{
  "id": "lst300-slow",
  "version": "2.0.0",
  "title": "Check a trimmer running slowly",
  "deviceFamily": "garden",
  "intent": "Troubleshooting",
  "summary": "Check external head movement and excess nylon length with the battery removed, then record whether a separate normal-use check is needed.",
  "modelApplicability": [
    "lst300-us"
  ],
  "modelDetails": [
    {
      "id": "lst300-us",
      "family": "garden",
      "brand": "BLACK+DECKER",
      "series": "LST300",
      "label": "BLACK+DECKER LST300 · US · AF-100",
      "region": "US",
      "componentVersion": "Automatic-feed head with AF-100 spool; match model and tool type to manual",
      "manual": "lst300-manual",
      "help": "Remove the battery. Find LST300 and the adjacent type number on the tool label. Compare the guard, cap, spool and assembly figures with the linked LST300 manual. Use ServiceNet for your exact type if they differ. LST300 is not a bump-feed head.",
      "exclusions": [
        "LST420 / LSTE525",
        "GH corded models",
        "Dual-line heads",
        "Metal line or blades",
        "Nonmatching tool type or modified head"
      ],
      "recognitionSource": "bd-manual-help"
    }
  ],
  "exclusions": [
    "LST420 / LSTE525",
    "GH corded models",
    "Dual-line heads",
    "Metal line or blades",
    "Nonmatching tool type or modified head",
    "Unknown tool type or missing exact-type manual",
    "Bump-feed conversion"
  ],
  "prerequisites": [
    "Release the trigger, let the head stop, engage the lock-off and remove the battery. Leave it removed throughout hands-on care. Keep fingers away from the sharp cutter on the guard.",
    "Read LST300 and the tool type from the label. Open the official model/type lookup and compare its manual and parts figures with your actual guard, single-line head and AF-100 spool. A readable model name alone does not establish the type. If the exact type manual cannot be obtained, or any figure differs, save a preparation record and stop."
  ],
  "tools": [
    "Good lighting",
    "Scissors for nylon only"
  ],
  "materials": [
    "No replacement material needed for an intact tool"
  ],
  "checks": [
    {
      "id": "safety",
      "prompt": "Is the battery removed, the trigger released and the cutting head stopped, with no battery damage, exposed wiring or faulty switch?",
      "sourceId": "lst300-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "English pp2–3 Safety; p8 Installing and removing the battery pack",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "compatibility",
          "advice": "Keep the battery removed for every hands-on step."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "service",
          "advice": "Stop using the tool for electrical, battery or switch damage. If you have only omitted battery removal, make the tool safe before restarting."
        },
        {
          "id": "unsure",
          "label": "Not sure",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Keep the battery removed. Save your preparation record and check the matching manual before continuing."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "compatibility",
      "prompt": "Have you matched the label LST300 AND its exact tool type to the official lookup manual and its figures, with the original AF-100 automatic single-line head?",
      "sourceId": "bd-manual-help",
      "sourceLocator": "Official model/type lookup instructions; type is beside or below the model number",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "check-1",
          "advice": "Record the label type and matching manual reference in the first step."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "An unknown type, unavailable type manual, different figures, bump-feed head or dual-line conversion blocks this procedure. Use manufacturer support to identify the correct instructions."
        },
        {
          "id": "unsure",
          "label": "Not sure",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Keep the battery removed. Save your preparation record and check the matching manual before continuing."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "check-1",
      "prompt": "Did the tool run slowly without burning smell, smoke, damaged wiring or battery damage?",
      "sourceId": "lst300-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "English pp2–3 Safety; p8 Installing and removing the battery pack",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "check-2",
          "advice": "Check only the manual’s accessible mechanical causes."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "service",
          "advice": "An electrical or battery warning ends this external check."
        },
        {
          "id": "unsure",
          "label": "Not sure",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Keep the battery removed. Save your preparation record and check the matching manual before continuing."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "check-2",
      "prompt": "Are the guard and cap secure enough to inspect the head safely?",
      "sourceId": "lst300-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "English p10 Trimmer runs slowly",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "steps",
          "advice": "Check the stopped housing and line length."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "service",
          "advice": "Repair damaged retention parts before any operation."
        },
        {
          "id": "unsure",
          "label": "Not sure",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Keep the battery removed. Save your preparation record and check the matching manual before continuing."
