Homelite UT31810 User Manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

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18V CORDLESS STRING TRIMMER
MODEL NO. UT31810

THANK YOU FOR BUYING A HOMELITE CORDLESS STRING TRIMMER

Your new cordless string trimmer has been engineered and manufactured to Homelite's high standard for
dependability, ease of operation, and operator safety. Properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free
performance.

CAUTION: Carefully read through this entire operator's manual before using your new cordless string

trimmer.

Pay close attention to the Rules for Safe Operation, Warnings, and Cautions. If you use your string
trimmer properly and only for what it is intended, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable service.
Thank you again for buying Homelite products.

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Rules for Safe Operation................................................................................................................................ 2 - 5

Safety Symbols .................................................................................................................................................... 6

Features ................................................................................................................................................................ 7

Assembly .............................................................................................................................................................. 8

Operation .......................................................................................................................................................9 - 12

Maintenance and Repair ............................................................................................................................ 13 - 15

Troubleshooting................................................................................................................................................. 16

Product Specifications ...................................................................................................................................... 16

Warranty ............................................................................................................................................................. 17

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols, and the
explanations with them, deserve your careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings do not by
themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for proper
accident prevention measures.

SYMBOL MEANING

SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL:

Indicates danger, warning, or caution. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.

DANGER: Failure to obey Rules for Safe Operation will result in injury to yourself and others. Always
follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury.

WARNING: Failure to obey Rules for Safe Operation can result in injury to yourself and others. Always
follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury.

CAUTION: Failure to obey Rules for Safe Operation may result in property damage or personal injury to
yourself or to others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and
personal injury.

Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means attention!!! Your safety

is involved.

WARNING:

Failure to obey Rules for Safe Operation can result
in injury to yourself and others. Always follow the
safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric
shock, and personal injury.

WARNING:

When using battery powered string trimmers, basic
safety precautions should always be followed to
reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal
injury. Carefully read and understand the entire
Operator’s Manual before using your string trimmer.
Pay close attention to the Operating Instructions
and Rules for Safe Operation.

Page 2

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

BEFORE OPERATING

• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the
controls and proper use of the unit.

• Do not operate this unit when tired, ill, or under the
influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.

• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged
parts. Check for battery pack leaks. Make sure all
fasteners are in place and secure. Replace string
head or any other parts that are cracked, chipped,
or damaged. Make sure the string head is properly
installed and securely fastened. Be sure the grass
shield is properly attached, and positioned as
recommended. Failure to do so can result in
personal injury to the operator and bystanders, as
well as damage to the unit.

• Use the right tool. Only use this string trimmer for
the purpose intended.

• Do not use string trimmer if switch will not turn the
unit on or off. A unit that cannot be controlled with
the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.

• Clear the area to be cut before each use. Remove
all objects such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire,
or string which can be thrown or become en­tangled in the string head.

• Clear the area of children, bystanders, and pets.
At a minimum, keep all children, bystanders and
pets outside a 50 feet (15 m) radius; there still may
be a risk to bystanders from thrown objects.
Bystanders should be encouraged to wear eye
protection. If you are approached, stop the motor
and make sure the string head stops immediately.

• To avoid the risk of electric shock, do not operate
unit in damp or wet locations.

• Do not handle the unit with wet hands.

• Use only 0.065 in (1.65 mm) diameter genuine
Homelite replacement line. Never use metal­reinforced line, wire, or rope, etc. These can break
off and become a dangerous projectile. Do not use
any other attachment on this unit.

• Do not allow children under the age of 15 or
untrained individuals to use this string trimmer.

• To reduce the risk of injury, always wear full eye
protection when using this string trimmer.

• Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty.

• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewelry; they can be caught in moving parts. Use of
rubber gloves and substantial footwear is recom­mended when working outdoors.

• To prevent hair from being drawn into nearby air
vents and becoming entangled in moving parts,
wear protective hair covering to contain long hair or
secure covered hair above shoulder level.

• Do not use electric or battery operated units in rain
or damp weather.

WHILE OPERATING

• Do not use trimmer without front handle in place.
Keep both hands on handles when unit is in use.

• To avoid accidental starting, never carry your unit
with your finger on the trigger.

• Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked to
comply with ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards when
operating this unit.

• Stay alert and pay attention to what you are doing.
Use common sense when using this string trim­mer.

• Wear heavy, long pants, substantial footwear and
well fitting gloves. Do not wear short pants,
sandals or go barefoot.

• Do not operate in poor lighting. Use the unit only in
daylight or good artificial light.

• Do not overreach or stand on unstable support.
Keep good footing and balance at all times. Do not
use on ladder.

• Do not force the trimmer. It will do the job better
and with less likelihood of a risk of injury at the
rate for which it was designed.

• Always hold the unit with both hands when operat­ing. Keep a firm grip on both the rear handle and
the front handle.

• Release the trigger, allow the motor to stop, and
remove the battery pack before performing mainte­nance, repair or making adjustments.

• This cordless string trimmer is intended only for
cutting grass, light weeds and for decorative
trimming. Do not use this string trimmer as an
edger.

Page 3

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

• Before starting the unit, make sure the string head
will not come in contact with anything.

• If you strike or become entangled with foreign
objects, stop the unit immediately, remove the
battery pack and check for damage. Do not
operate before repairing damage. Do not operate
the unit with loose or damaged parts.

• Keep all body parts away from string head and
other moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the
string head when it is rotating.

• Keep string head below waist level.

• Always stop the motor when cutting is delayed or
when walking from one cutting location to another.

• The grass shield must always be in place while
operating the unit. Do not operate unit without the
cutting line extended, and the proper line installed.
Do not extend the cutting line beyond the length of
the shield.

