Universal Grass Cut Instruction Manual

UniversalGrassCut
18V-26 | 18V-260
Original instructions

Safety Notes
Warning! Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Make yourself familiar with the controls and the proper use of the product. Please keep the instructions safe for later use!
Explanation of symbols on the machine

General hazard safety alert.

 Read the instruction manual.

Make sure that bystanders are not injured by foreign objects being thrown away.

Warning: Keep a safe distance to the product when operating.

Not applicable.

Remove battery before adjusting or cleaning, and before leaving the machine unattended for any period.

Wear eye and ear protection.

Do not use the product in the rain or leave it outdoors when it is raining.

Make sure that bystanders are not injured by foreign objects being hurled away.
Warning: Keep a safe distance from the machine when operating.

Carefully check the area where the tool is to be used for wildlife and pets. Wildlife and pets may be injured while the machine is in operation. Thoroughly check the working area and remove any stones, sticks, wires, bones, and foreign objects. When using the machine, ensure that no wildlife, pets, or small tree stumps are hidden in the dense grass.

Do not use a high-pressure washer or a garden hose to clean the machine.

General Safety Warnings for Trimmers

• Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations, and specifications provided with this machine. Failure to follow the safety warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury.
• Save all safety warnings and instructions for future reference.
• The term machine in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) machines or battery-operated (cordless) machines.

Work area safety

• Keep the work area clean and well-lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate the machine in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Machines create sparks that may ignite dust or fumes.
• Keep children and bystanders away while operating the machine. Distractions can cause you to lose control over the machine. Never operate the machine while people, especially children or pets, are nearby.

Electrical safety

• The plug of the machine 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.
• 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.
• Do not expose the machine to rain or wet conditions. Penetration of water in the machine increases the risk of an electric shock.
• Never use the cord for carrying, hanging up or unplugging the machine. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges, and moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
• When operating a machine outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. The use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
• When operating the machine in damp environments is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD). The use of a residual current device (RCD) reduces the risk of electric shock.

Personal safety

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating the machine. Do not use a machine while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating the machine may result in serious personal injury.
• Wear safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Wearing safety equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
•  Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off‑position before connecting to a power source and/or battery, picking up or carrying the machine. Carrying machines with your finger on the switch or plugging in machines that have the switch on invites accidents.
• Remove any adjusting key or spanner before turning the machine on. A spanner or a key left attached to a rotating part of the machine may result in personal injury.
• Avoid abnormal body posture. Provide for a secure stance and keep your balance at all times; never run. This enables better control of the machine in unexpected situations.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts. Always wear sturdy footwear and long trousers when operating the machine.
• If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. The use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
• Do not assume a false sense of security and disregard the safety regulations for machines, even if familiar with the machine through multiple use. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.

Use and Handling of the Machine

• Do not force the machine. Use the correct machine for your application. The correct machine will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
• Do not use the machine if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any machine that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
• Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or remove the battery pack, if detachable, from the machine before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing machines. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the machine accidentally.
• Store idle machines out of the reach of children. Do not allow persons unfamiliar with the machine or these instructions to operate the machine. Trimmers are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
• Maintain trimmers with care. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any other condition that may affect the operation of the machine. Have damaged parts repaired before using the machine. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained machines.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Use the machine, accessories, application tools, etc. according to these instructions. Take the working conditions and the work to be performed into account. Use of machines for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
• Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean, and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the machine in unexpected situations.

Battery tool use and care
Remove the battery pack
– whenever the machine is left by the user
– before clearing a blockage
– before checking, cleaning or working on the machine
– after striking a foreign object to inspect the machine for damage
– if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally, for immediately check

• 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. u Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
• When the battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paper clips, 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
• 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.
• Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior resulting in fire, explosion, or risk of injury.
• Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 130°C may cause an explosion.
• Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.

Service

• Have your machine serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This ensures that the safety of your machine is maintained.
• Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.

Safety Notes Operation

• The operator must use the product in accordance with the regulations. The local conditions must be taken into account. When working, pay attention to other people, especially to children.
• Never allow children, persons with physical, sensory, or mental limitations or a lack of experience and/or knowledge and/or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the product. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator. u Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the product.

