Victa Lithium-Ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Important Notes

Thank you for purchasing your Victa product. Victa prides itself in the quality and performance of all its products. This instruction manual will aid in the assembly, safe operation and maintenance of your product. Please read the following warnings to ensure safety and the long life of your product.

WARNING: Do not attempt to operate this product until you have read thoroughly and understood completely all instructions, safety rules, etc, contained in this manual. Failure to comply may result in accidents involving electric shock, fire, and/or serious personal injury.

Intended Use

This hedge trimmer is intended for cutting and trimming hedges, shrubs and bushes in domestic use. It is not intended to be used for cutting above shoulder level. Do not use the product for any task, except for that which it is intended.

General Safety

• ⚠️ Read the directions for use before operating the machine.
• ?? Wear safety goggles and ear protection that meet safety standards.
• ? Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear.
• ? Wear safety gloves.
• ☔ Do not use machine in wet conditions, protect the machine from rain and damp.
• ⚠️ Be careful of objects being thrown out! Ensure bystanders are kept at least 50' (15m) away & stop the machine if approached.
• ? Batteries contain Li-ion. Do not dispose of waste batteries in domestic waste. Contact local authority to find out how to dispose of batteries appropriately.
• ⚡ Beware of electric shock hazard when charging.
• ⚙️ Read the directions before carrying out any maintenance work.
• ⏹️ Wait for all components of the machine to completely stop & remove the battery.
• ??️ Should NOT be disposed of with house hold items.
• ?️ Ambient temperature 40°C Max.
• ?? Do not throw into water.
• ? Keep away from heat and/or open flame.
• ⚠️ Be careful when operating to avoid any injury.

Features & Definitions

Features & Supplied Items

• 1 Blade Spine
• 2 Blades
• 3 Hand Guard
• 4 Handle
• 5 Presence Switch
• 6 Motor Housing
• 7 Trigger
• 8 Ventilation Grill
• 9 Blade Guard
• 10 Battery Charger (not included with all product)
• 11 Lithium-ion Battery (not included with all product)

The diagram shows the hedge trimmer with numbered parts corresponding to the list above. It also shows the battery charger and battery pack separately.

WARNING: Do not operate the product if any component is missing or damaged. Have any missing or damaged components repaired or replaced.

Safety & Handling

General Safety

• Carefully read all instructions on the machine and in the manual before attempting to assemble and operate the machine. Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference, and consult it regularly. Ensure other users read this manual and are aware of the product safety risks.
• The machine should be operated only with a genuine Briggs and Stratton battery. When using battery operated machine basic safety precaution should always be followed to reduce the risk of leaking batteries and personal injury.
• Become familiar with all controls and their proper operation before using the machine. Know how to stop the machine and how to disengage the power in an emergency.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the machine is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and other objects that could be tripped over or thrown by the cutting mechanism. Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.
• Always wear a face mask or a dust mask when operating the machine in a dusty environment.
• Always wear appropriate clothing & do not wear loose clothing (or jewellery etc) that can get caught in moving parts.
• Do not operate this machine in bare feet, or while wearing sandals or lightweight (e.g. canvas shoes). Wear long trousers & heavy shoes.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Stay alert & do not operate the machine when you are tired. Pay attention to what you are doing and ensure others are aware of your task intentions before commencing.
• Avoid using the machine in dangerous environments. Only use the machine in daylight or in good artificial light.
• Do not use the machine in a rush. Always walk & never run with the machine.
• Before inspecting, adjusting, servicing or cleaning the machine, always stop & remove both the battery & key.
• If the machine starts to vibrate excessively, discontinue use until the machine has been inspected and assessed. Having a machine assessed for vibration problems generally reduces the risk for injury or product failure.
• Don't force the machine beyond its cutting capacity. The machine will perform better and safer if allowed to cut at the pace for which it is rated for.
• Do not use the machine indoors. Only store the machine indoors in a dry & secure location. Keep the machine out of reach of children.
• Always maintain the machine according to the maintenance section of this manual.
• If machine strikes a foreign objects, always inspect for damage.
• Do not allow children or impaired persons to operate the machine.
• Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, doorways, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure your view & the path of the machine.
• Do not use the machine near hot ash, combustible materials or immerse in liquids. This may cause fire hazard, serious injury or product damage.
• Do not put any object into ventilation grills. Do not use with any openings blocked, keep openings free from anything that may reduce air flow.
• Do not point the machine in the direction of people or pets.
• Carry the hedge trimmer by the handle only with the cutting blades stopped. Ensure the switches are off. Never carry the hedge trimmer with your finger on the trigger.
• Do not over-reach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the machine in unexpected situations.

