HEDGEMASTER
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Explanation of Symbols on the hedgecutter
1) Read instruction manual.
2) Switch off and remove plug from mains
before cleaning, if the cable is entangled
or if the cable is cut or damaged.
3) Do not use the hedgecutter in the rain
or leave it outdoors when it is raining.
Other persons and animals should remain at a
distance of 3 metres or more when the machine is
being used.
Never grasp the blade of the hedgecutter.
Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these
instructions to use the hedgecutter. Local regulations
may restrict the age of the operator.
Never cut a hedge while people, especially children or
pets are nearby.
The operator or user is responsible for accidents or
hazards occurring to other people or their property.
Take care when using your appliance. Do not operate
it when you are tired.
Do not operate the hedgecutter when barefoot or
wearing open sandals, always wear substantial
footwear and long trousers. The use of stur dy glo v es,
non-skid footwear and safety glasses is r ecommended.
Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery which can be
caught in moving parts.
Thoroughly inspect the area where the hedgecutter is
to be used and remove all wires and other foreign
objects.
Before using, always visually inspect to see that the
cutter blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly are not
worn or damaged. Do not operate with a damaged or
excessively worn cutting device.
Avoid unintentional starting. Do not carry a plugged in
appliance with your finger on the switch.
Check cable for damage before starting work and
replace if necessary - never carry the appliance by
the cable or yank it to disconnect it from the socket.
Keep the cable away fr om heat, oil and sharp edges.
Know how to stop the hedgecutter quickly in an
emergency.
Cut a hedge only in daylight or in good artificial light.
Never operate the hedgecutter with defective guards
or without the guard in place
Always ensure all handles and guards supplied are
fitted when using the hedgecutter. Never attempt to
use an incomplete hedgecutter or one with an
unauthorised modification.
Always use two hands to operate the hedgecutter.
Never hold the hedgecutter by the guard.
Keep cable away from the cutting area.
While operating the hedgecutter always be sure of a
safe and secure operating position especially when
using steps or a ladder.
Always be aw are of your surroundings and stay alert for
possible hazards that you may not hear whilst
operating the hedgecutter.
Remove the plug from the socket:-
- before checking, clearing a blockage or working
on the hedgecutter;
- after striking a foreign object. Inspect the
hedgecutter for damage and make repairs as
necessary;
- if the hedgecutter starts to vibrate abnormally
(check immediately).
Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure that the
hedgecutter is always in a safe working condition.
After use the appliance should be stored so that the
blade is not exposed - and when not in use the
appliance should be stored in a dry, high or locked up
place, out of reach of children.
Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
Do not attempt to repair the appliance unless you are
qualified to do so.
The appliance has been manufactured to specific
safety requirements. Repairs should only be carried out
by qualified persons using original spare parts,
otherwise this may result in considerable danger to the
user .
Ensure that only Qualcast Approved replacement
parts are fitted.
Safety Rules
W ARNING ! Read these instructions carefully
Be familiar with the controls and the proper use of the hedgecutter.
This machine can cause serious injuries if not used as intended.
Introduction
Thank you for buying your new Qualcast hedgecutter.
This manual gives instructions on the correct assembly
and safe use of your hedgecutter. It is important that
you read these instructions carefully.
Please record the following information. It will help your
service agent if you ever need assistance or spare
parts. The information is located on a label on the
bottom of the machine.
The weight of the hedgecutter is 2.8 kilograms.
Model Nº
Serial Nº
Date of purchase
Intended Use
This product is intended for domestic use for the
trimming of hedges.
Unpacking
Carefully remove the machine from its packaging and
check that you have all the following items:
1. Instruction manual
2. Blade guard
If any components are missing please call the
Consumer Care Hotline on (01449) 742130 for
assistance. We also have a wide network of Qualcast
Approved Service Agents who you can contact for
service and advice both within and outside the period
of the guarantee.
WARNING!
THE BLADES CONTINUE TO MOVE
FOR A FEW SECONDS AFTER THE
HEDGECUTTER IS SWITCHED OFF.
