BLACK DECKER GTC1843L 18v Cordless Long Articulating Hedge Trimmer Instructions

: June 3, 2024
: Black Decker

BLACK DECKER GTC1843L 18v Cordless Long Articulating Hedge Trimmer Instructions

Intended use

Your Black & Decker hedgetrimmer has been designed for trimming hedges, shrubs and brambles. This tool is intended for consumer use only.
Your Black & Decker charger has been designed for charging Black & Decker batteries of the type supplied with this tool.

Safety instructions

General power tool safety warnings

Warning! Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.

The term “power tool” in all of the warnings listed below refers to your mains operated (corded) power tool or battery operated (cordless) power tool.

Work area safety

Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered and dark areas invite accidents.
Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Electrical safety

Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs
with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts.
Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk of electric shock.

Personal safety

Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energising power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.

Power tool use and care

Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tools operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.

Battery tool use and care

Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.
Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws, or other small metal objects, that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.

Service

Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts.
This will make sure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.

Additional power tool safety warnings

Warning! Additional safety warnings for hedge trimmers

Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Contact with a “live” wire will also make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and give the operator an electric shock.
Keep all parts of the body away from the cutter blade.
Do not remove cut material or hold material to be cut when blades are moving. Make sure the switch is off when clearing jammed material. A moment of inattention while operating the tool can result in serious personal injury.
Carry the hedge trimmer by the handle with the cutter blade stopped. When transporting or storing the hedge trimmer always fit the cutting device cover.
Proper handling of the hedge trimmer will reduce possible personal injury from the cutter blades.
Keep cable away from cutting area. During operation the cable can be hidden in shrubs and can be accidentally cut by the blade.
The intended use is described in this instruction manual.
The use of any accessory or attachment or performance of any operation with this tool other than those recommended in this instruction manual can present a risk of personal injury and/or damage to property.
Do not carry the tool with your hands on the front handle, switch or the trigger switch unless the battery has been removed.
If you have not used a hedge trimmer before, preferably seek practical instruction by an experienced user in addition to studying this manual.
Never touch the blades while the tool is running.
Never attempt to force the blades to come to a standstill.
Do not put the tool down until the blades have come to a complete standstill.
Regularly check the blades for damage and wear.
Do not use the tool when the blades are damaged.
Take care to avoid hard objects (e.g. metal wire, railings) when trimming. Should you accidentally hit any such object, immediately switch the tool off and check for any damage.
Should the tool start to vibrate abnormally, immediately switch it off and check for any damage.
If the tool stalls, immediately switch it off. Remove the battery before attempting to remove any obstructions.
After use, place the blade sheath supplied over the blades.
Store the tool, making sure that the blade is not exposed.
Always ensure that all guards are fitted when using the tool. Never attempt to use an incomplete tool or a tool with unauthorised modifications.
Never allow children to use the tool.
Be aware of falling debris when cutting the higher slides of a hedge.
Always hold the tool with both hands and by the handles provided.

Safety of others

This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning the use of the appliance by a person responsible for the their safety.
Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.

Vibration

The declared vibration emission values stated in the technical data and the declaration of conformity have been measured in accordance with a standard test method provided by EN 60745 and may be used for comparing one tool with another. The declared vibration emission value may also be used in a preliminary assessment of exposure.

Warning! The vibration emission value during actual use of the power tool can differ from the declared value depending on the ways in which the tool is used. The vibration level may increase above the level stated.

When assessing vibration exposure to determine safety measures required by 2002/44/EC to protect persons regularly using power tools in employment, an estimation of vibration exposure should consider, the actual conditions of use and the way the tool is used, including taking account of all parts of the operating cycle such as the times when the tool is switched off and when it is running idle in addition to the trigger time.

Warning symbols

The following warning symbols are shown on the tool:

| Warning! To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read the instruction manual.
---|---

| Do not expose the tool to rain or high humidity.

| Always wear non-slip safety footwear.

| Warning! Do not touch the chain at the chip ejection point.

Warning symbols

| Always wear head and eye protection.

| To ensure continued safe operation, check the chain tension as described in this manual after every 10 minutes of use, and adjust back to a clearance of 3 mm as required.

| Beware of falling objects. Keep bystanders away.

| Electrocution hazard. Keep at least 10 m away from overhead lines.

