Makita UH353D Cordless Hedge Trimmer Instruction Manual

Makita UH353D Cordless Hedge Trimmer

SPECIFICATIONS

 

• Due to our continuing program of research and development, the specifications herein are subject to change without notice.
• Specifications and battery cartridges may differ from country to country.
• The weight may differ depending on the attachment(s), including the battery cartridge. The lightest and heaviest combinations, according to EPTA-Procedure 01/2014, are shown in the table.

Applicable battery cartridge and charger

• Some of the battery cartridges and chargers listed above may not be available depending on your region of residence.

WARNING: Only use the battery cartridges and chargers listed above. Use of any other battery cartridges and chargers may cause injury and/or fire.

Symbols

• Read the instruction manual.
• Do not expose to moisture.
• Wear eye protection.
• DANGER – Keep hands away from the blade.
• Only EU countries Do not dispose of electric equipment or battery packs together with household waste material In observance of the European Directives, on Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment and Batteries and Accumulators and Waste Batteries and Accumulators and their implementation in accordance with national laws, electric equipment and batteries and battery pack(s) that have reached the end of their life must be collected separately and returned to an environmentally compatible recycling facility.

Intended use

The tool is intended for trimming hedges.

SAFETY WARNINGS

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

1. Keep the 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 that may ignite dust or fumes.
3. Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

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 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. The 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.
7. Power tools can produce electromagnetic fields (EMF) that are not harmful to the user. However, users of pacemakers and other similar medical devices should contact the maker of their device and/or doctor for advice before operating this power tool.

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 a 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 energizing 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 jewelry. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry 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.
8. 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.
9. Always wear protective goggles to protect your eyes from injury when using power tools. The goggles must comply with ANSI Z87.1 in the USA, EN 166 in Europe, or AS/NZS 1336 in Australia/New Zealand. In Australia/New Zealand, it is legally required to wear a face shield to protect your face, too. It is an employer’s responsibility to enforce the use of appropriate safety protective equipment by the tool operators and by other persons in the immediate working area.

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 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.
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 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.
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.
8. 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.
9. When using the tool, do not wear cloth work gloves which may be entangled. The entanglement of cloth work gloves in the moving parts may result in personal injury.

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. The 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 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.
4. Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts the eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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

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.
2. Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.
3. Follow instruction for lubricating and changing accessories.

Cordless Hedge Trimmer Safety Warnings

1. Keep all parts of the body away from the blade. Do not remove cut material or hold material to be cut when blades are moving. Blades continue to move after the switch is turned off. A moment of inattention while operating the hedge trimmer may result in serious personal injury.
2. Carry the hedge trimmer by the handle with the blade stopped and taking care not to operate any power switch. Proper carrying of the hedge trimmer will decrease the risk of inadvertent starting and resultant personal injury from the blades.
3. When transporting or storing the hedge trimmer, always fit the blade cover. Proper handling of the hedge trimmer will decrease the risk of personal injury from the blades.
4. When clearing jammed material or servicing the unit, make sure all power switches are off and the battery pack is removed or disconnected. Unexpected actuation of the hedge trimmer while clearing jammed material or servicing may result in serious personal injury.
5. Hold the hedge trimmer by insulated gripping surfaces only, because the blade may contact hidden wiring. Blades contacting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the hedge trimmer “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
6. Keep all power cords and cables away from cutting area. Power cords or cables may be hidden in hedges or bushes and can be accidentally cut by the blade.
7. Do not use the hedge trimmer in bad weather conditions, especially when there is a risk of lightning. This decreases the risk of being struck by lightning.

Additional Safety Instructions

Preparation

1. Check the hedges and bushes for foreign objects, such as wire fences or hidden wiring before operating the tool.
2. The tool must not be used by children or young persons under 18 years of age. Young persons over 16 years of age may be exempted from this restriction if they are undergoing training under the supervision of an expert.
3. First-time users should have an experienced user show them how to use the tool.
4. Use the tool only if you are in good physical condition. If you are tired, your attention will be reduced. Be especially careful at the end of a working day. Perform all work calmly and carefully. The user is responsible for all damages to third parties.
5. Never use the tool when under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.
6. Work gloves of stout leather are part of the basic equipment of the tool and must always be worn when working with it. Also wear sturdy shoes with anti-skid soles.
7. Before starting work check to make sure that the tool is in good and safe working order. Ensure guards are fitted properly. The tool must not be used unless fully assembled.

