Weed Eater WHT18 Instruction Manual

Instruction Manual

18 Volt Hedge Trimmer

• Cordless No-Hassle Operation

• Interchangeable 18V Battery Pack

• 1-Hour Charger

Model WHT18

No Gas, No Cord,
and Easy to Use!

CAUTION:
Before using this product, read this manual and follow
all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions.

Original Power, Inc. [phone]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Warranty ..................................................................................................................... 3

Safety Instructions ..................................................................................................... 3

Operation ................................................................................................................... 5

Maintenance ............................................................................................................... 9

Storage ....................................................................................................................... 9

Service ..................................................................................................................... 10

Trouble Shooting ...................................................................................................... 10

Español .................................................................................................................... 12

Français .................................................................................................................... 24

Limited Two Year Warranty on Weed Eater® Hedge Trimmer

If this hedge trimmer fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within
two years from the date of purchase, Original Power, at its sole discretion, will
repair or replace the unit free of charge. Proof of purchase is required to

validate the warranty period. This warranty does not cover normal wear
items such as the blade, and battery. For more specific information on
these wear items please refer to the Service section of this manual.

To obtain warranty services or ask questions please call [phone].
This warranty applies only while this hedge trimmer is used in the United

States.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
rights, which vary from state to state.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING TOOL

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING TO CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS: Handling the cord on the charger

associated with this product (or cords with accessories sold for this product) will
expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer,
and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Please wash hands after handling
the cord.

WARNING TO CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS: The batteries in this product

contain Cadmium, a chemical know to the State of California to cause cancer,
and birth defects or other reproductive harm. They are sealed for your protection
– in no circumstances should you attempt to open the batteries. Avoid excessive
handling of the batteries.

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WARNING: When using this tool, basic safety precautions should always be

followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury, including the
following:

To reduce risk of injury:

• Before any use, be sure everyone using this electric product reads and
understands all safety and operation instructions contained in this manual.

• Save these instructions and review frequently prior to use.

• UNIT PARTIALLY CHARGED – The hedge trimmer is shipped in a partially

charged state so handle the unit with care during unpacking.

• AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTS and weather conditions when using
this tool.

• KEEP CHILDREN AWAY – All visitors should be kept at a safe distance from
work area.

• STORE IDLE UNIT INDOORS - When not in use, the unit should be stored
indoors in a dry location – out of reach of children.

• DON’T FORCE THE TOOL – It will do the job better and with less likelihood of a
risk of injury at the rate for which it was designed.

• USE RIGHT TOOL – Do not use the tool for any job except that for which it is
intended.

• WARNING: KEEP HANDS AND ALL BODY PARTS AWAY from the blades. The
edges are sharp and can cause injury even when the tool is OFF.

• DRESS PROPERLY – Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can be caught
in moving parts. Use of gloves and substantial footwear is recommended when
working outdoors. Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair and long
pants to protect from accidental contact with the blade.

• DON’T OVERREACH – Maintain proper footing and balance at all times. Use
both hands to operate unit safely.

• USE SAFETY GLASSES – Always wear proper eye protection and use a face or
dust mask if operation is dusty.

• MAINTAIN UNIT WITH CARE – Keep the unit clean for best performance and to
reduce the risk of injury. Follow instructions for service. Keep handles dry, clean,
and free from oil and grease.

• UNINTENTIONAL STARTING – Don’t hold the switch area while carrying the
hedge trimmer. The unit is shipped partly charged, and may start inadvertently if
not handled properly.

• CHECK DAMAGED PARTS – If the hedge trimmer experiences a hard impact,
check that no parts were damaged and verify that the unit operates properly.
Check for misalignment or bending of moving parts, breakage of parts, and
any other condition that may affect operation. A part that is damaged should be
properly repaired or replaced by an authorized service center.

• STAY ALERT – Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do not operate
the tool when you are tired.

