Black Decker Lawn Mower GX302 User Manual

English  
®
Whenever you leave your mower  
unattended.  
ENGLISH  
Before checking, cleaning, adjusting  
or working on your mower.  
Before clearing a blockage.  
If your mower starts to vibrate  
abnormally (check immediately).  
Do not use solvents or cleaning fluids to  
clean your mower - use a blunt scraper  
to remove grass and dirt.  
After striking a foreign object, inspect  
your mower for damage and make  
repairs as necessary.  
Always disconnect from the electrical  
supply before cleaning.  
Never run your mower whilst lying on its  
side or attempt to stop the blade -  
always allow it to stop on its own.  
Do not operate your mower if any parts  
are defective; discard all defective parts  
and fit new parts before use.  
Do not put hands or feet near or under  
rotating parts.  
Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to  
be sure your mower is in a safe working  
condition.  
Keep clear of discharge openings at all  
times.  
Use only Black & Decker recommended  
replacement parts and accessories.  
Start your mower carefully according to  
the instructions and with your feet well  
away from the blade.  
Black & Decker’s policy is one of continuous  
improvement to our products and, as such, we  
reserve the right to change product specifications  
without prior notice.  
Do not use your mower in the rain and  
do not allow it to get wet. Avoid using  
your mower in wet grass, if possible.  
Use your mower only in daylight or good  
artificial light.  
Double insulation  
Do not pull your mower towards you or  
walk backwards when in operation.  
Your mower is double insulated.  
This means that all external metal parts are  
electrically isolated from the power supply.  
This is achieved by placing an extra  
insulation barrier between the electrical and  
mechanical parts. Double insulation means  
greater electrical safety and obviates the  
necessity of having your mower earthed.  
Do not cross gravel paths or roads whilst  
the tines are rotating.  
Always be sure of your footing,  
particularly on slopes.  
Always cut across the face of slopes, never  
up and down. Exercise extreme caution  
when changing direction on slopes.  
Do not cut excessively steep slopes and  
always wear non-slip footwear.  
Electrical safety (UK only)  
Your mower should always be switched off  
Check the grassbag (if supplied) for wear  
or damage and replace if necessary.  
Never use your mower without the  
grassbag in place.  
at the mains before disconnecting any plug  
and socket connector or extension cables.  
!
Fuse replacement  
If your mower is supplied with cable fitted  
with a non-re-wireable plug:  
Walk, never run. Do not force your mower.  
Never pick up or carry your mower while  
the motor is running.  
The plug is fitted with a 13 amp fuse  
which is the recommended fuse for  
your mower.  
Ensure the blade has stopped rotating  
and take extreme care before lifting your  
mower for and during transportation.  
Only use replacement fuses which are  
approved to BS1362.  
Never operate your mower with defective  
guards or shields.  
When changing the fuse in your plug,  
always ensure the fuse cover is refitted.  
If the fuse cover is missing or damaged  
do not use the plug.  
Maintenance and storage  
Store your mower in a dry place when  
not in use, out of the reach of children.  
3
Note: Fuses do not give personal protection  
against electric shock.  
Handle assembly (Fig. A - D)  
Remove all the parts from the carton and  
Plug replacement  
A
familiarise yourself with the individual parts of  
your mower.  
Disconnect the plug from the supply.  
The main parts of your mower are your  
mower body (1) which comprises the cutter  
cover (2), motor cover (3), air vent shroud (5),  
pivot blocks (6) and pivot pins (8).  
Cut off the plug and dispose of  
immediately. Insertion of a detatched  
plug into a 13 amp socket outlet may  
result in electric shock.  
The handle (10) comprises the lower handle  
(11), the upper handle (12), switch box (13)  
with switch lever (14) and safety lock-off  
switch (15), electrical supply cable (16), the  
cable clips (17), and the handle clamp  
assemblies (18) which each comprise a wing  
nut, washer and bolt.  
Only fit BS1363A approved plugs fitted  
with the correctly rated fuse.  
The cable wire colours, or a letter, will be  
marked at the connection points of most  
good quality plugs. Attach the wires to  
their respective points in the plug (see  
below). Brown is for “Live” (L) and blue is  
for “Neutral” (N).  
Note: The electrical supply cable should be  
positioned on the right-hand side of your  
mower when viewed from the operating  
position. Ensure that this is not damaged  
or twisted before you begin to assemble  
your mower.  