Residual risks

Additional residual risks may arise when using the tool which may not be included in the enclosed safety warnings. These risks can arise from misuse, prolonged use etc. Even with the application of the relevant safety regulations and the implementation of safety devices, certain residual risks cannot be avoided.

These include:

Injuries caused by touching any rotating/moving parts.
Injuries caused when changing any parts, blades or accessories.
Injuries caused by prolonged use of a tool. When using any tool for prolonged periods make sure you take regular breaks.
Impairment of hearing.
Health hazards caused by breathing dust developed when using your tool (example:- working with wood, especially oak, beech and MDF)

Additional safety instructions for batteries and chargers

Batteries

Never attempt to open for any reason.
Do not expose the battery to water.
Do not expose the battery to heat.
Do not store in locations where the temperature may exceed 40°C.
Charge only at ambient temperatures between 10°C and 40°C.
Charge only using the charger provided with the appliance/tool. Using the wrong charger could result in an electric shock or overheating of the battery.
When disposing of batteries, follow the instructions given in the section “Protecting the environment”.
Do not damage/deform the battery pack either by puncture or impact, as this may create a risk of injury and fire.
Do not charge damaged batteries.
Under extreme conditions, battery leakage may occur.
When you notice liquid on the batteries, carefully wipe the liquid off using a cloth. Avoid skin contact.
In case of skin or eye contact, follow the instructions below.

Warning! The battery fluid may cause personal injury or damage to property. In case of skin contact, immediately rinse with water. If redness, pain or irritation occurs seek medical attention. In case of eye contact, rinse immediately with clean water and seek medical attention.

Chargers
Warning! Your charger has been designed for a specific voltage. Always check that the mains voltage corresponds to the voltage on the rating plate.
Warning! Never attempt to replace the charger unit with a regular mains plug.

Use your Black & Decker charger only to charge the battery in the appliance/tool with which it was supplied.
Other batteries could burst, causing personal injury and damage.
Never attempt to charge non-rechargeable batteries.
If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or an authorized Black & Decker Service Center in order to avoid a hazard.
Do not expose the charger to water.
Do not open the charger.
Do not probe the charger.
The charger must be placed in a well ventilated area when charging.

Symbols on the charger

The following symbols are found on your charger:

Your charger is double insulated; therefore no earth wire is required. Always check that the mains voltage corresponds to the voltage on the rating plate. Never attempt to replace the charger unit with a regular mains plug.
If the cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or an authorised Black & Decker Service Centre in order to avoid a hazard.

Symbols The charger is intended for indoor use only.
Symbols Read the instruction manual before use.

Features

On/off switch
Lock-off button
Main handle
Trimmer head
Blade
Blade sheath
Battery
Fig. A
Charger
Charging indicator

Assembly

Warning! To prevent accidental operation, ensure that the battery is removed and that the blade sheath is in place on the blades before performing the following operations. Failure to do this could result in serious personal injury.

Fitting and removing the trimmer head (fig. C)

Fitting the trimmer head

Align the groove on the outside of the coupling end of the handle (3) with the tongue on the inside of the couplingend of the trimmer head (4).
Push the trimmer head (4) onto the handle (3).
Slide the collar (11) down and rotate it clockwise until it is fully tightened.

Warning! Periodically check the connections to ensure that they are tightened securely. The collar is correctly secured if there are no orange threads visible.

Removing the trimmer head

Rest the handle (3) on the ground, loosen the collar (11) and take off the trimmer head (4).

Adjusting the trimmer head angle (fig. D)

The trimmer head pivots 180° and can be locked into 5 positions within that range.

Warning! To avoid being pinched, wear gloves and hold the unit as shown.

Rest the handle (3) on the ground, slide the collar (12) down and move the trimmer head (4) as required. Make sure the trimmer head clicks into place.

Fitting and removing the battery (fig. B)

To fit the battery (7), line it up with the receptacle on the tool. Slide the battery into the receptacle and push until the battery snaps into place.
To remove the battery, push the release button (10) while at the same time pulling the battery out of the receptacle.

Use

Warning! Let the tool work at its own pace. Do not overload.

Charging the battery (fig. A)
The battery needs to be charged before first use and whenever it fails to produce sufficient power on jobs that were easily done before.
The battery may become warm while charging; this is normal and does not indicate a problem.

