SunJoe 24V-HT22-CT - IONMAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer Manual

Safety Instructions

All Operators Must Read These Instructions Before Use

Always follow these safety guidelines. Failure to do so may result in serious bodily injury or death.

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

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.

This indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not followed, will result in serious injury or death.

This indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not followed, could result in serious injury or death.

This indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not followed, could result in minor or moderate injury.

Work Area Safety

1. Keep work area clean and well lit – Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
2. 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.
3. Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool – Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Electrical Safety

1. 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 risk of electric shock.
2. 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.
3. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions – Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.

Personal Safety

1. 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.
2. Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection – Safety equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
3. Avoid accidental starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before plugging in – Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or plugging in power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
4. 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.
5. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times – This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
6. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving parts – Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

3. Keep hands and feet away from the cutting device at all times and especially when switching on the motor.
4. Before using the product and after any impact, check for signs of wear or damage and repair as necessary.
5. Always remove the battery
   • whenever leaving the product unattended;
   • adjusting the working position of the cutting device;
   • before clearing a blockage;
   • before checking, cleaning or working on the product;
   • after striking a foreign object;
   • whenever the product starts vibrating abnormally.
6. Ensure that the hedge trimmer is correctly located in a designated working position before starting the motor.
7. While operating the hedge trimmer, always ensure that the operating position is safe and secure, especially when using steps or a ladder.
8. Do not operate the hedge trimmer with a damaged or excessively worn cutting device.
9. Always ensure that all handles and guards are fitted when using the hedge trimmer. Never attempt to use an incomplete hedge trimmer or one fitted with an unauthorized modification.
10. Always use two hands to operate a hedge trimmer fitted with two handles.
11. Always be aware of your surroundings and stays alert for possible hazards of which you may not be aware due to the noise of the product.
12. Take care against injury to feet and hands from the cutting device.
13. Always ensure that the air vents are kept clear of debris.
14. Wear slip-resistant foot protection and protective clothing when using this product.
15. Always keep proper footing and operate the product only when standing on a fixed, secure and level surface. Change working positions regularly to avoid tiredness and ensure a comfortable working position at all times.
16. Never use replacement parts or accessories not provided or recommended by the manufacturer.
17. The use of this product may be restricted by regional or local regulations.

Vibration + Noise Reduction

To reduce the impact of noise and vibration emission, limit the time of operation, use low-vibration and low-noise operating modes as well as wear personal protective equipment.

Take the following points into account to minimise the vibration and noise exposure risks.

1. Only use the product as intended by its design and these instructions.
2. Ensure that the product is in good condition and well maintained.
3. Use correct attachments for the product and ensure they are in good condition.
4. Keep tight grip on the handles/grip surface.
5. Maintain this product in accordance with these instructions and keep it well lubricated (where appropriate).
6. Plan your work schedule to spread any high vibration tool use across a longer period of time.

Emergency

Familiarize yourself with the use of this product by means of this instruction manual. Memorize the safety directions and follow them to the letter. This will help to prevent risks and hazards.

1. Always be alert when using this product, so that you can recognize and handle risks early. Fast intervention can prevent serious injury and damage to property.
2. Switch off and remove the battery if there are malfunctions. Have the product checked by a qualified professional and repaired, if necessary, before you operate it again.

Residual Risks

Even if you are operating this product in accordance with all the safety requirements, potential risks of injury and damage remain. The following dangers can arise in connection with the structure and design of this product:

1. Health defects resulting from vibration emission if the product is being used over long periods of time or not adequately handled and properly maintained.
2. Injuries and damage to property due to broken cutting attachments or the sudden impact of hidden objects during use.
3. Danger of injury and property damage caused by flying objects.

This product produces an electromagnetic field during operation. This field may under some circumstances interfere with active or passive medical implants! To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury, we recommend persons with medical implants to consult their doctor and the medical implant manufacturer before operating this product.

Safety Symbols

The following table depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before attempting to assemble and operate.

Symbols	Descriptions
	READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S) – Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the user manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate.
	Do not expose the unit to rain or wet conditions.
	Wear protective gloves and non- slip footwear when using the machine and handling debris.
	Keep bystanders a safe distance away from the work area.
	SAFETY ALERT – Indicates a precaution, a warning, or a danger.
	WEAR EYE AND HEARING PROTECTION – For protection against injury, wear ear defenders and safety goggles.
	ROTATING BLADES – Keep hands and feet away from openings while the trimmer is running.
	Indoor use only. Only use battery charger indoors.

Know Your Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Read the owner's manual and safety instructions carefully before operating the cordless hedge trimmer. Compare the illustration below to the cordless hedge trimmer in order to become familiar with the location of the various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

1. Safety guard
2. Front handle
3. Safety lock button
4. Rear handle
5. On/Off trigger
6. Battery compartment
7. Blade cover
8. Blade
9. Blade support

Technical Data

Battery Voltage Max*: 24V D.C.