Before replacing the top cover of the  
mains plug ensure that the cable restraint  
is holding the outer sheath on the cable  
firmly and that the two leads are correctly  
fixed at the terminal screws.  
Assemble the lower handle to your mower  
body, as follows:  
Fit the  
recommended  
fuse  
Fit a  
BS1363A  
approved  
plug  
Place the lower handle (11) into the pivot  
blocks (6) on the cutter cover (2).  
B
C
Note: It will be necessary to tilt the lower  
handle towards the rear of your mower to  
allow pivot pins (8) to fit correctly.  
Connect blue  
to N (neutral)  
Connect brown  
to L (live)  
Fit the pivot pins (8) through the holes in  
the pivot block flanges (6) and through  
the holes in the lugs on the lower  
handle (11).  
Make sure that the  
outer sheath of the  
cable is held firmly  
by the clamp  
240 volts AC only.  
Never use a light  
socket  
Using a mallet, or similar tool, tap the  
pivot pin (8) through the inner part of the  
pivot block (6). The hooks on the end of  
the pivot pin will click into position behind  
the inner wall, retaining it in position.  
Warning! Never connect live or neutral wires  
to the earth pin marked “E” or  
.
!
!
Note: Do not wire an extension cable directly  
into your mower yourself. Instead, take your  
mower to your nearest Black & Decker  
service agent.  
Repeat the process on the other side.  
With the lower handle in position, assemble  
the upper handle, as follows:  
Place the upper handle (12) over the  
lower handle (11). Ensure the upper bend  
is as shown in Fig. A.  
Increased safety can be obtained by having  
a qualified electrician install a high sensitivity  
(30mA) circuit breaker in the house wiring.  
If you do not have such a circuit breaker  
installed, or you do not wish to have one  
installed, then we strongly recommend that  
the electrical power to your mower be  
supplied through a high sensitivity residual  
current device (RCD). The RCD is designed  
to provide a high degree of personal  
Align the holes in both the upper and  
lower handles and fit a bolt (20) through  
each hole. Fit a washer (21) to each bolt  
and fit the wing nuts (22) on to the bolts.  
Tighten each one with hand pressure only.  
Note: Do not use a spanner or other  
implement to tighten the wing nuts.  
protection against harmful electric current  
should fault conditions occur.  
With the upper and lower handles  
assembled, fit the switch box to the upper  
handle, as follows:  
Warning! The use of an RCD or other circuit  
breaker unit does not release the operator of  
your mower from the safety instructions and  
safe working practices given in this manual.  
Note: The switch box must be positioned on  
the right-hand side of your mower.  
4
Ensure that the electrical supply cable is  
not twisted before you begin to assemble  
the handle.  
ENGLISH  
Locate the two pins on the switch box (13)  
with the holes in the upper handle (12).  
D
Fit the retaining plate (23) over the stem  
of the handle (12) ans secure in position  
using the two screws (24) provided.  
Ensure your mower is disconnected from  
the mains supply.  
Place the handle assembly into position  
3 (see “Handle operation”).  
Note: Do not overtighten these screws - light  
pressure will be sufficient to hold the switch  
box in position.  
Turn your mower over onto its side so  
that the underside of the cutter cover  
is exposed.  
Finally, secure the electrical supply cable  
to the lower handle using the cable clip  
(17) supplied.  
Using a cloth placed over the blades or  
heavy duty gloves to protect your hands,  
grip the blade and, using the spanner  
provided, loosen and remove the nut  
(21) from the motor spindle. Turn the nut  
in anti-clockwise direction to loosen it.  
Handle operation (Fig. E)  
The handle has three positions, two storage  
E
(park) positions and one operating position.  
Positions 1 and 3 in Fig. E are the storage  
(park) positions and F is the operating range.  
Note: If the plastic blade cutting system is  
fitted then it will be necessary to grip the  
blade carrier (25) firmly to prevent it from  
turning (Fig. F).  
For storage purposes, the handle assembly  
can be set to position 2 or 3, as follows:  
Remove the blade nut, white washer  
(26) (if supplied), spacers and blade  
(21-24) and re-assemble to give the cut  
height required, showing the 6 cut  
heights available.  
With the handle in its working range F,  
pivot the handle downwards until it  
contacts the stops on the end of the  
handle tube. This is the park position  
2 for the handle.  
G
Once the cut height is selected,  
re-assemble the blade, ensuring the  
cutter blade (23) is assembled with the  
cutting tips downwards as shown in  
Fig. F and ensure the white washer  
(26) is fitted to the blade nut.  
