GARDENA TCS Li-18/20 Battery Pole Pruner

1. Intended Use

The GARDENA Battery Pole Pruner is designed for pruning trees, hedges, shrubs, and plants with branches up to a maximum diameter of 8 cm, intended for private use in domestic and hobby gardens.

Adherence to these operating instructions is essential for the correct use of the pole pruner.

DANGER! Personal Injury! The pole pruner must not be used for felling trees. Remove branches in sections to avoid being hit by falling branches or branches springing back from the ground. Do not stand under the branch when cutting.

2. Safety Instructions

Improper use of this machine can pose a danger and lead to serious injury to the operator and other persons! All warning notices and safety regulations must be observed to ensure safe operation and optimal performance. The operator is responsible for complying with all warnings and safety regulations provided in this manual and on the machine.

Explanation of Symbols on the Machine:

• ! Caution! Read the operating manual carefully to understand all controls and their functions.
• ⚡ Danger to life from electric shock! Stay at least 10 m away from power lines.
• ? Always wear protective gloves.
• ? Always wear non-slip safety shoes.
• ⛑️ Always wear a safety helmet.
• ?️? Always wear eye and ear protection.
• ☔ Do not expose the product to rain or other moisture. Do not leave the product outdoors in the rain.
• ➡️ Chain direction.

General Safety Instructions for Power Tools

WARNING! Read all safety and other instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire, or serious injury.

Keep all safety and other instructions for future reference.

The term "power tool" in the safety instructions refers to your mains-operated power tool (with cord) or battery-operated power tool (without cord).

1) Workplace Safety

• a) Keep the work area clean and well-lit. Cluttered or poorly lit areas increase the risk of accidents.
• b) 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 dust or fumes.
• c) Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control of the tool.

2) Electrical Safety

• a) The power tool plug must match the socket. Never modify the plug. Do not use adapter plugs for earthed power tools. Original plugs and matching sockets reduce the risk of electric shock.
• b) Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerators. If your body is earthed, there is an increased risk of electric shock.
• c) Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool increases the risk of electric shock.
• d) Handle the power cord carefully. Do not use the cord for carrying or pulling the power tool or for unplugging. Keep the cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges, and moving parts. Damaged or tangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
• e) If operating a power tool outdoors is unavoidable, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. This reduces the risk of electric shock.
• f) If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protected supply. Using an RCD reduces the risk of electric shock.

3) Personal Safety

• a) Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool if you are tired, ill, or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
• b) Wear personal protective equipment. Always wear safety goggles. Personal protective equipment such as a dust mask, non-slip safety footwear, hard hat, or hearing protection, when appropriate, will reduce personal injuries.
• c) Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power 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.
• d) Remove any adjusting keys or wrenches 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.
• e) Do not overreach. Keep proper footings and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
• f) 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.
• g) 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) Use and Care of Power Tools

• a) 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.
• b) 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.
• c) Disconnect the plug and/or the battery pack from the power source and/or 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.
• d) Store idle power tools out of reach of children and persons not familiar with the power tool or these instructions. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
• e) 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.
• f) Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• g) Use the power tool, accessories and bit tools 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) Use and Care of Battery Tools

• a) Only charge batteries with the chargers recommended by the manufacturer.
• b) Only use the batteries intended for use in the power tools. Using other batteries may cause injury and fire hazard.
• c) Keep the battery away from metal objects such as paper clips, 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.
• d) Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, seek medical attention. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.

6) Service

• a) Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only original replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.

Pole Pruner – Safety Instructions:

• Always ensure that no body parts come into the cutting area of the chain. Do not remove cut material or hold the material to be cut while the cutters are moving. Remove jammed material only with the power switched off. A moment of inattention when handling the pole pruner can cause serious injury.
• Always carry the pole pruner by the handle and only when the chain is not moving. During transport or storage of the pole pruner, the cover must be fitted to the guide bar. Correct handling of the pole pruner reduces the risk of injury from the chain.
• Hold the power tool by the insulated gripping surfaces, as the chain may contact hidden wiring. Contact of the chain with a live wire can make exposed metal parts of the power tool live and cause an electric shock.

