SNOWJOE Martha Stewart MTS-EHT22

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Model MTS-EHT22 Form No. SJ-MTS-EHT22-880E-M

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

ELECTRIC HEDGE TRIMMER

22IN | 3.5 AMP

, LLC

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT!

Safety Instructions

All Operators Must Read These

Instructions Before Use

Always follow these safety guidelines. Failure to do so may

result in serious bodily injury or death.

General Safety WARNINGS!

You and any other operator of this hedge trimmer must read,

understand, and follow these instructions in their entirety.

Failure to follow these instructions may result in ELECTRIC

SHOCK, FIRE, and/or serious PERSONAL INJURY.

Notice the personal safety alert symbol

m used in this

manual to draw your attention to a WARNING given along

with the particular operating instruction. This means that

the operation requires special ATTENTION, CAUTION, and

AWARENESS.

mWARNING! This unit can be dangerous! Careless or

improper use can cause serious injury.

mWARNING! The rotating blades can cut you. Keep

hands and feet away from the blades and the cutting area.

Before using the hedge trimmer, familiarize yourself with

the controls, especially how to stop the hedge trimmer in

an emergency. The only individuals who should use the

hedge trimmer are those who thoroughly understand these

instructions and know how to properly operate the unit.

Children should never be allowed access to the hedge trimmer.

Retain this manual for future reference and reread it at the start

of each trimming season.

1. Keep work area clean and well-lit – Cluttered, dark

areas invite accidents.

2. Replacement parts – When servicing this unit, use only

identical replacement parts. Replace or repair damaged

cords immediately.

3. Keep children, bystanders, and pets away – All

spectators, including pets, should be kept a safe distance

away from the work area.

4. Know your product – Know how to start and stop the

machine. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls.

5. Use the right tool – Do not use this machine for any job

except that for which it was intended.

6. Dress properly – Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry as

such articles can become caught in moving parts. Wear

a protective covering to contain long hair. Wearing rubber

gloves and substantial non-slip footwear is recommended

when working outdoors.

7. Extension cords – To prevent electric shock, use only

with an extension cord suitable for outdoor use.

8. Avoid accidental starting – Do not carry the hedge

trimmer with your nger on the switch. Make sure the

switch is o before plugging in or unplugging the unit.

mCAUTION! Moving parts will continue to run for several

seconds after turning o the machine.

9. Do not abuse the cord – Never carry the hedge trimmer

by the cord or yank the cord to disconnect it from the

receptacle. Keep the cord away from heat, oil, and sharp

edges.

10. Moving parts – Keep hands and feet away from moving

parts. Keep guards in place and in proper working order.

11. Do not force the tool – It will perform better with less

likelihood of personal or mechanical injury if it is used at

the rate for which it was designed.

12. Do not overreach – Keep proper footing and balance at

all times.

13. Use safety glasses – Also use safety footwear,

snug-tting clothing, protective gloves, hearing,

and head protection.

14. Disconnect the tool – Disconnect the hedge trimmer

from the power supply when it is not in use, before

servicing it, when changing accessories, and when

performing any other maintenance task.

15. Store idle tool indoors – When not in use, the hedge

trimmer should be stored indoors in a dry and high or

locked-up place out of the reach of children.

16. Maintain the hedge trimmer with care – Keep the

cutting edges sharp and clean for optimal performance

and to reduce the risk of injury. Inspect the extension

cord periodically and immediately replace it if damaged.

Keep the handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.

Follow the additional recommendations described in the

maintenance section of this manual.

17. Avoid dangerous environments – Do not use the hedge

trimmer in rain or in damp or wet locations. Do not operate

the hedge trimmer in gaseous or explosive atmospheres

or use the hedge trimmer near ammable or combustible

liquids. Motors in these tools normally spark, and the

sparks might ignite fumes.

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Summary

Safety Instructions

General Safety Warnings

Essential safety rules for operating the hedge trimmer, covering work area, parts, and operator awareness.

Safe Operation and Maintenance

Guidelines for proper attire, extension cords, avoiding accidental starts, and safe operation techniques.

Additional Safety Rules and Electric Safety

Additional Safety Rules

Specific safety precautions for operating the hedge trimmer, including blade handling and cord management.

Electrical Safety Precautions

Guidelines for preventing electric shock, including GFCI, polarized plugs, and outdoor cord use.

Operation

Connecting to Power Supply

Instructions for connecting the hedge trimmer to a power source using an extension cord.

