K RCHER HGE 18-50 Cordless Hedge Trimmer User Manual

K RCHER HGE 18-50 Cordless Hedge Trimmer

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General notes
Read these safety instructions, these original instructions, the safety instructions provided with the battery pack and the original instructions supplied with the battery pack/standard charger before using the device for the first time. Act in accordance with them. Keep the booklets for future reference or for future owners.
In addition to the notes in the operating instructions, you also need to take into consideration the general safety regulations and accident prevention guidelines applicable by law.

Hazard levels

DANGER

• Indication of an imminent threat of danger that will lead to severe injuries or even death.

WARNING

• Indication of a potentially dangerous situation that may lead to severe injuries or even death.

CAUTION

• Indication of a potentially dangerous situation that may lead to minor injuries.

ATTENTION

• Indication of a potentially dangerous situation that may lead to damage to property.

Safety instructions

You must adhere to special safety measures and rules of conduct when working with hedge trimmers,otherwise a danger of injury exists.
In addition to the safety instructions, the country-specific safety and training regulations must also be observed,e.g. from authorities, trade associations or social insurance funds. Local regulations may limit the times during which hedge trimmers can be used (time of day or season). Observe the local regulations.

General Power Tool Safety Instructions

WARNING

• Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury. Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.

The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

1. Work area safety

   • Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
   • Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flam-mable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
   • Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

2. Electrical safety

   • Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce the risk of electric shock.

   • Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.

   • Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
     Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.

   • Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.

   • When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use.
     Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.

   • If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk of electric shock.

3. Personal safety

   • Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool.
     Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication.
     A moment of inattention while operating
     power tools may result in serious personal injury.b Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.

   • Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energising power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.

   • Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool
     may result in personal injury.

   • Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.

   • Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving parts.

   • If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used.
     Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.

4. Power tool use and care

   • Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the
     rate for which it was designed.

   • Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.

   • Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.

   • Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

   • Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.

   • Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.

   • Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.

5. Battery tool use and care

   • Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.
   • Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
   • When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paperclips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
   • Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek medi cal help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.

6. Service

7. Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.

Safety instructions for hedge trimmers

• Keep all parts your body away from the cutting blade. Do not attempt to remove cut material or to hold the material being cut while the blade is running. Only remove trapped cut material when the device is switched off. A moment of carelessness when using the hedge trimmer can cause serious injuries.
• Carry the hedge trimmer by the handle with the blade at a standstill. When transporting or storing the hedge trimmer, always fit the protective cover. Handling the device with care reduces the risk of injury from the blade.
• Hold power tools only by the insulated handles because the cutting blade may come into contact with hidden power cables. If the cutting blade comes into contact with a live cable, metal parts of the device may become charged with voltage and cause electric shock.
• Keep away from lines and cables in your work area during operation. Lines and cables may be caught by the cutting blade during operation and severed.

Safe operation

DANGER

• Never use the device when persons, especially children, are within a radius of 15 m of the working area, because the danger exists of objects being flung out by the cutting blade.
• Severe injuries when objects are flung by the cutting blade or when the cutting tool becomes entangled in wires or cords. Inspect the work area thoroughly for objects such as stones, sticks, metal, wires, bones or toys and remove these before using the device.

WARNING

• Children and minors must not use the device.

• The device is not intended for use by persons with restricted physical, sensory or mental abilities or those lacking in experience and / or lacking in knowledge.

• Keep children and other persons out of the work area while you are using the device.

• You need an unobstructed view of the work area in order to be able to recognise any potential dangers.
  Use the device only under good lighting conditions.

• Do not operate the device in the vicinity of posts, fences, buildings or other immovable objects.

• Switch the motor off, remove the battery pack and make sure that all moving parts have stopped moving:

• Before adjusting the working position of the cutting mechanism.

• Before cleaning the device or removing a blockage.

• When leaving the device unattended.

• Before changing accessories.

• Risk of incision injuries and crushing injuries. Avoid contact with the cutting tools. Do not place your hands or fingers between the cutting tools or in a position where they can be cut or crushed.

• Danger of injury. Do not make any modifications to the device.

• Ensure that all protective devices, deflectors and handles are correctly fitted and securely fastened.

• CAUTION

• Wear especially safety glasses and hearing protection.

• Hearing protection can impair your ability to hear warning sounds, so pay attention to hazards in your vicinity and in the work area.

• Wear head protection when working in areas with a danger of falling objects.

• Risk of injury from sharp cutting tools. Wear non-slip, sturdy protective gloves when handling the cutting tool.

• Risk of injury when loose fitting clothing, hair or jewellery is caught by moving parts of the device. Keep clothing and jewellery away from moving parts of the device. Tie long hair back.

• You must not operate the device when you are under the influence of medication or drugs which restrict your reactive capacity. Only work with the device when you are well rested and are in good health.