Motor: 200 W

Blade Movement: Dual-action

Blade Material: Rust-resistant forged-iron blades

Blade Length: 22 in. (56 cm)

Cutting Diameter Max: 0.6 in. (1.5 cm)

No Load Speed: 3000 rpm

Net Weight: 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg)

*Initial no-load voltage, when fully charged, peaks at 24 volts; nominal voltage under typical load is 21.6 volts.

Unpacking

Carton Contents

• Cordless hedge trimmer
• Blade cover
• Front handle
• Front handle screws (x4)
• Manual with registration card

NOTE: In order to operate this cordless hedge trimmer you will need 24V iON+ System batteries and chargers. See battery options and specifications, or visit sunjoe.com.

1. Carefully remove the cordless hedge trimmer and check to see that all of the above items are supplied.
2. Inspect the product carefully to make sure no breakage or damage occurred during shipping. If you find damaged or missing parts, DO NOT return the unit to the store.
   Please call the Snow Joe^® + Sun Joe^® customer service center at 1-866-SNOWJOE (1-866-766-9563).
   NOTE: Do not discard the shipping carton and packaging material until you are ready to use the cordless hedge trimmer. The packaging is made of recyclable materials. Properly dispose of these materials in accordance with local regulations or save the packaging for long-term product storage.

The equipment and packaging material are not toys. Do not let children play with plastic bags, foils, or small parts. These items can be swallowed and pose a suffocation risk!

Battery Pack Operation

The equipment is powered by a lithium-ion battery. The battery pack is completely sealed and maintenance free.

Battery Charge Level Indicator

The battery pack is equipped with a push button for checking the charge level. Simply press the push button to read off the battery charge level from the LEDs of the battery indicator:

• All 3 level monitoring LEDs are lit: Battery charge level is high.
• 2 level monitoring LEDs are lit: Battery charge level is decreasing. Stop work as soon as possible.
• 1 level monitoring LED is lit: Battery is flat. Stop work IMMEDIATELY and charge the battery. Otherwise the battery's service life will be greatly shortened.

Lights	Light Indicators
	Charge level button
	The battery is at 30% capacity and requires charging
	The battery is at 60% capacity and requires charging soon
	The battery is at full capacity

NOTE: If the charge level button does not appear to be working, place the battery pack on the charger and charge as needed.

Immediately after using the battery pack, the charge level button may display a lower charge than it will if checked a few minutes later. The battery cells "recover" some of their charge after resting.

Charger Operation

Charge only 24V iON+ lithium-ion battery packs with its compatible 24V iON+ lithium-ion quick charger. Other types of batteries may cause personal injury and damage. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not allow water to flow into the charger's AC/DC plug.

When to Charge the 24V iON+ Lithium-iON Batteries

NOTE: The 24V iON+ lithium-ion battery packs do not develop a "memory" when charged after only a partial discharge. Therefore, it is not necessary to run down the battery pack before inserting the charger plug.

• Use the battery charge indicator lights to determine when to charge your 24V iON+ lithium-ion battery pack.
• You can "top-off" your battery pack's charge before starting a big job or after a long day of use.

Charging the Battery

1. Push the push lock buttons on the battery to pull the battery pack out from the battery compartment (Fig. 1).
   
2. Depending on your Snow Joe^® + Sun Joe^® charger model, how to recharge your lithium-ion battery will vary. You may either insert your 24-volt battery into the 24VCHRG-QC Quick Charger (sold separately) or the 24VCHRG-DPC Dual Port Charger (sold separately) (Figs. 2 – 3).
   
3. The battery indicator LEDs will illuminate one by one during the charging process. Unplug the charger immediately when the 3 LEDs are all illuminated.
4. The 24VCHRG-QC Quick Charger (sold separately) and the 24VCHRG-DPC Dual Port Charger (sold separately) are also equipped with additional charging indicating lights which will indicate the charging status (Figs. 2 – 3).
   
   FIRE HAZARD. When disconnecting the charger from the battery, be sure to unplug the charger from the outlet first, then disconnect the charger from the battery.
   
   This charger does not automatically turn off when the battery is fully charged. Please take care not to leave the battery plugged into the charger. Switch off or unplug the charger at the mains when charging is complete.
5. Timely recharging of the battery will help prolong the battery's life. You must recharge the battery pack when you notice a drop in the equipment's power.
   
   Never allow the battery pack to become fully discharged as this will cause irreversible damage to the battery.
6. When charging is complete, remove the battery from the charger by pulling the push lock button and sliding the battery backward to unlock it from the charger.

Assembly

The hedge trimmer must be fully assembled before operation! Do not use a hedge trimmer that is only partly assembled or assembled with damaged parts!

