Stihl HSA 60 Setup guide

HSA 60 Battery Trimmer
Owners Instruction Manual
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.
2 - 29 Instruction Manual
29 - 60 Manual de instrucciones

Contents
1 Introduction................................................. 2
2 Guide to Using this Manual.........................2
3 Main Parts...................................................3
4 Safety Symbols on the Products.................3
5 General Power Tool Safety Warnings.........4
6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS....6
7 Battery Safety........................................... 12
8 Charger Safety..........................................13
9 Maintenance, Repair and Storage............ 14
10 Before Starting Work.................................15
11 Charging the Battery................................. 15
12 LED Diagnostics....................................... 16
13 Adjusting the Hedge Trimmer................... 17
14 Inserting and Removing the Battery..........17
15 Switching the Hedge Trimmer On and Off 18
16 Checking the Controls...............................19
17 During Operation.......................................20
18 After Finishing Work..................................21
19 Transporting the Hedge Trimmer, Battery
and Charger.............................................. 21
20 Storing the Hedge Trimmer, Battery and
Charger..................................................... 22
21 Cleaning....................................................23
22 Inspection and Maintenance..................... 23
23 Troubleshooting Guide..............................25
24 Specifications............................................26
25 Replacement Parts and Equipment.......... 28
26 Disposal.................................................... 28
27 Limited Warranty.......................................29
28 Trademarks...............................................29
29 Addresses................................................. 29
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!
Because a hedge trimmer is a
high-speed cutting tool, special
safety precautions must be
observed to reduce the risk of per‐
sonal injury.
Read this instruction manual thor‐
oughly before use and periodically
thereafter. Follow all safety pre‐
cautions. Careless or improper
use can cause serious or fatal
injury.
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 under‐
stand any of the instructions in this manual,
please go to www.stihlusa.com or contact your
authorized STIHL servicing dealer.
2 Guide to Using this Manual
2.1 Signal Words
This manual contains safety information that
requires your special attention. Such information
is introduced with the following symbols and sig‐
nal words:
DANGER
■ Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
■ Indicates a hazardous situation which, 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 com‐
ponents.
2.2 Symbols in Text
The following symbol is included to assist you
with the use of the manual:
Refers to a designated chapter or sub-
chapter in this instruction manual.
English
2 0458-019-8601-A
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG 2023 0458-019-8601-A. VA1.M22.
Printed on chlorine-free paper Paper is recyclable.
Original Instruction Manual 0000009970_002_GB

3 Main Parts
3.1 Hedge Trimmer, Battery and
Charger
1
9
#
#
#
7
8
3
6
2
4
5
11
15 16
12
14
13
19
21
20
18
10
17
0000099671_001
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.
4 Locking Lever
Secures the battery in the battery compart‐
ment.
5 Trigger Switch Lockout
Prevents activation of the trigger switch until
depressed.
6 Ergo-Lever
Holds the trigger switch lockout in the
unlocked position.
7 Control Handle
Handle for the operator's rear hand.
8 Trigger Switch
Activates the cutting attachment when
depressed in combination with the switch
lever.
9 Blocking Lever
Lever for rotating the rear handle.
10 Screw Plug
Seals the grease filler opening at the gear‐
box.
11 Hand Guard
Helps protect the operator's front hand from
projecting branches and other materials and
contact with the cutting blades.
12 Cutting Blades
Steel blades for cutting hedges, shrubs and
bushes.
13 Tip Guard
Helps protect the tip of the cutting blades
from contact with solid objects.
14 Charger
Charges the battery.
15 Charger LED
Indicates the operating status of the charger.
16 Plug
Connects the power supply cord to an electri‐
cal outlet.
17 Power Supply Cord
Supplies the charger with electricity when
plugged into an electrical outlet.
18 Battery LEDs
Indicate the battery's state of charge and dis‐
play error messages regarding potential mal‐
functions in the battery or power tool.
19 Push Button
Activates the battery's LEDs.
20 Battery
Supplies electrical power to the motor.
21 Blade Scabbard
Covers the cutting blades when the hedge
trimmer is not in use.
# Rating Plate
Contains electrical information and the pro‐
duct's serial number.
4 Safety Symbols on the
Products
4.1 Hedge Trimmer, Battery and
Charger
The following safety symbols are found on the
hedge trimmer, battery and/or charger:
To reduce the risk of injury, follow
the specified safety precautions.
3 Main Parts English
0458-019-8601-A 3

