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GB
11
WARNING: Over-tightening the Saw Chain will risk rupture during operation. There should be some
play in the Saw Chain, but not enough for the drive links to leave the Guide Bar. The chain must
ALWAYS be allowed to move freely and easily on the Guide Bar.
Operation
WARNING: ALWAYS wear eye protection, adequate respiratory and hearing protection, as well as
suitable gloves, when working with this tool.
WARNING: For outdoor use, only extension cables certified for the purpose must be used. Check the
supply and extension cord for signs of damage or ageing. Do not use the product if power cords are
damaged or worn
WARNING: If used for any other purpose not detailed in these operating instructions, there may be a
risk of damage to the hedge trimmer or serious injury to the user.
WARNING: If the cord becomes damaged during use, disconnect the tool from the power supply
IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT touch the cord before the plug has been removed from the electrical socket.
WARNING: Do not allow the blade to make contact with fencing wire or any other object that could
cause damage.
WARNING: DO NOT use the tool in the rain or store in wet conditions.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the shoulder strap is correctly adjusted for the operator and always wear
it in use.
Switching on and off
1. Push the Safety Switch (7) forward and squeeze the Trigger (11) to switch on
2. 2Release the Trigger to switch off
Hedge Trimmer
WARNING:
Cutting
1. Assume a secure position, using two hands to hold the trimmer, and switch on (see ‘Switching
on and off’)
2. ALWAYS allow the blade to reach full speed before commencing the cut
3. Always move in a forward direction
WARNING: DO NOT move backwards during operation, as unseen obstacles may cause you to
fall. DO NOT cut towards solid objects such as walls, trees or vehicles.
WARNING: If the blade stalls during cutting, switch off the hedge trimmer immediately, and
disconnect it from the power supply, before investigating the cause. Remove any jammed debris
from the blades, and examine them for any damage before recommencing cutting.
4. Trim both sides of the hedge, starting at the bottom
5. Pass the blade lightly through the surface of the hedge. Do not attempt to cut too deep
6. Trim the top of the hedge last
Note: For older hedges that require substantial cutting, use the pruner/chainsaw head to cut the
thicker branches and finish off with the hedge trimmer.
Shaping
• Trim the hedge so it is wider at the bottom than the top. This will improve light penetration and
promotes healthy growth
• Narrow the hedge approximately 100mm for every metre in height
IMPORTANT: Work with an angle no more than 60° from horizontal as shown in Fig. II
Pruner – Chainsaw
Cutting instructions
WARNING: In order to maintain control of the saw, ALWAYS maintain secure footing. NEVER work
from a ladder or similar contraptions that are potentially insecure. NEVER use the saw above shoulder
height.
• Always check before use that there is sufficient chainsaw oil in the Oil Tank (20) and monitor the
oil level during use. The Oil Tank will be depleted after only a few minutes of operation and needs
frequent re-filling. Do not attempt to reduce the rate of oil use it is set optimally at the factory and
no adjustments are necessary
• On first switch on, place the chainsaw blade close to a plain surface, possibly a path and run the
tool for a few seconds. Ensure spots of oil have dropped onto that surface to ensure the chain is
being correctly lubricated
• ALWAYS hold the pruner/chainsaw with both hands when the motor is running. Keep hands clean
and gloves free of oil, grease and dirt
• Do not exceed a 60° working angle and work within the angles shown in Fig. II. There is a danger
of fallen branches dropping onto the operator or causing a trip hazard if this angle is exceeded
• Thin branches can be cut off with one single cut. To prevent the branch from slivering and
buckling, the branch should be cut off in several pieces
• The electric pruner is equipped with a low-kickback chain and is designed for minimal kickback.
Nevertheless, some kickback cannot be avoided when cutting with the upper tip of the blade. Be
prepared for some kickback when using this area of the blade or hitting another branch with this
area. Always hold the unit firmly in both hands
• When cutting off larger branches, first cut into the branch from below at the point where you
intend to cut off the branch from above. The cut should go from one third to halfway through the
branch. This prevents the branch from buckling when you cut into the branch from the top outside
the first cut. Last, cut off the stump with one clean cut
• NEVER attempt to cut any material other than wood
• Never allow the saw chain to come into close proximity of bystanders or animals. Maintain a
distance of at least 15m
• During use, make sure the Saw Chain does not make contact with foreign objects (e.g. stone,
nails, wire, etc.), as this may cause violent reactive forces and could cause damage to the tool
and injury to the user
Pruning
• For optimum pruning performance, guide the blade teeth at an angle of approximately 15° to
the hedge
• Achieve a uniform height by stretching a piece of string along the edge of the hedge for guidance;
then simply cut away all growth projecting above the line
Accessories
• A range of accessories and personal protective equipment (PPE) are available from your GMC
stockist. Spare parts can be obtained from toolsparesonline.com
Maintenance
WARNING: ALWAYS disconnect from the power supply before carrying out any inspection,
maintenance or cleaning.
Cleaning
• Keep the tool clean at all times. Dirt and dust will cause internal parts to wear quickly, and will
shorten the machine’s service life. Clean the body of the machine with a soft brush, or dry cloth. If
available, use clean, dry, compressed air to blow through the ventilation holes
• Use a mild detergent and a damp cloth to clean parts contaminated with oil. Rinse with fresh
water and dry thoroughly
• Keep all electric and electronic components dry at all times
Lubrication
• After cleaning, lubricate moving parts using a suitable spray lubricant
• Regularly lubricate the chain, Guide Bar and sprocket
General inspection
• Regularly check that all the fixing screws are tight
• Inspect the supply cord of the tool, prior to each use, for damage or wear. Repairs should be
carried out by an authorised GMC service centre. This advice also applies to extension cords
used with this tool
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