STIHL HSE 60, HSE 70 Owner's Manual

STIHL HSE 60, 70

STIH)

Instruction Manual
Manual de instrucciones

Warning!

Read and follow all safety precautions in
Instruction Manual – improper use can cause
serious or fatal injury.

Advertencia!

Lea y siga todas las precauciones de
seguridad dadas en el manual de
instrucciones – el uso incorrecto puede
causar lesiones graves o mortales.

Contents

English / USA

Guide to Using this Manual .............. 2

IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS ............................... 3

Safety Precautions and

Working Techniques ......................... 6

Using the Unit ................................. 14

Starting ........................................... 15

BA_SE_180_002_01_05.fmPrinted on chlorine-free paper.

Storing the Machine ........................ 16

Main Parts and Controls ................. 17

Specifications ................................. 19

Maintenance and Repairs ............... 19

Printing inks contain vegetable oils; paper can be recycled.

Allow only persons who understand this
manual to operate your hedge trimmer.

To receive maximum performance and
satisfaction from your STIHL hedge
trimmer, it is important that you read and
understand the safety precautions and
maintenance instructions before using
your hedge trimmer.

Contact your STIHL dealer or the STIHL
distributor for your area if you do not
understand any of the instructions in this
manual.

!Warning!

Because a hedge trimmer is a high­speed, fast-cutting power tool with sharp
cutting blades, special safety
precautions must be observed to reduce
the risk of fire, electric shock and
personal injury. Careless or improper
use may cause serious or even fatal
injury.

STIHl

© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2007

0458 446 8621. M5. K7. FST. Printed in Germany

1HSE 60, HSE 70

English / USA

Guide to Using this Manual

Pictograms

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

Symbols in text

The operating and safety instructions
are supported by illustrations.

The individual steps or procedures
described in the manual may be marked
in different ways:

: A bullet marks a step or procedure

without direct reference to an
illustration.

A description of a step or procedure that
refers directly to an illustration may
contain item numbers that appear in the
illustration.
Example:

Loosen the screw (1)

Lever (2) ...

In addition to the operating instructions,
this manual may contain paragraphs
that require your special attention. Such
paragraphs are marked with the
symbols and signal words described
below:

!Danger:

indicates an imminent risk of severe or
fatal injury.

!Warning:

indicates a hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in severe or
fatal injury.

Caution:

indicates a risk of property damage,
including damage to the machine or its
individual components.

Engineering improvements

STIHL’s philosophy is to continually
improve all of its products. As a result,
engineering changes and improvements
are made from time to time. Therefore,
some changes, modifications and
improvements may not be covered in
this manual. If the operating
characteristics or the appearance of
your machine differ from those
described in this manual, please contact
your STIHL dealer for assistance.

2

HSE 60, HSE 70

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

English / USA

!Warning!

To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock
and serious or fatal injury, basic safety
precautions should always be followed
when using electric hedge trimmers.
Read and follow all safety precautions
and instructions, including the following:

1. Use Proper Replacement Parts –
This electric hedge trimmer is
double-insulated. When servicing,
use only identical replacement
parts.

2. Polarized Plug – To reduce the risk
of electrical shock, this equipment
has a polarized plug (one blade is
wider than the other). The hedge
trimmer plug will fit into a polarized
extension cord only one way. If the
plug does not fit fully into the
extension cord, reverse the plug. If
the plug still does not fit, obtain a
correct polarized extension cord. A
polarized extension cord will require
the use of a polarized wall outlet.
This plug will fit in a polarized wall
outlet one way. If the plug does not
fit fully in the outlet, reverse the
plug. If it still does not fit, contact a
qualified electrician to install the
proper wall outlet. Do not change
the equipment plug, extension cord
receptacle, or extension cord plug in
any way.

3. Avoid Dangerous Environment ­Don't use hedge trimmers in damp
or wet locations. Do not handle the
plug or the unit with wet hands.

4. Do not expose to or use
in rain.

5. Keep Children Away - All
bystanders should be kept at a
distance from the work area.

6. 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. Wear protective
covering to contain long hair.

7. Use Safety Glasses - Always use
face or dust mask if operation is
dusty.

8. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
(GFCI) protection should be
provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s)
to be used for the hedge trimmer.
Receptacles are available having
built-in GFCI protection and may be
used for this measure of safety.

