Stihl HLA 135 User manual

STIHL HLA 135, 135 K Instruction Manual

Translation of Original Instruction Manual
Printed on chlorine-free paper Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG 2021 0458-683-0121-A. VA0.M20. 0000009192_001_GB
0458-683-0121-A
English
1
This instruction manual is protected by copyright. All rights reserved, especially the rights to reproduce, translate and process
with electronic systems.
Contents
1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 Guide to Using this Manual
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.1 Applicable Documents
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.2 Warning Notices in Text
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.3 Symbols in Text
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3 Overview
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3.1 STIHL HLA 135 long-reach hedge trimmer and
battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3.2 STIHL HLA 135 K long-reach hedge trimmer and
battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.3 Icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4 Safety Precautions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4.1 Warning Symbols
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4.2 Intended Use
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4.3 The Operator
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.4 Clothing and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.5 Work Area and Surroundings
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.6 Safe Condition
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.7 Working
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.8 Transporting
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.9 Storing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.10 Cleaning, Maintenance and Repair
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5 Preparing Hedge Trimmer for Operation
. . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.1 Preparing the Long-Reach Hedge Trimmer for
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
6 Charging the Battery, LEDs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6.1 Charging the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6.2 Displaying State of Charge
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6.3 LEDs on Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
7 Assembling the Hedge Trimmer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
7.1 Assembling the Long-Reach Hedge Trimmer
. . . . . . . 14
7.2 Mounting the loop handle HLA 135
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
8 Removing and Fitting the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
8.1 Inserting the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
8.2 Removing the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
9 Switching the Hedge Trimmer On/Off
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
9.1 Switching on the long-reach hedge trimmer
. . . . . . . . . 15
9.2 Switching off long-reach hedge trimmer
. . . . . . . . . . . . 16
10 Testing the Hedge Trimmer and Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . 16
10.1 Checking the controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
10.2 Testing the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
11 Operating the Hedge Trimmer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
11.1 Adjusting the Angle of the Cutting Blades
. . . . . . . . . . 16
11.2 Fitting and Adjusting the Shoulder Strap
. . . . . . . . . . . 17
11.3 Holding and controlling the long-reach hedge
trimmer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
11.4 Setting the performance level
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
11.5 Cutting
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
12 After Finishing Work
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
12.1 When Work is Finished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
13 Transporting
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
13.1 Transporting the long-reach hedge trimmer
. . . . . . . . 20
13.2 Transporting the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
14 Storing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
14.1 Storing the Hedge Trimmer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
14.2 Storing the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
15 Cleaning
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
15.1 Cleaning the long-reach hedge trimmer
. . . . . . . . . . . . 21
15.2 Cleaning the Cutting Blades
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
15.3 Cleaning the Air Filter
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
15.4 Cleaning the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
16 Maintenance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
16.1 Maintenance intervals
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
16.2 Lubricating the gearbox
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
16.3 Sharpening the cutting blade
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
17 Repairing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
17.1 Repairing the Hedge Trimmer and Battery
. . . . . . . . . 22

0458-683-0121-A
2
English 1 Introduction
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing STIHL. We develop and
manufacture our quality products to meet our customers’
requirements. The products are designed for reliability even
under extreme conditions.
STIHL also stands for premium service quality. Our dealers
guarantee competent advice and instruction as well as
comprehensive service support.
STIHL expressly commit themselves to a sustainable and
responsible handling of natural resources. This user manual
is intended to help you use your STIHL product safely and in
an environmentally friendly manner over a long service life.
We thank you for your confidence in us and hope you will
enjoy working with your STIHL product.
Dr. Nikolas Stihl
IMPORTANT! READ BEFORE USING AND KEEP IN A
SAFE PLACE FOR REFERENCE.
2.1 Applicable Documents
The local safety regulations apply.
► In addition to this User Manual, read, understand and
keep the following documents:
– User manual of the carrying system you are using
– User Manual for STIHL AR battery
– User Manual for "AP belt bag with connecting cable"
18 Troubleshooting
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
18.1 Troubleshooting Hedge Trimmer and Battery
. . . . . . . 24
19 Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
19.1 STIHL HLA 135, HLA 135 K long-reach hedge
trimmer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
19.2 Cutting blades
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
19.3 STIHL AP battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
19.4 Sound Values and Vibration Values
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
19.5 REACH
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
20 Combinations of Carrying Systems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
20.1 Combinations of Carrying Systems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
21 Spare Parts and Accessories
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
21.1 Spare parts and accessories
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
22 Disposal
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
22.1 Disposing of the Hedge Trimmer and Battery
. . . . . . . 28
23 EC Declaration of Conformity
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
23.1 STIHL HLA 135, HLA 135 K long-reach hedge
trimmer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
24 General Power Tool Safety Warnings
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
24.1 Introduction
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
24.2 Work area safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
24.3 Electrical safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
24.4 Personal safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
24.5 Electric power tool use and care
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
24.6 Battery tool use and care
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
24.7 Service
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
24.8 Hedge Trimmer Safety Warnings
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
24.9 Additional safety warning for hedge trimmer with
extended range
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
1 Introduction
2 Guide to Using this Manual

