KOBALT KHT 224B-03 Brushless Shear/Shrubber User Manual

KOBALT KHT 224B-03 Brushless Shear/Shrubber

Product Information

Specifications

Recommended Blades

Package Contents

• A – Shrubber blade
• B – Shrubber sheath
• C – Lock-off button
• D – Trigger switch
• E – Blade release buttons
• F – Grass shear blade
• G – Shear sheath
• H – Handle

Part Descriptions

• Grass Shear Blade: The grass shear blade can be used on grass and light weeds.
• Shrubber Blade: The shrubbery blade can be used on shrubs.
• Shear Sheath/Shrubber Sheath: This prevents the operator from coming into contact with the sharp blades when the machine is not in use. They also help keep the blades from being nicked or damaged when the machine is transported or stored.
• Blade Release Buttons: To remove the blade.
• Lock-off Button: Reduces the possibility of accidental starting.
• Trigger Switch: The trigger switch activates the motor and blades when it is depressed after the lock-off button is pushed forward.

Product Usage Instructions

Safety Information
Please read and understand this entire manual before attempting to assemble or operate this product. If you have any questions regarding the product, please call customer service at 888-3KOBALT (888-356-2258), 8 am – 8 pm, EST, Monday – Sunday. You can also contact us at [email protected].

Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the machine better and more safely.

• V: Volts
• n0: No-load speed
• SPM: Strokes per Minute
• A danger, warning, or caution. It means ‘Attention! Your safety is involved.’
• To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read the instruction manual.
• Wear eye protection.
• Keep bystanders away.
• Do not be exposed to rain.
• Keep hands away from the blade.

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 machine in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) machine or battery-operated (cordless) machine.

Know the Machine
To operate this machine, carefully read this manual and all labels attached to the machine before using it. Keep this manual available for future reference.

General Machine Safety Warnings

• Wear protective clothing and wash exposed areas with soap and water. Allowing dust to get into your mouth or eyes or to lie on the skin may promote the absorption of harmful chemicals.
• Do not use this product in damp or wet locations. Do not expose it to rain. Keep the machine dry at all times.
• Do not operate this product near flammable materials or in an explosive atmosphere. Keep the area free of debris that could be ignited by sparks or hot debris.
• Do not use this product in the presence of flammable liquids or gases.
• Do not use this product in areas where there may be gas leaks or where flammable liquids or gases are stored.
• Do not use this product in areas with poor ventilation or in confined spaces.
• Do not use this product for purposes other than those specified in the manual. Use only the recommended accessories and attachments.
• Do not modify this product in any way. Doing so may result in unsafe operation and will void the warranty.
• Do not use this product if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication that impairs your ability to operate the machine safely.

FAQ

• Q: What should I do if the blades become dull?
  A: If the blades become dull, they can be sharpened using a sharpening stone or replaced with new ones. Refer to the instruction manual for more information on blade maintenance.

• Q: Can I use this product to cut thick branches?
  A: No, this product is designed for cutting grass, light weeds, and shrubs. It is not suitable for cutting thick branches.

• Q: How do I remove and replace the blades?
  A: To remove the blades, press the blade release buttons and slide the blades out. To replace the blades, align them with the blade slots and push them in until they click into place.

KOBALT and logo design are trademarks or registered trademarks of LF, LLC. All rights reserved.

Questions, problems, missing parts?
Before returning to your retailer, call our customer service department at 888-3KOBALT (888-356-2258), 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., EST, Monday – Sunday. You can also contact us at [email protected].

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Recommended grass shear blade and shrubbery blade for this shear/shrubbery

PACKAGE CONTENTS

• Grass Shear Blade
  The grass shear blade can be used on grass and light weeds.

• Shrubber Blade
  The shrubbery blade can be used on shrubs.

• Shear Sheath/Shrubber Sheath
  Prevents the operator from coming in contact with the sharp blades when the machine is not in use. They also help keep the blades from being nicked or damaged when the machine is transported or stored.

• Blade Release Buttons
  Remove the blade.

• Lock-off Button
  Reduces the possibility of accidental starting.

• Trigger Switch
  The trigger switch activates the motor and blades when it is depressed after the lock-off button is pushed forward.