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "branches": [
    {
      "checkId": "safety",
      "optionId": "yes",
      "next": "compatibility"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "safety",
      "optionId": "no",
      "next": "service"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "safety",
      "optionId": "unsure",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "compatibility",
      "optionId": "yes",
      "next": "check-1"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "compatibility",
      "optionId": "no",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "compatibility",
      "optionId": "unsure",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-1",
      "optionId": "yes",
      "next": "check-2"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-1",
      "optionId": "no",
      "next": "service"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-1",
      "optionId": "unsure",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-2",
      "optionId": "yes",
      "next": "steps"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-2",
      "optionId": "no",
      "next": "service"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-2",
      "optionId": "unsure",
      "next": "prepared"
    }
  ],
  "steps": [
    {
      "title": "Record the exact tool and make it safe",
      "text": "Release the trigger, let the head stop, engage the lock-off and remove the battery. Leave it removed throughout hands-on care. Keep fingers away from the sharp cutter on the guard. Read LST300 and the tool type from the label. Open the official model/type lookup and compare its manual and parts figures with your actual guard, single-line head and AF-100 spool. A readable model name alone does not establish the type. If the exact type manual cannot be obtained, or any figure differs, save a preparation record and stop.",
      "observation": "The battery is physically separate from the tool; your label type and matching manual reference are written below.",
      "sourceId": "bd-manual-help",
      "sourceLocator": "Official model/type lookup instructions; type is beside or below the model number",
      "requiredFields": [
        "tool-type",
        "matched-manual"
      ],
      "id": "step-1"
    },
    {
      "title": "Note the symptom before cleaning",
      "text": "Record when slow running occurred and whether long line or heavy grass was visible. Keep the battery out throughout the inspection. Slow running alone does not identify a battery or motor failure.",
      "observation": "The original symptom is recorded before any change.",
      "sourceId": "lst300-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "English p10 Trimmer runs slowly",
      "id": "step-2"
    },
    {
      "title": "Check the stopped spool housing",
      "text": "Carefully check whether the spool housing rotates freely as the manual instructs, with hands clear of the guard cutter. Do not force a seized housing or use pliers on the head.",
      "observation": "Movement is free or binding is clearly recorded; no powered test is used for this check.",
      "sourceId": "lst300-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "English p10 Trimmer runs slowly",
      "id": "step-3"
    },
    {
      "title": "Clear accessible material",
      "text": "Carefully remove loose dirt or grass that is restricting the accessible housing. If it cannot be cleared gently, stop for service. Use the housing-cleaning task for dirty external air slots.",
      "observation": "Only accessible debris has been removed; an internal obstruction is not pursued.",
      "sourceId": "lst300-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "English p10 Trimmer runs slowly",
      "id": "step-4"
    },
    {
      "title": "Correct excessive line length",
      "text": "Check the nylon projection against the manual’s approximate 5-3/8 inches (136 mm). If it is excessive or reaches past the guard cutter, use scissors to cut it so it just reaches the cutter. Avoid the blade itself.",
      "observation": "The line reaches no farther than the cutter and is still the specified round nylon.",
      "sourceId": "lst300-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "English p10 Trimmer runs slowly",
      "id": "step-5"
    },
    {
      "title": "Record the unpowered result",
      "text": "Record whether free movement and line length were restored. Keep the battery out and complete after-care before normal use. If the housing binds or slow running recurs, end the test and request service.",
      "observation": "The saved result states the external checks and does not claim an internal diagnosis.",
      "sourceId": "lst300-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "English p10 Trimmer runs slowly",
      "id": "step-6"
    }
  ],
  "outcomeChecks": [
    {
      "id": "outcome-1",
      "text": "The stopped spool housing moves freely after any accessible debris is removed.",
      "sourceId": "lst300-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "English p10 Trimmer runs slowly"
    },
    {
      "id": "outcome-2",
      "text": "Excess nylon is corrected; persistent binding or slow running leads to service.",
      "sourceId": "lst300-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "English p10 Trimmer runs slowly"
    }
  ],
  "stopConditions": [
    "Keep the battery removed if the exact type/manual match is unknown or parts differ from the figures.",
    "Stop for a damaged battery, exposed wiring, a faulty switch, cracked guard, broken spool/hub, damaged cap tabs or housing slots. Use an authorized service center. Never open the battery, motor housing or charger."
