Stihl HSE 61, HSE 81, HSE 71 Instruction Manual

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STIHL HSE 61, 71, 81 Instruction Manual

Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper

Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.

© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2010

0458-279-0121-A. M2.B10.FST.

0000000907_006_GB

HSE 61, HSE 71, HSE 81

English

1

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Contents

Dear Customer,

Thank you for choosing a quality
engineered STIHL product.

This machine has been built using
modern production techniques and
comprehensive quality assurance.
Every effort has been made to ensure
your satisfaction and troublefree use
of the machine.

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

Your

Hans Peter Stihl

Guide to Using this Manual 2
Safety Precautions and Working

Techniques 2
Using the Unit 7
Connecting to Power Supply 8
Switching On 9
Switching Off 10
Rotating Handle 10
Storing the Machine 10
Sharpening Instructions 11
Maintenance and Care 12
Minimize Wear and Avoid Damage 13
Main Parts 14
Specifications 15
Special Accessories 17
Maintenance and Repairs 17
EC Declaration of Conformity 17
Disposal 18
Quality Certification 18
General Power Tool Safety

Warnings 19

HSE 61, HSE 71, HSE 81

English

2

Pictograms

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

Symbols in text

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.

Observe all applicable local safety
regulations, standards and ordinances.

If you have not used this type of power
tool before: Have your dealer or other
experienced user show you how to
operate your power tool or attend a
special course in its operation.

Minors should never be allowed to use a
power tool.

Keep bystanders, especially children,
and animals away from the work area.

When the power tool is not in use, shut it
off so that it does not endanger others.
Secure it against unauthorized use.

The user is responsible for avoiding
injury to third parties or damage to their
property.

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.

The use of noise emitting power tools
may be restricted to certain times by
national or local regulations.

To operate the power tool you must be
rested, in good physical condition and
mental health.

If you have any condition that might be
aggravated by strenuous work, check
with your doctor before operating a
power tool.

Do not operate the power tool if you are
under the influence of any substance
(drugs, alcohol) which might impair
vision, dexterity or judgment.

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

It must not be used for any other
purpose because of the increased risk of
accidents and damage to the machine.

To reduce the risk of accidents,
always disconnect the plug from the
power supply before carrying out any
work on the power tool.

Never jerk the connecting cord to
disconnect it from the wall outlet. To
unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.

Unsuitable extension cords can be
extremely dangerous.

Make sure that the conductor cross
section (wire gauge) of extension cords
meets the minimum requirements – see
chapter on "Connecting to Power
Supply".

Guide to Using this Manual

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

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

Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques

Some special safety pre­cautions must be
observed when working
with this power tool
because it has very sharp
cutting blades and is
powered by electricity.

It is important you read
and understand the
instruction manual before
using your unit for the
first time and keep the
manual in a safe place for
future reference. Non­observance of the safety
precautions may result in
serious or even fatal
injury.

HSE 61, HSE 71, HSE 81

English

3

When you use an extension cord, make
sure the plug and coupling are
waterproof or positioned in such a way
that they cannot come into contact with
water.

Only use parts and accessories that are
explicity approved for this power tool by
STIHL or are technically identical. If you
have any questions in this respect,
consult a servicing dealer. Use only high
quality parts and accessories in order to
avoid the risk of accidents and damage
to the machine.

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

Never attempt to modify your power tool
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
the unit. The solid jet of water may
damage parts of the unit.

Do not spray the machine with water.

Clothing and Equipment

Wear proper protective clothing and
equipment.

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 and confine long hair
(e.g. with a hair net, cap, hard hat, etc.).

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

Transporting the Power Tool

Always switch off the power tool, uplug it
from the power supply and fit the blade
scabbard – even when you carry the unit
for short distances.

Carry the power tool by the handle –
cutting blades behind you.

Transporting in a vehicle: Properly
secure the power tool to prevent
turnover and damage.

Before Starting Work

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

– Voltage and frequency of the

machine (see rating plate) and the
voltage and frequency of your
power supply must be the same.

– Check the connecting cord, plug

and extension cord for damage.
Never use damaged cords,
couplings and plugs or connecting
cords that do not comply with
regulations.

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.

Wear sturdy shoes with
non-slip soles.

Wear safety glasses.

Wear heavy-duty gloves.

446BA003 KN

HSE 61, HSE 71, HSE 81

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4

– Receptacles of extension cords

must be splash-proof.

– To reduce the risk of stumbling,

position and mark the connecting
cord so that it cannot be damaged
or endanger others.

– Trigger switch, switch lever and

auxiliary switch must move freely
and return to the idle position when
they are released.

– Cutting blades securely mounted

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

– Check cutter guard (if fitted) for

damage.

– Never attempt to modify the controls

or the safety devices in any way.

– Keep the handles dry and clean –

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

To reduce the risk of personal injury,
do not operate your power tool if it is
damaged or not properly assembled.

