This document describes the POWERBASE 30cm 550W Electric Grass Trimmer (Model 577146), an electrical appliance designed for trimming grass.
Function Description
The grass trimmer is designed for cutting grass and maintaining lawn edges. It operates using a cutting line and is intended for domestic use. The device is double insulated, meaning no earth wire is required. It features a fully automatic dual line system where the lines elongate automatically upon starting the trimmer. It also includes a line cutter to maintain the correct line length.
Important Technical Specifications
- Model: GT3011A
- Rated input voltage: 220-240V~, 50Hz
- Power input: 550W
- Idling speed: 9700min⁻¹
- Cutting circle dual line: 300mm
- Dual line: 2 x 5m, fully automatic
- Line thickness dual line: 1.6mm
- Protection class: II/
- Protection category: IP20
- Guaranteed sound power level (LWA): 96dB(A)
- Measured sound pressure level (LPA): 85dB(A), K=3dB
- Measured sound power level (LWA): 94dB(A), K=2dB
- Vibration (ah) at the main handle: 3.7m/S², k=1.9m/S²
- Vibration (ah) at the auxiliary handle: 1.6m/s²
- Net weight: 3.1Kg
Usage Features
The trimmer offers several adjustable features for user comfort and specific trimming needs:
- On/Off switch (1): Located on the main handle for easy operation.
- Power cable strain relief (2): Helps prevent damage to the power cable.
- Spool storage (3): For convenient storage of the cutting line spool.
- Height adjustment locking collar (4): Allows adjustment of the telescopic tube (5) to suit the user's height. To adjust, turn the collar clockwise to unlock, slide the tube up or down, then turn anticlockwise to lock.
- Pivot button (6): Enables the trimmer head to pivot to seven different positions for various trimming and edging angles. The first three notches are for trimming, and notches four through seven are for edging.
- Edging wheel (7): Can be slid into a slot on the motor housing (11) for stable edging.
- Cutting head (8): The main component for cutting grass.
- Flower guard (9): A protective guard that can be folded down for trimming or folded up against the housing (park position) when not needed, preventing damage to plants not intended for cutting.
- Safety guard (10): Must be properly fitted before use to ensure safety. It slides over the cutting head and is secured with three screws.
- Auxiliary handle (11, 12): Adjustable to different positions for comfortable handling. It is secured by a wing nut (15).
- Rotational lock button (13): Used to rotate the main handle (14) by 90° for edging.
Starting and Stopping:
To switch on, depress the on/off switch. Release the switch to turn off. The cutting head will continue to rotate for a few seconds after switching off, so hands and feet should be kept clear. The on/off switch must not be locked in place.
Cutting:
- Always switch on the trimmer before approaching the grass.
- Avoid cutting damp or wet grass.
- Do not overload the trimmer.
- Keep the power cable trailed behind you to prevent damage.
- Cut grass by swaying the trimmer sideways, tipping it forwards by about 30° for long grass, cutting in layers from top to bottom.
- Use the flower guard to maintain distance from obstacles and desired plants.
- Only use the correct cutting line; never use metal or fishing line.
Lengthening the Cutting Lines:
The trimmer has a fully automatic dual line system. If lines are not visible, the spool needs to be renewed. Manual line length adjustment is possible by pressing the line-release button and pulling the cord ends.
Maintenance Features
- Cleaning: Always disconnect the plug from the mains socket before cleaning. Do not spray water directly onto the trimmer. Clean the trimmer, cutting device, and protective cover after each use to remove grass and soil. Ensure ventilation slots are clear. Use a soft brush or cloth for cleaning. Avoid cleaning agents and solvents that could damage the plastic housing.
- Replacing the Trimming Assembly:
- Disconnect the plug from the mains socket.
- Turn the trimmer over so the cutting head faces upwards.
- Press the two retaining tabs on the side of the cutting head and remove the spool cap (16).
- Remove the old line spool (17).
- Insert a new spool with the smooth side facing upwards, threading the two lines (18) through the line eyelets. Ensure lines do not slip out of spool slots.
- Replace the spool cap (16), ensuring retaining tabs are inserted into recesses.
- Press the line-release button, pull the cord ends slightly beyond the cord cutter, and release.
- Alternatively, wind 1.6mm nylon string (max 2 x 5m) onto the spool, ensuring it's parallel and against motor rotation direction.
- Always check the line cutter; do not use the trimmer with a defective line.
- General Inspection and Repairs:
- Regularly inspect the trimmer for damaged or defective parts, misalignment, broken parts, and damaged guards or switches.
- Do not use the trimmer if any part is damaged or if the switch does not turn it on and off.
- Never use the trimmer if any guard or housing element is damaged or missing.
- Have damaged or defective parts repaired or replaced by an authorised repair agent.
- Check the mains cable for signs of damage, ageing, or wear before each use. If damaged, it must be repaired by an authorised agent.
- Never attempt to remove or replace parts other than those specified in the manual.
- Warning Symbols: Indicate important safety measures, including reading the manual, wearing ear and eye protection, not exposing to rain, disconnecting the plug if the cord is damaged, keeping bystanders away, and information on sound power level and electrical classification.
- General Safety:
- Read all operating instructions carefully and understand the machine's usage and safety requirements.
- Keep the manual in a safe place.
- Children aged 8 and above, and persons with reduced capabilities, can use the trimmer under supervision and after understanding hazards. Children must not play with or perform maintenance on the trimmer without supervision.
- Do not use the trimmer with damaged guards or shields.
- Switch on the motor only when hands and feet are clear of cutting elements.
- Never fit metal cutting elements.
- Use only manufacturer-recommended replacement parts and accessories.
- Always disconnect from power when unattended, before clearing blockages, checking/cleaning/working on the machine, after striking foreign objects, or if the machine vibrates abnormally.
- Beware of the line cutter on the grass guard.
- Ensure ventilation openings are clear.
- Store out of reach of children.
- Use with a residual current device (RCD) with a tripping current of not more than 30mA.
- The cutting line continues to rotate for a few moments after the motor is switched off.
- Wear suitable shoes/boots and long trousers.
- Stay alert and use common sense; do not operate when tired.
- Never pull the cord to disconnect the plug.
- Do not allow children, bystanders, or animals near the work area.
- The operator is responsible for accidents or hazards.
- Switch off and unplug after use, ensuring moving parts have stopped.
- Store in a dry place.
- Ensure the trimmer operates properly.
- Check the cutting path for sticks, stones, wire, and other dangerous objects.
- Only use the trimmer in the correct position, with the cutting line near the ground.
- Switch on only when hands and feet are safe distance from the cutting line.
- Avoid body contact with the cutting line while running.
- Do not work on steep slopes; be aware of damp and slippery grass.
- Keep the mains cable away from the cutting line.
- Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS): This trimmer may cause HAVS if not adequately monitored. Preventative measures include regular maintenance, keeping hands warm, periodical breaks, and proper work planning.
Disposal
Recycle unwanted materials; do not dispose of with household waste. Sort all parts and packaging for local recycling.
Warranty
The product comes with a 3-year warranty covering manufacturing defects in materials, workmanship, and finish. Claims must be made within 3 years of purchase at a Homebase store with proof of purchase. The warranty does not cover misuse, neglect, or commercial use.