• Do not use the device if it vibrates unusually or makes unusual noises.

• Check the device for damage before use and make sure that the screws on the blade are firmly tightened.

• Do not use the device if it has been dropped beforehand,has received an impact or is visibly damaged.
  Have any damage repaired correctly before using the device again.

• Do not use the device on ladders or unstable surfaces.

• Check that the cutting tool cannot come into contact with anything before starting the device.

• Risk of injury from exposed blades. Fit the blade guard when not using the device, also during short work breaks.

ATTENTION

• Do not force the device through dense bushes. This can block and slow down the cutting tool. Reduce the working speed if the cutting tool blocks.
• Do not attempt to cut boughs and branches that are obviously too large to fit between the cutting blades.
  Use a non-motorised hand saw or branch saw for cutting larger boughs and branches.

Safe servicing and care

WARNING

• Switch the motor off, remove the battery pack and make sure that all moving parts have stopped moving:
• Before cleaning or servicing the device.
• Before changing accessories.
• Risk of injury from sharp cutting tools. Exercise special care when removing and fitting the blade guard, cleaning and oiling the device.
• Ensure that the device is in a safe condition by regularly checking that all bolts,nuts and screws are screwed tight.
• Each time after using the device, remove dirt from the cutting tools using a hard brush and apply a suitable oil for rust protection before fitting the blade guard. The manufacturer recommends using a spray for rust protection and oiling.
  Ask your Customer Service department to recommend a suitable spray. You can oil the cutting tools as described, each time before using the device.

CAUTION

• Only use accessories and spare parts which are approved by the manufacturer. Only original accessories and original spare parts ensure that the appliance will run fault-free and safely.

ATTENTION

• Clean the product with a soft, dry cloth each time after use.

Note

• Service and maintenance work may only be performed by suitably qualified and specially trained personnel. We recommend sending the product to an authorised service centre for repair.
• You may only perform the adjustments and repairs described in these operating instructions. Contact your authorised Customer
  Service department for other repairs.
  Safe transport and storage

WARNING

• Switch the device off, allow it to cool down and remove the battery pack before storage or transportation.

CAUTION

• In order to prevent accidents or injuries, you must only transport and store the device with the blade guard installed and with the rechargeable battery removed.
• Risk of injury and damage to the device.
  Secure the device against movement or falling down during transport.

ATTENTION

• Remove all foreign bodies from the device before storage or transportation.
• Store the device in a dry, well ventilated location out of the reach of children. Keep the device away from corrosive substances such as garden chemicals.
• Do not store the device outdoors.

Residual risks

• WARNING
• Certain residual risks remain present, even when the device is operated in the prescribed manner. The following dangers can be present when using the device:
• Severe injuries through contact with the cutting tools. Keep the cutting tools away from your body and below hip height. Fit the blade guard when not using the device, also during short work breaks.
• Vibration can cause injuries. Use the correct tools for the job, use the handles provided and restrict the working time and hazard exposure time.
• Noise can cause hearing injuries. Wear hearing protection and limit the duration of exposure.
• Injuries due to flung objects.

Risk reduction

CAUTION

• Using the device for longer periods can cause poor circulation in the hands due to vibrations. A general period of use cannot be set, because this depends on several influencing factors:
• Personal tendency to suffer from poor circulation (frequently cold fingers, tingling sensation in the fingers)
• Low ambient temperature. Wear warm gloves to protect your hands.
• Holding the device too tightly hindering blood circulation.
• Continuous operation is more harmful than operation interrupted by work breaks.

You should see a doctor if using the device regularly and for lengthy periods of time, and in the event of repeated occurrences of symptoms such as tingling in the fingers or cold fingers.

Intended use

DANGER

Improper use
Danger of death from incision injuries
Only use the device for its proper use.

• The hedge trimmer is only intended for private use.
• The hedge trimmer is intended for outdoor use.
• For safety reasons, always hold the hedge trimmer firmly with both hands.
• The hedge trimmer is only suitable for cutting plants,e.g. hedges and bushes.
• Do not use the hedge trimmer in a wet environment or in the rain.
• Use the hedge trimmer only in a well lit environment.
• Modifications and changes to the device that are not authorised by the manufacturer are prohibited for safety reasons.
  Any other use, e.g. cutting grass, trees or branches, is impermissible. The user is liable for all hazards resulting from impermissible use.

Environmental protection
The packing materials can be recycled. Please dispose of packaging in accordance with the environmental regulations.
Electrical and electronic appliances contain valuable, recyclable materials and often components such as batteries, rechargeable batteries or oil, which – if handled or disposed of incorrectly – can pose a potential threat to human health and the environment.
However, these components are required for the correct operation of the appliance. Appliances marked by this symbol are not allowed to be disposed of together with the household rubbish.