• DON’T GRASP THE EXPOSED CUTTING BLADES or cutting edges when
picking up or holding the unit. Do not attempt to remove cut material or hold
material to be cut when blades are moving. Make sure the unit’s switch is off,
and the battery is removed when clearing jammed material from blades.

To reduce risk when using charger:

• DO NOT use charger outdoors or in wet conditions; use inside only.

• DO NOT charge the battery when the temperature is below +50 F or above

+100 F. It may lessen the service life of the battery.

• This unit and its charger are designed to work together. DO NOT charge the

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hedge trimmer battery with any other charger and DO NOT use this charger with
any other yard tool or appliance.

• The charger is designed to operate on 120 volts. DO NOT attempt to use it at

any other voltage.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

OPERATIONS

• CHARGE BATTERY PRIOR TO USE – The hedge trimmer is only partially

charged when purchased. Before using the unit, the battery must be charged.
Before charging the battery, read safety and charging instructions.

• PROPER RUN TIME AND PERFORMANCE can only be obtained with a fully

charged battery.

BATTERY AND CHARGER

This hedge trimmer is equipped with an 18-volt high-capacity battery pack and an
advanced smart charger. Following are some important things for you to know
about the features of your battery charger:

• CHARGE BEFORE USE- The battery pack is shipped in a partially

charged state and must be fully charged before use. NOTE: Batteries
require cycle conditioning (charging and discharging) to reach their full
capacity. Please allow several cycles of use for the maximum capacity
(and run-time) to be achieved.

• FULL CHARGE - In normal situations, the battery pack will reach a full

charge in one-hour. Initial use, long periods of inactivity, or storage at
extreme temperatures may require extended charge time.

• BATTERY PACK TEMPERATURE AND CHARGING - The charger is

designed to only charge the battery pack if the battery pack’s temperature
is considered normal – defined as a temperature range of 50-100 degrees
Fahrenheit. When using the hedge trimmer continuously, the batteries
may become hot. If the battery is too warm, the charger will recognize
the temperature of the battery pack and the green LED light will illuminate
immediately indicating that the battery can not be charged yet. After
continuous use, you should let the battery pack cool down for up to
30 minutes BEFORE attempting to charge. Conversely, if the battery
pack has been left in the cold you will need to allow it to reach a normal
temperature before attempting to charge. NOTE: Only use the battery
charger in a location that will allow for a normal temperature.

• INSERT BATTERY FULLY INTO CHARGER - When inserting a battery

pack into the charger, be sure to push the battery all the way down until it
is firmly seated in the charger. Failure to insert the battery fully may result
in a GREEN LIGHT illuminating immediately. However, the battery will not
be properly charged unless it is fully seated and the light has changed
from RED to GREEN.

• CHARGE INDICATORS will indicate the status of the charging of the

battery. When you insert a discharged battery pack into the charger, a
RED LIGHT will illuminate to indicate that the battery is charging ; the light
will change to GREEN when the battery becomes fully charged. If the
GREEN LIGHT illuminates immediately after full insertion of a discharged
battery into the charger, this indicates that the battery pack’s temperature
is not normal. If this is the case, remove the battery pack from the charger

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and allow it to reach a normal temperature BEFORE inserting it into the
charger.

Charging the Battery:

1. Plug the charger into a 120 Volt AC outlet.

2. Place the battery pack of the hedge trimmer into the charge cradle as illustrated

in Figure 1 and PRESS DOWN FIRMLY. A RED LIGHT will illuminate which
shows the battery pack is properly seated in the charger.

Figure-1

3. The battery should reach a full charge in approximately one-hour. At this point

a GREEN LIGHT will replace the RED LIGHT.

4. It is normal for the battery pack and/or charger to feel warm to the touch while

charging.

Charging Notes:

CAUTION: The charger can only be used with 60 cycle, 120 VAC electricity.

• ONLY charge the battery pack with the charger provided.

• SAFE CHARGE –The battery pack can be left on the charger indefinitely.

• Longest life and best performance will be obtained when charging at normal

room temperature.

• Battery life is dependent on usage, storage temperature and time.

