OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
• If the blade jams on any electrical cord or line, DO NOT TOUCH THE BLADE! IT CAN
BECOME ELECTRICALLY LIVE AND VERY DANGEROUS. Continue to hold the hedge
trimmer by the insulated rear and handles or lay it down and away from you in a safe
manner. Disconnect the electrical service to the damaged line or cord before attempting
to free the blade from the line or cord. Failure to heed this warning will result in serious
personal injury or possible death.
Tips for best trimming results
• Before starting the hedge trimmer, maintain proper footing and balance and do not
overreach. Wear safety goggles, non-skid footwear and rubber gloves. Hold the unit with
both hands, with the cutting blade (A) directed away from you.
• Do not trim too much at one time. This can cause the blades to bind and slow, reducing the
cutting efficiency.
• Do not force the hedge trimmer through heavy shrubbery. This can cause the blades to bind
and slow down. If the blades slow down, slow the pace of your work.
• 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 most easily
by using a sawing movement.
• Always cut stems or twigs that are less than 3/4 in. thick. Use a non-powered hand saw or
pruning saw to trim larger stems.
Top Cutting (Fig. 5a)
Use a wide sweeping motion. A slight downward
tilt of the cutting blades in the direction of motion
provides the best cutting results. If desired, you can
use a string to help guide you as you cut the hedge
level. Trim the hedge just above this guide line.
Side Cutting (Fig. 5b)
When trimming the sides of the hedge, begin at the
bottom and cut upward. Trim the side of a hedge
so that the hedge will be slightly narrower at the
top. This shape will expose more of the hedge to
sunlight, resulting in more uniform growth.
5a
5b
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