Read and follow all safety precau‐
tions 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 protec‐
tion, 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.
To reduce the risk of electric
shock, do not expose the hedge
trimmer to rain, water or exces‐
sive moisture. Store it indoors. If it
is exposed to rain or very damp
conditions, take it to your author‐
ized 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 condi‐
tions. 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 disassem‐
ble, 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.
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. Additional
important warnings and instructions are provided
in subsequent chapters of this manual.
WARNING
■Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustra‐
tions and specifications provided with this
power tool. Failure to follow all instructions lis‐
ted below 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 bat‐
tery-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 (groun‐
ded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and
matching outlets will reduce the risk of elec‐
tric 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 entan‐
gled 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.
English 5 General Power Tool Safety Warnings
4 0458-019-8601-A

f)If operating a power tool in a damp location
is unavoidable, use a residual current device
(RCD) or ground fault circuit interruptor
(GFCI) protected supply. Use of an RCD or
GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.
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 con‐
trol of the power tool in unexpected situa‐
tions.
f)Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewellery. Keep your hair and clothing 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 frac‐
tion 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 dan‐
gerous and must be repaired.
c)Disconnect the plug from the power source
and/or remove the battery pack, if detacha‐
ble, from the power tool before making any
adjustments, changing accessories, or stor‐
ing 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 dan‐
gerous 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 condi‐
tion that may affect the power tool's opera‐
tion. 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 situa‐
tion.
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.
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 desig‐
nated 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
5 General Power Tool Safety Warnings English
0458-019-8601-A 5

small metal objects that can make a connec‐
tion 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 dam‐
aged or modified. Damaged or modified bat‐
teries 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 130 °C / 265 °F may
cause explosion.
g)Follow all charging instructions and do not
charge the battery pack or tool outside the
temperature range specified in the instruc‐
tions. Charging improperly or at tempera‐
tures outside the specified range may dam‐
age 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 replace‐
ment parts. This will ensure that the safety of
the power tool is maintained.
b)Never service damaged battery packs. Serv‐
ice of battery packs should only be per‐
formed by the manufacturer or authorized
service provider.
5.8 Hedge Trimmer Safety Warn‐
ings
a)Keep all parts of the body away from the
blade. Do not remove cut material or hold
material to be cut when blades are moving.
Blades continue to move after the switch is
turned 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 blade stopped and taking care not to
operate any power switch. Proper carrying of
the hedge trimmer will decrease the risk of
inadvertent starting and resultant personal
injury from the blades.
c)When transporting or storing the hedge trim‐
mer, always fit the blade cover. Proper han‐
dling of the hedge trimmer will decrease the
risk of personal injury from the blades.
d)When clearing jammed material or servicing
the unit, make sure all power switches are off
and the battery pack is removed or discon‐
nected. Unexpected actuation of the hedge
trimmer while clearing jammed material or
servicing may result in serious personal
injury.
e)Hold the hedge trimmer by insulated gripping
surfaces only, because the blade may con‐
tact hidden wiring. Blades contacting a "live"
wire may make exposed metal parts of the
hedge trimmer "live" and could give the oper‐
ator an electric shock.
f)Keep all power cords and cables away from
cutting area. Power cords or cables may be
hidden in hedges or bushes and can be acci‐
dentally cut by the blade.
g)Do not use the hedge trimmer in bad
weather conditions, especially when there is
a risk of lightning. This decreases the risk of
being struck by lightning.
6 IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
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 gar‐
den.
■Improper use could result in personal injury or
property damage, including damage to the
hedge trimmer.
–Use the hedge trimmer, battery and
charger only as described in this manual.
–Never attempt to modify or override the
hedge trimmer's controls or safety devices
in any way.
–Never use a hedge trimmer that has been
modified or altered from its original
design.
■The STIHL AK series battery is designed for
use only with compatible STIHL power tools
and may be charged only with a STIHL AL
101, AL 301 or AL 500 charger.
English 6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
6 0458-019-8601-A

6.2 Operator
WARNING
■Working with the hedge trimmer can be stren‐
uous. 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 con‐
dition that may be aggravated by strenu‐
ous 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 trim‐
mer 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 or
other implanted medical device should
consult their physician and device manu‐
facturer before operating this hedge trim‐
mer.
6.3 Personal Protective Equipment
WARNING
■To reduce the risk of personal injury:
–Always wear proper clothing and protec‐
tive apparel, including proper eye protec‐
tion.
■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:
–Wear sturdy and snug-fit‐
ting 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.
–Wear a long-sleeve shirt or jacket.
–Avoid loose-fitting jackets, scarves, neck‐
ties, flared or cuffed pants, jewelry and
any other apparel that could be caught on
branches, brush or the moving cutting
attachment.
–Secure hair above shoulder level before
starting work.
■ To reduce the risk of eye injury:
–Always wear goggles or
close-fitting protective
glasses with adequate
side protection that are
impact-rated and marked
as complying with ANSI
Z87 "+".
■Good footing is very important. To help main‐
tain a secure footing and reduce the risk of
injury while working:
–Wear substantial footwear
with non-slip soles. Do not
wear sandals, flip-flops,
open-toed or similar foot‐
wear.
■To improve your grip and help protect your
hands:
–Always wear heavy-duty
non-slip work gloves
made of leather or another
wear-resistant material
when handling the hedge
trimmer or its cutting
blades.
6.4 Hedge Trimmer
WARNING
■To reduce the risk of electric shock:
–Do not expose the hedge
trimmer to rain, water or
excessive moisture.
–Never immerse the hedge
trimmer in water or other
liquids.
–Store the hedge trimmer
indoors.
■The cutting blades have many sharp cutters.
Making contact with the cutters may result in
serious laceration injuries, even if the cutting
blades are not moving. To reduce the risk of
such injuries:
–Keep hands, feet and other parts of your
body away from the cutting blades.
–Never hold the material to be cut.
–Never remove cut material without first
releasing the trigger switch and removing
the battery.
–Wear heavy-duty work gloves when han‐
dling the hedge trimmer or its cutting
blades.
–Never touch the moving cutting blades
with your hand or any other part of your
body.
6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS English
0458-019-8601-A 7