Remember:
Battery must be normal
temperature before
charging. Wait 45 minutes
after use to charge.

Remember:
Be sure to push battery all
the way into charger until
firmly seated.

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Before operating, Insert fully charged battery as illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure-2

To turn tool ON, slide the thumb switch on top of the handle FORWARD. While

holding thumb switch FORWARD, squeeze the trigger switch (under the handle)
to start the unit. See Figure 3. NOTE: Release the SAFETY thumb switch once the
unit is running.

Figure-3

To turn tool OFF, simply release the trigger switch. The thumb switch will snap

backward to prevent the trigger switch from being accidentally depressed.

TRIMMING TECHNIQUES

Maintain proper balance at all times. Keep hands away from blades. Wear eye
protection when using the unit. Hold the trimmer firmly with both hands and turn
ON. See Figure 4.

•

The trimmer works best with dry hedges and bushes but it can be used safely
with wet growth due to the low voltage design.

•

A wide sweeping cutting motion away from the body is recommended, and will
get the greatest amount of trimming per charge.

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•

When cutting below your waste (around small bushes or on the side of bushes)
be particularly careful to avoid hitting your legs and feet.

Figure-4

•

This unit should NOT be used for large trees and hedges with limbs in excess of
7/16th of an inch in diameter.

•

Watch out for foreign objects. Avoid trimming near wiring or other objects that
could jam the blades or cause a hazardous situation.

CAUTION: If the blades become jammed or stalled on a branch, stick, or foreign
object, release the trigger immediately. Failure to stop the unit when the blades are
jammed will cause damage to the motor.

Circuit Breaker

Figure-5

CIRCUIT BREAKER: This hedge trimmer uses a circuit breaker to minimize

potential motor damage if the trimmer is operated in a stalled or jammed condition.
If the trimmer becomes jammed or stalled and the operator continues to pull the
trigger for more than a couple seconds, the circuit breaker will “pop” and will need
to be reset before the unit will operate again. The circuit breaker (see figure 5) is a
small round recessed black button located on the left side of the trimmer forward

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of the trigger switch. If the circuit breaker “pops”, wait approximately 30 seconds
and then push the circuit breaker button in firmly. The button should stay in and the
trimmer should operate normally. Be sure to clear all jams from the blade before
attempting to start the trimmer again.

Clearing Jams
After the blades have completely stopped, remove the battery pack and then
carefully remove the obstruction.

CAUTION: To prevent injury, remove the battery pack before clearing the blades.
To prevent injury, do not use the hedge trimmer with any damaged parts. If the unit
continues to jam, call our customer service at [phone].

MAINTENANCE

BLADE CLEANING – After you have finished trimming, you may find that

dirt and vegetation have accumulated on the blades. Use a dry scrub
brush to clean debris off of blades. A penetrating oil spray can be used to
soften hard deposits.

WARNING: To prevent injury, remove the battery pack from the trimmer and keep
hands away from the trigger during cleaning of blades.

BLADE LUBRICATION – After using the unit in wet conditions, wipe the blades
with a cloth and allow them to dry. Then, with a rag, apply a thin film of light oil to
the top and bottom of blades. DO NOT over-oil. Turn the unit ON for a few seconds
to work lubricant between the blades.

LUBRICATION – Aside from blade lubrication, no periodic lubrication of other
hedge trimmer parts is required.

CLEANING OF PLASTIC PARTS – Use only a dry brush or a cloth with warm
water and mild soap to clean plastic parts. Many household cleaners contain
chemicals, which could damage the plastic. Never use gasoline, turpentine, paint
thinner or similar fluids. Never spray-wash tool or immerse in water. Water or liquid
inside the tool can cause serious damage to the unit.

DROPPING THE UNIT – If you drop the unit, carefully inspect it for any damage
before using it again.

STORAGE

HANG FROM BLADE – The unit’s blade has a hole in the top of it so you can hang

it from a nail, screw or peg.
TEMPERATURE – Temperature extremes limit the useful life of the battery. The

best storage place is one that is cool and dry. Store the tool away from direct
sunlight, heating pipes, furnaces, etc. NOTE: Do not store where temperatures go
below +40 F or above +120 F.

