GMC HedgeHog BHT500, HedgeHog MX460 Instruction Manual

MX460
BHT500

04051 3 MX 460 ED0 6 PR

• Melbourne • Perth • Auckland • Hong Kong • Shanghai

• Taipei • New York • Verona • London • Paris

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

500W

460mm Hedge Trimmer

Contents

Warranty 2
Introduction 3
Environmental protection 3
Description of symbols 3
Specifications 3
Safety instructions 4
Additional safety rules for hedge trimmers 5
Unpacking 5
Know your product 6
Cable safety clip 7
Safety features 7
Switching on and off 7
Operating the hedge trimmer 8
Shaping 8
Cutting 8
Pruning 8
Lubrication 8
Cleaning and storage 9
Power cord maintenance 9

Full 2 Years Home Use Warranty

Whilst every effort is made to ensure your complete
satisfaction with this tool, occasionally, due to the mass
manufacturing techniques, a tool may not live up to our
required level of performance and you may need the
assistance of our service department.

This product is warranted for a 2-year period for home
domestic use from the date of the original purchase. If
found to be defective in materials or workmanship, the
tool or the offending faulty component will be replaced
free of charge with another of the same item. A small
freight charge may apply.

The warranty replacement unit is only made available by
returning the tool to the place of purchase with a
confirmed register receipt. Proof of purchase is essential.
We reserve the right to reject any claim where the
purchase cannot be verified.

This warranty does not include damage or defects to the
tool caused by or resulting from abuse, accidents,
alterations or commercial or business use.

It also does not cover any bonus accessories unless the
tool is a GMC Platinum Professional model.

Please ensure that you store your receipt in a safe place

.
Conditions apply to the above warranty.
If you need direction of what constitutes a free of

charge warranty claim, please review the guide given on
the rear of the Receipt Holder. An indication is given as
to the types of claim that are permissible, and those
that are not.

Description of symbols

The rating plate on your tool may show symbols. These
represent important information about the product or
instructions on its use.

Wear hearing protection.
Wear eye protection.
Wear breathing protection.

Double insulated
for additional protection.

Conforms to relevant standards for
electromagnetic compatibility.

Use at a distance of at least
5m from other people.

Specifications

Motor Capacity: 500W
Nominal voltage: 230–240Vac ~ 50Hz
Blade Length: 460mm
Branch Cutting Capacity: 14mm
Speed: 1400 min-

1

Weight: 3.5Kg

3

Dear Customer

If you require any help with your product, whether it
is a Warranty claim, spare part or user information,
please phone our Help Line for an immediate response.
Phone [phone] in Australia or 0800 445 721 in
New Zealand.

Introduction

Your new GMC power tool will more than satisfy your
expectations. It has been manufactured under stringent
GMC Quality Standards to meet superior performance
criteria.

You will find your new tool easy and safe to operate,
and, with proper care, it will give you many years of
dependable service

.

Caution. Carefully read through this entire Instruction

Manual before using your new GMC Power Tool. Take
special care to heed the Cautions and Warnings

.

Your GMC power tool has many features that will make
your job faster and easier. Safety, performance, and
dependability have been given top priority in the
development of this tool, making it easy to maintain
and operate

.

Environmental protection

Recycle unwanted materials instead of
disposing of them as waste. All tools, hoses
and packaging should be sorted, taken to
the local recycling centre and disposed of
in an environmentally safe way.

Safety instructions

WARNING. Read and understand all instructions. Failure

to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric
shock, fire and/or serious injury. The term “power tool”
in all of the warnings below refers to your mains-operated
(corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless)
power tool.

Save these instructions
Work area

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered and 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 or moving parts. Damaged
or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.

• When operating a power tool outdoors, use an

outdoor extension cord suitable for outdoor use.
Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use 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 safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.

Safety equipment such as a dust mask, non-skid
safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for
appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.

• Avoid accidental starting. Ensure the switch is in the

off-position before plugging in. Carrying power tools
with your finger on the switch or plugging in power
tools that have the switch on invites accidents.

• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning

the tool on. A wrench or a key that is 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 jewellery.

Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving
parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be
caught in moving parts.

• If devices are provided for the connection of dust

extraction and collection facilities ensure that these are
connected and properly used. Use of these devices can
reduce dust-related hazards.

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.

4

• Disconnect the plug from the power source 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. 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 and in the
manner intended for the particular type of power
tool, taking into account the working conditions and
the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for
operations different from intended could result in a
hazardous situation.

Service

• Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair

personnel using only identical replacement parts.
This will ensure that the safety of the power tool
is maintained.

Additional safety rules for hedge trimmers

• Do not use the trimmer in the rain.

• If cordset is cut or damaged remove it emmediately

from the power point.

• Keep hands and fingers well away from the blade.

• Wear work gloves, eye protection, solid shoes and

trousers when using this hedge trimmer.

• Always grasp both handles when operating the unit.

• Disconnect the trimmer from the mains supply when

you have finished work, before cleaning or if you have
been interrupted.

• This trimmer has been designed to cut soft, new

growth and should not be used on branches, hard
wood or other forms of cutting.

• Do not attempt to free a jammed blade before first

switching off the machine and disconnecting it from the
mains supply

• If you are interrupted when operating the trimmer,

complete the process and switch off before looking up.

• Never allow untrained users or children to use

the trimmer.

Wear goggles
Wear ear defenders
Wear a breathing mask

Unpacking

Due to modern mass production techniques, it is unlikely
that your power tool is faulty or that a part is missing.
If you find anything wrong, do not operate the tool
until the parts have been replaced or the fault has been
rectified. Failure to do so could result in serious
personal injury.