–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 inten‐
ded 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,
17.
■To reduce the risk of personal injury to the
operator and bystanders:
–Always release the trigger
switch and remove the
battery before assembling,
transporting, adjusting,
inspecting, cleaning, serv‐
icing, maintaining or stor‐
ing the hedge trimmer,
and any other time it is not
in use.
–Release the trigger switch and remove the
battery before clearing jammed material.
–Never leave the hedge trimmer unatten‐
ded when the battery is inserted.
■ Although certain unauthorized attachments
may fit your STIHL hedge trimmers, their use
may be extremely dangerous. Only attach‐
ments supplied by STIHL or expressly
approved by STIHL for use with this specific
model are recommended.
–Use only attachments supplied or
expressly approved by STIHL.
–Never modify this hedge trimmer in any
way.
–Never attempt to modify or override the
hedge trimmer's controls or safety devices
in any way.
–Never use a hedge trimmer that has been
modified or altered from its original
design.
■If the hedge trimmer is dropped or subjected
to similar heavy impacts:
–Check that it is undamaged, in good con‐
dition and functioning properly before con‐
tinuing work.
–Check that the controls and safety devi‐
ces are working properly.
–Check the LEDs for error messages,
12.1.2.
–Check that the battery has not been dam‐
aged. Never use or charge a malfunction‐
ing, damaged, cracked, leaking or
deformed battery.
–Never work with a damaged or malfunc‐
tioning battery or hedge trimmer. In case
of doubt, have the hedge trimmer and bat‐
tery checked by your authorized STIHL
servicing dealer.
■If the hedge trimmer or battery is damaged,
not working properly, has been left outdoors
and exposed to rain or damp conditions, or
dropped into water or other liquid, its compo‐
nents may no longer function properly and
safety devices may be inoperative. To reduce
the risk of personal injury and property dam‐
age:
–Take the hedge trimmer and battery to
your authorized STIHL servicing dealer to
be checked before further operation.
■Genuine STIHL replacement parts are specifi‐
cally designed to match your hedge trimmer
and meet safety and performance require‐
ments. Use of parts that are not authorized or
approved by STIHL may cause serious or fatal
injury or property damage.
–STIHL recommends that only identical
STIHL replacement parts be used.
6.5 Using the Hedge Trimmer
6.5.1 Before Operation
WARNING
■Misuse or unauthorized use may result in per‐
sonal injury and property damage.
–Use the hedge trimmer only as described
in this instruction manual.
■ Using a hedge trimmer that is modified, dam‐
aged, improperly adjusted or maintained, 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
modified damaged, improperly maintained
or not completely and securely assem‐
bled.
–Always check your hedge trimmer for
proper condition and operation before
starting work, particularly the trigger
switch lockout, ergo-lever, trigger switch,
switch lever, front hand guard and cutting
blades.
–Ensure that the trigger switch lockout,
ergo-lever, trigger switch and switch lever
English 6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
8 0458-019-8601-A

move freely and spring back into place
when released.
–Never attempt to modify or override the
controls or safety devices in any way.
–The cutting blades must move only when
the battery is inserted and the trigger
switch and switch lever are depressed.
–If your hedge trimmer or any part is dam‐
aged 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 com‐
partment 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, 15.1.
■ To help reduce the risk of serious personal
injury or death from unintentional starting:
–Be sure the trigger switch lockout is in the
locked position and the trigger switch is in
the off position before inserting the bat‐
tery.
–Never carry the hedge trimmer with your
finger on the trigger switch.
–Release the trigger switch before remov‐
ing the battery.
–Remove the battery
before assembling, trans‐
porting, adjusting, inspect‐
ing, cleaning, servicing,
maintaining or storing the
hedge trimmer, and any
other time it is not in use.
–Never leave the hedge trimmer unatten‐
ded when the battery is inserted.
–Never store the battery in the hedge trim‐
mer.
■ Before switching on your hedge trimmer, take
the following steps to reduce the risk of per‐
sonal injury, loss of control or inadvertent con‐
tact with the cutting attachment:
–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.
–Read and follow the instructions on
switching on the hedge trimmer, 15.1.
6.5.2 Holding and Controlling the Hedge
Trimmer
0000-GXX-1455-A0
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 con‐
trol:
–Always hold the hedge trimmer firmly with
both hands when you are working.
–Wrap your fingers tightly around the han‐
dles, 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 battery
is inserted.
■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:
–Never attempt to operate
the hedge trimmer with
one hand.
–Never hold the material to
be cut. Never remove cut
material without first
releasing the trigger
switch and removing the
battery.
–Release the trigger switch
and remove the battery
before clearing jammed
material.
■ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal cut inju‐
ries to the operator or bystanders from loss of
control, keep proper footing and balance at all
times:
–Never work on a ladder, roof, in a tree or
while standing on any other insecure sup‐
port.
6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS English
0458-019-8601-A 9