Follow the assembly instructions step-by-step and use the figures provided as a visual guide to easily assemble the hedge trimmer.

Do not insert the battery before it is completely assembled.

NOTE: Take care of small parts that are removed during assembly or when making adjustments. Keep them secure to avoid loss.

1. Snap the front handle into place on the unit. (Fig. 4).
   
2. Secure the front handle onto the unit with the 4 front handle screws (Fig. 5). When the screws are fully secured, your hedge trimmer is ready to use.
   

Operation

Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating power tools. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes, resulting in possible serious injury.

Do not use any attachments or accessories not recommended by the manufacturer of this product. The use of attachments or accessories not recommended can result in serious personal injury.

Holding the Trimmer

Before operating the hedge trimmer, stand in the operating position and perform the following checks:

1. You are wearing all of the necessary personal protective equipment, including protective gloves, non-slip footwear, safety goggles, ear defenders, and close-fitting clothing.
2. You are holding the unit firmly with both hands. Your right arm is slightly bent and is holding the rear handle, and your left arm is straight and is holding the front handle.
3. You are standing with proper footing and are holding the hedge trimmer so that the cutting blades are always away from your body.

Always keep both hands on the hedge trimmer handles. Never hold shrubs with one hand and operate the hedge trimmer with the other. Improper handling of the hedge trimmer could result in serious injury.

Starting + Stopping

Ensure the blade does not touch any objects before turning on the hedge trimmer.

Starting, stopping, and restarting a DC motor repeatedly within a few seconds can generate a great deal of heat and damage the motor. To protect the life of your cordless hedge trimmer, always wait at least five seconds after stopping before restarting the hedge trimmer.

1. Remove the blade cover and insert the battery in the battery compartment (Fig. 6).
   
2. To start the tool, press and hold the safety lock button, then squeeze the On/Off trigger. Once the tool is running, you can release the lock button (Fig.7).
   
3. To turn the tool OFF, release the On/Off trigger and the safety lock button (Fig. 7).
   NOTE: Do not press the On/Off trigger until you are ready to make a cut.

Cutting Procedures

Never cut near electric cords or power lines. If the blade jams on any electrical cable, DO NOT TOUCH THE BLADE. IT CAN CONDUCT ELECTRICITY AND FATALLY SHOCK YOU! Instead, continue to hold the hedge trimmer by the insulated rear handle, and lay it down and away from you in a safe manner. Make sure that electrical service to the damaged electrical cable is disconnected before attempting to free the hedge trimmer blade. Contact with the blade, other conductive parts of the hedge trimmer, or live electric cords or power lines will result in death by electrocution or serious injury.

Do not allow familiarity with this type of product to make you careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient to inflict serious injury.

Clear the area to be cut before each use. Remove all objects such as cords, lights, wire, or loose string which can become entangled in the cutting blade and create a risk of electric shock and serious personal injury.

1. When trimming new growth, use a wide sweeping action so that the stems are fed directly into the blade. Do not try to cut branches that are thicker than 0.6 in. (1.5 cm) or those that are obviously too large to feed into the blade. Use lopping shears, a hand saw, or a pruning saw to cut out thick branches first. If a substantial cut is necessary, cut a little at a time in several passes. Cut both sides of the hedge first and then the top.
2. To perform a horizontal cut, hold the hedge trimmer with the blade tilted 5-10 degrees to your cutting object; this makes the operation easier and ensures a better cut (Fig. 8).
   
3. To perform a vertical cut, start trimming at the bottom and sweep up for even cutting. Swing the blades in an arc towards the outsides of the hedge so that the cuttings are swept on the ground (Fig. 9).
   

Cutting Tips

Hold the tool firmly in both hands. Always keep your dominant hand on the switch handle and your non-dominant hand on the front. Never hold the tool by the blade guard. Keep unit below waist level.

• A wide, sweeping motion, feeding the blade teeth through the twigs is most effective. A slight downward tilt of the blade in the direction of the motion gives the best cut.
• Begin at the bottom and sweep up.
• Do not force the hedge trimmer through heavy shrubbery. This can cause the blades to bind and slow down. If the blades slow down, reduce the pace.
• If blades do become jammed, stop the motor, allow the blades to stop, and remove the battery before attempting to remove the obstruction.
• If desired, you can use a string to help cut your hedge level. Decide how high you want the hedge. Stretch a piece of string along the hedge at the desired height. Trim the hedge just above the guide line of string. Trim the side of a hedge so that it will be slightly narrower at the top. More of the hedge will be exposed when shaped this way, and it will be more uniform.
• Wear gloves when trimming thorny or prickly growth. When trimming new growth, use a wide sweeping action, so that the stems are fed directly into the cutting blade. Older growth will have thicker stems and will be trimmed easiest by using a sawing movement.