PREVENTING CORROSION – Fertilizers and other garden chemicals contain
compounds that greatly accelerate the corrosion of metals. Do not store the
appliance on or adjacent to fertilizers or chemicals.
BATTERY RECYCLING – Original Power, Inc. is a voluntary member of the
Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC). It pays a recycling fee to
the RBRC for each battery contained in its products to allow you an easy and

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environmentally responsible method of disposing of the Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad)
battery pack used with this product. In many states and municipalities, it is illegal
to dispose of NiCad batteries in ordinary trash. To preserve natural resources,
please recycle or dispose of this product’s battery pack properly. You may find
RBRC disposal locations in your area by calling the RBRC at 1(800) 822-8831 or
visiting their web site at www.rbrc.org.

BATTERY REPLACEMENT – With ordinary use and care, your battery pack should
last you for a few years before it needs to be replaced. If you need to replace your
battery pack or want to purchase additional battery packs, please contact us at
[phone].

WARNINGS: Under no circumstances should you attempt to open the battery

pack. To avoid risk of injury, only replace the battery pack with the same Model
1801 battery pack.

SERVICE

WARRANTY - Your hedge trimmer offers a two year warranty against failure due

to a defect in material or workmanship. If you experience such a problem, Original
Power, at its sole discretion, will repair or replace the unit free of charge during the
warranty period. Proof of purchase is required to validate warranty period.

The warranty does not cover components that are subject to normal wear, such
as the blades and battery. It also does not cover abuse, misuse, or use of the
product in a commercial setting. Replacement parts are available for purchase
from us by calling us at [phone].

Please read and follow the instructions for this product carefully.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights,

which vary from state to state.
DROPPING THE UNIT – If you drop the unit, carefully inspect it for any damage

before using it again.
If you see any condition that may affect safe operation, or if you have any

questions, contact our customer service number at: 1-800- 540-5688.

TROUBLE SHOOTING
Problem: Unit will not charge OR Charger light does not turn green after an

hour.

Solution(s):

• Be sure the battery pack is firmly seated in the charger. The RED LIGHT

should illuminate initially when a normal temperature discharged battery pack
is placed in the charger.

• Inspect charger to make sure it is correctly plugged into a working outlet.

Many outdoor or garage outlets in newer homes are protected by ground
fault (GFCI) circuits to prevent electrical shock from moisture. Make sure the
charger is completely plugged into wall outlet and that the outlet is in working
condition (i.e. not temporarily disabled by a GFCI protector).

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• The light on the unit’s charger should turn GREEN after approximately 1
hour of charging during regular use. However, it may take up to 2 hours to
turn green during it’s initial charge or after long periods of storage.

Problem: GREEN LIGHT immediately illuminates when trying to charge a
discharged battery.

Solution(s):

• The battery pack can become hot during use. Allow the battery pack to
reach normal temperature (between 50-100 degrees Fahrenheit) before
attempting to charge it. Insert the battery into the charger AFTER it has
cooled to a normal temperature.

Problem: Cutting or run-time performance is diminished.

Solution(s):

• Please follow the trimming techniques described in this manual for best
performance.

• The hedge trimmer should operate for approximately 45 minutes with a full
charge. If your run-time is considerably less than this, disconnect the battery
pack and inspect the blades to be sure they are clean and free of obstructions.

• Make sure the unit is fully charged – see the Operations section of this

manual for charging details.

Problem: Thumb safety switch is difficult to hold on during use.

Solution:

• The thumb safety switch need only be engaged when starting the unit.

There is no need to keep switch in the forward position while using the
product.

Problem: Unit will not operate.

Solution:

• Be sure that the battery pack is fully inserted into the hedge trimmer.

• Check to see if the circuit breaker has “popped.” If the circuit breaker but-

ton has popped out, push it back in firmly to reset it.