KARCHER GSH 18-20 Battery Shrub Shears User Manual

: June 12, 2024
: Karcher

KARCHER GSH 18-20 Battery Shrub Shears

Safety instructions

Read this safety chapter and these original op-erating instructions before using the device for the first time. Act in accordance with them. Keep the original operating instructions for fu- ture reference or for future owners.

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.

General Product Safety Warnings

WARNING: Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustra-tions and specifications provided with this power tool.
Failure to follow all instructions listed below may re-sult 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) product or battery-operated (cordless) product.

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 at- mospheres, such as in the presence of flam-mable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
c Keep children and bystanders away while op-
erating 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 the 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 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 with 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 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.
- 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 of 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.

Gras shear / Shrub shear safety warnings

a) 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.
b) 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.
c) Wear ear protection. Adequate protective equipment will reduce the risk of hearing loss.
d) 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.
e) 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.
f) When clearing jammed material or servicing the hedge trimmer, 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.
g) 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.
h) When transporting or storing the hedge trimmer, always use the blade cover. Proper handling of the hedge trimmer will decrease the risk of personal injury from the blades.

Additional safety instructions

WARNING

The device is not intended for use by children, persons with restricted physical, sensory or mental abilities or persons unfamiliar with these instructions. The age of the operator may be limited by local restrictions.
Keep your hands and feet away from the cutting area, especially when switching on the motor.
Replace any worn or damaged parts before operating the device.
Avoid switching the device on unintentionally. Make sure that the trigger is in the off position before connecting the battery pack, lifting or carrying the device.
Use the device only in daylight or under good artificial lighting.
Do not run but rather walk when working with the device. Maintain a solid and safe footing and keep your balance, especially when working on gradients.
Check that the moving parts function correctly and are not blocked, and that no parts are broken or damaged. Have a damaged device repaired
before using it.
Do not forcefully operate the device.

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

Before making any adjustments.
Before leaving the device unattended.
Before checking, cleaning or servicing the device.
Before removing a blockage.
Before changing accessories.
After hitting a foreign object. First check the device for damage and repair any damage before restarting the device.
When the device starts to vibrate unusually. First check the device for damage and repair any damage before restarting the device.
Switch off the motor if you stop the cutting process or if you move from one operating location to another.

CAUTION

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.
Have repair work carried out by the authorised customer service only.
Wear long, heavy trousers, sturdy shoes and wellfitting gloves when working with the device. Do not work barefoot. Do not wear any jewellery, sandals or short trousers.
Do not use the device on ladders or unstable surfaces.

Additional Battery Safety Warnings
To reduce the risk of fire, personal injury, and product damage due to a short circuit, never immerse the tool, battery back, or charger in fluid or allow fluid to flow inside them. Corrosive or conductive fluids, such as seawater, certain industrial chemicals, and bleach or bleach-containing products, etc., can cause a short circuit.

Charge the battery pack in a location where the ambient temperature is between 10°C and 38°C.
Store the battery pack in a location where the ambient temperature is between 0°C and 40°C.
Use the battery pack in a location where the ambient temperature is between 0°C and 40°C.

Safe operation of battery-powered grass and shrub shears

DANGER

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

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.
Never use the device if the trigger on the handle does not switch on and off correctly.
Risk of injury because the blades continue rotating after the motor has been switched off.
Risk of serious injuries and equipment damage. Make sure that the cutting tool is properly installed and securely fastened before you start up the device.
Do not use the device if there is a danger of lightning.
Never start up a device that is incomplete or is equipped with unauthorized modifications.
Never use the device with defective protective devices or with no installed safety devices.
Switch off the device in the case of a malfunction or accident, and remove the battery pack. You may only start up the device again if it has been checked by an authorized customer service centre.

CAUTION

Familiarise yourself with the controls and the correct use of the device.
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.
Increased risk of accident in bad weather conditions. Only use the device when safe working is guaranteed.
The noise from the device can impair your ability to hear, so pay attention to possible hazards in your vicinity and in the work area.
Risk of injury. Always wear protective goggles, sturdy shoes and suitable clothing when using the device.

ATTENTION

The device operator is responsible for accidents with other people and their property.
Only operate the device at temperatures between 0 °C and 40 °C.
Store the device in a place where the temperature is between 0 °C and 40 °C.

