HSE 42, HSE 52
English
5
Watch out for obstacles such as tree 
stumps, roots – risk of tripping or 
stumbling!
When working at heights: 
– Always use a lift bucket
– Never use the machine while 
standing on a ladder or in a tree
– never work on an unstable surface
Be particularly alert and cautious when 
wearing hearing protection because 
your ability to hear warnings (shouts, 
alarms, etc.) is restricted.
Take breaks when you start getting tired 
or feeling fatigue – risk of accidents!
Work calmly and carefully – in daylight 
conditions and only when visibility is 
good. Proceed with caution, do not put 
others in danger.
The gearbox becomes hot during 
operation. To reduce the risk of burn 
injury, do not touch the gearbox cover.
If your power tool is subjected to 
unusually high stress for which it was not 
designed (e.g. heavy impact or a fall), 
always check that it is in good condition 
before continuing work – see also 
"Before Starting". Make sure the safety 
devices are working properly. Never use 
a power tool that is no longer safe to 
operate. In case of doubt, contact a 
dealer.
Inspect the hedge and work area to 
avoid damaging the cutting blades:
– Remove stones, rocks, pieces of 
metal and other solid objects
– When working close to the ground, 
make sure that no sand, grit or 
stones get between the cutting 
blades
– Take particular care when cutting 
hedges next to or against wire 
fences
Do not touch electric power lines – never 
cut through electric power lines – risk of 
electrocution!
If the hedge is very dusty or dirty, spray 
the cutting blades with STIHL resin 
solvent from time to time during cutting. 
This will significantly reduce blade 
friction, the aggressive effects of sap 
and the build-up of dirt particles.
The dust that occurs during operation 
may be harmful to health. Wear a dust 
mask in case of dust formation.
Never jerk the power cord to disconnect 
it from the wall outlet. To unplug, grasp 
the plug, not the cord.
Avoid damage to the power supply cord. 
Do not drive over it, pinch or tug it.
Position the connecting and extension 
cords correctly:
– Do not chafe on edges, pointed or 
sharp objects
– don't trap or squeeze the cord in or 
under doors or windows
– If cords are twisted – unplug the 
power tool and straighten them out
– Always avoid contact with the 
cutting attachment
– Always completely unfurl the 
connecting cord from the cable reel 
to avoid risk of fire due to 
overheating.
Before leaving the power tool 
unattended: Switch it off and disconnect 
the plug from the power supply.
Check the cutting blades at regular, 
frequent intervals during operation or 
immediately if there is a noticeable 
change in cutting behavior:
– Switch off the power tool, wait for 
the cutting blades to come to a 
standstill, disconnect plug from 
power supply.
– Check the condition and tightness 
of connections, look out for fine 
cracks
– Ensure that the cutting blades are 
sharp
Do not touch the cutting 
blades.while the engine 
is running. If the cutting 
blades become jammed 
by thick branches or 
other obstructions, switch 
off immediately and dis-
connect the plug from the 
power supply before 
attempting to free the 
blades.
If the power cord is dam-
aged, immediately 
disconnect the plug from 
the wall outlet to avoid 
the risk of electric shock.