HSS Hire GroundCare GC931 Troubleshooting guide

To start the engine, squeeze the throttle trigger
and OPL (operator presence lever) together and
move the main control switch to Start. This will lock
the throttle and OPL lever in the starting position. If
starting from cold, set the choke by moving the
choke lever to the closed position.
Press and release the primer bulb, op to six times,
until fuel is visible in the bulb.
Adopt the starting posture shown
and pull the starter handle until
the engine fires. If it fails to start
move the choke lever to the halfway
position and try again.
Once started, move the control
switch to the ‘I’ position, release the throttle trigger,
open the choke and allow the engine to warm up.
To STOP the engine, release the throttle and allow
the engine to idle move the control switch to the ‘O’
position. In an emergency just slide the control switch
to the ‘O’ position.
Moving Blades
Beware, when the engine starts the blades may
move even with the throttle in idle
(released) position.
The blades take time to stop even after you
have switched OFF or released the throttle.
Hold the trimmer with both hands, adopting a stable
stance that lets you see what you are doing but keeps
you safely clear of the cutters.
Sweep the blade over the hedge, working from the
ground upwards. If you encounter a really thick stem,
stop the trimmer and use a pruning saw to cut through
the obstruction.
Never over-reach.
Keep the work area tidy. Regularly sweep up
trimmings.
Watch your footing. Be careful not to trip or slip while
operating the equipment.
While cleaning the work area and when moving
location, switch the engine OFF.
Do not allow the blade to come into contact with
the ground or solid objects such as metal posts.
If the blade becomes clogged, switch OFF the
engine and wait for the blade to stop. Then
wearing suitable gloves, remove any obstruction.
Never use a damaged blade. Return the machine to
your local HSS Ground Care Depot.
Never push the equipment beyond its design
limits. If it will not do what you want with reasonable
ease, assume you have the wrong tool for the job.
Contact your HSS Ground Care Depot for advice.
Handle the equipment with care. Avoid dropping it,
knocking it, or otherwise exposing it to damage.
Keep the equipment clean. You will find it performs
better if you clean it regularly rather than wait until the
end of the rental period.
To maintain cutting efficiency, regularly lubricate
the blade with light oil.
ALWAYS cover the blade with the protective
sheath when the unit is not in use, only fit this with
the engine switched OFF.
When not in use, store the equipment somewhere
clean, dry and safe from thieves.
Clean up the equipment by wiping over the drive
shaft and engine cover with a damp cloth and
lightly oil the blades – take care, they are sharp.
Finally, replace the protective sheath over the
blade ready for return to your local HSS Ground Care
Depot.
FINISHING OFF
EQUIPMENT CARE
BASIC TECHNIQUES
Long Handled
Hedge Trimmer
A two stroke hedge trimmer with the
ability to trim tall hedges and bushes
up to 3m in height.
Operating & Safety Guide GC931
Code 62418
©HSS Hire Service Group Plc 2001 No. GC931/01
Group Office: 25 Willow Lane, Mitcham, Surrey CR4 4TS
Web Site: http://www.hss.com/groundcare
Contact your local
0845 600 3360
…any comments?
If you have any suggestions to enable us to improve
the information within this guide please fax your
comments or write to the Product Manager at the
address below
Fax: [phone]
GC931/01
Throttle Trigger
Main Control Switch OPL
Handle Controls

For advice on the safety and suitability of this equipment
contact your local HSS Ground Care Depot.
There is a serious risk of personal injury if you do
not follow all instructions laid down in this guide.
The hirer has a responsibility to ensure that all
necessary risk assessments have been completed
prior to the use of this equipment.
This equipment should only be used by an operator
who has been deemed competent to do so by
his/her employer.
This equipment should be used by an able bodied,
competent adult who has read and understood these
instructions. Anyone with either a temporary or permanent
disability, should seek expert advice before using it.