–Take special care in overgrown or wet ter‐
rain and always watch for hidden obsta‐
cles such as tree stumps, roots, rocks,
holes and ditches to avoid stumbling or
falling.
–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.
–Never operate the hedge trimmer above
shoulder height.
–Do not overreach. Keep proper footing
and balance at all times.
■ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal cut inju‐
ries to the operator or bystanders from blade
contact:
–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.
–If the cutting blades
become jammed by thick
branches or other obstruc‐
tions, release the trigger
switch, trigger switch lock‐
out and switch lever
immediately and remove
the battery before attempt‐
ing to free the blades.
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.
–Bystanders, especially children, and ani‐
mals should not be allowed in the area
where it is in use.
–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 unatten‐
ded 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 combusti‐
ble gases, liquids, vapors, dusts or other com‐
bustible 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 materi‐
als and substances are present.
–Read and follow recommendations issued
by government authorities (e.g., OSHA)
for identifying and avoiding the hazards of
combustible gases, liquids, vapors, dusts
or other combustible materials and sub‐
stances.
■Use of this hedge trimmer (including sharpen‐
ing 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 and other
authoritative sources on hazardous mate‐
rials 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 sus‐
ceptible persons to have an allergic or asth‐
matic reaction. Substantial or repeated inhala‐
tion 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 cut‐
ting 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 back‐
ground levels, always wear a respirator
that is approved by NIOSH and rated for
worksite-specific conditions. Follow the
recommendations of governmental
authorities (e.g., OSHA/NIOSH) and occu‐
pational 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
English 6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
10 0458-019-8601-A

coating the vegetation or surrounding
ground.
6.5.4 Operating Instructions
DANGER
■Contact with blade will result in serious per‐
sonal injury.
–Keep hands away from blade.
WARNING
■ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal cut inju‐
ries to the operator or bystanders from blade
contact:
–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 cut‐
ting blades with your hand
or any other part of your
body.
–Never hold the material to
be cut. Never remove cut
material without first
releasing the trigger
switch and removing the
battery.
–Release the trigger switch
and remove the battery
before clearing jammed
material.
■ 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 cut‐
ting blades are not moving.
–If the cutting blades
become jammed by
branches or other obstruc‐
tions, 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 dam‐
age to the hedge trimmer:
–Inspect the material to be cut and the sur‐
rounding area for stones, fence wire,
metal or other foreign objects before start‐
ing work. Do not use the hedge trimmer in
areas where the cutting blades could con‐
tact 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 inter‐
vals 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 sharp‐
ness 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 and the buildup of dirt,
which can interfere with 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:
–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.
6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS English
0458-019-8601-A 11

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 batter‐
ies.
■ Use of STIHL AK series batteries for any pur‐
pose 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 per‐
sonal injury and property damage.
–Use only genuine STIHL AL 101, AL 301
or AL 500 series chargers to charge
STIHL AK series batteries.
■The battery contains safety features and devi‐
ces which, if damaged, may allow the battery
to generate heat, rupture, leak, ignite or
explode.
–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.
–Never use or charge a malfunctioning,
damaged, cracked, leaking or deformed
battery.
–Never open, disassemble, crush, drop,
subject to heavy impact or otherwise dam‐
age the battery.
–Never expose the battery to microwaves
or high pressures.
–Never insert objects into the battery's
cooling slots.
■ Extreme temperatures may cause the battery
to generate heat, rupture, leak, ignite or
explode, resulting in severe or fatal personal
injury and property damage.
–Never charge, use or store the battery
outside the specified ambient temperature
limits, 24.5.
■To reduce the risk of personal injury and prop‐
erty damage in the event the battery emits
smoke, has an unusual smell or feels unusu‐
ally hot while using, charging or storing:
–Immediately discontinue using or charging
the battery. 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:
–Keep the battery dry. Pro‐
tect it from rain, water, liq‐
uids and damp conditions.
–Never immerse the battery
in water or other liquids.
–Never bridge the battery terminals with
wires or other metallic objects.
–Keep a battery that is not in use away
from small metal objects capable of con‐
ducting electricity (e.g., paper clips, nails,
coins, keys).
–Store the battery indoors in a dry room.
–Never store the battery in damp or corro‐
sive environments or in conditions that
could lead to corrosion of its metal com‐
ponents.
–Never store the battery in the hedge trim‐
mer.
–When storing the battery, maintain a
charge of 40 % to 60 % (2 green LEDs).
–If storing the battery in the charger, dis‐
connect the charger from the outlet.
–Protect the battery from exposure to cor‐
rosive agents such as garden chemicals
and de-icing salts.
–Protect the battery from exposure to con‐
ductive liquids such as salt water.
–Do not attempt to repair, open or disas‐
semble the battery. There are no user-
serviceable parts inside.
■Leaking battery fluid is potentially harmful and
can cause skin and eye irritation, chemical
burns and other serious personal injury.
–Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
–Use an inert absorbent such as sand on
spilled battery fluid.
–In the event of accidental contact, immedi‐
ately 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 atten‐
tion.
■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 rap‐
idly. 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.
English 7 Battery Safety
12 0458-019-8601-A

