Bosch GHE 18V-60 Cordless Hedge Cutter Instruction Manual

June 13, 2024
Bosch

Bosch GHE 18V-60 Cordless Hedge Cutter

Bosch GHE 18V-60 Cordless Hedge Cutter

Safety Notes

Explanation of symbols

Read instruction manual
Do not expose to rain.
Symbol Wear eye and ear protection.
Symbol Remove battery before adjusting or cleaning, and before leaving the machine unattended for any period.
Symbol Keep hands away from blade.

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 mainsoperated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

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 flammable 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.

Electrical safety

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

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.

  • 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.

  • 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 and clothing 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.

  • 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

  • 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 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.

  • 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 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 130°C may cause explosion.

  • 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

  • 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.
  • Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.

Hedge trimmer safety warnings

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Wear ear protection. Adequate protective equipment will reduce the risk of hearing loss.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 warnings

  • This tool is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
    Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.

  • When working with the machine, always hold it firmly with both hands and provide for a secure stance. The power tool is guided more secure with both hands.

  • Always ensure all handles and guards are fitted when using the machine. Never attempt to use an incomplete machine or one fitted with an unauthorized modification.

  • Always lubricate the cutting blade with protective spray before use.

  • Always wait until the machine has come to a complete stop before placing it down.

  • Other persons and animals should remain at a distance of 3 metres or more when the machine is being used. The operator is responsible for third persons in the working area.

  • Never grasp the blade of the hedge trimmer.

  • Children or persons unfamiliar with these instructions must not operate the hedge trimmer. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.

  • Never cut a hedge while people, especially children or pets, are nearby.

  • The user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their property.

  • Do not operate the hedge timmer when barefoot or wearing open sandals, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers. The use of sturdy gloves, non-skid footwear and safety glasses is recommended. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery which can be caught in moving parts.

  • Thoroughly inspect the area where the hedge trimmer is to be used and remove all wires and other foreign objects.

  • Prior to operation, check cutter blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly for wear or damage. Do not operate with a damaged or excessively worn cutting device.

  • Know how to stop the hedge trimmer quickly in an emergency.

  • Cut a hedge only in daylight or in good artificial light.

  • Never operate the hedge trimmer with defective guards or without the guard in place.

  • Always ensure all handles and guards supplied are fitted when using the hedge trimmer. Never attempt to use an incomplete hedge trimmer or one with an unauthorized modification.

  • Never hold the hedge trimmer by the guard.

  • When operating the hedge trimmer, ensure to keep proper footing and balance at all times.

  • The hedge trimmer is intended to be used by the user at ground level and not on ladders or any other unstable support.

  • Always be aware of your surroundings and stay alert for possible hazards that you may not hear whilst operating the hedge trimmer.

  • Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to ensure that the hedge trimmer is always in a safe working condition.

  • The hedge trimmer should be stored in a dry, high or locked up place out of the reach of children.

  • Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.

  • Do not attempt to repair the machine unless you are qualified to do so.

  • Ensure replacement parts fitted are Bosch-approved.

  • To safeguard against contact with the moving cutter blade, this hedge trimmer is constructed with two handles each with a blade control (switch). To operate the hedge trimmer, both controls must be actuated simultaneously. Do not use the tool, if it runs without a switch being actuated or just one switch being actuated.

Recommendations for Optimal Handling of the Battery Pack

  • Do not open the battery. There is a risk of short-circuiting.
    Protect the battery against heat (e.g., against continuous intense sunlight), fire, water, and moisture. There is a risk of explosion.

  • When not using the machine, keep the battery not in use away from paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws, or other small metal objects that could cause bridging of the terminals. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.

  • In case of damage and improper use of the battery pack, vapours may be emitted. Ventilate the area and seek medical help in case of complaints. The vapours can irritate the respiratory system.

  • Only use the battery with products from the manufacturer. This is the only way in which you can protect the battery against dangerous overload.

