BLACK & DECKER NHT518 (01) PDF Document

There are two key pieces of information you should know before operating your BLACK & DECKER NHT518:

• The battery ships from the factory without a full charge. For optimal performance and runtime, charge the battery for 9 hours before attempting to use your trimmer.

• To operate the trimmer, the lock-off button must be pushed forward.

The battery pack for your BLACK & DECKER NHT518 is not fully charged at the factory. Charge the battery pack for at least 9 hours before use.

1. Plug the charger into any standard 120 Volt 60 Hz electrical outlet.

2. Slide the charger onto the battery pack and let it charge initially for 9 hours. After the initial charge, under normal usage, your battery pack should be fully charged in 6 to 9 hours.

– During charging, the green LED will appear.

– When charging is complete, the green LED will go off.

3. Unplug the charger and remove the battery pack. Place the battery pack into the tool until it “clicks” into place.

To remove the battery pack, press down on the release button on the back of the battery pack and slide it out.

• After normal usage, your battery pack should be fully charged in 6 to 9 hours. If the battery pack is completely run-down, it may take up to 9 hours to become fully charged. Your battery pack was sent from the factory in an uncharged condition and must be charged for at least 9 hours before first use.

• Do not charge the battery pack in an air temperature below +40°F (+4.5°C) or above +105°F (+40.5°C). This is important and will prevent serious damage to the battery. Longest life and best performance can be obtained if the battery pack is charged when the air temperature is about 75°F (24°C).

• While charging, the charger may hum and become warm to the touch. This is a normal condition and does not indicate a problem.

• The battery pack should be recharged when it fails to produce sufficient power on jobs that were easily done previously. Do not continue using the unit with its battery pack in a depleted condition.

• The battery pack will reach optimum performance after being cycled 5 times during normal usage. There is no need to run the battery pack down completely before recharging. Normal usage is the best method of discharging and recharging the battery pack.

It is okay to leave battery packs on charge for long periods of time. The charger has a maintenance mode which gives the battery pack enough charge to stay “topped off”. If, however, the tool is not expected to be needed for more than 30 days, unplug the charger and store the battery pack in a cool, dry location.

A battery pack will lose its charge when kept off of the charger. If the battery pack has not been kept on maintenance charge, it may need to be recharged before use. A battery pack may also lose its charge if left in a charger that is not plugged into an appropriate AC source.

To turn the unit “ON”, slide the lock-off button forward and squeeze the trigger switch. Once the unit is running, you may release the lock-off button. To keep the unit running, you must continue to squeeze the trigger. To turn the unit “OFF”, release the trigger.

Maintain proper footing and balance, and do not overreach. Wear safety goggles, non-skid footwear, and rubber gloves when trimming. Hold the unit firmly in both hands and turn the unit ON. Always hold the trimmer with one hand on the switch handle and one hand on the bail handle. Never hold the unit by the blade guard.

TRIMMING NEW GROWTH: A wide, sweeping motion, feeding the blade teeth through the twigs is most effective. A slight downward tilt of the blade in the direction of motion gives the best cutting.

LEVEL HEDGES: To obtain exceptionally level hedges, a piece of string can be stretched along the length of the hedge as a guide.

SIDE TRIMMING HEDGES: Hold the trimmer as shown in the manual and begin at the bottom and sweep up.

CAUTION: Do not cut stems greater than 3/4 inch (19mm). Use the trimmer only for cutting normal shrubbery around houses and buildings.

BLADE MAINTENANCE: The cutting blades are made from high-quality, hardened steel and with normal usage, they will not require resharpening. However, if you accidentally hit a wire fence, stones, glass, or other hard objects, 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 movement of the blade. If it does interfere, remove the battery and use a fine-toothed file or sharpening stone to remove the nick. A vinyl sheath is supplied with your trimmer; slip the hedge trimmer into it for storage.

CLEANING: With the battery removed, use only mild soap and a damp cloth to clean the unit. Never let any liquid get inside the unit; never immerse any part of the unit into a liquid. Prevent the blades from rusting by applying a film of light machine oil after cleaning.

STORAGE: Store the tool with the battery pack removed and on the charger, in a place that is cool and dry away from direct sunlight and excess heat or cold, and out of the reach of children. Fertilizers and other garden chemicals contain agents that greatly accelerate the corrosion of metals. Do not store the unit on or adjacent to fertilizers or chemicals.

• Read all instructions before operating the product.

• Keep long hair and loose clothing away from openings and moving parts.

• Avoid accidental starting. Be sure the switch is in the locked or off position before inserting the battery pack.

• Do not use the unit if the switch does not turn it on or off.

• Disconnect the battery pack before making adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the unit.

• Avoid dangerous environments. Do not use or charge hedge trimmers in damp or wet locations or in the rain.

• Do not operate in gaseous or explosive atmospheres as the motor can spark and ignite fumes.

• Keep children away from the work area.

• Dress properly. Don’t wear loose clothing or jewelry. Use rubber gloves and substantial footwear. Wear protective hair covering for long hair.

• Always wear eye protection, such as safety glasses or goggles.

• Do not attempt to remove cut material or hold material to be cut when blades are moving. Make sure the battery is removed when clearing jammed material from blades.

• Keep hands away from blades and keep both hands on handles when power is on.

• If the blade jams on an electrical cord or line, DO NOT TOUCH THE BLADE! It can become electrically live. Release the unit safely and disconnect the damaged cord from the power source.

• Stay alert and use common sense. Do not operate when tired.

• Remove the battery before servicing, cleaning, or removing material from the hedge trimmer.

When using an extension cord, be sure it is heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage, resulting in loss of power and overheating. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord. The following table shows the correct size to use depending on cord length and nameplate ampere rating.

A small leakage of liquid from the battery cells may occur under extreme usage, charging, or temperature conditions. This does not indicate a failure. However, if the outer seal is broken and this leakage gets on your skin:

a. Wash quickly with soap and water.

b. Neutralize with a mild acid such as lemon juice or vinegar.

c. If the battery liquid gets in your eyes, flush them with clean water for a minimum of 10 minutes and seek immediate medical attention.

MEDICAL NOTE: The liquid is a 25-35% solution of potassium hydroxide.

This may be due to one of the following causes:

• Dry, corroded blades. -> Solution: Lubricate blades.

• Blades or blade support bent. -> Solution: Straighten blade or blade support.

• Bent or damaged teeth. -> Solution: Straighten teeth.

• Loose blade bolts. -> Solution: Tighten blade bolts.

If your BLACK & DECKER NHT518 will not start, check the following possible causes and solutions:

• Battery not installed properly. -> Solution: Check battery installation.

• Battery not charged. -> Solution: Check battery charging requirements.

• Lock off not fully operated. -> Solution: Check that the lock off is fully forward prior to moving the main trigger.

If the battery for your BLACK & DECKER NHT518 is not charging, consider these causes and solutions:

• Cause: Battery not inserted into charger.

• Solution: Insert the battery into the charger until the green LED appears.

• Cause: Charger not plugged in.

• Solution: Plug the charger into a working outlet. Check the current at the receptacle by plugging in a lamp or other appliance. Also, check to see if the receptacle is connected to a light switch which turns the power off when you turn out the lights.

• Cause: Surrounding air temperature too hot or too cold.

• Solution: Move the charger and tool to a surrounding air temperature of above 40°F (4.5°C) or below 105°F (+40.5°C).