Kärcher PHG 18-45 Battery - Pole Hedge Trimmer Manual

Safety instructions

Hazard levels

• Indication of an imminent threat of danger that will lead to severe injuries or even death.

• Indication of a potentially dangerous situation that may lead to severe injuries or even death.

• Indication of a potentially dangerous situation that may lead to minor injuries.

ATTENTION

• Indication of a potentially dangerous situation that may lead to damage to property.

General Power Tool Safety Instructions

• 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.

1. 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.
2. 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 the 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.
3. 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 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.
   3. 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 energising 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 jewellery. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
   7. 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.
4. Power tool use and care
   1. 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.
   2. Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
   3. Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
   4. Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
   5. Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool's operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
   6. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
   7. Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
5. Battery tool use and care
   1. 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.
   2. Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
   3. When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paperclips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects that can make a connection from one terminal to another.Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
   4. 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.
6. Service
   1. Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.

Hedge trimmer safety warnings

• Keep all parts of the body away from the cutter blade. Do not remove cut material or hold material to be cut when blades are moving. Make sure the switch is off when clearing jammed material. A moment of inattention while operating the hedge trimmer may result in serious personal injury.
• Carry the hedge trimmer by the handle with the cutter blade stopped. When transporting or storing the hedge trimmer always fit the cutting device cover. Proper handling of the hedge trimmer will reduce possible personal injury from the cutter blades.
• Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only, because the cutter blade may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Cutter blades contacting a "live" wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool "live" and could give the operator an electric shock.
• Keep cable away from cutting area.During operation the cable may be hidden in shrubs and can be accidentally cut by the blade.

Additional safety instructions

• Severe injuries when objects are flung by the cutting blade or when the cutting tool becomes entangled in wires or cords. Inspect the work area thoroughly for objects such as stones, sticks, metal, wires, bones or toys and remove these before using the device.
• Never use the device when persons, especially children, are within a radius of 15 m of the working area, because the danger exists of objects being flung out by the cutting blade.
• No changes may be made to the device.
• Severe injuries through a lack of concentration when working. Do not use the device when under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication, or when you are tired.

• The device is not intended for use by children, persons with restricted physical, sensory or mental abilities or persons unfamiliar with these instructions.
• You need an unobstructed view of the work area in order to be able to recognise any potential dangers. Use the device only under good lighting conditions.
• Before operation, make sure the device, all control elements, and safety devices are working properly. Check for loose locks, make sure all protective covers and handles are properly and securely fastened. Only use the device when it is in a correct condition.
• Replace any worn or damaged parts before operating the device.
• Wear long, heavy trousers, clothing with long arms and non-slip boots when working with the device. Do not work barefoot. Do not wear sandals or short trousers. Avoid wearing loose clothing or clothing with cords and straps.
• Risk of kickback due to loss of balance. Avoid an abnormal posture, keep a stable, safe footing and maintain your balance.
• Always hold the device with both hands. Hold the front handle with one hand. With the other hand hold the rear handle, operate the trigger lockout button and the trigger.
• You must wear the carrying belt provided when using the device. The carrying belt is fitted with a quick-release buckle. The carrying belt helps you to control the device when it is lowered after cutting and to hold the weight of the device during cutting.
• Familiarize yourself with the carrying belt and the quick-release buckle before using the device. Do not wear clothing over the carrying belt or otherwise interfere with access to the quick release buckle.
• Risk of electric shock. Do not work with the device within 10 m of overhead lines.
• Do not operate the device in the vicinity of posts, fences, buildings or other immovable objects.
• The blades on the device are sharp. Wear sturdy protective gloves and work carefully when installing, replacing, cleaning or checking the seating of screws.
• Replace any worn or damaged parts before operating the device.
• Immediately stop the device and check for damage or identify the cause of the vibration if the device has been dropped, hit or vibrates abnormally. Have damage repaired by the authorised Customer Service or replace the device.
• Before each use, check that the shaft connection of the rod and the cutting tool are securely fastened.
• Before cutting a hedge or a bush, check if people or animals are behind or in it.
• Switch the motor off, remove the battery pack and make sure that all moving parts have stopped moving:
  • Before adjusting the working position of the cutting tool.
  • Before cleaning the device or removing a blockage.
  • Before leaving the device unattended.
  • Before checking, maintaining or working on the device.

