Stihl HLA 56 User manual

STIHL HLA 56
Instruction Manual2 - 19

Contents
1 Introduction................................................. 2
2 Guide to Using this Manual.........................2
3 Overview..................................................... 3
4 Safety Precautions......................................3
5 Preparing Hedge Trimmer for Operation.... 9
6 Charging the Battery, LEDs........................ 9
7 Assembling the Hedge Trimmer................. 9
8 Removing and Fitting the Battery..............10
9 Switching the Hedge Trimmer On/Off....... 10
10 Testing the Hedge Trimmer and Battery...10
11 Operating the Hedge Trimmer.................. 11
12 After Finishing Work..................................12
13 Transporting..............................................12
14 Storing.......................................................13
15 Cleaning....................................................13
16 Maintenance............................................. 14
17 Repairing...................................................14
18 Troubleshooting........................................ 14
19 Specifications............................................15
20 Spare Parts and Accessories....................16
21 Disposal.................................................... 16
22 EC Declaration of Conformity................... 16
23 General Power Tool Safety Warnings.......17
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 con‐
ditions.
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 sus‐
tainable 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 Guide to Using this Manual
2.1 Applicable Documents
Local safety regulations apply.
► In addition to this instruction manual, read,
understand and keep the following documents:
–STIHL AK battery safety information
–STIHL AL 101, 300, 500 charger instruction
manual
–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 seri‐
ous 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 tak‐
ing the precautions mentioned.
2.3 Symbols in Text
This symbol refers to a chapter in this
instruction manual.
English
2 0458-816-8321-B
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG 2021
0458-816-8321-B. VA0.K21.
Printed on chlorine-free paper Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
Translation of Original Instruction Manual 0000008623_005_GB

3 Overview
3.1 Hedge Trimmer and Battery
1
10
13
11
12
2
3
8
14
15
5
6
7
4
9
#
16 17
18
#
0000-GXX-7601-A0
1 Shaft
Connects all components.
2 Loop Handle
For holding and controlling the trimmer.
3 Handle Hose
For holding and controlling the trimmer.
4 Coupling Sleeve
Connects shaft to cutter bar.
5 Wing Screw
Secures cutter bar to shaft.
6 Lock Button
Locks cutter bar in position.
7 Swivel Handle
Serves to adjust angle of cutter bar.
8 Cutting Blades
Perform the cutting action.
9 Blade Scabbard
Helps protect user from contact with the cut‐
ting blades.
10 Carrying Ring
For attaching carrying system.
11 Release Slide
Unlocks the trigger.
12 Trigger
Switches the trimmer on and off.
13 Control Handle
For operating, holding and controlling the
hedge trimmer.
14 Locking Lever
Secures the battery in the battery compart‐
ment.
15 Battery Compartment
Accommodates the battery.
16 Battery
Supplies power to the hedge trimmer.
17 LEDs
Indicate battery’s state of charge and mal‐
functions.
18 Button
Activates the LEDs on the battery.
# Rating Label with Serial Number
3.2 Symbols
The symbols which may be on the long-reach
hedge trimmer and battery have the following
meanings:
This symbol indicates the direction the
release slide has to be pushed in.
This symbol indicates that the cutter
blade must be attached.
1 LED emits red light. The battery is
too warm or too cold.
4 LEDs flash red. There is a fault in the
battery.
L
W
A
Guaranteed sound power level in
accordance with Directive 2000/14/EC
in dB(A) for the purpose of comparing
the sound emissions of products.
The information next to the symbol indi‐
cates the energy content of the battery
according to the cell manufacturer’s specifi‐
cation. The energy content available in
operation is lower.
Do not dispose of the product with domes‐
tic waste.
4 Safety Precautions
4.1 Warning Symbols
Meanings of warning signs and labels on the
long-reach hedge trimmer or battery:
Observe safety notices and take the
necessary precautions.
3 Overview English
0458-816-8321-B 3

