Stihl HSA 56 User manual

{
STIHL HSA 56 Instruction Manual
Manual de instrucciones
WARNING
Read Instruction Manual thoroughly before use and
follow all safety precautions – improper use can cause
serious or fatal injury.
ADVERTENCIA
Antes de usar la máquina lea y siga todas las precauciones
de seguridad dadas en el manual de instrucciones – el uso
incorrecto puede causar lesiones graves o mortales.

Instruction Manual
1 - 34
Manual de instrucciones
35 - 70

Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG 2016 0458-714-8621-A. VA1.M16. 0000007546_003_GB
0458-714-8621-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 Signal Words
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.2 Symbols in Text
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3 Main Parts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3.1 Hedge Trimmer, Battery and Charger
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
4 Safety Symbols on the Products
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4.1 Hedge Trimmer, Battery and Charger
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
5 General Power Tool Safety Warnings
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5.1 Introduction
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5.2 Work Area Safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5.3 Electrical Safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5.4 Personal Safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.5 Power Tool Use and Care
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.6 Battery Tool Use and Care
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5.7 Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5.8 Hedge Trimmer Safety Warnings
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
6.1 Intended Use
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
6.2 Operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
6.3 Personal Protective Equipment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
6.4 Hedge Trimmer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
6.5 Using the Hedge Trimmer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
7 Battery Safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
7.1 Warnings and Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
8 Charger Safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
8.1 Warnings and Instructions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
9 Maintenance, Repair and Storage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
9.1 Warnings and Instructions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
10 Before Starting Work
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
10.1 Preparing the Hedge Trimmer for Operation
. . . . . . . . 18
11 Charging the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
11.1 Setting up the Charger
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
11.2 Charging
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
12 LED Diagnostics
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
12.1 LEDs on the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
12.2 LED on the Charger
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
13 Inserting and Removing the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
13.1 Inserting the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
13.2 Removing the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
14 Switching the Hedge Trimmer On and Off
. . . . . . . . . . 21
14.1 Switching On
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
14.2 Switching Off
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
15 Checking the Controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
15.1 Testing the Controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
16 During Operation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
16.1 Using the Hedge Trimmer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
17 After Finishing Work
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
17.1 Preparing for Transportation or Storage
. . . . . . . . . . . . 24
18 Transporting the Hedge Trimmer and Battery
. . . . . . . 24
18.1 Hedge Trimmer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
18.2 Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
19 Storing the Hedge Trimmer, Battery and Charger
. . . 25
19.1 Hedge Trimmer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
19.2 Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
19.3 Charger
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
20 Cleaning
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
20.1 Cleaning the Hedge Trimmer, Battery and
Charger
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
20.2 Cleaning the Cutting Blades
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
21 Inspection and Maintenance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
21.1 Inspecting and Maintaining the Hedge Trimmer
. . . . 27
21.2 Inspecting and Maintaining the Cutting Blades
. . . . . 27
22 Troubleshooting Guide
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
22.1 Hedge Trimmer and Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

0458-714-8621-A
2
English 1 Introduction
Thank you for your purchase. The information contained in
this manual will help you receive maximum performance and
satisfaction from your hedge trimmer and, if followed, reduce
the risk of injury from its use.
SAVE THIS MANUAL!
Do not lend or rent the hedge trimmer without this instruction
manual. Allow only persons who fully understand the
information in this manual to operate the hedge trimmer.
For further information, or if you do not understand any of
the instructions in this manual, please go to
www.stihlusa.com (for Canada: www.stihl.ca) or contact
your authorized STIHL servicing dealer.
2.1 Signal Words
This manual contains safety information that requires your
special attention. Such information is introduced with the
following symbols and signal words:
DANGER
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
22.2 Charger
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
23 Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
23.1 STIHL HSA 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
23.2 Cutting Blades
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
23.3 STIHL AK Series Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
23.4 STIHL AL 101
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
23.5 Symbols on the Hedge Trimmer, Battery and
Charger
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
23.6 FCC 15 Compliance Statement for Power Tool
and Charger
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
24 Replacement Parts and Equipment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
24.1 Genuine STIHL Replacement Parts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
25 Disposal
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
25.1 Disposal of the Hedge Trimmer and Charger
. . . . . . . 32
25.2 Battery Recycling
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
26 Limited Warranty
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
26.1 STIHL Incorporated Limited Warranty Policy
. . . . . . . 33
27 Trademarks
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
27.1 Registered Trademarks
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
27.2 Common Law Trademarks
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
28 Addresses
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
28.1 STIHL Incorporated
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
1 Introduction
Because a hedge trimmer is a high-speed
cutting tool, special safety precautions must be
observed to reduce the risk of personal injury.
Read this instruction manual thoroughly before
use and periodically thereafter. Follow all safety
precautions. Careless or improper use of the
hedge trimmer can cause serious or fatal injury.
2 Guide to Using this Manual

