Maintenance; Switching On And Off - Black & Decker HT500 Instruction Manual

f If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by
the manufacturer or an authorised Black & Decker
Service Centre in order to avoid a hazard.
Assembly
Warning! Before assembly, make sure that the tool is
switched off and unplugged and that the blade sheath is
fitted over the blades.
Fitting the guard (Fig. B)
Locate the guard (4) into the mounting bracket (8).
Push the guard into the bracket until it clicks into place.
Warning! Never use the tool without the guard.
Connecting the tool to the mains (Fig. B)
f Unless the tool is fitted with a mains cable, you will
need to connect an extension cable to the power inlet.
f Connect the female socket of a suitable extension
cable to the power inlet of the tool.
f Loop the cable through the cable restraint (7) as
shown to prevent the extension cable from becoming
detached during use.
f Insert the mains plug into a mains outlet.
Warning! The extension cable must be suitable for
outdoor use. When using a cable reel, always unwind the
cable completely.
USE
Warning! Let the tool work at its own pace. Do not
overload.
Carefully guide the cable in order to avoid accidentally
cutting it. A good way to control the cable is by putting it
over your shoulder.
For your safety, this tool is equipped with a double
switching system. This system prevents starting the tool
inadvertently and will only allow operation while holding
the tool with both hands.

SWITCHING ON AND OFF

Switching on
f Take hold of the front handle (3) with one hand so that
the front handle switch (2) is pushed into the body of
the tool.
f With the other hand, squeeze the trigger switch (1) to
start the tool.
Switching off
Release the handle switch (2) or the trigger switch (1).
Warning! Never attempt to lock a switch in the on
position.
Hints for optimum use
f Start by trimming the top of the hedge. Slightly tilt the
tool (up to 15° relative to the line of cut) so that the
blade tips point slightly towards the hedge (Fig. D1).
This will cause the blades to cut more effectively.
Hold the tool at the desired angle and move it steadily
along the line of cut.
f The double-sided blade allows you to cut in either
direction.
f In order to obtain a very straight cut, stretch a piece
of string along the length of the hedge at the desired
height.
f Use the string as a guideline, cutting just above it.
f In order to obtain flat sides, cut upwards with the
growth.
f Younger stems move outwards when the blade cuts
downwards, causing shallow patches in the hedge
(Fig. D2).
f Take care to avoid any foreign objects. Especially
avoid hard objects such as metal wire and railings, as
these could damage the blades.
f Regularly oil the blades.

MAINTENANCE

Your tool has been designed to operate over a long period
of time with a minimum of maintenance. Continuous
satisfactory operation depends upon proper tool care and
regular cleaning.
Warning! Before performing any maintenance, switch
off and unplug the tool.
f After use, carefully clean the blades. After cleaning,
apply a film of light machine oil to prevent the blades
from rusting.
f Regularly clean the ventilation slots in your tool using
a soft brush or dry cloth.
f Regularly clean the motor housing using a damp cloth.
f Do not use any abrasive or solvent-based cleaner.
f Make sure all switches are free of debris before and
after use.
Removing the guard (Fig. A)
Warning! Remove the guard for servicing purposes
only. Always re-fit the guard after finishing servicing.
f Insert small pins into the holes (9) at either side of the
bracket (8) and pull the guard (4) forward.
f Remove the pins and take the guard off the tool.
ENGLISH • 13