SKIL GH1E0480CA Cordless Hedge Trimmer Instruction Manual

: June 11, 2024
: Skil

SKIL GH1E0480CA Cordless Hedge Trimmer

EU Declaration of conformity

We declare under our sole responsibility that the stated products comply with all applicable provisions of the directives and regulations listed below and are in conformity with the following standards.

Olaf Dijkgraat
Approval Manager

Declaration of Conformity

We declare under our sole responsibility that the stated products comply with all applicable provisions of the directives and regulations listed below and are in conformity with the following standards
Technical file at:
Chervon Europe Ltd., 34 Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU, United Kingdom

Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 (SI 2008/1597)
Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016 (SI 2016/1091)
The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012 (SI 2012/3032)
Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors
Regulations 2001 (SI 2001/1701 and SI 2005/3525)

2006/42/EC
2014/30/EU
2011/65/EU
2000/14/EC
EN 62841-1:2015 +A11:2022
EN 62841-4-2:2019
EN 55014-1:2021
EN 55014-2:2021
EN IEC 63000:2018

Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations 2001 (SI 2001/1701 and SI 2005/3525):
Measured sound power level 89 dB(A), uncertainty K =4.1 dB, guaranteed sound power level 93 dB(A); conformity
assessment procedure in accordance with Schedule 8 Product category:25

James McCrory
Technical Service Manager

INTRODUCTION

This tool has been designed for trimming hedges and bushes and is intended for domestic use only
This tool is not intended for professional use
Read this instruction manual carefully before use and save it for future reference
Pay special attention to the safety instructions and warnings; failure to follow these may result in serious injury
Check whether the packaging contains all parts as illustrated in drawing
When parts are missing or damaged, please contact your dealer

TECHNICAL DATA 1

TOOL ELEMENTS 2

A Rear handle
B Lock off knob
C Front handle
D Protective guard
E Cutting blade
F Trigger switch
G Ventilation slots
H. Blade cover
J Battery level indicator
K Front switch lever
L Battery release button

SAFETY

GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS

WARNING Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below 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.

WORK AREA SAFETY
a) Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
b) Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
c) Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
a) 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 risk of electric shock.
b) 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.
c) Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
d) 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.
e) 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.
f) 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.
PERSONAL SAFETY
a) 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 a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
c) 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.
d) 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.
e) Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
f) Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
g) 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.
h) Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.
POWER TOOL USE AND CARE
a) 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.
b) 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.
c) Disconnect the plug from the power source and/ or remove the battery pack, if detachable, 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.
d) 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.
e) Maintain power tools and accessories. 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.
f) Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
g) 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.
h) Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.
BATTERY TOOL USE AND CARE
a) 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.
b) Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
c) When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects like paper clips, 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.
d) 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 medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
e) Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behaviour resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.
f) Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 130°C may cause explosion.
g) Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
SERVICE
a) 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.
b) Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.

SPECIFIC SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR HEDGE TRIMMER

a) Keep all parts of the body away from the blade. Do not remove cut material or hold material to be cut when blades are moving. Blades continue to move after the switch is turned off. A moment of inattention while operating the hedge trimmer may result in serious personal injury.
b) Carry the hedge trimmer by the handle with the blade stopped and taking care not to operate any power switch. Proper carrying of the hedge trimmer will decrease the risk of inadvertent starting and resultant personal injury from the blades.
c) When transporting or storing the hedge trimmer, always fit the blade cover. Proper handling of the hedge trimmer will decrease the risk of personal injury from the blades.
d) When clearing jammed material or servicing the unit, make sure all power switches are off and the battery pack is removed or disconnected.
Unexpected actuation of the hedge trimmer while clearing jammed material or servicing may result in serious personal injury.
e) Hold the hedge trimmer by insulated gripping surfaces only, because the blade may contact hidden wiring. Blades contacting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the hedge trimmer “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
f) Keep all power cords and cables away from cutting area. Power cords or cables may be hidden in hedges or bushes and can be accidentally cut by the blade.
g) Do not use the hedge trimmer in bad weather conditions, especially when there is a risk of lightning. This decreases the risk of being struck by lightning.