0458-683-0121-A 3
English 3 Overview
– Safety notices and precautions for STIHL AP battery
– User manual for STIHL AL 101, 300, 500 chargers
– Safety information for STIHL batteries and products
with built-in battery: www.stihl.com/safety-data-sheets
2.2 Warning Notices in Text
DANGER
This notice refers to risks which result in serious or fatal
injury.
► Serious or fatal injuries can be avoided by taking the
precautions mentioned.
WARNING
This notice refers to risks which can result in serious or fatal
injury.
► Serious or fatal injuries can be avoided by taking the
precautions mentioned.
NOTICE
This notice refers to risks which can result in damage to
property.
► Damage to property can be avoided by taking the
precautions mentioned.
2.3 Symbols in Text
3.1 STIHL HLA 135 long-reach hedge trimmer and
battery
1 Shaft
The shaft connects all components.
2 Loop handle
For holding and controlling the long-reach hedge
trimmer.
3 Handle hose
For holding and controlling the long-reach hedge
trimmer.
This symbol refers to a chapter in this instruction
manual.
3Overview
2
3
12
11
10
13
15
14
4
5
1
#
16
17
6
18
9
7
8
6
20
21
#
19
0000097309_002

0458-683-0121-A
4
English 3 Overview
4 Cutting blades
The cutting blades cut the hedge.
5 Blade scabbard
The blade scabbard protects against contact with the
cutting blades.
6Screw plug
The screw plug closes the filler opening for STIHL gear
grease.
7 Swivel handle
Serves to adjust angle of cutting blades.
8 Sliding sleeve
Unlocks the blade angle adjuster.
9 Locking lever
The locking lever holds the battery in the battery
compartment.
10 Battery compartment
The battery compartment holds the battery.
11 Cover
The cover is the placeholder for a Smart Connector 2 A.
12 Trigger lockout
The trigger lockout unlocks the trigger.
13 Release slide
The release slide is used to switch on the long-reach
hedge trimmer.
14 LED
The LEDs indicate the selected power level.
15 Carrying ring
For attaching the carrying system to the brushcutter.
16 Trigger
Switches the long-reach hedge trimmer on and off.
17 Control handle
For operating, holding and controlling the long-reach
hedge trimmer.
18 Air filter
The air filter filters the air entering the engine.
19 LEDs
The LEDs indicate the state of charge of the battery and
any faults.
20 Battery
Supplies power to the long-reach hedge trimmer.
21 Button
The button activates the LEDs on the battery.
# Rating plate with machine number
3.2 STIHL HLA 135 K long-reach hedge trimmer
and battery
2
11
10
9
12
14
13
3
4
1
#
15
16
5
17
8
6
7
5
19
20
#
18
0000097310_002