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.
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.
Keep the cutting tools sharp and clean. Sharp cutting tools are easier to control and do not block so easily.
Make sure that the ventilation openings are free of deposits.
Risk of injury from sharp cutting tools. Exercise special care when removing and fitting the blade guard, cleaning and oiling the device.

CAUTION

Risk of injury from sharp cutting tools. Wear non-slip, sturdy protective gloves when handling the cutting tool.
Risk of injury from exposed blades. Fit the blade guard when not using the device, also during short work breaks.
Keep the handles dry, clean, and free from oil and lubricants.
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.
Do not use solvents to clean the plastic parts, as they attack the materials used on the device. Remove impurities such as dust, oil and lubricants using a clean cloth.

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.

Safe transport and storage

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 tool. Keep the cutting tools away from your body and below hip height. Use the blade guard when not cutting.
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.

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

The battery-powered grass and shrub shears are only intended for private use.
The battery-powered grass and shrub shears are designed for working outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
In applications with the shearing attachment, the device is used for easy grass trimming.
In applications with the shrub blade, the device is used for easy bush, hedge and shrub trimming. Any other use is prohibited.

Environmental protection

The packing materials can be recycled. Please dispose of packaging in accordance with the environmental regulations.
Electrical and electronic devices 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 danger to human health and the environment environment.
However, these components are required for the correct operation of the device. Devices 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.de/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.

Blade guard Illustration B
The blade guard is an important component of the safety devices for the grass shears and shrub blade. A damaged blade guard must not be used and must be replaced immediately.

Unlocking button
The unlocking button blocks the power switch, and thus prevents an uncontrolled start-up of the device. Illustration C

Trigger lockout button
Trigger

To start up the device, first press the unlocking button and then the Trigger.

Symbols on the device

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 KARCHER-GSH-18-20-Battery-
Shrub-ShearsFIG-1

Shrub blade blade guard
Shrub blade cutting blade
Grass shears blade guard
Grass shears cutting blade
Trigger lockout button
Handle
Battery pack unlocking button
Trigger
Cutting blade mounting button
Cutting blade mount
Charger
Rechargeable battery pack

optional

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

Installation

Installing the cutting blade

CAUTION

Risk of injury from sharp blades
Wear safety goggles and protective gloves when working on the device. Illustration D
- Install the cutting blade.
- a Undo the cutting blade mounting button.
- b Take off the cutting blade mounting button.
- c Put the cutting blade of the grass or shrub shears onto the cutting blade mount.
- d Put on the cutting blade mounting button.
- e Tighten the cutting blade mounting button.

Installing the blade guard

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

Slide the blade guard over the blade.

Installing the battery pack

Push the battery pack into the mounting on the device. Illustration E

Operation

Trimming the grass with the grass shears
CAUTION

Risk of injury from sharp blades Wear safety goggles and protective gloves when working on the device.
Obstacles in the mowing area
Risk of injury and damage
Before starting mowing, check the work area for objects that may be flung away, e.g. wires, stones, cords or glass.
Remove the blade guard.
Switch the device on. Illustration F

  *  **a** Pull the trigger lockout button backward to the end.
  *  **b** Press the trigger.

The device starts up.

3. Guide the cutting blade parallel to the ground. Illustration G

Trimming hedges / shrubs with the shrub shears

CAUTION

Risk of injury from sharp blades
Wear safety goggles and protective gloves when working on the device.
Obstacles in the mowing area
Risk of injury and damage Before starting mowing, check the work area for objects that may be flung away, e.g. wires, stones, cords or glass.
- Switch the device on. Illustration F
- a Pull the trigger lockout button backward to the end.
- b Press the trigger.
  The device starts up.
- Guide the cutting blade parallel to the hedge. Illustration H

Changing the cutting blade

Remove the battery pack, see Chapter Removing the battery pack.
Slide the blade guard over the cutting blade. Illustration B
Change the cutting blade. Illustration I
- a Release the mounting button from the cutting blade.
- b Remove the mounting button.
- c Remove the cutting blade of the grass or shrub shears.
- d Fit the cutting blade of the grass or shrub shears onto the mount.
- e Place the mounting button onto the cutting blade.
- f Refit the mounting button on the cutting blade.

