EarthWise GS70015 Operator's Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL Garden Shredder

Model GS70015

This product is covered by U. S. patents and other international patents

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual

before using this product.

Thank you for your purchase.

DO NOT RETURN THIS PRODUCT TO THE STORE. OPERATING, ASSEMBLY, PARTS, SERVICE QUESTIONS? CALL 1-800-313-5111 BETWEEN 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM EST FOR ASSISTANCE.

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

This garden shredder has been engineered and manufactured to our high standard for dependability, ease of operation, and operator safety. Properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Product Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Safety Precautions / General Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

Operating Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Assembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11

2

SPECIFICATIONS

Model…………………………………………. GS70015 Rated voltage………………………………… 120V AC 60Hz 15A No load speed……………………………….. 4,500/RPM Max cutting diameter………………………... 1-3/4 in. Protection level………………………………. IPX4 Net Weight…………………………………… 31 lb (13.95 kg)

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Intended use

This garden shredder is designed for the cutting of fibrous and woody garden waste for composting.

Precautions that involve your safety.

SWITCH OFF! Remove plug from outlet immediately if the cord is damaged or cut.

SWITCH OFF! Remove plug from outlet before cleaning or maintenance.

Do not use in wet weather conditions.

DANGER! Rotating blades. Keep hands and feet out of openings while

garden shredder is running.

Wear eye protection, dust mask protection, and ear protection.

Wear glove protection.

Wear foot protection.

DANGER! Rotating blades. Keep hands and feet out of openings while garden

shredder is running.

DANGER! Of being hit by thrown objects.

Keep bystanders at a safe distance.

SYMBOLS

Waste electrical products should not be disposed of with household waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check with your Local Authority or retailer for recycling advice.

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

TO REDUCE RISK OF INJURY : Before any

use be sure everyone using this product reads and understands all safety instructions and other information contained in this manual.

CAUTION: Wear appropriate personal

hearing protection during use. Under some conditions and duration of use, noise from this product may contribute to hearing loss.

WARNING: When using electric gardening

appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce risk of fire, electric shock, and/or personal injury.

Save these instructions and review frequently prior to use and in instructing others.

GENERAL SAFETY

AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTS- Don’t use this product in rainy, stormy, damp or wet locations. Do not operate in gaseous or explosive atmospheres. Motors in these products normally spark, and the sparks might ignite fumes.

DRESS PROPERLY- Don’t wear loose clothing or jewelry and wear protective hair covering to contain long hair. They can be caught in moving parts. Use of rubber gloves and substantial footwear is recommended when working outdoors.

USE SAFETY GLASSES- Wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles that are marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 standard when operating this product.

USE DUST MASK - Wear face or dust mask when operating this product.

USE HEARING PROTECTION - Wear ear plugs or muffs when operating this product.

GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER(GFCI) protection should be provided on the circuit (s) or outlet (s) to be used for this product if you are using an extension cord. Receptacles are available having built-in GFCI protection and may be used.

DOUBLE INSULATION – This product has double insulation. This means that all external metal parts are insulated from the electrical supply. This is achieved by introducing an insulation layer between electrical and mechanical parts. The double insulation guarantees you the greatest possible safety.

EXTENSION CORD– Make sure your extension cord is in good condition. Use only extension cords having an electrical rating not less than the rating of the product. An undersized extension cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating.

Cable Length Wire Gauge

Up to 25 ft. 12 AWG

It is possible to tie the extension cord and power cord in a knot to prevent them from becoming disconnected during use. Make the knot as shown, then connect the plug end of the power cord into the receptacle end of the extension cord. This method can also be used to tie two extension cords together.

POLARIZED PLUGS-To reduce the risk of electric shock, this product has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). This product must be used with a suitable polarized extension cord. Polarized connections will fit together only one way. Make sure that the receptacle end of the extension cord has large and small blade slot widths. If the plug does not fit fully into the extension cord, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, obtain a suitable extension cord. If the extension cord does not fit fully into the proper outlet. Do not change the tool plug or extension cord in any way.

WARNING: Use outdoor extension cords

marked SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A, SJW-A, SJTW-A, or SJTOWA. These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electric shock.