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 safe distance.
Protect the hedge trimmer from rain
and moisture.
Remove the battery during breaks in
work, transport, storage, maintenance
or repair.
Protect battery from heat and fire.
Protect the battery from rain and mois‐
ture and do not immerse it in liquids.
Observe the permitted battery temper‐
ature range.
4.2 Intended Use
The STIHL HLA 56 hedge trimmer is designed
for cutting low growing shrubs, high hedges, high
shrubs, high bushes and high scrub.
The hedge trimmer must not be used in the rain.
A STIHL AK battery supplies the hedge trimmer
with power.
WARNING
■Batteries not explicitly approved for the hedge
trimmer by STIHL may cause a fire or explo‐
sion. This can result in serious or fatal injuries
and damage to property.
► Use the hedge trimmer with a STIHL AK
battery.
■ Using the hedge trimmer or the battery for pur‐
poses for which they were not designed may
result in serious or fatal injuries and damage
to property.
►Use the hedge trimmer as described in this
instruction manual.
► Use the battery as described in the STIHL
AK instruction manual.
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.
► Read, understand and save the
instruction manual.
► 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 con‐
dition and mental health to operate and
work with the hedge trimmer and bat‐
tery. 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 per‐
son.
–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 supervi‐
sion in accordance with national rules
and regulations.
–The user has received instruction from a
STIHL servicing dealer or other experi‐
enced user before working with the
hedge trimmer for the first time.
–The user must not be under the influ‐
ence of alcohol, medication or drugs.
► If you have any queries: Contact a STIHL
servicing dealer for assistance.
English 4 Safety Precautions
4 0458-816-8321-B

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.
► Wear close-fitting safety glasses.
Suitable safety glasses are tested in
accordance with EN 166 or national
regulations and available commer‐
cially with the corresponding mark‐
ing.
►Wear a long-sleeved, close-fitting top and
long trousers.
■ Falling objects can cause head injuries.
► wear a hard hat.
■ 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, thick‐
ets or the long-reach hedge trimmer. Users
not wearing suitable clothing are at risk of seri‐
ous injury.
►Wear close-fitting clothing.
► Remove scarves and jewelry.
■ Wearing unsuitable footwear may cause the
user to slip. This may result in injury to the
user.
► Wear sturdy, closed-toed footwear
with high-grip soles.
■ The user may come into contact with the cut‐
ting blades during cleaning or servicing. This
may result in injury to the user.
► Wear work gloves made from resist‐
ant material.
4.5 Work Area and Surroundings
4.5.1 Hedge trimmer
WARNING
■Bystanders, children and animals cannot rec‐
ognize or assess the dangers of the hedge
trimmer or flying debris. Bystanders, children
and animals may be seriously injured and
damage to property may occur.
► Do not allow bystanders,
children or animals within 5
meters of the work area.
► Maintain a clearance of 5 meters from
objects.
► Do not leave the hedge trimmer unatten‐
ded.
► Make sure that children cannot play with
the hedge trimmer.
■ The hedge trimmer is not waterproof. Working
in the rain or a damp location may result in an
electric shock. This can result in injuries to the
user and may damage the hedge trimmer.
► Do not work in the rain or a damp
location.
■ Electrical components of the hedge trimmer
can produce sparks. Sparks may cause a fire
or an explosion in an easily combustible or
explosive environment. This can result in seri‐
ous or fatal injuries and damage to property.
►Do not work in an easily combustible or
explosive environment.
4.5.2 Battery
WARNING
■Bystanders, children and animals cannot rec‐
ognize or assess the dangers of the battery.
Bystanders, children and animals may be seri‐
ously injured.
►Keep bystanders, children and animals
away from the work area.
► Do not leave the battery unattended.
► Make sure that children cannot play with
the battery.
■ The battery is not protected against all ambi‐
ent conditions. If the battery is exposed to cer‐
tain ambient conditions, it may catch fire or
explode. This can result in serious injuries and
damage to property.
► Protect battery from heat and fire.
► Do not throw the battery into a fire.
► Use and store the battery at temper‐
atures between ‑ 10 °C and + 50 °C.
► Protect the battery from rain and
damp – do not immerse it in fluids.
4 Safety Precautions English
0458-816-8321-B 5

