Bosch 18 Universal Hedge Pole Instructions

Bosch 18 Universal Hedge Pole

Safety Notes

Explanation of symbols

• General hazard safety alert.
• Read the instruction manual.
• Do not use the machine in the rain or leave it outdoors when it is raining.
• Pay attention that bystanders are not injured by foreign objects thrown from the machine.
• Warning: Keep a safe distance from the machine when operating.

Always wear gloves and safety goggles. Further protective equipment such as non-skid safety shoes and a hard hat is recommended. Adequate protective clothing will reduce personal injury by falling branches and accidental contact with the cutting blade.

Never touch power supply or telephone lines. These lines conduct high voltage and there is a severe danger of electric shock. Keep a minimum distance of 10 m.

Warning: Bystanders should keep a safe distance from the machine when operating.

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

WARNING
Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool.
Failure to follow all instructions listed below 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.

Work area safety

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

Electrical safety

• 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.
• 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 power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
• 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 and moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
• 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.
• 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

• 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.
• 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.
• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to a power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energizing power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
• 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.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool 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.
• 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.
• Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.

Power tool use and care

• 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.
• 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.
• Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or remove the battery pack, if detachable, 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.
• 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.
• Maintain power tools and accessories. 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.
• 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 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.
• 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 tool in unexpected situations.

Battery tool use and care

• 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.
• 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 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.
• Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.

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 and the battery is removed when clearing jammed material. A moment of inattention while operating the hedge trimmer may result in serious personal injury.
• Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces
  (main handle 11, front handle 6 or extended gripping area 8) only, because the blade may contact hidden wiring. Blade contacting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
• Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only, because the cutter blade may contact hidden wiring. Cutter blades contacting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
• 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.
• Always ensure all handles and guards are fitted when using the machine. Never attempt to use an incomplete machine or one fitted with an unauthorized modification.

Additional safety warnings

• 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 machine. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
• Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the machine.
• When working with the machine, always hold it firmly with both hands on the correct griping areas and provide for a secure stance. The power tool is guided more securely with both hands.
• When carrying, ensure the tool is horizontal to the ground.
• Wait until the machine has come to a standstill before placing it down.
• Other persons and animals should remain at a distance of 3 metres or more when the machine is being used. The operator is responsible for third persons in the working area.
• Never cut a hedge while people, especially children or pets, are nearby.
• The user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their property.
• Never grasp the blade of the hedge trimmer.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the hedge trimmer is to be used and remove all wires and other foreign objects.
• Prior to operation, check cutter blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly for wear or damage. Do not operate with a damaged or excessively worn cutting device.
• Know how to stop the hedge trimmer quickly in an emergency.
• Cut a hedge only in daylight or in good artificial light.
• Always ensure all handles and guards supplied are fitted when using the hedge trimmer. Never attempt to use an incomplete hedge trimmer or one with an unauthorised modification.
• Never hold the hedge trimmer by the guard.
• While operating the hedge trimmer always be sure of a safe and secure operating position at all times. Do not use this tool while standing on steps or ladder.
• Always be aware of your surroundings and stay alert for possible hazards that you may not hear whilst operating the hedge trimmer.
• Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to ensure that the hedge trimmer is always in a safe working condition.
• The hedge trimmer should be stored in a dry, locked-up location out of the reach of children.
• Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
• Do not attempt to repair the machine unless you are qualified to do so.
• Ensure replacement parts fitted are Bosch-approved.

Recommendations for Optimal Handling of the Battery

• Ensure the switch is in the off position before inserting the battery pack. Inserting the battery pack into machines that have the switch on can cause accidents.
• Use only Bosch battery packs intended specifically for the machine. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
• Do not open the battery. The danger of short-circuiting.
  Protect the battery against heat, e. g., against continuous intense sunlight, fire, water, and moisture. The danger of explosion.
• In case of damage and improper use of the battery, vapors may be emitted. Ventilate the area and seek medical help in case of complaints. The vapors can irritate the respiratory system.
• Use the battery only in conjunction with your Bosch product. This measure alone protects 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 danger of explosion.
• Protect the battery against moisture and water.
• Store the 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.
• 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 warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

Save these instructions
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 machine. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
• Supervise children. This will ensure that children do not play with the charger.
• Only charge Bosch lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 1.5 Ah or more (3 battery cells or more). 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.
• Only charge Bosch lithium-ion batteries. The battery voltage must match the battery charging voltage of the charger. Otherwise there is danger of fire and explosion.
• Keep the battery charger clean. Contamination can lead to danger of an electric shock.
• Before each use, check the battery charger, cable and plug. If damage is detected, do not use the battery charger. Never open the battery charger yourself. Have repairs performed only by a qualified technician and only using original spare parts. Damaged battery chargers, cables and plugs increase the risk of an electric shock.
• Do not operate the battery charger on easily inflammable surfaces (e. g., paper, textiles, etc.) or surroundings. The heating of the battery charger during the charging process can pose a fire hazard.
• Do not cover the ventilation slots of the battery charger. Otherwise, the battery charger can overheat and no longer operate properly.
• It is recommended for increased electrical safety to use a Residual Current Device (RCD) with a tripping current of not more than 30 mA. Always check your RCD every time you use it.

Products sold in GB only:
Your product is fitted with a BS 1363/A approved electric plug with an internal fuse (ASTA approved to BS 1362).
If the plug is not suitable for your socket outlets, it should be cut off and an appropriate plug fitted in its place by an authorized customer service agent. The replacement plug should have the same fuse rating as the original plug.
The severed plug must be disposed of to avoid a possible shock hazard and should never be inserted into a mains socket elsewhere.

Maintenance

• Remove the battery before adjusting or cleaning, and before leaving the machine unattended for any period.Always wear gardening gloves when handling or working near sharp blades.
• Examine the machine and replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
• Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure that the machine is in safe working condition.
• Ensure replacement parts fitted are Bosch-approved.
• Always lubricate the cutting blade with a protective spray before use and before storage.

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

• Reaction direction
• Movement direction
• Switching On
• Switching Off
• Accessories

Intended Use
This machine is intended for domestic use, for cutting and trimming hedges and bushes at elevated heights, while the user is situated on the ground. The machine is not intended to be used on a ladder or steps. The machine is not designed to cut grass and cannot be used as a grass trimmer. This tool is not intended for commercial and industrial use.

Delivery Scope (see figure B)
Carefully remove the machine from its packaging and check if the following parts are complete:

• Hedge trimmer head
• Telescopic handle
• Battery pack**
• Battery charger**
• Harness
• Blade guard
• Operating instructions

When parts are missing or damaged, please contact your dealer. country-specific

Product Features

The numbering of the product features refers to the illustration of the machine on the graphics page 320. (see figure A)

1. Cutting blade
2. Pivoting head adjustment buttons 3 Connector
3. Telecopic tube
4. Telecopic heigh adjustment
5. Front handle
6. Front handle harness loop 8 Harness
7. Main handle harness loop
8. Locking button
9. Main handle (insulated gripping surface)
10. On/Off switch
11. Battery pack
12. Battery unlocking button
13. Hook to front handle harness loop
14. Hook to main handle harness loop

Accessories shown or described are not part of the standard delivery scope of the product. A complete overview of accessories can be found in our accessories program.

Technical Data

Cordless pole hedge trimmer/UniversalHedge-Pole 18

Noise/Vibration Information

Sound emission values are determined according to EN 60335-1. Typically the A-weighted noise levels of the product are: Sound pressure level 72 dB(A); sound power level 86 dB(A). Uncertainty K=4 dB. Vibration total values ah (triax vector sum) and uncertainty K determined according to EN 60335-1: ah=1.1 m/s2, K=1.5 m/s2. The vibration level given in this information sheet has been measured in accordance with a standardized test given in EN 60335 and may be used to compare one tool with another. It may be used for a preliminary assessment of exposure.