Removing the battery pack

Note
During longer work breaks, remove the battery pack from the device and secure it against unauthorised use.

Pull the unlocking button towards the battery pack.
Press the unlocking button inward to unlock the battery pack.
Remove the battery pack from device. Illustration J

Finishing operation

Remove the battery pack from the device (see Chapter Removing the battery pack).
Clean the device (see Chapter Cleaning the device).

Transport

CAUTION: Risk of injury and damage Be aware of the weight of the device during transporta-tion.

Remove the battery pack, see Chapter Removing the battery pack.
Slide the blade guard over the cutting blade. Illustration B
Removing the cutting blade. Illustration K
- a Release the mounting button from the cutting blade.
- b Remove the mounting button from the cutting blade.
- c Removing the cutting blade.
- d Place the mounting button onto the cutting blade. e Refit the mounting button on the cutting blade.
Secure the device against slipping and tipping over when transporting in vehicles.

Storage

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

To clean the device, see Chapter Cleaning the de-vice.
Install the blade guard. Illustration B
Store the device in a dry, well ventilated location. Keep away from corrosive substances such as gar-den chemicals and defrosting salt. Do not store the device outdoors.

Care and service

WARNING

Risk of injuries due to uncontrolled start-up of the cutting blades
Switch off the device.
Remove the battery pack from the device.
Attach the blade guard.

CAUTION: Risk of injury from sharp blades Wear safety goggles and protective gloves when work-ing on 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 L
- Remove residual mown material from the cutting blade using a hand brush.
- Clean the unit parts with a damp cloth if required.
- Regularly remove dirt and foreign objects from the battery mount and electrical contacts.
- Install the blade guard.

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 M

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 ca-pacity reduces such that the full run time will no longer be reached when fully charged. This does not indicate a defect.

Fault	Cause	Rectification
The device does not start up	Battery pack is not
inserted correctly.	l 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.
Fault| Cause| Rectification
---|---|---
The device stops during operation| Motor has overheated| l Stop working and allow the motor to cool down.
The battery has overheated| l Stop working and allow the battery to cool down to normal battery temperature.
Warranty|

Warranty

The warranty conditions issued by our sales company responsible apply in all countries. We shall remedy pos-sible malfunctions on your device within the warranty period free of cost, provided that a material or manufac-turing 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

KARCHER-GSH-18-20-Battery-Shrub-ShearsFIG-19

The declared vibration total values and the declared noise emission values have been measured in accordance accordance with a standard test method and may be used for comparing one tool with another.
The declared vibration total values and the declared noise emission values may also be used in a preliminary assessment of exposure

WARNING
The vibration and noise emissions during actual use of the power tool can differ from the declared values depending on the ways in which the tool is used especially what kind of workpiece is processed. Identify safety measures to protect the operator that are based on an estimation of exposure in the actual conditions of use (taking account of all parts of the operating cycle such as the times when the tool is switched off and when it is running idle in addition to the trigger time).

QR SCAN

Declaration of Conformity

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: Battery-operated grass and shrub shears
Type: GSH 18-20 Battery

Currently applicable EU Directives

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

Harmonised standards used

EN 55014-1: 2017 + A11: 2020
EN 55014-2: 1997+A1: 2001+A2: 2008
EN 62841-1 : 2015 + A11: 2022
EN 62841-4-2: 2019+A1:2022+A11:2022
EN IEC 62841-4-5: 2021+A11:2021
EN IEC 63000-3: 2018

Conformity evaluation procedure used 2000/14/EC and amended by 2005/88/EC: Annex V (with shrub blade only)
Sound power level dB(A)

Measured: 86,1
Guaranteed: 89

The signatories act on behalf of and with the authority of the company management.

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, 2023/02/01

Declaration of Conformity (UK)

We hereby declare that the product described below complies with the relevant provisions of the following UK Regulations, both in its basic design and construction as well as in the version put into circulation by us. This declaration shall cease to be valid if the product is modified without our prior approval.

Product : Battery-operated grass and shrub shears
Type: GSH 18-20 Battery

Currently applicable UK Regulations