Additional Safety Recommendations

Workplace Safety

• Use the pole pruner only as intended.
• The operator or user is responsible for accidents to other persons and for any danger to their property. Especially consider the danger to third parties due to the increased working radius when the telescopic pole is extended.
• Danger! When wearing hearing protection and due to the noise of the device, you may not notice approaching persons.

Danger! This device generates an electromagnetic field during operation. This field may, under certain circumstances, interact with active or passive medical implants. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury, we recommend that persons with medical implants consult their doctor or the medical implant manufacturer before operating the device. Do not use the device during thunderstorms.

Information on Safety when Using Electrical Parts

• Connect the charger only to the AC voltage specified on the type plate. Never connect an earth wire anywhere on the product.

Personal Safety

• Always wear suitable clothing, gloves, and sturdy shoes.
• Check the areas where the pole pruner is to be used and remove any wires, hidden electrical cables, and other foreign objects. All adjustment work (tilting the cutting head, changing the telescopic tube length) must be carried out with the protective cover attached, and the pole pruner must not be placed on its guide bar.
• Before use and after receiving a strong impact, the machine must be checked for signs of damage or defects.
• Have any necessary repairs carried out.
• Never attempt to operate the pole pruner if it is incomplete or has been modified without authorization.

Use and Care of Power Tools

• You should know how to switch off the device in an emergency.
• Never hold the pole pruner by the protective cover.
• Do not use the pole pruner if the protective devices are damaged.
• A ladder must not be used while operating the pole pruner.
• Use the device only while standing on firm ground.

Disconnect the battery:

• Before leaving the pole pruner unattended;
• Before clearing a blockage;
• Before checking or cleaning the pole pruner or performing work on it;
• If you hit an object.

The pole pruner may only be used again once it has been absolutely ensured that the entire pole pruner is in a safe operating condition.

• If the pole pruner begins to vibrate unusually strongly. It must be checked immediately. Excessive vibration can cause injuries.
• Before handing the device over to another person.

DANGER! RISK OF INJURY! Do not touch the chain.

→ Slide the protective cover on at the end of work or during breaks.

All nuts and screws must be tightened securely to ensure safe operation of the device.

Battery Safety

DANGER! FIRE HAZARD! The battery to be charged must be placed on a non-combustible, heat-resistant, and non-conductive surface during charging. Keep corrosive, flammable, and easily ignitable objects away from the charger and battery. Do not cover the charger and battery during charging. In case of smoke development or fire, unplug the charger immediately.

Only use the supplied GARDENA charger. Using other chargers can destroy the batteries and even cause fires.

DANGER! EXPLOSION HAZARD!

• → Protect the battery from heat and fire. Do not place it on radiators or expose it to strong sunlight for extended periods.
• Do not use the charger outdoors.
• → Never expose the charger to moisture or wetness.
• Only use the battery in an ambient temperature between 0 °C and 40 °C.
• A defective battery must be disposed of properly. It must not be sent by post. Please contact your local disposal facilities for further details.
• The charging cable must be regularly inspected for signs of damage and aging (brittleness) and must only be used in perfect condition.
• The supplied charger must only be used to charge the supplied battery. Do not charge non-rechargeable batteries with this charger (fire hazard).
• Disconnect the charger from the mains and the battery after charging.
• Only charge the battery between 0 °C and 45 °C. After heavy use, let the battery cool down first.

3. Mounting

The scope of delivery includes the pole pruner, battery, charger, chain, guide bar, protective cover with Allen key, and the operating manual.

Telescopic Pole Assembly:

1. Slide the telescopic tube (2) into the motor unit (1) until it stops. The two markings (M) must be aligned.
2. Tighten the grey nut (3).

Harness Assembly:

1. Spread the harness loop (d) to clamp the pole and screw it on with the screw (k).
2. Hook the carabiner (l) of the harness onto the harness loop (d).
3. Adjust the harness to the desired length using the quick-release fastener.

ATTENTION! The supplied harness must be used.

