INSTRUCTION MANUAL
pre-wound spools or bulk line in a plastic, sealable bag with a tablespoon of water.
3. Plastic parts may be cleaned by using a mild soap and a damp rag.
4. DO NOT immerse tool in water or squirt it with a hose. DO NOT allow any liquid to get
inside it.
5. Do not store the tool on or adjacent to fertilizers or chemicals.
6. DO NOT clean with a pressure washer.
7. The line cutter on the edge of the guard can dull over time.
SAFETY WAR I GS A D I STRUCTIO S: POLARIZED PLUGS
To reduce the risk of electric shock, this equipment has a polarized plug (one blade is wider
than the other) and will require the use of a polarized extension cord. The appliance plug
will fit into a polarized extension cord only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the
extension cord, reverse the plug. If the plug still does not fit, obtain a correct polarized
extension cord. A polarized extension cord will require the use of a polarized wall outlet.
This plug will fit into the polarized wall outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into
the wall outlet, reverse the plug. If the plug still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to
install the proper wall outlet. Do not change the equipment plug, extension cord receptacle,
or extension cord plug in any way.
SAFETY WAR I GS A D I STRUCTIO S: EXTE SIO CORDS
Make sure your extension cord is in good condition. When using an extension cord, be sure
to use one heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized cord will
cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. The table shows the
correct size to use depending on cord length and nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use
the next heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord. If the
extension will be used outside, the cord must be suitable for outdoor work. The letters “WA”
on the cord jacket indicate that the cord is suitable for outdoor use.
SAVE THESE I STRUCTIO S
ASSEMBLY / ADJUSTME T SET-UP
WAR I G: The guard must always be on the tool to protect the user.
EVER OPERATE TOOL WITHOUT GUARD FIRMLY I PLACE.
U PLUG THE TOOL BEFORE ATTEMPTI G TO ATTACH THE GUARD.
1. Position the open center of the guard over the line feed head (Figure 1).
2. Slide the guard into slot provided and tighten screws (included) down into guard all the
way as shown in Figure 2.
3. The guard is not intended to be removed once installed.
4. Once the guard is installed, remove the covering from the line cut-off blade, located on the
edge of the guard.
5. Adjust the length of the tube by pushing the button and moving the tube up or down as
shown in Figure 8.
6. Secure the extension cord with the cord retainer as shown in Figure 3.
OPERATI G I STRUCTIO S
CAUTIO : ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION
CAUTIO : Inspect area to be trimmed and remove any wire, cord, or string-like objects
which could become entangled in the rotating line or spool. Be particularly careful to avoid any
wire which might be bent outwardly into the path of the tool, such as barbs at the base of a
chain link fence.
• With the unit on, slowly swing the trimmer side to side as shown in Figure 5.
•To convert for maintenance edging, unplug the unit from the power source. Gently pull the
wire edge guide down into place as shown in Figure 7. Push the button and rotate the
tube 180° as shown in Figure 6. The tool will lock in the edger position. Unit is shipped in
the edging position.
• To operate as a maintenance edger, position the trimmer above the surface as shown in
Figure 7.
• Return to the trimming position by unplugging the unit from the power source, pushing the
button and rotating the tube back 180°. The tool will lock in the trimmer position. When
using the tool put up the wire edge guide to the original position, out of the way.
CUTTI G LI E
LI E FEEDI G
Your trimmer uses .080” (2mm) diameter, ROU D nylon line to cut grass and weeds
quickly and easily. During use, the tips of the nylon lines will become frayed and worn
and the special self feeding line hub will automatically feed and trim a fresh length of line.
Cutting line will wear faster and require more feeding if the cutting or edging is done
along sidewalks or other abrasive surfaces or heavier weeds are being cut. The
advanced automatic line feeding mechanism senses when more cutting line is needed
and feeds and trims the correct length of line whenever its required. DO NOT BUMP unit
on ground in attempt to feed line or for any other purposes.
