Flex-Force Power System™ 24in 60V Hedge Trimmer

Model No. 51840-Serial No. 320000001 and Up

Model No. 51840T-Serial No. 320000001 and Up

Introduction

This hedge trimmer is intended to be used by residential homeowners to maintain bushes and hedges. It is designed to use Toro Flex-Force lithium-ion battery pack Models 88625 (provided with Model 51840), 88625, 88640, 88650, 88660, or 88675. These battery packs are designed to be charged only by battery charger Models 88602 (provided with Model 51840), 88605, or 88610. Using these products for purposes other than their intended use could prove dangerous to you and bystanders.

Read this information carefully to learn how to operate and maintain your product properly and to avoid injury and product damage. You are responsible for operating the product properly and safely.

Visit www.Toro.com for more information, including safety tips, training materials, accessory information, help finding a dealer, or to register your product.

Whenever you need service, genuine Toro parts, or additional information, contact an Authorized Service Dealer or Toro Customer Service and have the model and serial numbers of your product ready. Figure 1 identifies the location of the model and serial numbers on the product. Write the numbers in the space provided.

Important: With your mobile device, you can scan the QR code (if equipped) on the serial number plate to access warranty, parts, and other product information.

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Figure 1

  1. Model and serial number location

This manual identifies potential hazards and has safety messages identified by the safety-alert symbol (Figure 2), which signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or death if you do not follow the recommended precautions.

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Figure 2

Safety-alert symbol

This manual uses 2 words to highlight information. Important calls attention to special mechanical information and Note emphasizes general information worthy of special attention.

Graphic

For assistance, please see www.Toro.com/support for instructional videos or contact 1-888-384-9939 before returning this product.

Warning

CALIFORNIA

Proposition 65 Warning

The power cord on this product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

Use of this product may cause exposure to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Safety

Warning

Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool.

Failure to follow the warnings and instructions 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 mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS

I. Work area safety

  1. Keep work area clean and well lit.Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.

  2. 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.

  3. Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool.Distractions can cause you to lose control.

II. Electrical safety

  1. Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock..

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

III. Personal safety

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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 energizing power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.

  4. 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.

  5. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.

  6. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts.Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

IV. Power tool use and care

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean.Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

V. Battery tool use and care

  1. 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.

  2. Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs.Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature.Exposure to fire or temperature above 130 °C (265 °F) may cause explosion.

  7. 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.

VI. Service

  1. 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.

  2. Never service damaged battery packs.Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.

VII. Hedge trimmer safety warnings

  1. Keep all parts of the body away from the blade. Do not remove cut material or hold material to be cut when blades are moving.Blades continue to move after the switch is turned off. A moment of inattention while operating the hedge trimmer may result in serious personal injury.

  2. Carry the hedge trimmer by the handle with the blade stopped and taking care not to operate any power switch.Proper carrying of the hedge trimmer will decrease the risk of inadvertent starting and resultant personal injury from the blades.

  3. When transporting or storing the hedge trimmer, always fit the blade cover.Proper handling of the hedge trimmer will decrease the risk of personal injury from the blades.

  4. When clearing jammed material or servicing the unit, make sure all power switches are off and the battery pack is removed or disconnected.Unexpected actuation of the hedge trimmer while clearing jammed material or servicing may result in serious personal injury.

  5. Hold the hedge trimmer by insulated gripping surfaces only, because the blade may contact hidden wiring or its own cord.Blades contacting a "live" wire may make exposed metal parts of the hedge trimmer "live" and could give the operator an electric shock.

  6. Keep all power cords and cables away from cutting area.Power cords or cables may be hidden in hedges or bushes and can be accidentally cut by the blade.

  7. Do not use the hedge trimmer in bad weather conditions, especially when there is a risk of lightning.This decreases the risk of being struck by lightning.

SAVE THESE

INSTRUCTIONS

Safety and Instructional Decals

Graphic

Safety decals and instructions are easily visible to the operator and are located near any area of potential danger. Replace any decal that is damaged or missing.

Model 51840

decal139-5251

139-5251

  1. Warning—read the Operator’s Manual; wear eye protection; do not expose to rain.
  2. Keep hands away from blade—stay away from moving parts; keep all guards and shields in place.

Model 51840T

decal139-5252

139-5252

  1. Warning—read the Operator’s Manual; wear eye protection; do not expose to rain.
  2. Keep hands away from blade—stay away from moving parts; keep all guards and shields in place.
decal137-9454

137-9454

  1. Read the Operator’s Manual.
  2. Call2Recycle® battery recycling program
  3. Keep away from open fire or flames.
  4. Do not expose to rain.
decal137-9462

137-9462

decal137-9461

137-9461

  1. Battery charge status
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133-8061

Setup

Important: The battery pack is not fully charged when it is purchased. Before using the machine for the first time, refer to Charging the Battery Pack.