BEFORE USE

This tool is not intended for use by children and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge
Ensure that children do not play with the tool
Do not leave the tool unattended
Only use the tool in daylight or with appropriate artificial lighting
Do not trim hedges when they are wet
Never use the tool with a defective protective guard
Check the functioning of the tool before each use and, in case of a defect, have it repaired immediately by a qualified person; never open the tool yourself
Before use, thoroughly inspect the cutting area and remove all foreign objects that could be entangled in the cutting blades (such as stones, nails, wire fences, metal plant supports)

DURING USE

Wear protective gloves, a dust mask, close-fitting clothes and sturdy shoes
Do not operate the tool when barefoot or wearing open sandals
Always wear long trousers and long sleeves when operating the tool
Keep other persons and animals at a distance of 5 metres when using the tool
Take a secure stance when working (do not overreach, especially when using steps or a ladder)
In case of electrical or mechanical malfunction, immediately switch off the tool and remove battery

AFTER USE

Store the tool indoors in a dry and locked-up place, out of reach of children
– store the battery pack separately from the tool

BATTERIES

The battery supplied is partially charged (to ensure full capacity of the battery, completely charge the battery in the battery charger before using your power tool for the first time)
Only use the following batteries and chargers with this tool
– SKIL battery: BR1*41*
– SKIL charger: CR141**
Do not use the battery when damaged; it should be replaced
Do not disassemble the battery
Do not expose tool/battery to rain
Permitted ambient temperature (tool/charger/battery):
– when charging 4…40°C
– during operation –20…+50°C
– during storage –20…+50°C

EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS ON TOOL/BATTERY

3 Read the instruction manual before use
4 Batteries may explode when disposed of in fire, so do not burn battery for any reason
5 Store tool/charger/battery in locations where temperature will not exceed 50°C
6 Pay attention to the risk of injury caused by flying debris (keep bystanders a safe distance away from work area)
7 Wear protective glasses and hearing protection
8 Do not expose tool to rain
9 Do not dispose of electric tools and batteries together with household waste material

USE

Charging battery
! read the safety warnings and instructions provided with the charger
Removing/installing the battery 2
Battery level indicator 10

– press the battery level indicator button J to show the current battery level 10a
! when the lowest level of the battery indicator starts flashing red for 10s after pressing button J 10b, the battery is nearly depleted.
Battery protection
The tool is suddenly being switched off or prevented from being switched on, when
– the load is too high –> remove load and restart
– the battery is empty –> the 4 levels of the battery level indicator starts flashing red for 10s; Remove the battery from the tool and charge the battery 10c
– the battery temperature is not within the allowable operating temperature range of -20 to +50°C –> 4 levels of the battery level indicator keep solid red for 10s; wait until battery has returned within the allowable operating temperature range 10d
! do not continue to press the on/off switch after the tool is switched off automatically; battery may be damaged
on/off switch 11

! Make sure you have a secure and balanced footing.
– Depress and hold the front switch lever K
– Pressing the knob B
– switch on the tool by pressing the trigger switch F
– switch off the tool by releasing the trigger switch F
Operating the tool
! start trimming only when motor is running
! do not cut ground covering plants in order to prevent earth/sand from damaging cutting blades
E
! do not overload the tool by cutting stems larger than 20 mm in thickness
– move tool away from cutting area before switching off
! after switching off the tool ,wait for the blades to come to a complete stop
Trimming hedges 12

– trim the sides of the hedge first (from the bottom upwards), then cut the top
– trim the side of a hedge in such a way that it will be slightly narrower at the top
– use a hand saw or pruning shears to cut thicker branches
Holding and guiding the tool 13

– hold the tool firmly with both hands and take a secure stance
! while working, always hold the tool at the grip area(s)
– guide the tool ahead of you

