BLACK & DECKER LGC120 (02) PDF Document

There are several key points to be aware of before operating your BLACK & DECKER LGC120:

• Inspect and thoroughly clean your cultivator at the start of each use.

• The blades on this tool are not intended to be sharp. Do not sharpen them.

• Make sure the area is clear of other persons or pets prior to starting operation.

• Make sure the work area is clear of underground wires and pipes.

The maximum initial battery pack voltage (measured without a workload) is 20 volts. When measured under a workload, the nominal voltage is 18 volts.

When using electric gardening appliances like the BLACK & DECKER LGC120, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury. These include:

• **ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION:** Wear safety glasses or goggles at all times when this unit is in use. Always use a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty.

• **DRESS PROPERLY:** Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry, as they can be caught in moving parts. Rubber gloves and substantial rubber-soled footwear are recommended. Do not operate the unit when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Wear long pants to protect your legs and use a protective hair covering for long hair.

• **CHILDREN:** Do not allow children to operate this unit.

• **BYSTANDERS:** Make sure that other persons and pets are at least 20 ft. away.

• **AVOID ACCIDENTALLY STARTING:** Do not carry the unit with your finger on the trigger.

• **DON’T OVERREACH:** Keep proper footing and balance at all times.

• **AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:** Do not use electric units in damp or wet locations. Do not use the unit in the rain.

• **DO NOT OPERATE** in gaseous or explosive atmospheres. Motors in these units normally spark, which might ignite fumes.

• **STAY ALERT:** Watch what you are doing and use common sense. Do not operate the unit when you are tired or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications.

• **KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM WORK AREA.**

• **STORE IDLE APPLIANCES INDOORS:** When not in use, units should be stored indoors in a dry, locked-up place out of reach of children.

Yes, there are additional warnings specific to the cultivator:

• Do not use the unit if the switch does not turn it on or off. A unit that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.

• Disconnect the battery pack from the unit before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the unit to reduce the risk of accidental starting.

• Do not force the appliance. The clutch will activate if overpowered.

• Use the right appliance. Do not use this unit for any job except that for which it is intended.

• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop the tool immediately, check for damage, and have any damage repaired before further operation. Do not operate with a broken tine.

• Maintain the appliance with care. Keep the cutting edge clean for best performance. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.

• Before starting the cultivator, check the soil and remove any large stones, twigs, and so forth. Keep the area clear as you work.

• If you encounter an obstruction, turn off the cultivator and remove the battery prior to attempting to remove the obstruction.

• Keep the tine area clean. The tines are oscillating; keep at a safe distance.

Follow these safety warnings for the battery and charger:

• A battery-operated unit must be recharged only with the specified charger. A charger suitable for one type of battery may create a fire risk when used with another battery.

• Use the battery-operated unit ONLY with the specifically designated battery pack. Use of other batteries may create a fire risk.

• Do not use or charge the battery in the rain.

• Use ONLY the supplied charger.

• Remove the battery before servicing, cleaning, or removing material from the cultivator. Carry the unit by the front handle when not in use.

• Exercise care in handling batteries to avoid shorting them with conductive materials like rings, bracelets, and keys, which can cause overheating and burns.

• Do not open or mutilate the batteries. Released electrolyte is corrosive and can cause damage to the eyes or skin. It may be toxic if swallowed.

• Before using the charger, read all instructions and cautionary markings on the charger, battery pack, and the product using the battery pack.

• Do not attempt to charge the battery pack with any chargers other than the one in this manual.

Do not use an extension cord unless it is absolutely necessary. An extension cord must have an adequate wire size (AWG or American Wire Gauge) for safety. The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the greater the capacity of the cable. For example, a 16 gauge wire has more capacity than an 18 gauge wire. If you use more than one extension to make up the total length, ensure each extension contains at least the minimum wire size.

Recommended Minimum Wire Size for Extension Cords

Minimum Gauge for Cord Sets
Volts	Total Length of Cord in Feet
120V	0-25	26-50	51-100	101-150
240V	0-50	51-100	101-200	201-300
Ampere Rating
More Than / Not More Than		American Wire Gauge
0	6	18	16	16	14
6	10	18	16	14	12
10	12	16	16	14	12
12	16	14	12	Not Recommended

The standard charger will charge a fully depleted battery in about 8 hours. Follow these steps:

1. Plug the charger into an appropriate outlet before inserting the battery pack.

2. Insert the battery pack into the charger.

3. The green LED will flash, indicating that the battery is being charged.

4. The completion of the charge is indicated by the green LED remaining on continuously. The pack is now fully charged and may be used or left on the charger.

It is recommended to recharge discharged batteries as soon as possible after use and after each use to prevent diminished battery life.

The charger is designed to detect certain problems, indicated by one LED flashing in different patterns:

• **Bad Battery:** If the charger detects a weak or damaged battery, the red LED will flash in the pattern indicated on the label. If you see this, do not continue to charge the battery. Return it to a service center or collection site for recycling.