0458-683-0121-A 5
English 3 Overview
1Shaft
The shaft connects all components.
2 Handle hose
For holding and controlling the long-reach hedge
trimmer.
3 Cutting blades
The cutting blades cut the hedge.
4 Blade scabbard
The blade scabbard protects against contact with the
cutting blades.
5Screw plug
The screw plug closes the filler opening for STIHL gear
grease.
6 Swivel handle
Serves to adjust angle of cutting blades.
7 Sliding sleeve
Unlocks the blade angle adjuster.
8 Locking lever
The locking lever holds the battery in the battery
compartment.
9 Battery compartment
The battery compartment holds the battery.
10 Cover
The cover is the placeholder for a Smart Connector 2 A.
11 Trigger lockout
The trigger lockout unlocks the trigger.
12 Release slide
The release slide is used to switch on the long-reach
hedge trimmer.
13 LED
The LEDs indicate the selected power level.
14 Carrying ring
For attaching the carrying system to the brushcutter.
15 Trigger
Switches the long-reach hedge trimmer on and off.
16 Control handle
For operating, holding and controlling the long-reach
hedge trimmer.
17 Air filter
The air filter filters the air entering the engine.
18 LEDs
The LEDs indicate the state of charge of the battery and
any faults.
19 Battery
Supplies power to the long-reach hedge trimmer.
20 Button
The button activates the LEDs on the battery.
# Rating plate with machine number
3.3 Icons
The symbols, which may be on the long-reach hedge
trimmer and battery, have the following meaning:
The clamp nut is unscrewed in this position. The shaft
can be extended.
The clamp nut is locked in this position. The shaft
cannot be extended.
This icon marks the release slide.
1 LED lights up red. The battery is too warm or
too cold.
4 LEDs flashing red. There is a fault in the
battery.
Guaranteed sound power level in accordance
with Directive 2000/14/EC in dB(A) for the
purpose of comparing the sound emissions of
products.
L
W
A

0458-683-0121-A
6
English 4 Safety Precautions
4.1 Warning Symbols
Meanings of warning signs and labels on the long-reach
hedge trimmer or battery:
4.2 Intended Use
The STIHL HLA 135 long-reach hedge trimmer is used to cut
low growing shrubs, tall hedges, tall shrubs, tall bushes and
tall thickets.
The STIHL HLA 135 K long-reach hedge trimmer is used to
cut low growing shrubs, tall hedges, tall shrubs, tall bushes
and tall thickets.
The long-reach hedge trimmer may be used in the rain.
the long-reach hedge trimmer is powered by a STIHL AP
battery or a STIHL AR battery.
The information next to the symbol indicates the
energy content of the battery according to the cell
manufacturer’s specification. The energy content
available in operation is lower.
Do not dispose of the product with domestic waste.
4 Safety Precautions
Observe safety notices and take the necessary
precautions.
Read, understand and keep the User Manual.
Wear safety glasses and a hard hat.
Wear safety boots.
Wear work gloves.
Do not touch moving cutting blades.
Maintain a safety distance.
Remove the battery during work stoppages,
transport, storage, maintenance or repair.
Protect battery from heat and fire.
Do not immerse battery in fluids.
Observe the permitted battery temperature
range.
Do not touch hot surface.

0458-683-0121-A 7
English 4 Safety Precautions
WARNING
￭ Batteries not explicitly approved for the long-reach hedge
trimmer by STIHL may cause fire or explosion. Persons
may be seriously or fatally injured and property may be
damaged.
► Use the long-reach hedge trimmer with a STIHL AP
battery or a STIHL AR battery.
￭ Using the long-reach hedge trimmer or the battery for
purposes for which they were not designed may result in
serious or fatal injuries and damage to property.
► Use the long-reach hedge trimmer as described in this
User Manual.
► Always use the battery as described in this User Manual
or in the User Manual for the STIHL AR battery.
4.3 The Operator
WARNING
￭ Users without adequate training or instruction cannot
recognize or assess the risks involved in using the hedge
trimmer and battery. The user or other persons may
sustain serious or fatal injuries.
► If the hedge trimmer or battery is passed on to another
person: Always give them the instruction manual.
► Make sure the user meets the following requirements:
– The user must be rested.
– The user must be in good physical condition and
mental health to operate and work with the hedge
trimmer and battery. If the user’s physical, sensory or
mental ability is restricted, he or she may work only
under the supervision of or as instructed by a
responsible person.
– The user is able to recognize and assess the risks
involved in using the hedge trimmer and battery.
– The user must be of legal age or is being trained in a
trade under supervision in accordance with national
rules and regulations.
– The user has received instruction from a STIHL
servicing dealer or other experienced user before
working with the hedge trimmer for the first time.
– The user must not be under the influence of alcohol,
medication or drugs.
► If you have any queries: Contact a STIHL servicing
dealer for assistance.
4.4 Clothing and equipment
WARNING
￭ Long hair may be pulled into the long-reach hedge
trimmer during operation. This may result in serious injury
to the user.
► Tie up and confine long hair above your shoulders.
￭ Objects can be thrown at high speed during operation.
This may result in injury to the user.
￭ Falling objects can cause head injuries.
► Read, understand and save the instruction
manual.
► Wear close-fitting safety glasses. Suitable
safety glasses are tested in accordance with
EN 166 or national regulations and
available commercially with the
corresponding marking.
► wear a hard hat.