General Safety (Continued)

• Keep all parts of the body away from the blades when the hedge trimmer is operating. Before you start the hedge trimmer, make sure the blades are not in contact with anything.
• A moment of inattention while operating the hedge trimmer may cause entanglement of your clothing or body with the blade.
• Always hold the hedge trimmer with your one hand at the rear handle and your other hand at the front handle. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.
• Always keep proper footing and operate the hedge trimmer only when standing on fixed, secure and level surface. Slippery or unstable surfaces such as ladders may cause loss of balance or control of the hedge trimmer.
• Do not remove cut material or hold material to be cut when cutting blades are moving.
• Make sure the unit is off and battery is removed when clearing jammed material. A moment of inattention while operating the hedge trimmer may result in serious personal injury.
• If the machine strikes or becomes entangled with foreign objects, stop the unit immediately, remove the battery and check for damage. Do not operate before repairing damage. Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.
• Maintain hedge trimmer with care. Keep cutting edge sharp and clean for best performance and to reduce the risk of injury.
• Blades continue to move for a short time after unit is turned off. Keep hands, face, and feet at a safe distance from moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the cutting blades when they are moving.

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

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

• Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
• The term "power tool" in the warnings refers to battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

Work Area Safety

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
• 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.
• Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Electrical Safety

• Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.

Personal Safety

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 could lead to accidents.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
• 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.

Power Tool Use and Care

• 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.
• 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.
• Remove 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• 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.

Service

• 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 the handles dry, clean, and free of oil and grease.
• In order to reduce the risk of fire, keep the motor free of grass, leaves, and debris build-up.
• Check the blade and motor mounting bolts for proper tightness frequently. Visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent, cracked, or worn).
• For best and safest performance, lubricate the blades after use.
• Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight in order to be sure that the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check them regularly for proper operation.
• NOTE: Refer to warranty card supplied with this product for service contact details.

Hedge Trimmer Safety Warnings

• Keep all parts of the body away from the cutter blade. Do not remove cut material or hold material to be cut when blades are moving. Make sure the switch is off when clearing jammed material. A moment of inattention while operating the hedge trimmer may result in serious personal injury.
• Carry the hedge trimmer by the handle with the cutter blade stopped. When transporting or storing the hedge trimmer always fit the cutting device cover. Proper handling of the hedge trimmer will reduce possible personal injury from the cutter blades.
• Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only, because the cutter blade may contact hidden wiring. Cutter blades contacting a "live" wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool "live" and could give the operator an electric shock.
• Advice to check the hedge for foreign objects, e.g. wire fences.
• Instruction to hold the hedge trimmer properly, e.g. with both hands if two handles are provided.

Product Disposal

Correct Disposal of the Product

Waste electrical products should not be disposed of with household waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check with your local authority or retailer for recycling advice. The battery contains material which is hazardous to you and the environment. It must be removed and disposed of separately at a facility that accepts lithium-ion batteries. Refer to Briggs & Stratton 18V Battery & Charger manual for further information relating to battery and charger disposal.

Correct Disposal of the Packaging

The packaging consists of cardboard and correspondingly marked plastics that can be recycled. Make these materials available for recycling.

Emergency Contact

In the rare case a battery is damaged & any of the contents leaks or comes into contact with a persons skin, eyes, or is ingested, follow the first aid instructions inside the battery & charger manual. Seek further medical attention immediately.

Assembly Procedures

Unpacking

This product requires assembly.

• Carefully remove the product and any accessories from the box. Make sure that all items listed in the packing list are included. Refer to page 3.
• Do not discard the packing material until you have carefully inspected and ensured product is in correct operating condition.

WARNING: Do not attempt to modify this product or create accessories not recommended for use with this product. Any such alteration or modification is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition leading to possible serious personal injury.

Installing the Battery

NOTE: Refer to figure 1.

To avoid serious personal injury, always remove the battery and keep hands clear of the trigger when carrying or transporting the machine.

If any parts are missing or damaged do not operate the machine until the parts are replaced. Failure to do so could result in possible serious personal injury.

Make sure the cutting blade is properly installed and securely fastened. Failure to do so can result in personal injury to the operator and bystanders, as well as damage to the unit.