Application

• When working with the machine, always hold it firmly with both hands and provide for a secure stance. The garden tool is guided more securely with both hands.
• Always wait until the machine has come to a complete stop before placing it down.
• Never operate the machine with a defective protection guard/cover or without a safety device. Ensure that these are properly mounted. Never use the garden tool when incomplete or after unauthorized changes.
• Never operate the machine if the cord is damaged or worn.
• Never replace non-metallic cutting elements with metal cutting elements.
• Never repair the garden tool yourself unless you are qualified to do so.
• Other persons and animals should remain or be kept a suitable distance away when using the garden tool. The operator is responsible for third parties in the work area.
• Wait until the cutting head has completely stopped before touching it. The cutting head continues to rotate after the trimmer is switched off; a rotating cutting head can cause injury. u Work only in daylight or in good artificial light.
• Avoid operating the trimmer in bad weather conditions especially when there is a risk of lightning.
• Operating the trimmer in wet grass decreases the efficiency of performance.
• When transporting, switch the machine off and remove the battery.
• Always ensure a safe working position when working with the trimmer. Always keep your hands and feet at a safe distance from rotating parts.
• Keep the balance all the time while trimming to prevent falling over.
• Take care when placing a product on the floor, as it may become a trip hazard.
• Remove the battery before replacing the spool.
• Inspect and maintain the trimmer regularly.
• Always wear gloves when cleaning products or replacing cutting means.
• Be careful of injuries from the blade used for cutting the cutting line. After feeding the cutting line, always return the trimmer to a horizontal working position before switching on.
  Switch the machine off and remove the battery.
  – whenever you leave the machine unattended for any period of time
  – before replacing the cutting line
  – before cleaning or working on the trimmer
  – before storing the trimmer
• Store the product in a secure, dry place out of the reach of children. Do not place other objects on top of the product.
• Do not use the garden tool as a walking stick.

Recommendations for Optimal Handling of the Battery Pack

• Do not open the battery. There is a risk of short-circuiting.
  Protect the battery against heat (e.g., against continuous intense sunlight), fire, water, and moisture. There is a risk of explosion.
• In case of damage and improper use of the battery pack, vapors may be emitted. Ventilate the area and seek medical help in case of complaints. The vapors can irritate the respiratory system.
• Only use the battery with products from the manufacturer. This is the only way in which you can protect the battery against dangerous overload.
• The battery can be damaged by pointed objects such as nails or screwdrivers or by force applied externally. An internal short circuit can occur and the battery can burn, smoke, explode or overheat.
• Do not short-circuit the battery. There is a risk of explosion.
•  Occasionally clean the venting slots of the battery using a soft, clean and dry brush.

Safety Warnings for Battery Chargers

Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the safety warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury.
Save all safety warnings and instructions for future reference. 

• Use the battery charger only when you fully understand and can perform all functions without limitation, or have received appropriate instructions.
• Never allow children, persons with physical, sensory, or mental limitations or a lack of experience and/or knowledge and/or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the battery charger. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator. u
• Supervise children at all times. This will ensure that children do not play with the battery charger.
• Charge only Bosch lithium-ion batteries with a capacity above 1.5 Ah (with at least 5 rechargeable battery cells). The battery voltage must match the battery charging voltage of the charger. Do not charge non-rechargeable batteries. Otherwise, there is a danger of fire and explosion.

Keep the battery charger away from rain or moisture. Penetration of water in the battery charger increases the risk of an electric shock.

• Keep the charger clean. Dirt poses a risk of electric shock.
• Always check the charger, cable, and plug before use. Stop using the charger if you discover any damage. Do not open the charger yourself, and have it repaired only by a qualified specialist using only original replacement parts. Damaged chargers, cables, and plugs increase the risk of electric shock.
• Do not operate the charger on an easily ignited surface (e.g. paper, textiles, etc.) or in a flammable environment. There is a risk of fire due to the charger heating up during operation.
• Do not cover the ventilation slots of the battery charger. Otherwise, the battery charger can overheat and no longer operate properly.
• For increased electrical safety, we recommend using a residual current device with a max. tripping current of 30 mA. Before using, always check your residual current device.