Warning! Do not charge the battery at ambient temperatures below 10°C or above 40°C. Recommended charging temperature: approx. 24°C.

Note The charger will not charge a battery if the cell temperature is below approximately 10°C or above 40°C.
The battery should be left in the charger and the charger will begin to charge automatically when the cell temperature warms up or cools down.

To charge the battery (7), remove it from the tool and insert it into the charger (8). The battery will only fit into the charger in one way. Do not force. Be sure that the battery is fully seated in the charger.
Plug in the charger and switch on at the mains.
The charging indicator (9) will flash green continuously (slowly).

The charge is complete when the charging indicator (9) lights green continuously. The charger and the battery can be left connected indefinitely with the LED illuminated. The LED will change to flashing green (charging) state as the charger occasionally tops off the battery charge. The charging indicator (9) will be lit as long as the battery is connected to the plugged- in charger.

Charge discharged batteries within 1 week. Battery life will be greatly diminished if stored in a discharged state.

Leaving the battery in the charger
The charger and battery pack can be left connected indefinitely with the LED lit. The charger will keep the battery pack fresh and fully charged.

Charger diagnostics
If the charger detects a weak or damaged battery, the charging indicator (9) will flash red at a fast rate.

Proceed as follows:

Re-insert the battery (7).
If the charging indicator continues flashing red at a fast rate, use a different battery to determine if the charging process works properly.
If the replaced battery charges correctly, the original battery is defective and should be returned to a service
center for recycling.
If the new battery gives the same indication as the original battery, take the charger to be tested at an authorized service center.

Note It may take as long as 60 minutes to determine that the battery is defective. If the battery is too hot or too cold, the LED will alternately blink red, fast and slow, one flash at each speed and repeat.

Switching on and off (fig. E)

For your safety, this tool is equipped with a double switching system. This system prevents starting the tool inadvertently.

Switching on

Push the lock-off button (2) backward using your thumb and at the same time squeeze the on/off switch (1).
Release the lock-off button (2).

Switching off

Release the on/off switch

Warning! Never attempt to lock a switch in the on position.

Hints for optimum use

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. F1).

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. The double-sided blade allows you to cut in either direction.
In order to obtain a very straight cut, stretch a piece of string along the length of the hedge at the desired height.
Use the string as a guideline, cutting just above it.
In order to obtain flat sides, cut upwards with the growth.
Younger stems move outwards when the blade cuts downwards, causing shallow patches in the hedge (fig. F2).
Take care to avoid any foreign objects. Especially avoid hard objects such as metal wire and railings, as these could damage the blades.
Regularly oil the blades

Guidelines for trimming (UK & Ireland)

Trim hedges and shrubs with seasonal leaves (new leaves every year) in June and October.
Trim evergreens in April and August.
Trim conifers and other fast growing shrubs every six weeks from May until October.

Guidelines for trimming (Australia & New Zealand)

Trim hedges and shrubs with seasonal leaves (new leaves every year) in December and March.
Trim evergreens in September and February.
Trim conifers and other fast growing shrubs every six weeks from October until March.

Cleaning maintenance and storage

Your Black & Decker 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.
Your charger does not require any maintenance apart from regular cleaning.
Warning! Before performing any maintenance on the tool, remove the battery from the tool. Unplug the charger before cleaning it.

After use and before storage

After use, carefully clean the blades. After cleaning, apply a film of light machine oil to prevent the blades from rusting.
Regularly clean the ventilation slots in your tool using a soft brush or dry cloth.
Regularly clean the motor housing using a damp cloth.
Do not use any abrasive or solvent-based cleaner.
Make sure all switches are free of debris before and after use.

Storage
When the tool will not be used for several months, ideally leave the battery connected to the charger.

Otherwise proceed as follows:

Fully charge the battery.
Remove the battery from the tool.
Store the tool and battery in a secure and dry location.
The storage temperature must always remain in the range of +10°C to +40°C. Place the battery on a level surface.
Before using the tool after prolonged storage, fully charge the battery again.

Troubleshooting

If the tool does not operate correctly, check the following.:

Fault	Possible cause	Action
Tool will not start.	Battery not installed properly.	Check the battery

Protecting the environment

Separate collection. This product must not be disposed of with normal household waste. Should you find one day that your Black & Decker product needs replacement, or if it is of no further use to you, do not dispose of it with household waste. Make this product available for separate collection.