  • The battery can be damaged by pointed objects such as nails or screwdrivers or by force applied externally.
    An internal short circuit may occur, causing the battery to burn, smoke, explode or overheat.

  • Do not short-circuit the battery. There is a risk of explosion.

  • Occasionally clean the venting slots of the battery using a soft, clean and dry brush.

  • Charge the machine only with the supplied battery charger.

Symbols

The following symbols are important for reading and understanding the original instructions. Please take note of the symbols and their meaning. The correct interpretation of the symbols will help you to use the product in a better and safer manner.

Symbol Meaning

Symbol| Wear protective gloves
| Movement direction
| Reaction direction
| Weight
| Switching on
| Switching off

CLICK!

| Audible noise
| Prohibited action
| Accessories/Spare parts

Product Description and Specifications

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

Please observe the illustrations at the end of this operating manual.

Intended Use

The machine is intended for cutting and trimming hedges and bushes.

Product Features (see figure A)

The numbering of the product features refers to the illustration of the product on the graphics pages.

Product Features

  1. Handle
  2. Rear trigger
  3. Front trigger
  4. Hand guard
  5. Cutting blade
  6. Cut protection
  7. Protection Sleeve
  8. Sawing function
  9. Chargera)
  10. Battery release buttona)
  11. Batterya)

a) Accessories shown or described are not included with the product as standard. You can find the complete selection of accessories in our accessories range.

Technical Data

Cordless hedge trimmer GHE 18V-60
Article number
Stroke rate at no-load min-1
Cutting length cm
Tooth opening mm
Weight according to EPTA‑Procedure 01:2014A)
– without battery kg
– with battery kg
Serial number
Recommended ambient temperature during charging °C
Permitted ambient temperature during operation B) and storage °C
Compatible batteries
Recommended batteries
Recommended chargers

GAX 18…
GAL 36….

A) Depends on battery in use
B) Limited performance at temperatures < 0 °C

Noise/Vibration Information

3 600 HC9 …

Noise emission values determined according to EN 62841-4 2:2019+A1:2022+A11:2022
Typically the A-weighted noise levels of the product are:

– Sound pressure level| dB(A)| 83
– Sound power level| dB(A)| 91
– Uncertainty K| dB| 3
Vibration total values ah (triax vector sum) and uncertainty K determined according to
EN 62841-4-2:2019+A1:2022+A11:2022
– Vibration emission value ah| m/s2| < 2.5
– Uncertainty K| m/s2| **1.5**

That the declared vibration total value(s) and the declared noise emission value(s) have been measured in accordance with a standard test method and may be used for comparing one machine with another.
That the declared vibration total value(s) and the declared noise emission value(s) may also be used in a preliminary assessment of exposure.
That the vibration and noise emissions during actual use of the machine can differ from the declared total value depending on the ways in which the machine is used; and of the need to 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 machine is switched off and when it is running idle in addition to the trigger time).

Rechargeable battery

Bosch sells some cordless power tools without a rechargeable battery. You can tell whether a rechargeable  battery is included with the power tool by looking at the packaging.

Charging the battery

  • Use only the chargers listed in the technical data. Only these chargers are matched to the lithium-ion battery of your power tool.

Note: Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are supplied partially charged according to international transport regulations. To ensure full rechargeable battery capacity, fully charge the rechargeable battery before using your tool for the first time.

Inserting the Battery
Push the charged battery into the battery holder until it clicks into place.

Bosch recommends using battery packs with a capacity of at least 3.0 Ah.

Removing the Battery

To remove the rechargeable battery, press the battery release button and pull the battery out. Do not use force to do this.

The rechargeable battery has two locking levels to prevent the battery from falling out if the battery release button is pressed unintentionally. The rechargeable battery is held in place by a spring when fitted in the power tool.

Battery charge indicator

The green LEDs on the battery charge indicator indicate the state of charge of the battery. For safety reasons, it is only possible to check the state of charge when the power tool is not in operation.