Symbols

The following symbols are important for reading and understanding the original instructions. Please take note of the symbols and their meaning. The correct interpretation of the symbols will help you to use the product in a better and safer manner.

Intended Use

The garden tool is intended for domestic use, for trimming grass, weeds, and nettles. It is designed for trimming grass growing on slopes, under obstacles, and lawn edges that cannot be reached by the lawnmower. The garden tool is not designed for use as a brush cutter. The garden tool is not intended for commercial or industrial use.

Deliver scope (see figure B)

Carefully remove the machine from its packaging and check if the following parts are complete:
– Grass trimmer
– Protection guard
– Wheel
– Battery**
– Charger**
– Original instructions
When parts are missing or damaged, please contact your dealer.
** country-specific

Product Features (see figure A)

The numbering of the product features refers to the illustration of the product on the graphics pages.

1. Battery unlocking button
2. Battery a)
3. Folding handle
4. Foot pedal for adjusting the working angle for lawn trimming/edge cutting
5. Protection guard
6. Wheel
7. Handle-adjustment release
8. On/Off switch
9. Lock-off button for On/Off switch
10. Button for adjustment of the working height
11. Lever
12. Charger a)
13. Spool cover
14. Spool
15. Hole for line wind-up
16. Clamping ring
17. Hook for threading-in the cutting line
18. Slot for line guiding
19. Hole for line guiding
    a) Accessories shown or described are not included with the product as standard. You can find the complete selection of accessories in our accessories range.

Technical Data

 

A) Limited performance at temperatures < 0 °C

Noise/Vibration Information

The vibration level given in these instructions has been measured in accordance with a standardized measuring procedure and may be used to compare power tools. It can also be used for a preliminary estimation of exposure to vibration.
The stated vibration level applies to the main applications of the power tool. However, if the power tool is used for different applications, with different application tools or poorly maintained, the vibration level may differ. This can significantly increase the exposure to vibration over the total working period.
To estimate the exposure to vibration accurately, the times when the tool is switched off or when it is running but not actually being used should also be taken into account. This can significantly reduce the exposure to vibration over the total working period.
Implement additional safety measures to protect the operator from the effects of vibration, such as servicing the power tool and application tools, keeping the hands warm, and organizing workflows correctly.

Mounting and Operation

Assembly

• Caution: Switch the garden tool off and remove the battery before performing any maintenance.

Mounting the protection guard (see figure C)

Slide the protection guard (5) onto the trimmer head until a click can be heard. Affix the protection guard (5) to the trimmer with the screw. The screw is already fitted to the bottom housing upon delivery.
Never use the trimmer without the protection guard (5) mounted. After mounting, the protection guard (5) may not be removed from the trimmer.

Adjusting the working height (see figure D)

Press button (10) and adjust the trimmer to the desired height. Release button (10).
Always use the trimmer in a working position, never in the storage position. The storage position is when the trimmer is fully retracted. When adjusting the working position, make sure that the mechanism for height adjustment is properly locked. A click can be heard when the mechanism engages.

Folding out the handle (see figure E)
Press and hold button (7), fold out the handle (3) to the stop, and then release button (7). Make sure that the handle (3) is properly locked. Do not put pressure on the handle (3) while adjusting it.

Mounting the wheel (see figure F)

Mount wheel (6) to the trimmer head. Observe the correct position of the arrows on the trimmer head. Ensure that the hook engages properly in the tab. Turn the wheel (6) against the trimmer head until the lever (11) can be heard to engage with a click. To remove, pull the lever (11) until it disengages and removes the wheel (6) in opposite direction.

Switching on

• Caution: Switch the garden tool off and remove the battery from the machine before adjusting or cleaning. Charging the Battery u Pay attention to the mains voltage. The voltage of the power source must match the voltage specified on the rating plate of the charger. The battery is equipped with temperature monitoring that allows charging only in the temperature range between 0 °C and 35 °C. In this manner, a high battery service life is achieved.