0458-714-8621-A 3
English 3 Main Parts
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
Indicates a risk of property damage, including damage to the
machine or its individual components.
2.2 Symbols in Text
The following symbol is included to assist you with the use
of the manual:
3.1 Hedge Trimmer, Battery and Charger
1 Loop Handle
Handle for the operator's front hand.
2 Switch Lever
Activates the cutting attachment when depressed in
combination with the trigger switch.
3 Battery Compartment
Holds the battery.
Refers to a designated chapter or sub-chapter in this
instruction manual.
3 Main Parts
1
10
9
2
3
4
5
87
12
17
16
15
13
14
11
#
6
##
0000-GXX-1451-A0

0458-714-8621-A
4
English 4 Safety Symbols on the Products
4 Locking Lever
Secures the battery in the battery compartment.
5 Retaining Latch
Locks the trigger switch.
6 Trigger Switch Lockout
Must be depressed while the retaining latch is unlocked
to allow activation of the trigger switch.
7 Control Handle
Hedge trimmer's rear handle.
8 Trigger Switch
Activates the cutting attachment when depressed in
combination with the switch lever.
9 Hand Guard
Helps protect the operator's front hand from projecting
branches and other materials and contact with the
cutting blades.
10 Cutting Blades
Steel blades for cutting hedges, shrubs and bushes.
11 Charger
Charges the battery.
12 Charger LED
Indicates the operating status of the charger.
13 Plug
Connects the power supply cord to a wall outlet.
14 Power Supply Cord
Supplies the charger with electricity when plugged into a
wall outlet.
15 Battery
Supplies electrical power to the motor.
16 Battery LEDs
Indicate the battery's state of charge and display error
messages regarding potential malfunctions in the battery
or power tool.
17 Push Button
Activates the battery's LEDs.
# Rating Plate
Contains electrical information and the product's serial
number.
4.1 Hedge Trimmer, Battery and Charger
The following safety symbols are found on the hedge
trimmer, battery and/or charger:
4 Safety Symbols on the Products
To reduce the risk of injury, follow the specified
safety precautions.
Read and follow all safety precautions in the
instruction manual. Improper use can lead to
serious or fatal personal injury or property
damage.
To reduce the risk of eye injury, always wear
proper eye protection, @6.3.
To reduce the risk of cut injuries, keep hands,
feet and other body parts away from the cutting
blades, @6.5.4.
To reduce the risk of injury or property damage
from unintended activation, remove the battery
any time the hedge trimmer is not in use, @6.4.

0458-714-8621-A 5
English 5 General Power Tool Safety Warnings
5.1 Introduction
This chapter contains the prescribed general safety
warnings and instructions for handheld, motor-operated
electric power tools and motor-operated electric hedge
trimmers. Additional important warnings and instructions are
provided in subsequent chapters of this manual.
WARNING
￭Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to
follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric
shock, fire and/or serious injury.
￭Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-
operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless)
power tool.
5.2 Work Area Safety
a)Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas
invite accidents.
b)Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres,
such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or
dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust
or fumes.
c) Keep children and bystanders away while operating a
power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
5.3 Electrical Safety
a)Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the
plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with
earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and
matching outlets will reduce the risk of electric shock.
b)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.
c) Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water
entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric
shock.
d)Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying,
pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from
heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or
entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
e)When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension
cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for
outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
f) If operating a power tool in a damp location is
unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD)
protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk of
electric shock.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not
expose the hedge trimmer to rain, water or
excessive moisture. Store it indoors. If it is
exposed to rain or very damp conditions, take it
to your authorized STIHL servicing dealer before
further operation, @6.4.
To reduce the risk of personal injury or property
damage from fire or electric shock, keep the
charger dry. Protect it from rain, water, liquids
and damp conditions. For indoor use only, @8.
To reduce the risk of personal injury or property
damage from fire, explosion or burns, including
chemical burns, do not disassemble, crush,
drop, damage or heat the battery above 212 °F
(100 °C). Never expose it to fire or incinerate,
@7.
To reduce the risk of personal injury or property
damage from a short circuit, fire or explosion,
keep the battery dry. Protect it from rain, water,
liquids and damp conditions. Never immerse the
battery in water or other liquids, @7.
To reduce the risk of personal injury or property
damage from fire, use and store the battery only
within an ambient temperature range of 14 °F to
122 °F (- 10 °C to 50 °C), @7.
5 General Power Tool Safety Warnings