Notes on the content materials (REACH)
Current information on content materials can be found at: www.kaercher.com/REACH

Accessories and spare parts

Only use original accessories and original spare parts.
They ensure that the appliance will run fault-free and safely.
Information on accessories and spare parts can be found at www.kaercher.com.

Scope of delivery
The scope of delivery for the appliance is shown on the packaging. Check the contents for completeness when unpacking. If any accessories are missing or in the event of any shipping damage, please notify your dealer.

Safety devices

CAUTION

Missing or modified safety devices
Safety devices are provided for your own protection.
Never modify or bypass safety devices.

Unlocking button
The trigger lockout button on the rear handle ensures two-handed operation. The lockout button blocks the trigger and thus prevents the hedge trimmer from starting up in an uncontrolled manner.

Blade guard
The blade guard is an important component of the safety devices of the hedge trimmer. A damaged blade guard must not be used and must be replaced immediately.

Symbols on the device

| General warning symbol
---|---
| Read the operating instructions and all safety instructions before operating the device for the first time.
| Always wear suitable eye protection and hearing protection when working with the device.
| Risk of injury. Do not touch the sharp cut- ting tools.
| Wear non-slip, sturdy gloves when work- ing with the device.
| Danger due to flung objects. Keep spec- tators, especially children and pets, at least 15 m away from the work area.
| Do not subject the device to rain or moist conditions.
| Always hold the device with both hands.
| The guaranteed sound pressure level specified on the label is 93 dB.

Device description

The maximum amount of equipment is described in these operating instructions. Depending on the model used, there are differences in the scope of delivery (see packaging).
See graphics page for illustrations

Illustration A

1. Handle, rear
2. Power switch unlocking button
3. Handle unlocking button
4. Handle, front
5. Power switch
6. Hand guard
7. Hedge broom
8. Blade
9. Blade guard
10. Rechargeable battery pack 18/25
11. Fast Charger Battery Power 18V
12. Battery pack unlocking button
13. Type plate
    optional

Rechargeable battery pack
The device can be operated with a Kärcher 18 V Battery Power battery pack.

Initial startup

WARNING
Uncontrolled startup
Risk of fatal injury from incision injuries Remove the battery from the device for all preparatory work.

Inserting the battery pack

ATTENTION
Dirty contacts
Damage to the device and battery
Check the battery mount and the contacts for soiling and clean them as necessary before inserting the battery.

Note
Use only fully charged batteries.
Illustration B

1. Push the battery into the mounting in the device until it audibly latches into place.

Operation

New users should be instructed by an experienced person and practice handling and techniques before carrying out any work.

Basic operation

1. Check the cutting material for foreign bodies, such as paper, films or wires, and remove them as necessary.

2. Install the hedge broom.
   Illustration C

3. Remove the blade guard.

4. Hold the hedge trimmer firmly with both hands.

Switch on the device

1. Press the trigger lockout button.
   Illustration D

2. Press the trigger.
   The device starts up.

3. Release the trigger.
   The device stops.

Working techniques

Note
Use a snapping line to achieve an even cut.

1. Switch on the device and move it towards the cutting material.

2. Cut leaves and thin branches with an oscillating movement.
   Illustration E

3. For thicker branches, use a sawing movement, but do not stab into the plant.

4. Cut bushes and hedges from the bottom upwards.

5. When cutting tips, make a large swinging movement and tilt the blade slightly in the process.

6. Hold the blade horizontally to cut lower-lying plants such as groundcovers.

Turning the handle
The rear handle can be turned to work more comfortably on vertical surfaces.

1. Pull the handle unlocking button to the top.
   Illustration F

2. Turn the handle into the desired position until it audibly latches into place.

Removing the battery

WARNING
Uncontrolled startup
Risk of injury
Remove the battery pack from the device during work breaks and before carrying out any service or care work.
Illustration G

1. Press the unlocking button.
2. Remove the battery from the device.

Transport

CAUTION
Failure to observe the weight
Risk of injury and damage
Be aware of the weight of the device during transportation.

CAUTION
Uncontrolled startup
Incision injuries
Remove the battery pack from the device before the transport.
Transport the hedge trimmer only with the blade guard fitted.

Storage

CAUTION
Failure to observe the weight
Risk of injury and damage
Be aware of the weight of the device during storage.

CAUTION
Uncontrolled startup
Incision injuries
Remove the battery pack from the device before transport.
Store the hedge trimmer only with the blade guard fitted.
The device may only be stored indoors.

Care and service

CAUTION
Uncontrolled startup
Incision injuries
Remove the battery from the device before all work on the device.

CAUTION
Risk of injury from sharp blades
Wear safety goggles and protective gloves when working on the device.

