STIHL HSE 61 Electric Hedge Trimmer Instruction Manual
- June 5, 2024
- STIHL
Table of Contents
HSE 61, 71, 81
Instruction Manual
It has been built using modern production techniques and comprehensive quality assurance. Every effort has been made to ensure your satisfaction and trouble- free use of the product. Please contact your dealer or our sales company if you have any queries concerning this product. Your
Dr. Nikolas Stihl
Guide to Using this Manual
1.1 Pictograms
All the pictograms attached to the machine are shown and explained in this
manual.
1.2 Symbols in text
WARNING
Warning where there is a risk of an accident or personal injury or serious
damage to property.
NOTICE
Caution where there is a risk of damaging the machine or its individual
components.
1.3 Engineering improvements
STIHL’s philosophy is to continually improve all of its products. For this
reason, we may modify the design, engineering, and appearance of our products
periodically.
Therefore, some changes, modifications, and improvements may not be covered in
this manual.
Safety Precautions and Working Techniques
Special safety precautions must be observed when working with this powerful
tool because it has very sharp cutting blades and is powered by electricity.
It is important that you read and understand the User Manual before
commissioning and keep it in a safe place for future reference. Non-com‐
pliance with the User Manual could lead to serious or even fatal injury.
Note the national safety regulations issued, e.g. by the employers’ liability
insurance association, social security institutions, occupational safety and
health authorities or other organizations.
If you have never used a power tool before:
Have your dealer or other experienced user show you how to operate your
machine – or attend a special course to learn how to operate it.
Minors are not allowed to work with the power tool – except adolescents above
16 years of age who are instructed under supervision. Children, animals, and
bystanders must remain at a distance.
When not using the machine, it must be laid down in such a way that it does
not endanger anyone. Ensure that the machine cannot be used without
authorization.
The user is responsible for accidents or risks involving third parties or
their property.
Do not lend or rent your power tool without the User Manual. Be sure that
anyone using it under‐ stands the information contained in this manual.
Persons who are not able to operate the power tool safely due to limited
physical, sensory, or mental ability may work with it only under supervision
or after being appropriately instructed by a responsible person.
The use of machines that emit noise may be limited ted to certain hours of the
day as specified by national and/or regional or local regulations.
Anyone operating the machine must be well-rested, in good physical health, and
in good mental condition.
If you have any condition that might be aggravated by strenuous work, check
with your doctor before operating a machine. Anyone who has consumed alcohol
or drugs or medicines affecting their ability to react must not operate a
power tool.
Use the machine only for cutting hedges, shrubs, bushes, scrub, and the like.
Other uses are not permitted and may lead to accidents or damage to the
machine. Always disconnect the machine from the mains power supply before
starting any work on the machine – the risk of accident!
Never jerk the power cord to disconnect it from the wall outlet. To unplug,
grasp the plug, not the cord.
Unsuitable extension cords may be dangerous.
When using extension cords, ensure that the minimum conductor cross-sections
are maintained (refer to the chapter entitled “Connecting the machine to the
power supply”).
The connector and coupling of the extension cord must be waterproof or routed
in such a way that they cannot come into contact with water.
Only use cutting blades and accessories that are explicitly approved for this
power tool by STIHL or are technically identical. If you have any questions in
this respect, consult your dealer. Use only high-quality parts and
accessories. in order to avoid the risk of accidents and damage to the
machine.
STIHL recommends the use of original STIHL tools and accessories. They are
specifically designed to match the product and meet your performance
requirements.
Never attempt to modify your power tool in any way since this may increase the
risk of personal injury. STIHL excludes all liability for personal injury and
damage to property caused while using unauthorized attachments.
Do not use a high-pressure washer to clean the power tool. The solid jet of
water may damage parts of the unit.
Do not spray the power tool with water.
2.1 Clothing and equipment
Wear proper protective clothing and equipment. Clothing must be sturdy but
allow complete freedom of movement.
Wear close-fitting clothes such as a boiler suit, not a loose jacket.
Do not wear clothing that could become trapped in wood, brush, or moving parts
of the machine. Do not wear a scarf, necktie, or jewelry.
Tie up and confine long hair above your shoulders.
Wear sturdy shoes with non-slip soles.
2.1.1 Safety Glasses, Hearing Protection
WARNING
To reduce the risk of eye injuries, wear close-fitting safety glasses in
accordance with European Standard EN 166. Make sure the safety glasses are a
snug fit.
Wear “personal” sound protection, e.g. ear defenders.
Wear sturdy protective gloves made of a resistant material (e. g. leather).