0458-714-8621-A
6
English 5 General Power Tool Safety Warnings
5.4 Personal Safety
a)Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common
sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power
tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs,
alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while
operating power tools may result in serious personal
injury.
b)Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye
protection. Protective equipment such as dust mask, non-
skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for
appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
c) Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the
off-position before connecting to power source and/or
battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying
power tools with your finger on the switch or energizing
power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
d)Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the
power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating
part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
e)Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all
times. This enables better control of the power tool in
unexpected situations.
f) Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery.
Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving
parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught
in moving parts.
g)If devices are provided for the connection of dust
extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are
connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can
reduce dust-related hazards.
h)Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools
allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety
principles. A careless action can cause severe injury
within a fraction of a second.
5.5 Power Tool Use and Care
a)Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for
your application. The correct power tool will do the job
better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
b)Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on
and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the
switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
c) Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or remove
the battery pack, if detachable, from the power tool before
making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing
power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the
risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
d)Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do
not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these
instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are
dangerous in the hands of untrained users
e)Maintain power tools and accessories. Check for
misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of
parts and any other condition that may affect the power
tool's operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired
before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly
maintained power tools.
f) Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained
cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to
bind and are easier to control
g)Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in
accordance with these instructions, taking into account
the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use
of the power tool for operations different from those
intended could result in a hazardous situation.
h)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
tool in unexpected situations.

0458-714-8621-A 7
English 6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
5.6 Battery Tool Use and Care
a)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.
b)Use power tools only with specifically designated battery
packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of
injury and fire.
c) When 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.
d)Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the
battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush
with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek
medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause
irritation or burns.
e)Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or
modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit
unpredictable behaviour resulting in fire/explosion or risk
of injury.
f) Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive
temperature. Exposure to fire or temperatures above
100 °C may cause explosion.
g)Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the
battery pack or tool 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.
5.7 Service
a)Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person
using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure
that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
b)Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery
packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or
authorized service provider.
5.8 Hedge Trimmer Safety Warnings
a)Keep all parts of the body away from the cutter blade. Do
not remove cut material or hold material to be cut when
blades are moving. Make sure the switch is off when
clearing jammed material. Blades coast after turn off. A
moment of inattention while operating the hedge trimmer
may result in serious personal injury.
b)Carry the hedge trimmer by the handle with the cutter
blade stopped. Proper handling of the hedge trimmer will
reduce possible personal injury from the cutter blades.
c) Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only,
because the cutter blade may contact hidden wiring.
Cutter blades contacting a "live" wire may make exposed
metal parts of the power tool "live" and could give the
operator an electric shock.
DANGER
￭Keep hands away from blade. Contact with blade will
result in serious personal injury.
6.1 Intended Use
WARNING
￭ This hedge trimmer is designed for light-duty trimming of
hedges, shrubs and bushes in yards and gardens around
the home. Use of the hedge trimmer for operations
different than intended could result in serious injury or
death.
– Use the hedge trimmer only for light-duty trimming
tasks around the home and garden.
– Do not use it for any other purposes. Misuse may
result in personal injury or property damage,
including damage to the hedge trimmer.
￭ The STIHL AK series battery is designed for use only with
compatible STIHL power tools.
6 IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS

0458-714-8621-A
8
English 6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
￭ The STIHL AL series charger is designed for charging
STIHL AK and AP series batteries only.
￭ Improper use could result in personal injury or property
damage.
– Use the hedge trimmer, battery and charger only as
described in this manual.
6.2 Operator
WARNING
￭ Working with the hedge trimmer can be strenuous. The
operator must be in good physical condition and mental
health. To reduce the risk of personal injury from fatigue
and loss of control:
– Check with your doctor before using the hedge
trimmer if you have any health condition that may be
aggravated by strenuous work.
– Do not operate the hedge trimmer while under the
influence of any substance (drug, alcohol or
medication, etc.) that might impair vision, balance,
dexterity or judgment.
– Be alert. Do not operate the hedge trimmer when
you are tired. Take a break if you become tired.
– Do not permit minors to use the hedge trimmer.
￭ According to STIHL's current knowledge, the electric
motor of this hedge trimmer should not interfere with a
pacemaker.
– However, persons with a pacemaker should consult
their physician and pacemaker manufacturer before
operating this hedge trimmer.
6.3 Personal Protective Equipment
WARNING
￭ To reduce the risk of personal injury:
– Always wear proper clothing and protective apparel,
including proper eye protection.
￭ Loss of control and severe cut injuries may result if hair,
clothing or apparel make contact with the moving cutting
blades or otherwise become entangled in the components
of the hedge trimmer. To reduce the risk of severe
personal injury:
– Secure hair above shoulder level before starting
work. Avoid scarves, jewelry and other apparel that
could be caught on branches, brush or the moving
cutting blades.
￭ To reduce the risk of eye injury:
￭ To help maintain a secure footing and reduce the risk of
injury while working:
￭ To improve your grip and help protect your hands:
– Wear sturdy and snug-fitting clothing that
also allows complete freedom of
movement.
– Wear overalls or long pants made of
heavy material to help protect your legs.
Do not wear shorts.
– Always wear goggles or close-fitting
protective glasses with adequate side
protection that are impact-rated and
marked as complying with ANSI Z87 "+"
(for Canada: CSA Z94).
– Wear substantial footwear with non-slip
soles. Do not wear sandals, flip-flops,
open-toed or similar footwear.
– Always wear heavy-duty work gloves
made of leather or another wear-
resistant material when handling the
hedge trimmer or its cutting blades.