To reduce the risk of electric shock:

– Always connect the power tool to a

properly installed wall outlet.

– Make sure the extension cord used

complies with the regulations for the
intended application.

– Check that the insulation of the

power cord, extension cord, plug
and coupling is in good condition.

Holding and Controlling the Power
Tool

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

Right-handers

Right hand on the control handle and left
hand on the loop handle.

Left-handers

Left hand on the control handle and right
hand on the loop handle.

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

During Operation

In case of imminent danger or in an
emergency, switch off the motor
immediately – release the trigger switch
and/or switch lever or the trigger switch
and/or auxiliary switch.

Check that there are no bystanders in
the general work area.

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.

Do not leave the machine outdoors in
the rain.

Your power tool is equipped with a
system designed to quickly stop the
cutting blades – they come to an
immediate standstill as soon as you
release the trigger switch or the switch
lever, or the auxiliary switch.

Check this function at regular short
intervals. To reduce the risk of injury,
do not operate your power tool if the
cutting blades continue to run. Contact
your servicing dealer.

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

446BA004 KN

446BA005 KN

The drive motor is not
waterproof. To r e d u c e

the risk of a short cir­cuit or electrocution,

never work with the
power tool in the rain or in
wet or very damp
locations.

HSE 61, HSE 71, HSE 81

English

5

Clear away fallen branches, scrub and
cuttings.

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

When working at heights:

– Always use a lift bucket

– Never work on a ladder or in a tree

– Never work on an insecure support

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.

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

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 Work". Make sure the
safety devices are working properly. Do
not continue operating your power tool if
it is damaged. In case of doubt, have the
machine checked by your servicing
dealer.

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.

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

The dust that occurs during operation
may be harmful to health. If dust levels
are very high, wear a suitable respirator.

Never jerk the connecting cord to
disconnect it from the wall outlet. To
unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.

Avoid damage to the power supply cord.
Do not drive over it, pinch or tug it.

Position the connecting and extension
cords correctly:

– Do not chafe on edges, pointed or

sharp objects

– Do not squeeze through gaps in

doors or windows

– If cords are twisted – unplug the

power tool and straighten them out

– Never touch the cutting attachment

– Always unwind the extension cord

completely from the cable drum to
reduce the risk of fire from
overheating.

Before leaving the power tool
unattended: Switch off the power tool
and unplug it from the power supply.

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

– Switch off the motor, wait for the

cutting blades to come to a
standstill, disconnect plug from
power supply.

– Check condition and tightness, look

for cracks.

– Check sharpness.

Always switch off the power tool and
unplug it from the power supply before
replacing the cutting blades. This avoids
the risk of injury from the motor starting
unintentionally.

To reduce the risk of fire, always clean
plant residue, chips, leaves and excess
lubricant off the motor.

Do not touch the cutting
blades while the motor is
running. If the cutting
blades become jammed
by thick branches or
other obstructions, switch
off immediately and dis­connect the plug from the
power supply before
attempting to free the
blades.

If the connecting cord is
damaged, immediately
disconnect the plug from
the power supply to avoid
the risk of

electrocution.

HSE 61, HSE 71, HSE 81

English

6

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. Run the motor briefly so that the
solvent is evenly distributed.

Vibrations

Prolonged use of the power tool may
result in vibration-induced circulation
problems in the hands ("white finger
disease").

No general recommendation can be
given for the length of usage because it
depends on several factors.

The period of usage is prolonged by:

– Hand protection (wearing warm

gloves)

– Work breaks

The period of usage is shortened by:

– Any personal tendency to suffer

from poor circulation (symptoms:
frequently cold fingers, tingling
sensation)

– Low outside temperatures

– Amount of gripping force (holding

the power tool tightly restricts
circulation)

Users who use the machine periodically
or for long periods or users who
repeatedly experience corresponding
symptoms (e.g., tingling sensation in
fingers), should undergo a medical
examination.

Maintenance and Repairs

Always switch off the machine and
disconnect the plug from the power
supply before carrying out any
maintenance work to reduce the risk of
injury from the motor starting
unintentionally.

Service the machine regularly. Do not
attempt any maintenance or repair work
not described in the instruction manual.
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.

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
machine model and meet your
performance requirements.

Never attempt to modify your power tool
in any way since this will increase the
risk of personal injury.

Regularly check that the insulation of the
power cord and plug is in good condition
and shows no sign of ageing
(brittleness).

Electrical components, e.g. power cord,
may only be repaired or replaced by a
qualified electrician.

Clean plastic components with a cloth.
Do not use aggressive detergents. They
may damage the plastic.

Do not spray the machine with water.

Check tightness of mounting screws on
safety devices and the cutting
attachment and retighten if necessary.

Clean cooling air inlets in motor housing
as necessary.

Store the machine is a safe and dry
place.