Separate collection of used products and packaging allows materials to be recycled and used again. Re-use of recycled materials helps prevent environmental pollution and reduces the demand for raw materials.

Local regulations may provide for separate collection of electrical products from the household, at municipal waste sites or by the retailer when you purchase a new product.
Black & Decker provides a facility for the collection and recycling of Black & Decker products once they have reached the end of their working life. To take advantage of this service please return your product to any authorised repair agent who will collect them on our behalf.

You can check the location of your nearest authorised repair agent by contacting your local Black & Decker office at the address indicated in this manual. Alternatively, a list of authorised Black & Decker repair agents and full details of our after-sales service and contacts are available on the Internet at: www.2helpU.com.

Batteries

At the end of their useful life, discard batteries with due care for our environment:

Do not short-circuit the battery terminals.
Do not dispose of the battery(s) in a fire as this may result in a risk of personal injury or an explosion.
Run the battery down completely, then remove it from the tool.
Batteries are recyclable. Place the battery(s) in a suitable packaging to ensure that the terminals cannot be short circuited. Take them to any authorised repair agent or a local recycling station.

Technical data

GTC1843L H1| |
---|---|---
Input voltage| Vdc| 18
No-load speed| min-1| 1,400
Blade length| Cm| 43
Blade gap| Mm| 12
Blade brake time| S| < 1.0
Weight (without battery)| kg| 3.2
Battery| | BL1518
Voltage| Vdc| 18
Capacity| Ah| 1.5
Type| | Li-Ion
Charger| | 905531 TYPE 1**
Input voltage| Vac| 230
Output voltage| Vdc| 20.5
Output current| mA| 200

Level of sound pressure according to EN60745:
Sound pressure (LpA) 82 dB(A), uncertainty (K) 3 dB(A)
Sound power (LWA) 93 dB(A), uncertainty (K) 3 dB(A)

Vibration total values (triax vector sum)
according to EN 60745:
Vibration emission value (ah ) 1.1 m/s2 ,
uncertainty (K) 1.5 m/s

EC declaration of conformity

MACHINERY DIRECTIVE

GTC1843L

Black & Decker declares that these products described under
“technical data” are in compliance with:
2006/42/EC, EN60745-1, EN60745-2-15
2000/14/EC, Hedge trimmer 1400 min-1, Annex V
LWA (measured sound power) 93 dB(A),
Uncertainty (K) 3 dB(A)
LWA (guaranteed sound power) 95 dB(A),
Uncertainty (K) 3 dB(A)

These products also comply with directive 2004/108/EC.
For more information, please contact Black & Decker at the following address or refer to the back of the manual.
The undersigned is responsible for compilation of the technical file and makes this declaration on behalf of Black & Decker.

Kevin Hewitt
Vice-President Global Engineering
Black & Decker Europe, 210 Bath Road, Slough,
Berkshire, SL1 3YD
United Kingdom
19-10-2010

Guarantee

Black & Decker is confident of the quality of its products and offers an outstanding guarantee. This guarantee statement is in addition to and in no way prejudices your statutory rights. The guarantee is valid within the territories of the Member States of the European Union and the European Free Trade Area.

If a Black & Decker product becomes defective due to faulty materials, workmanship or lack of conformity, within 24 months from the date of purchase, Black & Decker guarantees to replace defective parts, repair products subjected to fair wear and tear or replace such products to make sure of the minimum inconvenience to the customer unless:

The product has been used for trade, professional or hire purposes.
The product has been subjected to misuse or neglect.
The product has sustained damage through foreign objects, substances or accidents.
Repairs have been attempted by persons other than authorized repair agents or Black & Decker service staff.

To claim on the guarantee, you will need to submit proof of purchase to the seller or an authorized repair agent. You can check the location of your nearest authorized repair agent by contacting your local Black & Decker office at the address indicated in this manual. Alternatively, a list of authorized Black & Decker repair agents and full details of our after-sales service and contacts are available on the Internet at:
www.2helpU.com.

Please visit our website www.blackanddecker.co.uk to register your new Black & Decker product and to be kept up to date on new products and special offers. Further information on the Black & Decker brand and our range of products is available at www.blackanddecker.co.uk.