Read these safety instructions, these original instructions, the safety instructions provided with the battery pack and the original instructions supplied with the battery pack/standard charger before using the device for the first time. Act in accordance with them. Keep the booklets for future reference or for future owners.

In addition to the notes in the operating instructions, you also need to take into consideration the general safety regulations and accident prevention guidelines applicable by law.

You must adhere to special safety measures and rules of conduct when working with hedge trimmers, otherwise a danger of injury exists.

In addition to the safety instructions, the country-specific safety and training regulations must also be observed, e.g. from authorities, trade associations or social insurance funds. Local regulations may limit the times during which hedge trimmers can be used (time of day or season). Observe the local regulations.

The term "power tool" in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (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 flammable 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. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce the 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.

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 influence 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 finger 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, clothing and gloves 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.

5. Battery tool use and care

   1. Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.

   2. Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.

   3. When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paperclips, 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 fire.

   4. Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush 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 qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.

• Keep all parts your body away from the cutting blade. Do not attempt to remove cut material or to hold the material being cut while the blade is running. Only remove trapped cut material when the device is switched off. A moment of carelessness when using the hedge trimmer can cause serious injuries.

• Carry the hedge trimmer by the handle with the blade at a standstill. When transporting or storing the hedge trimmer, always fit the protective cover. Handling the device with care reduces the risk of injury from the blade.

• Hold power tools only by the insulated handles because the cutting blade may come into contact with hidden power cables. If the cutting blade comes into contact with a live cable, metal parts of the device may become charged with voltage and cause electric shock.

• Keep away from lines and cables in your work area during operation. Lines and cables may be caught by the cutting blade during operation and severed.

• The hedge trimmer is only intended for private use.

• The hedge trimmer is intended for outdoor use.

• For safety reasons, always hold the hedge trimmer firmly with both hands.

• The hedge trimmer is only suitable for cutting plants, e.g. hedges and bushes.

• Do not use the hedge trimmer in a wet environment or in the rain.

• Use the hedge trimmer only in a well lit environment.

• Modifications and changes to the device that are not authorised by the manufacturer are prohibited for safety reasons.

Any other use, e.g. cutting grass, trees or branches, is impermissible. The user is liable for all hazards resulting from impermissible use.

The packing materials can be recycled. Please dispose of packaging in accordance with the environmental regulations.

Electrical and electronic appliances contain valuable, recyclable materials and often components such as batteries, rechargeable batteries or oil, which - if handled or disposed of incorrectly - can pose a potential threat to human health and the environment. However, these components are required for the correct operation of the appliance. Appliances marked by this symbol are not allowed to be disposed of together with the household rubbish.

Current information on content materials can be found at: www.kaercher.com/REACH

Only use original accessories and original spare parts. They ensure that the appliance will run fault-free and safely.

Information on accessories and spare parts can be found at www.kaercher.com.

The scope of delivery for the appliance is shown on the packaging. Check the contents for completeness when unpacking. If any accessories are missing or in the event of any shipping damage, please notify your dealer.

The trigger lockout button on the rear handle ensures two-handed operation. The lockout button blocks the trigger and thus prevents the hedge trimmer from starting up in an uncontrolled manner.

The blade guard is an important component of the safety devices of the hedge trimmer. A damaged blade guard must not be used and must be replaced immediately.

The maximum amount of equipment is described in these operating instructions. Depending on the model used, there are differences in the scope of delivery (see packaging).

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1. Handle, rear
2. Power switch unlocking button
3. Handle unlocking button
4. Handle, front
5. Power switch
6. Hand guard
7. Hedge broom
8. Blade
9. Blade guard
10. *Rechargeable battery pack 18/25
11. *Fast Charger Battery Power 18V
12. Battery pack unlocking button
13. Type plate

* optional

The device can be operated with a Kärcher 18 V Battery Power battery pack.

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1. Push the battery into the mounting in the device until it audibly latches into place.

New users should be instructed by an experienced person and practice handling and techniques before carrying out any work.