The handle can be moved to a park  
position 3. Push the handle upwards in  
the working range F, to the top position  
1. Pull the handle upwards. While still  
pulling the handle upwards, pivot the  
handle down towards the ground to  
position 3.  
Ensure the blade nut (21) is tight.  
Note: Your mower is supplied with the blade  
height in position E (Fig. G).  
Height of cut adjustment (Fig. F & G)  
Always re-fit 3 spacers and never fit more  
or your mower will become unsafe.  
Your mower employs a manual method of  
F
height of cut adjustment. The method  
involves changing the arrangement of the  
spacers fitted between the impeller and the  
blade, and applies to mowers fitted with the  
steel or plastic blade cutting systems which  
can be purchased as an accessory.  
Carrying your mower  
Disconnect your mower from the mains.  
Remove the grassbox (if fitted), lower the handle to  
the flat “park” position and then, holding one handle  
near the pivot block and carry with the blade pointing  
away from you.  
The following procedure assumes that the  
steel blade is fitted. If the plastic blade  
cutting system is fitted then take blade to  
mean blade carrier. The blade carrier (25) is  
shown in Fig. F.  
How to use your mower (Fig. H & J)  
The procedure for adjusting the height of cut  
is as follows:  
Observe all the relevant warnings when  
using your mower.  
!
Caution: The plastic blade cutting system has  
been designed to maintain lawns at a fixed  
length, not for cutting long grass. We strongly  
recommend that you use the steel blade to  
cut your grass to the required length, then  
use the plastic blade to maintain that length.  
We recommend the directional method of  
operation to obtain maximum cutting  
performance from your mower and to reduce  
the risk of the trailing extension lead from  
entering the cutting path.  
5
Place the bulk of the extension cable  
on the lawn close to the starting point  
(Fig. Ja position 1).  
Note: To obtain the best results cut your  
lawn or grassed area regularly and do not  
cut when the grass is wet.  
Your switch box incorporates a cable  
restraint. To fix the cable to the restraint,  
proceed as follows:  
Changing to the plastic blade system  
(Fig. K)  
Bring the socket end of the extension  
cable from behind and connect it to your  
mower plug.  
A plastic cutter blade system can be  
purchased as an accessory for your mower.  
This system comprises a blade carrier and a  
number of blades.  
Form a loop on your extension cable  
close to the switchbox.  
H
The steel blade is designed to give a fine  
finish in long or tough grass.  
Push the loop through the slot from  
the opposite side of the restraint hook,  
position the loop over the hook and  
pull the cable back through the slot.  
Your cable will now be restrained.  
The plastic blade system can be used for  
safer cutting in normal conditions. It should  
not be used to cut tough or long grass as  
the plastic blades are not designed for  
this purpose.  
The extension cable should now fall  
away from your mower and behind the  
operator, ready for use.  
To remove the steel blade and to fit the  
plastic blade system, proceed as follows:  
Warning! Do not attempt to operate your  
mower with one hand - you must guide it  
with both hands.  
Warning! Disconnect your mower from the  
!
electrical supply before fitting the plastic  
blade system.  
!
Lift the handle up to release it from the  
park position.  
Remove the steel blade as described in  
“Height of cut adjustment” but retain the  
two thicker spacers and the nut.  
Tilt the unit slightly on its side to reduce  
the risk of lawn damage whilst starting,  
depress the safety lock-off button (15)  
on the switchbox (13) (Fig. D), and whilst  
still depressed pull the switch lever (14)  
towards you. Your mower will start, and  
you can now allow it to return to its  
proper cutting position, and commence  
cutting.  
If you wish to alter the height of cut  
whilst fitting the plastic blade system  
then follow the instructions given in  
“Height of cut adjustment”.  
Using a damp cloth, clean the contact  
faces of the spacer rings, removing any  
grass or debris.  
Proceed down the cutting area as  
shown in Fig. Ja, working from position  
1 towards position 2 and, on reaching  
position 2, turn to the right and proceed  
towards position 3. Continue to the end  
of the cutting area, turn to the left, and  
proceed towards position 4. Continue in  
the same manner as shown in Fig. Ja,  
always working away from the cable.  
Do not adopt the method shown in  
Fig. Jb, working towards the cable,  
as this can be dangerous.  
Fit any spacers necessary to give the  
correct height adjustment, fit the blade  
carrier (25) on to the motor spindle with  
the ribbed face towards the impeller,  
fit any remaining spacers and fit the nut.  