WARNING

• Remove the tool from the package and examine it carefully. Inspect the machine carefully to make sure that no breakage or damage occurred during shipping. If any parts are damaged or missing, please return the product to the place of purchase. Do not discard the carton or any packaging material until all parts have been examined.
• If any part of the machine is missing or damaged, do not attach the battery to use the machine until the part has been repaired or replaced. Failure to heed this warning could result in serious injury.

SAFETY INFORMATION

Please read and understand this entire manual before attempting to assemble or operate this product. If you have any questions regarding the product, please call customer service at 888-3KOBALT (888-356-2258), 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., EST, Monday – Sunday. You can also contact us at [email protected].

WARNING

• The operation of any machine can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Before beginning machine operation, always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields and a full-face shield, when needed. We recommend using a wide-vision safety mask over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with shields. Always use eye protection marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.
• Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling and other construction activities contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:
  • Lead from lead-based paints
  • Crystalline silica from bricks, cement, and other masonry products
  • Arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber
• Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals:
  • Work in a well-ventilated area.
  • Work with approved safety equipment, such as dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.
  • Avoid prolonged contact with dust from power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities. Wear protective clothing and wash exposed areas with soap and water. Allowing dust to get into your mouth or eyes or to lie on the skin may promote the absorption of harmful chemicals.

DANGER
People with electronic devices, such as pacemakers, should consult their physician(s) before using this product. Operation of electrical equipment in close proximity to a heart pacemaker could cause interference or failure of the pacemaker.

Know the Machine
To operate this machine, carefully read this manual and all labels affixed to the machine before using it. Keep this manual available for future reference.

Important
This machine should be serviced only by a qualified service technician.

Read All Instructions Thoroughly

Some of the following symbols may be used on this machine. Please study them and their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the machine better and more safely.

General Machine Safety Warnings

WARNING
Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this machine. 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 “machine” in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) machine or battery-operated (cordless) machine.

Work Area Safety

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

Electrical Safety
Machine plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) machines. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce the risk of electric shock.

• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
• Do not expose machines to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a machine will increase the risk of electric shock.
• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the machine. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
• When operating a machine 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 machine in a damp location is unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. The use of a GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.

Personal Safety

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a machine. Do not use a machine while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating machines 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 a power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the machine. Carrying machines with your finger on the switch or energising machines that have the switch on invites accidents.
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the machine on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the machine may result in personal injury.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the machine 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. The use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
• Do not let familiarity gained from the frequent use of machines allow you to become complacent and ignore machine safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.

Machine Use and Care

• Do not force the machine. Use the correct machine for your application. The correct machine will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
• Do not use the machine if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any machine 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 machine before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing machines. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the machine accidentally.
• Store idle machines out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the machine or these instructions to operate the machine. Machines are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
• Maintained machines and accessories. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the machine’s operation. If damaged, have the machine repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained machines.
• Keep cutting machines sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting machines with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Use the machine, accessories machine bits etc. by these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the machine 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 machine in unexpected situations.

Battery Machine 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 machines only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
• When the 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 the eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
• Do not use a battery pack or machine 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 machine to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 265 °F (130 °C) may cause an explosion.
• Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or machine 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 machine serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the machine is maintained.
• Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.

Shear/shrubber Safety Warnings

• 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 shear/shrubber may result in serious personal injury.
• Carry the shear/shrubber by the handle with the blade stopped and take care not to operate any power switch. Proper carrying of the shear/shrubber will decrease the risk of inadvertent starting and resultant personal injury from the blades.
• When transporting or storing the shear/shrubber, always fit the blade cover. Proper handling of the shear/shrubber will decrease the risk of personal injury from the blades.
• 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 shear/shrubber while clearing jammed material or servicing may result in serious personal injury.
• Hold the shear/shrubber by insulated gripping surfaces only, because the blade may contact hidden wiring. Blades contacting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the shear/shrubber “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
• Keep all power cords and cables away from the cutting area. Power cords or cables may be hidden in hedges or bushes and can be accidentally cut by the blade.
• Do not use the shear/shrubber in bad weather conditions, especially when there is a risk of lightning. This decreases the risk of being struck by lightning.