0458-683-0121-A
8
English 4 Safety Precautions
￭ Dust can be whipped up during operation. Whipped up
dust can damage the respiratory passages and cause
allergic reactions.
► If dust is generated: Wear a dust respirator mask.
￭ Unsuitable clothing may snag on wood, thickets or the
long-reach hedge trimmer. Users not wearing suitable
clothing are at risk of serious injury.
► Wear close-fitting clothing.
► Remove scarves and jewelry.
￭ The user may come into contact with the cutting blades
during cleaning or servicing. This may result in injury to
the user.
￭ Wearing unsuitable footwear may cause the user to slip.
This may result in injury to the user.
4.5 Work Area and Surroundings
4.5.1 Long-reach hedge trimmer
WARNING
￭ Bystanders, children and animals cannot recognize or
assess the dangers of the long-reach hedge trimmer or
flying debris. This may result in serious injury to
bystanders, children and animals and damage to property.
► Maintain a clearance of 5 meters from objects.
► Do not leave the long-reach hedge trimmer unattended.
► Ensure that children cannot play with the long-reach
hedge trimmer.
￭ Electrical components of the long-reach hedge trimmer
can generate sparks. Sparks may cause fires and
explosions in highly flammable or explosive environments.
Persons may be seriously or fatally injured and property
may be damaged.
► Do not work in a highly flammable or explosive
environment.
4.5.2 Battery
WARNING
￭ Bystanding people, children and animals cannot
recognise or evaluate the dangers posed by the battery.
This may result in serious injury to bystanding people,
children and animals.
► Keep bystanding people, children and animals out of the
way.
► Do not leave the battery unattended.
► Make sure that children cannot play with the battery.
￭ The battery is not protected against all ambient
conditions. If exposed to certain ambient conditions, the
battery may catch fire or explode. This may result in
serious injury to people and damage to property.
► Wear work gloves made from resistant
material.
► Wear sturdy, closed-toed footwear with
high-grip soles.
► Do not allow bystanders, children
or animals within 5 meters of the
work area.
► Protect the battery from heat and fire.
► Do not throw the battery into a fire.
► Use and store the battery at temperatures
between -10 °C and + 50 °C.

0458-683-0121-A 9
English 4 Safety Precautions
► Keep the battery away from metallic objects.
► Do not expose the battery to high pressure.
► Do not expose the battery to microwaves.
► Protect the battery from chemicals and salts.
4.6 Safe Condition
4.6.1 Long-reach hedge trimmer
The long-reach hedge trimmer is in a safe condition if the
following points are observed:
– The long-reach hedge trimmer is not damaged.
– The long-reach hedge trimmer is clean.
– The controls function properly and have not been
modified.
– The cutting blades are correctly fitted.
– Only original STIHL accessories designed for this long-
reach hedge trimmer are fitted.
– The accessories are correctly attached.
WARNING
￭ If not in safe condition, components may no longer
operate correctly and safety devices may be disabled.
This may result in serous or fatal injury to people.
► Work only with an undamaged long-reach hedge
trimmer.
► If the long-reach hedge trimmer is dirty: Clean the long-
reach hedge trimmer.
► Do not modify the long-reach hedge trimmer.
► If the controls do not function properly: Do not work with
the long-reach hedge trimmer.
► Only fit original STIHL accessories designed for this
long-reach hedge trimmer.
► Attach accessories as described in this User Manual or
in the User Manual for the accessories.
► Never insert objects into the openings of the long-reach
hedge trimmer.
► Replace worn or damaged labels.
► If you have any doubts, be sure to consult a STIHL
dealer.
4.6.2 Cutting Blades
The cutting blades are in a safe condition if the following
points are observed:
– Cutting blades are undamaged.
– Cutting blades are not deformed.
– Cutting blades move freely.
– Cutting blades are properly sharpened.
– Cutting blades have no burrs.
WARNING
￭ If they are in an unsafe condition, parts of the cutting
blades may come off and be thrown at high speed. This
can result in serious injuries.
► Work only with undamaged cutting blades.
► Make sure the cutting blades are properly sharpened
and deburred.
► If you have any queries: Contact your STIHL servicing
dealer.
4.6.3 Battery
The battery is in safe condition when the following conditions
are met:
– The battery is not damaged.
– The battery is clean and dry.
– The battery is working and has not been modified.
► Do not immerse the battery in liquids.