Use a cloth or wear a heavy duty glove  
to prevent the blade carrier from turning  
and tighten the nut with the spanner  
provided.  
J
Note: Instructions on how to fit the blade  
carrier to your mower are also given on a  
label on the blade carrier.  
Your mower will continue to operate whilst  
you are pressing the switch lever. If you  
release it for any reason you will not be able  
to press it again until you have pressed the  
safety lock-off switch on the switch box.  
This feature prevents accidental restart.  
Attach two plastic blades (30) to the  
blade carrier (25), by placing one blade  
on each blade pivot (31) and pull the  
blades outwards so that they are locked  
into position.  
K
Your mower is now ready for use.  
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.  
6
Overload protection  
Your mower is fitted with overload protection.  
The reset button (33) can be found on the switch box  
(Fig. A).  
ENGLISH  
If you work too quickly in long grass, or in heavy  
cutting conditions, you may overload the motor.  
This will be indicated by a significant drop in speed,  
and eventually the overload protection will operate.  
This is not a fault but a safety device to protect  
your mower.  
Fitting a new blade  
Observe all the relevant warnings before  
changing blades.  
!
Details on the fitment of new steel blades are  
given in “Cut height adjustment”. Details on  
the fitment of new plastic blades are given in  
“Changing to the plastic blade system”.  
When this occurs, release the switch and wait for  
2 to 3 minutes to allow the motor to cool, then press  
the reset button (33) and restart by operating the  
switch lever.  
If the cut-out operates again within 10 minutes you  
should increase the height of cut (see “Height of cut  
adjustment”) and walk more slowly.  
Handy hints  
Before starting your mower on grass always tilt it  
to one side slightly and allow it to run up to  
maximum speed before commencing to cut the  
grass. This will maximise the hover effect and will  
prevent the blades from digging into the grass.  
Severe overloading may result in a longer delay on  
restarting. In such cases, after resetting, you should  
allow the motor to cool.  
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 it set at medium or close. This will prove to  
be easier and give a better overall finish to  
your lawn.  
Blade maintenance  
Steel blades  
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.  
Care and maintenance  
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.  
The advice given in this section covers the  
general care and maintenance of the main  
body of your mower. Advice relating to the  
blades is given in “Maintenance of blades”.  
We recommend that the steel blade is  
sharpened or a new blade fitted at the  
beginning of each season.  
Warning! Do not use a cable which  
shows signs of damage. Fit a new cable  
completely - do not make any permanent or  
temporary repairs.  
!
Plastic blades  
Plastic blades will wear during use. This type  
of blade cannot be sharpened and should be  
discarded and new blades fitted when worn.  
Always keep your mower clean and free  
from grass cuttings, especially the  
underside of the cutter cover and the air  
vents.  
Note: Plastic blades should be replaced in  
pairs, not singly.  
Check all electrical cables at regular  
intervals, looking for signs of wear,  
abrasion or other damage.  
A number of spare blades are supplied with  
the plastic blade cutting system when  
purchased separately.  
At the end of each cutting session we  
recommend that the build up of grass on  
the underside of the cutter cover is  
removed using a blunt scraper or the  
spanner supplied.  
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.  
!
Remove grass cuttings from the slot  
between the pivot block flanges.  
Clean all plastic components with a  
damp cloth.  
7
Caution: Do not use solvents or cleaning  
fluids as these may damage the plastic  
components of your mower.  
Unwanted products and the  
environment  
Should you find one day that your mower  
needs replacement, or is of no further  
use to you, think of the protection of the  
environment. Black & Decker service agents  
will accept your old mower and will dispose of  
it in an environmentally safe way.  
Fault finding  
If your mower does not operate correctly,  
use the following table to locate the problem.  
Warning! Always disconnect your mower  
from the electrical supply before carrying out  
any inspection.  
!
Black & Decker lawn and garden  
guarantee  
Symptoms  
Possible cause Remedy  
This guarantee provides 36 months parts cover  
and 12 months labour (UK), 24 months parts  
cover and labour (Australia and New Zealand).  
In all cases proof of purchase will be required.  
Motor buzzes  
but blade does  
not move.  
Blade jammed. Disconnect from  
the electrical  
supply.  
Remove the  
obstruction from  
the blade.  
lf your Black & Decker mower becomes defective,  
within the guarantee period, due to faulty materials  
and workmanship, we guarantee to either replace all  
defective parts, or at our discretion, replace your  
mower free of charge, provided that:  
No noise and  
the blade does connection.  
not move.  