Sharpening, Cleaning, and Storage

Warranty Information

Customer Promise and Warranty Coverage

Details of the product warranty, what is covered, and how to seek coverage.

Overview

This document is an operator's manual for the Martha Stewart Electric Hedge Trimmer, Model MTS-EHT22. It provides essential safety instructions, operational guidelines, and maintenance procedures to ensure safe and effective use of the device.

The manual begins with a section titled "IMPORTANT! Safety Instructions," emphasizing that all operators must read and follow these guidelines to prevent serious bodily injury or death. It highlights general safety warnings, including the risk of electric shock, fire, and personal injury if instructions are not followed. A personal safety alert symbol (a triangle with an exclamation mark) is used throughout the manual to draw attention to specific warnings requiring special attention, caution, and awareness. The manual explicitly states that the unit can be dangerous if used carelessly or improperly, and warns about rotating blades, advising users to keep hands and feet away from the blades and cutting area.

Before using the hedge trimmer, operators are instructed to familiarize themselves with the controls, especially how to stop the machine in an emergency. It specifies that only individuals who thoroughly understand the instructions and proper operation should use the unit, and children should never be allowed access to it. The manual recommends retaining the manual for future reference and rereading it at the start of each trimming season.

Key general safety warnings include:

Work Area: Keep the work area clean and well-lit to avoid accidents.
Replacement Parts: Use only identical replacement parts when servicing and replace or repair damaged cords immediately.
Bystanders: Keep children, bystanders, and pets a safe distance away from the work area.
Product Knowledge: Know how to start and stop the machine and be thoroughly familiar with its controls.
Right Tool: Use the machine only for its intended purpose.
Dress Properly: Avoid loose clothing or jewelry that can get caught in moving parts. Wear protective covering for long hair, rubber gloves, and substantial non-slip footwear for outdoor work.
Extension Cords: Use only outdoor-suitable extension cords to prevent electric shock.
Accidental Starting: Do not carry the hedge trimmer with a finger on the switch; ensure the switch is off before plugging in or unplugging. A caution note warns that moving parts will continue to run for several seconds after turning off the machine.
Cord Abuse: Never carry the hedge trimmer by the cord or yank it to disconnect; keep the cord away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
Moving Parts: Keep hands and feet away from moving parts and ensure guards are in place and working properly.
Tool Force: Do not force the tool; it will perform better and with less risk of injury if used at its designed rate.
Overreach: Maintain proper footing and balance at all times.
Personal Protective Equipment: Use safety glasses, safety footwear, snug-fitting clothing, protective gloves, hearing, and head protection.
Disconnecting the Tool: Disconnect the hedge trimmer from the power supply when not in use, before servicing, changing accessories, or performing maintenance.
Storage: Store the idle tool indoors in a dry, high, or locked-up place out of reach of children.
Maintenance: Maintain the hedge trimmer with care, keeping cutting edges sharp and clean, inspecting the extension cord periodically, and keeping handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.
Environment: Avoid dangerous environments; do not use in rain, damp/wet locations, or in gaseous/explosive atmospheres, or near flammable/combustible liquids.
Alertness: Stay alert and use common sense; do not operate when tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or other medication.
Damaged Parts: Before further use, check for damaged guards or parts, ensuring proper operation. Contact customer service for repairs.

Additional safety rules specific to the hedge trimmer include:

Removing any adjusting key or wrench before turning on the power tool.
Ensuring dust extraction/collection devices are connected and used properly.
Removing damaged blades and ensuring correct, secure installation before each use.
Limiting cutting material diameter to 0.63 inches (16 mm).
Maintaining a firm grip on both handles and keeping the blade away from the body.
Not using the hedge trimmer without the front handle in place and keeping both hands on the handles during use.
Not using the safety guard or clipping deflector as a gripping surface.
Ensuring service is performed only by qualified repair personnel.
Replacing damaged power supply cords only by the manufacturer or authorized service center.
Keeping all body parts away from the cutting blade, not removing cut material or holding material when blades are moving, and ensuring the switch is off when clearing jammed material.
Carrying the hedge trimmer by the handle with the cutting blade stopped and keeping the blade covered during transport or storage.
Not using the hedge trimmer if the switch fails to turn it on and off.
Using the hedge trimmer and accessories only as instructed and for intended use.