Press the button for the battery charge indicator or to show the state of charge. This is also possible when the battery is removed.

If no LED lights up after pressing the button for the battery charge indicator, then the battery is defective and must be replaced.

**Battery model GBA 18V..

**

LED Capacity
3× continuous green light 60–100 %
2× continuous green light 30–60 %
1× continuous green light 5–30 %
1× flashing green light 0–5 %

Battery model ProCORE18V…

LED Capacity
5 × continuous green light 80–100 %
4 × continuous green light 60–80 %
3 × continuous green light 40–60 %
2 × continuous green light 20–40 %
1 × continuous green light 5–20 %
1 × flashing green light 0–5 %

Recommendations for Optimal Handling of the Battery

Protect the battery against moisture and water.
Only store the battery within a temperature range of −20 to 50 °C. Do not leave the battery in your car in the summer, for example.
Occasionally clean the ventilation slots on the battery using a soft brush that is clean and dry.
A significantly reduced operating time after charging indicates that the battery has deteriorated and must be replaced.
Follow the instructions on correct disposal.

Battery Maintenance

Use the following procedures to enable optimum usage of the battery:

  • Protect the battery against moisture and water.
  • Store the machine and battery only within a temperature range between –20 °C and 50 °C . As an example, do not leave the battery in the car in summer.
  • The battery must not be stored within the product but stored separately.
  • Do not leave the battery in the product in direct sunlight.
  • The ideal storage condition for the battery is 5 °C.
  • Occasionally clean the venting slots of the battery using a soft, clean and dry brush.

A significantly reduced working period after charging indicates that the battery is used and must be replaced.

Operation

Switching On and Off (see figures C − D)
Operation
Operation

As soon as the battery is inserted and a clicking sound can be heard (see figure B), simultaneously press the front switch (3) and the switch at the rear handle (2) (see figure C).
Operation

In order to switch the device off, either release the switch at the rear handle (2) or the switch at the front handle (3) or both at the same time (see figure D).

Working with the Hedgecutter (see figure E)

Operation

Operation

Move the hedge cutter evenly forward along the cutting line.
The double edge cutting blade enables cutting in either direction, or with a side to side motion.
Cut the sides of the hedge first, then the top.
To cut the sides straightly, we recommend cutting from bottom to top in the direction of growth. Younger stems tend to move outwards when cutting them from top to bottom, resulting in shallow patches or holes in the hedge.

To reach a level finish, fasten a piece of string along the length of the hedge at the required height and use as an alignment guide. Cut the hedge just above the string.
Pay attention that no objects such as wires are cut. The blade or drive can be damaged.

Anti Blocking

If the blade stalls on a tough material, the load of the motor increases. The intelligent micro-electronics senses this overload condition and repeatedly reverses the motor, in order to prevent stalling and to cut the branch through.

This audible reversing cut action continues for up to 15 rounds when the switch is actuated.
During repeated heavy cutting scenarios, the anti blocking function could disable for 15 seconds to allow it to reset. After cutting through, the garden product continues in its normal mode, or in case the overload condition continues the blades automatically stop in the open position (e.g. in case a piece of metal fence accidentally blocks the garden product).

Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action

Hedgecutter does not

operate

| Battery discharged| Recharge battery; also see “Battery Charging”
Battery not fully connected| Ensure both locking levels are engaged
Hedgecutter operates

intermittently

| Internal wiring of garden tool defective| Contact Service Agent
On/Off switch defective| Contact Service Agent
Motor reverses repeatedly then stops after 3 s.| see “Working Advice” (Anti Blocking)
Motor runs but blades remain stationary| Internal Error| Contact Service Agent
Cutting blade hot| Cutting blade blunt| Have blade sharpened
Cutting blade has dents| Have blade inspected/overhauled
Too much friction, due to lack of lubricant| Apply lubricant spray
Blade will not move| Battery discharged| Recharge battery; also see “Battery Charging”
Machine defective| Contact Service Agent
Excessive vibrations/ noise| Machine defective| Contact Service Agent
Cutting time per battery charge too low| Too much friction, due to lack of lubricant| Apply lubricant spray
Blade needs cleaning| Clean blade
Poor cutting technique| see “Working Advice” (figure E )
Battery not fully charged| Recharge battery; also see “Battery Charging”
The blades are running| Battery discharged| Recharge battery; also see “Battery Charging”