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "id": "lst300-manual",
      "title": "BLACK+DECKER LST300 instruction manual (manufacturer document, retailer-hosted)",
      "url": "https://pdf.lowes.com/productdocuments/1935f26b-7448-4c95-b467-a223bb73d80f/63056925.pdf",
      "checkedAt": "2026-10-13",
      "use": "Safety, assembly, replacement spool/line, maintenance and troubleshooting. Match the tool type and figures before use.",
      "license": "Manufacturer copyright, hosted by Lowe’s. Facts paraphrased; no diagrams or manual redistributed.",
      "region": "US",
      "locator": "English p10 Trimmer runs slowly"
    },
    {
      "id": "bd-manual-help",
      "title": "BLACK+DECKER: locate a manual using model and type number",
      "url": "https://support.blackanddecker.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012700118-How-can-I-get-a-parts-list-or-manual-for-my-tool",
      "checkedAt": "2026-10-13",
      "use": "Model/type number identification and authoritative ServiceNet lookup",
      "license": "Linked only.",
      "region": "US",
      "locator": "Official model/type lookup instructions; type is beside or below the model number"
    },
    {
      "id": "lst300-product",
      "title": "BLACK+DECKER LST300 product and support",
      "url": "https://www.blackanddecker.com/products/lst300",
      "checkedAt": "2026-10-13",
      "use": "Model identity, automatic feed, AF-100 included spool",
      "license": "Linked only; no product photos reused.",
      "region": "US",
      "locator": "LST300 model identity; Automatic Feed Spool; Includes AF-100"
    }
  ],
  "assets": [
    {
      "path": "/assets/garden/slow-check.svg",
      "title": "Stopped housing movement and line-length check",
      "kind": "Original sequence schematic; compare the exact tool-type manual for shape and location",
      "sourceId": "lst300-manual"
    }
  ],
  "relatedIds": [
    "lst300-clean-housing",
    "lst300-feed-failure",
    "lst300-after-care"
  ],
  "specs": [
    {
      "name": "Initial line projection",
      "value": 136,
      "unit": "mm",
      "condition": "Approximately 5-3/8 inches in the manual; shorten any excess so it only reaches the guard cutter",
      "sourceId": "lst300-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "English pp9–10 Replacing the spool; figs M–O"
    }
  ],
  "updatedAt": "2026-10-13",
  "estimatedDuration": null,
  "group": "lst300-feed",
  "recordFields": [
    {
      "id": "tool-type",
      "label": "Tool type exactly as printed on the label",
      "type": "text",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-1"
    },
    {
      "id": "matched-manual",
      "label": "Exact-type manual reference or link that you matched",
      "type": "text",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-1"
    },
    {
      "id": "slow-symptom",
      "label": "When the slow-running symptom occurred",
      "type": "text",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-2"
    },
    {
      "id": "head-movement",
      "label": "Head movement after the check",
      "type": "select",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "free",
          "label": "Moves freely"
        },
        {
          "value": "binding",
          "label": "Still binds; service needed",
          "resultGate": "service"
        }
      ],
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-4"
    },
    {
      "id": "final-result",
      "label": "Result of this task",
      "type": "select",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "ready",
          "label": "Checks passed; ready for the stated next step"
        },
        {
          "value": "follow-up",
          "label": "More preparation or a linked task is needed",
          "resultGate": "prepared"
        },
        {
          "value": "service",
          "label": "Leave unused and contact service",
          "resultGate": "service"
        }
      ],
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-6"
    }
  ],
  "consumables": [],
  "maintenance": {
    "trigger": "Trimmer runs slowly",
    "intervalText": "Inspect when the stated condition occurs. The manual gives no fixed day or month interval.",
    "basis": "manufacturer",
    "sourceId": "lst300-manual",
    "sourceLocator": "English p10 Trimmer runs slowly"
  },
  "fitChecks": [
    {
      "id": "type",
      "label": "Model and tool type",
      "accepted": "matched",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "",
          "label": "Choose the version you can confirm"
        },
        {
          "value": "matched",
          "label": "LST300 and the exact type on my label match my manufacturer manual and figures"
        },
        {
          "value": "different",
          "label": "My type or manual figures differ"
        },
        {
          "value": "unchecked",
          "label": "I have not checked the type number"
        },
        {
          "value": "unknown",
          "label": "I am not sure"
        }
      ],
      "help": "Remove the battery before finding the label. Use the manufacturer model-and-type lookup; this site does not infer a type number from LST300 alone."
    },
    {
      "id": "head",
      "label": "Cutting head",
      "accepted": "af100",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "",
          "label": "Choose the version you can confirm"
        },
        {
          "value": "af100",
          "label": "Original AF-100 automatic-feed single-line head"
        },
        {
          "value": "bump",
          "label": "Bump-feed head"
        },
        {
          "value": "dual",
          "label": "Dual-line or modified head"
        },
        {
          "value": "metal",
          "label": "Metal line or blade"
        },
        {
          "value": "unknown",
          "label": "I am not sure"
        }
      ],
      "help": "Do not substitute a bump-feed procedure, dual-line spool or metal cutting attachment."
    }
  ]
}