Note: The battery is supplied partially charged. To ensure full battery capacity, completely charge the battery in the battery charger before using it for the first time. The lithium-ion battery can be charged at any time without reducing its service life. Interrupting the charging procedure does not cause damage to the battery. The “Electronic Cell Protection (ECP)” protects the lithium-ion battery against deep discharging. When the battery is empty, the product is switched off by means of a protective circuit: The product no longer operates.
Do not continue to press the On/Off switch after an automatic shut-off of the product. The battery could become damaged.
Observe the notes for disposal of the battery.

Inserting/Removing the Battery (see figure G
Note: Using unsuitable batteries can lead to malfunctions or damage the machine. Insert the charged battery (2). Ensure the battery is inserted correctly.
To remove the battery (2) from the machine, press the battery unlocking button (1) and pull the battery out.

Charging Procedure

The charging procedure starts as soon as the mains plug of the charger is plugged into a socket outlet and the battery (2) is inserted onto the charger (12).
Due to the intelligent charging method, the charging condition of the battery is automatically detected and the battery is charged with the optimum charging current, depending on battery temperature and voltage.
This gives longer life to the battery and always leaves it fully charged when kept in the charger for storage.

Meaning of the Indication Elements (AL 1810)

Flashing battery charge indicator
The charging process is indicated by the flashing of the battery charge indicator
Solid light on the battery charge indicator

A solid light on the battery charge indicator signals that the battery is fully charged or that the temperature of the battery is not within the permitted charging temperature range, and can therefore not be charged. The battery is charged as soon as the allowable charging temperature range is reached.
When the battery is not inserted, a solid light on the battery charge indicator signals that the mains plug is inserted in the plug socket and that the charger is ready for operation.

Meaning of the Indication Elements (AL 1830 CV)

(Fast) Flashing of the Green Battery Charge Indicator
The rapid-charging procedure is indicated by fast flashing of the green battery charge indicator.
Note: The rapid-charging procedure is only possible when the battery temperature is within the allowable charging temperature range, see section “Technical Data”.

(Slow) Flashing of the Green Battery Charge Indicator
When the charging condition of the battery is 80%, the green battery charge indicator flashes slowly.
The battery can be removed for immediate use.
Continuous Lighting of the Green Battery Charge Indicator Full Continuous lighting of the green battery charge indicator indicates that the battery is fully charged.
When the battery is not inserted, continuous lighting of the battery charge indicator indicates that the mains plug is in- seated in the socket outlet and that the battery charger is ready for operation.
Continuous Lighting of the Red Battery Charge Indicator
Continuous lighting of the red battery charge indicator indicates that the temperature of the battery is not within the allowable charging temperature range, see section “Technical Data”. As soon as the allowable charging temperature range is reached, the battery charger automatically switches to rapid charging.

Flashing Red Battery Charge Indicator
A flashing red battery charge indicator indicates a different malfunction of the charging procedure, see section “Troubleshooting – Causes and Corrective Measures”.

Operation

• Caution: Switch the garden tool off and remove the battery before performing any maintenance.
• The cutting line continues to rotate for a few seconds after the trimmer is switched off. Allow the motor/cutting line to stop rotating before switching on again.
• Do not briefly switch off and on again several times in a row.
• Only use Bosch-approved cutting elements. The cutting performance will vary with different cutting elements.

Switching On and Off (see figure H)

To switch on, firstly press the lock-off button (9). Then press the On/Off switch (8) and keep it pressed. To switch off, release the On/Off switch (8).

Lawn Trimming/Edge Cutting (see figures I − K) Lawn trimming (see figure I)
Press the foot pedal (4) and set the 48° angle for lawn trimming.
Move the trimmer left and right, keeping it well away from the body. Cut higher grass in steps.
Edge cutting (see figure J)
Press the foot pedal (4) and set the 36° angle for edge cutting. Rotate the handle by 180° and then turn the trimmer clockwise to the desired working position. Guide the trimmer along the edge of the lawn. By using the wheel, you avoid contact with solid surfaces or walls to prevent rapid wear of the cutting line.
Cutting around trees and bushes (see figure K)
Press the foot pedal (4) and set the 24° angle for cutting around trees and bushes. Carefully cut around trees and bushes so that they do not come into contact with the cutting line. Plants can die if you damage the bark.