1. Check the cutting material for foreign bodies, such as paper, films or wires, and remove them as necessary.

2. Install the hedge broom.

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3. Remove the blade guard.

4. Hold the hedge trimmer firmly with both hands.

1. Press the trigger lockout button.

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2. Press the trigger.

   The device starts up.

3. Release the trigger.

   The device stops.

1. Switch on the device and move it towards the cutting material.

2. Cut leaves and thin branches with an oscillating movement.

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3. For thicker branches, use a sawing movement, but do not stab into the plant.

4. Cut bushes and hedges from the bottom upwards.

5. When cutting tips, make a large swinging movement and tilt the blade slightly in the process.

6. Hold the blade horizontally to cut lower-lying plants such as groundcovers.

The rear handle can be turned to work more comfortably on vertical surfaces.

1. Pull the handle unlocking button to the top.

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2. Turn the handle into the desired position until it audibly latches into place.

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1. Press the unlocking button.

2. Remove the battery from the device.

The device may only be stored indoors.

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1. Allow the device to cool down.

2. Remove plant residue and dirt from the blade and motor casing with a brush.

3. Clean the ventilation slits on the device with a brush.

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1. Check that all screws/nuts are tight.

2. Tighten any loose screws/nuts.

In order to maintain the blade quality, the blade sections should be oiled after each use.

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1. Place the device on a flat surface.

2. Apply oil to the top of the blade sections.

1. Clamp the blade in a vice.

2. Sharpen the exposed side of the blade teeth with a file.

3. Carefully push the blade further by hand so that the unsharpened blade teeth are accessible.

4. Sharpen the exposed side of all blade teeth with a file.

Malfunctions often have simple causes that you can remedy yourself using the following overview. When in doubt, or in the case of malfunctions not mentioned here, please contact your authorised Customer Service.

As the battery pack ages, even if it is looked after, its capacity reduces such that the full run time will no longer be reached when fully charged. This does not indicate a defect.

• The device does not start up 

• The device does not start up 

• The device does not start up 

• The device stops during operation 

• The device stops during operation 

• The device stops during operation 

Cause:

Battery pack is not inserted correctly.

Remedy:

• Push the battery pack into the mounting until it latches into place.

Cause:

Battery pack is empty

Remedy:

• Charge the battery pack.

Cause:

Battery pack is defective.

Remedy:

• Replace the battery pack.

Cause:

Blade blocked with cutting material.

Remedy:

• Remove cutting material from the blade.

Cause:

The battery has overheated

Remedy:

• Stop working and allow the battery to cool down to normal battery temperature.

Cause:

Motor has overheated

Remedy:

• Stop working and allow the motor to cool down.

The warranty conditions issued by our relevant sales company apply in all countries. We shall remedy possible malfunctions on your appliance within the warranty period free of cost, provided that a material or manufacturing defect is the cause. In a warranty case, please contact your dealer (with the purchase receipt) or the next authorised customer service site.

(See overleaf for the address)

We hereby declare that the machine described below complies with the relevant basic safety and health requirements in the EU Directives, both in its basic design and construction as well as in the version placed in circulation by us. This declaration is invalidated by any changes made to the machine that are not approved by us.

Product: Hedge trimmer

Type: HGE 18-50 Battery 1.444-24x.0

2000/14/EC (+2005/88/EC)

2014/30/EU

2006/42/EC (+2009/127/EC)

2011/65/EU

EN 50581: 2012

EN 55014-1: 2017

EN 55014-2: 2015

EN 60745-1:2009+A11:2010

EN 60745-2-15:2009+A1:2010

2000/14/EC and amended by 2005/88/EC: Appendix V

Measured:91,2

Guaranteed:93

The undersigned act on behalf and under the power of attorney of the company management.

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Documentation supervisor:

S. Reiser

Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG

Alfred-Kärcher-Str. 28 - 40

71364 Winnenden (Germany)

Ph.: +49 7195 14-0

Fax: +49 7195 14-2212

Winnenden, 01.07.2018