CLEARI G JAMS A D TA GLED LI ES
From time to time, especially when cutting thick or stalky weeds, the line feeding hub
may become clogged with sap or other material and the line will become jammed as a
result. To clear the jam, follow the steps listed below.
1. Unplug the trimmer.
2. Press the release tabs on the line hub cap, as shown in Figure 9 and remove the cap by
pulling it straight off.
3. Pull the nylon line spool out and clear any broken line or cutting debris from the spool
area. (YOU DO NOT HAVE TO REMOVE THE CENTER SCREW TO REMOVE THE
SPOOL).
4. Place spool and line into spool housing with lines “parked” in slots provided as shown in
Figure 10.
5. Insert the line end through the appropriate holes in the spool hub. Pull slack line through
until it pulls out of the holding slots as shown in Figure 11.
6. Press the spool down GENTLY and rotate it until you feel it drop into place and then
push to snap into place. (When in place, the spool will turn a few degrees left and right
freely). Take care to keep the line from becoming trapped under the spool.
7. Snap the hub cap back on as shown in Figure 12 by depressing lugs and pressing into
spool housing. OTE: Make sure that cover is fully positioned, listen for two audible
clicks to ensure both lugs are correctly located. Power the tool on. In a few seconds or
less you’ll hear the nylon line being cut automatically to the proper length.
SPOOL OR LI E REPLACEME T (Use .080” diameter ROU D line only)
1. Unplug the trimmer. Press the release tabs on the line hub cap, as shown in Figure 9
and remove the cap by pulling it straight off.
2. Remove the spool from the tool and remove and discard all line on the spool.
3. Choose either OPTIO 1 or OPTIO 2.
OPTIO 1: ACCESSORY REPLACEME T SPOOL
Use Black & Decker replacement spool Model No. DF-080. Install following instructions
under “ SPOOL OR LINE REPLACEMENT“ #1 through #6, discarding old spool for Step 3
and using new spool in subsequent steps.
OPTIO 2: REWI DI G SPOOL USI G BULK LI E
Bulk line for your trimmer/edger is available at extra cost from your local dealer or
Black & Decker Service Center. Install following instructions under “SPOOL OR LINE
REPLACEMENT” #1 through #6, performing the following steps for Step 3.
(Use .080” diameter ROU D line only)
WAR I G: IMPORTA T SAFETY WAR I GS A D I STRUCTIO S
TO REDUCE RISK OF I JURY:
• Before any use, be sure everyone using this tool reads and understands all safety
instructions and other information contained in this manual.
• Save these instructions and review frequently prior to use and in instructing others.
CAUTIO : Failure to comply with the recommendations outlined in the key information
section will void warranty.
WAR I G: When using electric gardening appliances, basic safety precautions should
always be followed to reduce risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury, including the
following:
WAR I G: Some dust created by this product contains chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples
of these chemicals are: • compounds in fertilizers
• compounds in insecticides, herbicides and pesticides
• arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber
To reduce your exposure to these chemicals, wear approved safety equipment such as
dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.
WAR I G: This product contains chemicals, including lead, known to the State of
California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.
CAUTIO : Wear appropriate personal hearing protection during use. Under some
conditions and duration of use, noise from this product may contribute to hearing loss.
READ A D U DERSTA D ALL I STRUCTIO S BEFORE USI G.
GE ERAL SAFETY WAR I GS A D I STRUCTIO S FOR ALL
TOOLS
•ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTIO – Wear safety spectacles or goggles at all times
when this tool is plugged in.
•GUARD – Do not use this tool without guard attached.
•DRESS PROPERLY – Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can be caught in
moving parts. Rubber gloves and substantial rubber soled footwear are recommended
when working outdoors. Don’t operate the tool when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Wear long pants to protect your legs. Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.
•YLO LI E – Keep face, hands and feet clear of rotating nylon line at all times.
•THE ROTATI G LI E PERFORMS A CUTTI G FU CTIO – Use care when trimming
around screens and desirable plantings.
•KEEP ALL BY-STA DERS AWAY – at a safe distance from work area, especially
children.