5

Know your product

Before using the trimmer, familiarise yourself with
all the operating features and safety requirements.

This trimmer is to be used for trimming soft, new
growth only. Use the tool and accessories only for
the applications intended. All other applications
are expressly ruled out.

1. Rear handle trigger switch

2. Front handle bar switch

3. Front handle

4. Guard

5. Blade

6. Cord

7. Cable safety clip

1

6

3 2

5

4

7

6

7

Cable safety clip

Locate the rectangular slot
in the lower part of the rear
handle and the position of
the moulded hook. Form a
loop in the extention cord and
insert the loop through the
rectangular slot. Twist the loop
through 1800 and hook the
loop over the moulded hook,
pull tight to secure the cable.

Safety features

1. The lower blade teeth have extended points with
rounded ends to reduce the chance of injury in case of
accidental contact.

2. The rear handle trigger switch (1) and front handle
bar switch (2) must be operated together to start the
motor. This ensures that both hands are used to control
the trimmer.

3. If either of the two switches is released, the trimmer
will stop instantly.

Switching on and off

This Hedge Trimmer is fitted with two safety interlocked
switch levers for safety.

1. To switch on, press both the rear handle trigger
switch(1) and the front handle bar switch (2) at the
same time.

2. To stop the Hedge Trimmer move the Hedge Trimmer

away from the cutting area and release either one of
the switches.

Operating the hedge trimmer

WARNING. Do not use the hedge trimmer in the rain or

store the hedge trimmer in wet conditions.
WARNING. If cordset is cut or damaged remove it

emmediately from the power point.
This product requires the use of two hands to ensure

safe operation.
Inspect the area to be cut before starting. Remove any

objects or debris that could be thrown, jammed or
become entangled in the blades.

Adopt a stable stance always keeping the Hedge Trimmer
in front of your body. Grip the front handle bar switch
with one hand. With the other hand grip the rear handle
and with your fingers squeeze the trigger switch.

Allow the cutting blades to reach full speed before
commencing the cut.

When cutting always move in a forward direction and
never backwards, you could fall over unseen obstacles.

Never work towards people or solid objects such as walls,
trees or vehicles etc.

If during cutting the blade stalls, stop the Hedge Trimmer
immediately and disconnect it from the mains supply
before investigating the cause.

Remove any jammed debris from the blades and examine
them for any damage before re-commencing cutting.

Always replace any damaged blades.

Shaping

1. Trim a hedge so that it is wider
at the bottom than the top.

2. This improves light

penetration and promotes
healthy growth.

3. Narrow the hedge

approximately 100mm for
every metre in height.

4. A bush can be round or

column shaped.

Cutting

1. Assume a secure position,
using two hands to
hold the trimmer and
switch on.

2. Trim both sides of the
hedge, starting at the
bottom. This prevents
cuttings falling into the
area yet to be cut.

3. Pass the blade lightly through the surface of the hedge.
Do not attempt to cut too deep.

4. Trim the top of the hedge.

5. For older hedges that require cutting back substantially,
use pruning shears to cut the thicker branches and
then finish the job with the hedge trimmer.

WARNING. Do not let the blade come into contact with

fencing wire or any other object that could damage it.

Pruning

Your hedge trimmer is
versatile. It can also be used
for trimming back new growth
from small shrubs onto the
driveway or into the garden.

Lubrication

WARNING. Always ensure that the trimmer is switched

off and the plug is removed from the power point before
making any adjustments.

1. After each use, clean the blades and lightly lubricate
with general purpose oil or spray lubricant.

8

Cleaning and Storage
Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are tight and

that the guard is fitted correctly.
All damaged and worn parts should be replaced in order to

maintain the Hedge Trimmer in a safe working condition.
Keep the tool’s air vents unclogged and clean at

all times. Remove dust and dirt regularly. Cleaning is best
done with compressed air or a rag. Never use caustic
agents to clean plastic parts.

CAUTION. Do not use cleaning agents to clean the plastic

parts of the tool. A mild detergent on a damp cloth is
recommended. Water must never come into contact with
the tool.

Special care should be taken when cleaning and adjusting
the blades. This should only be done with the Hedge
Trimmer switched off and disconnected from the mains
supply to prevent injury.

The Hedge Trimmer should always be stored with the
protective blade cover fitted and secured in place.

Store the tool, instruction manual and accessories in a
secure, dry place.

Ensure that the cable and any extension cable used are
checked for damage and are coiled correctly without kinks.

Power Cord Maintenance

If the supply cord needs replacing, the task must be
carried out by the manufacturer, the manufacturer’s
agent, or an authorised service centre in order to avoid
a safety hazard.

9

Carefully read the entire Instruction Manual

before using this product.

Before returning this product for a
Warranty Claim or any other reason

Please Call 1300 880 001 (Australia)
or 0800 445 721 (New Zealand)

When you make your call, please have
the following information at hand:

• GMC Product Type • GMC Product Code

A GMC Service Engineer will take your call and, in
most cases, will be able to solve your problem over
the phone.

You are welcome to use this phone-in service to
make suggestions or give comments about any
GMC product.

With continuing product development changes may
have occurred which render the product received
slightly different to that shown in this instruction
manual. The manufacturer reserves the right to
change specifications without notice. Note:
Specifications may differ from country to country.

The GMC 777 Helpline operates from 7am to
7pm, 7 days a week (EST). This allows you
to contact GMC directly with any queries and
technical questions you have regarding
our products.

45–55 South Centre Road
Melbourne Airport
Victoria, Australia 3045
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Save this Manual for future reference.