The "Electric Safety" section provides crucial information on preventing electric shock:

GFCI Protection: Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection should be provided on circuits or outlets used for the hedge trimmer.
Polarized Plug: The appliance has a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other) and should only be used with a polarized UL-, CSA-, or ETL-listed outdoor extension cord. Instructions are given for correctly inserting the plug into the extension cord and wall outlet, and for contacting a qualified electrician if issues persist. Users are warned not to modify the appliance plug, extension cord receptacle, or extension cord plug.
Outdoor Extension Cords: Use only outdoor-suitable extension cords (e.g., SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A, SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-A, or SJTOW-A). Before use, check the extension cord's condition and ensure it is heavy enough to carry the current product to prevent power loss and overheating.
Water Contact: Do not allow any part of the hedge trimmer to contact water during operation. If it gets wet when turned off, wipe it dry before starting.
Cord Length: Do not use an extension cord over 100 ft (30 m).
Wet Hands: Do not touch the appliance or its plug with wet hands or while standing in water; rubber boots offer some protection.
Extension Cord Chart: A chart specifies wire gauge (A.W.G.) for different extension cord lengths (16 A.W.G. for up to 50 ft, 14 A.W.G. for 50-100 ft).
Cord Restraint: Instructions are provided for securing the appliance cord to the extension cord using the onboard restraint hook or by tying a knot to prevent disconnection during operation.
Plug Matching: Power tool plugs must match the outlet; do not modify the plug or use adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools.
Body Contact: Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces (pipes, radiators, ranges, refrigerators) to reduce electric shock risk.
Damaged Supply Cord: If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by an electrician or power tool repairer.
Outdoor Operation: Use an outdoor-suitable extension cord when operating outdoors.
Damp Locations: If operating in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protected supply.
Repairs: Have the tool repaired by an electrician or qualified service center using original spare parts.

The manual also explains "Double-Insulated Appliances," stating that the hedge trimmer is double-insulated, meaning it has two systems of insulation and does not require grounding. Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge of the system, and only identical replacement parts should be used. The symbol for double insulation (a square within a square) may be marked on the appliance.

A "Safety Symbols" table visually depicts and describes various safety symbols found on the product, including:

Read Operator's Manual: Read and follow all instructions.
Warning! Rain/Wet Conditions: Do not expose the unit to rain or wet conditions.
Protective Gloves/Non-slip Footwear: Wear these when using the machine and handling debris.
Switch Off! (Before Cleaning/Maintenance): Remove plug from outlet.
Keep Bystanders Away: Maintain a safe distance from the work area.
Safety Alert: Indicates a precaution, warning, or danger.
Wear Eye and Hearing Protection: Wear ear defenders and safety goggles.
Danger! Rotating Blades: Keep hands and feet away from openings while the trimmer is running.
Switch Off! (Cord Damaged/Cut): Remove plug from outlet immediately.
Double Insulation: Symbol for double-insulated appliances.

The "Know Your Electric Hedge Trimmer" section provides an illustration of the device with labeled parts (Rear handle, Trigger switch, Extension cord restraint hook, Power plug, Hand safety switch, Front handle, Safety guard, Cutting blade, Blade cover) to help users familiarize themselves with the controls and adjustments.

The "Unpacking" section details the carton contents (electric hedge trimmer, blade cover, manual with registration card) and instructs users to carefully remove and inspect the items for breakage or damage. If parts are damaged or missing, users should contact customer service rather than returning the unit to the store. It also advises against discarding the shipping carton and packaging material until ready to use the trimmer, as packaging is made of recyclable materials. A warning is included that the equipment and packaging material are not toys and pose a suffocation risk to children.

The "Operation" section covers connecting to the power supply:

Connect the hedge trimmer to a working 120 V outlet using a heavy-duty outdoor extension power cord.
Instructions are provided on how to make a loop in the extension cord and secure it around the cord restraint hook in the handle, then connect it to the power plug.

"Holding the Trimmer" describes the proper operating position:

Wear all necessary personal protective equipment (gloves, non-slip footwear, safety goggles, ear defenders, close-fitting clothing).
Hold the unit firmly with both hands, with the right arm slightly bent on the rear handle and the left arm straight on the front handle.
Stand with proper footing, holding the hedge trimmer so cutting blades are always away from the body.
A warning emphasizes keeping both hands on the handles and never holding shrubs with one hand while operating the trimmer, as improper handling can result in serious injury.