Figure 1 Description: The diagram shows the battery being inserted into the hedge trimmer. Instructions for installation are:

• Place the battery in the hedge trimmer. Align raised rib on battery pack with groove in hedge trimmer.
• Make sure the battery release latch on the battery snaps in place and that the battery is secured in hedge trimmer before beginning operation.

Removing the Battery

• Locate the battery release latch on the battery and depress to release from the hedge trimmer.
• Remove battery by pulling away from the hedge trimmer.

WARNING: When placing battery in your hedge trimmer, be sure raised rib on battery aligns with groove in hedge trimmer and latch snaps in place properly. Improper assembly of battery can cause damage to internal components.

Operating Instructions

Starting The Hedge Trimmer

NOTE: Refer to figure 2.

• Remove the blade cover.
• For added safety, the hedge trimmer is dual-action controlled. Use both hands to operate this product.
• To operate, pull the trigger on the rear handle from one hand and squeeze the front handle trigger from the other hand.

Figure 2 Description: The diagram illustrates the dual-action trigger system, showing the two triggers that must be engaged simultaneously for operation.

Stopping The Hedge Trimmer

• Release the trigger to stop the hedge trimmer. In an emergency, either the front presence switch or the trigger can be released to stop the blades.
• Upon release of the trigger, the trigger lock button will be automatically reset to the lock position.
• Remove battery from the hedge trimmer.

Operating Tips

• Do not force the hedge trimmer through heavy shrubbery. This can cause the blades to bind and slow down. If the blades slow down, reduce your pace of hedge trimming.
• Do not try to cut stems or twigs that are larger than 18mm thick (recommend less than 10mm), or those obviously too large to feed into the cutting blade. Use a non-powered hand saw or pruning saw to trim large stems.
• If desired, you can use a string to help cut your hedge level. Decide how high you want the hedge. Then, stretch a piece of string along the hedge at this height. Trim the hedge just above this guide line of string. Trim the side of a hedge so that it will be slightly narrower at the top. More of the hedge will be exposed when shaped this way, and it will be more uniform.

Figure 3 Description: The diagram shows hedge trimming with a string guide for level cutting and also illustrates trimming the sides of a hedge to be narrower at the top for a more uniform appearance.

• If blades do become jammed, stop the motor, allow the blades to stop and remove the battery before attempting to remove the obstruction. Always wear gloves when removing debris from the blade. Inspect the blades after any such jam or after striking an obstruction.
• Wear gloves when trimming thorny or prickly growth. When trimming new growth, use a wide sweeping action, so that the stems are fed directly into the cutting blade. Older growth will have thicker stems and will be trimmed easiest by using a sawing movement.
• If you strike an obstruction stop the hedge trimmer and check the blade for damage. Replace the blades if damage has occurred.

Maintenance & Care

Cleaning

• To prevent serious personal injury remove the battery from the machine before servicing, cleaning, or removing debris.
• Clean the unit using a damp cloth with a mild detergent.
• Do not immerse the machine or any part of it in water.
• Moisture can cause a shock hazard. Wipe off any moisture with a soft dry cloth & ensure the machine is dry before replacing the battery & key.
• Use a small brush or vacuum cleaner to clean the air vents on the product.
• Keep the air vents free of obstructions.
• Do not use solvents, strong detergents, certain aromatic oils such as pine and lemon when cleaning plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken or destroy plastic component which may result in serious personal injury.
• Lubricate the cutting blades after each use. Use a suitable oil for the environment the machine is operated in e.g. silicone based oil or spray. During extended periods of operation lubrication should be applied to the blades.

Storing

The following steps should be taken in order to prepare the machine for storage.

• Clean the machine as described in the previous section.
• Store the machine in a dry, clean location. Do not store it next to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer or fuel.
• Store the machine indoors, in a cool, dry place, out of the reach of children.
• Ensure battery is removed before storage.

Maintenance Chart

Refer to the following table for routine maintenance.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Technical Specifications

Product Specification

A Warning:

• That the declared vibration total value has been measured in accordance with a standard test method and may be used for comparing one tool with another.
• That the declared vibration total value may also be used in a preliminary assessment of exposure.
• That the vibration emission during actual use of the power tool can differ from the declared total value depending on the ways in which the tool is used; and
• Of the need to identify safety measures to protect the operator that are based on an estimation of exposure in the actual conditions of use (taking account of all parts of the operating cycle such as the times when the tool is switched off and when it is running idle in addition to the trigger time).