0458-683-0121-A
10
English 4 Safety Precautions
WARNING
￭ The battery cannot function safely if it is not in safe
condition. There is a risk of serious injury to persons.
► Use an undamaged and functioning battery.
► Do not charge a damaged or defective battery.
► If the battery is dirty or wet: clean the battery and allow
it to dry.
► Do not modify the battery.
► Do not insert objects into the apertures in the battery.
► Never connect the battery terminals to metallic objects
and cause a short circuit.
► Do not open the battery.
► Replace worn or damaged warning signs.
￭ Fluid may leak from a damaged battery. If the fluid
contacts the skin or eyes, this may cause irritation.
► Avoid contact with the fluid.
► In the event of contact with the skin: wash the affected
areas with plenty of soap and water.
► In the event of contact with the eyes: rinse the eyes with
plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical
attention.
￭ A damaged or defective battery may emit an unusual
odour, smoke or catch fire. This may result in serious or
fatal injury to people and damage to property.
► If the battery emits an unusual odour or smoke: do not
use the battery and keep it away from flammable
materials.
► If the battery catches fire: try to extinguish the battery
using a fire extinguisher or water.
4.7 Working
WARNING
￭ In certain situations, the user may no longer be able to
concentrate on their work. This may result in the user
stumbling, falling and suffering serious injury.
► Keep calm and plan your work.
► If light and visibility are poor: Do not work with the long-
reach hedge trimmer.
► Operate the long-reach hedge trimmer alone.
► Watch out for obstacles.
► Work standing on the ground and keep your balance. If
you have to work at a height: Use a mobile elevating
work platform or secure scaffolding.
► If you start feeling fatigue: Take a break.
￭ Working above shoulder height can cause fatigue sooner.
This may result in serious injury to the user.
► Work above shoulder height for short periods only.
► Take breaks.
￭ If the moving cutting blade makes contact with a hard
object it can be brought to a sudden stop. The reactive
forces that occur can cause the user to lose control of the
long-reach hedge trimmer and be seriously injured.
► Hold the long-reach hedge trimmer firmly with both
hands.
► Before starting work, check hedge for hard objects and
remove any such objects.
￭ The moving cutting blades can cut the user. This may
result in serious injury to the user.
► Do not touch moving cutting blades.
► If the cutting blades are blocked by an
object: Switch off the long-reach hedge
trimmer and remove the battery. before
clearing the jam.

0458-683-0121-A 11
English 4 Safety Precautions
￭ If the behavior of the long-reach hedge trimmer changes
during operation or feels unusual, it may no longer be in a
safe condition. This may result in serious injury to people
and damage to property.
► Stop working, remove the battery and consult a STIHL
dealer.
￭ Vibrations may occur while using the long-reach hedge
trimmer.
► Take breaks.
► If signs of a circulatory disturbance occur: Consult a
doctor.
￭ Note that the cutting blades continue to run for a short
period after you release the trigger. The moving cutting
blades may cut the user. They may cause serious injury to
persons.
► Wait until the cutting blades come to a complete
standstill.
￭ In an emergency, the user may start to panic and forget to
take off the carrying system. This may result in serious
injury to the user.
► Practice taking off the carrying system.
DANGER
￭ Working near live electric cables may result in accidental
contact with and damage to the cutting blades. This may
result in serious or fatal injury to the user.
4.8 Transporting
4.8.1 Hedge Trimmer
WARNING
￭ The hedge trimmer may turn over or shift during transport.
This may result in personal injuries and damage to
property.
► Fit the blade scabbard so that it completely covers the
cutting blades.
► Secure the hedge trimmer with lashing straps or a net to
prevent it turning over and moving.
4.8.2 Battery
WARNING
￭ The battery is not protected against all ambient
conditions. The battery may be damaged if it is exposed to
certain ambient conditions and damage to property may
occur.
► Never transport a damaged battery.
► Store the battery in non-conductive packaging.
￭ The battery may turn over or shift during transport. This
may result in personal injuries and damage to property.
► Pack the battery in packaging in such a way that it
cannot move.
► Secure the packaging so that it cannot move.
► Wear gloves.
► Maintain a clearance of 15 meters
from live cables.
► Remove the battery.

0458-683-0121-A
12
English 4 Safety Precautions
4.9 Storing
4.9.1 Long-reach hedge trimmer
WARNING
￭ Children are not aware of and cannot assess the dangers
of the long-reach hedge trimmer. Children may be
seriously injured.
► Push the blade scabbard over the cutting blades,
ensuring that it completely covers the cutting blades.
► Store the long-reach hedge trimmer out of the reach of
children.
￭ Dampness can corrode the electrical contacts on the long-
reach hedge trimmer and metal components. The long-
reach hedge trimmer may be damaged.
► Store the long-reach hedge trimmer in a clean and dry
condition.
4.9.2 Battery
WARNING
￭ Children are not aware of and cannot assess the dangers
of the battery and can be seriously injured.
► Store the battery out of the reach of children.
￭ The battery is not protected against all ambient
conditions. The battery may be damaged if it is exposed to
certain ambient conditions.
► Store the battery in a clean and dry condition.
► Store the battery in an enclosed location.
► Store the battery separately from the hedge trimmer and
charger.
► Store the battery in non-conductive packaging.
► Store the battery at temperatures between -10°C and
+50°C.
4.10 Cleaning, Maintenance and Repair
WARNING
￭ The long-reach hedge trimmer may start unintentionally if
the battery is left in place during cleaning, maintenance or
repair operations. This may result in serious injury to
people and damage to property.
￭ The gear housing can get hot during operation. There is a
risk of burn injuries.
￭ Aggressive cleaning agents, a water jet or pointed objects
can damage the long-reach hedge trimmer, cutting blades
and the battery. If the long-reach hedge trimmer, cutting
blades or battery are not cleaned correctly, components
► Remove the battery.
► Remove the battery.
► Remove the battery.
► Do not touch a hot gear housing.

0458-683-0121-A 13
English 5 Preparing Hedge Trimmer for Operation
may no longer function properly or safety devices may be
rendered inoperative. They may cause serious injury to
persons.
► Clean the long-reach hedge trimmer, cutting blades and
battery as described in this User Manual.
￭ If the long-reach hedge trimmer, cutting blades or battery
are not serviced or repaired correctly, components may no
longer function properly or safety devices may be
rendered inoperative. This may result in serous or fatal
injury to people.
► Do not attempt to service or repair the long-reach hedge
trimmer or battery.
► If the long-reach hedge trimmer or the battery require
servicing or repairs: Contact your STIHL dealer for
assistance.
► Maintain the cutting blades as described in this User
Manual.
￭ The user may be cut while cleaning or servicing the sharp
cutting blades. This may result in injury to the user.
5.1 Preparing the Long-Reach Hedge Trimmer for
Operation
The following steps must be performed before commencing
work:
► Ensure that the following components are in safe
condition:
– Long-reach hedge trimmer, @4.6.1.
– Cutting blades, @4.6.2.
– Battery, @4.6.3.
► Check the battery, @10.2.
► Charge the battery fully as described in the User Manual
for the STIHL AL 101, 300, 500 chargers.
► Clean the long-reach hedge trimmer, @15.1.
► Assembling the long-reach hedge trimmer, @7.1.
► Mount the loop handle (HLA 135), @7.2.
► Adjust the angle of the cutting blades, @11.1.
► Fit and adjust the shoulder strap, @11.2.
► Check the controls, @10.1.
► If 3 LEDs on the battery flash red while you are checking
the controls: Remove the battery and contact your
STIHL dealer for assistance.
There is a malfunction in the long-reach hedge trimmer.
► If you cannot carry out these steps: Do not use the long-
reach hedge trimmer and contact your STIHL dealer for
assistance.
► Wear work gloves made from resistant
material.
5 Preparing Hedge Trimmer for
Operation