4. Commissioning

Charging the Battery:

ATTENTION! Overvoltage will destroy the batteries and the charger. → Ensure correct mains voltage.

Before first use, the partially charged battery must be fully charged. Charging time (for an empty battery) see Section 10. Technical Data.

The Lithium-ion battery can be charged in any state of charge, and charging can be interrupted at any time without damaging the battery (no memory effect).

1. Press both release buttons (4) and pull the battery (5) off the battery holder (6) on the handle.
2. Connect the charging cable (7) to the battery (5).
3. Plug the charger (8) into a mains socket.

Charge indicator light on charger flashes green every second: Battery is charging.

Charge indicator light on charger is green: Battery is fully charged. (Charging time see Section 10. Technical Data).

Battery Charge Level Indicator during Charging:

• 100% charged: L1, L2, and L3 are lit.
• 66-99% charged: L1 and L2 are lit, L3 is flashing.
• 33-65% charged: L1 is lit, L2 is flashing.
• 0-32% charged: L1 is flashing.

Regularly check the charging progress during the charging process.

4. When charging is complete, disconnect the battery (5) from the charger (8). First disconnect the battery (5) from the charger (8), then unplug the charger (8).
5. Slide the battery (5) onto the battery holder (6) on the handle until it audibly clicks into place.

Avoiding Deep Discharge:

If the battery is empty, the deep discharge protection automatically switches off the device before the battery is deeply discharged. To prevent the fully charged battery from discharging via the unplugged charger, the battery must be disconnected from the charger after charging. If the battery has been stored for longer than 1 year, it must be fully recharged. If the battery was deeply discharged, the charge indicator light (9) on the charger will flash quickly (twice per second) at the beginning of the charging process. If the charge indicator light (9) is still flashing quickly after 10 minutes, there is a fault (see Section 8. Troubleshooting). If the fault LED (W) on the battery flashes, there is a fault (see Section 8. Troubleshooting). In the case of a completely discharged battery, it may take approximately 20 minutes for the charge level to be indicated by the LED on the battery. The charging process is indicated at all times by the flashing LED (9) on the charger.

Battery Charge Level Indicator during Operation:

• Press button (B) on the battery.
• 66-99% charged: L1, L2, and L3 are lit.
• 33-65% charged: L1 and L2 are lit.
• 10-32% charged: L1 is lit.
• 1-9% charged: L1 is flashing.
• 0% charged: No display.

Filling Chain Oil:

DANGER! Personal Injury! Risk of injury from chain breakage if the chain on the guide bar is not sufficiently lubricated. → Before each use, check that the chain oil is dispensed in sufficient quantity.

We recommend GARDENA Oil Art. 6006 or equivalent mineral chain oil from specialist retailers.

1. Unscrew the oil tank cap (10).
2. Fill chain oil into the filler neck (11) until the sight glass (12) is completely filled with oil.
3. Screw the oil tank cap (10) back on.

If oil is spilled on the device, it must be thoroughly cleaned.

Checking the Oil Lubrication System:

• Point the guide bar (13) at a light-coloured wood surface at a distance of approx. 20 cm. After one minute of operation, the surface should show clear oil marks.

Never let the guide bar come into contact with sand or soil, as this leads to increased wear of the chain!

5. Operation

Working Positions:

The pole pruner can be operated in 2 working positions (top/bottom). For a clean cut edge, thick branches should be sawn in 2 steps (illustrations are similar).

Top (thick branches):

1. Saw the branch from below up to a maximum of 1/3 of its diameter (chain pushes against the front stop A).
2. Saw the branch from above (chain pulls against the rear stop B).

Bottom: Saw from above (chain pulls against the rear stop B).

DANGER! Do not stand under the branch when cutting!

Tilting the Motor Unit:

The motor unit (1) can be tilted in 15° steps from 60° to – 60°.

1. Remove the battery from the handle (see Section 4. Commissioning).
2. Press and hold both orange buttons (10).
3. Tilt the motor unit (1) in the desired direction.
4. Release both orange buttons (10) and let the motor unit (1) click into place.
5. Slide the battery onto the handle (see Section 4. Commissioning).

