Postnet Suite 107, Private Bag X65
Halfway House 1685
United Kingdom Black & Decker Tel. [phone]
210 Bath Road Fax [phone]
Slough, Berkshire SL1 3YD Helpline 01753 574277
GR120_UK.P65 09-11-2000, 14:2710

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Address of the dealer where your lawnmower was purchased: Date of your purchase:
Was your lawnmower a gift? Was your lawnmoweryour first purchase? Was your lawnmower bought as a replacement? What was the price of your lawnmower? Address of the dealer where your lawnmower was purchased:
Name: House number or name and street:
Town: County or state: Postcode:
Country: Product catalogue number: GR120/___
Data protection act: Tick this box if you prefer not to receive information from Black & Decker or other companies.
Yes No
GR120_UK.P65 09-11-2000, 14:2711

375813 - 36
GUARANTEECARD
SouthAfrica:Black& DeckerSouth Africa(Pty) Ltd,Suite no107, PostNetX65, HalfwayHouse 1685
UnitedKingdom &Ireland:POBox821,Slough,Berkshire,SL13AR
Pleasecompletethissectionimmediatelyafterthepurchaseofyourlawnmower
andpostittotheBlack&Deckeraddressinyourcountry(above).
IfyouliveinAustraliaorNewZealand,pleaseregisteryourpurchasebyusing
thealternativeguaranteecard.
GR120_UK.P65 09-11-2000, 14:2712

GR120
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