3. Extend the telescoping pole to a comfortable height
(Fig. 14).
NOTE: Push poles toward each other to shorten the pole
or pull them away from each other to lengthen the pole.
Only extend the pole to the minimum length required to
reach the hedges to be trimmed.
Fig. 14
4. Lock the pole in position by turning the collar counter-
clockwise, and ensure that the pole is secure.
Cutting Tips
m
WARNING!
Always hold the pole hedge trimmer with
both hands. Never hold shrubs with one hand and operate
pole hedge trimmer with the other. Failure to heed this warning
can result in serious injury.
m
WARNING!
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 serious personal injury.
• When operating the pole hedge trimmer, keep the extension
cord behind the pole hedge trimmer. Never drape it over the
hedge being trimmed.
• Do not force the pole hedge trimmer through heavy
shrubbery. This can cause the blades to bind and slow
down. If the blades slow down, reduce the pace.
• Do not attempt to cut stems or twigs that are larger than
3/4 in. thick, or those obviously too large to feed into the
cutting blade. Use a non-powered hand saw or pruning saw
to trim large stems.
• If blades do become jammed, stop the motor, allow the
blades to stop, and disconnect the plug from the power
source 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.
Using the Pole Hedge Trimmer
• Hold unit firmly with both hands. Always keep your left
hand on the telescoping pole or auxiliary handle and your
right hand on the rear handle. The unit is used for cutting in
either direction in a slow, sweeping action from side to side.
• Stand so that you are stable and balanced on both feet.
• Inspect and clear the area of any hidden objects.
• To protect yourself from electrocution, do not operate within
33 feet (10 m) of overhead electrical lines.
• Never use the pole hedge trimmer near power lines,
fencing, posts, buildings, or other immovable objects.
• Never use a blade after hitting a hard object without first
inspecting it for damage. Do not use if any damage is
detected.
Cutting Procedures
m
WARNING!
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.
m
WARNING!
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 0.63 in. (16 mm) 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.
11