Operation

1. Hold the tool firmly with both hands when using the tool.
2. The tool is intended to be used by the operator at ground level. Do not use the tool on ladders or any other unstable support.
3. DANGER – Keep hands away from blade. Contact with blade will result in serious personal injury.
4. Do not use the tool in the rain or in wet or very damp conditions. The electric motor is not waterproof.
5. Make sure you have a secure footing before starting operation.
6. Do not operate the tool at no-load unnecessarily.
7. Immediately switch off the tool and remove the battery cartridge if the shear blades should come into contact with a fence or other hard object. Check the blades for damage, and if damaged, replace the blades immediately.
8. Before checking the shear blades, taking care of faults, or removing material caught in the shear blades, always switch off the tool and remove the battery cartridge.
9. Never point the shear blades to yourself or others.
10.  If the blades stop moving due to the stuck of foreign objects between the blades during operation, switch off the tool and remove the battery cartridge, and then remove the foreign objects using tools such as pliers. Removing the foreign objects by hand may cause an injury for the reason that the blades may move in reaction to removing the foreign objects.
11. Avoid dangerous environments. Don’t use the tool in damp or wet locations or expose it to rain. Water entering the tool will increase the risk of electric shock

Maintenance and storage

1. Switch off the tool and remove the battery cartridge before doing any maintenance work.
2. When moving the tool to another location, including during work, always remove the battery cartridge and put the blade cover on the shear blades. Never carry or transport the tool with the blades running. Never grasp the blades with your hands.
3. Clean the tool and especially the shear blades after use, and before putting the tool into storage for extended periods. Lightly oil the blades and put them on the blade cover.
4. Store the tool with the blade cover on, in a dry room. Keep it out of reach of children. Never store the tool outdoors.
5. Do not dispose of the battery(ies) in a fire. The cell may explode. Check with local codes for possible special disposal instructions.
6. Do not open or mutilate the battery(ies). Released electrolyte is corrosive and may cause damage to the eyes or skin. It may be toxic if swallowed.
7. Do not charge battery in rain, or in wet locations.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: DO NOT let comfort or familiarity with the product (gained from repeated use) replace strict adherence to safety rules for the subject product. MISUSE or failure to follow the safety rules stated in this instruction manual may cause serious personal injury.

Important safety instructions for battery cartridge

1. Before using the battery cartridge, read all instructions and cautionary markings on (1) battery charger, (2) battery, and (3) product using the battery.
2. Do not disassemble or tamper with the battery cartridge. It may result in a fire, excessive heat, or explosion.
3. If operating time has become excessively shorter, stop operating immediately. It may result in a risk of overheating, possible burns, and even an explosion.
4. If electrolyte gets into your eyes, rinse them out with clear water and seek medical attention right away. It may result in loss of your eyesight.
5. Do not short the battery cartridge:
   1. Do not touch the terminals with any conductive material.
   2. Avoid storing battery cartridges in a container with other metal objects such as nails, coins, etc.
   3. Do not expose the A battery short can cause a large current flow, overheating, possible burns, and even a breakdown. battery cartridge to water or rain.
6. Do not store and use the tool and battery cartridge in locations where the temperature may reach or exceed 50 °C (122 °F).
7. Do not incinerate the battery cartridge even if it is severely damaged or is completely worn out. The battery cartridge can explode in a fire.
8. Do not nail, cut, crush, throw, drop the battery cartridge, or hit a hard object to the battery cartridge. Such conduct may result in a fire, excessive heat, or explosion.
9. Do not use a damaged battery.
10. The contained lithium-ion batteries are subject to the Dangerous Goods Legislation requirements.
    For commercial transports e.g. by third parties or forwarding agents, special requirements on pack-aging and labeling must be observed.
    For the preparation of the item being shipped, consulting an expert for hazardous material is required. Please also observe possibly more detailed national regulations.
    Tape or mask off open contacts and pack up the battery in such a manner that it cannot move around in the packaging.
11. When disposing of the battery cartridge, remove it from the tool and dispose of it in a safe place. Follow your local regulations relating to the disposal of batteries.
12. Use the batteries only with the products specified by Makita. Installing the batteries to non-compliant products may result in a fire, excessive heat, explosion, or leak of electrolyte.
13. If the tool is not used for a long period of time, the battery must be removed from the tool.
14. During and after use, the battery cartridge may take on heat which can cause burns or low-temperature burns. Pay attention to the handling of hot battery cartridges.
15. Do not touch the terminal of the tool immediately after use as it may get hot enough to cause burns.
16. Do not allow chips, dust, or soil to stuck into the terminals, holes, and grooves of the battery cartridge. It may result in poor performance or breakdown of the tool or battery cartridge.
17. Unless the tool supports the use of near high-voltage electrical power lines, do not use the battery cartridge near high-voltage electrical power lines. It may result in a malfunction or breakdown of the tool or battery cartridge.
18. Keep the battery away from children.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION: Only use genuine Makita batteries. Use of non-genuine Makita batteries, or batteries that have been altered, may result in the battery bursting causing fires, personal injury and damage. It will also void the Makita warranty for the Makita tool and charger.

