Maintenance - Makita DUH551 Instruction Manual

• Overreaching with a hedge trimmer, particularly from a
ladder, is extremely dangerous. Do not work from
anything wobbly or infirm.
NOTICE:
Do not attempt to cut branches thicker than 10 mm in
diameter with the tool. Cut branches to 10 cm lower
than the cutting height using branch cutters before using
the tool. (Fig. 7)
CAUTION:
• Do not cut off dead trees or similar hard objects. Failure
to do so may damage the tool. (Fig. 8)
Hold the trimmer with both hands and pull the switch
trigger A or B and then move it in front of your body.
(Fig. 9)
As a basic operation, tilt the blades towards the trimming
direction and move it calmly and slowly at the speed rate
of 3 - 4 seconds per meter. (Fig. 10)
To cut a hedge top evenly, it helps to tie a string at the
desired hedge height and to trim along it, using it as a
reference line. (Fig. 11)
Attaching the chip receiver (optional accessory) on the
tool when trimming the hedge straight can avoid cut off
leaves' being thrown away. (Fig. 12)
Rotate the handle for your easy handling before
operation. Refer to the section titled "Handle mounting
positions".
To cut a hedge side evenly, it helps to cut from the bottom
upwards. (Fig. 13)
Trim boxwood or rhododendron from the base toward the
top for a nice appearance and good job.
Installing or removing chip receiver
(optional accessory)
CAUTION:
• Always be sure that the tool is switched off and the
battery cartridge is removed before installing or
removing chip receiver.
NOTE:
• When replacing the chip receiver, always wear gloves
so that hands and face does not directly contact the
blade. Failure to do so may cause personal injury.
• Always be sure to remove the blade cover before
installing the chip receiver.
• The chip receiver receives cut-off leaves and alleviates
collecting thrown-away leaves. This can be installed on
either side of the tool. (Fig. 14)
Press the chip receiver on the shear blades so that its slits
overlap with the nuts on the shear blades. At this time,
make sure that the chip receiver does not contact branch
catcher at the top of the shear blades. (Fig. 15)
At this time, the chip receiver needs to be installed so that
its hooks fit into grooves in the shear blade unit. (Fig. 16)
To remove the chip receiver, press its lever on both sides
so that the hooks are unlocked. (Fig. 17)
CAUTION:
• The blade cover cannot be installed on the tool with the
chip receiver being installed. Before carrying or storing,
uninstall the chip receiver and then install the blade
cover to avoid blade exposure.
12
NOTE:
• Check the chip receiver for secure installment before
use.
• Never try to uninstall the chip receiver by an excessive
force with its hooks locked in the blade unit grooves.
Using the excessive force may damage it.

MAINTENANCE

CAUTION:
• Always be sure that the tool is switched off and the
battery cartridge is removed before attempting to
perform inspection or maintenance.
• Never use gasoline, benzine, thinner, alcohol or the
like. Discoloration, deformation or cracks may result.
Cleaning the tool
Clean out the tool by wiping off dust with a dry or soap-
dipped rag.
Blade maintenance
Smear the blade before and once per hour during
operation using machine oil or similars.
NOTE:
• Before smearing the blade, remove the chip receiver.
After operation, remove dust from both sides of the blade
with wired brush, wipe it off with a rag and then apply
enough low-viscosity oil, such as machine oil etc. and
spray-type lubricating oil.
CAUTION:
• Do not wash the blades in water. Failure to do so may
cause rust or damage on the tool.
NOTICE:
If the parts other than the shear blades such as the
crank are worn out, ask Makita Authorized Service
Centers for parts replacement or repairs.
Removing or installing shear blade
CAUTION:
• Before removing or installing shear blade, always be
sure that the tool is switched off and the battery
cartridge is removed.
• When replacing the shear blade, always wear gloves
without removing blade cover so that hands and face
does not directly contact the blade. Failure to do so
may cause personal injury.
NOTE:
• Do not wipe off grease from the gear and crank. Failure
to do so may cause damage to the tool.
• For specific way of removing and installing shear
blades refer to the reverse of a package for accessory
shear blades.
Removing the shear blades
Reverse the tool and loosen four screws. (Fig. 18)
NOTE:
• Be careful not to get your hands dirty as grease is
applied in the shear blade driving area.
Remove the under cover. (Fig. 19)
Remove the plate. (Fig. 20)