STIHL can supply a comprehensive range of per‐ personal protective equipment.
2.2 Transporting the machine
Always switch off the power tool, unplug it from the power supply, and fit the
blade scabbard – even when carrying the unit short distances.
Carry the power tool by the handle – cutting blades behind you.
Transporting by vehicle: Properly secure the power tool to prevent tipping
over and damage.
2.3 Before Starting Work
Check that your power tool is properly assembled and in good condition
– refer to appropriate chapters in the User Manual:
– Voltage and frequency of the machine (see rating plate) and the voltage and
frequency of your power supply must be the same.
– Examine the connecting cord, power plug, and extension cord for damage.
Damaged cords, couplings, plugs, or connecting cords that do not comply with
the regulations must not be used
– Extension cord sockets must be splash-proof
– To reduce the risk of stumbling, position and signpost the connecting cord
so that it cannot be damaged or endanger others
– Trigger switch lockout, trigger, switch lever and auxiliary switch must move
freely and return to the idle position when they are released.
– Cutting blades must be properly tightened and in safe operating condition
(clean, sharp, not bent or warped), correctly mounted, and thoroughly sprayed
with STIHL resin solvent (lubricant)
– Check cutter guard (if fitted) for damage
– Never attempt to modify the controls or safety devices
– Keep the handles dry and clean – free from oil and dirt – this is important
for safe control of the machine
To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not operate your power tool if it is
damaged or not properly assembled!
To reduce the risk of electric shock:
– Always connect the engine analyzer to a prop‐ early installed wall outlet.
– Any extension cords used must comply with the specifications for the
particular application
– Check that the insulation of the power cord, extension cord, plug, and
coupling is in good condition
2.4 Holding and guiding the machine
Always hold the unit firmly with both hands on the handles. Wrap your fingers
and thumbs around the handles.
2.4.1 Right-handed users
Right hand on the control handle and left hand on the loop handle.
2.4.2 Left-handed users
Left hand on the control handle and right hand on the loop handle.
Make sure you always have a secure footing and hold the machine so that the
cutting blades are always facing away from your body.
2.5 While working
In case of imminent danger or in an emergency, switch off the motor
immediately – release the trigger or switch lever or trigger or auxiliary
switch.
Ensure that there are no other people within the working area.
Watch the cutting blades at all times – do not cut areas of the hedge that you
cannot see.
Be extremely careful when cutting tall hedges, check the other side of the
hedge before starting work.
The drive motor is not waterproof. To reduce the risk of a short circuit or
electrocution, never work with the power tool in the rain or in wet or very
damp locations.
Do not leave the power tool outdoors in the rain.
Your power tool is equipped with a system designed to quickly stop the cutting
blades – they come to an immediate standstill as soon as you release the
trigger switch or the switch lever, or the auxiliary switch.
Check this function at regular, frequent intervals.
Do not operate the machine if the cutting blades continue to run after
switching off – the risk of injury! Contact a dealer.
Take special care in slippery conditions – damp, snow, ice, on slopes, or
on uneven ground! Clear away fallen branches, scrub, and cuttings. Watch out
for obstacles such as tree stumps, and roots – the risk of tripping or
stumbling!
2.5.1 When working at heights:
– Always use a lift bucket
– Never use the machine while standing on a ladder or in a tree
– never work in an insecure standing position Be particularly alert and
cautious when wearing hearing protection because your ability to hear warnings
(shouts, alarms, etc.) is restricted.
Take breaks when you start getting tired or feel‐ ing fatigued – the risk of
accidents!
Work calmly and carefully – in daylight conditions and only when visibility is
good. Proceed with caution, do not put others in danger.
The gear head becomes hot during operation. To reduce the risk of burn
injury, do not touch the gear housing!
If the machine is subjected to unusually high loads for which it was not
designed (e.g., heavy impact or a fall), always check that it is in good
condition before continuing work – refer also to the chapter “Before starting
work”. Make sure the safety devices are working properly. Never use a power
tool that is no longer safe to operate. In case of doubt, contact a dealer.
Inspect the hedge and work area to avoid damaging the cutting blades:
– Remove stones, rocks, pieces of metal, and other solid objects
– When working close to the ground, make sure that no sand, grit, or stones
get between the cutting blades
– Take particular care when cutting hedges next to or against wire fences
Do not touch electric power lines – never cut through electric power lines –
the risk of electrocu‐ tion!
References
- Country Routing Page: Welcome to STIHL | STIHL
- Information on Physical Agents Directive Vibration | STIHL | STIHL
- Country Routing Page: Welcome to STIHL | STIHL