APPLICATION ADVICE

For trimming a hedge at a uniform height level
– fasten a piece of string along the length of the hedge at the desired height
– trim the hedge just above this string
Recommended cutting/trimming times (Western Europe)
– trim hedges with deciduous leaves in June and October
– trim evergreen hedges in April and August
– trim conifers and other fast-growing shrubs every 6 weeks from May until October

MAINTENANCE / SERVICE

This tool is not intended for professional use
Keep tool and cutting blades clean
! remove battery from tool before cleaning
– clean the tool with a damp cloth (do not use cleaning agents or solvents)
– clean ventilation slots G 2 regularly with a brush or compressed air
– after use, always carefully clean and lightly lubricate the cutting blades
! wear gloves when handling or cleaning the cutting blades
Regularly check the condition of the cutting blades and the tightness of the blade bolts
Regularly check for worn or damaged components and have them repaired/replaced when necessary
Sharpening the cutting blades
! remove battery from tool
– sharpen the cutting blades with a small and smooth file, in case a solid object damaged them
– we advise you, however, to have the blades sharpened by a specialist
– lubricate the cutting blades after sharpening
Storage
– use blade cover H when storing the tool
– before storing the tool, wipe off the cutting blades with an oil-soaked rag to prevent corrosion
If the tool should fail despite the care taken in manufacturing and testing procedures, repair should be carried out by an after-sales service centre for SKIL power tools
– send the tool undismantled together with proof of purchase to your dealer or the nearest SKIL service station (addresses as well as the service diagram of the tool are listed on www.skil.com)
Be aware that damage due to overload or improper handling of the product will be excluded from the warranty (for the SKIL warranty conditions see www.skil.com or ask your dealer)

TROUBLESHOOTING

The following listing shows problem symptoms, possible causes and corrective actions (if these do not identify and correct the problem, contact your dealer or service station)
! in case of electrical or mechanical malfunction, immediately switch off the tool and remove battery
Motor does not start or stops suddenly
– empty battery -> charge battery
– hot battery -> let battery cool down
– cutting blades jammed -> clear jammed material
– internal fault -> contact dealer/service station
Tool operates intermittently
– on/off switch defective -> contact dealer/service station
– internal wiring defective -> contact dealer/service station
– impeller blocked by foreign object -> remove blockage
Motor runs but blades remain stationary
– internal fault -> contact dealer/service station
Cutting blades hot
– cutting blades blunt -> have blades sharpened
– cutting blades have dents -> have blades inspected
– too much friction due to lack of lubricant -> lubricate blades

ENVIRONMENT

Only for EU countries

Do not dispose of electric tools, accessories and packaging together with household waste material
– in observance of European Directive 2012/19/EC on waste of electric and electronic equipment and its implementation in accordance with national law, electric tools that have reached the end of their life must be collected separately and returned to an environmentally compatible recycling facility
– symbol 9 will remind you of this when the need for disposing occurs

! prior to disposal protect battery terminals with heavy tape to prevent short-circuit

Only for UK

Do not dispose of electric tools, accessories and packaging together with household waste material
– in observance of on Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/3113), electric tools that have reached the end of their life must be collected separately and returned to an environmentally compatible recycling facility
– symbol 9 will remind you of this when the need for disposing occurs
! prior to disposal protect battery terminals with heavy tape to prevent short-circuit

NOISE / VIBRATION

Measured in accordance with EN 62841 the sound pressure level of this tool is 82 dB(A) (uncertainty K = 3 dB) and the sound power level 89 dB(A) (uncertainty K = 4.1 dB), and the vibration < 2.5 m/s² (triax vector sum; uncertainty K = 1.5 m/s²)
The vibration emission level has been measured in accordance with a standardised test given in EN 62841; it may be used to compare one tool with another and as a preliminary assessment of exposure to vibration when using the tool for the applications mentioned
– using the tool for different applications, or with different or poorly maintained accessories, may significantly increase the exposure level
– the times when the tool is switched off or when it is running but not actually doing the job, may significantly reduce the exposure level
! protect yourself against the effects of vibration by maintaining the tool and its accessories, keeping your hands warm, and organizing your work patterns