–Consult the fire department regarding
proper disposal of a burned battery.
■ Dropping the battery could result in personal
injury or property damage. To prevent the bat‐
tery from falling during removal:
–Place the hedge trimmer on a level sur‐
face.
–Use care when ejecting the battery.
8 Charger Safety
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.
–For indoor use only.
–Keep the charger dry. Pro‐
tect it from rain, water, liq‐
uids and damp conditions.
Never insert a wet battery
or use a wet charger.
–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.
–When storing the battery, maintain a
charge of 40 % to 60 % (2 green LEDs).
–If storing the battery in the charger, dis‐
connect the charger from the outlet.
–Operate the charger only indoors, in dry
rooms.
–Operate the charger only within the speci‐
fied ambient temperature limits, 24.5.
–Keep the charger out of the reach of chil‐
dren.
–Always plug the charger into a properly
installed electrical outlet matching the
voltage and electrical frequency stated on
the charger.
–If too many devices are connected to a
power strip, electrical components can be
overloaded during charging, leading to
overheating and fire. If using a power
strip, never exceed its total capacity.
–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 disas‐
semble 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 charg‐
ing process.
–Never bridge the contacts of the charger
with wires or other metallic objects.
–Do not insert any objects into the charg‐
er'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 com‐
bustible 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 per‐
sonal injury or property damage. To reduce
these risks:
–Check the charger’s
power supply cord and
plug regularly for damage.
If damaged, immediately
disconnect the plug from
the electrical outlet.
–Have a damaged power supply cord
replaced by an authorized STIHL servic‐
ing dealer.
–Unplug the power supply cord from the
outlet when the charger is not in use.
–Never jerk the power supply cord to dis‐
connect it from the electrical outlet. To
unplug, grasp the plug, not the power sup‐
ply cord.
–Do not use the power supply cord for car‐
rying or hanging up the charger.
–Make sure the power supply cord is loca‐
ted or marked so that it will not be step‐
ped on, tripped over, come in contact with
sharp objects or moving parts, or other‐
wise be subjected to damage or stress.
■An extension cord should not be used unless
absolutely necessary. Overloading an exten‐
8 Charger Safety English
0458-019-8601-A 13

sion 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 and
the cord length should not exceed 75 ft.
–Never use an extension cord with a wat‐
tage 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, has an unusual
smell, feels hot or appears abnormal in any
other way:
–Immediately disconnect the charger from
the outlet. Contact the authorities in the
event of fire or explosion.
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.
–Strictly follow the cleaning and mainte‐
nance instructions in the appropriate sec‐
tions of this instruction 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:
–Remove the battery
before inspecting the
hedge trimmer or carrying
out any cleaning, mainte‐
nance or repair work,
before storing, and any
other time the hedge trim‐
mer is not in use.
■ The cutting blades are the only user-servicea‐
ble parts of the hedge trimmer. Proper mainte‐
nance will help maintain cutting performance
and reduce the risk of personal injury.
–Wear heavy-duty non-slip work gloves
when handling the cutting blades.
–Keep the cutting blades clean and sharp.
–Tighten all nuts, bolts and screws after
each use.
–Never attempt to repair damaged cutting
blades by welding, straightening or modi‐
fying 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 identical
STIHL replacement parts be used for
repair or maintenance.
■ To reduce the risk of electric shock:
–Unplug the charger from the electrical out‐
let 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.
–Have a damaged power supply cord
replaced by an authorized STIHL servic‐
ing dealer.
■ To reduce the risk of short circuit and fire:
–Keep the battery guides free of foreign
matter. Clean as necessary with a dry
cloth or soft, dry brush.
■ 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 trim‐
mer before storing.
–Never store the hedge trimmer with the
battery inserted.
–When storing the battery, maintain a
charge of 40 % to 60 % (2 green LEDs).
–If storing the battery in the charger, dis‐
connect the charger from the outlet.
–Store the hedge trimmer, battery and
charger indoors in a dry, secure place that
cannot be accessed by children or other
unauthorized users.
–Never store the battery in the hedge trim‐
mer or in a container with small metal
objects capable of conducting electricity
(e.g., paper clips, nails, coins, keys).
English 9 Maintenance, Repair and Storage
14 0458-019-8601-A