Faulty electrical Disconnect from  
the electrical  
supply.  
Your mower is returned to one of our authorised  
repair agents with evidence of purchase.  
Plug your mower  
into an alternative  
compatible  
Your mower has been used within the  
parameters of its consumer classification.  
electrical supply.  
Your mower has not been used for hire purposes.  
Check if a new  
fuse is required.  
Repairs have not been attempted by anyone  
other than our authorised repair agents.  
Re-tighten and  
check all electrical  
connections in the  
extension cables.  
The failure represents normal wear and tear.  
This guarantee is offered as an extra benefit and is  
additional to your statutory rights.  
Overload cut-  
out operates.  
Reset overload  
cut-out.  
Our guarantee policy  
Failures due to the following are not covered:  
Motor stalled.  
The motor is  
overloading in  
long, thick  
grass.  
Disconnect from  
the electrical  
supply. Reset the  
blade height  
to a higher  
Replacing worn or damaged blades, nylon line  
and chains, or cables damaged during storage  
or use. These are regarded as replacement items  
which wear during normal usage.  
position.  
Poor cutting  
performance.  
Blade damaged Disconnect from  
due to impact the electrical  
on large stones, supply. Check the  
tree stumps, blade for damage.  
paving stones or Replace with a  
similar objects. new blade,  
if necessary.  
Failures as a result of sudden impact or obvious  
abuse.  
Failures due to usage not in accordance with  
instructions and recommendations contained in  
this manual.  
The use of other than genuine Black & Decker  
accessories and parts may damage or reduce the  
performance of your Black & Decker mower and may  
render the guarantee void.  
What to do if your mower needs  
repair  
For after sales service please refer to the section  
‘Lawnmowers & Garden’ within your local  
Yellow Pages.  
Black & Decker after sales service  
(UK, Australia and New Zealand only)  
Black & Decker offers a nationwide network of  
authorised service agents. The use of other than  
genuine Black & Decker accessories and parts may  
damage or reduce the performance of your  
8
Black & Decker product and may also endanger the  
user. The terms and conditions of the warranty may  
also be effected.  
ENGLISH  
It is our aim that all Black & Decker customers should  
be totally satisfied with their Black & Decker product  
and after sales service, if help or advice is needed  
please contact a local Black & Decker authorised  
repair agent who will be happy to help. Full details of  
our after sales service can be obtained from any of  
our Black & Decker authorised repair agents.  
Other Black & Decker products  
(UK only)  
Black & Decker has a full range of outdoor power  
tools that make life easy in the garden. If you would  
like further information on other products, please  
contact the Black & Decker Service Information  
Centre at the address towards the back of this  
manual, or contact your Black & Decker stockist.  
Lawnmowers  
Chainsaws  
String trimmers  
Lawnrakers  
Compost shredders  
Blade trimmers  
Cordless trimsaws  
Cordless shears  
Leafbusters  
Cordless brooms  
Cordless shrubbers  
Hedgetrimmers  
EC Declaration of Conformity  
We declare that unit:  
GX302  
conforms to 89/392/EEC, 89/336/EEC,  
EN60335, 73/23/EEC, EN55014, EN55104  
A weighted sound pressure 96dB (A)  
A weighted sound power 109dB (A)  
Hand/arm weighted vibration <2.5m/s2  
Brian Cooke  
Director of Engineering  
Black & Decker Ltd, Spennymoor, County Durham  
DL16 6JG United Kingdom  
9
Australia  
Black & Decker (Aasia) Pty Ltd  
Tel: 03 9213 8200  
286-288 Maroondah Highway, North Croydon, Victoria 3136 Fax: 03 9726 7150  
New Zealand  
South Africa  
Black & Decker  
483 Great South Road, Penrose, Auckland  
Tel: 09 579 7600  
Fax: 09 579 8200  
Black & Decker South Africa (Pty) Ltd  
Suite no 107, PostNet X65, Halfway House 1685  
Tel: 011 314 4431  
Fax: 011 314 4435  
United Kingdom Black & Decker  
210 Bath Road, Slough  
Berkshire SL1 3YD  
Tel: 01753 574277  
Tlx: 848317 BAND MH  
Fax: 01753 551155  
®
Part no. 375813-22 10/97.1  
Part no. 375813-22 10/97.1  
®
GX302  
C
A
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✓ ✗  
a)  
d)  
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K
b)  
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25  

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