Keep children, animals and bystanders away from
the work area. Cordon off a NO GO area using
cones and either barriers or tape, available for hire
from your local HSS Ground Care Depot.
Never use this equipment if you are ill,
feeling tired, or under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
Safety goggles MUST be worn by everyone in
the work area.
This equipment generates potentially harmful
noise levels. To comply with health and safety at
work regulations, ear defenders must be worn by
everyone in the vicinity.
Wear practical, protective clothing,
gloves and footwear. Avoid loose garments
and jewellery that could catch in moving parts, tie back
long hair.
Ensure the work area is well lit and ventilated, if in
doubt, ask about lighting and ventilation equipment at
your local HSS Ground Care Depot.
Do not work near flammable gases or liquids, petrol
or paint thinners for example. Keep combustible
material at a safe distance – at least 5m.
Take all necessary precautions to protect yourself
and others against the possibility of contracting
infectious diseases in your work environment.
Always switch OFF the hedge trimmer when not in
use and replace the protective sheaf over the cutting
head, never leave it running and unattended.
Exhaust Danger
NEVER operate petrol engines indoors or in a
confined space.
The exhaust contains gases that can kill.
GENERAL SAFETY Think before you cut, ensure that cuttings fall
away from you. Clear the work area and remove trip
hazards.
Watch your footing. Think twice before working
anywhere other than on firm, level ground. Never work
in slippery or wet conditions.
NEVER work near overhead cables.
Always check the equipment’s condition before
use. If it shows signs of excessive wear or damage, do
not use it. Return it to your HSS Ground Care Depot.
Always switch OFF – and wait for the blades to stop –
before attempting to clean, service or adjust the
equipment.
Hedge trimmers can cause serious injury. Keep a
firm grip on the handles whilst trimming. Always
keep feet and hands well away from the cutting
blade, taking special care when starting.
Only adjust the cutting angle of the blades with
the trimmer switched OFF, with the blade
stationary and resting flat on the ground.
Never leave the machine running and unattended.
COSHH information sheets are available from your local
HSS Ground Care Depot.
The hedge trimmer is supplied with a harness that
fits over both shoulders and allows the trimmer to
rest on the pad at the top of the thigh. Fit the
harness and adjust so that it feels secure by adjusting the
shoulder straps and waistband. When comfortable
hook the trimmer to the harness, selecting a suitable
hook position.
Adjust the harness so that the trimmer can be
swung easily up and down with the cutting blade
at the intended working height while standing
normally.
GETTING STARTED
Fuel Safety
NEVER refuel while the engine is hot or running.
Never smoke or allow naked lights into the area
while refuelling.
Never inhale fuel vapour.
ALWAYS mop up spillage’s as quickly as possible,
and immediately change your clothes if you get
fuel on yourself.
ALWAYS store fuel in a purpose-made sealed
container, in a cool, shaded, safe place well away
from the work area.
Once everything has been adjusted, disconnect the
unit from the harness and lay the trimmer on a flat
area with the cutter blade clear of any
obstructions.
The blade angle can be set at different positions
between 0 and 90 degrees. To adjust the blade, pull
the spring loaded sleeve back, move the blade to
the desired angle using the lever and let the spring
loaded sleeve locate into the angle setting hole.
Ensure that the catch is pushed completely home, then
remove the protective sheath from the cutting blade.
With the machine on firm level ground, check fuel
and top up as required.
If fuel is needed, mix 2-stroke oil with unleaded
petrol in a suitable container, as directed on the
sachet, and fill the fuel tank. Never add oil and petrol
to the tank unmixed.
Spring loaded
Sleeve
Blade Angle
Setting Holes
Lever
Harness
Thigh Pad
Hook
Fuel Tank
Choke
Primer
Bulb
Pull Start
Closed
Open
Engine
Long Handled Hedge Trimmer
Adjusting Blade Angle
Red Quick
Release Tab
Thigh
Pad
2
1
Affixing
Hook
Loop
Harness