10 Before Starting Work
10.1 Preparing the Hedge Trimmer
for Operation
Before starting work:
►Fully charge the battery, 11.2.
► Check the controls for proper function and
condition, 16.1.
► Check the cutting attachment for damage or
other problems.
11 Charging the Battery
11.1 Setting up the Charger
WARNING
■ Read and follow the battery and charger
safety precautions and instructions in this
manual, 7 and 8. To reduce the risk of
short circuit, which could lead to electric
shock, fire and explosion, make sure the
charger and its components are dry and not
damaged; operate the charger indoors at an
appropriate ambient temperature, 8.
WARNING
■ A typical household electrical circuit is
between 15 and 20 amps. A single STIHL
AL 101 charger draws approximately
1.3 amps. To reduce the risk of fire from over‐
loading an electrical circuit:
–Ensure the electrical system is rated to
withstand the expected electrical draw
before charging your battery.
–Charge multiple batteries one at a time or
on separate circuits, unless you know
your circuit can handle the total expected
draw from multiple chargers.
WARNING
■ Since the battery and charger heat up during
the charging process, do not operate the
charger on a combustible surface or in a loca‐
tion where combustible gases, liquids, vapors,
dusts or other materials and substances are
present, 8.
To set up the charger:
3
2
12
0000-GXX-0636-A1
4
► Insert the plug (3) into a properly installed
electrical outlet (4) matching the voltage and
electrical frequency stated on the charger's
rating plate.
The charger runs a self-test immediately after it
is plugged in. The charger LED (1) will glow
green for about 1 second, then it will glow red
briefly before going out. Once the LED goes out,
the self-test is complete and the charger is ready
to charge the battery.
► Position the power supply cord (2) 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
■ STIHL batteries contain safety features and
devices which, if damaged, may allow the bat‐
tery to generate heat, rupture, leak, ignite or
explode. Never charge a malfunctioning, dam‐
aged, cracked, leaking or deformed battery or
use a charger that has been damaged. For
indoor use only. Keep the charger dry. Protect
it from rain, water, liquids and damp condi‐
tions. Never insert a wet battery. Never use a
wet charger, 8.
To charge the battery:
3
2
4
1
0000-GXX-0637-A0
10 Before Starting Work English
0458-019-8601-A 15

► Push the battery (2) into the charger (3) until it
stops.
The LED on the charger (4) glows green when
the battery is charging.
The LEDs (1) on the battery glow green and
show the state of charge.
The charging process is complete when the
LED on the charger and the LEDs on the bat‐
tery go out.
The charger turns itself off when the battery is
fully charged. The battery can be removed
from the charger.
► Disconnect the power supply cord from the
electrical outlet when the charger is not in use
for extended periods of time.
A battery is not fully charged when it ships from
the factory. STIHL recommends that you fully
charge the battery before using it the first time.
Operate the charger indoors in a dry room. For
optimum performance, observe the recommen‐
ded ambient temperature ranges, 24.6.
The battery heats up during operation of the
hedge trimmer. If a hot battery is inserted into the
charger, it may be necessary for it to cool down
before charging starts. The charging process
begins only after the battery has cooled down
sufficiently.
Charging time depends on a number of factors,
including battery condition and ambient tempera‐
ture. For a complete list of approximate charging
times, see www.stihl.com/charging-times.
11.3 Mounting the Charger on a
Wall
Before mounting, ensure that no electrical
cables, pipes or other service lines run in the wall
behind the charger.
To mount the wall charger:
e
a
12
0000-GXX-0609-A0
b
f
f
c
3
d
► Mount the charger indoors in a dry room near
an electrical outlet.
► Sink the screws into a wall stud. Use appropri‐
ate screw-in wall anchors or other similar
mounting devices if an appropriate wall stud is
not available.
► Align the charger as shown above. Mount to a
wall with the following dimensions:
–a = minimum 18 in. (450 mm)
–b = minimum 3.9 in. (100 mm)
–c (for AL 101) = 3.0 in. (75 mm)
–c (for AL 301) = 3.9 in. (100 mm)
–c (for AL 500) = 4.7 in. (120 mm)
–d = 0.2 in. (4.5 mm)
–e = 0.4 in. (9 mm)
–f = 0.1 in. (2.5 mm)
12 LED Diagnostics
12.1 LEDs on the Battery
12.1.1 Battery Status
Four LEDs show the status of the battery. These
LEDs can glow or flash green or red.
If one LED glows red continu‐
ously: the battery is either too
hot or too cold. Allow the battery
to warm up or cool down gradu‐
ally at an ambient temperature
of about 50 °F to 68 °F (10 °C to
20 °C).
If all 4 LEDs flash red: the bat‐
tery has a malfunction and must
be replaced. Do not attempt to
charge, use or store the battery.
12.1.2 Hedge Trimmer Status
When the battery is inserted in the hedge trim‐
mer, the same LEDs on the battery will indicate
the status of the hedge trimmer.
If three LEDs glow red continuously: the hedge
trimmer motor is too hot. Allow the motor to cool
down.
If three LEDs flash red when you activate the
switch lever and trigger switch: the hedge trim‐
mer has an electrical malfunction. Do not operate
the hedge trimmer. Have it checked by an
authorized STIHL servicing dealer before use or
storage.
For troubleshooting information, 23.1.
12.1.3 Charge Status
The LEDs on the battery also show the battery's
state of charge.
To determine the battery's state of charge:
English 12 LED Diagnostics
16 0458-019-8601-A