Electrical Safety
Note: It is recommended for increased electrical safety
to use a Residual Current Device (RCD) with a tripping
current of not more than 30mA. Always check your
RCD every time you use it.
Note: Your hedgecutter is fitted with an approved 13A
(BS 1363/A) electric plug and is protected by a 13A
fuse (ASTA Appr o v ed to BS1362).
If the fitted plug is not suitable for your socket outlets, it
should be cut off and an appropriate plug fitted in its
place.
The severed plug must be disposed of to avoid a
possible shock hazard and should never be inserted
into a 13A socket elsewhere.
If the supply cable (fitted to the hedgecutter) is
damaged contact your Qualcast Approved Service
Agent.
Your hedgecutter is double insulated for safety and
requires no earth connection. The operating voltage is
230V ac.50Hz.
Extension cable
Only use an approved extension cable which is
intended for outdoor use. Contact your Qualcast
Approved Service Agent for details.
Fixing means for the connection leads m ust be used.
The connection lead must be inspected f o r signs of
damage at regular intervals and may only be used if in
perfect condition.
Starting and Stopping
Starting
1. Press and hold the switch Fig1A.
2. Squeeze the switch lever Fig 1B.
Stopping
Release switch Fig 1A and/or switch lever Fig1B.
If the blade becomes jammed during use, release the
switch handles immediately .
Tips on Cutting a Hedge
1. Hold the hedgecutter away from you using both
hands. Stand in a secure and stable position.
2. Pass the cable over your shoulder and ensure that
you work in such a way that the cable is behind
you at all times. NEVER place the cable over the
hedge where it may easily be cut by the blades.
3. Cut stems upto 12mm thick. When cutting,
move steadily along the line of cut so that stems
are fed directly into the cutter blades. The double
edge enables you to cut in either direction or with
a side to side movement.
4. To keep very flat sides, it is better to cut upwards
with the growth. Younger stems move outwards
when the blades cut downwards and can cause
shallow patches in the hedges.
5. For a very level finish, a piece of string can be
stretched along the length of the hedge at the
required height to act as a guide. The hedge may
then be cut just above the string.
6. Take care to avoid hard objects such as wire
which could cause damage to the cutting blades
and the drive.
7. Optimum trimming times:Hedges with green leaves, in June and October.
Evergreen in April and August.
Conifer and other fast growing shrubs, every six
weeks from May onwards.
After Cutting/Storage
Clean the exterior of the machine thoroughly using a
soft brush and cloth. Do not use water, solvents or
polishes. Remove all cutting debris, especially from the
ventilation slots.
Store the hedgecutter in a dry place. Do not place
other objects on top of the machine.
Ensure that the blade is covered with the blade guard
supplied.
Maintenance
Stop, re mov e plug fr om the po w er supply.
Note: To ensure long and reliable service, carry out the
following maintenance regularly.
Regularly check for obvious defects such as a loose,
dislodged or damaged blade, loose fixings, and worn
or damaged components. Check that covers and
guards are undamaged and correctly fitted.
Blade Maintenance
For easier operation lubricate the cutter blades before
and after use, apply the oil so that it runs between the
two blades.
Rewiring the Supply Cable
We strongly recommend that you contact a Qualcast
Approved Service Agent. The method below should
only be followed by a qualified electrician.
1) Remove the re-wire cover Fig 2A by removing
screw Fig 2B.
2) Loosen terminal screws Fig 2C and remove old
cable Fig 2D.
3) Strip back supply cable as shown in Fig 3
Note: The copper ends of each wire should be twisted
before connecting to the terminal block as shown
Fig3A. DO NOT tin with solder.
4) Thread the cable Fig 2D through the cable
grommet Fig 2E and connect to the terminal
Fig 2F by tightening the two terminal screws
Fig 2C.
Ensure the live wire is connected to the correct
switch terminal Fig 2.
5) Route cable as shown Fig 2.
6) Replace cover Fig 2A by refitting screw Fig 2B.