0458-683-0121-A
14
English 6 Charging the Battery, LEDs
6.1 Charging the Battery
The charging time depends on several factors, e.g.
temperature of the battery or the ambient temperature. The
actual charging time may differ from the specified charging
time. For specified charging times see
www.stihl.com/charging-times.
► Recharge the battery fully as described in the instruction
manual for the STIHL AL 101, 300, 500 chargers.
6.2 Displaying State of Charge
► Press the button (1).
The LEDs (5) glow green for about 5 seconds and indicate
the state of charge.
► If the LED on the right flashes green: Charge the battery.
6.3 LEDs on Battery
The LEDs can show the state of charge or malfunctions. The
LEDs can glow or flash green or red.
The state of charge is indicated when the LEDs glow or flash
green.
► If the LEDs glow or flash red: Troubleshooting, @18.
There is a malfunction in hedge trimmer or battery.
7.1 Assembling the Long-Reach Hedge Trimmer
► Switch off the long-reach hedge trimmer and remove the
battery.
► Remove the protective cap (1).
► Undo the screws (2).
► Push the transmission (3) onto the shaft (4) in such a way
that the following conditions are met:
– In case of assembly of an HLA 135: a = approx. 53 cm
– In case of assembly of an HLA 135 K: a = approx. 38 cm
► Align the housing (5) and transmission (3) as shown.
► Tighten down the screws (2) firmly.
The long-reach hedge trimmer does not need to be
dismantled again.
7.2 Mounting the loop handle HLA 135
► Switch off the long-reach hedge trimmer and remove the
battery.
6 Charging the Battery, LEDs
1
0000-GXX-1248-A0
20-40%
40-60%
60-80%
80-100%
0-20%
7 Assembling the Hedge Trimmer
14
3
2
3
5
a
90°
90°
0000098180_001

0458-683-0121-A 15
English 8 Removing and Fitting the Battery
► Fit the clamp (4) in the loop handle (3).
► Place the loop handle (3) with clamp (4) on the shaft (5).
► Fit the washers (2) on the screws (1).
► Press the clamp (6) against the shaft (5).
► Insert the screws (1) through holes in the loop handle (3)
and clamps (4 and 6).
► Slide the loop handle (3) until the distance (a) is 20 cm.
► Fit and tighten down the nuts (7) firmly.
8.1 Inserting the Battery
► Insert the battery (1) up to the limit stop into the battery
compartment (2).
The battery (1) engages with a click and is now locked.
8.2 Removing the Battery
► Stand the hedge trimmer on a level surface.
► Press both locking levers (1).
The battery (2) is released and can be removed.
9.1 Switching on the long-reach hedge trimmer
► Hold the long-reach hedge trimmer with one hand on the
control handle - wrap your thumb around the handle.
► Hold the long-reach hedge trimmer firmly with your other
hand on the loop handle or handle hose - wrap your thumb
around the loop handle or handle hose.
► Depress the trigger lockout (1) with your hand and keep it
pressed.
8 Removing and Fitting the Battery
7
4
6
5
11
2
2
3
7
a
0000097311_001
1
2
0000097033-001
9 Switching the Hedge Trimmer On/Off
2
1
0000097034-001
3
1
2
0000097312_001