1
0000-GXX-0629-A0
20-40%
40-60%
60-80%
80-100%
0-20%
► Press the button (1) on the battery.
The LEDs on the battery will glow or flash
green for about 5 seconds and indicate the
state of charge (see illustration).
For example:
If four green LEDs glow continuously: full charge.
If one green LED is flashing: less than 20 %
charge.
12.2 LED on the Charger
One LED shows the status of the charger. The
LED can glow green or flash red.
If the LED glows green continu‐
ously: the battery is being
charged.
or
The battery is too hot or too cold
for charging. To determine, check
the LEDs on the battery. If there is
one glowing red light, allow the
battery to warm up or cool down
gradually at an ambient tempera‐
ture of about 50 °F to 68 °F (10 °C
to 20 °C).
If the LED flashes red: there is no
electric contact between the bat‐
tery and the charger. Remove and
reinsert the battery.
or
The battery has a malfunction and
must be replaced. Check the
LEDs on the battery. Do not use or
charge a battery if its LEDs indi‐
cate a malfunction.
or
The charger has a malfunction.
Have it checked by an authorized
STIHL servicing dealer before use.
For more information, 23.2.
13 Adjusting the Hedge Trim‐
mer
13.1 Rotating the Control Handle
The control handle can be rotated to any one of
three positions to suit the application.
To rotate the control handle:
►Switch off the hedge trimmer, 15.2.
12
0000099673_001
► Pull up on the blocking lever (1) and hold it in
this unlocked position.
►Rotate the control handle (2) clockwise or
counter-clockwise.
► Release the blocking lever and return it to the
locked position.
► Rotate the control handle clockwise or coun‐
ter-clockwise to make sure it has engaged in
position.
14 Inserting and Removing
the Battery
14.1 Inserting the Battery
WARNING
■ Never use a malfunctioning, damaged,
cracked, leaking or deformed battery, 7.1.
Never charge, use or store the battery outside
the specified ambient temperature limits,
24.5.
WARNING
■ To reduce the risk of unintended activation,
never store the battery in the hedge trimmer,
20.2.
To insert the battery:
1
2
3
0000080236_002
► Place the hedge trimmer on a level surface.
13 Adjusting the Hedge Trimmer English
0458-019-8601-A 17

► Insert the battery (1) into the battery compart‐
ment (2) until you hear an audible click.
In this position, the arrows (3) on the battery
are still visible and the battery is locked in the
battery compartment. There is no electrical
contact between the battery and the hedge
trimmer.
► To supply power to the hedge trimmer, push
the battery into the battery compartment until it
stops.
The battery is properly inserted when you hear
a second audible click and the battery is flush
with the top of the housing. In this position,
there is electrical contact between the battery
and the hedge trimmer.
Since a new battery is not fully charged, STIHL
recommends that you fully charge the battery
before using it the first time, 11.
14.2 Removing the Battery
WARNING
■ To reduce the risk of severe personal injury
from unintended activation, always remove the
battery before assembling, transporting,
adjusting, cleaning, servicing, maintaining or
storing the hedge trimmer, and any other time
it is not in use.
WARNING
■ Use care when ejecting the battery to prevent
it from falling and causing personal injury or
property damage.
To remove the battery:
► Release the trigger switch.
► Place the hedge trimmer on a level surface.
2
1
0000080237_002
► Press down on the locking lever (1) to eject
the battery (2) from the battery compartment.
NOTICE
■ Avoid exposing the battery to excessive heat
or prolonged periods of direct sunlight. Use or
storage outside the recommended ambient
temperature range can reduce the perform‐
ance of the battery.
15 Switching the Hedge Trim‐
mer On and Off
15.1 Switching On
WARNING
■ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries to
the operator or bystanders from blade contact,
keep hands, feet and other parts of the body
away from the cutting blades, 6.5.2. Do not
touch the cutting blades while the battery is
inserted. Never touch moving cutting blades
with your hand or any part of your body,
6.5.4.
WARNING
■ Never operate your hedge trimmer if it is modi‐
fied, damaged, improperly adjusted or main‐
tained, not completely and securely assem‐
bled or not functioning properly, 6.4. To
reduce the risk of personal injury, always wear
proper clothing and protective apparel, includ‐
ing proper eye protection, when operating your
hedge trimmer, 6.3. To reduce the risk of
serious or fatal injury from loss of control,
always hold the hedge trimmer with both
hands when you are working, 6.5.2.
Before switching on:
► Make sure you have a secure and firm footing.
► Stand upright.
► Always hold and operate the hedge trimmer
with one hand firmly on the rear or control
handle and the other hand firmly on the front
or loop handle.
To switch the hedge trimmer on:
English 15 Switching the Hedge Trimmer On and Off
18 0458-019-8601-A

