Bosch Universal Chain Pole 18 User Manual

Bosch Universal Chain Pole 18 User Manual

Safety Notes

Explanation of symbols

⚠️General hazard safety alert.

Read instruction manual.

Do not expose to rain.

WARNING: Beware of thrown objects.

WARNING: Keep bystanders away.

Wear eye and head protection.

Wear slip-resistant footwear.

Wear hand protection.

Remove battery before adjusting or cleaning, and before leaving the machine unattended for any period.

Keep hands away from blade.

Do not use the charger if the cord is damaged.

Keep sufficient distance to electric power lines.

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

⚠️WARNING

Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/ or serious injury.

Save all warnings and instructions for future reference. The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mainsoperated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

Work area safety

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
• Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Electrical safety

• Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modif the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
• When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
• If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk of electric shock.

Personal safety

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
• Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energising power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
• If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
• Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.

Power tool use and care

• Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
• Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
• Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or remove the battery pack, if detachable, from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
• Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
• Maintain power tools and accessories. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
• Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.

Battery tool use and care

• Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.
• Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
• When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects, that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
• Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
• Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behaviour resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.
• Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 130°C may cause explosion.
• Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.

Service

• Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
• Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.

Pole pruner safety warnings

• Keep all parts of the body away from the saw chain. Do not remove cut material nor hold material to be cut when the saw chain is moving. Make sure the tool is switched off and the battery is removed when clearing jammed material. A moment of inattention while operating the pole pruner may result in serious personal injury.
• Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces (main handle (15), front handle (9) or extended gripping area (12)) only, because the saw chain may contact hidden wiring. Saw chains contacting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the product “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
• Maintain a firm grip, with both hands on the pole pruner and position your body and arm to allow you to resist any kickback forces. Kickback forces can be controlled by the operator, if proper precautions are taken. Do not let go of the pole pruner.
• When cutting a branch be alert for kickback. When the branch is broached it can bend down and jam the saw chain.
• Carry the pole pruner switched off, always with both hands and the saw chain with bar cover fitted. Proper handling of the pole pruner will reduce the likelihood of accidental contact with the moving saw chain.
• Do not operate a pole pruner in a tree. Operation of a pole pruner while climbing or situated in a tree may result in personal injury.
• Always keep proper footing and operate the pruner only, when standing on fixed, secure and level surface. Slippery or unstable surfaces such as ladders may cause a loss of balance or control of the pruner.
• Follow instructions for lubricating, chain tensioning and changing accessories. Improperly tensioned or lubricated chain may either break or increase the chance for kickback.
• Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease. Greasy, oily handles are slippery causing loss of control.
• Cut wood only. Do not use the pole pruner for purposes that it is not intended for. Example: do not use the pole pruner for cutting plastic, masonry or non wood building materials. Use of the pole pruner for operations different than intended for could result in a hazardous situation.
• Causes and operator prevention of kickback:
  – Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of the guide bar touches an object, or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut.
  – Tip contact in some cases may cause a sudden reverse reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back towards the operator.
  – Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly back towards the operator.
  Either of these reactions may cause you to lose control of the pole pruner which could result in serious personal injury. As a pole pruner user, you should take several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury. Kickback is the result of incorrect or faulty use of the product. Kickback can be avoided by taking proper precautions as given below:
• Only use replacement saw chains specified by the manufacturer. Incorrect saw chains may cause chain breakage or kickback.
• If the bar is damaged and in need of replacement, please consult your Bosch Service Center.
• Do not sharpen the saw chain on its own. Please obtain the replacement saw chain (F 016 800 489).
• To prevent accidental operation of the saw chain, this chain saw is equipped with a switch with mechanical interlock. To operate the chain saw, the locking button must be pressed before the saw chain starts operating (see figure M).
  Do not use the product without pressing the locking button.
  Do not operate this tool with only one hand. Hold the product securely with both hands; one hand to hold the product securely and the other to operate the On/Off switch (see figure N).
• Never allow children, persons with physical, sensory or mental limitations or a lack of experience and/or knowledge and/or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the machine. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
• Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the machine.
• When not in use store the pole pruner out of reach of children.
• Before operation, check the work area and remove all possible hazards.
• Always wait until the machine has come to a complete stop and remove the battery, before placing the machine down. The saw chain can jam or kickback and lead to loss of control over the machine.
• Switch off the pole pruner when changing the working position.
• A cut branch can lead to personal injury by falling on you or springing back from the ground. Cut longer branches in sections. (see figure N)
• Reduce force before the branch is completely cut off. You can get injured when losing balance and control of the pruner.
• Do not hang the product in a tree when you are not using it. Always place the tool on the ground in a safe place without removing the battery.

Safety Instructions and Recommendations for Optimal Handling of the Battery

• Ensure the product is switched off before inserting the battery. Inserting the battery into a product that has the switch on can cause accidents.
• Use only Bosch batteries intended specifically for this product. Use of any other batteries may create a risk of injury and fire.
• Do not open the battery. There is a risk of short-circuiting.
  Protect the battery against heat (e.g., against continuous intense sunlight), fire, water, and moisture. There is a risk of explosion.
• Keep the battery not being used away from paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects, that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
• In case of damage and improper use of the battery pack, vapours may be emitted. Ventilate the area and seek medical help in case of complaints. The vapours can irritate the respiratory system.
• Only use the battery with products from the manufacturer. This is the only way in which you can protect the battery against dangerous overload.
• The battery can be damaged by pointed objects such as nails or screwdrivers or by force applied externally. An internal short circuit may occur, causing the battery to burn, smoke, explode or overheat.
• Do not short-circuit the battery. There is a risk of explosion.
• Protect the battery against moisture and water.
• Store the product and battery only within a temperature range between –20 °C and 50 °C . As an example, do not leave the battery in the car in summer.
• Occasionally clean the venting slots of the battery using a soft, clean and dry brush.

Maintenance

• Remove battery before adjusting or cleaning, and before leaving the machine unattended for any period. Always wear gardening gloves when handling or working near the saw chain.
• Inspect the product and replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
• Make sure all nuts, bolts and screws are tight to ensure safe working with the product.
• Store the product in a secure, dry place, out of the reach of children.
• Ensure replacement parts fitted are Bosch approved.

Symbols
The following symbols are important for reading and understanding the original instructions. Please take note of the symbols and their meaning. The correct interpretation of the symbols will help you to use the product in a better and safer manner.

Product Description and
Specifications

Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the safety warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

Please observe the illustrations at the ending of this operating manual.

Intended Use
The machine is intended for domestic use, for pruning trees and shrubs at elevated height, while the user is situated on the ground. The machine is not intended to cut inorganic material or to be used on a ladder or steps. This tool is not intended for commercial or industrial use.

Delivery Scope (see figure B)
Carefully remove the machine from its packaging and check if the following parts are complete:
– Pruner head
– Telescopic handle
– Battery
– Charger a)
– Shoulder strap
– Chain guard
– Operating instructions
– Hex key screwdriver
– Saw chain oil
a) country specific
When parts are missing or damaged, please contact your dealer.

Product Features (see figure A)
The numbering of the product features refers to the illustration of the product on the graphics pages.

1. Saw chain
2. Chain bar
3. Oil filler cap
4. Pivoting head adjustment buttons
5. Chain tensioning screw
6. Connector
7. Telescopic tube
8. Telescopic height adjustment
9. Front handle
10. Front handle strap loop
11. Shoulder strap
12. Extended gripping area (insulated)
13. Rear handle strap loop
14. Locking button
15. Rear handle (insulated gripping surface)
16. On/Off switch
17. Battery
18. Battery unlocking button
19. Hook to front handle strap loop
20. Hook to rear handle strap loop
21. Oil tank inlet/outlet
22. Cover
23. Drive sprocket
24. Guide fin for chain bar
25. Fixing screws
26. Charger a)

a) Accessories shown or described are not included with the product as standard. You can find the complete selection of accessories in our accessories range.

Technical Data A) Limited performance at temperatures < 0 °C

Noise/Vibration InformationThat the declared vibration total value(s) and the declared noise emission value(s) have been measured in accordance with a standard test method any may be used for comparing one tool to another.

That the declared vibration total value(s) and the declared noise emission value(s) may also be used in a preliminary assessment of exposure.

That the vibration and noise emissions during actual use of the power tool can differ from the declared values depending on the ways in which the tool is used especially what kind of workpiece is processed; and of the need to identify safety measures to protect the operator that are based on an estimation of the exposure measures in the actual conditions of use (taking account of all parts of the operating cycle such as the times when the tool is switched off and when it is running idle in addition to the trigger time).

Starting Operation

For Your Safety

• Before any work on the machine itself (e. g. maintenance, tool change, etc.) as well as during transport and storage, remove the battery from the power tool. There is danger of injury when unintentionally actuating the On/Off switch with the locking button.
• Do not activate switches until battery is fully attached.

Inserting/Removing the Battery (see figures D
and O)
Note: Using unsuitable batteries can lead to malfunctions of or cause damage to the power tool.

Insert the charged battery (17) onto the telescopic handle. Make sure that the battery is fully fitted. To remove the battery (17) from the power tool, press the battery unlocking button (18) and pull the battery out towards the saw chain.

Assembly

• Before any work on the machine itself (e. g. maintenance, tool change, etc.) as well as during transport and storage, remove the battery from the power tool. There is danger of injury when unintentionally actuating the On/Off switch with the locking button.

Tool assembly (see figure C and E)
Fit the pole pruner head and the telescopic handle flush together with each other and secure them by screwing the connector(6) on. Ensure both parts are fitted properly mounted and locked.

Attach the hooks of the shoulder strap (11) to the strap loops (10)/(13) of the handles. Please notice that the shoulder strap has two hooks that are different in size. Make sure that the larger hook (20) is fitted to the rear handle strap loop (13) and the smaller hook (19) to the front handle strap loop (10).
Remove the saw chain cover.

Adjusting the telescopic height (see figure F)
Loosen the telescopic height adjustment (8) by rotating the sleeve, extend the telescopic tube (7) to the required length and tighten the sleeve of the telescopic height adjustment (8) again.
The telescopic tube (7) can be extended from 2.1 m to 2.6 m depending on the application.

Adjusting the pivoting head (see figure H)
Press two pivoting head adjustment buttons (4) simultaneously, adjust the pivoting head to the required position by moving the pruner head upwards or downwards, release the pivoting head adjustment buttons (4) and make sure that the pruner head is properly locked. The pivoting head can be adjusted to 9 different positions.

Tensioning the saw chain (see figure J)
Always check the chain tension before use, after the first cuts and regularly during use approx. every 10 minutes. Upon initial operation, new chains can lengthen considerably.

Always tension the chain when it is cold. Tensioning the saw chain when it is hot can result in over tensioning.
– The saw chain (1) is correctly tensioned when it can be raised approx. 2-3 mm from the chain bar in the centre. This should be done by using one hand to raise the saw chain against the weight of the machine.
– Turn the chain tensioning screw (5) with the hex key clockwise (increase tension) or anticlockwise (decrease tension) to adjust the tension.

Saw chain lubrication (see figure I)
Note: The pole pruner is not supplied filled with oil. It is essential to fill with oil before use. Operating the pole pruner without chain oil or when the oil level is below the minimum mark will result in damage to the pole pruner. Saw chain life and cutting capacity depend on optimum lubrication. Therefore, the saw chain is automatically lubricated with chain oil during operation via the oil outlet. Filling the oil reservoir:
– Set the pole pruner on any suitable surface with the oil filler cap (3) facing upward.
– Clean area around the oil filler cap (3) with a cloth and unscrew the cap.
– Fill the oil reservoir with Bosch biodegradable chain saw oil. Use of non-approved oil may impair the performance of the oiling system.
– Avoid dirt or debris from entering the oil reservoir.
– Screw oil filler cap on again. Clean any spilled oil remaining on the tool with a cloth.
– Make sure that the oil cap is not overtightened.
– Run the pole pruner for 30 seconds to pump oil into the system.

Note: To allow venting of the oil reservoir, small breather channels are provided in the oil filler cap. To prevent leakage, ensure the pole pruner is left in a horizontal position (oil filler cap (3) uppermost) when not in use.

Note: Oil becomes denser at lower temperatures which decreases the flow rate of oil.

Replacing the saw chain (see figure K and L)

• Always wear protective gloves when handling the chain.
  
• Use only a Bosch approved chain bar with tip protector.

Undo the two screws located on the cover (22) and remove the cover.

Lift the saw chain (1) and bar (2) off the drive sprocket (23).

Take the blunt saw chain (1) off the bar (2) and dispose of according to regulations.

