BOSCH AFS 23-37 Brush Cutter Instruction Manual

BOSCH AFS 23-37 Brush Cutter

OVERVIEW

Robert Bosch GmbH
Power Tools Division 70764 Leinfelden-Echterdingen

GERMANY

• www.bosch-garden.com
• F016 L81 230 (2015.12) O / 257 XXX

Safety Notes

Explanation of symbols on the machine

• Beware of thrown or flying objects. Keep bystanders a safe distance from the machine when operating.
• Typical the A-weighted noise levels of the product with blade fitted.
• Typical the A-weighted noise levels of the product with spool fitted.

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

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.

• Before use check the supply and extension cord for signs of damage or ageing. If the cord becomes damaged during use, disconnect the cord from the supply immediately. DO NOT TOUCH THE CORD BEFORE DISCONNECTING THE SUPPLY. Do not use the garden product if the cord is damaged or worn.
• If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent or similarly qualified persons in order to avoid a hazard.
• Before use, perform a visual inspection in order to identify any significant damage or defects. This inspection must also be completed if the tool is dropped or subjected to any significant impacts.
• It is recommended for increased electrical safety to use a Residual Current Device (RCD) with a tripping current of not more than 30 mA. Always check your RCD every time you use it.
• Always ensure tool ventilation openings are kept free of debris.

Operation

• For the assembly of the tool follow the illustrations, for disassembly reverse the assembly procedure.
• Remove blade cover before use.
• Do not cut walls.
• Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the machine. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator. When not in use store the machine out of reach of children.
• This machine 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 machine by a person responsible for their safety. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the machine.
• Never work while people, especially children, or pets are nearby.
• The operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their property.
• Always wear long heavy trousers, boots, and gloves. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short trousers, sandals, and newer work barefoot.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the machine is to be used and remove all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects.
• Do not operate in areas where live cables may be present.
• Before using, always visually inspect to see that the blade or blade nut are not worn or damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and nuts in sets to preserve balance.
• Work only in daylight or in good artificial light.
• Avoid operating the machine in bad weather conditions especially when there is a risk of lightning.
• For your safety, please take care whilst operating the machine in wet grass/brush.
• Walk, never run and stay in a stable position.
• Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach.
• Always wear ear and eye protection when operating the machine.
• Wear eye protection which is marked to comply with EN 166 as well as hearing protection when using this machine.
• Never operate the machine with missing or broken guards, barriers or shields.
• Do not operate the tool with the metal cutting blade in close proximity to the mains/extension cable.
• Always check for signs of wear or damage before and after use.
• If a fault occurs consult the troubleshooting section.
• If an accident occurs, unplug the machine from main supply before attending to the accident.
• Never operate the product when you are tired, ill or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medicine.

Working on banks can be dangerous

• Do not work on excessively steep slopes.
• Always be sure of your footing on slopes or wet grass.
• Work across the face of slopes –never up and down.
• Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
• Keep hands and feet away from the cutting means at all times, especially when switching on the motor.
• Switch off when transporting the machine to and from the area to be worked on.
• Switch off and remove the plug from the socket:
  • whenever you leave the machine unattended for any period,
  • before clearing a blockage,
  • if the cable is tangled,
  • before replacing the cutting head,
  • before checking, cleaning or working on the machine,
  • after striking a foreign object. Inspect the machine for damage and make repairs as necessary,
  • if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally (check immediately).
• Wait until the cutting head has completely stopped before touching it. The head continues to rotate after the machine is switched off, and the cutting system can cause injury/damage.
• Do not modify this product. Unauthorized modifications may impair the safety of your product and may result in increased noise and vibration.
• Store the garden product in a secure, dry place out of reach of children. Do not place other objects on top of the garden product.
• Use only the Bosch garden tool accessories recommended and approved to be used on this machine. (see Fig. 14)
• Prolonged use of a power tool (or other machines) exposing the operator to vibrations may produce white finger disease (Raynaud’s phenomenon) or carpal tunnel syndrome.
• These conditions reduce the hand’s ability to feel and regulate temperature, produce numbness and burning sensations, and may cause nerve and circulation damage and tissue necrosis.
• Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms of overexposure to vibration. These symptoms include numbness, loss of feeling, tingling, pricking, pain, loss of strength, changes in skin colour or condition. These symptoms normally appear in the fingers, hands or wrists.
• Always use the tool for correct applications. Ensure only dedicated front and rear handles are used to hold the tool and if necessary restrict working time.
• Beware that the tool may kick back when a blade suddenly strikes a hard object when cutting brush or scrubbing vegetation. Take care to minimize the effects of kick back.
• This tool is designed to be used with the shoulder harness provided. Take care to adjust the harness to balance the tool correctly and reduce the potential for operator fatigue in use.
• For Transport and Storage, Blade should be protected using an appropriate cover.
• Keep supply flexible cords away from cutting means.