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DISCONNECT UNIT from the power supply when not in use or when servicing or cleaning. Do not leave unattended.

DON’T ABUSE CORD-Never carry or pull this product by the cord or yank the cord to disconnect from the receptacle. Keep cord from heat, oil, and sharp edges.

STAY ALERT-Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do not operate the garden shredder when you are tired or under the influence of drugs or medication.

STORE IDLE UNIT INDOORS-When not in use, the garden shredder should be stored indoors in a dry and high or locked-up place, out of children’s reach.

MAINTAIN UNIT WITH CARE-Keep clean for best performance and to reduce the risk of injury. Inspect extension cord periodically and replace if damaged. Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease.

CHECK FOR DAMAGED PARTS - Before further use of the product, any part that is damaged should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, mounting and any other condition that may affect its operation. Any part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced. Call our customer service help line at 1-800-313-5111 for assistance.

LIGHTING-Only operate your garden shredder in daylight or good artificial light.

DON’T OVERREACH - Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Wear oil resistant rubbersoled footwear.

Never leave a running tool unattended. Turn the garden shredder off and wait until it comes to a complete stop before leaving the work area.

Avoid accidental start-ups. Make sure switch is in off position before plugging in the power cord.

USE RIGHT APPLIANCE– Do not use this product for any job except that for which it is intended.

KEEP CHILDREN AWAY- All visitors, children and pets should stay at a safe distance from the work area.

WARNING: Some dust and debris created by

the use of this tool could contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:

- chemicals in fertilizers

- compounds in insecticides, herbicides and pesticides

- arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber

Your risk from exposure to these chemicals varies depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure, work in a well-ventilated area and with approved safety equipment, such as dust masks that are specifically designed to filter out microscopic particles.

WARNING: California Proposition 65:

This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth

defects or other reproductive harm.

GENERAL SAFETY

6

OPERATING TIPS

1. Before starting the garden shredder, make sure that the hopper inlet is empty.

2. Keep your face and body away from the

opening.

3. Do not allow hands or any other part of the body or clothing near the hopper or

discharge chute.

4. Never put your hands into the hopper while

the garden shredder is running. Always

use the paddle supplied with your shredder to push items into the hopper.

5. Do not try to force objects larger than the

recommended diameter of 1-3/4 in. into the hopper.

6. Keep proper balance and footing at all times. Do not overreach. Never stand at a

higher level than the base of the tool when feeding material into garden shredder.

7. Always stand clear of the discharge zone

when operating the garden shredder. Never

reach under the shredder until it has come to a complete stop.

8. When feeding material into the garden

shredder be careful to remove pieces of metal, rocks, bottles, cans, cloth or other foreign objects that may damage the

blades.

9 If the cutting mechanism strikes a foreign object or if the garden shredder should start

making any unusual noise or vibration, turn it off and allow it to come to a complete stop. Disconnect from power supply and take the following steps:

-inspect for damage;

-check for and tighten any loose parts;

-repair or replace any damaged parts

WARNING: Never reach into the hopper until

the garden shredder has come to a complete stop and is unplugged. The blades will continue to rotate for a few seconds after the shredder is turned off.

10. Do not allow processed material to build up in the discharge zone; this may prevent proper discharge and can result in kickback of material through the hopper.

WARNING: Never put your hands near the

discharge chute. Failure to heed the warning could result in serious injury.

11. If the shredder becomes clogged, turn it off and disconnect from power supply before clearing debris. Keep the power source clear of debris and other accumulations to prevent damage to the power source. Remember that the starting mechanism on engine powered tools will cause the cutting mechanism to move.

12. Keep all guards and deflectors in place and in good working condition.

13. Do not operate the garden shredder on a paved or gravel surface where ejected material could cause injury.

14. Turn off the garden shredder and disconnect it from the power supply whenever you leave the work area.

15. Do not tilt the garden shredder while it is running.

16. Never reach into the hopper until the garden shredder has come to a complete stop and has been disconnected from the power supply.