9. Use Right Appliance - Do not use
appliance for any job except that for
which it is intended.

10. Warning: To reduce the risk of
electrical shock, use only with an
extension cord intended for outdoor
use, such as an extension cord of
cord type

SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A,
SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-A, or
SJTOW-A.

3HSE 60, HSE 70

English / USA

11. Extension Cord – Make sure your
extension cord is in good condition.
When using an extension cord, be
sure to use one heavy enough to
carry the current your product will
draw. An undersized extension cord
will cause a drop in line voltage
resulting in loss of power and
overheating. Table below shows the
correct size to use depending on
cord length and nameplate ampere
rating.

Minimum wire gauge for extension
cords for 120 Volt appliances using
0 - 6 amps
For ampere rating of this appliance see
“Specifications“

Cord length (ft) 25 50 100 150
Wire size (AWG) 18 16 16 14

If in doubt, use the next heavier
gauge. The smaller the gauge
number, the heavier the cord.

Appropriate extension cords are
available in specialty stores for electrical
equipment or from your STIHL dealer.

21

To reduce the risk of disconnection of
hedge trimmer cord from the extension
cord during operating and to relieve
strain on the hedge trimmer cord:

: Insert unit's plug (1) into extension

cord coupling (2).

4

446BA001 KN

: Make a loop (3) in the extension

cord and pass it through the
opening (4).

: Slip the loop over the strain relief

hook (5) and pull it tight. Secure
cord in position with cord lock
lever (6).

3

5

6

446BA002 KN

4

HSE 60, HSE 70

English / USA

12. Avoid Unintentional Starting - Don´t
carry plugged-in hedge trimmer with
finger on the trigger switch. Be sure
both switches are disengaged when
plugging in.

13. Don´t Abuse Cord - Never carry
appliance by cord or yank it to
disconnect from receptacle. Keep
cord away from heat, oil, and sharp
edges.

14.

15. Don´t Force Hedge Trimmer - It will

Danger!

Risk of Cut.
Keep hands away from blades.
Keep both hands on handles when
power is on. Do not attempt to
remove cut material or hold material
to be cut when blades are moving.
Make sure trimmer is disconneted
from the power supply when
cleaning jammed material from
blades. Do not grasp the exposed
cutting blades or cutting edges
when picking up or holding the
hedge trimmer.

do the job better and with less
likelihood of a risk of injury at the
rate for which it was designed.

16. Don´t Overreach - Keep proper
footing and balance at all times.

17. Stay Alert - Watch what you are
doing. Use common sense. Do not
operate appliance when you are
tired.

18. Disconnect Hedge Trimmer ­Disconnect the hedge trimmer from
the power supply when not in use,
before servicing, when changing
accessories such as blades, and
the like.

19. Store Idle Hedge Trimmer Indoors ­When not in use, hedge trimmer
should be stored indoors in dry and
high or locked-up place - out of
reach of children.

20. Maintain Hedge Trimmer With Care.
Keep cutting edges sharp and clean
for best performance and to reduce
the risk of injury. Follow instructions
for lubricating and changing
accessories. Inspect hedge trimmer
cord periodically, and if damaged,
have it repaired by an authorized
service facility. Inspect extension
cords periodically and replace if
damaged. Keep handles dry, clean
and free from oil and grease.

21. Check Damaged Parts - Before
further use of the hedge trimmer, a
guard or other part that is no longer
in its original condition 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 condition
that may affect a part’s operation. A
guard or other part that is damaged
or broken should be properly
repaired or replaced by an
authorized service center.

5HSE 60, HSE 70

English / USA

Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques

!Warning!

Inspect the power supply
cord, plug, extension cord
and housing before use
and periodically during

In order to reduce

use.

the risk of serious injury
from electrocution, never use your
hedge trimmer if the power supply cord,
extension cord or plugs are cut, cracked,
worn or damaged or if the housing is
broken or cracked. Disconnect the plug
from the power supply and have a dealer
replace a damaged power supply cord
and/or repair a broken or cracked
housing. Immediately replace any
damaged extension cords.

!Warning!

Be sure both switches are disengaged
when plugging the unit into the power
supply in order to reduce the risk of fire
or electrical shock from arcing and the
risk of injury from contact with a moving
cutting tool.

SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS

Because a hedge trimmer
is a high-speed, fast­cutting power tool with
sharp cutting blades,
special safety precautions

must be observed to
reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock
and personal injury.

