3
•
When trimming new growth, use a wide sweeping
action, so that stems are fed directly into the
trimmer blade (Fig. 6). Older growth will have thicker
stems and will be trimmed easiest by using a
sawing motion.
•
Release the switch trigger(s) as soon as the cut is
completed. Allow the trimmer blade to come to a
complete stop. Unnecessary wear may occur if the
unit is run without a cutting load.
•
After completing the cut, wait for the trimmer blade
to stop before moving the unit. Always stop the
motor before moving from hedge to hedge.
•
If desired, use a string to help cut hedges level. Determine the desired height of the hedge, then
stretch a length of string along the hedge at that height. Trim the hedge to just above the string
line. Trim the side of the hedge so that it will be slightly narrower at the top. More of the hedge will
be exposed when shaped this way, and it will appear more uniform.
•
Do not cut from a ladder; this is extremely dangerous.
•
Do not cut above shoulder height, as a hedge trimmer held higher is more diffi cult to control.
Disconnecting the Power Source
1. Disconnect the extension cord plug from the outlet.
NOTE:
DO NOT
pull the cord out of the wall. Always
remove the cord from the power source by
the plug head.
2. Remove the loop in the extension cord from the
cord hook (Fig. 2).
3. Disconnect the power cord plug from the extension
cord (Fig. 1).
HOLDING THE UNIT
•
Hold the unit fi rmly with both hands. Always keep
one hand on the front handle and the other hand on
the rear handle (Fig. 5).
•
Maintain a proper grip on the unit whenever the
motor is running. The fi ngers should encircle the
handle and the thumb should wrap under the
handle. This grip is least likely to be broken. Any
grip in which the thumb and fi ngers are on the same
side of the handle is dangerous because a slight
kick of the unit can cause loss of control.
•
Keep hands away from the trimmer blade. Keep
both hands on the handles and behind the protective guard whenever the motor is running.
•
Balance body weight securely, with both feet on solid ground (Fig. 5).
WORK AREA PRECAUTIONS
•
Keep everyone – helpers, bystanders, children and animals – at least 50 feet (15 m) away from the
work area. If anyone enters the work area, stop the unit!
•
Only operate the unit when visibility and light are adequate to see clearly.
•
Keep the work area clean. Do not start the operation until the work area is clear and free from
obstructions. Remove all cords, lights, wires, strings or other objects that could become entangled
in the trimmer blade.
BASIC OPERATING PROCEDURES
IMPORTANT:
Lubricate the trimmer blade before and after each use. Ignoring this step will decrease
the life of the trimmer blade and hamper operation. Refer to
Maintenance and Repair
Instructions
.
•
Use the hedge trimmer for trimming and forming hedges, shrubs and bushes with a branch
diameter of up to 3/4 of an inch (19 mm). For larger branches, use a non-powered saw or pruning
saw.
•
Work slowly, while maintaining a proper grip and stance.
•
Allow the unit to do the cutting. Forcing the unit through dense growth, or attempting to trim too
much at one time, can cause the blade to bind and slow, reducing the cutting effi ciency. Forcing
the unit can also result in damage to the blade and can increase the chance of personal injury.
STARTING THE UNIT
To help prevent accidental start-ups, this unit has a front
handle switch trigger and a rear handle switch trigger
that must be used together to start the unit.
1. Connect the unit to the power source. Refer to
Connecting the Power Source
.
2. Hold the front handle with one hand and squeeze
the front handle switch trigger (Fig. 4).
3. Hold the rear handle with the other hand and
squeeze the rear handle switch trigger (Fig. 4). The
unit should start immediately.
4. Continue to squeeze both switch triggers for continued operation.
STOPPING THE UNIT
1. Release one or both of the switch triggers.
NOTE:
It is normal for the trimmer blade to coast to a stop once a switch trigger is released.
MAINTENANCE
Follow all maintenance instructions in this manual.
NOTE:
All service, other than the maintenance procedures described in this manual, should be
performed by an authorized service center. Do not attempt to repair; there are no user
serviceable parts inside.