• Wear especially safety glasses and hearing protection.
• Wear head protection when working in areas with a danger of falling objects.
• Risk of injury when loose fitting clothing, hair or jewellery is caught by moving parts of the device. Keep clothing and jewellery away from moving parts of the device. Tie long hair back.
• Check that the cutting tool cannot come into contact with anything before starting the device.
• Do not use the device on ladders or unstable surfaces.
• Hearing protection can impair your ability to hear warning sounds, so pay attention to hazards in your vicinity and in the work area.
• The noise from the device can impair your ability to hear, so pay attention to possible hazards in your vicinity and in the work area.

ATTENTION

• Do not force the device through dense bushes. This can block and slow down the cutting tool. Reduce the working speed if the cutting tool blocks.
• Do not attempt to cut boughs and branches that are obviously too large to fit between the cutting blades. Use a non-motorised hand saw or branch saw for cutting larger boughs and branches.

Safe transport and storage

• Switch the device off, allow it to cool down and remove the battery pack before storage or transportation.

• In order to prevent accidents or injuries, you must only transport and store the device with the blade guard installed and with the rechargeable battery removed.
• Risk of injury and damage to the device. Secure the device against movement or falling down during transport.
• Store the battery pack separately from the device for safety.

ATTENTION

• Remove all foreign bodies from the device before storage or transportation.
• Store the device in a dry, well ventilated location out of the reach of children. Keep the device away from corrosive substances such as garden chemicals.
• Do not store the device outdoors.

Safe servicing and care

• Switch the motor off, remove the battery pack and make sure that all moving parts have stopped moving:
  • Before cleaning or servicing the device.
  • Before changing accessories.
• Risk of injury from sharp cutting tools. Exercise special care when removing and fitting the blade guard, cleaning and oiling the device.
• Ensure that the device is in a safe condition by regularly checking that all bolts, nuts and screws are screwed tight.
• Each time after using the device, remove dirt from the cutting tools using a hard brush and apply a suitable oil for rust protection before fitting the blade guard. The manufacturer recommends using a spray for rust protection and oiling. Ask your Customer Service department to recommend a suitable spray. You can oil the cutting tools as described, each time before using the device.

• Only use accessories and spare parts which are approved by the manufacturer. Only original accessories and original spare parts ensure that the appliance will run fault-free and safely.

ATTENTION

• Clean the product with a soft, dry cloth each time after use.

Note

• Service and maintenance work may only be performed by suitably qualified and specially trained personnel. We recommend sending the product to an authorised service centre for repair.
• You may only perform the adjustments and repairs described in these operating instructions. Contact your authorised Customer Service department for other repairs.

Residual risks

• Certain residual risks remain present, even when the device is operated in the prescribed manner. The following dangers can be present when using the device:
  • Severe injuries through contact with the cutting tool. Keep the cutting tool away from your body. Use the blade guard when not cutting.
  • Vibration can cause injuries. Use the correct tools for the job, use the handles provided and restrict the working time and hazard exposure time.
  • Noise can cause hearing injuries. Wear hearing protection and limit the duration of exposure.

Risk reduction

• Using the device for longer periods can cause poor circulation in the hands due to vibrations. A general period of use cannot be set, because this depends on several influencing factors:
  • Personal tendency to suffer from poor circulation (frequently cold fingers, tingling sensation in the fingers)
  • Low ambient temperature. Wear warm gloves to protect your hands.
  • Holding the device too tightly hindering blood circulation.
  • Continuous operation is more harmful than operation interrupted by work breaks.

You should see a doctor if using the device regularly and for lengthy periods of time, and in the event of repeated occurrences of symptoms such as tingling in the fingers or cold fingers.

Intended use

• The battery-powered hedge trimmer with extension is only intended for private use.
• The device is intended for outdoor use only.
• For safety reasons, always hold the device firmly with both hands.
• The device is intended for cutting hedges, shrubs and similar plants. The user stands securely on the ground.
• The device may be extended up to a maximum of 2.93 m.
• The device may only be used in a dry, well-lit environment.

Any other use, e.g. cutting grass, trees or branches, is prohibited.

Accessories and spare parts

Only use original accessories and original spare parts. They ensure that the appliance will run fault-free and safely.
Information on accessories and spare parts can be found at www.kaercher.com.

Scope of delivery

The scope of delivery for the appliance is shown on the packaging. Check the contents for completeness when unpacking. If any accessories are missing or in the event of any shipping damage, please notify your dealer.

Safety devices

Missing or modified safety devices
Safety devices are provided for your own protection.
Never modify or bypass safety devices.

Unlocking button

The trigger lockout button on the rear handle ensures two-handed operation. The lockout button blocks the trigger and thus prevents the hedge trimmer from starting up in an uncontrolled manner.

Blade guard

The blade guard is an important component of the safety devices of the hedge trimmer. A damaged blade guard must not be used and must be replaced immediately.

