Stihl HSE 42 - User Manual

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Overview

Function Description
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The STIHL HSE 42 and HSE 52 are electric hedge trimmers designed for cutting hedges, shrubs, scrub, and similar materials. These power tools are engineered for quality and built using modern production techniques with comprehensive quality assurance.

Function Description

The primary function of the STIHL HSE 42 and HSE 52 is to trim and shape hedges and other vegetation. They operate by means of sharp cutting blades powered by an electric motor. The machine is designed for two-hand operation, requiring both the switch lever on the loop handle and the trigger switch on the control handle to be engaged for the motor to run. This safety feature ensures that the operator has a firm grip on the tool at all times during use. The cutting blades are designed to stop quickly once the trigger switch or switch lever is released, minimizing the risk of injury.

The hedge trimmer is connected to a mains power supply via a power cord, which includes a strain relief mechanism to prevent accidental disconnection during operation. It's crucial to ensure that the power supply's voltage and frequency match the machine's requirements. For safety, the machine should be connected via an earth-leakage circuit breaker.

Usage Features

Before operation, users must read and understand the instruction manual to ensure safe and trouble-free use. Proper protective clothing and equipment, including sturdy clothing, non-slip shoes, close-fitting safety glasses (EN 166 compliant), and protective gloves, are recommended. Hearing protection is also advised.

When operating, the user should always hold the unit firmly with both hands, wrapping fingers and thumbs around the handles. The cutting blades should always be kept away from the body. For right-handed users, the right hand is on the control handle and the left hand on the loop handle; for left-handed users, the left hand is on the control handle and the right hand on the loop handle. A secure and balanced footing is essential.

The hedge trimmer is suitable for both vertical and horizontal cutting. For vertical cuts, the blade is swung from the bottom upwards in an arc, moving along the hedge. For horizontal cuts, the cutter bar should be held at an angle of 0° to 10° while swinging the hedge trimmer horizontally. The cutting blade should be swung in an arc towards the outside of the hedge to sweep cuttings to the ground. For wide hedges, this procedure should be repeated several times.

Users should inspect the hedge and work area beforehand to remove stones, rocks, pieces of metal, and other solid objects that could damage the cutting blades. Special care should be taken when cutting near wire fences. The power tool should not be used in the rain or wet conditions, and electric power lines must be avoided. If the cutting blades become jammed, the machine must be switched off and unplugged immediately before attempting to clear the obstruction.

For tall hedges, extra caution is needed, and the other side of the hedge should be checked before starting work. Working at heights should only be done from a lift bucket, avoiding ladders or unstable surfaces, and for short periods to minimize fatigue and accident risk.

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and safe operation of the STIHL HSE 42 and HSE 52. Before any maintenance, the machine must be switched off and unplugged from the power supply to prevent unintentional starting.

Key maintenance tasks include:

Cleaning: After each use, dust, dirt, plant residue, chips, and leaves should be cleaned off the power tool, especially the cooling air inlets. Grease solvents should not be used.
Blade Care: The cutting blades should be cleaned, checked for condition, and sprayed with STIHL resin solvent after each use. The motor should be run briefly to distribute the solvent evenly. The blade scabbard should always be fitted when the machine is not in use or being transported.
Sharpening: When cutting performance deteriorates, the blades need resharpening. This can be done by a STIHL servicing dealer using a workshop sharpener or by the user with a flat crosscut sharpening file at the prescribed angle. Only the cutting edge should be sharpened, filing towards the cutting edge on the forward stroke and lifting the file on the backstroke. A whetstone can be used to remove burrs. After sharpening, filing dust should be cleaned off, and the blades sprayed with STIHL resin solvent. Dull or damaged cutting blades should not be used as they can cause overload and unsatisfactory results.
Insulation Check: The insulation of the power cord and plug should be regularly checked for good condition and signs of aging.
Electrical Components: Any repairs or replacements of electrical components, such as the power cord, should only be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Tightness of Screws: Mounting screws on safety devices and the cutting attachment should be checked for tightness and retightened if necessary.
Gearbox and Connecting Rod: The gearbox should be topped up with STIHL gear lubricant by a servicing dealer after every 50 hours of operation. A specialist dealer should inspect the gearbox and connecting rod after every 50 hours of operation.
Carbon Brushes: Carbon brushes require inspection by a specialist dealer after every 100 hours of operation and replacement by a servicing dealer when necessary.
Storage: For long-term storage (3 months or longer), the machine should be thoroughly cleaned, especially the cooling air inlets, and the cutting blades cleaned, checked, and sprayed with STIHL resin solvent before fitting the blade scabbard. The machine should be stored in a dry, locked location, out of reach of children and unauthorized persons. The blade scabbard can be mounted to a wall for this purpose.

Only high-quality replacement parts and accessories explicitly approved by STIHL or technically identical should be used to avoid accidents and damage. Any maintenance or repair work not described in the manual should be performed by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. STIHL recommends using genuine STIHL replacement parts, identifiable by the STIHL part number, logo, and parts symbol. The user is responsible for any damage resulting from non-observance of maintenance instructions, including damage from neglect, incorrect electrical connection, improper storage, or using poor quality replacement parts.