It is important that you

read, fully understand and

observe the foregoing

Important Safety

Instructions and the

following safety
precautions and warnings. Read the
instruction manual and the safety
precautions periodically. Careless or
improper use may cause serious or fatal
injury.

Have your STIHL dealer show you how
to operate your power tool. Observe all
applicable local safety regulations,
standards and ordinances.

!Warning!

Do not lend or rent your power tool
without the instruction manual. Be sure
that anyone using it understands the
information contained in this manual.

!Warning!

The use of this machine may be
hazardous. If the cutting tool comes in
contact with your body, it will cut you.

Use your hedge trimmer only for cutting
hedges, shrubs, scrub, bushes and
similar material. It must not be used for
any other purposes, since such misuse
may result in an accident or damage to
the machine.

!Warning!

Minors should never be allowed to use
this power tool. Bystanders, especially
children, and animals should not be
allowed in the area where it is in use.

!Warning!

To reduce the risk of injury to bystanders
and damage to property, disconnect the
plug when the unit is not in use (e.g.
during a work break), and make sure
that unauthorized persons do not use it.

Safe use of a hedge trimmer involves

1. the operator

2. the power tool

3. the use of the power tool.

6

HSE 60, HSE 70

English / USA

THE OPERATOR

Physical Condition

You must be in good physical condition
and mental health and not under the
influence of any substance (drugs,
alcohol, etc.) which might impair vision,
dexterity or judgment. Do not operate
this machine when you are fatigued.

!Warning!

Be alert – if you get tired, take a break.
Tiredness may result in loss of control.
Working with any power tool can be
strenuous. If you have any condition that
might be aggravated by strenuous work,
check with your doctor before operating
this machine.

!Warning!

Prolonged use of a power tool (or other
machines) exposing the operator to
vibrations may produce whitefinger
disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or
carpal tunnel syndrome.

These conditions reduce the hand's
ability to feel and regulate temperature,
produce numbness and burning
sensations and may cause nerve and
circulation damage and tissue necrosis.

All factors which contribute to white­finger disease are not known, but cold
weather, smoking and diseases or
physical conditions that affect blood
vessels and blood transport, as well as
high vibration levels and long periods of
exposure to vibration are mentioned as
factors in the development of whitefinger
disease. In order to reduce the risk of
whitefinger disease and carpal tunnel
syndrome, please note the following:

– Wear gloves and keep your hands

warm.

– Keep the unit well maintained. A

power tool with loose components
will tend to have higher vibration
levels.

– Maintain a firm grip at all times, but

do not squeeze the handles with
constant, excessive pressure. Take
frequent breaks.

All the above-mentioned precautions do
not guarantee that you will not sustain
whitefinger disease or carpal tunnel
syndrome. Therefore, continual and
regular users should closely monitor the
condition of their hands and fingers. If
any of the above symptoms appear,
seek medical advice immediately.

!Warning!

According to STIHL´s current
knowledge, the electric motor of this unit
should not interfere with a pacemaker.
When in doubt, however, consult your
physician and pacemaker manufacturer
before operating this tool.

Proper Clothing

!Warning!

To reduce the risk of injury, the operator
should wear proper protective apparel.

!Warning!

To reduce the risk of injury
to your eyes never
operate your power tool
unless wearing goggles or
properly fitted protective

glasses with adequate top
and side protection complying with ANSI
Z 87.1 (or your applicable national
standard).

!Warning!

Power tool noise may

damage your hearing. If

you use the hedge

trimmer for extended

periods of time STIHL

recommends that you
wear sound barriers (ear plugs or ear
mufflers) to protect your hearing.
Continual and regular users should have
their hearing checked regularly.

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

7HSE 60, HSE 70

English / USA

Always wear gloves when
handling the machine and
the cutting tool. Heavy­duty, nonslip gloves
improve your grip and
help to protect your
hands.

Clothing must be sturdy
and snug-fitting, but allow
complete freedom of
movement. Wear long
pants made of heavy

material to help protect
your legs. Do not wear shorts, sandals
or go barefoot.

Avoid loose-fitting jackets, scarfs,
neckties, jewelry, flared or cuffed pants,
unconfined long hair or anything that
could become caught on branches,
brush or the moving parts of the unit.
Secure hair so it is above shoulder level.

Good footing is very

important. Wear sturdy

boots with nonslip soles.

Steel-toed safety boots

are recommended.