The declared vibration emission level represents the main applications of the tool. However, if the tool is used for different applications, with different accessories or insertion tools, or is poorly maintained, the vibration emission may differ. This may significantly increase the exposure level over the total working period. An estimation of the level of exposure to vibration should also take into account the times when the tool is switched off or when it is running but not actually doing the job. This may significantly reduce the exposure level over the total working period. Identify additional safety measures to protect the operator from the effects of vibration such as: maintaining the tool and the accessories, keeping the hands warm, organize work patterns.

Mounting and Operation

Action            Figure    Page

Initial Operation

For Your Safety

• Before any work on the machine itself (e. g. maintenance, tool change, etc.) as well as during transport and storage, remove the battery from the power tool. There is a danger of injury when unintentionally actuating the On/Off switch with the locking button.
• The blades continue to move for a fraction of a second after the hedge trimmer is switched off.
• Do not touch the moving blades.
• Do not activate switches until the battery is fully attached.

Inserting/Removing the Battery (see figures D+K) Note:
The use of batteries not suitable for the machine can lead to malfunctions or cause damage to the power tool. Insert the charged battery 13 onto the telescopic handle. Make sure that the battery is fully fitted. Remove battery 13 from the power tool by pressing the battery unlocking button 14 and moving the battery towards the cutting blade.

Battery Charging

• Do not use other battery chargers. The supplied battery charger is designed for the Lithium-Ion battery in your garden product.
• Observe the mains voltage! The voltage of the power supply must correspond with the data given on the nameplate of the battery charger. Battery chargers marked with 230 V can also be operated with 220 V.

The battery is equipped with temperature monitoring that allows charging only in the temperature range between 0 °C and 45 °C. In this manner, a high battery service life is achieved.

Note:
The battery supplied is partially charged. To ensure full capacity of the battery, completely charge the battery in the battery charger before using your power tool 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 damage the battery. The “Electronic Cell Protection (ECP)” protects the lithium-ion battery against deep discharging. When the battery is run down or discharged, the garden product is shut off by means of a protective circuit: The garden product no longer operates.

IMPORTANT
Do not continue to press the On/Off switch after the garden product has been automatically switched off. The battery can be damaged.

Observe the notes for disposal of the battery.

Charging Procedure

The charging procedure starts as soon as the mains plug of the battery charger is plugged into the socket outlet and the battery is inserted into the charging compartment.
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 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
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 inserted in the socket 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”.

Meaning of the Indication Elements (AL 1815 CV)

Flashing Battery Charge Indicator
The charging procedure is signalled by a flashing battery charge indicator.

Continuous Lighting of the Battery Charge Indicator

Continuous lighting of the battery charge indicator indicates that the battery is fully charged or that the temperature of the battery is not within the allowable charging temperature range, and cannot be charged for this reason. The battery is charged as soon as the allowable charging temperature range is reached. When the battery is not inserted, continuous lighting of the battery charge indicator indicates that the mains plug is inserted in the socket and that the battery charger is ready for operation.

Troubleshooting Causes and Corrective Measures

Charging Advice
With continuous or several repetitive charging cycles without interruption, the charger can warm up. This does not indicate a technical defect of the battery charger.
A significantly reduced working period after charging indicates that the battery is used and must be replaced.

Assembly

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

Tool assembly (see figure C+E)
Fit the hedge trimmer head together with the telescopic handle, and tighten them together with the connector 3 by twisting it. Make sure that both parts are properly fitted.
Attach harness 8 to the harness loops 7/9 located in the handling areas. Please notice that the harness has two hooks that are different in size. Make sure that the bigger hook 16 is fitted onto the main handle harness loop 9 and the smaller hook 15 onto the front handle harness loop 7.

Remove the blade cover.

