Stihl KA 85 R - User Manual

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Summary

Safety Precautions and Working Techniques

Before starting

Lists checks to perform before starting the machine to ensure safety and readiness.

Holding and guiding the machine

While working

Covers safe practices and warnings during operation.

Maintenance and Repairs

Details when and how to perform maintenance and repairs.

Using the Unit

Working Techniques

Details various techniques for effective hedge trimming.

Horizontal Cut (with cutter bar at an angle)

Describes the technique for horizontal hedge cutting.

Vertical Cut (with cutter bar at an angle)

Explains vertical hedge trimming with an angled cutter bar.

Vertical Cut (with straight cutter bar)

Overhead Cut (with cutter bar at an angle)

Horizontal Cut (with straight cutter bar)

Approved Basic Power Tools

All models

Specifies approved models for the attachment.

Mounting the Attachment

Preparations for Mounting the Attachment

Removing the gearbox or attachment

Mounting the Gearbox

Detailed instructions for mounting the gearbox.

Adjusting the Cutter Bar

Angle Adjuster - 145°

Details on using the 145° angle adjuster.

Starting; Stopping the Engine

Starting the Engine

Detailed procedure for starting the engine.

Stopping the Engine

Instructions for safely stopping the engine.

Lubricating the Gearbox

Blade Drive Gear

Lubrication instructions for the blade drive gear.

Angle Drive Gear

Lubrication instructions for the angle drive gear.

Maintenance and Care

Maintenance Work

Details on regular maintenance operations.

Minimize Wear and Avoid Damage

This document is an instruction manual for the STIHL HL series of interchangeable hedge trimmer attachments, designed for use with various STIHL power tools.

Function Description

The STIHL HL attachment transforms a compatible STIHL power tool into a long-reach hedge trimmer. It is designed for cutting hedges, shrubs, bushes, scrub, and similar materials. The attachment consists of cutting blades, a blade drive gear, an angle drive, a sliding sleeve, a quadrant, an adjusting lever, and a blade guard (scabbard). Different models offer varying cutting lengths and angle adjustment capabilities. The HL attachments are part of the KombiAttachmentSystem, meaning they are designed to be paired with specific STIHL KombiAttachmentEngines or other approved basic power tools.

Important Technical Specifications

The manual details several technical specifications for different HL models:

HL 0° 500 mm (Fixed Angle, 500 mm cutting length):

Weight: 1.4 kg
Cutting Length: 500 mm
Tooth Spacing: 34 mm
Tooth Height: 22 mm
Sharpening Angle: 45° to horizontal
Noise Pressure Level (Lp) to ISO 28868: 91-95 dB(A) depending on the basic power tool (e.g., KA 85 R: 95 dB(A), FS 91 R: 91 dB(A), HT 102: 91 dB(A)).
Sound Power Level (Lw) to ISO 22868: 106-110 dB(A) depending on the basic power tool (e.g., KA 85 R: 109 dB(A), FS 91 R: 106 dB(A), HT 102: 106 dB(A)).
Vibration Measurement (ahv, eq) to ISO 22867:
- Loop Handle: 5.8-8.0 m/s² (e.g., KA 85 R: 5.8 m/s², FS 131 R: 8.0 m/s²)
- Control Handle: 4.5-7.1 m/s² (e.g., HT 92: 4.5 m/s², HT 132: 7.1 m/s²)

HL 145° 500 mm / 600 mm (Adjustable Angle, 500 mm or 600 mm cutting length):

Weight: 1.8 kg (500 mm), 1.9 kg (600 mm)
Cutting Length: 500 mm, 600 mm
Tooth Spacing: 34 mm
Tooth Height: 22 mm
Sharpening Angle: 45° to horizontal
Noise Pressure Level (Lp) to ISO 28868: 91-100 dB(A) depending on the basic power tool (e.g., KA 85 R: 95 dB(A), FS 131: 100 dB(A), HT 102: 91 dB(A)).
Sound Power Level (Lw) to ISO 22868: 106-110 dB(A) depending on the basic power tool (e.g., KA 85 R: 109 dB(A), FS 131: 110 dB(A), HT 102: 106 dB(A)).
Vibration Measurement (ahv, eq) to ISO 22867:
- Loop Handle: 3.7-6.5 m/s² (e.g., FS 91 R: 3.7 m/s², HL 94: 6.5 m/s²)
- Control Handle: 3.8-6.4 m/s² (e.g., FS 91: 3.8 m/s², HT 132: 6.4 m/s²)

The K-factor for sound pressure/power level is 2.0 dB(A), and for vibration level, it is 2.0 m/s² in accordance with Directive 2006/42/EC.

Usage Features

The HL attachment offers versatile usage for hedge trimming:

Mounting: The manual provides detailed instructions for mounting the gearbox or attachment to the basic power tool, including removing protective caps and ensuring correct drive shaft insertion. It also covers fitting the carrying ring for use with a shoulder strap or harness.
Angle Adjustment (HL 145° models): The cutter bar can be adjusted in 12 possible working positions: 4 stages upwards (0° to 55°) and 7 stages downwards (0° to 90°). Adjustment is made by pulling back a sliding sleeve and using a lever. This feature allows for various cutting angles, including horizontal, vertical, and overhead cuts.
Transport Position: For HL 145° models, the cutter bar can be folded flat against the drive tube and locked, saving space during transport.
Cutting Techniques:
- Horizontal Cut (with cutter bar at an angle): Ideal for low shrubs, swinging the cutter bar up and down while moving along the hedge.
- Vertical Cut (with cutter bar at an angle): Allows cutting without standing directly next to the hedge, useful for flowerbeds.
- Vertical Cut (with straight cutter bar): Provides extra long reach without additional aids.
- Overhead Cut (with cutter bar at an angle): Facilitates trimming hedges above head height.
- Horizontal Cut (with straight cutter bar): For cutting hedges up to chest height, swinging the cutter bar in an arc towards the outside to sweep cuttings to the ground.
Safety Precautions: Emphasizes wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (safety glasses, ear defenders, hard hat, sturdy gloves), maintaining a secure footing, keeping bystanders at a safe distance (5 meters), and avoiding power cables. It also warns against touching hot parts of the machine and gearbox.
Harness System: The machine can be carried on a shoulder strap or full harness to relieve operator arm weight. Instructions are provided for fitting and adjusting the harness and attaching the machine. A critical safety feature is the ability to quickly throw off the machine in an emergency.
Starting and Stopping: Refers to the basic power tool manual for engine starting procedures, with specific instructions for positioning the unit securely and setting the cutter bar to 0° for adjustable models.

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and safe operation of the HL attachment:

Cleaning: After use, the machine should be cleaned of dust and dirt. Grease solvents should not be used.
Blade Care: The cutting blades should be sprayed with STIHL resin solvent after each use to reduce friction and prevent sap and dirt buildup. They should be visually inspected before each use, resharpened as necessary, and replaced if damaged.
Gearbox Lubrication:
- Blade Drive Gear (HL 0° and HL 145°): Check lubricant level every 25 hours of operation. If no grease is visible on the filler plug, screw a tube of STIHL gear lubricant into the filler hole and squeeze in up to 10g (2/5 oz) for HL 0° and HL 145° blade drive gears. Do not completely fill the gearbox.
- Angle Drive Gear (HL 145°): Check lubricant level every 25 hours of operation. If no grease is visible, squeeze in up to 5g (1/5 oz) of STIHL gear lubricant.
Screws and Nuts: All accessible screws and nuts (excluding those on cutting blades) should be checked and retightened regularly.
Sharpening: When cutting performance deteriorates, the blades need sharpening. STIHL recommends having this done by a servicing dealer using a workshop sharpener.
Storage: For periods longer than 30 days, clean and spray the blades with resin solvent, fit the blade scabbard, and store the machine in a dry, high, or locked location out of reach of children and unauthorized persons.
Professional Servicing: STIHL strongly recommends that all maintenance and repair work not described in the user manual be performed by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. Only genuine STIHL replacement parts or technically identical parts should be used to avoid accidents and damage.