This trimmer is to be used for trimming soft, new growth only. Use the tool and accessories only for the applications intended. All other applications are expressly ruled out. 1. Rear handle trigger switch 2. Front handle bar switch 3. Front handle 4. Battery pack 5. Guard 6. Blade 7. Charging unit 8. Adaptor 1 4 3 2 6 7 5 8 6 Charging the battery The battery pack for this tool has been shipped in a low charge condition. You should charge the battery pack fully before use. WARNING. Do not use an extension cord. WARNING. Charge indoors only. WARNING. Do not throw used batteries into a fire or water: it could cause an explosion! Please hand in nonworking or used batteries, or tools with built-in batteries, to the environmentally safe disposal unit at a municipal waste-disposal centre, or to your dealer. 1. Connect the charging unit (7) to the adaptor (8) and connect the adaptor to a suitable pin socket. 2. Insert the battery (4) into the charger unit (7). 3. The battery charge time is approx. 3-5 hours, after which the battery pack (4) should be removed. A good indication for a fully charged battery is the temperature of the pack, which becomes fairly warm as the battery becomes fully charged. 4. After normal use, 3 hours of charging time is required for the battery pack to be fully charged. However, 4-5 hours charging will ensure a longer run time of your tool. 5. Do not charge batteries for “top up”. Batteries should be placed on charge only when they are discharged. 6. If your battery delivers abnormal performance, discharge the battery completely (so that the hedge trimmer slows but does not stop completely) and then charge it for approximately 8 hours but only until the battery starts to become warm to hot to touch. Do this 3 times and the battery should come back up to a good condition. 7. Unplug the charger when not in use and store it in a dry, secure place. 8. Avoid charging your battery in temperatures below 4°C and above 40°C. The ideal charging temperature is 20°C. 9. Always remove the battery pack and store it in a dry, secure place when the trimmer is not in use. 10. Battery charging should only be carried out indoors. WARNING. Never leave a battery on charge once it’s warm. WARNING. Do not charge the battery for more than 8 hours, as this will damage the battery cells. Safety features 1. The fixed blade teeth have extended points with rounded ends to reduce the chance of injury in case of accidental contact. 2. The fixed blade is longer than the moving blade to guard against kickback should you inadvertently make contact with a wall or fence. 3. The rear handle trigger switch (1) and front handle bar switch (2) must be operated together to start the motor. This ensures that both hands are used to control the trimmer. 4. If either of the two switches is released, the tool is designed to stop rapidly. Switching on and off 1. To switch on, press both the trigger switch (1) and the bar switch (2) at the same time. 2. To switch off, release either switch. 7 NOTE. If you notice some flashing in the ventilation shots, this is not a cause for alarm. It is normal and does not affect the operation of the tool. There is also a slight burning smell. This comes from the electric brake and is not a cause for alarm either. Shaping 1. Trim a hedge so that it is wider at the bottom than the top. 2. This improves light penetration and promotes healthy growth. 3. Narrow the hedge approximately 100 mm for every metre in height. 4. A bush can be round or column shaped. Cutting 1. Assume a secure position, using two hands to hold the trimmer and switch on. 2. Trim both sides of the hedge, starting at the bottom. This prevents cuttings falling into the area yet to be cut. 3. Pass the blade lightly through the surface of the hedge. Do not attempt to cut too deep. 4. Trim the top of the hedge. 5. For older hedges that require cutting back substantially, use pruning shears to cut the thicker branches and then finish the job with the hedge trimmer. WARNING. Do not let the blade come into contact with fencing wire or any other object that could damage it. Pruning Your hedge trimmer is versatile. It can also be used for trimming back new growth from small shrubs onto the driveway or into the garden. Lubrication WARNING. Switch off and remove the battery before carrying out any maintenance on the tool. 1. After each use, clean the blades and lightly lubricate with general purpose oil or spray lubricant. General inspection 1. Regularly check that all the fixing screws are tight. They may vibrate loose over time. Maintenance 1. Store the tool, instruction manual and accessories in a secure, dry place. In this way you will always have all the information and parts ready to hand. 2. Keep the tool’s air vents unclogged and clean at all times. 3. Remove dust and dirt regularly. Cleaning is best done with compressed air or a rag. 4. Never use caustic agents to clean plastic parts. CAUTION. Do not use cleaning agents to clean the p...