Mounting the Battery Charger (Optional)

Parts needed for this procedure:

Mounting hardware (not included)2

If desired, mount the battery charger securely on a wall using the wall-mount key holes on the back of the charger.

Mount it indoors (such as a garage or other dry place), near a power outlet, and out of the reach of children.

Refer to Figure 3 for assistance in mounting the charger.

Slide the charger over the appropriately positioned hardware to secure the charger in place (hardware not included).

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Figure 3

Product Overview

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Figure 4

Left side of the machine shown.

  1. Blades
  2. Guard
  3. Auxiliary-handle switch
  4. Auxiliary handle
  5. Handle-rotation button
  6. Lock switch
  7. Trigger
  8. Battery latch
  9. Battery pack
  10. Protective cover
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Figure 5

  1. Battery charger Model 88620 (included with Model 51840)
  2. Battery pack Model 88625 (included with Model 51840)
Model51840/T
Cutting Length610 mm (24 inches)
Rated Voltage60V DC maximum, 54 VDC nominal usage
No-load Speed3200 spm at 60 VDC max
Cutting width19 mm (3/4 inch)
Charger Type88602 (included with 51840), 88605, or 88610
Battery Type88625 (included with 51840), 88620, 88640, 88650, 88660, or 88675

Appropriate Temperature Ranges

Charge/store the battery pack at5°C (41°F) to 40°C (104°F)*
Use the battery pack at-30°C (-22°F) to 49°C (120°F)*
Use the machine at0°C (32°F) to 49°C (120°F)*

*Charging time will increase if you do not charge the battery pack within this range.

Store the machine, battery pack, and battery charger in an enclosed clean, dry area.

Operation

Starting the Hedge Trimmer

  1. Remove the protective cover from the blades (Figure 6).

    Warning

    The hedge trimmer blades can cause cuts or amputation.

    Be careful when handling the hedge trimmer with the protective cover removed.

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    Figure 6

    1. Protective cover
    2. Blades

  2. Make sure that the vents on the hedge trimmer are clear of any dust and debris.

  3. Align the cavity of the battery pack with the tongue in the handle housing, grasp the handle, and push the battery pack into the handle until the latch locks into place (Figure 7).

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    Figure 7

    1. Auxiliary-handle switch
    2. Auxiliary handle
    3. Lock switch
    4. Trigger
    5. Battery latch
    6. Hedge trimmer venting areas

  4. Place 1 hand on the trigger handle. Place the other hand on the auxiliary handle (Figure 7).

  5. Press the lock switch and then squeeze the trigger switch while engaging the auxiliary-handle switch to turn on the hedge trimmer (Figure 7).

    The trimmer stays on as long as the auxiliary-handle switch is engaged and the trigger is squeezed. You may release the lock switch once the hedge trimmer is running (Figure 7).

Rotating the Hedge Trimmer Handle

  1. Press and hold the rotational lock button (A of Figure 8).

  2. Rotate the handle 90° to the right or left depending on desired cutting direction, then release the rotational lock button to lock the handle in the desired position (B of Figure 8).

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Figure 8

Shutting Off the Hedge Trimmer

To shut off the hedge trimmer, release the trigger, auxiliary-handle switch, or both (Figure 7). Allow at least 5 seconds for the cutting blade to stop moving.

Whenever you are not using the trimmer or are transporting the trimmer to or from the work area, remove the battery pack.

Removing the Battery Pack

Press the battery latch on the tool to release the battery pack and slide the battery pack out of the tool (Figure 9).

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Figure 9

  1. Battery latch

Charging the Battery Pack

Important: The battery pack is not fully charged when you purchase it. Before using the tool for the first time, place the battery pack in the charger and charge it until the LED display indicates the battery pack is fully charged. Read all safety precautions.

Important: Charge the battery pack only in temperatures that are within the appropriate range; refer to Specifications.

Note: At any time, press the battery-charge-indicator button on the battery pack to display the current charge (LED indicators).

  1. Ensure that the vents on the battery and charger are clear of any dust and debris.

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    Figure 10

    1. Battery pack cavity
    2. Battery pack venting areas
    3. Battery pack terminals
    4. Battery-charge-indicator button
    5. LED indicators (current charge)
    6. Handle
    7. Charger

  2. Line up the charger with the cavity on the back of the battery pack (Figure 10).

  3. Slide the charger into the battery pack until it is fully seated (Figure 10).

  4. To remove the charger, slide the charger backward out of the battery.

  5. Refer to the following table to interpret the LED indicator light on the battery charger.

    Indicator lightIndicates
    OffNo battery pack inserted
    Green blinkingBattery pack is charging
    GreenBattery pack is charged
    RedBattery pack and/or battery charger is over or under the appropriate temperature range
    Red blinkingBattery pack charging fault*

*Refer to for more information.

