This document describes the Makita Cordless Hedge Trimmer, models BUH481, BUH483, BUH521, and BUH523, providing instructions for operation, maintenance, and safety.
Function Description
The Makita Cordless Hedge Trimmer is designed for trimming hedges. It is a battery-powered tool equipped with a dual switching system for safety. To activate the tool, both the lock-off button and either switch trigger A or B must be pressed simultaneously. Releasing either trigger will turn off the tool. The tool features an indication lamp that displays the battery cartridge capacity status and indicates overload conditions. When the battery power is low, the lamp blinks red, prompting the user to recharge. If the battery power is almost depleted or the tool is overloaded, the lamp lights up red, and the tool stops immediately.
The tool can be equipped with an optional chip receiver to collect cut leaves, preventing them from being scattered during trimming. The shear blades are designed for efficient cutting of hedges, and specific techniques are recommended for trimming hedge tops and sides evenly.
Important Technical Specifications
The Cordless Hedge Trimmer models BUH481, BUH483, BUH521, and BUH523 share several core specifications while differing primarily in blade length and battery compatibility.
General Specifications:
- Strokes per minute (min⁻¹): 1,350
- Sound pressure level (LPA):
- BUH481, BUH483, BUH521: 75 dB(A)
- BUH523: 77 dB(A)
- Uncertainty (K) for noise: 2.5 dB(A)
- Vibration emission (ah) for hedge trimming: 2.5 m/s² or less
- Uncertainty (K) for vibration: 1.5 m/s²
Model-Specific Specifications:
| Model |
Blade length |
Rated voltage |
Overall length |
Net weight |
Battery cartridge |
| BUH481 |
480 mm |
D.C. 14.4 V |
869 mm |
3.0 kg |
BL1415 |
| BUH483 |
480 mm |
D.C. 18 V |
873 mm |
3.0 kg |
BL1815 |
| BUH521 |
520 mm |
D.C. 14.4 V |
919 mm |
3.0 kg |
BL1415 |
| BUH523 |
520 mm |
D.C. 18 V |
923 mm |
3.1 kg |
BL1815 |
- Battery charger: DC18RC, DC18SD (compatible with all models)
- Battery protection system: Lithium-ion batteries with a star marking are equipped with a protection system that automatically cuts off power to the tool to extend battery life under overloaded or low battery voltage conditions.
Usage Features
The hedge trimmer is designed for user safety and efficiency.
- Battery Cartridge Installation/Removal: Always ensure the tool is switched off before installing or removing the battery cartridge. The cartridge slides into a groove until it locks with a click, indicated by the red indicator disappearing. For removal, slide the button on the front of the cartridge and slide it out.
- Operation: Hold the trimmer with both hands. To start, press the lock-off button and either switch trigger A or B. For basic trimming, tilt the blades towards the trimming direction and move the tool calmly and slowly at a rate of 3-4 seconds per meter.
- Trimming Techniques:
- Hedge Top: To achieve an even hedge top, it is recommended to tie a string at the desired height and use it as a reference line for trimming.
- Hedge Side: For even hedge sides, trim from the bottom upwards.
- Thick Branches: Do not attempt to cut branches thicker than 10 mm in diameter with this trimmer; these should be cut with shears first.
- Chip Receiver (Optional Accessory): The chip receiver can be attached to the shear blades to collect cut leaves, preventing them from being thrown away. It is installed by pressing it onto the shear blades so its slits overlap with the nuts and its hooks fit into the grooves of the shear blade unit. Always remove the blade cover before installing the chip receiver.
- Safety Precautions:
- Avoid contact with metal fences or other hard objects to prevent blade damage and serious injury.
- Do not overreach, especially from a ladder, and avoid working from unstable positions.
- Wear work gloves of stout leather and sturdy shoes with anti-skid soles.
- Never use the trimmer under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
- Ensure guards are properly fitted and the tool is fully assembled before operation.
- Immediately switch off the motor and remove the battery cartridge if the cutter contacts a hard object.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and safe operation of the hedge trimmer.
- Cleaning the Tool: Clean the tool by wiping off dust with a dry or soap-dipped rag. Do not use gasoline, benzine, thinner, or alcohol, as these can cause discoloration, deformation, or cracks.
- Blade Maintenance:
- Smear the blade with machine oil or similar lubricant before and once per hour during operation. Remove the chip receiver before smearing the blade.
- After operation, remove dust from both sides of the blade with a wire brush, wipe it with a rag, and then apply low-viscosity oil (e.g., machine oil or spray-type lubricating oil).
- Do not wash the blades in water, as this can cause rust or damage.
- Shear Blade Removal/Installation:
- Always ensure the tool is switched off and the battery cartridge is removed before attempting to remove or install the shear blade.
- Wear gloves when replacing the shear blade to avoid direct contact with the blades.
- To remove, reverse the tool, loosen four screws, and remove the under cover. Then loosen four more screws to remove the blades. Carefully remove the washer and sponge for later installation.
- To install, remove the blade cover from the old blades and fit it onto the new ones. Adjust the hole positions by turning the gear. Apply grease provided with the new shear blades. Place the removed sponge in its original position and ensure the sleeves are on the pins of the blade. Install the new shear blades so the pins fit into the holes of the gear. Install the blade and tighten the four screws, then replace the washer. Finally, install the under cover and tighten its four screws.
- Do not wipe off grease from the gear and crank during this process, as it may damage the tool.
- Battery Life Maintenance:
- Charge the battery cartridge before it is completely discharged. Stop operation and charge when tool power decreases.
- Never recharge a fully charged battery cartridge.
- Charge the battery cartridge at room temperature (10°C - 40°C). Allow a hot battery cartridge to cool down before charging.
- Charge the battery cartridge once every six months if not used for a long period.
- Storage: Remove the battery cartridge and fit the blade cover onto the shear blades. Store the tool in a dry room, out of reach of children, and away from water and rain. The hook hole in the tool bottom can be used for hanging the tool on a nail or screw.
- Repairs: For product safety and reliability, all repairs, maintenance, or adjustments should be performed by Makita Authorized Service Centers using genuine Makita replacement parts.
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