Kobalt 40V Hedge Trimmer

Product Specifications

Package Contents

The following items are included in the package:

[Diagram description: Image shows the hedge trimmer (A), a scabbard (B), a battery (C), and a charger (D).]

Symbols and Safety Alerts

Familiarize yourself with the following symbols to operate the product safely and effectively.

Signal Words:

WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, do not attempt to use this product until you have read this Owner's Manual thoroughly and understand it completely. If you do not understand the warnings and instructions, do not use the product. Call 1-888-356-2258 for assistance.

The operation of any power tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, potentially causing severe eye damage. Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields, and a full face shield if needed. A wide vision safety mask is recommended over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with side shields. Ensure eye protection complies with ANSI Z87.1.

Safety Information

Read all safety warnings and instructions. Failure to follow them may result in electric shock, fire, or serious injury. Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.

Work Area Safety

• Keep the work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres (e.g., near flammable liquids, gases, or dust). Power tools can create sparks that may ignite dust or fumes.
• Keep children and bystanders away while operating the power tool. Distractions can lead to loss of control.

Electrical Safety

• Recharge battery-operated tools only with the specified charger. Using a charger suitable for one battery type with another may create a fire risk.
• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces (pipes, radiators, ranges, refrigerators) as this increases the risk of electric shock.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water ingress increases the risk of electric shock.
• Use battery-operated tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Using other battery packs may create a risk of fire.
• If operating in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protected supply.
• Use only 40 V Kobalt batteries (KB 240-06, KB 440-06, KB 245-06, KB 540-06).

Personal Safety

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating a power tool.
• Do not use the power tool when tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. Inattention can lead to serious personal injury.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE). Always wear eye protection. Additional PPE like dust masks, non-skid safety shoes, hard hats, or hearing protection may be needed depending on conditions.
• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the OFF position before connecting to power, attaching/removing the battery, picking up, or carrying the tool.
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A key left attached to a rotating part can cause personal injury.
• Do not overreach. Maintain proper footing and balance at all times for better control.
• Dress properly. Avoid loose clothing or jewelry. Keep hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts.
• If dust extraction facilities are provided, ensure they are connected and used properly to reduce dust-related hazards.

Hedge Trimmer Specific Safety

• Use both hands when operating the hedge trimmer to maintain control and prevent serious injury.
• Keep all body parts away from the cutter blade. Do not remove cut material or hold material to be cut when blades are moving. Ensure the switch is OFF when clearing jammed material. Blades coast after shutoff.
• Carry the hedge trimmer by the handle with the cutter blade stopped.
• Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only, as the blade may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Contact with a "live" wire can energize metal parts and cause electric shock.
• DANGER: Keep hands away from the blade. Contact with the blade will result in serious personal injury.
• Keep cables away from the cutting area. Cables can be hidden in shrubs and accidentally cut.

WARNING: Only use the hedge trimmer with the handle and guard properly assembled. Using it without these components may result in serious personal injury.

WARNING (PROPOSITION 65): Some dust from activities like sanding, sanding, grinding, and drilling contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. Examples include lead from lead-based paints, crystalline silica from masonry, and arsenic/chromium from treated lumber. Reduce exposure by working in well-ventilated areas and using approved safety equipment like dust masks designed for microscopic particles.

Grounding Information

Grounding provides a path of least resistance for electric current in case of malfunction, reducing the risk of electric shock.

This battery charger is double insulated and has a two-prong polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). It fits into a polarized outlet one way. If the plug does not fit fully, reverse it. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not change the plug. Always ensure the outlet is properly grounded.

[Diagram description: Image shows a two-prong polarized plug being inserted into a properly grounded outlet.]

Preparation and Unpacking

Ensure all parts are present by comparing them with the package contents list. If any part is missing or damaged, do not attempt assembly.

Remove the hedge trimmer from the box, remove the scabbard, and place the charged battery in the trimmer before beginning operation.

Unpacking:

• This product requires no assembly.
• Carefully remove the product and accessories, verifying all items from the Package Contents list are included.
• Inspect the product carefully for any breakage or damage that may have occurred during shipping.
• Do not discard packing material until the product has been carefully inspected and operated satisfactorily.
• For damaged or missing parts, call 1-888-3KOBALT (1-888-356-2258) for assistance.