Important: The battery can be left on the charger for short periods between uses.If the battery will not be used for longer periods, remove the battery from the charger; refer to Before storage.

Operating Tips

  • Use the power tool for cutting in either direction in a slow, sweeping action from side to side.

  • When trimming new growth, use a wide sweeping action so that the stems are fed directly into the cutting blade.

  • Use a non-powered hand saw or pruning saw to trim stems that are too large.

  • If desired, you can use a string to help cut your hedge level. Decide how high you want the hedge. Stretch a piece of string along the hedge at the desired height. Trim the hedge just above the guide line of string.

Maintenance

Remove the battery pack before maintenance or cleaning work.

Use only the manufacturer’s recommended replacement parts and accessories.

Inspect and maintain the product regularly. Have the product repaired only by an Authorized Service Dealer.

Preparing the Battery Pack for Recycling

Important: Upon removal, cover the terminals of the battery pack with heavy-duty adhesive tape. Do not attempt to destroy or disassemble the battery pack or remove any of its components.

Graphic

Lithium-ion battery packs labeled with the Call2Recycle seal can be recycled at any participating retailer or battery recycling facility in the Call2Recycle program (US and Canada only). To locate a participating retailer or facility closest to you, please call 1-800-822-8837 or visit www.call2recycle.org. If you cannot locate a participating retailer or facility nearby, or if your rechargeable battery is not labeled with the Call2Recycle seal, please contact your local municipality for more information on how to responsibly recycle the battery. If you are located outside of the US and Canada, please contact your authorized Toro distributor.

Storage

Important: Store the tool, battery pack, and charger only in temperatures that are within the appropriate range; refer to Specifications.

Important: If you are storing the battery pack for the off-season, remove the battery pack from the tool and charge the battery pack until 2 or 3 LED indicators turn green on the battery. Do not store a fully charged or fully depleted battery. When you are ready to use the tool again, charge the battery pack until the left indicator light turns green on the charger or all 4 LED indicators turn green on the battery.

  • Disconnect the product from the power supply (i.e., remove the plug from the power supply or the battery pack) and check for damage after use.

  • Clean all foreign material from the product.

  • Do not store the tool with the battery pack installed.

  • When not in use, store the tool, battery pack, and battery charger out of the reach of children.

  • Keep the tool, battery pack, and battery charger away from corrosive agents, such as garden chemicals and de-icing salts.

  • To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, do not store the battery pack outside or in vehicles.

  • Store the tool, battery pack, and battery charger in an enclosed clean, dry area.

Troubleshooting

Perform only the steps described in these instructions. All further inspection, maintenance, and repair work must be performed by an authorized service center or a similarly qualified specialist if you cannot solve the problem yourself.

ProblemPossible CauseCorrective Action
The tool does not start.
  1. The battery is not fully installed in the tool.
  2. The battery pack is not charged.
  3. The battery pack is damaged.
  4. There is another electrical problem with the tool.
  1. Remove and then replace the battery into the tool, making sure that it is fully installed and latched.
  2. Remove the battery pack from the tool and charge it.
  3. Replace the battery pack.
  4. Contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
The tool does not reach full power.
  1. The battery pack charge capacity is too low.
  2. The air vents are blocked.
  1. Remove the battery pack from the tool and fully charge the battery pack.
  2. Clean the air vents.
The tool is producing excessive vibration or noise.
  1. The blades are dull or damaged.
  1. Contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
The battery pack loses charge quickly.
  1. The battery pack is over or under the appropriate temperature range.
  2. The machine is overloaded
  1. Move the battery pack to a place where it is dry and the temperature is between 5°C (41°F) and 40°C (104°F).
  2. Trim at a slower pace.
The battery charger is not working.
  1. The battery charger is over or under the appropriate temperature range.
  2. The outlet that the battery charger is plugged into does not have power.
  1. Unplug the battery charger and move it to a place where it is dry and the temperature is between 5°C (41°F) and 40°C (104°F).
  2. Contact your licensed electrician to repair the outlet.
The LED indicator light on the battery charger is red.
  1. The battery charger and/or battery pack is over or under the appropriate temperature range.
  1. Unplug the battery charger and move the battery charger and battery pack to a place where it is dry and the temperature is between 5°C (41°F) and 40°C (104°F).
The LED indicator light on the battery charger is blinking red.
  1. There is an error in the communication between the battery pack and the charger.
  2. The battery pack is weak.
  1. Remove the battery pack from the battery charger, unplug the battery charger from the outlet, and wait 10 seconds. Plug the battery charger into the outlet again and place the battery pack on the battery charger. If the LED indicator light on the battery charger is still blinking red, repeat this procedure again. If the LED indicator light on the battery charger is still blinking red after 2 attempts, properly dispose of the battery pack at a battery recycling facility.
  2. Contact your authorized service dealer if the battery is in warranty, or properly dispose of the battery pack at a battery recycling facility.