2
3
1
4
0000099672_001
► Depress and hold the switch lever (1).
► Unlock the trigger switch lockout (2) by push‐
ing it downwards with your thumb. Hold it in
this unlocked position.
► Squeeze the trigger switch (4) with your index
finger.
The cutting blades will start moving.
Once the trigger switch is activated, you may
release the trigger switch lockout. Holding the
ergo-lever (3) down keeps the trigger switch
lockout unlocked.
If you release the trigger switch and ergo-lever,
you have to unlock the trigger switch lockout
again.
15.2 Switching Off
WARNING
■ The cutting blades will continue to move for a
short while after the trigger switch or switch
lever is released. To avoid serious or fatal
injury, avoid contact with the moving cutting
blades. To reduce the risk of personal injury
from unintended activation or unauthorized
use, switch off the motor, ensure the cutting
blades have stopped and remove the battery
before transporting or putting the hedge trim‐
mer down.
To switch the hedge trimmer off:
► Release the trigger switch and ergo-lever so
that the trigger switch springs back to the
locked position. In the locked position, activa‐
tion of the trigger switch is once again blocked
by the trigger switch lockout.
The cutting blades will continue to move for a
short time after the trigger switch or switch lever
is released. Take care to avoid contact after
releasing the trigger switch and when setting
down the hedge trimmer.
16 Checking the Controls
16.1 Testing the Controls
Before starting work, confirm that the switch
lever (1), trigger switch lockout (2), ergo-lever (3)
and trigger switch (4) are undamaged and func‐
tioning properly:
2
3
1
4
0000099672_001
Trigger Switch Lockout (2), Ergo-Lever (3) and
Trigger Switch (4)
WARNING
■ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries,
keep hands, feet and other parts of the body
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 part of your body, 6.5.2. Keep
bystanders out of the area while testing the
controls.
To test the trigger switch lockout, ergo-lever and
trigger switch:
► Remove the battery.
► Attempt to depress the trigger switch.
If the trigger switch can be depressed without
first unlocking the trigger switch lockout, take
the hedge trimmer to an authorized STIHL
servicing dealer to be repaired before use.
► Press down on the ergo-lever. Make sure it
moves freely and springs back into place
when released.
► Unlock the trigger switch lockout by pushing it
downwards.
When you release the trigger switch lockout it
should return to the locked position.
► Unlock the trigger switch lockout and depress
the ergo-lever at the same time to keep the
trigger switch lockout unlocked.
When you release the trigger switch lockout, it
should remain unlocked as long as you hold
down the ergo-lever.
► Release the trigger switch lockout and ergo-
lever.
► Insert the battery.
16 Checking the Controls English
0458-019-8601-A 19

► Hold the hedge trimmer firmly with one hand
on the control handle and with the other hand
firmly on the loop handle depressing the
switch lever. While pushing the trigger switch
lockout downwards, squeeze the trigger switch
with your index finger.
The hedge trimmer should switch on. If it does
not, take the hedge trimmer to an authorized
STIHL servicing dealer to be repaired before
use.
► Release the trigger switch.
The hedge trimmer should switch off.
If the hedge trimmer does not switch off after
you release the trigger switch, remove the bat‐
tery and take the hedge trimmer to an author‐
ized STIHL servicing dealer to be repaired
before use.
Switch Lever (1)
WARNING
■ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries,
keep hands, feet and other parts of the body
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 part of your body, 6.5.2. Keep
bystanders out of the area while testing the
controls.
To test the switch lever:
► Insert the battery.
► Unlock the trigger switch lockout by pushing it
downwards with your thumb.
► Hold the trigger switch lockout in the unlocked
position.
► Depress the trigger switch lockout and the trig‐
ger switch only. Do not depress the switch
lever.
The cutting blades should not start moving. If
they do start moving, take the hedge trimmer
to an authorized STIHL servicing dealer to be
repaired before use.
► Next, hold the hedge trimmer firmly with both
hands, your fingers wrapped tightly around the
handles. Now switch on the hedge trimmer by
depressing the trigger switch lockout, trigger
switch and switch lever momentarily. The
blades should start moving. Then release the
trigger switch or switch lever. The blades
should stop moving.
If the cutting blades do not start when you
depress the trigger switch and switch lever, or if
they do not stop after you release the trigger
switch or switch lever, remove the battery and
take the hedge trimmer to an authorized STIHL
servicing dealer to be repaired before use.
17 During Operation
17.1 Using the Hedge Trimmer
WARNING
■ To reduce the risk of personal injury, never
work with the hedge trimmer in the rain or in
wet or damp conditions, 6.4. Always wear
proper clothing and protective apparel, includ‐
ing proper eye protection, 6.3. Work care‐
fully and maintain proper control of the hedge
trimmer, 6.5.2.
WARNING
■ To avoid serious or fatal injury, avoid contact
with the moving cutting blades. Never hold the
material to be cut. Never remove cut material
without first releasing the trigger switch and
removing the battery. Release the trigger
switch and remove the battery before clearing
jammed material, 6.5.4.
The hedge trimmer is designed for two-handed
operation.
► Before starting work with the hedge trimmer,
remove thick branches with a hand pruning
saw, loppers, chain saw or other appropriate
tool.
► Do not cut stems, branches or other vegeta‐
tion greater than 0.55 in. (14 mm) thick.
0-10°
0000-GXX-1456-A0
Cutting in a Vertical Plane
► Swing the cutting attachment from the bottom
of the hedge upwards in a controlled arc (see
illustration above).
► Lower the nose of the cutting attachment,
move along the hedge and swing the cutting
attachment up again in a controlled arc.
Cutting in a Horizontal Plane
English 17 During Operation
20 0458-019-8601-A