Maintenance

• Always wear protective gloves when handling or working near the sharp blades.
• To ensure long and reliable service, carry out the following maintenance regularly:
• Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight using the tool kit provided to be sure that the machine is in safe working conditions.
• Examine the machine and replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
• Ensure Bosch-approved correct replacement parts are used.
• Have the machine repaired only by an authorized customer service agent.
• Before transport or storage ensure the machine is clean and free from debris, if necessary clean with a soft, dry brush.
• Any blockages between the cutting head and the guard should be removed. For ease of storage, the machine can be separated at tube joiner. (see figure 3)

Electrical Safety

• Warning! Switch off, and remove the plug from the mains before adjusting, cleaning, or if the cable is cut, damaged or entangled. Your machine is double insulated for safety and requires no earth connection. The operating voltage is 230 V AC, 50 Hz (for non-EU countries 220 V). Only use approved extension cables. Contact your Bosch Service Centre for details.It is recommended for increased electrical safety to use a Residual Current Device (RCD) with a tripping current of not more than 30 mA. Always check your RCD every time you use it. Keep the power cable away from moving hazardous parts and avoid damage to the cable which can lead to contact with live parts. The connection lead must be inspected for signs of damage at regular intervals and may only be used if in perfect condition. If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by a Bosch Service Centre. Extension cords/leads should only be used if they comply with H05VV-F or H05RN-F types.

For products not sold in GB:

WARNING: For your safety, it is required that the plug attached to the machine is connected to the extension cord. The coupling of the extension cord must be protected against splash water, be made of rubber or coated with rubber. The extension cord must be used with a cable strain relief.

• Products sold in GB only: Your product is fitted with a BS 1363/A ap-proved electric plug with an internal fuse (ASTA approved to BS 1362). If the plug is not suitable for your socket outlets, it should be cut off and an appropriate plug fitted in its place by an authorized customer service agent. The replacement plug should have the same fuse rating as the original plug. The severed plug must be disposed of to avoid a possible shock hazard and should never be inserted into a mains socket elsewhere.

Products sold in AUS and NZ only: Use a residual current device (RCD) with a rated residual current of 30 mA or less.

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

Intended Use
The machine is intended for clearing brambles/brush, cutting saplings, trimming, thinning, clearing weeds, cutting long grass, and clearing nettles in domestic and hobby gardens.

Technical Data

The values given are valid for a nominal voltage [U] of 230 V. For differ-ent voltages and models for specific countries, these values can vary. Please observe the article number on the type plate of your garden product. The trade names of the individual garden products may vary.

Noise/Vibration Information

Declaration of Conformity

• Equipment category: 33
• Notified body:
• DEKRA Certification B.V.
• Meander 1051
• 6825 MJ Arnhem
• Netherlands
• Nr. 0344

Technical file (2006/42/EC, 2000/14/EC) at: Bosch Lawn and Garden Ltd., PT-HG /ENS-PA2, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1EY, England

• Henk Becker Executive Vice President Engineering
• Helmut Heinzelmann Head of Product Certification PT/ETM9
• Robert Bosch GmbH, Power Tools Division 70764 Leinfelden-Echterdingen, GERMANY 07.12.2015

Mounting and Operation

• Do not connect the machine to the main socket before it is completely assembled.
• The cutting head continues to rotate for a few seconds after the brushcutter is switched off. Allow the cutting head to stop rotating before switching “on” again.
• Do not rapidly switch off and on.
• Remove any grass from the cutting head cover when changing the cutting head.
• Only use Bosch-approved cutting elements. Cutting performance will vary with different cutting elements. The numbering of the figures refer to the illustrations of the machine on the graphics page.

Working Advice

Troubleshooting

After-sales Service and Application Service

• www.bosch-garden.com

In all correspondence and spare parts orders, please always include the 10-digit article number given on the type plate of the garden 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: boschservicecentre@bosch.com

Ireland

• Origo Ltd.
• Unit 23 Magna Drive
• Magna Business Park
• City West
• Dublin 24
• Tel. Service: (01) 4666700
• Fax: (01) 4666888

Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands

• Robert Bosch Australia Pty. Ltd.
• Power Tools
• Locked Bag 66
• Clayton South VIC 3169
• Customer Contact Center
• Inside Australia:
• Phone: (01300) 307044
• Fax: (01300) 307045
• Inside New Zealand:
• Phone: (0800) 543353
• Fax: (0800) 428570
• Outside AU and NZ:
• Phone: +61 3 95415555
• www.bosch.com.au

Republic of South Africa Customer service

• Hotline: (011) 6519600

Gauteng – BSC Service Centre

• 35 Roper Street, New Centre
• Johannesburg
• Tel.: (011) 4939375
• Fax: (011) 4930126
  E-Mail: bsctools@icon.co.za

KZN – BSC Service Centre
Unit E, Almar Centre 143 Crompton Street Pinetown

• Tel.: (031) 7012120
• Fax: (031) 7012446
• E-Mail: bsc.dur@za.bosch.com

Western Cape – BSC Service Centre
Democracy Way, Prosperity Park Milnerton

• Tel.: (021) 5512577
• Fax: (021) 5513223
• E-Mail: bsc@zsd.co.za Bosch Headquarters

Midrand, Gauteng

• Tel.: (011) 6519600
• Fax: (011) 6519880
• E-Mail: rbsa-hq.pts@za.bosch.com

Disposal
Do not dispose of garden products as household waste!

Only for EC countries
According to the European directive 2012/19/EU for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and its implementation into national law, electrical and electronic equipment that are no longer usable must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally correct manner.

• Subject to change without notice.

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