Extending the Telescopic Tube:

The telescopic tube (2) can be extended continuously up to 50 cm.

1. Remove the battery from the handle (see Section 4. Commissioning).
2. Loosen the orange nut (11), extend the telescopic tube (2) to the desired length, and retighten the orange nut (11).
3. Slide the battery onto the handle (see Section 4. Commissioning).

6. Starting and Stopping

Starting the Pole Pruner:

DANGER! Personal Injury! Risk of injury from cutting! → Never bypass safety devices (e.g., by tying the switch lock and/or start button).

Before starting work, the following conditions must be checked:

• Sufficient chain oil is filled and the lubrication system has been checked (see Section 4. Commissioning).
• The chain is tensioned (see Section 7. Maintenance).

Switching on the Pole Pruner:

1. Open the latch of the protective cover (12) and remove it from the guide bar.
2. Slide the battery onto the handle (see Section 4. Commissioning).
3. Hold the pole pruner with one hand on the telescopic tube and the other hand on the handle.
4. Push the switch lock (14) forward and then press the start button (15). The pole pruner starts.
5. Release the switch lock (14).

Switching off the Pole Pruner:

1. Release the start button (15).
2. Remove the battery from the handle (see Section 4. Commissioning).
3. Slide the protective cover (12) onto the guide bar and close it until the latch engages.

7. Storage

Putting Away:

The storage location must be inaccessible to children.

1. Remove and charge the battery (see Section 4. Commissioning).
2. Clean the pole pruner (see Section 7. Maintenance) and slide the protective cover (12) onto the guide bar and close it until the latch engages.
3. Store the pole pruner in a dry, frost-free location.

The device must not be disposed of with normal household waste; it must be disposed of professionally. → Important for Germany: Dispose of the device via your municipal waste disposal facility.

Disposal of the Battery:

The GARDENA Li-battery contains Lithium-ion cells which must not be disposed of with normal household waste after their service life. Important for Germany: Professional disposal is handled by your GARDENA dealer or the municipal disposal facility in Germany. 1. Fully discharge the Li-ion battery. 2. Dispose of the Li-ion battery professionally.

8. Maintenance

DANGER! Personal Injury! Risk of cutting injury if the pole pruner switches on unintentionally. → Before maintenance, remove the battery (see Section 4. Commissioning) and slide the protective cover (12) onto the guide bar and close it until the latch engages.

ATTENTION! Damage to the Pole Pruner! → Do not clean the pole pruner under running water or with high-pressure cleaners.

1. Clean the pole pruner with a damp cloth.
2. Clean the guide bar (13) with a brush if necessary.

ATTENTION! Personal Injury! Risk of cutting injury from the chain. → Wear protective gloves when replacing the chain.

If cutting performance noticeably decreases (dull chain), it must be replaced. The Allen key for the screws (20) is located in the protective cover (12).

Only use original GARDENA replacement chain and guide bar Art. 4048 or replacement chain Art. 4049.

1. Unscrew both screws (20) and remove the cover (21).
2. Remove the guide bar (13) with the chain (22) and detach the old chain (22) from the guide bar (13).
3. Clean the motor unit (1), guide bar (13), and cover (21). Pay particular attention to the rubber seals in the housing and in the cover (21).
4. Fit the new chain (22) over the front stop (A) of the guide bar (13), ensuring the chain's direction of rotation is correct and the front stop points upwards.
5. Place the guide bar (13) onto the motor unit (1) so that the pin (h) passes through the guide bar (13) and the chain (22) is looped around the drive sprocket (g).
6. Fit the cover (21) (paying attention to the rubber seal) and lightly tighten with the two screws (20).
7. Tension the chain.

Tensioning the Chain:

DANGER! BURNS! A chain tensioned too tightly can overload the motor and cause damage, while insufficient tension can cause the chain to jump off the bar. A correctly tensioned chain provides the best cutting performance, optimal battery life, and extends the service life. Therefore, regularly check the tension, as the chain length can expand during use (especially when the chain is new; after initial assembly, check chain tension after the saw has been in operation for a few minutes).