• **Hot/Cold Pack Delay:** If the charger detects a battery that is excessively hot or cold, it automatically starts a Hot/Cold Pack Delay, suspending charging until the battery temperature normalizes. The red LED will flash in the pattern indicated on the label when this delay is detected. Once the battery reaches a normal temperature, the charger switches to Pack Charging mode.

1. For the longest life and best performance, charge the battery pack when the air temperature is between 60°F and 80°F (16°- 27°C). Do not charge below +40°F (+4.5°C) or above +105°F (+40.5°C).

2. The charger and battery pack may become warm to the touch while charging. this is normal.

3. If the battery pack does not charge properly: a) Check the current at the receptacle by plugging in a lamp. b) Check if the receptacle is connected to a light switch. c) Move the charger and battery to a location with a temperature of approximately 60°F to 80°F. d) If problems persist, take the tool, battery, and charger to a service center.

4. Recharge the battery pack when it fails to produce sufficient power. Do not continue to use it under these conditions. You can also charge a partially used pack with no adverse effect.

5. Keep foreign materials (steel wool, aluminum foil, etc.) away from charger cavities. Always unplug the charger when no battery is in the cavity and before cleaning.

Make certain the lock-off button is engaged to prevent switch actuation before removing or installing the battery.

To Install Battery Pack:

Insert the battery pack into the tool until an audible click is heard.

To Remove Battery Pack:

Depress the battery release button on the back of the battery pack and pull the battery pack out of the tool.

Auxiliary Handle Assembly:

• Position the handle on the upper tube to the desired height.

• Ensure the locking block (8) is aligned with the groove in the tube.

• Assemble and tighten the bolt (9).

Pole Extension:

• Loosen the collar (10).

• Extend the poles to the desired length.

• Tighten the collar.

Shroud Assembly:

• Position the open center of the shroud (11) over the lower housing from the bottom (near the output shaft).

• Align the snap tabs to the housing. Apply even pressure to the shroud until a snap sound is heard.

• Ensure all snap features are engaged correctly. NEVER OPERATE THE TOOL WITHOUT THE SHROUD FIRMLY IN PLACE.

Tine Assembly:

Before assembly, release the trigger, allow the tines to come to a complete stop, and remove the battery.

• Place tine (12) on the shaft (13), making sure the flat in the hole of the tine is aligned with the flat on the shaft. Push the tine completely onto the shaft.

• Insert the straight end of the pin (14) into the shaft hole. Push the pin in completely until the looped end bottoms out against the shaft.

• Repeat for the other tine. To remove the tines, reverse this process.

Make sure that other persons and pets are at least 20 feet away.

1. Hold the tool as shown in the manual.

2. Lift the unit out of the soil.

3. Slide the lock-off button (15).

4. Pull the switch trigger (16).

For the first cultivating of a season, move slowly because the dirt is packed down. Do not attempt to cultivate when the soil is wet to prevent clogging and for electrical safety. If the tines become clogged, release the trigger, wait for them to stop completely, and REMOVE THE BATTERY. Then, remove the clogged material with a stick or screwdriver.

The BLACK & DECKER LGC120 is equipped with a built-in clutching mechanism to prevent permanent damage from an obstruction in the tines or overloaded working conditions. If the clutch is engaged, the unit will make a loud clicking sound. This noise will persist until the obstruction or overload condition is removed. If this occurs, stop the tool and remove the battery before attempting to clear the obstruction. The clutch mechanism is not adjustable by the user.

Maintenance of Cutting Blades:

The cutting blades are made from high-quality, hardened steel and will not require resharpening with normal usage. If you accidentally hit a hard object like a wire fence or stone, you may put a nick in the blade. There is no need to remove this nick as long as it does not interfere with the blade’s movement. If it does interfere, remove the battery and use a fine-toothed file or sharpening stone to remove the nick.

Cleaning and Preventing Corrosion:

Always wear proper gloves and eye protection when cleaning the tool. Fertilizers and other garden chemicals can accelerate metal corrosion. If you use the tool in areas with these chemicals, clean it immediately afterward.

• With the battery removed, use only mild soap and a damp cloth to clean the tool.

• Wipe all exposed parts with a damp cloth.

• You may lubricate only metal parts with a light petroleum-based oil.

• Never let any liquid get inside the tool; never immerse any part of the tool into a liquid. Do not spray it with a hose.

Storage:

Remove and clean any debris from the outside of the cultivator and inside of the shroud before storage. Do not store the tool on or adjacent to fertilizers or chemicals, as this can cause rapid corrosion.

Problem	Possible Cause	Possible Solution
Tool will not start.	• Battery not installed properly. • Battery not charged. • Lock-out button not actuated.	• Check battery installation. • Check battery charging requirements. • Pull back on lock button/actuate trigger.
Battery will not charge.	• Battery not inserted into charger.	• Insert battery into charger until green LED appears. Charge up to 8 hours if battery is totally drained.