Cleaning the device

ATTENTION
Incorrect cleaning
Damage to the device
Clean the device with a damp cloth.
Do not use solvent-based cleaning agents.
Do not immerse the device in water.
Do not clean the device with a hose or high-pressure water jet.
Illustration H

1. Allow the device to cool down.
2. Remove plant residue and dirt from the blade and motor casing with a brush.
3. Clean the ventilation slits on the device with a brush.

Checking the blade screw connection

CAUTION
Loose screw connections
Incision injuries through uncontrolled blade movements
Check the screw connection of the blade regularly to ensure it is firmly fastened.
Illustration I

1. Check that all screws/nuts are tight.
2. Tighten any loose screws/nuts.

Oiling the blade sections
In order to maintain the blade quality, the blade sections should be oiled after each use.
Note
Using thin machine oil or spray oil will yield very good results.
Illustration J

1. Place the device on a flat surface.
2. Apply oil to the top of the blade sections.

Sharpening the blade sections
Note
Remove as little material as possible during sharpening and maintain the original angle of the blade tooth in the process.

CAUTION
Sharp blade
Incision injuries
Wear suitable protective gloves when sharpening the blade sections.

1. Clamp the blade in a vice.
2. Sharpen the exposed side of the blade teeth with a file.
3. Carefully push the blade further by hand so that the unsharpened blade teeth are accessible.
4. Sharpen the exposed side of all blade teeth with a file.

Troubleshooting guide

Malfunctions often have simple causes that you can remedy yourself using the following overview. When in doubt, or in the case of malfunctions not mentioned here, please contact your authorised Customer Service.
As the battery pack ages, even if it is looked after, its capacity reduces such that the full run time will no longer be reached when fully charged. This does not indicate a defect.

Push the battery pack into the mounting until it latches into place.
Battery pack is empty| l  Charge the battery pack.
Battery pack is defective.| l  Replace the battery pack.
The device stops during operation| Blade blocked with cutting material.| l  Remove cutting material from the blade.
The battery has overheated| l  Stop working and allow the battery to cool down to normal battery temperature.
Motor has overheated| l  Stop working and allow the motor to cool down.

Warranty

The warranty conditions issued by our relevant sales company apply in all countries. We shall remedy possible malfunctions on your appliance within the warranty period free of cost, provided that a material or manufacturing defect is the cause. In a warranty case, please contact your dealer (with the purchase receipt) or the next authorised customer service site.
(See overleaf for the address)

Technical data

Subject to technical modifications.

Vibration value

WARNING
The specified vibration value was measured using a standard test procedure and may be used to compare devices.
The specified vibration value may be used in a provisional assessment of the load.

Depending on the way the device is used, the vibration emission can deviate from the specified overall value during the current use of the device.
Device with a hand-arm vibration value > 2.5 m/s² (see chapter Technical Data in the operating instructions)

CAUTION

• Uninterrupted use of the device for several hours can lead to numbness.
• Wear warm gloves to protect your hands.
• Take regular breaks from work.

EU Declaration of Conformity
We hereby declare that the machine described below complies with the relevant basic safety and health requirements in the EU Directives, both in its basic design and construction as well as in the version placed in circulation by us. This declaration is invalidated by any changes made to the machine that are not approved by us.

Product: Hedge trimmer
Type: HGE 18-50 Battery 1.444-24x.0

Currently applicable EU Directives
2000/14/EC (+2005/88/EC)
2014/30/EU
2006/42/EC (+2009/127/EC)
2011/65/EU

Harmonised standards used
EN 50581: 2012
EN 55014-1: 2017
EN 55014-2: 2015
EN 60745-1:2009+A11:2010
EN 60745-2-15:2009+A1:2010

Conformity evaluation procedure used
2000/14/EC and amended by 2005/88/EC: Appendix V

Sound power level dB(A)
Measured:91,2
Guaranteed:93
The signatories act on behalf of and with the authority of the company management.

H. Jenner
Chairman of the Board of Management

S. Reiser
Director Regulatory Affairs & Certification

Documentation supervisor: S. Reiser
Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG
Alfred-Kärcher-Str. 28 – 40
71364 Winnenden (Germany)
Ph.: +49 7195 14-0
Fax: +49 7195 14-2212
Winnenden, 01.07.2018

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www.kaercher.com/welcome

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Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG
Alfred-Kärcher-Str. 28-40
71364 Winnenden (Germany)
Tel:+49 7195 14-0
Fax: +49 7195 14-2212

References

• Cher - Official Site
• Cleaning equipment and pressure washers | Kärcher International
• Cleaning equipment and pressure washers | Kärcher International
• Dealer Search | Kärcher International
• Home and Garden Warranty Registration USA - Kärcher

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