Adjusting the telescopic height (see figure F)
Loosen the telescopic height adjustment joint 5 by rotating, extend the telescopic tube 4 to the required length and re-tighten the adjustment joint 5 by twisting. The telescopic tube 4 can be extended from 2.1 m to 2.60 m depending on the application and the height of the trimmed hedge.

Adjusting the pivoting head (see figure H)
Press two pivoting head adjustment buttons 2 simultaneously, adjust the pivoting head to the required position by moving the hedge trimmer head upwards or downwards, release the pivoting head adjustment buttons 2 and make sure that the hedge trimmer head is properly locked. Pivoting head can be adjusted to 10 different positions.

Operation

Switching On and Off (see figure I)To switch on the power tool, first press the lock-off switch 10 then press On/Off switch 12. Keep the On/Off switch while operating the machine. You can let go of the lock-off switch while the tool is switched on. To switch off the power tool, release the On/Off switch 12. To save energy, only switch the power tool on when using it. The lithium-ion battery is protected against deep discharging by the “Electronic Cell Protection (ECP)”. When the battery is empty, the power tool is switched off by means of a protective circuit: The tool no longer runs.

Working Advice (see figure J)

Anti Blocking
This tool has an anti-blocking system installed for your benefit. If the blade stalls on tough material, the load of the motor increases. The intelligent micro-electronics senses this overload condition and repeatedly reverses the motor, in order to prevent stalling and to cut the material through. This audible reversing cut action continues for up to 3 s. After cutting through, the garden product continues in its normal mode, or in case the overload condition continues the blades automatically stop in the open position (e. g. in case a piece of metal fence accidentally blocks the garden product).

Troubleshooting

The following chart lists problem symptoms, possible causes and corrective action, if your garden product does not operate properly. If these do not identify and correct the problem, contact your service agent.

Warning: Switch off and remove the battery prior to any troubleshooting.

Maintenance, Storage and Transportation

(see figures K + L)
Before any work on the machine itself (e. g. maintenance, tool change, etc.) as well as during transport and storage, remove the battery from the power tool. There is danger of injury when unintentionally actuating the On/Off switch with the locking button.

After-sales Service and Application

Service

www.bosch-garden.com. In all correspondence and spare parts orders, please always include the 10-digit article number given on the type plate of the machine.

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:

Ireland

• Origo Ltd. Unit 23 Magna Drive Magna Business Park City West Dublin 24
• Tel. Service: (01) 4666700
• Fax: (01) 4666888

Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands

• Robert Bosch Australia Pty. Ltd. Power Tools Locked Bag 66 Clayton South VIC 3169 Customer Contact Center

Inside Australia:

• Phone: (01300) 307044
• Fax: (01300) 307045

Inside New Zealand:

• Phone: (0800) 543353
• Fax: (0800) 428570
• Outside AU and NZ:
• Phone: +61 3 95415555
• www.bosch-pt.com.au
• www.bosch-pt.co.nz

Republic of South Africa

Customer service

• Hotline: (011) 6519600

Gauteng – BSC Service Centre

• 35 Roper Street, New Centre Johannesburg
• Tel.: (011) 4939375
• Fax: (011) 4930126
• E-Mail:

KZN – BSC Service Centre

• Unit E, Almar Centre 143 Crompton Street Pinetown
• Tel.: (031) 7012120
• Fax: (031) 7012446
• E-Mail:

Western Cape – BSC Service Centre

• Democracy Way, Prosperity Park Milnerton
• Tel.: (021) 5512577
• Fax: (021) 5513223
• E-Mail:

Bosch Headquarters

• Midrand, Gauteng
• Tel.: (011) 6519600
• Fax: (011) 6519880
• E-Mail:

Transport

The contained lithium-ion batteries are subject to the Dangerous Goods Legislation requirements. The user can transport the batteries by road without further requirements. When being transported by third parties (e.g.: 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 batteries 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 possibly more detailed national regulations.

Disposal

The machine, rechargeable batteries, accessories, and packaging should be sorted for environmental-friendly recycling. Do not dispose of power tools and batteries/rechargeable batteries into household waste!