Tips for maintaining maximum battery life

1. Charge the battery cartridge before completely discharged. Always stop tool operation and charge the battery cartridge when you notice less tool power.
2. Never recharge a fully charged battery cartridge. Overcharging shortens the battery service life.
3. Charge the battery cartridge at room temperature at 10 °C – 40 °C (50 °F – 104 °F). Let a hot battery cartridge cool down before charging it.
4. When not using the battery cartridge, remove it from the tool or the charger.

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

CAUTION: Always be sure that the tool is switched off and the battery cartridge is removed before adjusting or checking the function of the tool.

Installing or removing the battery cartridge

CAUTION: Always switch off the tool before installing or removing the battery cartridge.
CAUTION: Hold the tool and the battery cartridge firmly when installing or removing the battery cartridge. Failure to hold the tool and the battery cartridge firmly may cause them to slip off your hands and result in damage to the tool and battery cartridge and a personal injury.

1. Red indicator
2. Button
3. Battery cartridge

To remove the battery cartridge, slide it from the tool while sliding the button on the front of the cartridge. To install the battery cartridge, align the tongue on the battery cartridge with the groove in the housing and slip it into place. Insert it all the way until it locks in place with a little click. If you can see the red indicator on the upper side of the button, it is not locked completely.

CAUTION: Always install the battery cartridge fully until the red indicator cannot be seen. If not, it may accidentally fall out of the tool, causing injury to you or someone around you.
CAUTION: Do not install the battery cartridge forcibly. If the cartridge does not slide in easily, it is not being inserted correctly.

Indicating the remaining battery capacity

Only for battery cartridges with the indicator

1. Indicator lamps
2. Check button

Press the check button on the battery cartridge to indicate the remaining battery capacity. The indicator lamps light up for a few seconds.

NOTE: Depending on the conditions of use and the ambient temperature, the indication may differ slightly from the actual capacity.

Battery protection system

The tool is equipped with a battery protection system. This system automatically cuts off power to the motor to extend battery life. The tool will automatically stop during operation if the tool and/or battery are placed under one of the following conditions:

Overloaded:
The tool is operated in a manner that causes it to draw an abnormally high current. In this situation, turn the tool off and stop the application that caused the tool to become overloaded. Then turn the tool on to restart. If the tool does not start, the battery is overheated. In this situation, let the battery cool before turning the tool on again.

Low battery voltage:
The remaining battery capacity is too low and the tool will not operate. If you turn the tool on, the motor runs again but stops soon. In this situation, remove and recharge the battery.

Switch action

WARNING: Before installing the battery cartridge into the tool, always check to see that the switch trigger actuates properly and returns to the “OFF” position when released.
WARNING: For your safety, this tool is equipped with the lock-off button which prevents the tool from unintended starting. Never use the tool if it starts when you pull the switch trigger without pressing the lock-off button. Ask your local Makita Service Center for repairs.
WARNING: Never disable the lock function or tape down the lock-off button.
NOTICE: Do not pull the switch trigger forcibly without pressing the lock-off button. The switch may break.

1. Switch trigger
2. Lock-off button

To prevent the switch trigger from being accidentally pulled, a lock-off button is provided. To start the tool, press the lock-off button and pull the switch trigger. Release the switch trigger to stop. The lock-off button can be pressed from either the right or left side.

Indicator lamp

The indicator lamp blinks or lights up when the remaining battery capacity is low or empty. The indicator lamp also lights up when the tool becomes overloaded.

Indicator lamp

Lamp Status and action to be taken

The time at which the indicator lamp lights up varies depending on the temperature around the work area and the battery cartridge conditions.

ASSEMBLY

CAUTION: Always be sure that the tool is switched off and the battery cartridge is removed before carrying out any work on the tool.
CAUTION: When replacing the shear blades, always wear gloves so that your hands do not directly contact the blades.
CAUTION: When attaching or removing the blade cover, always wear gloves to avoid touching the shear blades by accident.
NOTICE: When replacing the shear blades, do not wipe off grease from the gear and crank.

Installing or removing the shear blades

CAUTION: Attach the blade cover before removing or installing the shear blades.
NOTICE: If the parts other than the shear blades such as the crank are worn out, ask Makita Authorized Service Centers for parts replacement or repairs.