→ However, do not tension the chain immediately after use; wait until it has cooled down.

1. Lift the chain (22) in the middle of the guide bar (13). The gap should be approx. 2 – 3 mm.
2. Turn the adjustment screw (j) clockwise if the chain tension is too low, turn the adjustment screw (j) counter-clockwise if the chain tension is too high.
3. Screw on the cover (21).
4. Start the device for approx. 10 seconds.
5. Check the chain tension again and adjust if necessary.

9. Troubleshooting

DANGER! Personal Injury! Risk of cutting injury if the pole pruner switches on unintentionally. → Before troubleshooting, remove the battery (see Section 4. Commissioning) and slide the protective cover (12) onto the guide bar and close it until the latch engages.

Only the original GARDENA Replacement Battery BLi-18 (Art. 9840) may be used. This is available from your GARDENA dealer or directly from GARDENA Service.

For any other faults, please contact GARDENA Service. Repairs may only be carried out by GARDENA service points or by GARDENA-authorized dealers.

10. Available Accessories

• GARDENA Replacement Battery BLi-18: For extended runtime or replacement. Art. 9840
• GARDENA Replacement Chain and Guide Bar: For chain and guide bar replacement. Art. 4048
• GARDENA Replacement Chain: For chain replacement. Art. 4049
• GARDENA Chain Saw Oil: For chain lubrication. Art. 6006

11. Technical Data

¹⁾ Measurement according to DIN EN ISO 22868 ²⁾ DIN EN ISO 22867.

* Actual runtime may vary depending on application, cutting material, and maintenance condition compared to the specified idle runtime.

The specified vibration emission value has been measured according to a standardized test procedure and can be used to compare one power tool with another. It can also be used for an initial assessment of exposure. The vibration emission value may differ during actual use of the power tool.

12. Service/Warranty

GARDENA Manufacturing GmbH provides a 2-year warranty for this device (from date of purchase). This warranty covers all essential defects of the device that are demonstrably attributable to material or manufacturing faults. It will be provided through the replacement delivery of a faultless device or through the free repair of the returned device, at our discretion, provided the following conditions are met:

• The device has been handled properly and according to the recommendations in the operating manual.
• Neither the buyer nor a third party has attempted to repair the device.

Wear parts such as the chain and guide bar are excluded from the warranty.

This manufacturer's warranty does not affect the warranty claims against the dealer/seller.

In case of warranty, please send the defective device together with a copy of the purchase receipt and a description of the fault via the pick-up service (only in Germany) or by post, postage paid, to the service address indicated on the back cover. Unpaid parcel shipments will be filtered out at the postal distribution center and will not reach us. After repair, we will return the device to you free of charge.

We offer you extensive service:

• Qualified, fast, and cost-effective repair through our Central Repair Service. Processing time in our facility max. 5 working days.
• Easy and cost-effective return to GARDENA via pick-up service (only within Germany). Pick-up within 2 days.
• Competent advice on faults/complaints through our Technical Service.
• Fast and cost-effective spare parts supply through our Central Spare Parts Service. Processing time in our facility max. 2 working days.

Service Address:

GARDENA Manufacturing GmbH Service, Hans-Lorenser-Str. 40, D-89079 Ulm

Your Direct Connection to Service:

• Germany: For technical issues/complaints, repairs, quotes, spare parts, general product advice, and pick-up service: Phone: (07 31) 4 90 + extension (Technical Issues/Complaints: 290, Repairs: 300, Spare Parts: 123). Email: service@gardena.com.
• Austria & Switzerland: Please contact the service center (address on the cover page). Austria: (+43) (0) 732 77 01 01-485. Switzerland: (+41) (0) 62 887 37 90. Email: service.gardena@husqvarnagroup.com (Austria), info@gardena.ch (Switzerland).

13. Product Liability

GARDENA expressly points out that, in accordance with product liability law, it is not liable for any damage caused by its devices if it is due to improper repair or if parts exchanged are not original GARDENA parts or parts approved by GARDENA, and if the repairs were not carried out by a GARDENA Service Centre or an authorized specialist. This also applies to accessories and attachments.