Using An Extension Cable; Operating The Trimmer - Black & Decker MTE550 Instruction Manual

18 • ENGLISH

USING AN EXTENSION CABLE

Always use an approved extension cable suitable for the
power input of this tool (see technical data). The extension
cable must be suitable for outdoor use and marked
accordingly. Up to 30 m of 1.5 mm2 HO5VV-F extension
cable can be used without loss of product performance.
Before use, inspect the extension cable for signs of
damage, wear and ageing. Replace the extension cable
if damaged or defective. When using a cable reel, always
unwind the cable completely.
ASSEMBLY
Warning! Before assembly, make sure that the tool is
switched off and unplugged.
itting the guard (Fig. B y C)
f Turn the trimmer upside down so that you are looking
down at the spool (9).
f Remove the screw from the guard with a phillips
screwdriver (not supplied).
f Turn the guard (8) upside down and slide it fully onto
the motor housing (6). Make sure the tabs (10) on the
guard engage the ribs (11) on the motor housing as
shown in Fig. B. The locking tab (25) should have
snapped into the housing slot (26).
f Continue to slide the guard on until you hear it "snap"
into place.
f Insert the guard screw and tighten securely as shown
in Fig. C, to complete the guard assembly.
f Once the guard is installed, remove the covering from
the line cut-off blade, located on the edge of the
guard.
Warning! Never use the tool unless the guard is properly
fitted and firmly in place.
Attaching the auxiliary handle (Fig. D, E y F)
f To attach the handle (4), press in on the buttons (12)
on both sides of the upper housing as shown in Fig. D.
f Position the handle as shown in Fig. E, matching up
the grooved side of the handle with the grooved
button. Partially push the handle on so that it will hold
the buttons in when you release them with your hand.
f Push the handle completely onto the housing and
position it slightly until it "snaps" into place (Fig. F).
f To adjust the handle up or down, press in on the
button (13) and raise or lower the handle.
f The handle should be adjusted so that your front arm
is straight when the trimmer is in the working position.
Height adjustment (Fig. G)
f The overall height of the trimmer can be adjusted by
loosening the collar (5) and rotating it in the direction
of the arrow shown in Fig. G.
f Move the upper housing straight up or down. When
the desired height is achieved, tighten the collar by
rotating it opposite of the direction shown in Fig. G.
Attaching extension cord (Fig. H)
An extension cord retaine (2) is built into the switch handle
that prevents the cord from coming unplugged.
f To use this feature, simply double the extension cord
about 203mm from the end, and insert it into the slot
(14) in the end of the handle area as shown in Fig. H.
f Hook the loop formed by doubling the cord over the
tab (2). Gently tug on the cord to insure that it is firmly
retained in the trimmer's handle.
f Plug the receptacle end of the extension cord into the
power cord plug (3) in the trimmer.
Releasing the cutting line
In transit, the cutting line is taped to the spool housing.
Warning! Before assembly, disconnect from the power
supply.
f Remove the tape holding the cutting line to the spool
housing.
f See "Replacing the Spool" for instructions for removing
the spool.
Correct hand position
Proper hand position requires one hand on the main
handle and one hand on the auxiliary handle (4).
Switching on and off
o switch the trimmer on, squeeze the trigger switch (1). To
switch the trimmer off, release the trigger switch.

OPERATING THE TRIMMER

f With the unit on, angle slowly swing the trimmer side
to side as shown in Fig. I.
f Maintain a cutting angle of 5° to 10° as shown in Fig.
K. Do not exceed 10° (Fig. K). Cut with the tip of the
line. To keep distance from hard surfaces use edge
wheel (7).
f Maintain a minimum distance of 600mm between the
guard and your feet as shown in Fig. J. To acheive
this distance adjust the overall height of the trimmer
as shown in Fig. G.
Convert to edging mode (Fig. L)
The trimmer can be used in trimming mode or edging
mode to trim overhanging grass along lawn edges and
flower beds.
Warning! Disconnect the plug from the power source
before making any adjustments.
Warning! When being used as an Edger, stones, pieces
of metal and other objects can be thrown out at high speed
by the line. The trimmer and guard are designed to reduce
the danger. However, MAKE SURE that other persons and
pets are at least 30m away.
f To operate as a maintenance edger, turn the collar (5)
as shown in Fig. L.