Spear & Jackson CHT183 Operating Manual

Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Safety And Operating Manual

"WARNING! PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS

BEFORE OPERATING THIS UNIT"

"KEEP THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE"

CHT183

HELPLINE NO 08448012949

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ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS

To reduce the risk of injury, user must read instruction manual

Warning

Wear eye protection

Wear ear protection

Wear dust mask

To avoid possibility of electric shock, do not use in damp or wet
conditions

Do not expose to rain or water

Do not burn

Do not dispose of batteries. Return exhausted pack batteries to your
local collection or recycling point

Contains Ni-Cd battery. Battery must be recycled or disposed of
properly.

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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ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS

DC

A B

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ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS

F

G

H

E

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Table of contents Page

General power tool safety warnings 6
Component list 8
Technical data 8
Noise and vibration data 8
Accessories 8
Operation instructions 8
Maintenance and store 9
Troubleshooting 9

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ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS

General power tool safety warnings

WARNING! Read all safety warnings and all
instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and

instructions may result in electric shock, re and/or

serious injury.

Save all warnings and instructions for future
reference.

The term "power tool" in the warnings refers to your
mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery­operated (cordless) power tool.

1.Work area safety

1) Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or

dark areas invite accidents.

2) Do not operate power tools in explosive
atmospheres, such as in the presence of

ammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create
sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.

3) Keep children and bystanders away while
operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to

lose control.

2.Electrical safety

1) 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.

Unmodied plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk

of electric shock.

2) 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.

3) Do not expose power tools to rain or wet
conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase

the risk of electric shock.

4) 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.

5) When operating a power tool outdoors, use
an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use

of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of
electric shock.

6) If operating a power tool in a damp location is
unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD)
protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk of

electric shock.
NOTE: The term “residual current device (RCD)” may
be replaced by the term “ground fault circuit interrupter
(GFCI)” or “earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB)”.

3.Personal safety

1) 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 inuence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A
moment of inattention while operating power tools may
result in serious personal injury.

2) Use personal protective equipment. Always

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

3) Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch
is in the off-position before connecting to power
source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying
the tool. Carrying power tools with your nger on the

switch or energising power tools that have the switch
on invites accidents.

4) Remove any adjusting key or wrench before
turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left

attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result
in personal injury.

5) Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times. This enables better control of the

power tool in unexpected situations.

6) Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewellery. Keep your hair and clothing away from
moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair

can be caught in moving parts.

7) If devices are provided for the connection of
dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure
these are connected and properly used. Use of dust

collection can reduce dust-related hazards.

4.Power tool use and care

1) 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.

2) 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.

3) Disconnect the plug from the power source and/
or the battery pack from the power tool before
making any adjustments, changing accessories,
or storing power tools. Such preventive safety

measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool
accidentally.

4) 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.

5) 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.

6) Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly
maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are
less likely to bind and are easier to control.

7) Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits
etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking
into account the working conditions and the
work to be performed. Use of the power tool for

operations different from those intended could result in
a hazardous situation.

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ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS

8) Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and
grease. Slippery handles do not allow for safe handling

and control of the tool in unexpected situations.

5.Battery tool use and care

1) Recharge only with the charger specied by the

manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type

of battery pack may create a risk of re when used with

another battery pack.

2) Use power tools only with specically

designated battery packs. Use of any other battery

packs may create a risk of injury and re.

3) 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 terminals together may

cause burns or a re.

4) Under abusive conditions, liquid may be

ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact

accidentally occurs, ush with water. If liquid

contacts eyes, additionally seek medical help.

Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or
burns.

6.Service

1) Have your power tool serviced by a qualied

repair person using only identical replacement
parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool

is maintained.

Additional safety points for your
hedge trimmer

1. Keep all parts of the body away from the cutter
blade. Do not remove cut material or hold material
to be cut when blades are moving. Make sure
the switch is off when clearing jammed material.

A moment of inattention while operating the hedge
trimmer may result in serious personal injury.

2. Carry the hedge trimmer by the handle with the
cutter blade stopped. When transporting or storing

the hedge trimmer always t the cutting device

cover. Proper handling of the hedge trimmer will
reduce possible personal injury from the cutter blades.

Additional safety rules

1. THIS MACHINE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES.
Read the instructions carefully for the correct handling,
preparation, maintenance, starting and stopping of the
machine. Be familiar with all controls and the proper
use of the machine;

2. Never allow children to use the machine;

3. Avoid operating while people, especially children are
nearby;

4. Dress properly! Do not wear loose clothing or
jewellery which can be caught in moving parts. Use of
sturdy gloves, non-skid footwear, and safety glasses in
recommended;

5. Disconnect battery from the machine before

- Cleaning or when clearing a blockage;

- Checking, maintenance or working on the machine

6. While operating the machine always be sure of a
safe and secure operating position especially when
using steps or a ladder;

7. Do not attempt to repair the machine unless you are

qualied to do so;

8. Do not operate the machine with a damaged or
excessively worn cutting device;

9. Always ensure all handles and guards are tted

when using the machine. Never attempt to use an

incomplete machine or one tted with an unauthorized
modication;

10. When a hedge trimmer is provided with more than
one handle always use two hands to operate it;

11. When transporting or storing the machine always t

the cutting device guard;

12. Know how to stop the machine quickly in an
emergency;

13. Always be aware of your surroundings and stay
alert for possible hazards that you may not hear due to
the noise of the machine.

14. Use the Hedge trimmer only in daylight or good

articial light.

15. Never hold the Hedge trimmer by the guard.

16. Never operate the Hedge trimmer with damaged
guards or without guard in place.

17. Whilst using the Hedge trimmer always be sure of
a safe and secure operating position.

18. Keep hands and feet away from the cutting means
at all times and especially when switching on the
motor.

19. Do not expose to rain. Do not operate your Hedge
trimmer on a wet hedge.

20. Check cutting blades regularly for damage, and if
damaged repair immediately.

21. Do not start the Hedge trimmer with the blade

cover tted.

22. Take care not to overload the Hedge trimmer and
do not use it on jobs for which it is not intended, i.e.
you are allowed to use the Hedge trimmer only to cut
hedges, shrubs and perennials.

23. Always be sure of your footing when using steps
and when using your hedge trimmer.

24. Never run when using your hedge trimmer.

25. Heavy duty gloves should always be worn when
using the Hedge trimmer.

26. Be careful during adjustment of placing your ngers
between moving blades and xed parts of the machine

27. Do not try to grasp or remove hedge clippings
when the hedge trimmer is running. Only remove
hedge clippings when the appliance is switched off.

28. Carry the hedge trimmer at the handle while the
cutter blade is not running. Always ensure guard

supplied is tted when transporting or storing the

hedge trimmer. Careful operation reduces the injury by
the cuter blade.

Important note

Do not switch the hedge trimmer on and off frequently
over a short period of time, and in particular do not play

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ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS

with the ON/OFF switch.

Maintenance

1) when not in use store the machine out of the reach
of children;

Have your power tool serviced by a qualied repair

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

Component list

1. Front handle with safety switch

2. Safety guard

3. Blade

4. Blade sheath

5. Guard xing Screws

6. Battery pack

7. On/off switch

8. Charger (See Fig. A )

Technical data

Voltage:
No load speed:
Battery capacity:
Cutting diameter:
Cutting length:
Machine weight:
Charging time:

18V

1200/min

1.7Ah

14mm

42cm

2.7kg
3-5hr

Noise and vibration data

A weighted Sound Pressure 79dB (A)
A weighted Sound Power 87dB (A)
KpA&KwA: 3dB(A)
Wear ear protection when sound pressure is over
85dB (A)

Typical weighted vibration 1.55m/s

2

K=1.5m/s

2

WARNING: The vibration emission value

during actual use of the power tool can
differ from the declared value depending on the
ways in which the tool is used dependant on the
following examples and other variations on how
the tool is used:
How the tool is used and the materials is cut or
drilled.
The tool being in good condition and well
maintained
The use the correct accessory for the tool and
ensuring it is sharp and in good condition.
The tightness of the grip on the handles and any
anti vibration accessories are used.
And the tool is being used as intended by its
design and these instructions.

This tool may cause hand-arm vibration

syndrome if its use is not adequately

managed.

WARNING: To be accurate, an estimation

of exposure level in the actual conditions of
use should also take account of all parts of the

operating cycle such as the times when the tool
is switched off and when it is running idle but

not actually doing the job. This may signicantly

reduce the exposure level over the total working
period.

Help to minimize your vibration exposure risk.
Maintain this tool in accordance with these
instructions and keep well lubricated (where
appropriate).
If the tool is to be used regularly then invest in
anti vibration accessories.
Avoid using tools in temperatures of 10

o

C or less.
Plan your work schedule to spread any high
vibration tool use across a number of days.

Accessories

1pc Safety guard
1pc Blade sheath
1pc Charger
1pc Battery pack

We recommend that you purchase your accessories
from the same store that sold you the tool. Use good
quality accessories marked with a well-known brand
name. Choose the type according to the work you
intend to undertake. Refer to the accessory packaging
for further details. Store personnel can assist you and
offer advice.

Operation instructions

NOTE: Before using the tool, read the
instruction book carefully

1. Charging your battery pack

WARNING! The charger and battery pack are

specically designed to work together so do

not attempt to use any other devices. Never insert or
allow metallic objects into your charger or battery pack
connections because an electrical failure and hazard
will occur.

2. Before using your cordless tool

Your battery pack is UNCHARGED and you must
charge once before use. When you charge the new
battery or one which has not been used for long
periods of time, it may not reach full charge until after
you have discharged it fully in use and recharge it
several times.

3. How to charge your battery pack (See Fig A)

Connect the battery charger to the power supply and
the green light will illuminate. Then, Put the charger
base on battery pack to make connections and the
light will turn to orange to show charging has started.
A discharged battery at normal ambient temperature
will take approximately 3-5 hours to reach full charge.
When charging is complete, unplug the charger and
remove the battery pack.

WARNING! When battery charge runs out after
continuous use or exposure to direct sunlight or

heat, allow time for the battery and tool to cool down

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ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS

before recharging to achieve the full charge.
NOTE: The charger will not automatically switch off
when the battery is fully charged, and the orange light
indicator will remain on. Do not leave your battery on
charge continuously. This may damage the battery
cells. If the battery pack is very hot you must allow it to

cool rst to ambient temperature and then recharging

can be started. If you charge a second battery pack

immediately after the rst one, then the charger

adapter can be overheated. Always allow at least 15
minutes rest between battery pack charging.

4. To remove or install battery pack (See Fig B)

Depress the battery release button on both sides to
release battery pack from your hedge trimmer. After
recharging, insert the battery pack into hedge trimmer’s
battery port. A simple push and slight pressure will be

sufcient.

WARNING! DO NOT USE THE PRODUCT
WITHOUT ATTACHING THE GUARD.

5. Fitting the safety guard

Before tting the Safety Guard, rst remove the blade

sheath. Fit the Hand Guard on the body of the trimmer
and secure with the two screws (C)

Starting and stopping
Before starting your hedge trimmer

Remove blade sheath.

To start your hedge trimmer

Your trimmer is equipped with two switch levers (1 &

7). Both switch levers need to be pressed for the hedge
trimmer to start. Depress and hold safety handle switch

(1) and press on/off switch (7) (See D)

To stop your hedge trimmer

Move hedge trimmer away from cutting area before
stopping.
To stop, release either the safety handle switch (1)

or on/off switch (7), the Trimmer will stop almost

immediately.

WARNING: If any parts are missing, damaged

or broken, do not operate your hedge trimmer
until all damaged parts have been replaced or
repaired. Failure to do so could result in serious
personal injury.

Important tips for trimming hedges

• Assume secure posture and hold Trimmer with both
hands.

• Ensure no people or animals are in the work area.

Cutting sequence

First trim the sides from the bottom upwards, this
prevents any debris from falling into the area which
has yet to be cut (E). Try to keep the blade angled at
approximately 5o to the work surface; this will improve

the cutting efciency of the Trimmer (F). Then cut the

top of the hedge. If the hedge is very long cut in stages
rather than trying to cut in one go (G).

Cutting shaping

We recommend shaping the hedge into a trapezoidal
shape, which is wider at the bottom than the top. This
will improve light penetration, see H.

Optimal trimming times

Green leaf hedges are best trimmed between June and
October, evergreens should be trimmed in April and
August, while conifers and other fast growing shrubs
can be trimmed every 6 - 8 weeks.

General information

When older hedges need to be cut back substantially,
cut the thicker branches back with pruning shears
before using the trimmer. Take care that the blade does
not come into contact with wire of other metal objects.

Maintenance and store

• Always REMOVE THE BATTERY PACK before clean
or repair.

• Never use water to cleaning the unit.

• Always clean the hedge trimmer immediately after

use. Brush the blade using a stiff nylon brush to
remove any debris.

• Always store the unit in a dry place.

• Inspect the hedge trimmer before each use.

• Have the unit professionally repaired if any damage

occurs.

• The blade rail should be cleaned and treated with ne

oil after each use.

• Use the blade guard for transportation and storage.

Troubleshooting

Although your new cordless hedge trimmer is really
easy to operate. If you do experience problems, check
the following:

1. If trimmer will not operate

• Check battery pack assembly

• Charge the battery: Operation of the hedge trimmer is

dependent upon sufcient charge in the battery pack.
NOTE: The battery pack will only t into the charger

with + to + and - to -. The charger will not operate at
extremes of temperature.
The charger will get warm during charging but this is
normal.

2. If the battery will not charge

Check to see if the battery is properly inserted into the
charger base, and make sure the indicator light is on, if
not check the plug and fuse connected with supply.

3. If the trimmer is not cutting properly

Check the condition of the blades, if the blade is blunt

or damaged have them repaired by a qualied service

agent.

4. If a fault is suspected return the trimmer to an
authorized dealer for repair.
NOTE: There are no user serviceable parts in the

trimmer.

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ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS

Environmental protection

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.

If faults can not be remedied, contact the Helpline on 08448012949

GUARANTEE

This product is intended for DOMESTIC USE ONLY and not for business use.
This product is guaranteed against manufacturing defects for a period of 24 months This does not cover the
product where the fault is due to misuse, abuse, use in contravention of the instructions, or where the product has

been the subject of unauthorised modications or alterations, or has been the subject of commercial use. In the

event of a problem with the product within the guarantee period please return it to your nearest Argos store. If the
item is shown to have an inherent defect present at the time of sale, the store will provide you with a replacement.
Your statutory rights remain unaffected.

Guarantor: Home Retail Group, MK9 2NW

HOME RETAIL GROUP

EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

We, Home Retail Group,

Avebury, Milton Keynes,

MK9 2NW

Declare that the product

CHT183

Spear & Jackson Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Complies with the essential health and safety requirements of the following directives:

98/37/EC(Valid till Dec. 28,2009)
2006/42/EC(Valid since Dec. 29,2009) -EC Machinery Directive
2004/108/EC -EC Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
2000/14/EC amended by 2005/88/EC

-Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment

for Use Outdoors Directive

- Conformity Assessment Procedure as per Annex V

- Measured Sound Power Level 87dB (A)

- Declared Guaranteed Sound Power Level 91dB (A)

Technical documentation holder: Home Retail Group, MK9 2NW

Standards and technical specications referred to:

EN 60745-1
EN 60745-2-15
EN ISO 3744
EN 55014-1
EN 55014-2
EN 61000-3-2
EN 61000-3-3
EN 60335-1
EN 60335-2-29
EN 50366

Authorised Signatory

Date: 07/09/04

Signature:

Name:

Roger Panton-Kent

Head of Quality Assurance

06/11/09

(EC conformity mark)