Additional Safety Instructions for shear/shrubber

• Don’t grasp the exposed cutting blades or cutting edges when picking up or holding the appliance.
• Keep hands away from blades.
• Do not rely on the machine’s insulation against electric shock. To reduce the risk of electrocution, never operate the machine in the vicinity of any wires or cables that may carry electric current.
• Do not charge the battery pack in rain or in wet locations.
• Never allow children to operate the shear/shrubber.
• Never operate the product while people, especially children or pets, are nearby.
• Avoid trimming in bad weather conditions especially when there is a risk of lightning.
• Use the product only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Check that covers and guards are undamaged and correctly fitted. Carry out necessary maintenance or repairs before using.
• Only switch on the motor when your hands and feet are away from the blade.
• Take care against injury to feet and hands from the cutting means.
• Use only with the battery packs and chargers listed below:

BATTERY PACK

|

CHARGER

---|---
KB 224-03; KB 424-03; KB 524-03;

KB 624-03; KXB 424-03; KXB 824-03

| KRC 2445-03; KRC 2490-03;

KRC 2404-03; KDPC 124-03;

KCH 2401-03; KCH 2411-03

NOTE:
The battery pack and charger manuals are provided separately. They include specific safety rules and operating instructions. Please refer to the battery pack and charger manuals for safety rules and detailed operating instructions.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

PREPARATION

Know Your Shear/shrubber
This shear/shrubber can be used for trimming and shaping hedges and shrubbery and trimming grass and other light weeds. Before attempting to use the machine, familiarize yourself with all of its operating features and safety requirements.

WARNING

• Do not allow familiarity with the machine to cause carelessness. Remember that one careless moment is enough to cause severe injury. Before attempting to use any machine, be sure to become familiar with all of the operating features and safety instructions.
• Do not attempt to modify this machine or create accessories not recommended for use with this machine. Any such alteration or modification is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition leading to possibly serious personal injury.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

• Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 along with hearing protection. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes and other possibly serious injuries.
• Do not use any attachments or accessories not recommended by the manufacturer of this product. The use of attachments or accessories not recommended can result in serious personal injury.
• Battery-powered machines are always in operating condition. Therefore, always remove the battery pack when making adjustments or changing accessories, when the machine is not in use, or when carrying the machine at your side.

Changing the Blade (Fig. 1a-1d)

WARNING

• To prevent injuries, slip the blade sheath over the blade when replacing the blades.

The shear/shrubber is shipped with two blades: the 4” grass shear blade for cutting grass and light weeds, and the 8” shrubber blade for trimming hedges. Make sure to use the correct blade for your application.

• Remove the battery pack from the machine.

• Make sure the blade sheath is covering the blade being removed and the blade is installed.

• Turn the machine upside down.

• Press the two blade release buttons (E) simultaneously and pull out the installed blade from the machine housing. Make sure that no dirt gets into the housing when you change the blade.
  CAUTION

  • When the two blade release buttons are pressed, the installed blade will fall off (Fig. 1c).

• Insert the narrow end of the replacement blade into the machine housing. Press the blade housing against the machine housing until it engages with an audible click.

Attaching/Removing Battery Pack (Fig. 2)

To Attach Battery Pack

• Align the raised portion of the battery pack with the grooves on the bottom of the machine, then slide the battery pack onto the machine, as shown.
• Make sure that the latches on the battery pack snap into place and the battery pack is secured to the machine before beginning operation.

NOTICE:
When placing the battery pack on the machine, be sure that the raised rib on the battery pack aligns with the groove on the machine and that the latches snap into place properly. Improper assembly of the battery pack can cause damage to internal components.

To Detach the Battery Pack

• Press the battery-release buttons to release the battery pack.
• Pull backward on the battery pack to remove it from the machine.

To Start/Stop the Machine (Fig. 3)

• To turn the machine ON, grasp the handle (H) firmly with one hand.
• Push the lock-off button (C) forward, and then squeeze the trigger switch (D). Once the machine starts, release the lock-off button (C).
• To turn the machine OFF, move the machine away from the cutting area before switching off, then release the trigger switch.

WARNING
After switching off the machine the blades continue to move for a few seconds. Wait for the blades to come to a complete stop before laying the machine down.