Know Your Hedge Trimmer

Safe use requires understanding the product and this manual, as well as the project at hand. Familiarize yourself with all operating features and safety rules before use.

Guard (G): Helps prevent the operator's hands from slipping into the blades.

Trigger (J) and Lock-out Button (I): The lock-out button (I) must be pressed before the trigger (J) can be depressed. The lock-out button (I) can be released after the tool has started.

WARNING: To avoid personal injury:

• Handle the blade with care.
• Do not place fingers or hands between blade notches or where they could get pinched or cut.
• Never service the blade or trimmer unless the battery is removed.
• Always keep both hands on the trimmer handles to prevent accidental contact with the blade.

[Diagram description: Image shows the hedge trimmer with labeled parts: E - Battery release button, F - Auxiliary handle, G - Guard, H - Blade, I - Lock-out button, J - Trigger, K - Trigger handle.]

Operating Instructions

Battery

IMPORTANT: The battery may not be fully charged when purchased. Before first use, place the battery in the charger and charge it fully. Read all safety precautions and follow instructions in the battery and charger manuals.

To install the battery:

1. Align the battery with the cavity in the housing.
2. Insert the battery into the housing until the battery release button (E) locks into place. You should hear a "click" when it is installed.

To remove the battery:

1. Press the battery release button (E) on the hedge trimmer. This will cause the battery to raise slightly.
2. Grasp the hedge trimmer firmly and pull the battery out of the tool.

[Diagram description: Image 1 shows a battery being aligned with the trimmer housing. Image 2 shows the battery release button (E) being pressed to remove the battery.]

To turn on and off:

1. Place one hand on the trigger handle (K) and the other hand on the auxiliary handle (F).
2. Press the lock-out button (I) toward the handle and hold.
3. Squeeze the trigger (J). The hedge trimmer will turn ON.
4. Release the lock-out button (I). The hedge trimmer will stay on as long as the trigger (J) is squeezed.
5. The hedge trimmer will stop when you release the trigger (J).

IMPORTANT: If the hedge trimmer is accidentally dropped, it will turn off, the blades will coast to a stop, and the unit will be locked off.

[Diagram description: Image shows the hedge trimmer with controls labeled: F - Auxiliary handle, I - Lock-out button, J - Trigger, K - Trigger handle.]

Care and Maintenance

Hedge Trimmer Blade Maintenance

Note: Before performing maintenance, remove the battery from the hedge trimmer.

1. Remove dirt and debris from blades using a small dry paint brush or equivalent (not included).
2. Clean blades by spraying an appropriate degreaser (not included) on the blades and cutting bar.
3. After heavy use, check blades for deformation or imperfections. If required, file edges to provide a sharper cut. For sharpening, it is recommended to take it to a qualified technician. Always use a metal file (not included).
4. After each blade sharpening, apply a light machine oil or lithium-based spray-on grease (not included) to the blades.

[Diagram description: Images show cleaning the blades with a brush, applying degreaser, and filing the blade edge.]

Troubleshooting

If you have questions or an unresolved issue, contact Kobalt product experts at 1-888-3KOBALT (1-888-356-2258), Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. EST.

Warranty

5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

This Kobalt 40 V Hedge Trimmer is warranted to the original purchaser from the original purchase date for five (5) years, covering defects in material and workmanship.

If the Kobalt 40 V Hedge Trimmer is found to be defective during the warranty period, return it with proof of purchase to the place of purchase for a free replacement or refund, or call 1-888-3KOBALT (1-888-356-2258) for warranty service.

This warranty is void if:

• Defects or damages result from repairs or alterations made by unauthorized persons or use of nonconforming parts.
• Damage is due to normal wear, abuse (including overloading), improper maintenance, neglect, or accident.
• Damage is due to using the tool after partial failure or with improper accessories or unauthorized repair/alteration.

This warranty grants specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary by state.

Replacement Parts List

For replacement parts, call customer service at 1-888-3KOBALT (1-888-356-2258), Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. EST.

Printed in China