Stihl FS 55 Instruction Manual page 13

Warning!
This trimmer / brushcutter is normally to
be used at ground level with the cutting
attachment parallel to the ground. Use
of a trimmer / brushcutter above ground
level or with the cutting attachment per-
pendicular to the ground may increase
the risk of injury, since the cutting
attachment is more fully exposed and
the power tool may be more difficult to
control.
Warning!
During cutting, check the tightness and
the condition of the cutting attachment
at regular short intervals with the engine
and attachment stopped. If the behavior
of the attachment changes during use,
stop the engine immediately, wait until
the cutting attachment stops, and check
the nut securing the attachment for
tightness and the blade or head for
cracks, wear and damage.
Warning!
A loose blade or head may vibrate,
crack, break or come off the trimmer /
brushcutter, which may result in serious
or fatal injury. Make sure that the cutting
attachment is properly tightened. Use
the wrench supplied or one of sufficient
length to obtain the proper torque. If the
blade or head loosens after being prop-
erly tightened, stop work immediately.
The retaining nut may be worn or dam-
aged and should be replaced. If the
blade or head continues to loosen, see
your STIHL dealer. Never use a trimmer
/ brushcutter with a loose cutting
attachment.
FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC
Warning!
Replace a cracked, damaged or worn-
out head or a cracked, bent, warped,
damaged, dull or worn out blade imme-
diately, even if damage is limited to
superficial cracks. Such attachments
may shatter at high speed and cause
serious or fatal injury.
Warning!
When using rigid blades, avoid cutting
close to fences, sides of buildings, tree
trunks, stones or other such objects that
could cause the power tool to kick out or
could cause damage to the blade.
STIHL recommends use of the nylon
line heads for such jobs. In addition, be
alert to an increased possibility of rico-
chets in such situations.
Warning!
If the head, blade or deflector becomes
clogged or stuck, always shut off the
engine and make sure the cutting
attachment has stopped before clean-
ing. Grass, weeds, etc. should be
cleaned off the blade or from around the
head at regular intervals.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of unintentional rota-
tion of the cutting attachment and injury,
always shut off the engine and remove
the spark plug boot before replacing the
cutting attachment. To reduce the risk of
injury, always shut off the engine before
adjusting the length of the nylon line on
manually adjustable mowing heads.
Warning!
The gearbox becomes hot during oper-
ation. To reduce the risk of burn injury,
do not touch the gear housing when it is
hot.
Warning!
The muffler and other parts of the
engine (e.g. fins of the cylinder, spark
plug) become hot during operation and
remain hot for a while after stopping the
engine. To reduce risk of burns do not
touch the muffler and other parts while
they are hot.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of fire and burn injury,
keep the area around the muffler clean.
Remove excess lubricant and all debris
such as pine needles, branches or
leaves. Let the engine cool down sitting
on concrete, metal, bare ground or solid
wood away from any combustible
substances.
Warning!
Never modify your muffler. The muffler
could be damaged and cause an
increase in heat radiation or sparks,
thereby increasing the risk of fire and
burn injury. You may also permanently
damage the engine. Have your muffler
serviced and repaired by your STIHL
servicing dealer only.
English
11