Fault Finding
The following table gives checks and actions that you can perform if your machine does not operate correctly.
If these do not identify/remedy the problem contact your Qualcast approved service agent.
Warning - switch off , remov e plug from mains bef ore in v estigating fault.
Symptom Possible Cause Remedy
Fails to operate Is the power turned on? Turn power on
Is the mains socket live? Try another socket and/or
another appliance
Has the fuse blown? Replace fuse
Fuse continues to blow Contact a Qualcast
Approved Service Agent
Supply cable damaged Contact a Qualcast
Approved Service Agent
Works intermittently Supply cable damaged Contact a Qualcast
Approved Service Agent
Motor fault Contact a Qualcast
Approved Service Agent
Excessive vibration/ Motor fault Contact a Qualcast
Noise Approved Service Agent
Declaration of Conformity
Measured values determine according to 84/538/EEC
(sound pressure level at a height of1.60 m) and
EN 50144
Typically the A-weighted noise level of the product is:
sound pressure level 82 dB (A) ; sound power level
93 dB (A).
The typical hand/arm vibration is below 2.5 m/s²
We declare under our sole responsibility, that this
product is in conformity with the following standards or
standardized documents: EN 774,EN 50 144 according
to the provisions of the directiv es 89/336/EEC, 98/37/EC,
2000/14/EC.
2000/14/EC: The guaranteed sound powe r lev el L Wa is
lower than 96 dB (A). Conformity assessment
procedure according to Annex V
Notified body: .SRL Sudbury, England
Signed at Stowmarket
Date: 2001
1
A
✔
✕
6mm
20mm
B
B
2
B
C
F
A
Live
(Brown)
E
D
3
2
1
A
Neutral
(Blue)
A
Step
Step
Atco-Qualcast Ltd, Suffolk W o rks, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 1EY, England
Tel: (01449) 742130 Fax: (01449) 674243
Printed in England F016L69857 (01.09)
The Guarantee
Qualcast guarantees this product against
manufacturing defects. We will repair (or replace at our
option) if a manufacturing defect occurs within the
guarantee period as long as it has only been
subjected to domestic use.
For the purpose of this guarantee, domestic use means
any use of the product on the property belonging to
the purchaser and forming part of the garden area of
his/her dwelling.
The guarantee period is 5 years parts and 2 years
labour costs from date of purchase.
To obtain a repair under this guarantee:
• Take the product to an approved service agent.
• Show your dated proof of purchase.
• Show this guarantee.
The guarantee does not apply if:
i. You cannot provide dated proof of purchase.
ii. The product has been resold by the original
purchaser (this does not apply in the Republic
of Ireland), or has been used under hire.
iii. The product has been modified to change
the manufacturers specifications, or if non
genuine replacement parts have been fitted.
iv. Any previous repair was undertaken by anyone
other than an approved service agent.
v. The fault is due to m aladjustment, abuse, neglect
or accidental damage.
vi. The fault is due to lack of lubrication or
maintenance.
vii. Damage to any part, particularly the dr ive or
cutting mechanism has been caused by allowing
the product to strike solid objects.
viii. The product develops a fault due to abnormal
use.
ix. Failure is due to normal wear. The following parts
are considered as wearing parts. Their life is
dependant on regular servicing and they are not
therefore, normally covered by the guarantee:
Blades
Bearings
Cables
The cost of routine maintenance of the product is not
covered by the guarantee.
It is in your best interest to follow the Operating
Instructions for your machine, as a properly cared for
product should give man y y ears of excellent service.
Should you require replacement parts, always insist on
genuine Qualcast replacement parts. Any damage
caused to the product through the fitting of parts not
made by Qualcast is not covered by the guarantee.
Your statutory rights are not affected by this guarantee.
Environmental Information
Your product has been manufactured under an
environmental management system using, when
possible, the most environmentally responsible materials
and processes, and with the potential for recycling at
the end of its life. The packaging is also recyclable.
When the time comes to dispose of this product please
consider the environment and take it to a recognised
recycling facility.
(Please contact your local authority for location
information).
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