► Keep battery away from metallic objects.
► Do not expose battery to high pressure.
► Do not expose battery to microwaves.
► Protect 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 condi‐
tion if the following points are observed:
–The long-reach hedge trimmer is not dam‐
aged.
–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 trim‐
mer.
► If the controls do not function properly: Do
not work with the long-reach hedge trim‐
mer.
►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 follow‐
ing conditions are met:
–The battery is not damaged.
–The battery is clean and dry.
–The battery is working and has not been modi‐
fied.
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 bat‐
tery.
► If the battery is dirty or wet: clean the bat‐
tery 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 met‐
allic 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.
English 4 Safety Precautions
6 0458-816-8321-B

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 suffer‐
ing 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 fati‐
gue sooner. This may result in serious injury to
the user.
►Work above shoulder height for short peri‐
ods 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 bat‐
tery. before clearing the jam.
■If the behavior of the long-reach hedge trim‐
mer changes during operation or feels
unusual, it may no longer be in a safe condi‐
tion. This may result in serious injury to people
and damage to property.
►Stop working, remove the battery and con‐
sult a STIHL dealer.
■ Vibrations may occur while using the long-
reach hedge trimmer.
► Wear gloves.
► Take breaks.
► If signs of a circulatory disturbance occur:
Consult a doctor.
■ Note that the cutting blades continue to run for
about 1 second 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 com‐
plete 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 cut‐
ting blades. This may result in serious or fatal
injury to the user.
► Maintain a clearance of
15 meters from live cables.
4.8 Transporting
4.8.1 Hedge Trimmer
WARNING
■ The hedge trimmer may turn over or shift dur‐
ing transport. This may result in personal inju‐
ries and damage to property.
► Remove the battery.
► 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 ambi‐
ent 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 packag‐
ing.
■ The battery may turn over or shift during trans‐
port. 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.
4 Safety Precautions English
0458-816-8321-B 7

4.9 Storing
4.9.1 Hedge trimmer
WARNING
■Children are not aware of and cannot assess
the dangers of the hedge trimmer and can be
seriously injured.
► Remove the battery.
► Fit the blade scabbard so that it completely
covers the cutting blades.
► Store the hedge trimmer out of the reach of
children.
■ Dampness can corrode the electrical contacts
on the hedge trimmer and metal components.
The hedge trimmer may be damaged.
► Remove the battery.
► Store the hedge trimmer in a clean and dry
condition.
■ If electric cables or pipes are embedded in the
wall, they may be damaged when the wall
bracket is mounted on the wall. Contact with
electric cables can result in an electric shock.
This can result in serious injuries and damage
to property.
►Check that there are no electric cables or
pipes embedded in the wall.
■ If the wall bracket is not mounted to the wall
as described in this instruction manual, it or
the hedge trimmer may come off the wall and
fall to the ground. This may result in personal
injuries and damage to property.
►Mount the wall bracket to the wall as descri‐
bed in this instruction manual.
4.9.2 Battery
WARNING
■Children are not aware of and cannot assess
the dangers of the battery and can be seri‐
ously injured.
►Store the battery out of the reach of chil‐
dren.
■ The battery is not protected against all ambi‐
ent conditions. The battery may be damaged if
it is exposed to certain ambient conditions.
►Store the battery in a clean and dry condi‐
tion.
► Store the battery in an enclosed location.
► Store the battery separately from the hedge
trimmer and charger.
► Store the battery in non-conductive packag‐
ing.
► 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 unin‐
tentionally 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.
► Remove the battery.
■ 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, compo‐
nents 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, cut‐
ting blades and battery as described in this
User Manual.
■If the long-reach hedge trimmer, cutting blades
or battery are not serviced or repaired cor‐
rectly, 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 bat‐
tery 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 servic‐
ing the sharp cutting blades. This may result in
injury to the user.
► Wear work gloves made from resist‐
ant material.
English 4 Safety Precautions
8 0458-816-8321-B

5 Preparing Hedge Trimmer
for Operation
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.
►Mount the cutting blades, 7.1.
►Mount the loop handle, 7.2.
►Check the controls, 10.1.
► If you cannot carry out these steps: Do not use
the long-reach hedge trimmer and contact
your STIHL dealer for assistance.
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 State of Charge
1
0000-GXX-0629-A0
20-40%
40-60%
60-80%
80-100%
0-20%
► 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 mal‐
functions. 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 Assembling the Hedge
Trimmer
7.1 Mount the Cutter Bar
► Switch off the long-reach hedge trimmer and
remove the battery.
► Fit the blade scabbard so that it completely
covers the cutting blades.
2
1
5
34
0000-GXX-7603-A0
► Line up the coupling sleeve (1) and cutter bar
(2) so that the groove (3) and lug (4) face
upwards.
► Push the cutter bar (2) into the coupling sleeve
(1).
► Turn the wing screw (5) clockwise and tighten
it until firm.
7.2 Mounting the Loop Handle
► Switch off the long-reach hedge trimmer and
remove the battery.
7
4
6
11
2
2
5
3
7
0000-GXX-6516-A1
► 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).
5 Preparing Hedge Trimmer for Operation English
0458-816-8321-B 9

► Insert the screws (1) through holes in the loop
handle (3) and clamps (4 and 6).
► Screw on and firmly tighten the nuts (7).
8 Removing and Fitting the
Battery
8.1 Fitting the Battery
1
2
3
0000-GXX-6521-A0
► Insert the battery (1) in the battery compart‐
ment (2) and press it home until you hear a
click.
The cooling slots (3) are still visible and the
battery (1) is held securely in the battery com‐
partment (2). There is no electrical contact
between the hedge trimmer and battery (1).
► Push the battery (1) into the battery compart‐
ment (2) as far as stop.
The battery (1) engages with a second click
and the cooling slots (3) are no longer visible.
8.2 Removing the Battery
► Lay the hedge trimmer on a level surface.
► Hold one hand in front of the battery compart‐
ment to ensure the battery (2) does not fall
out.
2
1
0000-GXX-6518-A0
► Depress the locking lever (1).
The battery (2) is unlocked and can be
removed.
9 Switching the Hedge Trim‐
mer On/Off
9.1 Switching On
► Hold the hedge trimmer firmly with one hand
on the control handle - wrap your thumb
around the handle.
► Hold the hedge trimmer firmly with your other
hand on the loop handle or handle hose - wrap
your thumb around the loop handle or handle
hose.
1
2
0000-GXX-7604-A0
► Push the release slide (1) in the direction of
the cutting blades with your thumb and hold it
there.
► Pull the trigger (2) with your index finger and
hold it there. You can let go of the release
slide (1).
The motor accelerates and the cutting blades
run.
9.2 Switching Off
► Release the trigger.
► Wait for the cutting blades to come to a com‐
plete standstill after about 1 second.
► If the cutting blades continue to run after about
1 second: Remove the battery and contact
your STIHL dealer for assistance.
There is a malfunction in the hedge trimmer.
10 Testing the Hedge Trimmer
and Battery
10.1 Checking the Controls
Release slide and trigger
► Remove the battery.
► Attempt to pull the trigger lever without operat‐
ing the release slide.
► If the trigger can be pulled: Do not use the
hedge trimmer and contact your STIHL dealer
for assistance.
The release slide has a malfunction.
► Push the release slide in the direction of the
cutting blades with your thumb and hold it
there.
English 8 Removing and Fitting the Battery
10 0458-816-8321-B