OPERATOR'S MANUAL
18 Volt Cordless Pole Pruner
Model No. UT34020
Your new pole pruner has been engineered and manufactured to Homelite’s high standard for dependability, ease of
operation, and operator safety. Properly cared for, it will giv e you years of rugged, troub le-free performance.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual
before using this product.
Pa y close attention to the Rules for Safe Oper ation, W arnings, and Cautions. If you use your pole pruner properly and
only for what it is intended, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable service.
■ Features ........................................................................................................................................................... 8
■ Parts Ordering / Service ..................................................................................................................................18
■■
INTRODUCTION
Limbing and pruning can be accomplished fast, safe, and easy with the 18V Cordless P ole Pruner . The long reach of
the pole pruner allows the operator to cut high branches comfortably. Safety, perf ormance, and dependability have
been given top priority in the design of this pole pruner making it easy to maintain and operate.
Look for this symbol to point out important safety
precautions. It means attention!!! Your safety is involved.
2
IMPORT ANT SAFETY INSTR UCTIONS
WARNING:
Do not attempt to operate this unit until you have
read thoroughly and understand completely all
instructions, safety information, etc. contained in
this manual. Failure to comply can result in
accidents involving fire, electric shock, or serious
personal injury.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
■ Do not allow children or untrained individuals to use
this unit.
■ To protect from chips or falling branches, wear eye
protection which is marked to comply with ANSI
Z87.1 as well as hearing and head protection when
operating this unit.
■ Wear heavy long pants, non-slip safety footwear,
gloves, and a hard hat.
■ Never operate unit while bare foot or wearing open
shoes.
■ Do not wear loose clothing, or jewelry that might get
entangled in this unit.
■ Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least 50
feet (15 m) away. Remember that the operator or
user is responsible for accidents occurring to
bystanders, their property, as well as themselves.
■ Maintain the unit with care. Keep the cutting edge
sharp and clean for best performance and to reduce
the risk of injury. Follow instructions for lubricating
and changing accessories. Inspect the battery
charger cord periodically, and if damaged, have it
replaced or repaired by an authorized service center.
Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and
grease.
■ Check for damaged parts. Before further use of the
appliance, 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 conditions that may affect its operation. A guard or other
part that is damaged should be properly repaired or
replaced by an authorized service center. Following
this rule will reduce the risk of shock, fire, or serious
injury.
■ Do not force the pole pruner. Use the correct tool for
your application. The correct tool will do the job
better and safer at the rate for which it is designed.
■ Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times. Proper footing and balance enables
better control of the pole pruner in unexpected situation. Do not use on a ladder or unstable support.
■ Secure long hair so it can not become entangled in
moving parts or air intake.
■ Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, or
under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
■ Stay alert and pay attention to what you are doing.
Use common sense when using this unit.
■ Do not operate in poor lighting.
■ Do not expose the pole pruner to wet or damp
conditions.
■ Always store the pole pruner indoors in a dry
location that is inaccessible to children.
■ Never let anyone use your unit who has not received
adequate instructions in the unit's proper use. This
applies to rentals as well as private owned units.
■ Keep the handles dry and clean.
■ Before you start the unit, make sure the blade is not
contacting any object.
■ Stop the unit, remove the battery pack, and make
sure the blade has stopped before setting the unit
down.
■ To avoid accidental starting, never carry the unit
with your finger on the trigger.
■ To protect yourself from electrocution, do not
operate within 50 feet (15m) of overhead electrical
lines.
■ To protect yourself from falling branches, do not
stand directly under the branch or limb being cut.
This unit should not be held at an angle over 60°
from ground level.
■ Use only the manufacturer's replacement parts.
Failure to do so may cause poor performance,
possible injury and may void your warranty.
3
IMPORT ANT SAFETY INSTR UCTIONS
PRECAUTIONS AGAINST KICKBACK
Kickback is a dangerous reaction that can lead to
serious injury .
■ Keep a good firm grip on the unit with both hands
when operating the unit. Place your right hand on the
rear handle and the left hand on the front handle. A
firm grip will help you reduce kickback and maintain
control of the unit.
■ Make sure that the area in which you are cutting is
free from obstructions. Do not let the blade come in
contact with any obstruction while operating the unit.
■ Always cut with the unit at full speed. Fully squeeze
the trigger and maintain a steady cutting speed.
■ Use only the replacement blade specified for your
unit.
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 the battery pack only with the
charger listed.
■ 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.
4
IMPORT ANT SAFETY INSTR UCTIONS
■ 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 nickel-cadmium
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
■ 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.
5
SYMBOLS
Important: Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them and learn their meaning.
Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.
SYMBOLNAMEEXPLANATION
VVoltsVoltage
AAmperesCurrent
HzHert zFrequency (cycles per second)
WWattPower
minMinutesTime
Alternating CurrentType or a characteristic of current
Direct CurrentType or a characteristic of current
n
0
No Load SpeedRotational speed, at no load
Class II ConstructionDesignates Double Insulated Construction tools
.../minRevolutions or Reciprocation Per MinuteRevolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits
etc. per minute
Safety Alert SymbolIndicates danger, warning or caution. It means
attention!!! Your safety is involved.
Wet Conditions AlertDo not expose to rain or use in damp
locations.
Read Your Operator’s ManualYour manual contains special messages to
bring attention to potential safety concerns,
machine damage as well as helpful operating
and servicing information. Please read all the
information carefully to avoid injury and machine damage.
Wear Eye, Hearing, and Head ProtectionWear eye protection which is marked to comply
with ANSI Z87.1 as well as hearing and head
protection when operating this equipment.
Wear Safety FootwearWear non-slip safety footwear when using this