Symbols on the device

	General warning symbol
	Read the operating instructions and all safety instructions before operating the device for the first time.
	Always wear suitable head protection, eye protection and hearing protection when working with the device.
	Wear non-slip safety shoes when working with the device.
	Wear non-slip, sturdy gloves when working with the device.
	Do not subject the device to rain or moist conditions.
	Pull: Quick-release catch
	Risk of injury. Do not touch the sharp cutting tools.
	Electrical hazard. Keep a minimum distance of 10 m away from overhead lines when working with the device.
	Danger due to flung objects. Keep spectators, especially children and pets, at least 15 m away from the work area.
	The guaranteed sound level specified on the label is 95 dB.

Description of the device

The maximum amount of equipment is described in these operating instructions. Depending on the model used, there are differences in the scope of delivery (see packaging).

1. Trigger
2. Trigger lockout button
3. Upper shaft
4. Pivoting head
5. Cutting blade
6. Twist collar
7. Extension insert
8. Eyelet for carrying belt
9. Lower shaft
10. Battery pack unlocking button
11. Type plate
12. Carrying belt
13. Blade guard
14. Cut material sweep
15. *Quick Charger Battery Power 18V
16. *Battery Pack Battery Power 18V

* optional

Rechargeable battery pack

The device can be operated with a 18 V Kärcher Battery Power battery pack.

Initial startup

Uncontrolled startup
Risk of fatal injury from incision injuries
Remove the battery from the device for all preparatory work.

Mounting the extension insert

If required, the device can be extended with the included extension insert.

ATTENTION
Dirt at the joints
Damage to the device if dirt gets between the connection points of the extension insert and the device during assembly.
Check the joints for contamination and remove before assembly.
Only lay dismantled connecting parts on clean surfaces.

1. Turn the rotating sleeve on the lower shaft to the left to release.
2. Insert the extension insert and turn the rotating sleeve to the right to secure.
3. Insert the upper shaft into the extension insert and turn the rotating sleeve to the right to secure.

Fitting the cut material sweep

1. Install the cut material sweep.
   

Inserting the carrying belt

The carrying belt helps to lower the device in a controlled manner after cutting and to catch the weight of the device during use.

1. Hook the carrying belt hooks into the eyelets on the handle and shaft. Place the carrying belt over one shoulder. Make sure that the carrying belt can be released quickly in the event of danger.

Inserting the battery pack

ATTENTION
Dirty contacts
Damage to the device and battery
Check the battery mount and the contacts for soiling and clean them as necessary before inserting the battery.

1. Push the battery into the mounting in the device until it audibly latches into place.

Operation

New users should be instructed by an experienced person and practice handling and techniques before carrying out any work.

Adjusting the swivel head

The angle between the handle / extension insert and hedge trimmer can be adapted to the working conditions.

Sharp cutting blade
Incision injuries
Wear protective gloves when working on the cutting blade.

1. Mount the blade guard.
   
2. Align handle/extension insert parallel to the ground.
3. Press the swivel button with one hand.
   
   
   Cutting injuries on contact with the sharp blade
   Never move the blade by hand.
4. With the other hand move the handle / extension insert until the desired angle is set.
5. Release the swivel button.

Switch on the device

1. Press the trigger lockout button.
   
2. Press the trigger.
   The device starts up.
3. Release the trigger.
   The device stops.

Operation

Risk of injury from sharp blades
Wear safety goggles and protective gloves when working on the device.

Risk of injury due to uncontrolled movements of the device
Always hold the device firmly with both hands.
Always wear the carrying belt.

1. Check the cutting material for foreign bodies, such as paper, films or wires, and remove them as necessary.
2. Remove the blade guard.
   
3. Switch on the device, see Chapter Switch on the device.
4. Trim the hedge.
   

Removing the battery pack

Note
During longer work breaks, remove the battery pack from the device and secure it against unauthorized use.

1. Press the battery pack unlocking button to unlock the battery pack.
   
2. Remove the battery pack from the device.

Finishing operation

1. Remove the battery pack from the device (see Chapter Removing the battery pack).
2. Clean the device (see Chapter Cleaning the device).

Transport

Failure to observe the weight
Risk of injury and damage
Be aware of the weight of the device during transportation.

Uncontrolled startup
Incision injuries
Remove the battery pack from the device before storage.
Store the hedge trimmer only with the blade guard fitted.

1. Remove the battery pack, see Chapter Removing the battery pack.
2. Mount the blade guard.
   Illustration G
3. If necessary, remove the extension insert.
   