STIHL offers a wide range of protective
clothing and equipment.

THE POWER TOOL

For illustrations and definitions of the
power tool parts see the chapter on
“Main Parts and Controls.”

!Warning!

Never modify this power tool in any way.
Only attachments supplied by STIHL or
expressly approved by STIHL for use
with the specific STIHL model are
authorized. Although certain
unauthorized attachments are useable
with STIHL power tools, their use may, in
fact, be extremely dangerous.

If this 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. Check in particular that
the controls and safety devices such as
the dual switch system, hand guard,
mechanical sprocket brake and integral
blade guard are working properly. Do not
continue operating this machine if it is
damaged. In case of doubt, have it
checked by your STIHL servicing dealer.

THE USE OF THE POWER TOOL

Electrical Precautions

!Warning!

The voltage of the power supply must
agree with the voltage specified on the
hedge trimmer's rating plate. Improper
voltage will damage the hedge trimmer
and may cause personal injury.

See other electrical warnings in this
chapter and in the “Important Safety
Instructions“ section of this manual.

8

HSE 60, HSE 70

English / USA

Transporting the Electric Hedge
Trimmer

!Warning!

To reduce the risk of injury from blade
contact, never carry or transport your
power tool with the cutter blades
moving.

It may be carried only in the horizontal
position. Grip the front handle and keep
the cutter blades behind you.

!Warning!

Always release the switches, disconnect
the unit from the power supply and fit the
scabbard over the cutter blades before
transporting the power tool over long
distances. When transporting it in a
vehicle, properly secure it to prevent
turnover

and damage to the unit.

Preparation for the Use of the
Electric Hedge Trimmer

!Warning!

Never use a power tool that is damaged
or not properly maintained.

!Warning!

Before connecting the hedge trimmer to
the power supply, always check it for
proper condition and operation,
including the dual switch system, cutting
blades with integral blade guard and
hand guard. The trigger switch and front­handle switch must both move freely

446BA003 KN

and always spring back to the off
position. Never attempt to tamper with
the switches or to modify the other
controls or safety devices.

!Warning!

Inspect the power supply cord, plug and
extension cord before and after each
use for signs of damage or aging.

Your hedge trimmer is equipped with a
mechanical sprocket brake designed to
bring the cutting blades immediately to a
stop when one or both switches are
released.

! Warning!

To reduce the risk of cut injuries, do not
operate your hedge trimmer if the cutting
blades do not stop immediately or if the
teeth of the top and the bottom cutting
blades do not stop in an overlapping
position. Have your unit repaired by a
servicing STIHL dealer.

9HSE 60, HSE 70

English / USA

!Warning!

Keep the handles clean and dry at all
times; it is particularly important to keep
them free of moisture, pitch, oil, grease
or resin in order for you to maintain a firm
grip and properly control your power
tool.

!Warning!

The cutting tool must be properly
tightened and in safe operating
condition. Inspect for loose parts (nuts,
screws, etc.) and for cracked, bent,
warped or damaged blades. Regularly
check the condition and tightness of the
cutting blades – with the hedge trimmer
diconnected from the power supply!
Replace damaged cutting blades before
using the power tool. Always keep
blades sharp.

STIHL recommends that you always
spray the cutting blades with STIHL
resin solvent before connecting the
hedge trimmer to the power supply! You
can obtain this protective spray from
your dealer. Apply generously.

During Operation

Dual switch system

Your hedge trimmer is equipped with a
dual switch system for two-handed
operation. It has a trigger switch on the
rear handle as well as a front-handle
switch. It is designed so that the cutting
blades will only engage if both switches
are simultaneously in the depressed
position.

!Warning!

To reduce the risk of serious or fatal cut
injuries, never attempt to disable or
override the dual switch system. If it is
not functioning properly, have it repaired
immediately by a STIHL servicing dealer
before further use.

Holding and controlling the power
tool

Always hold the unit firmly with both
hands on the handles while you are
working. Wrap your fingers and thumbs
around the handles.

Right-hand use

446BA004 KN

Put your right hand on the rear handle,
left hand on the front handle.

Left-hand use

10

446BA005 KN

Put your left hand on the rear handle,
right hand on the front handle.

HSE 60, HSE 70

English / USA

!Warning!

Never attempt to operate

your power tool with one

hand. Loss of control of

the power tool resulting in

serious or fatal injury may

result. To reduce the risk
of cut injuries, keep hands and feet away
from the cutting tool. Never touch a
moving cutting tool with your hand or
any other part of your body.