Cutting Tips

• Never use the shear/shrubber near power lines, fencing, posts, buildings, or other immovable objects.
• Do not force the shear/shrubber through heavy grass or shrubbery. This can cause the blades to bind and slow down. If the blades slow down, reduce the pace.
• Do not attempt to cut stems or twigs that are larger than 5/16” (7.9 mm) thick, or those too large to feed into the cutting blade. Use a non-powered hand saw or pruning saw to trim large stems.
• If blades do become jammed, stop the motor, allow the blades to stop, and remove the battery pack before attempting to remove the obstruction.
• If desired, you can use a string to help cut your hedge level. Decide how high you want the hedge to be. Stretch a piece of string along the hedge at the desired height. Trim the hedge just above the guideline of the string. Trim the side of a hedge so that it will be slightly narrower at the top. More of the hedge will be exposed when shaped this way, and it will be more uniform.
• Wear gloves when trimming thorny or prickly growth.
• When trimming new growth, use a wide sweeping action, so that the stems are fed directly into the cutting blade. Older growth will have thicker stems and will be trimmed easiest by using a sawing movement.

WARNING
Clear the area to be cut before each use. Remove all objects such as cords, lights, wire, or loose string which can become entangled in the cutting blade and create a risk of serious personal injury.

Trimming hedges (Fig. 4)

• 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.

Trimming grass and shrubs (Fig. 5)

• When cutting long grass, work in stages from the top and make small cuts.
• For optimal cutting results, only cut dry grass.
• Keep the machine away from solid objects in order to protect the cutting blades against excessive wear.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

WARNING

• All maintenance should only be carried out by a qualified service technician.
• Before cleaning or performing any maintenance, remove the battery pack. For safe and proper operation, always keep the machine and its ventilation slots clean.
• When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause product damage.
• Wear heavy protective gloves when handling the blades.
• Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 during machine operation or when blowing dust. If the operation is dusty, also wear a dust mask.
• When cleaning the machine, DO NOT immerse it in water or other liquids.
• Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, penetrating oils, etc., come in contact with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken, or destroy plastic, which may result in serious personal injury.

NOTICE:
Periodically inspect the entire product for damaged, missing, or loose parts such as screws, nuts, bolts, caps, etc. Tighten securely all fasteners and caps and do not operate this product until all missing or damaged parts are replaced. Please contact customer service or a qualified service center for assistance.

Cleaning
After each use, clean debris from the blades, ventilation slots and machine housing with a soft brush. Wipe the machine surface with a clean cloth moistened with a mild soap solution.

After use, always carefully clean and lightly lubricate the cutting blades.

Lubricating the Blades (Fig. 6)

WARNING
Do not lubricate while the shear/shrubber is running.

For easier operation and longer blade life, lubricate the blades before and after each use. If you will be using the shear/shrubber for an extended period, it is advisable to lubricate the blade during breaks.

• Remove the battery pack.
• Lay the shear/shrubber on a flat surface. Apply lightweight machine lubricant (not included) along the edge of the top blade.

Transporting and Storing (Fig. 7)

• Remove the battery pack.
• Clean the machine.
• Always place the sheath on the cutting blades before transporting or storing the unit.
• Store it indoors, in a dry place that is inaccessible to children.
• Keep away from corrosive agents such as garden chemicals and de-icing salts.

TROUBLESHOOTING

WARNING
Release the trigger switch and remove the battery before performing troubleshooting procedures.

PROBLEM

| POSSIBLE CAUSE|

CORRECTIVE ACTION

---|---|---
The machine fails to start or stops unexpectedly.| Low battery pack charge.| Charge the battery pack.
Battery overheating.| Wait for the battery to cool down, at which point the machine can be started again.
Machine stops intermittently| Faulty internal wiring or trigger switch.| Contact dealer/service station.
The motor runs, but the blade remains stationary.| Internal fault.| Contact dealer/service station.
Poor cutting performance| Blunt blade.| Replace or sharpen the blade.
The blade has dents.| Inspect and replace the blade.
Too much friction due to a lack of lubricant.| Lubricate the blade.

WARRANTY

For 5 years from the date of purchase, this product is warranted for the original purchaser to be free from defects in material and workmanship. This guarantee does not cover damage due to abuse, normal wear, improper maintenance, neglect, unauthorized repair/alteration, or expendable parts and accessories expected to become unusable after a reasonable period of use. This warranty is limited to 90 days for commercial and rental use.

If you think your product meets the above guarantee criteria, please return it to the place of purchase with valid proof of purchase and the defective product will be repaired or replaced at no charge. This guarantee gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state.

Lowe’s Home Centers LLC. Mooresville, NC 28117

Printed in China.

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