My B&D strimmer GL741 typ 1, it was buy on April 2007 and used just three times, has been already repaired two times by B&D qualified person using original spare part and now it is broken again.
B&D Qualified mechanics told me that the problem is always the driven belt breakage(ref.item no.4 page 72 of Instr. manual).
My personal opinion is that the driven belt has too much power to be managed especially during on/off operations.
Best solution of my problem should be a replacement of my strimmer with an other (not same model).

Sensale Francesco, July 2008

I suggest you get a full refund, and buy a different brand of trimmer.

The Black & Decker belt-drive trimmers (GL741 and GL720) are poorly designed: Drive belt failures seem to be common, and the plastic drive gear can melt. They are not built to last.

Caine's comments above seem to refer to a mower, and are not relevant to this GL741 trimmer.

BobW, September 2010

call 01543 275048 for Repair under Warranty with Free Collection and Return - that is the solution I'm afraid

HHM Black & Decker & Dewalt Service Centre, July 2008

I have a GL720 bought July 06. Exchanged April 07 at B&Q due to belt broken. I have since had 2 more belt replacements and now the pulley on the spool shaft has virtually melted.Part is unavailable, so they have offered me a GL741 as a replacement to cure the belt problems !!!

Barry D., July 2008

theres a lot!of torque on startup on these and if your blades a at all missaligned that would explain belt breakage.blades MUST be free to move and very well lubricated.chances are last year when u put it away u didnot strip and lube cutters.disconnecting drive and trying to move crank by hand will give good indication of resistance.even a missaligned tooth will produce same results.

caine, July 2008