1. Place the tool upside down.
2. Loosen 4 screws with a screwdriver, and then remove the shear blades.
   Screws
3. Remove the crank from the shear blades.
   CrankNOTE: The crank may remain in the tool.
4. Prepare 4 screws, the crank, and new shear blades.
   1. Crank
   2. Shear blades
5. Remove the blade cover from the old shear blades, and then attach it to the new shear blades. When attaching the blade cover, align the hole on the blade cover with the hole on the shear blades.
   1. Hole on the shear blades
   2. Blade cover
   3. Hole on the blade cover
6. Insert the screw removed in step 2 into the hole on the shear blades.
   1. Hole on the shear blades
   2. Screw
7. Attach washer A, the gear, washer B, and the crank to the tool in order as shown in the figure.
   1. Crank
   2. Washer B
   3. Gear
   4. Washer A
      NOTICE: Be sure to attach the gear in the direction shown in the figure.
      NOTICE: Apply a small amount of grease to the outer periphery of the crank.
8. Adjust the crank so that the marks on the tool and the marks on the crank are lined up on the alignment line.
   1. Mark on the tool
   2. Alignment line
   3. Mark on the crank
9. Attach the shear blades to the tool, and then tighten 3 screws firmly with a screwdriver. Remove the screw attached to the shear blades in step 6, and then tighten it firmly with a screwdriver.
   1. Screw
10. Remove the blade cover, and then turn on the tool to check that it works properly.

NOTICE: If the shear blades do not move smoothly, the shear blades are not engaged with the crank properly. Install the shear blades again.

Installing or removing the chip receiver

Optional accessory

CAUTION: When installing or removing the chip receiver, always wear gloves so that your hands and face do not directly contact the blade.

The chip receiver gathers discarded leaves and makes clean-up afterward much easier. It can be installed on either side of the tool. To install the chip receiver, press it against the shear blades so that the hooks fit into the holes of the shear blades.

1. Hook 2. HoleTo remove the chip receiver, press the levers on both sides to release the hooks.

1. Lever

NOTICE: Never try to remove the chip receiver by an excessive force with its hooks locked in the holes of the blades.

OPERATION

WARNING: Keep hands away from shear blades.

CAUTION: Avoid operating the tool in very hot weather as much as practicable. When operating the tool, be careful of your physical condition.
CAUTION: Be careful not to accidentally contact a metal fence or other hard objects while trimming. The shear blades may break and cause an injury.
CAUTION: Be careful not to allow the shear blades to contact the ground. The tool may recoil and cause an injury.
CAUTION: Overreaching with a hedge trimmer, particularly from a ladder, is extremely dangerous. Do not work while standing on anything wobbly or infirm.
NOTICE: Do not attempt to cut branches thicker than 10 mm in diameter with the tool. Cut branches to 10 cm lower than the cutting height using branch cutters before using the tool.

(1) Cutting height (2) 10 cm

NOTICE: Do not cut down dead trees or similarly hard objects. Doing so may damage the tool.
NOTICE: Do not trim the grass or weeds while using the shear blades. The shear blades may become tangled in the grass or weeds.

Hold the tool with both hands, pull the switch trigger while pressing the lock-off button, and then move it forward.

For basic operation, tilt the shear blades toward the trimming direction and move it calmly and slowly at the speed rate of 3 to 4 seconds per meter.

To cut a hedge top evenly, tie a string at the desired height and trim along it.

If the chip receiver is attached to the shear blades, it gathers discarded leaves and makes clean-up afterward much easier.

To cut a hedge side evenly, cut from the bottom to top

When trimming to make a round shape (trimming box-wood or rhododendron, etc.), trim from the root to the top for a beautiful finish.
MAINTENANCE

CAUTION: Always be sure that the tool is switched off and the battery cartridge is removed before attempting to perform inspection or maintenance.

To maintain product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, and any other maintenance or adjustment should be performed by Makita Authorized or Factory Service Centers, always using Makita replacement parts.

Cleaning the tool

Clean the tool by wiping off dust with a dry cloth or one dipped in soapy water and wrung out.

NOTICE: Never use gasoline, benzene, thinner, alcohol, or the like. Discoloration, deformation, or cracks may result.

Shear blade maintenance

Before the operation or once per hour during operation, apply low-viscosity oil (machine oil, or spray-type lubricating oil) to the shear blades. After an operation, remove dust from both sides of the shear blades with a wired brush, wipe it off with a cloth and then apply low-viscosity oil (machine oil, or spray-type lubricating oil) to the shear blades.

NOTICE: Do not wash the shear blades in the water. Doing so may cause rust or damage to the tool.
NOTICE: Dirt and corrosion cause excessive blade friction and shorten the operating time per battery charge.

Storage

The hook hole in the tool bottom is convenient for hanging the tool from a nail or screw on the wall. Attach the blade cover to the shear blades so that the blades are not exposed. Store the tool out of the reach of children. Store the tool in a place not exposed to moisture or rain.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

CAUTION: These accessories or attachments are recommended for use with your Makita tool specified in this manual. The use of any other accessories or attachments might present a risk of injury to persons. Only use accessory or attachment for its stated purpose.

If you need any assistance with more details regarding these accessories, ask your local Makita Service Center.

• Shear blade assembly
• hear blade cover
• Chip receiver
• Makita genuine battery and charger

NOTE: Some items in the list may be included in the tool package as standard accessories. They may differ from country to country.