0458-683-0121-A
16
English 10 Testing the Hedge Trimmer and Battery
► Push the release slide (2) in the direction of the loop
handle with your thumb and hold it there.
The LEDs emit light to indicate the power level used last.
► Press the trigger (3) with your index finger and keep
depressed.
The long-reach hedge trimmer accelerates and the cutting
blades run.
The LEDs continue flashing for 5 seconds after the trigger
(3) and trigger lockout (1) are released after switch-on. As
long as the LEDs flash, the long-reach hedge trimmer can be
switched on again without having to actuate the release
slide (2).
9.2 Switching off long-reach hedge trimmer
► Release the trigger and trigger lockout.
► Wait until the cutting blades come to a complete standstill.
► If the cutting blades continue to run: Remove the battery
and contact your STIHL dealer for assistance.
There is a malfunction in the long-reach hedge trimmer.
10.1 Checking the controls
Trigger lockout and trigger
► Remove the battery.
► Try pressing the trigger without pressing the trigger
lockout.
► If the trigger can be pulled: Do not use the long-reach
hedge trimmer and contact your STIHL dealer for
assistance.
The trigger lockout is faulty.
► Press and hold the trigger lockout.
► Squeeze and release the trigger.
► If the trigger or trigger lockout is stiff or does not spring
back to the idle position: Do not use your long-reach
hedge trimmer and contact your STIHL dealer.
The trigger or the trigger lockout is defective.
Switching on the long-reach hedge trimmer
► Insert battery.
► Press and hold the trigger lockout.
► Push the release slide in the direction of the cutting blades
with your thumb.
► Press and hold the trigger.
The cutting blades run.
► If 3 LEDs flash red: Remove the battery and consult a
STIHL dealer.
There is a malfunction in the long-reach hedge trimmer.
► Release the trigger.
The cutting blades come to a complete standstill.
► If the cutting blades continue to run: Remove the battery
and contact your STIHL dealer for assistance.
There is a malfunction in the long-reach hedge trimmer.
10.2 Testing the Battery
► Press button on battery.
The LEDs glow or flash.
► If the LEDs do not glow or flash: Do not use the battery
and contact your STIHL servicing dealer.
There is a malfunction in the battery.
11.1 Adjusting the Angle of the Cutting Blades
The angle of the cutting blades can be adjusted to 4 different
positions upwards and 7 different positions downwards to
suit the application and the height and reach of the user.
► Switch off the long-reach hedge trimmer and remove the
battery.
10 Testing the Hedge Trimmer and
Battery
11 Operating the Hedge Trimmer

0458-683-0121-A 17
English 11 Operating the Hedge Trimmer
► Pull back the sliding sleeve (1) and hold it there.
► Grip the swivel handle (2) and swing cutting blade to
required angle.
► Release the sliding sleeve (1).
► Move swivel handle (2) back and forth until the sliding
sleeve (1) engages.
The sliding sleeve (1) butts against the housing. You have
adjusted the angle of the cutting blades.
► Check that the swivel handle (2) cannot be pushed in or
pulled out any more.
11.2 Fitting and Adjusting the Shoulder Strap
► Put on the shoulder strap (1).
► Adjust the shoulder strap (1) so that the carabiner (2) is
about a hand’s width below your right hip.
Other approved carrying systems are listed in this User
Manual, @20.
11.3 Holding and controlling the long-reach hedge
trimmer
► Connect the carrying ring (2) to the carabiner (1).
► Hold the long-reach hedge trimmer with one hand on the
control handle and clasp the control handle with your
thumb.
► Hold the long-reach hedge trimmer firmly with your other
hand on the handle hose and clasp the handle hose with
your thumb.
1
2
55°
90°
0000097313_001
2
1
0000-GXX-2990-A0
2
1
0000-GXX-7807-A1
0000097178_001

0458-683-0121-A
18
English 11 Operating the Hedge Trimmer
HLA 135
► Hold the long-reach hedge trimmer with one hand on the
control handle and clasp the control handle with your
thumb.
► Hold the long-reach hedge trimmer with your other hand
on the loop handle and clasp the loop handle with your
thumb.
11.4 Setting the performance level
Depending on the application, 3 power levels can be set.
The LEDs indicate the selected power level. The higher the
power level, the faster the cutting blades can run.
The selected power level affects the battery’s runtime. The
lower the power level, the longer the runtime.
► Press and hold the trigger lockout (1).
► Push the release slide (2) in the direction of the cutting
blades with your thumb.
The LEDs emit light to indicate the power level selected.
► Push the release slide (2) forwards, hold it briefly in that
position and allow it to spring back.
This selects the next power level. After the third
performance level, it starts again with the first
performance level.
► Push the release slide (2) forwards and allow it to spring
back as many times as necessary to select the required
power level.
11.5 Cutting
Cutting close to the ground (HLA 135)
► Set the cutting blades to a suitable angle.
► Swing the long-reach hedge trimmer evenly back and forth
in an arc.
► Move forward slowly in a controlled manner.
► If cutting performance deteriorates: Sharpen the cutting
blades.
Cutting the side of the hedge
► Use pruning shears or a chainsaw to cut out thick
branches first.
0000-GXX-4570-A0
1
2
0000097314_001
0000084757_002