Black & Decker GF834 User Manual page 10

D6
• To unlock the wheels push the release
button forwards.
D7
• 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 grass area regularly and do not cut
when the grass is wet.
If, when mowing, loose grass is seen to be
scattering from beneath the mower, the grass-
bag is probably full and should be emptied.
Overload protection (GF1838 only)
The GF1838 is fitted with an internal overload
protector which will switch off the motor if the
unit is being used in excessively long grass at
a low height of cut, or if it is being forced into
long grass. If the motor stops in these
conditions there is not a fault with the mower.
It should be left to cool for 10 minutes and
then tilted slightly and run without moving for
1 to 2 minutes. The height of the cut should
be set to maximum and after cutting at that
height be reduced to the desired level.
Manoeuverability (Fig. E)
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.
When manoeuvering your mower always use
the cable restraint and ensure that the cable
is out of the way of the desired cutting area.
Height of cut adjustment (Fig. F)
Warning! Disconnect your mower from the
electrical supply 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.
6
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.
Blade maintenance
The steel blade is designed to give a fine finish in
long or tough grass. The blade will continue to
cut even when it has become blunt or burred.
There is no need for it to be razor sharp.
If, however, because of damage or wear the
cutting performance deteriorates, then your
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 each season.
Replacement blades are available from
Black & Decker service agents.
Warning! When fitting a new blade use only
the Black & Decker replacement part
specified for your mower - do not attempt to
fit any other blade.
Fitting a new blade (Fig. G)
Observe all the relevant warnings before
changing the blade.
Warning! Disconnect your mower from the
electrical supply before changing the blade.
G • Turn your mower over on its side so
that the underside of the cutter cover is
exposed.
• Using a cloth placed over the blade or
heavy duty gloves to protect your hands,
grip the blade and, using the spanner
provided, loosen and remove the nut
from the motor spindle. Turn the nut in an
anti-clockwise direction to loosen it.
• The blade can now be replaced and the
washer and bolt reassembled.
Note: Do not remove the impeller for any
reason.
Note: Some mowers are fitted with a clutch
washer, between the blade nut and the blade,
which must be reassembled at all times.
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