Using The Unit - Stihl HL-KM Instruction Manual

4 Using the Unit

Make sure you always have good balance and
secure footing.
3.5.1 When working at heights:
– Always use a lift bucket
– Never work on a ladder or in a tree
– Never work on an insecure support
– Never operate your power tool with one hand
Be particularly alert and cautious when wearing
hearing protection because your ability to hear
warnings (shouts, alarms, etc.) is restricted.
To reduce the risk of accidents, take a break in
good time to avoid tiredness or exhaustion.
Work calmly and carefully – in daylight conditions
and only when visibility is good. Stay alert so as
not to endanger others.
Inspect the hedge and work area to avoid dam‐
aging the cutting blades:
– Remove stones, rocks, pieces of metal and
other solid objects.
– When working close to the ground, make sure
that no sand, grit or stones get between the
blades.
– Take particular care when cutting hedges next
to or against wire fences.
To avoid the risk of electrocution, do not touch
electric power lines – never cut through electric
power lines.
Do not touch the cutting blades while
the motor is running. If the cutting
blades become jammed by an object,
switch off the engine immediately
before attempting to remove the
object – there is otherwise a risk of
injury.
Opening the throttle while the blades are blocked
increases the load and reduces engine speed.
The clutch then slips continuously and this cau‐
ses overheating and damage to important com‐
ponents (e.g. clutch, polymer housing compo‐
nents) – and this can increase the risk of injury
from the cutting blades moving while the engine
is idling.
If your power tool is subjected to unusually high
loads for which it was not designed (e.g. heavy
impact or a fall), always check that it is in good
condition before continuing work – see also
"Before Starting". Make sure the safety devices
are working properly. Do not continue operating
your power tool if it is damaged. In case of doubt,
consult your servicing dealer.
If the hedge is very dusty or dirty, spray the
blades with STIHL resin solvent from time to time
0458-475-0121-E
during cutting. This helps greatly reduce blade
friction as well as the aggressive effects of sap
and the build-up of dirt particles.
Check the cutting attachment at regular short
intervals during operation or immediately if there
is a noticeable change in cutting behavior:
– Stopping the Engine
– Wait until the cutting blades have come to a
complete standstill.
– Check condition and tightness, look for cracks.
– Check sharpness.
3.6 After Finishing Work
After finishing work or before leaving the power
tool unattended: Shut off the engine.
Always clean dust and dirt off the machine – do
not use any grease solvents for this purpose.
Spray the blades with STIHL resin solvent. Run
the motor briefly to ensure that the solvent is
evenly distributed.
3.7 Maintenance and Repairs
Service the machine regularly. Do not attempt
any maintenance or repair work not described in
the KombiTool and KombiEngine instruction
manuals. Have all other work performed by a
servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends that you have servicing and
repair work carried out exclusively by an author‐
ized STIHL servicing dealer. STIHL dealers are
regularly given the opportunity to attend training
courses and are supplied with the necessary
technical information.
Only use high-quality replacement parts in order
to avoid the risk of accidents and damage to the
machine. If you have any questions in this
respect, consult a servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends the use of genuine STIHL
replacement parts. They are specifically
designed to match your model and meet your
performance requirements.
To reduce the risk of injury, always shut off the
engine before carrying out any maintenance or
repairs or cleaning the machine.
4 Using the Unit
4.1 Cutting Season
Observe country-specific or municipal rules and
regulations for cutting hedges.
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