!Warning!

To reduce the risk of unintentional
starting, never carry a plugged-in unit
from place to place with your finger on
the trigger switch. Be sure both switches
are disengaged when plugging in.

!Warning!

Do not overreach. Keep proper footing
and balance at all times. Special care
must be taken in slippery conditions and
in difficult, overgrown terrain. Watch for
hidden obstacles such as tree stumps,
roots and ditches to avoid stumbling. For
better footing, clear away fallen
branches, scrub and cuttings. Be
extremely cautious when working on
slopes or uneven ground.

!Warning

To reduce the risk of injury from loss of
control, never work on a ladder, in a tree
or any other insecure support. Never
hold the machine above shoulder
height.

Working conditions

!Warning!

Never attempt to use an electric hedge
trimmer in locations where there is a
potential for explosive or flammable
atmospheres.

Operate your power tool under good
visibility and daylight conditions only.
Work carefully.

Do not cut any material other than
hedges or similar soft vegetation. Do not
cut stems greater than 17 mm (0.7 inch)
thick.

!Warning!

If the vegetation being cut or the
surrounding ground is coated with a
chemical substance (such as an active
pesticide or herbicide), read and follow
the instructions and warnings that
accompanied the substance at issue.

!Warning!

Inhalation of certain dusts, especially
organic dusts such as mold or pollen,
can cause susceptible persons to have
an allergic or asthmatic reaction.
Substantial or repeated inhalation of
dust and other airborne contaminants, in
particular those with a smaller particle
size, may cause respiratory or other
illnesses. Control dust at the source
where possible. Use good work
practices, such as operating the unit so
that the wind or operating process
directs any dust raised by the power tool
away from the operator. Follow the
recommendations of EPA/OSHA/
NIOSH and occupational and trade
associations with respect to dust
(“particulate matter”). When the
inhalation of dust cannot be substantially
controlled, i.e., kept at or near the
ambient (background) level, the
operator and any bystanders should
wear a respirator approved by NIOSH/
MSHA for the type of dust encountered.

11HSE 60, HSE 70

English / USA

Operating instructions

!Warning!

In the event of an emergency, release
one or both switches immediately to stop
the movement of the cutting blades.

!Warning!

Before you start work, examine the
hedge area for stones, fence wire, metal
or other solid objects which could
damage the cutting blades.

Take particular care when cutting
hedges next to or against wire fences.
Do not touch the wire with the cutting
blades. When working close to the
ground, make sure that no sand, grit or
stones get between the cutting blades.

Striking solid foreign objects such as
stones, fence wire or metal could
damage the cutting attachment and may
cause blades to crack, chip or break.
STIHL does not recommend the use of
your power tool when cutting in areas
where the blades could contact such
objects.

!Warning

Observe the cutting blades at all times –
do not cut any areas of the hedge that
you cannot see. When cutting the top of
a taller hedge, check the other side of
the hedge frequently for bystanders,
animals and obstructions.

Danger!

To reduce the risk of
electrocution, never
operate this power tool in

the vicinity of any wires or
cables (power, etc.) that may be carrying
electric current.

!Warning!

When using the electric hedge trimmer,
always keep the power supply cord and
extension cord behind you and away
from the cutting tool. Never drape the
cord over the hedge being trimmed.
Always ensure that your power cords do
not become entangled with obstacles or
objects. Damaged cords may cause
electrocution.

!Warning!

Avoid damage to the power cords. Keep
cords away from heat, oil and sharp
edges. Never carry hedge trimmer by
power cable or yank power cable or
extension cord to disconnect the plug
from the wall outlet. To unplug, grasp the
plug not the cord.

!Warning!

If the blades become clogged or stuck,
always release the switches, disconnect
the plug, and make sure the cutting tool
has stopped, before cleaning. Debris,
etc. should be cleaned off the cutting
tool at regular intervals.

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

– Disconnect the hedge trimmer from

the power supply.

– Wait until the cutting blades have

come to a complete standstill.

– Check condition and tightness; look

for cracks.

– Check sharpness.

– Replace damaged or dull cutting

tools immediately, even if they have
only superficial cracks.

After Finishing Work

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

Spray the blades with STIHL resin
solvent. Start and run the motor briefly
so that the solvent is evenly distributed.

12

HSE 60, HSE 70