• Keep unit clean of grass clippings and other
materials. They may become lodged between the
string head and shield.

• Store the unit inside in a dry place, either locked
up or up high to prevent unauthorized use or
damage. Keep out of the reach of children or
untrained individuals.

• Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any
other liquid. Keep handles dry, clean and free from
debris. Clean after each use, see Cleaning and
Storage instructions.

• Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.

• Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and
use them to instruct other users. If you loan
someone this unit, also loan them these instruc­tions.

SERVICE

• Service on unit must be performed only by quali­fied repair personnel. Service or maintenance
performed by unqualified personnel could result in
a risk of injury to the user, or damage to the unit. It
may also void your warranty.

• When servicing a unit, use only identical replace­ment parts. Follow instruction in the Maintenance
section of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts
or failure to follow Maintenance Instructions may
create a risk of shock or serious injury to the user,
or damage to the unit. It may also void your
warranty.

BATTERY SAFETY

• Battery operated units do not have to be plugged
into an electrical outlet; therefore, they are always
in operating condition. Be aware of possible
hazards even when unit is not operating.

• Remove the battery pack before making any
adjustments, cleaning, storing, or removing
material from the unit, or when not in use.

•A battery pack must be recharged only with the
specified charger for the battery pack. A charger
that may be suitable for one type of battery pack
may create a risk of fire when used with another
battery pack. Use battery pack only with charger
listed.

BATTERY PACK: 1323701
CHARGER: 1425701

• To reduce the risk of explosion and possible injury,
DO NOT place battery units or their batteries near
fire or heat.

• Do not open or mutilate the battery pack. Re­leased electrolyte is corrosive and may cause
damage to the eyes or skin. It may be toxic if
swallowed.

•A damaged battery pack is subject to explosion. To
avoid serious personal injury, properly dispose of a
damaged battery pack.

• Batteries vent hydrogen gas and can explode in the
presence of a source of ignition, such as a pilot light.
To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, never
use any cordless product in the presence of open
flame. An exploded battery pack can propel debris
and chemicals. If exposed, flush with water immedi­ately.

• Do not charge unit in a damp or wet location.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric
shock.

• For best results, your battery unit should be
charged in a location where the temperature is
more than 50°F (10°C) but less than 100°F (38°C).
Do not store outside or in vehicles.

• Under extreme usage or temperature conditions,
battery pack leakage may occur. If liquid comes in
contact with your skin, wash immediately with
soap and water, then neutralize with lemon juice
or vinegar. If liquid gets into your eyes, flush them
with clean water for at least 10 minutes, then seek
immediate medical attention.

Page 4

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

• Do not dispose of batteries in a fire. The cell may
explode. Batteries should be recycled, consult
your local waste authority for information regarding
available recycling and/or disposal options.

• 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 pack terminals together may
cause sparks, burns, or a fire.

CHARGER SAFETY

• Save these instructions. This manual contains
important Rules for Safe Operation and operating
instructions for charger.

• Before using battery charger, read all instructions
and cautionary markings in this manual, on battery
charger, and product using battery charger.

• To reduce risk of injury, charge only nickel­cadmium type rechargeable batteries. Other types
of batteries may burst, causing personal injury and
damage.

• Do not expose charger to wet or damp conditions.

• Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by
the battery charger manufacturer may result in a
risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.

• To reduce risk of damage to charger body and
cord, pull by charger plug rather than cord when
disconnecting charger.

• Make sure cord is located so that it will not be
stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise subjected to
damage or stress.

• An extension cord should not be used unless
absolutely necessary. Use of improper extension
cord could result in a risk of fire and electric shock.
If extension cord must be used, make sure:

a. That pins on plug of extension cord are the

same number, size and shape as those of
plug on charger.

b. That extension cord is properly wired and in

good electrical condition; and

c. That wire size is large enough for AC ampere

rating of charger as specified below:
Cord Length (Feet) 25' 50' 100'
Cord Size (AWG) 16 16 16
NOTE: AWG = American Wire Gage

• Do not operate charger with a damaged cord or
plug. If damaged, have replaced immediately by a
qualified serviceman.

• Do not operate charger if it has received a sharp
blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any
way; take it to a qualified serviceman.

• Do not disassemble charger; take it to a qualified
serviceman when service or repair is required.
Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of
electric shock or fire.

• To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug the
charger from outlet before attempting any mainte­nance or cleaning. Turning off controls will not
reduce this risk.

• Disconnect charger from power supply when not
in use.

• Risk of electric shock. Do not touch uninsulated
portion of output connector or uninsulated battery
terminal.

• Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently
and use them to instruct others who may use this
unit. If you loan someone this unit, loan them
these instructions also.

Page 5

SAFETY SYMBOLS

The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols, and their
explanations, deserve your careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings do not by themselves
eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for proper accident prevention
measures.

SYMBOL MEANING

SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL

Indicates danger, warning, or caution. Attention is required in order to avoid serious personal
injury. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.

WARNING: READ OPERATOR’S MANUAL

Failure to follow operating instructions and rules for safe operation in the operator’s manual can
result in serious injury. Read the operator’s manual before starting or operating this unit.

FOR SERVICE INFORMATION, CALL:

1-800-chainsaw (1-800-242-4672)

WEAR EYE PROTECTION
WARNING: Thrown objects can cause severe eye injury. Wear eye protection marked to comply

with ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards when operating this unit.

KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY
WARNING: Keep all bystanders, especially children and pets, at least 50 feet (15 m.) from the

operating area.

DANGER OF RICOCHET
WARNING: Do not operate without the grass shield in place. Keep away from the rotating

string head.

SHARP BLADE
WARNING: Sharp blade on grass shield. To prevent serious injury, do not touch line cutting

blade.

NOTE:

Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equip­ment.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Page 6