0458-714-8621-A 9
English 6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
6.4 Hedge Trimmer
WARNING
￭ To reduce the risk of electric shock:
￭ The cutting blades have many sharp cutters. If the cutters
contact you, it will result in serious cut injuries, even if the
cutting blades are not moving. To reduce the risk injuries:
– Keep hands, feet and other parts of your body away
from the cutting blades.
– Wear heavy-duty work gloves when handling the
hedge trimmer or its cutting blades.
– Never touch the moving cutting blades with your
hand or any other part of your body.
– Cover the cutting blades with a blade scabbard
before transporting or storing the hedge trimmer to
reduce the risk of inadvertent contact.
￭ This battery-powered hedge trimmer is intended only for
light-duty garden and landscape maintenance around the
home. Use for other purposes may increase the risk of
personal injury and property damage.
– Do not attempt to cut any material other than
hedges, shrubs, bushes or similar soft vegetation.
Do not cut stems, branches or other vegetation
greater than 0.55 in. (14 mm) thick.
– Read and follow the operating instructions in this
manual for approved applications, @16.
￭ To reduce the risk of personal injury to the operator and
bystanders:
￭ Although certain unauthorized attachments may fit STIHL
hedge trimmers, their use may be extremely dangerous.
Only attachments supplied by STIHL or expressly
approved by STIHL for use with this specific model are
authorized.
– Use only attachments supplied or expressly
approved by STIHL.
– Never modify this hedge trimmer in any way.
￭ If the hedge trimmer is dropped or subjected to similar
heavy impacts:
– Check that it is undamaged, in good condition and
functioning properly before continuing work.
– Check that the controls and safety devices are
working properly.
– Check the LEDs for error messages, @12.1.2.
– Check that the battery has not been damaged.
Never use or charge a malfunctioning, damaged,
cracked, leaking or deformed battery.
– Never work with a damaged or malfunctioning hedge
trimmer or battery.
￭ If the hedge trimmer is damaged, not working properly,
has been left outdoors, exposed to rain or damp
conditions or dropped into water or other liquid, its
components may no longer function properly and safety
devices may be inoperative. To reduce the risk of personal
injury and property damage:
– Take the hedge trimmer to your authorized STIHL
servicing dealer to be checked before further
operation.
￭ Genuine STIHL replacement parts are specifically
designed to match your hedge trimmer model and meet
safety and performance requirements.
– STIHL recommends using genuine STIHL
replacement parts.
– Do not expose the hedge trimmer to rain,
water or excessive moisture.
– Store the hedge trimmer indoors.
– Always release the trigger switch and
remove the battery before assembling,
transporting, adjusting, inspecting,
cleaning, servicing, maintaining or
storing the hedge trimmer and any time it
is not in use.

0458-714-8621-A
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English 6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
6.5 Using the Hedge Trimmer
6.5.1 Before Operation
WARNING
￭ Misuse may result in personal injury and property
damage.
– Use the hedge trimmer only as described in this
instruction manual.
￭ Using a hedge trimmer that is damaged, improperly
adjusted or not completely and securely assembled can
lead to a malfunction and increase the risk of serious
personal injury or death.
– Never operate a hedge trimmer that is damaged,
improperly maintained or not completely and
securely assembled.
– Always check your hedge trimmer for proper
condition and operation, particularly the retaining
latch, trigger switch lockout, trigger switch, switch
lever, front hand guard and cutting blades.
– Ensure that the retaining latch, trigger switch
lockout, trigger switch and switch lever move freely
and always spring back to the stop position when
released. The trigger switch must not engage until
the retaining latch is unlocked and the trigger switch
lockout is depressed.
– Never attempt to modify or override the controls or
safety devices.
– The cutting blades must move only when the battery
is inserted, the retaining latch is unlocked and the
trigger switch lockout, trigger switch and switch lever
are depressed.
– If your hedge trimmer or any part is damaged or
does not function properly, take it to your authorized
STIHL servicing dealer. Do not use the hedge
trimmer until the problem has been corrected.
￭ Before inserting the battery:
– Check the contacts in the battery compartment for
corrosion or other foreign matter and keep clean.
– Never insert or use a malfunctioning, damaged,
cracked, leaking or deformed battery.
– Read and follow the instructions on switching on the
hedge trimmer, @14.1.
￭ To help reduce the risk of serious personal injury or death
from unintentional starting:
– Be sure the retaining latch is in the locked position
before inserting the battery.
– Never carry the hedge trimmer with your finger on
the trigger switch.
– Release the trigger switch before removing the
battery.
– Never leave the hedge trimmer unattended when the
battery is inserted.
– Never store the battery in the hedge trimmer.
￭ Before switching on your hedge trimmer, take the
following steps to reduce the risk of personal injury, loss
of control or inadvertent contact:
– Read and follow the instructions on switching on the
hedge trimmer, @14.1.
– Be sure that the cutting blades are clear of you and
all other obstructions and objects, including the
ground.
– Never switch on the hedge trimmer with material
between the cutting blades.
– Remove the battery before assembling,
transporting, adjusting, inspecting,
cleaning, servicing, maintaining or
storing the hedge trimmer and any other
time it is not in use.