Before inspecting, servicing, cleaning, storing, transporting or replacing any parts on the unit, make sure:
1. The switch triggers are released.
2. All moving parts have stopped.
3. The unit is disconnected from the power source.
4. The unit is cool.
SHARPENING THE BLADE
The cutting blades are made from high-quality, hardened steel and with normal usage will not require
sharpening. However, if the trimmer blade accidentally hits wire fencing, stones, glass, nails or other
hard objects, the blade may become nicked. There is no need to remove this nick unless it interferes
with the movement of the trimmer blade. If it does interfere, or if the performance of the unit has
diminished due to blade dullness, have the trimmer blade sharpened by an authorized service center.
LUBRICATING THE BLADE
•
For easier operation and longer blade life, lubricate
the trimmer blade before and after each use.
•
During use, occasionally stop the motor and
lubricate the trimmer blade as needed. Ensure
that the switch triggers are released and the unit is
unplugged prior to lubricating the blade.
1. Apply light machine oil along the edge of the top
blade (Fig. 7).
STARTING AND STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Fig. 7
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Fig. 4
Front Handle
Switch Trigger
Rear Handle
Switch Trigger
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 3
DANGER:
If the trimmer blade gets caught on an electrical cord or wire, DO
NOT TOUCH THE BLADE! IT MAY BE ELECTRICALLY LIVE AND EXTREMELY
DANGEROUS. Release the trimmer in the quickest and safest way. If possible,
disconnect the damaged electrical cord or wire from its power source. If that is not
possible, call an electrician, electrical contractor, or the power company for assistance.
Failure to heed this danger warning will cause serious personal injury or possible death.
WARNING:
Do not attempt to remove cut material or hold material to be cut while
the trimmer blade is moving. Do not grasp the trimmer blade when picking up or
holding the unit. Make sure the unit is disconnected from the power source before
clearing any jammed material from the trimmer blade.
WARNING:
Do not allow familiarity with this unit to promote carelessness.
Remember that a careless fraction of a second is enough to infl ict serious injury.
WARNING:
If any parts are damaged or missing, do not operate the unit until the
parts are replaced. Failure to heed this warning could result in serious personal injury.
WARNING:
Always wear appropriate eye and ear/hearing protection when operating
this unit. Wear safety goggles, or safety glasses with side shields, that are marked as
meeting ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards. Failure to do so could result in serious eye injury
caused by thrown objects. If the operation is dusty, wear a facemask or dust mask.
WARNING:
Wear non-slip gloves for maximum grip and protection. Refer to the
Safety Information
section for appropriate safety equipment.
WARNING:
Do not expose the unit to rain. Do not use the unit in damp or wet
locations or conditions.
Before inspecting, servicing, cleaning, storing, transporting or replacing any parts on the unit, make sure:
1. The switch triggers are released.
2. All moving parts have stopped.
3. The unit is disconnected from the power source.
4. The unit is cool.
CLEANING, STORAGE & TRANSPORTING
•
Keep the handles dry, clean and free from debris, oil and grease. Clean the unit after each use.
Never douse or spray the unit with water or any other liquid. Do not use solvents or strong
detergents.
1. Use a fi rm-bristled, non-wire, brush to remove debris from the trimmer blade.
2. Wipe the unit down with a damp cloth.
3. Lubricate the trimmer blade. Refer to
Maintenance Instructions
.
•
When not in use, store the unit indoors in a locked and dry, or high and dry, place to prevent
unauthorized use or damage. Keep out of the reach of children.
•
Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.
CLEANING AND STORAGE
WARNING:
To avoid possible serious injury, never touch or adjust the trimmer
blade while the motor is running. The trimmer blade is very sharp; always wear
protective gloves when performing maintenance to the trimmer blade.
CAUTION:
Some spray-on lubricants contain solvents and will cause some types
of grease to break down. To prevent damage to the unit, only use a high-quality
machine oil.
WARNING:
Do not let brake fl uids, gasoline, petroleum-based products,
penetrating oils, etc., come in contact with plastic parts. These chemicals may
damage, weaken and destroy plastic, which may result in serious personal injury.
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of electric shock, using a Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI) with a tripping current of 30 mA or less is recommended.