•IMPORTA T WAR I G – When being used as an Edger, stones, pieces of metal and
other objects can be thrown out at high speed by the line. The tool and guard are
designed to reduce the danger. However, the following special precautions should be
taken:
• MAKE SURE that other persons and pets are at least 100 feet (30m) away.
• TO REDUCE THE RISK of rebound (ricochet) injury, work going away from any nearby
solid object such as wall, steps, large stone, tree, etc. Use great care when working close
to solid objects and where necessary, do edging or trimming by hand.
•AVOID ACCIDE TALLY STARTI G – Don’t carry plugged-in tool with finger on trigger.
•DO OT FORCE THE TOOL – at a rate faster than the rate at which it is able to cut
effectively.
•USE THE RIGHT TOOL – Do not use this tool for any job except that for which it is
intended.
•DO ’T OVERREACH – Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
•DO ’T ABUSE CORD – Don’t yank cord from power supply. Keep cord from heat, oil, and
sharp edges.
•DAMAGE TO U IT – If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop tool
immediately, unplug, check for damage and have any damage repaired before further
operation is attempted. Do not operate with a broken hub or spool.
•DAMAGE TO CORD – Keep power cord away from rotating line. If you damage the cord,
unplug it from the power supply before moving the tool or examining the damage. A
damaged cord must be replaced before further use.
•DISCO ECT TOOL – when not in use, when replacing line, or prior to cleaning.
•AVOID DA GEROUS E VIRO ME TAL CO DITIO S – Do not use electric tools in
damp or wet locations. Follow all instructions in this Instruction Manual for proper
operation of your tool. Don’t use the tool in the rain.
•DO OT OPERATE portable electric tools in gaseous or explosive atmospheres. Motors
in these tools normally spark, and the sparks might ignite fumes.
•STORE IDLE TOOLS I DOORS – When not in use, tools should be stored indoors in a
dry, locked-up place out of reach of children.
•GROU D FAULT CIRCUIT I TERRUPTER (GFCI) protection should be provided on the
circuits or outlets to be used for the gardening appliance. Receptacles are available
having built in GFCI protection and may be used for this measure of protection.
•SECURE EXTE SIO CORD using the cord retainer shown in Figure 3.
•STAY ALERT – Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do not operate tool when
you are tired.
•MAI TAI APPLIA CES WITH CARE – Follow instructions in maintenance section.
Inspect extension cords periodically and replace if damaged. Keep handles dry, clean and
free from oil and grease.
•CHECK DAMAGED PARTS – Before further use of the appliance, a guard or other part
that is damaged should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and
perform its intended function. Check for alignment of moving parts, binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts, mounting, and any other condition that may affect its operation. A
guard or other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by an author-
ized service center unless otherwise indicated elsewhere in this manual.
WAR I G: When servicing double insulated tools, USE ONLY IDENTICAL
REPLACEMENT PARTS. Replace or repair damaged cords.
WAR I G: To prevent electrical shock hazard, use only with an extension cord
suitable for outdoor use. Always connect extension cords to a fused line or one protected
by a circuit breaker.
ADDITIO AL WAR I GS FOR STRI G TRIMMERS
1. Keep the air intake slots (Figure 13) clean to avoid overheating.
2. Your trimmer line can dry out over time. To keep your line in top condition, store spare
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
KEY I FORMATIO YOU SHOULD K OW:
• The guard must be installed before trimming or edging - if not, the motor
will overheat.
•When replacing the line, use only .080” diameter ROU D line - otherwise
the unit will not function properly.
• Do not bump the feed head against the ground - it will disrupt the feed
mechanism.
• Angle tool slightly (5
° to 10°) when trimming.
• Always use the cord retainer and the extension cord lock feature. Minimum Gage for Cord Sets
Volts Total Length of Cord in Feet
120V 0-25 26-50 51-100 101-150
220V 0-50 51-100 101-200 201-300
Ampere Rating
More Not more American Wire Gage
Than Than
0- 6 18 16 16 14
6- 10 18 16 14 12
10- 12 16 16 14 12
12- 16 14 12 Not Recommended
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