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English 6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
6.5.2 Holding and Controlling the Hedge Trimmer
WARNING
￭ To maintain a firm grip and properly control your hedge
trimmer:
– Keep the handles clean and dry at all times. Keep
them free of moisture, pitch, oil, grease and resin.
￭ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries to the
operator or bystanders from loss of control:
– Always hold the hedge trimmer firmly with both
hands when you are working.
– Wrap your fingers tightly around the handles,
keeping the handles cradled between your thumb
and forefinger (see illustration).
– Position the hedge trimmer in such a way that all
parts of your body are clear of the cutting attachment
whenever the motor is running.
￭ Operating the hedge trimmer with one hand may lead to
loss of control and is therefore extremely dangerous. To
reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury to the operator or
bystanders from loss of control:
￭ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal cut injuries to the
operator or bystanders from loss of control, keep proper
footing and balance at all times:
– Do not work in wet grass or terrain.
– Take special care in overgrown terrain and always
watch for hidden obstacles such as tree stumps,
roots, rocks, holes and ditches to avoid stumbling.
– Be extremely cautious when working on slopes or
uneven ground.
– For better footing, always clear away fallen
branches, scrub, cuttings and other material, objects
or vegetation that can increase the danger of
slipping, tripping or falling.
￭ To reduce the risk of injury from loss of control:
– Never work on a ladder, on a roof, in a tree or while
standing on any other insecure support.
– Never operate the hedge trimmer above shoulder
height.
– Do not overreach.
￭ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal cut injuries to the
operator or bystanders from blade contact:
– Do not touch the cutting blades while the battery is
inserted.
– Never touch moving cutting blades with your hand or
any other part of your body.
– Never attempt to operate the hedge
trimmer with one hand.
0000-GXX-1455-A0
– Keep hands, feet and other body parts
away from the cutting blades.
– If the cutting blades become jammed by
thick branches or other obstructions,
release the trigger switch, trigger switch
lockout and switch lever immediately and
remove the battery before attempting to
free the blades.

0458-714-8621-A
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English 6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
6.5.3 Working Conditions
WARNING
￭ Operate your hedge trimmer only under good visibility
during favorable daylight conditions.
– Postpone the work if the weather is windy, foggy,
rainy or inclement.
￭ Your hedge trimmer is a one-person machine.
– Switch off the hedge trimmer immediately if you are
approached.
￭ To reduce the risk of injury to bystanders and
unauthorized users:
– Never leave the hedge trimmer unattended when the
battery is inserted.
– Switch off the hedge trimmer and remove the battery
during work breaks and any other time the hedge
trimmer is not in use.
￭ Sparks generated from operation of the hedge trimmer
may be capable of igniting combustible gases, liquids,
vapors, dusts or other combustible materials and
substances. To reduce the risk of fire and explosion:
– Never operate the hedge trimmer in a location where
combustible gases, liquids, vapors, dusts or other
combustible materials and substances are present.
– Read and follow recommendations issued by
government authorities (e.g., OSHA; for Canada:
CCOHS) for identifying and avoiding the hazards of
combustible gases, liquids, vapors, dusts or other
combustible materials and substances.
￭ Use of this hedge trimmer (including sharpening the
cutting blades) can generate dust and other substances
containing chemicals known to cause respiratory
problems, cancer, birth defects and other reproductive
harm.
– Consult governmental agencies such as EPA,
OSHA, CARB and NIOSH (for Canada: ECCC,
CCOHS and PHAC) and other authoritative sources
on hazardous materials if you are unfamiliar with the
risks associated with the particular substances you
are cutting or with which you are working.
￭ Inhalation of certain dusts, especially organic dusts such
as mold or pollen, can cause susceptible persons to have
an allergic or asthmatic reaction. Substantial or repeated
inhalation of dust or other airborne contaminants,
especially those with a smaller particle size, may cause
respiratory or other illnesses.
– Control dust at the source where possible.
– Always work with properly sharpened cutting blades.
– To the extent possible, operate the hedge trimmer so
that the wind or operating process directs any dust,
mist or other particulate matter raised by the hedge
trimmer away from the operator.
– When respirable dust or other particulate matter
cannot be kept at or near background levels, always
wear an approved and properly rated respirator and
follow the recommendations of governmental
authorities (e.g., OSHA/NIOSH/MSHA; for Canada:
CCOHS/PHAC/MSHA) and occupational and trade
associations.
￭ If the vegetation being cut or the surrounding ground is
coated with a chemical substance, such as pesticide or
herbicide:
– Read and follow the instructions and warnings that
accompanied the substance coating the vegetation
or surrounding ground.
6.5.4 Operating Instructions
WARNING
￭ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal cut injuries to the
operator or bystanders from blade contact:

0458-714-8621-A 13
English 6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
￭ To reduce the risk of severe personal injuries from
unintentional starting:
– Never touch the cutting blades with your hand or any
other part of your body when the battery is inserted,
even when the cutting blades are not moving.
– If the cutting blades become jammed by branches or
other obstructions, switch off the hedge trimmer
immediately and remove the battery before
attempting to free the blades.
￭ The cutting blades continue to move for a short period
after the trigger switch or switch lever is fully released.
– Wait for the cutting blades to stop before walking
with the hedge trimmer or putting it down.
￭ In the event of an emergency:
– Switch off the motor immediately and remove the
battery.
￭ Contacting foreign objects while cutting could damage the
cutting blades and may cause them to crack, chip, break
or jam. To reduce the risk of severe personal injury or
death from loss of control, and to reduce the risk of
damage to the hedge trimmer:
– Inspect the material to be cut and the surrounding
area for stones, fence wire, metal or other foreign
objects before starting work. Do not use the hedge
trimmer in areas where the cutting blades could
contact such objects.
– Take particular care when cutting next to, against or
near wire fences. Do not touch the wire with the
cutting blades.
– When working close to the ground, make sure that
no sand, grit or stones get between the cutting
blades.
– Do not cut any areas of the hedge, bush, shrub or
other vegetation that you cannot see.
￭ To reduce the risk of injury to bystanders:
– Do not allow other persons in the general work area.
– If cutting the top of a taller hedge, check the other
side of the hedge frequently for bystanders, animals
and obstructions.
￭ Check the cutting blades at regular short intervals during
operation, or immediately if there is a change in cutting
behavior:
– Switch off the hedge trimmer and remove the
battery.
– Check the condition, tightness and sharpness of the
cutting blades.
– Inspect the hedge trimmer for loose parts (nuts,
screws, etc.) and for cracked, bent, warped or
damaged cutting blades. Replace damaged cutting
blades before using the hedge trimmer.
– Always keep the cutting blades sharp.
￭ To reduce blade friction as well as the agressive effects of
sap and the buildup of dirt particles, which can impair the
proper functioning of the hedge trimmer:
– STIHL recommends that you spray the cutting
blades with a resin solvent, such as STIHL Resin
Remover and Lubricant, before starting work.
DANGER
￭ To reduce risk of electrocution:
– Keep hands, feet and other body parts
away from the cutting blades.
– Do not touch the cutting blades while the
battery is inserted.
– Never touch moving cutting blades with
your hand or any other part of your body.
– Never operate this hedge trimmer in the
vicinity of any wires or cables that may
be carrying electric current.
– Do not rely on the hedge trimmer's
insulation against electric shock.

0458-714-8621-A
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English 7 Battery Safety
7.1 Warnings and Instructions
WARNING
￭ Use of unauthorized batteries can damage the hedge
trimmer and result in fire, explosion and personal injury
and property damage.
– Use only genuine STIHL AK series batteries.
￭ Use of STIHL AK series batteries for any purpose other
than powering STIHL power tools could be extremely
dangerous.
– Use STIHL AK series batteries only to power
compatible STIHL power tools.
￭ Use of unauthorized chargers can damage the battery and
result in fire, explosion and personal injury and property
damage.
– Use only genuine STIHL AL series chargers to
charge STIHL AK series batteries.
￭ The battery contains safety features and devices which, if
damaged, may allow the battery to generate heat, rupture,
leak, ignite or explode.
– Never use or charge a malfunctioning, damaged,
cracked, leaking or deformed battery.
– Never open, disassemble, crush, drop, subject to
heavy impact or otherwise damage the battery.
– Never expose the battery to microwaves or high
pressures.
– Never insert objects into the battery's cooling slots.
￭ High temperatures may cause the battery to generate
heat, rupture, leak, ignite or explode, resulting in severe or
fatal personal injury and property damage. Exposure to
temperatures outside the recommended temperature
range may also reduce battery life and performance.
￭ To reduce the risk of personal injury and property damage
in the event the battery emits smoke, an unusual smell or
feels unusually hot while using, charging or storing:
– Immediately discontinue using or charging the
battery. Prepare to contact the authorities in the
event of fire or explosion.
￭ To reduce the risk of a short circuit, which could lead to
electric shock, fire and explosion:
– Never bridge the battery terminals with wires or
other metallic objects.
– Keep a battery that is not in use away from metal
objects (e.g., paper clips, nails, coins, keys).
– Never transport or store the battery in a metal
container.
– Store the battery indoors in a dry room.
– Never store the battery in damp or corrosive
environments or in conditions that could lead to
corrosion of its metal components.
– Never store the battery in the hedge trimmer or
charger.
– Protect the battery from exposure to corrosive
agents such as garden chemicals and de-icing salts.
– Do not attempt to repair, open or disassemble the
battery. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
7 Battery Safety
– Never heat the battery above 212 °F
(100 °C).
– Never incinerate or place the battery on
or near fires, stoves or other high-
temperature locations.
– Use and store the battery only within an
ambient temperature range of 14 °F to
122 °F (-10 °C to 50 °C).
– Never store the battery in direct sunlight
or inside a vehicle in hot weather.
– Keep the battery dry. Protect it from rain,
water, liquids and damp conditions.
– Never immerse the battery in water or
other liquids.