Slide the new saw chain in the slot around the chain bar. Ensure correct running direction of saw chain. For this, compare the saw chain with the rotation symbol on the bar. Fit the new saw chain onto the drive sprocket (23) and the chain bar (2) over the guide fin (24). Ensure that all parts are seated properly. Re-fit the cover (22) and tighten the two fixing screws (25).

Check the saw chain tension before each use. Tension the saw chain using the tensioning screw (5) if necessary.

Operation

Switching on and off (see figure M)
To switch on the power tool, first press the lock-off
switch (14) and then press the On/Off switch (16). Keep the On/Off switch pressed while operating the machine. You can release the lock-off switch while the tool is switched on.
To switch off the power tool, release the On/Off switch (16).

• Do not continue to press the on/off switch after the tool has been automatically switched off. This can damage the battery.

Working Advice

Before Cutting
Before starting operation and periodically during cutting, carry out the following checks:
– Is the pole pruner in a fail-safe condition?
– Is the oil reservoir filled? Check oil level gauge prior to starting and regularly during operation. Refill oil when the oil level has reached the bottom edge of the oil level indicator. The oil tank filling will last approx. 15 minutes, depending on sawing intensity and stops.
– Is the saw chain properly tensioned and sharp?

General behaviour (see figure N)
The chain must be running at full speed before it makes contact with the wood. Use the tip protector to support the undercutting.

Pruning straight through a tree branch from the top edge down is appropriate for branches up to 5 cm in diameter. Thicker branches should be pruned in three-steps, to prevent damaging the tree.

The tip protector is designed to support the undercutting of branches.

Do not force the pole pruner while cutting, let the chain do the work.

Sawing is optimized when the chain speed remains steady during cutting.

Troubleshooting

Pole pruner

Maintenance and Service

Maintenance, Storage and Transportation (see
figure P)

• Before any work on the machine itself (e. g. maintenance, tool change, etc.) as well as during transport and storage, remove the battery from the power tool. There is danger of injury when unintentionally actuating the On/Off switch with the locking button.
• Do not modify the product. Unauthorized modifications may impair the safety of your product.

Before storing, clean the product with a cloth before storage. Remove the oil from the oil tank before storage. When transporting or storing the pole pruner, always fit the guide bar cover.

Note: Do not leave pole pruner hanging on a branch in the tree when interrupting work. Store and transport telescopic pole pruner with battery removed and protection blade cover placed.

After-Sales Service and Application Service
Our after-sales service responds to your questions concerning maintenance and repair of your product as well as spare parts. You can find explosion drawings and information on spare parts at: www.bosch-pt.com
The Bosch product use advice team will be happy to help you with any questions about our products and their accessories.

In all correspondence and spare parts orders, please always include the 10‑digit article number given on the nameplate of the product.

Great Britain
Robert Bosch Ltd. (B.S.C.)
P.O. Box 98
Broadwater Park
North Orbital Road
Denham Uxbridge
UB 9 5HJ
At www.bosch-pt.co.uk you can order spare parts or arrange the collection of a product in need of servicing or repair.
Tel. Service: (0344) 7360109
E-Mail: [email protected]

You can find further service addresses at:
www.bosch-pt.com/serviceaddresses

Transport
The recommended lithium-ion batteries are subject to legislation on the transport of dangerous goods. The user can transport the batteries by road without further requirements.

When shipping by third parties (e.g.: by air transport or forwarding agency), special requirements on packaging and labelling must be observed. For preparation of the item being shipped, consulting an expert for hazardous material is required.

Dispatch battery packs only when the housing is undamaged. Tape or mask off open contacts and pack up the battery in such a manner that it cannot move around in the packaging. Please also observe the possibility of more detailed national regulations.

Disposal

The product, batteries, accessories and packaging should be sorted for environmentalfriendly recycling.

Do not dispose of the product and batteries/rechargeable batteries into household waste!

Only for EU countries:
According to the European Guideline 2012/19/EU, products that are no longer usable, and according to the European Guideline 2006/66/EC, defective or used battery packs/ batteries, must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally correct manner.

Only for United Kingdom
According to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013 (2013/3113) and the Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009 (2009/890), power tools that are no longer usable must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

Battery packs/batteries:
Li-ion:
Please observe the notes in the section on transport (see “Transport”, page 19).

Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH
70538 Stuttgart
GERMANY

www.bosch-pt.com

F 016 L94 358 (2021.12) O / 290

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