   1. Turn the upper rotating sleeve to the left.
   2. Remove the extension insert from the upper shaft.
   3. Turn the lower rotating sleeve to the left.
   4. Remove the extension insert from the lower shaft.

Storage

ATTENTION
Damp environment
Corrosion
Only store the device indoors.

Failure to observe the weight
Risk of injury and damage
Be aware of the weight of the device during storage.

Uncontrolled startup
Incision injuries
Remove the battery pack from the device before transport.
Store the hedge trimmer only with the blade guard fitted.
Clean the device before storing (see Chapter Cleaning the device).

1. Remove the battery pack, see Chapter Removing the battery pack.
2. Mount the blade guard.
   Illustration G
3. If necessary. remove the extension insert.
   Illustration M
   1. Turn the upper rotating sleeve to the left.
   2. Remove the extension insert from the upper shaft.
   3. Turn the lower rotating sleeve to the left.
   4. Remove the extension insert from the lower shaft.
4. Store the device in a dry, well ventilated location. Keep away from corrosive substances such as garden chemicals and defrosting salt.

Care and service

Uncontrolled startup
Incision injuries
Remove the battery from the device before all work on the device.

Risk of injury from sharp blades
Wear safety goggles and protective gloves when working on the device.

Cleaning the device

ATTENTION
Incorrect cleaning
Damage to the device
Clean the device with a damp cloth.
Do not use solvent-based cleaning agents.
Do not immerse the device in water.
Do not clean the device with a hose or high-pressure water jet.

1. Allow the device to cool down.
2. Remove plant residue and dirt from the blade and motor casing with a brush.
3. Clean the ventilation slits on the device with a brush.

Checking the blade screw connection

Loose screw connections
Incision injuries through uncontrolled blade movements
Check the screw connection of the blade regularly to ensure it is firmly fastened.

1. Check that all screws/nuts are tight.
2. Tighten any loose screws/nuts.

Oiling the blade sections

In order to maintain the blade quality, the blade sections should be oiled after each use.
Note
Using thin machine oil or spray oil will yield very good results.

1. Place the device on a flat surface.
2. Apply oil to the top of the blade sections.

Sharpening the blade sections

Note
Remove as little material as possible during sharpening and maintain the original angle of the blade tooth in the process.

Sharp blade
Incision injuries
Wear suitable protective gloves when sharpening the blade sections.

1. Clamp the blade in a vice.
2. Sharpen the exposed side of the blade teeth with a file.
3. Carefully push the blade further by hand so that the unsharpened blade teeth are accessible.
4. Sharpen the exposed side of all blade teeth with a file.

Troubleshooting guide

Malfunctions often have simple causes that you can remedy yourself using the following overview. When in doubt, or in the case of malfunctions not mentioned here, please contact your authorised Customer Service. As the battery pack ages, even if it is looked after, its capacity reduces such that the full run time will no longer be reached when fully charged. This does not indicate a defect.

Fault	Cause	Rectification
The device does not start up	Battery pack is not inserted correctly.	Push the battery pack into the mounting until it latches into place.
	Battery pack is empty	Charge the battery pack.
	Battery pack is defective.	Replace the battery pack.
The device stops during operation	Blade blocked with cutting material.	Remove cutting material from the blade.
	The battery has overheated	Stop working and allow the battery to cool down to normal battery temperature.
	Motor has overheated	Stop working and allow the motor to cool down.
Problems when mounting the extension insert	Dirty joints	Clean the ends of the extension insert and the attachments of adhering dirt. Only place the device and the extension insert on clean surfaces.

Technical data

		PHG 18- 45 Battery
Device performance data
Nominal voltage	V	18
Idle speed	/min	1350
Cutting length	cm	45
Tooth pitch	mm	18
Working range (max.)	m	2,9
Vibration level according to EN ISO 10517:2019
Front handle hand-arm vibration value	m/s2	1,5
Rear handle hand-arm vibration value	m/s2	1,4
Uncertainty	m/s2	1,5
Sound pressure level L pA	dB(A)	84,2
Uncertainty K pA	dB(A)	3,0
Sound power level L wA	dB(A)	93,5
Uncertainty K WA	dB(A)	1,4
Dimensions and weights
Length x width x height	mm	2967 x 122 x 250
Weight (without battery pack)	kg	4,3

Subject to technical modifications.

Vibration value

The specified vibration value was measured using a standard test procedure and may be used to compare devices.
The specified vibration value may be used in a provisional assessment of the load.
Depending on the way the device is used, the vibration emission can deviate from the specified overall value during the current use of the device.

Registeryour product www.kaercher.com/welcome