0458-714-8621-A 15
English 8 Charger Safety
￭ Leaking battery fluid can cause skin and eye irritation or
chemical burns.
– Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
– Use an inert absorbent such as sand on spilled
liquids.
– In the event of accidental contact, immediately rinse
the contact area thoroughly with mild soap and
water.
– If fluid gets into your eye(s): Do not rub. Rinse water
over the open eye(s) for at least 15 minutes and
seek medical attention.
￭ A battery fire can be dangerous. To reduce the risk of
severe personal injury and property damage in the event
of fire:
– Evacuate the area. Fire can spread rapidly. Stay
clear of any vapors generated and maintain a safe
distance.
– Contact the fire department.
– Although water can be used to put out a battery fire,
use of a multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher
is preferable.
– Consult the fire department regarding proper
disposal of the burned battery.
￭ Dropping the battery could result in personal injury or
property damage. To prevent the battery from falling
during removal:
– Place the hedge trimmer on a level surface.
– Use care when ejecting the battery.
8.1 Warnings and Instructions
WARNING
￭ To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and other
personal injury or property damage:
– Read and follow all cautionary markings on the
charger, battery and hedge trimmer and all
instructions in this manual before using the charger.
– Charge only genuine STIHL AK or STIHL AP series
batteries. Other batteries may burst, catch fire or
explode, resulting in personal injury and property
damage.
– Do not handle the charger, including power supply
cord and plug, with wet hands.
– Never use a damaged charger.
– Never charge malfunctioning, damaged, cracked,
leaking or deformed batteries.
– Never store a battery in the charger.
– Operate the charger only indoors, in dry rooms and
within an ambient temperature range of 41 °F to
104 °F (5 °C to 40 °C).
– Keep the charger out of the reach of children.
– Always plug the charger into a properly installed wall
outlet matching the voltage and electrical frequency
stated on the charger.
– Never use power strips to operate multiple chargers
or other devices from the same outlet or on the same
circuit.
8 Charger Safety
– For indoor use only.
– Keep the charger dry. Protect it from
rain, water, liquids and damp conditions.
Never insert a wet battery or use a wet
charger.

0458-714-8621-A
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English 8 Charger Safety
– Do not operate a charger that has received a sharp
or heavy blow, has been dropped or is otherwise
damaged in any way.
– Do not attempt to repair, open or disassemble the
charger. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
￭ To reduce the risk of electric shock or fire from a short
circuit:
– Make sure the battery and charger are completely
dry before starting the charging process.
– Never bridge the contacts of the charger with wires
or other metallic objects.
– Do not insert any objects into the charger's cooling
slots.
￭ The charger heats up during the charging process. To
reduce the risk of fire:
– Do not operate on a combustible surface (e.g.,
paper, cardboard, textiles) or in a combustible
environment.
– Allow the charger to cool down normally. Do not
cover it.
￭ Chargers can produce sparks which may ignite
combustible gases, liquids, vapors, dusts or other
combustible materials. To reduce the risk of fire and
explosion:
– Do not operate in a location where combustible
gases, liquids, vapors, dusts or other combustible
materials are present.
￭ Using a damaged power supply cord or plug may result in
fire, electric shock and other personal injury or property
damage. To reduce these risks:
– Replace the charger if the power supply cord
becomes damaged. The power supply cord cannot
be repaired or replaced.
– Unplug the power supply cord from the outlet when
the charger is not in use.
– Never jerk the power supply cord to disconnect it
from the wall outlet. To unplug, grasp the plug, not
the power supply cord.
– Do not use the power supply cord for any other
purpose, e.g., for carrying or hanging up the charger.
– Make sure the power supply cord is located or
marked so that it will not be stepped on, tripped over,
come in contact with sharp objects or moving parts,
or otherwise be subjected to damage or stress.
￭ An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely
necessary. Overloading an extension cord can result in
overheating and fire. If an extension cord must be used:
– Use only a properly wired 16 gauge (AWG 16) or
heavier gauge extension cord.
– Never connect more than one charger or other
device to an extension cord.
– Never use an extension cord with a wattage rating
lower than the wattage on your charger's rating
plate.
– Never use an extension cord if the blades on its plug
are different from the blades on the charger plug in
number, size or shape.
– Do not link (chain) extension cords.
￭ In case of fire, or if the charger or the battery it is charging
emits smoke, an unusual smell, feels hot or appears
abnormal in any other way:
– Immediately disconnect the charger from the outlet
and prepare to contact the authorities in the event of
fire or explosion.
– Check the charger’s power supply cord
and plug regularly for damage. If
damaged, immediately disconnect the
plug from the wall outlet.

