Introduction

This hedge trimmer is intended to be used by residential homeowners to maintain bushes and hedges. It is designed to use Toro 60V lithium-ion battery packs. These battery packs are designed to be charged only by Toro 60V lithium-ion battery chargers. Using these products for purposes other than their intended use could prove dangerous to you and bystanders.

Model 51840T does not include a battery or a charger.

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 the manufacturer parts, or additional information, contact an Authorized Service Dealer or the manufacturer 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.

g308284

Safety-Alert Symbol

The safety-alert symbol (Figure 2) shown in this manual and on the machine identifies important safety messages that you must follow to prevent accidents.

g000502

The safety-alert symbol appears above information that alerts you to unsafe actions or situations and is followed by the word DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.

DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.

This manual uses two other 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 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 all 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 dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions reduces 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 jewelry. 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 behavior 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. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Wear ear protection.Adequate protective equipment will reduce the risk of hearing loss.

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

  5. 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.

  6. When clearing jammed material or servicing the hedge trimmer, 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.

  7. 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.

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

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

Model 51840T

decal139-5252
decal137-9454
decal137-9462
decal137-9461

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).

g290534

Product Overview

g308470
g355813
Model51840/T
Cutting Length610 mm (24 inches)
Rated Voltage60V DC maximum, 54 VDC nominal usage
Cutting width19 mm (3/4 inch)
Charger TypeToro 60V lithium-ion chargers
Battery TypeToro 60V lithum-ion batteries

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.

Attachments/Accessories

A selection of Toro approved attachments and accessories is available for use with the machine to enhance and expand its capabilities. Contact your Authorized Service Dealer or authorized Toro distributor or go to www.Toro.com for a list of all approved attachments and accessories.

To ensure optimum performance and continued safety certification of the machine, use only genuine Toro replacement parts and accessories. Replacement parts and accessories made by other manufacturers could be dangerous.

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.

    g308414
  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).

    g308413
  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).

g308389

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).

g308388

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 battery charger are clear of any dust and debris.

    g290533
  2. Line up the cavity in the battery pack (Figure 10) with the tongue on the charger.

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

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

  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.

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

  • Use a different tool to trim stems that are too large for the trimmer.

  • 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 as a guideline. Trim the hedge just above the string guideline.

Maintenance

After each use of the trimmer, complete the following:

  1. Remove the battery pack from the trimmer before maintaining or cleaning.

  2. Wipe the trimmer clean with a damp cloth any time there is an accumulation of debris. Do not hose the trimmer down or submerge it in water.

    Warning

    The hedge trimmer blades can cause cuts or amputation.

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

  3. Inspect the machine, check and tighten all fasteners. If any part is damaged or lost, repair or replace it.

    Important: Use only the manufacturer’s recommended replacement parts and accessories.Have the product repaired only by an Authorized Service Dealer.

  4. Brush debris away from air intake vents and exhaust on motor housing to prevent the motor from overheating.

Lubricating the Blades

Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
After each use
  • Lubricate the blades.
  • Warning

    The hedge trimmer blades can cause cuts or amputation.

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

    1. Shut off the trimmer, remove the battery pack, and place the trimmer on a flat surface.

    2. Clean dirt and debris from the hedge trimmer, using a brush or a damp cloth with a mild detergent.

    3. Apply light weight machine oil (such as #10) along the edge of the top blades (Figure 11).

      g426760

    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.

    Always remove the battery from the tool when troubleshooting, inspecting, maintaining, or cleaning the tool.

    ProblemPossible CauseCorrective Action
    The tool does not run or does not run continuously.
    1. The battery is not fully installed in the tool.
    2. The battery pack is not charged.
    3. The battery pack is over or under the appropriate temperature range.
    4. There is moisture on the leads of the battery pack.
    5. The battery pack is damaged.
    6. There is another electrical problem with the tool.
    7. Both the auxiliary handle switch and the trigger are not pressed.
    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. 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).
    4. Allow the battery pack to dry or wipe it dry.
    5. Replace the battery pack.
    6. Contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
    7. Press both the trigger and the auxiliary handle switch simultaneously.
    The tool does not reach full power.
    1. The speed switch is in the low speed or anti-jam position.
    2. The battery pack charge capacity is too low.
    3. The air vents are blocked.
    1. Turn the speed switch to the high speed position.
    2. Remove the battery pack from the tool and fully charge the battery pack.
    3. Clean the air vents.
    The gearbox is hot.
    1. The air vents are blocked.
    2. The gearbox is not being lubricated properly.
    1. Clean the air vents.
    2. Lubricate the gearbox.
    The tool is producing excessive vibration or noise.
    1. The blades are dull or damaged.
    2. The machine is not being lubricated properly.
    1. Contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
    2. Lubricate the blades and gearbox.
    The battery pack loses charge quickly.
    1. The battery pack is over or under the appropriate temperature range.
    2. The trimmer 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.