DEWALT DCHT820 20V Max* Lithium-ion Hedge Trimmer Instruction Manual

Product Overview

The DEWALT DCHT820 hedge trimmer is designed for professional landscaping applications. Do not use under wet conditions or in the presence of flammable liquids or gases. This is a professional power tool. Keep children away and ensure supervision for inexperienced operators.

Key Components (Fig. A)

Figure A illustrates the DEWALT DCHT820 hedge trimmer with numbered components: 1. Trigger switch, 2. Lock-off switch, 3. Switch handle, 4. Blade guard, 5. Bail handle, 6. Blade, 7. Battery pack, 8. Battery release button.

General Safety Warnings

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

Safety Alert Symbols and Words

• DANGER: Imminent hazard; death or serious injury if not avoided.
• WARNING: Potentially hazardous situation; death or serious injury if not avoided.
• CAUTION: Potentially hazardous situation; minor or moderate injury if not avoided.
• NOTICE: Practice not related to personal injury; property damage if not avoided.

Power Tool Safety

Work Area Safety

• Keep area clean and well lit.
• Do not operate in explosive atmospheres.
• Keep children and bystanders away.

Electrical Safety

• Use matching outlets; do not modify plugs.
• Avoid body contact with earthed surfaces.
• Do not expose to rain or wet conditions.
• Do not abuse the cord.
• Use outdoor-suitable extension cords.
• Use GFCI protection in damp locations.

Personal Safety

• Stay alert; do not operate when tired or under the influence.
• Wear personal protective equipment (eye protection, dust mask, safety shoes, hard hat, hearing protection).
• Prevent unintentional starting (ensure switch is off).
• Remove adjusting keys/wrenches before operation.
• Do not overreach; maintain footing and balance.
• Dress properly; avoid loose clothing, jewelry, and long hair near moving parts.
• Use dust extraction/collection facilities if provided.
• Do not become complacent; always follow safety principles.

Power Tool Use and Care

• Use the correct tool for the application; do not force.
• Do not use if the switch is defective.
• Disconnect power/remove battery before adjustments or maintenance.
• Store out of reach of children and untrained users.
• Maintain tools and accessories; repair if damaged.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean.
• Use tools according to instructions and working conditions.
• Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry and clean.

Battery Tool Use and Care

• Recharge only with the specified charger.
• Use only designated battery packs.
• Keep battery packs away from metal objects when not in use.
• Avoid contact with battery liquid if ejected; flush with water if contact occurs.
• Do not use damaged or modified battery packs or tools.
• Do not expose battery packs or tools to fire or excessive temperatures.
• Follow charging instructions and temperature ranges.

Service

• Have tool serviced by qualified personnel with identical replacement parts.
• Never service damaged battery packs.

Hedge Trimmer Specific Safety Warnings

• Keep body parts away from the cutter blade.
• Do not remove cut material or hold material to be cut when blades are moving.
• Ensure switch is off when clearing jammed material.
• Blades coast after turn off; be aware of this.
• Carry the trimmer by the handle with the blade stopped.
• DANGER: Keep hands away from the blade.
• Hold by insulated gripping surfaces only, as the blade may contact hidden wiring.
• Use both hands for operation; one hand can cause loss of control.
• Keep extension cord away from the cutting area.
• Check for foreign objects (e.g., wire fences) before use.
• CAUTION: Do not expose to rain.
• WARNING: Remove plug immediately if extension cord is damaged or cut.

Additional Safety Information

• WARNING: Never modify the power tool or any part of it.
• WARNING: Always wear safety glasses. Everyday eyeglasses are NOT safety glasses. Use face or dust mask if cutting is dusty. Wear certified safety equipment (ANSI Z87.1 eye protection, ANSI S12.6 hearing protection, NIOSH/OSHA/MSHA respiratory protection).
• WARNING: Some dust created by this product may contain chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. Reduce exposure by working in a well-ventilated area and using approved safety equipment (dust masks).
• Wear protective clothing and wash exposed skin with soap and water.
• WARNING: Use of this tool can generate dust causing respiratory injury. Always use NIOSH/OSHA approved respiratory protection and direct particles away from face and body.
• WARNING: Always wear proper personal hearing protection (ANSI S12.6).
• CAUTION: When not in use, place tool on its side on a stable surface to avoid tripping or falling hazards.
• Avoid air vents which cover moving parts; loose clothing, jewelry, or long hair can be caught.