Dismounting the spool, winding up the cutting line, and mounting the spool (see figures N to L)

• Remove the battery before replacing the spool.

Press both latches of the spool cover together and remove the spool cover (13). Afterward, remove the empty spool (14).
Cut off approx. 6 m line from the refill roll. Thread the end of the line into the spool’s hole for line wind-up (15). Thread/
work the line under the hook (17). Then, thread/work the lineup and through the slot (18) in the spool. Afterward,
wind up the thread on the spool uniformly and tightly.
Slide the other end of the cutting line through the hole for line guiding (19) in the trimmer head and mount the spool back into the trimmer head. Affix the spool by mounting the spool cover (13).
The spool cover (13) can only be mounted in one position.

Line Feeding

IntelliFEED
The trimmer is equipped with the IntelliFEED system, which automatically rolls off the line to retain the cutting diameter.

Troubleshooting

Lawn trimmer/Edge cutter

Battery and charger

 

Maintenance and Service

• Before any work on the garden product itself (e. g. maintenance, tool change, etc.) as well as during transport and storage, remove the battery from the garden product. There is a danger of injury when unintentionally actuating the On/Off switch.

Maintenance, Cleaning and Storage

• For safe and proper working, always keep the product clean.

For safe and proper working, always keep the garden tool and the ventilation slots clean.
Never spray the garden tool with water.
Never immerse the garden tool in water.
Store the garden product in a secure, dry place, out of the reach of children.
Do not place other objects on the garden product.
Make sure that the clamping ring is always attached to the spool during use. Otherwise, high vibrations may occur.

Battery Maintenance
Use the following procedures to enable optimum usage of the battery:
– Protect the battery against moisture and water.
– Store the machine and battery only within a temperature range between –20 °C and 50 °C . As an example, do not leave the battery in the car in summer.
– It is recommended that the battery is not stored within the product but stored separately.
– Do not leave the battery in the product in direct sunlight.
– The ideal storage condition for the battery is 5 °C.
– Occasionally clean the venting slots of the battery using a soft, clean and dry brush.
A significantly reduced working period after charging indicates that the battery is used and must be replaced.

After-Sales Service and Application Service

Our after-sales service responds to your questions concerning maintenance and repair of your product as well as spare
parts. You can find explosion drawings and information on spare parts at: www.bosch-pt.com
The Bosch product use advice team will be happy to help you with any questions about our products and their accessories- ies.

In all correspondence and spare parts orders, please always include the 10‑digit article number given on the nameplate of the product.
Great Britain
Robert Bosch Ltd. (B.S.C.)
P.O. Box 98
Broadwater Park
North Orbital Road
Denham Uxbridge
UB 9 5HJ
At www.bosch-pt.co.uk you can order spare parts or arrange the collection of a product in need of servicing or repair.
Tel. Service: (0344) 7360109
E-Mail:

You can find further service addresses at: www.bosch-pt.com/serviceaddresses

Transport

The contained lithium-ion batteries are subject to the Dangerous Goods Legislation requirements. The batteries are suitable for road transport by the user without further restrictions.
When shipping by third parties (e.g.: by air transport or forwarding agency), special requirements on packaging and labeling must be observed. For the preparation of the item being shipped, consulting an expert for hazardous material is required.
Dispatch battery packs only when the housing is undamaged. Tape or mask off open contacts and pack up the battery in such a manner that it cannot move around in the packaging. Please also observe the possibility of more detailed national regulations.

Disposal

The product, batteries, accessories, and packaging should be sorted for environmental-friendly recycling.

Do not dispose of the product and batteries/rechargeable batteries into household waste!

Only for EU countries:
According to the European Guideline 2012/19/EU, products that are no longer usable, and according to the European Guideline 2006/66/EC, defective or used battery packs/ batteries, must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally correct manner.

Only for the United Kingdom

According to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations, 2013 (2013/3113) and the Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009 (2009/890), power tools that are no longer usable must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

Battery packs/batteries:
Li-ion:
Please observe the notes in the section on transport (see “Transport”, page 15).