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ASSEMBLING

1. Remove all parts from package.

Check all the parts against the list in the manual. If any parts are damaged or missing do not use

the garden shredder until the part is repaired or replaced. Call our customer service help line at 1-800-313-5111 for assistance.

2. Position the left leg and right leg on the machine and fix with flange bolts, using hex key end of the Combo Socket/Hex key wrench provided. (See Fig. 1a, 1b).

3. Insert axle into axle tube (cover). Place washers over each end of axle and slide axle through the holes in the legs. Add washer and spacer to either end, then install the wheels. Add one more washer and install hex nut over the threaded ends of the axle. Tighten hex nuts by rotating socket wrenches (provided) in opposite directions (See Fig. 2a, 2b)

4. Press the wheel covers into the wheels to cover the ends of the axle. You may use a hammer to seat them securely over the axles. There may be some clearance between the wheel and the wheel cover. It is not necessary to press it to the bottom (See Fig. 3a, 3b)

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Fig. 1b

Fig. 2b

Fig. 3a Fig. 3b

Fig. 2a

Fig. 1a

ASSEMBLING

5. Snap the hopper ring onto hopper securely. (See Fig. 4a, 4b)

Fig 5a Fig. 5b

6. Fit the hopper (23) onto the upper feeding chute (5). Attach the buckle (24) to the retainer in the

upper chute; Fasten the buckles (24) on both sides and make sure the hopper is placed correctly and securely (See Fig. 5a, 5b)

7. Install collection box by pushing it into the frame beneath shredder body (See Fig. 6a, 6b)

Fig. 6a Fig. 6b

Fig. 4a Fig. 4b

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2. Overload protection. (See Fig. 7)

Your garden shredder is designed with overload protection. If the shredder is clogged during shredding, the overload protection will cut the power automatically to protect your shredder. Wait at least 1 minute before restarting by first pressing the reset button (B) and then the I/O switch.

3. Locking Knob (See Fig. 7)

The garden shredder is equipped with a safety interlock switch on the closure between the cover and main body. The switch is activated when the cover is securely closed and tightened by the locking knob. When the cover is open or not secured well, the shredder will not run. Always tighten the locking knob (D) by turning it clockwise before operation.

5. Blades.

The blades on the rotary plate are reversible. For quality and safety reasons, we recommend that only identical replacement blades be used should it become necessary to replace them.

D. Locking Knob

OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Starting and stopping.

Starting: (See Fig. 7)

Make sure the switch is in the off position. Plug the garden shredder into a suitable outlet using an approved extension cord if necessary. Push the I/O switch to “I” to turn the garden shredder on.

Stopping: (See Fig. 7)

Push the I/O switch to “O” to turn the garden shredder off.

CAUTION: The garden shredder will not operate if the locking knob is loose.

Fig. 7

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B. Reset Button

I

O

6. Shredding material:

WARNING! Before starting, ensure that the feed inlet is empty. WARNING! Always wear ear and eye protection and wear gloves during operation. CAUTION! Longer material standing out from the shredder could lash out when being pulled

in by the blades. Keep a safe distance. CAUTION! When using the garden shredder and feeding branches into the shredder,

sometimes the blades pull the material into the opening. Keep hands at a safe distance. CAUTION! The ventilation slots must not be covered.

a) Only insert as much material as to prevent blockage of the feeding funnel. Chop garden waste

that has been stored for a few days and is wilted and damp alternately with dry branches. This prevents the cutting blades from blocking up. Widely branched material with leaves must be completely chopped before new material is fed. Make sure that the chopped material can fall freely from the ejection slot.

b) Keep hold of branches while feeding them into the garden shredder until they are automatically

drawn in.

c) Keep to the working speed of the garden shredder and do not overload it.

d) To protect the garden shredder from clogging, shred wilted garden waste that has been left for a

few days and shred thin twigs alternately with branches.

e) Before you shred roots, remove any remaining soil and stones from them.

f) Do not shred soft, damp material such as kitchen waste, take it straight to the compost.

g) Keep a few dry branches for the end, as they will help clean the garden shredder.

h) Only switch the garden shredder off after all of the shredding material has passed through the

discharge chutes. Otherwise, the discharge chutes may jam the next time the shredder is turned on.

OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS

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WARNING! Always turn off the garden shredder and unplug the power cord from the outlet before

maintaining the shredder.

WARNING! Always wear gloves when cleaning.

1. Cleaning garden shredder: (See Fig. 8) a) Unscrew the locking knob (D) counter clockwise and open the cover. b) Clean cutting blades and discharge area and remove wood sticks or objects that may clog

the blades.

c) The garden shredder has two blades that are attached to a rotary plate with two screws,

(See Fig. 9). Before any maintenance or cleaning is done on the blades, always turn the switch off and disconnect the plug from the outlet.

d) Check blades for damage. Use only identical replacement parts if it becomes necessary to

replace them. e) Return the cover to its upright position and tighten the knob before operating the garden shredder.

2. Use only a warm damp cloth and a soft brush to clean your garden shredder. Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes during cleaning.

3. Never spray water on the garden shredder or wash it with water. Do not use detergents or solvents as these could cause irreparable damage to your shredder.

4. The fastening screws of the stand assembly should be checked from time to time. Periodically check all nuts, bolts and screws to be sure the shredder is in safe working condition.

5. Make sure the ventilation slots are always kept clean and are free of debris.

6. To protect the garden shredder from corrosion when storing for a long period, treat the cutting blade with oil.

7. Cutting blade replacement. (See Fig. 8 & 9) a) The reversible blade is fastened to the rotary plate with two screws. Before any maintenance or

cleaning of the blades, always turn the switch off and disconnect the plug from the outlet. b) Turn the Locking Knob counterclockwise until the housing cover can be opened. c) Lift up the housing cover to expose the two blades. d) Align the slots on the board, the blade support and the main body and insert a metal rod like a

screwdriver into the slots to prevent rotating when removing the blade with the supplied socket

wrench. e) Remove the old blade. Either reverse the blade so the sharp edge is in the cutting position or

insert a replacement blade. Use the same method to replace the other blade.

D

B

MAINTENANCE

Fig. 9

12

Fig. 8

PARTS LIST

13

1. Power cable and plug 14. Washer x 4 Q235 Ф10XФ20X1.5

2. I/O switch 15. Locking nut x 2 Q235 M8

3. Reset button 16. Flange bolts x 4 M6x45

4. Locking knob 17. Socket wrench

5. Feeding chute 18.

Combo socket/hex key wrench

6. Body cover 19. Left leg

7. Discharge chute 20. Collection box

8. Wheel cover x 2 21. Right leg

9. Wheel x 2 22. Paddle

10. Axle 23. Hopper

11. Spacer x 2 Q235 Φ14xΦ10x32 24. Locking buckle

12. Axle tube 25. Hopper ring

13. Washer x 2 Q235 Ф8XФ20X1.5

Problem Possible cause Possible correction

The motor does not run Power failure / unit not

plugged into a working receptacle.

The overload protection has responded.

The hopper is open.

Check to make sure unit is plugged into a working outlet. Make sure extension cord is not damaged.

Remove any chips and press the reset button. Wait one minute before pressing the ON/OFF switch to restart the unit.

Check to make sure the hopper is secured and the lock knob is tightened.

The material to be chopped is not pulled in.

The material is jammed in the feed inlet.

The cutting blade is blocked.

The discharge chute is blocked.

Disconnect the power supply and open the hopper. Pull the material from the feed inlet. Replace the hopper.

Disconnect the power supply and open the hopper. Open the blade cover. Remove the blocked material and replace the blade cover and hopper.

Disconnect the power supply and open the hopper. Open the plate of the discharge chute to clear the blocked material. Replace the plate and hopper.

Blades becomes worn. Reverse the blades by first disconnecting

the unit from the power supply. The reversible blade is fixed to the rotary plate with two screws. Align the slots on the board and the blade support, insert a metal rod like a screw driver into the slots to prevent rotating when reversing the blades and use the supplied socket wrench to unscrew the screws. Call our customer service help line at 1-800-313-5111 for assistance or to order replacement blades.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

14

NOTES

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EarthWise GS70015 Operator's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual