Stihl HL-KM Instruction Manual

STIHL HL-KM

Instruction Manual

Contents

English

KombiSystem 2
Guide to Using this Manual 2
Safety Precautions and Working

Techniques 2
Using the Unit 6
Approved KombiEngines 8
Mounting the KombiTool 9
Assembling the Unit 9

Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper

Adjusting the Cutter Bar 10
Fitting the Harness 11
Starting / Stopping the Engine 12
Lubricating the Gearbox 13
Storing the Machine 14
Maintenance and Care 14
Sharpening Instructions 15
Minimize Wear and Avoid Damage 15
Main Parts 16
Specifications 17
Maintenance and Repairs 18
Disposal 18
EC Declaration of Conformity 19
UKCA Declaration of Conformity 20

Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.

Dear Customer,

Thank you for choosing a quality
engineered STIHL product.

It has been built using modern
production techniques and
comprehensive quality assurance.
Every effort has been made to ensure
your satisfaction and trouble-free use of
the product.

Please contact your dealer or our sales
company if you have any queries
concerning this product.

Your

Dr. Nikolas Stihl

© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2021

0458-475-0121-D. VA0.H21.

0000007455_013_GB

HL-KM

This instruction manual is protected by copyright. All rights reserved, especially the rights to reproduce, translate and process
with electronic systems.

1

English

KombiSystem Guide to Using this Manual Safety Precautions and

Working Techniques

In the STIHL KombiSystem a number of
different KombiEngines and KombiTools
can be combined to produce a power
tool. In this instruction manual the
functional unit formed by the
KombiEngine and KombiTool is referred
to as the power tool.

Therefore, the separate instruction
manuals for the KombiEngine and
KombiTool should be used together for
the power tool.

Always read and and make sure you
understand both instruction manuals
before using your power tool for the first
time and keep them in a safe place for
future reference.

Pictograms

All the pictograms attached to the
machine are shown and explained in this
manual.

Symbols in text

WARNING

Warning where there is a risk of an
accident or personal injury or serious
damage to property.

NOTICE

Caution where there is a risk of
damaging the machine or its individual
components.

Engineering improvements

STIHL's philosophy is to continually
improve all of its products. For this
reason we may modify the design,
engineering and appearance of our
products periodically.

Therefore, some changes, modifications
and improvements may not be covered
in this manual.

Lend or rent your power tool only to
persons who are familiar with this model
and its operation – do not lend your
power tool without the KombiMotor and
KombiTool instruction manuals.

Use your hedge trimmer only for cutting
hedges, shrubs, bushes, scrub and
similar materials.

Do not use your power tool for any other
purpose because of the increased risk of
accidents.

Only use cutting blades and accessories
that are explicitly approved for this
power tool by STIHL or are technically
identical. If you have any questions in
this respect, consult a servicing dealer.

Because a hedge trim­mer is a high-speed, fast­cutting power tool with
very sharp cutting blades
and a long reach, special
safety precautions must
be observed during
operation.

Always read and and
make sure you under­stand both instruction
manuals (KombiMotor
and KombiTool) before
using your power tool for
the first time and keep
them in a safe place for
future reference. Non­observance of the safety
precautions may result in
serious or even fatal
injury.

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English

Use only high quality tools and
accessories in order to avoid the risk of
accidents and damage to the machine.

STIHL recommends the use of original
STIHL tools, cutting attachments and
accessories. They are specifically
designed to match the product and meet
your performance requirements.

Never attempt to modify your machine in
any way since this may increase the risk
of personal injury. STIHL excludes all
liability for personal injury and damage
to property caused while using
unauthorized attachments.

Do not use a pressure washer to clean
your power tool. The solid jet of water
may damage parts of the power tool.

Clothing and Equipment

Wear proper protective clothing and
equipment.

Clothing must be sturdy
but allow complete free­dom of movement. Wear
snug-fitting clothing, an
overall and jacket combi­nation, do not wear a
work coat.

Avoid clothing that could get caught on
branches or brush or moving parts of the
machine. Do not wear a scarf, necktie or
jewelry. Tie up long hair so that it is
above shoulder level.

Wear steel-toed safety
boots with non-slip soles.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of eye
injuries, wear close-fit­ting safety glasses in
accordance with Euro­pean Standard EN 166.
Make sure the safety
glasses are a comforta­ble and snug fit.

Wear hearing protection, e.g. earplugs
or ear muffs.

Wear a safety hard hat with chin strap
where there is a danger of head injuries
from falling objects.

Wear heavy-duty work
gloves made of durable
material (e.g. leather).

STIHL offers a comprehensive range of
personal protective clothing and
equipment.

Transporting the Power Tool

Always shut off the engine.

Always fit the blade guard (scabbard) –
even when you carry the unit for short
distances.

On units with adjustable cutter bar:
Engage the cutter bar in position.

On units with a defined transport
position: Move the cutter bar to the
transport position and make sure it is
properly engaged.

Carry the power tool properly balanced
by the drive tube – cutting blades behind
you.

To reduce the risk of serious burn
injuries, avoid touching hot parts of the
machine, including the gearbox housing.

Transporting by vehicle: Properly secure
your power tool to prevent turnover, fuel
spillage and damage.

Before Starting

Check that your power tool is properly
assembled and in good condition – refer
to appropriate chapters in the
KombiMotor and KombiTool instruction
manuals.

– Cutting blades: Correctly

assembled, securely mounted and
in good condition (clean, move
freely, not warped), properly
sharpened and sprayed thoroughly
with STIHL resin solvent (lubricant).

– On units with adjustable cutter bar:

Make sure the adjuster is properly
engaged in the required position for
starting.

– On units with a defined transport

position (cutter bar folded against
drive tube): Never attempt to start
the unit in the transport position.

– Never attempt to modify the controls

or safety devices in any way.

– Keep the handles dry and clean –

free from oil and dirt – for safe
control of the power tool.

– Adjust shoulder strap and handles

to suit your height and reach. See
chapter on "Fitting the Harness".

To reduce the risk of accidents, operate
your power tool only if it is in a safe
condition.

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0000-GXX-1677-A0

5m (17ft)

15m (50ft)

If you use a shoulder strap or full
harness: Practice removing and putting
down the machine as you would in an
emergency. To avoid damage, do not
throw the machine to the ground when
practicing.

Holding and Controlling the Power Tool

Always hold the power tool firmly with
both hands on the handles.

Make sure you have firm and secure
footing and hold the power tool so that
the cutting blades are always away from
your body.

Some versions of the machine can be
carried on a harness to relieve the
weight on the operator's arms.

Models with Loop Handle

Right hand on control handle, left hand
on loop handle on drive tube, even if you
are left-handed. Wrap fingers and
thumbs firmly around the handles.

Machines with handle hose

Right hand on control handle, left hand
on handle hose on drive tube, even if
you are left-handed. Wrap fingers and
thumbs firmly around the handles.

During Operation

In the event of impending danger or in
an emergency, switch off the engine
immediately by moving the slide control
/ stop switch/button to 0 or STOP.

This power tool is not
insulated against electric
shock. To reduce the risk
of electrocution, keep
well clear of electric
power lines.

I

To reduce the risk of injury from moving
blades or falling cuttings, do not allow
bystanders within 5 meters of your own
position. To reduce the risk of damage
to property, also maintain this distance
from other objects (vehicles, windows).

Maintain a minimum clearance of
15 meters between the tip of the cutter
bar and electric power lines. Electricity
can jump considerable distances by

0000-GXX-1678-A0

means of arcing. Higher voltage
increases the distance electricity can
arc. Have the power switched off before
starting work in the immediate vicinity of
power lines.

Make sure the idle speed setting is
correct. The cutting blades must not run
when the engine is idling with the throttle
trigger released. Check and correct the
idle speed setting regularly. If the cutting
blades still run when the engine is idling,
have your dealer check your machine
and make proper adjustments or repairs.
Check and correct the idle speed setting
regularly.

Watch the cutting blades at all times – do
not cut areas of the hedge that you
cannot see.

Be extremely careful when cutting tall
hedges, check the other side of the
hedge before starting work.

The gearbox becomes
hot during operation. To
reduce the risk of burn
injury, do not touch the
gearbox housing.

Take special care in slippery conditions
(ice, wet ground, snow) – on slopes or
uneven ground.

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Clear away fallen branches, scrub and
cuttings from the work area.

Watch out for obstacles: Roots and tree
stumps which could cause you to trip or
stumble.

Make sure you always have good
balance and secure footing.

When working at heights:

– Always use a lift bucket

– Never work on a ladder or in a tree

– Never work on an insecure support

– Never operate your power tool with

one hand

Be particularly alert and cautious when
wearing hearing protection because
your ability to hear warnings (shouts,
alarms, etc.) is restricted.

To reduce the risk of accidents, take a
break in good time to avoid tiredness or
exhaustion.

Work calmly and carefully – in daylight
conditions and only when visibility is
good. Stay alert so as not to endanger
others.

Inspect the hedge and work area to
avoid damaging the cutting blades:

– Remove stones, rocks, pieces of

metal and other solid objects.

– When working close to the ground,

make sure that no sand, grit or
stones get between the blades.

– Take particular care when cutting

hedges next to or against wire
fences.

To avoid the risk of electrocution, do not
touch electric power lines – never cut
through electric power lines.

Do not touch the cutting
blades while the motor is
running. If the cutting
blades become jammed
by an object, switch off
the engine immediately
before attempting to
remove the object – there
is otherwise a risk of
injury.

Opening the throttle while the blades are
blocked increases the load and reduces
engine speed. The clutch then slips
continuously and this causes
overheating and damage to important
components (e.g. clutch, polymer
housing components) – and this can
increase the risk of injury from the
cutting blades moving while the engine
is idling.

If your power tool is subjected to
unusually high loads for which it was not
designed (e.g. heavy impact or a fall),
always check that it is in good condition
before continuing work – see also
"Before Starting". Make sure the safety
devices are working properly. Do not
continue operating your power tool if it is
damaged. In case of doubt, consult your
servicing dealer.

If the hedge is very dusty or dirty, spray
the blades with STIHL resin solvent from
time to time during cutting. This helps
greatly reduce blade friction as well as
the aggressive effects of sap and the
build-up of dirt particles.

Check the cutting attachment at regular
short intervals during operation or
immediately if there is a noticeable
change in cutting behavior:

– Stopping the Engine

– Wait until the cutting blades have

come to a complete standstill.

– Check condition and tightness, look

for cracks.

– Check sharpness.

After Finishing Work

After finishing work or before leaving the
power tool unattended: Shut off the
engine.

Always clean dust and dirt off the
machine – do not use any grease
solvents for this purpose.

Spray the blades with STIHL resin
solvent. Run the motor briefly to ensure
that the solvent is evenly distributed.

Maintenance and Repairs

Service the machine regularly. Do not
attempt any maintenance or repair work
not described in the KombiTool and
KombiEngine instruction manuals. Have
all other work performed by a servicing
dealer.

STIHL recommends that you have
servicing and repair work carried out
exclusively by an authorized STIHL
servicing dealer. STIHL dealers are
regularly given the opportunity to attend
training courses and are supplied with
the necessary technical information.

HL-KM

5

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388BA029 KN

Only use high-quality replacement parts
in order to avoid the risk of accidents
and damage to the machine. If you have
any questions in this respect, consult a
servicing dealer.

STIHL recommends the use of genuine
STIHL replacement parts. They are
specifically designed to match your
model and meet your performance
requirements.

To reduce the risk of injury, always shut
off the engine before carrying out any
maintenance or repairs or cleaning the
machine.

Using the Unit

Cutting Season

Observe country-specific or municipal
rules and regulations for cutting hedges.

Do not use your hedge trimmer during
rest periods customary in the
neighborhood.

Cutting Sequence

If a radical cut is necessary, cut a little at
a time in several stages.

Use lopping shears to cut out thick
branches first.

Cut the sides of the hedge first, then the
top.

Disposal

Do not throw cuttings into the garbage
can – they can be composted.

Preparations

N Adjustable gearbox: Set cutter bar

to required angle.

N Remove the blade scabbard.
N Start the engine.
N If you use a harness: Put on the

harness and attach it to the
machine.

Working Techniques

Horizontal Cut (with cutter bar at an
angle)

Cutting close to the ground from a
standing position, e.g. low shrubs.

Swing the cutter bar up and down as you
move along the hedge – use both sides
of the cutting blades, do not rest the
cutter bar on the ground.

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