Maintenance and Service

Maintenance, Cleaning and Storage

  • Before any work on the garden product itself (e. g. maintenance, tool change, etc.) as well as during transport and storage, remove the battery from the garden product. There is danger of injury when unintentionally actuating the On/Off switch.
  • For safe and proper working, always keep the product clean.

Procedure after use

  • The teeth of the cutting blades are very sharp. This may cause cutting injuries.
    Wear work gloves made of resistant material.

Cleaning the hedge trimmer
Switch off the hedge trimmer and remove the battery.
Clean the hedge trimmer with a damp cloth and apply BOSCH lubricant spray to the blades.
Clean the areas around the front hand guard with a clean soft cloth or brush.

Repair

Repairing the hedge trimmer and battery

The hedge trimmer, the cutting blades and the battery cannot be repaired by the user.

  • Never use a damaged hedge trimmer or cutting blade. Do not work with a defective hedge trimmer and contact your BOSCH customer service.

After-Sales Service and Application Service

Our after-sales service responds to your questions concerning maintenance and repair of your product as well as spare parts. You can find explosion drawings and information on spare parts at: www.bosch-pt.com

The Bosch product use advice team will be happy to help you with any questions about our products and their accessories.
In all correspondence and spare parts orders, please always include the 10‑digit article number given on the nameplate of the product.

Great Britain
Robert Bosch Ltd. (B.S.C.)
P.O. Box 98
Broadwater Park
North Orbital Road
Denham Uxbridge
UB 9 5HJ

At www.bosch-pt.co.uk you can order spare parts or arrange the collection of a product in need of servicing or repair.
Tel. Service: (0344) 7360109
E-Mail: [email protected]

You can find further service addresses at:
www.bosch-pt.com/serviceaddresses

Transport
The recommended lithium-ion batteries are subject to legislation on the transport of dangerous goods. The user can transport the batteries by road without further requirements.

When shipping by third parties (e.g.: by air transport or forwarding agency), special requirements on  packaging and labelling must be observed. For preparation of the item being shipped, consulting an expert for hazardous material is required.

Dispatch battery packs only when the housing is undamaged. Tape or mask off open contacts and pack up the battery in such a manner that it cannot move around in the packaging. Please also observe the possibility of more detailed national regulations.

Disposal

Products, rechargeable batteries, accessories and packaging are to be recycled in an environmentally friendly manner.
Do not dispose of rechargeable batteries/batteries into household waste!

Only for EU countries:

According to European Directive 2012/19/EU on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and its implementation into national law, power tools that are no longer usable must be collected separately and disposed must be collected separately and be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. According to European Directive 2006/66/EG rechargeable batteries that are defect or no longer usable must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
If disposed incorrectly, waste electrical and electronic equipment may have harmful effects on the environment and human health, due to the potential presence of hazardous substances.

Rechargeable batteries/batteries:
Li-Ion:
Please refer to the notice in section Transport (see “Transport”, page 18).

Only for United Kingdom:
According to The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/3113) (as amended) and the  Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009 (SI 2009/890) (as amended), products that are no longer usable must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

Licenses

Copyright © 2005-2016, Texas Instruments Incorporated
All rights reserved.

http://www.ti.com/

Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions are met:

  • Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.
  • Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer in the documentation and/or other materials provided with the distribution.
  • Neither the name of Texas Instruments Incorporated nor the names of its contributors may be used to endorse or promote products derived from this software without specific prior written permission.

THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS “AS IS” AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT OWNER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH
70538 Stuttgart
GERMANY
www.bosch-pt.com

Bosch Logo

References

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