0458-714-8621-A 17
English 9 Maintenance, Repair and Storage
9.1 Warnings and Instructions
WARNING
￭ There are no user-authorized repairs for the hedge
trimmer, battery or charger. To reduce the risk of fire,
electric shock or other personal injury and property
damage:
– Users may carry out only the cleaning and
maintenance operations described in this manual.
Users must not attempt any other cleaning,
maintenance or repair.
– Strictly follow the cleaning and maintenance
instructions in the appropriate sections of this
instruction manual. Please also refer to the
maintenance chart in this manual.
– STIHL recommends that all repair work be
performed by authorized STIHL servicing dealers.
￭ Unintentional starting may result in personal injury or
property damage. To reduce the risk of personal injury
and property damage from unintentional starting:
￭ The cutting blades are the only user-serviceable parts of
the hedge trimmer. Proper maintenance will help maintain
cutting performance and reduce the risk of personal injury.
– Wear gloves when handling the cutting blades.
– Keep the cutting blades clean and sharp.
– Tighten all nuts, bolts and screws after each use.
– Never repair damaged cutting blades by welding,
straightening or modifying the shape. This may
cause parts of the cutting blades to experience
uneven or excessive wear or other damage that can
lead to a malfunction or breakage during operation,
resulting in serious or fatal injuries.
￭ Use of parts that are not authorized or approved by STIHL
may cause serious or fatal injury or property damage.
– STIHL recommends that only authorized STIHL
replacement parts be used for repair or
maintenance.
￭ To reduce the risk of electric shock:
– Unplug the charger from the wall outlet before
inspecting or cleaning the charger.
– Regularly check the charger and ensure that the
insulation of the power supply cord and plug are in
good condition and show no signs of aging
(brittleness), wear or damage.
– Replace the charger if the power supply cord
becomes worn or damaged. The power supply cord
cannot be repaired or replaced.
￭ To reduce the risk of short circuit and fire:
– Keep the battery guides free of foreign matter. Clean
as necessary, @20.1.
￭ Improper storage can result in unauthorized use, damage
to the hedge trimmer, battery and charger, and an
increased risk of fire, electric shock and other personal
injury or property damage.
– Remove the battery from the hedge trimmer before
storing.
– Never store the hedge trimmer and charger with the
battery inserted.
– Before storing, always unplug the charger from the
wall outlet and remove the battery.
– Store the hedge trimmer, battery and charger
indoors in a dry, secure place out of the reach of
children and other unauthorized users.
– Never store the battery in the hedge trimmer, in the
charger or in a metal container.
9 Maintenance, Repair and Storage
– Remove the battery before inspecting
the hedge trimmer or carrying out any
cleaning, maintenance or repair work,
before storing, and any other time the
hedge trimmer is not in use.

0458-714-8621-A
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English 10 Before Starting Work
10.1 Preparing the Hedge Trimmer for Operation
Before starting work:
► Fully charge the battery, @11.
► Check the controls for proper function and condition,
@15.1.
► Check the cutting attachment for damage or other
problems.
11.1 Setting up the Charger
WARNING
Read and follow the battery and charger safety precautions
and instructions in this manual, @7 and @8. Among
other things: Make sure the charger and its components are
dry and not damaged; operate the charger indoors at an
appropriate ambient temperature, @8.
WARNING
Since the battery and charger heat up during the charging
process, do not operate on a combustible surface or in a
location where combustible gases, liquids, vapors, dusts or
other materials and substances are present, @8.
To set up the charger:
► Insert the plug (4) into a properly installed wall outlet (5)
matching the voltage and electrical frequency stated on
the charger's rating plate (1).
The charger runs a self-test immediately after it is plugged
in. The charger LED (2) will glow green for about
1 second, then it will glow red briefly before going out.
Once the self-test is complete, the charger is ready to
charge the battery.
► Position the power supply cord (3) so that it will not be
stepped on, tripped over, come in contact with sharp
objects or moving parts or otherwise be subjected to
damage or stress.
11.2 Charging
WARNING
Never charge a malfunctioning, damaged, cracked, leaking
or deformed battery. For indoor use only. Keep the charger
dry. Protect it from rain, water, liquids and damp conditions.
Never insert a wet battery or use a wet charger, @8.
10 Before Starting Work
11 Charging the Battery
4
3
22
0000-GXX-0636-A0
5
1