Tool Symbols

The tool label may include symbols: V (Volts), Hz (Hertz), A (Amperes), W (Watts), min (Minutes), ~ or AC (Alternating current), = or DC (Direct current), .../min (Per minute), RPM (Revolutions per minute), no (No load speed), Π (Class I Construction - grounded), (Class II Construction - double insulated), (Earthing terminal), CSPM (Cut strokes per minute), (Safety alert symbol).

Operation

WARNING: Before removing or installing the battery, ensure the lock-off lever is engaged to prevent switch actuation.

Installing and Removing the Battery Pack (Fig. B)

Figure B illustrates the process of installing and removing the battery pack. For best results, ensure the battery pack is fully charged. To install: Align battery pack 7 with the tool handle rails and slide in until seated. To remove: Press release button 8 and pull out.

Switch (Fig. C)

Figure C demonstrates the switch mechanism. To turn on: Push lock-off switch 2 forward and squeeze trigger switch 1. Release lock-off switch once running. To turn off: Release trigger switch 1.

WARNING: Never attempt to lock a switch in the ON position.

CAUTION: Do not cut stems greater than 3/4 inch (19 mm). Use only for normal shrubbery.

Trimming Instructions

Working Position (Fig. D)

Figure D shows the correct working position. Maintain footing and balance. Wear safety goggles and non-skid footwear. Hold unit firmly with both hands: one on switch handle 3, one on bail handle 5. Never hold by blade guard 4.

Trimming New Growth (Fig. A, E)

Figure E shows trimming new growth. Use a wide, sweeping motion. A slight downward tilt of blade 6 in the direction of motion provides the best cut.

Level Hedges (Fig. F)

Figure F illustrates leveling hedges. Use a stretched string as a guide.

Side Trimming Hedges (Fig. G)

Figure G shows side trimming. Orient trimmer as shown, start at the bottom, and sweep upwards.

DANGER: KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM BLADES.

WARNING: Read and save manual. Check for foreign objects before use. Keep hands on handles. Do not overreach. Do not use under wet conditions.

CAUTION: BLADE MAY COAST AFTER TURN OFF.

Maintenance

WARNING: Remove battery pack before servicing, cleaning, or removing material.

WARNING: Before performing any maintenance, switch off tool and remove battery.

Lubrication

1. After use, clean blades with resin solvent.
2. Apply light lubrication to exposed blade.
3. Insert battery, turn trimmer vertical with blades down, run for a few seconds to disperse lubricant.

Blades are hardened steel. Nicks from hitting hard objects can be filed if they don't interfere with blade movement. If they do, remove battery and file. Inspect for damage if dropped. Contact DEWALT service for repairs if blade is bent, housing cracked, handles broken, or other issues affect operation.

Avoid storing near fertilizers or chemicals.

Clean unit with mild soap and damp cloth. Never let liquid enter unit or immerse it. Apply light machine oil to blades after cleaning to prevent rust.

Accessories

WARNING: DO NOT use the hedge trimmer with any accessory or attachment.

Repairs

Chargers and batteries are not serviceable. Repairs must be done by qualified personnel with identical parts.

Register Online

Register your product for efficient warranty service and proof of ownership. Register at www.dewalt.com/account-login.

Three-Year Limited Warranty

Terms at www.dewalt.com/support/warranty. For written terms, contact Customer Service at DEWALT Industrial Tool Co., 701 East Joppa Road, Towson, MD 21286 or call 1-800-4-DEWALT.

LATIN AMERICA: Warranty does not apply. Refer to packaging or local company/website.

FREE WARNING LABEL REPLACEMENT: Call 1-800-4-DEWALT for replacements.

Troubleshooting