Care + Maintenance

ATTENTION! Before performing any cleaning or maintenance, remove the battery from the battery compartment. Never touch the moving blades.

Never spray or clean the hedge shears with water.

1. Clean the hedge shears with a dry towel, particularly the ventilation slits, after each use, or use a brush in the event of heavy soiling. Spray the blades with lightweight machine oil after each use.
2. Store the hedge trimmer in the blade cover provided. Store the hedge trimmer in a dry location out of the reach of children.
3. When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Use of any other parts can create a hazard or cause product damage. Please contact an authorized Snow Joe^® + Sun Joe^® dealer or call the Snow Joe^® + Sun Joe^® customer service center at 1-866-SNOWJOE (1-866-766-9563) for all replacement parts and accessories for your product.

Lubricate the Blades

For easier operation and longer blade life, lubricate the hedge trimmer blade before and after each use.

1. Stop the motor and remove the battery.
2. Lay the hedge trimmer on a flat surface. Apply lightweight machine oil along the edge of the top blade (Fig. 10).
   

If you will be using the hedge trimmer for an extended period, it is advisable to stop work intermittently in order to re-oil the blade.

NOTE: Do not oil while the hedge trimmer is running.

1. Stop the motor and remove the battery.
2. Lubricate the hedge trimmer as described above.
3. Insert the battery and resume use.

Sharpening the Blades

The blade must be re-sharpened if cutting performance and behavior begin to deteriorate (i.e. if blades frequently snag on branches).

1. Stop the motor and remove the battery. Clamp the blade in a vise.
2. File the exposed cutting surface of each blade tooth with a smooth round file. Be sure to retain the original angle of the tooth when filing.
3. Remove the blade from the vise, and power on the motor until the unsharpened edges of the remaining blade teeth are exposed.
4. Remove the battery and repeat the sharpening procedure as necessary.

Do not operate the hedge trimmer with dull or damaged cutting blades. This may cause overload and will give unsatisfactory cutting results.

Cleaning the Hedge Trimmer

1. Stop the motor and remove the battery.
2. Clean dirt and debris from the body of the hedge trimmer using a damp cloth and mild detergent.

NOTE: Do not use any strong detergents on the plastic housing or the handle. These parts can be damaged by certain aromatic oils such as pine and lemon, and by solvents such as kerosene.

Storage

1. Stop the motor and remove the battery.
2. Clean the hedge trimmer thoroughly before storing.
3. Always place the blade cover on the blade before storing or transporting the hedge trimmer. Use caution to avoid the sharp teeth of the blade.
4. Store the hedge trimmer indoors, in a dry place that is inaccessible to children. Keep away from corrosive agents such as garden chemicals and de-icing salts.
5. Always store the hedge trimmer in a place that is inaccessible to children. The ideal storage temperature is between 50ºF and 86ºF (10ºC and 30ºC).
6. We recommend using the original package for storage or covering the product with a suitable cloth or enclosure to protect it against dust.

Recycling + Disposal

The product comes in a package that protects it against damage during shipping. Keep the package until you are sure that all parts have been delivered and the product is functioning properly. Recycle the package afterwards.

WEEE symbol. Waste electrical product should not be disposed of with household waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check with you local authority or local store for recycling advice.

Battery Caution + Disposal

Always dispose of your battery pack according to federal, state, and local regulations. Contact a recycling agency in your area for recycling locations.

Even discharged battery packs contain some energy. Before disposing, use electrical tape to cover the terminals to prevent the battery pack from shorting, which could cause a fire or explosion.

To reduce the risk of injury or explosion, never burn or incinerate a battery pack even if it is damaged, dead, or completely discharged. When burned, toxic fumes and materials are emitted into the surrounding atmosphere.

1. Batteries vary according to device. Consult your manual for specific information.
2. Install only new batteries of the same type in your product (where applicable).
3. Failure to insert batteries in the correct polarity, as indicated in the battery compartment or manual, may shorten the life of the batteries or cause batteries to leak.
4. Do not mix old and new batteries.
5. Do not mix Alkaline, Standard (Carbon-Zinc), or Rechargeable (Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride, or Lithium-Ion) batteries.
6. Do not dispose of batteries in fire.
7. Batteries should be recycled or disposed of as per state and local guidelines.

Service + Support

If your Sun Joe^® 24V iON+ cordless hedge trimmer 24V-HT22-CT requires service or maintenance, please call the Snow Joe^® + Sun Joe^® customer service center at 1-866-SNOWJOE (1-866-766-9563).

Model + Serial Numbers

When contacting the company or reordering parts, you will need to provide the model and serial numbers of your product. These are found on the decal affixed to the housing or handle of your cordless hedge trimmer. Copy these numbers into the space provided below.