Black & Decker GFC1234 Manual page 10

Warning! Always remove the safety key
from mower when leaving it unattended,
even for a short period of time.
•
Your safety key will be found in the
parts pack (plus one spare fuse).
Starting
•
Insert the safety key into position and
push fully home.
•
E1
Tilt the handle downwards to slightly raise
the front of your mower and to reduce
the risk of lawn damage whilst starting,
depress the safety lock-off button on the
switchbox and whilst still depressed pull
the switch lever towards you. Your
mower will start and you can now allow
the lock-off button to be released and
lower your mower to its proper cutting
position, and commence cutting using
both hands to guide it.
•
To turn the mower off, just release the
lever. The spring-loaded "snap-action"
lever will relocate itself back into its original
position inside the switch housing.
Note: Your mower has 360º rotating wheels
for maximum manoeuverability. The rear
wheels can be locked into position for
straight, accurate, cutting as follows:
•
E2
Push the mower forwards until all the
wheels rotate towards the rear of the
mower.
•
E3
Pull the locking lever on the left-hand side
of the mower until the ratchet engages.
•
E4 To unlock the wheels push the release
button forwards.
•
E5
Should the lever fully engage on the
ratchet, but the rear wheels not lock into
place, then release the lever, unscrew the
cable adjustment by one turn and re-
engage the lever and ratchet. Repeat
until the wheels fully lock into position.
Your mower will continue to operate whilst
you are pulling 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.
If, when mowing, loose grass is seen to be
scattered from beneath the mower, the grass-
bag is probably full and should be emptied.
6
Manoeuverability (Fig. D)
Your mower has fully rotating wheels and
as such is capable of manoeuvering around
trees posts and other objects. It also allows
accurate mowing of contoured features in
your garden like flower beds.
For maximum manoeuverability release the
rear wheel locking mechanism by pushing
the release button forwards.
Height of cut adjustment (Fig. F)
Warning! Remove the safety key before making
any adjustment and give the blade time to stop
rotating: 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 slide
the striping flap in position and fix with the
2 screws provided, then adjust the height
of cut to a low position (UK only).
Note: For longer or uneven growth lawns
(particularly the first cut of the season) first
use a higher height setting and then finish
with a second cut to the desired length.
Maintenance of blades
The steel blade is designed to give a fine
finish in long or tough grass.
If, however, because of damage or wear
the cutting performance deteriorates, then
the mower may require a new blade, or at
least the existing blade to be sharpened.
We recommend that the steel blade is
sharpened or a new blade fitted at the
beginning of the season.
Replacement blades are available from
Black & Decker dealers and service centres.
Warning! When fitting a new blade use
only the Black & Decker replacement part
specified for your machine - do not attempt
to fit any other blade.
Fitting new blade (Fig. G)
Observe all the relevant warnings before
changing the blade.
Warning! Remove safety key before
changing the blade.
•
G
Turn your mower over on its side so
that the underside of the cutter cover is
exposed.