"Starting + Stopping" explains how to operate the tool:

To start, press and hold the hand safety switch, then squeeze the trigger switch.
To stop, release the trigger switch and the hand safety switch.

"Cutting Procedures" offers guidance on how to trim hedges:

A critical warning advises never cutting near electric cords or power lines. If the blade jams on an electrical cable, DO NOT TOUCH THE BLADE as it can conduct electricity and fatally shock you. Instead, hold the trimmer by the insulated rear handle, lay it down safely, and ensure electrical service to the damaged cable is disconnected before attempting to free the blade.
Clearing the Area: Clear the area of all objects (cords, lights, wire, loose string) that could become entangled in the cutting blade and cause electric shock or personal injury.
Trimming New Growth: Use a wide sweeping action to feed stems into the blade. Do not cut branches thicker than 0.63 inches (16 mm); use lopping shears, a hand saw, or a pruning saw for thicker branches. For substantial cuts, cut a little at a time in several passes, cutting both sides of the hedge first, then the top.
Horizontal Cut: Hold the hedge trimmer with the blade tilted 5-10 degrees to the cutting object for easier operation and a better cut.
Vertical Cut: Start trimming at the bottom and sweep up for even cutting, swinging the blades in an arc towards the outsides of the hedge to sweep cuttings to the ground.

The "Care + Maintenance" section provides instructions for maintaining the hedge trimmer:

Pre-Maintenance: Before any cleaning or maintenance, disconnect the unit from the power supply. Never touch the moving blades.
Cleaning: Never spray or clean the hedge shears with water. Clean the hedge shears with a dry towel, especially the ventilation slits, after each use. Use a brush for heavy soiling. Spray the blades with lightweight machine oil after each use.
Storage: Store the hedge trimmer in the blade cover provided, in a dry location out of reach of children.
Replacement Parts: When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Contact an authorized dealer or customer service for replacement parts and accessories.

"Lubricate the Blades" explains how to maintain blade performance:

For easier operation and longer blade life, lubricate the hedge trimmer blade before and after each use.
Stop the motor and disconnect the unit from the power supply.
Lay the hedge trimmer on a flat surface and apply lightweight machine oil along the edge of the top blade.
If using the trimmer for an extended period, stop intermittently to re-oil the blade. A note clarifies not to oil while the hedge trimmer is running.

"Sharpening the Blades" provides steps for maintaining cutting performance:

Re-sharpen the blade if cutting performance deteriorates or if blades frequently snag on branches.
Stop the motor and disconnect the unit from the power supply. Clamp the blade in a vise.
File the exposed cutting surface of each blade tooth with a smooth round file, retaining the original angle.
Remove the blade from the vise, power on the motor until unsharpened edges of remaining blade teeth are exposed.
Disconnect the hedge trimmer and repeat the sharpening procedure as necessary.
A warning advises against operating the hedge trimmer with dull or damaged cutting blades, as this can cause overload and unsatisfactory cutting results.

"Cleaning the Hedge Trimmer" outlines the cleaning process:

Stop the motor and disconnect the unit from the power supply.
Clean dirt and debris from the body of the hedge trimmer using a damp cloth and mild detergent.
A note warns against using strong detergents on plastic housing or handles, as these parts can be damaged by aromatic oils (pine, lemon) and solvents (kerosene).

The "Storage" section details proper storage procedures:

Always place the blade cover on the blade before storing or transporting. Use caution to avoid sharp teeth.
Clean the hedge trimmer thoroughly before storing.
Store indoors, in a dry place inaccessible to children, and away from corrosive agents like garden chemicals and de-icing salts.

"Service + Support" directs users to contact the Snow Joe® + Sun Joe® customer service center for service or maintenance needs.

"Model + Serial Numbers" instructs users to record their product's model and serial numbers, found on the decal affixed to the housing or handle, for future reference when contacting the company or reordering parts.

The "Troubleshooting" section provides a table of common problems, possible causes, and solutions:

Unit does not run: Possible causes include the extension cord not connected to the tool or power source, or the hand safety switch not fully engaged. Solutions involve checking connections and ensuring the safety switch is fully depressed before pressing the trigger switch.
Slow running, noisy, or hot blades: Possible causes include dry/corroded blades, bent blades or blade support, bent/damaged teeth, or loose blade bolts. Solutions include lubricating blades, straightening blades/blade support, straightening teeth, and tightening blade bolts.

The manual concludes with blank "NOTES" pages for users to write down additional information.