Stihl FS Manual

Introduction

It has been built using modern production techniques and comprehensive quality assurance. Every effort has been made to ensure your satisfaction and troublefree use of the product.
Please contact your dealer or our sales company if you have any queries concerning this product.

Interchangeable Attachments

The STIHL interchangeable attachment may be mounted to different STIHL power tools.
This includes KombiAttachmentEngines in some markets. In these markets the KombiAttachmentEngines and interchangeable attachments are part of the KombiAttachmentSystem.
The approved power tool models are listed in the chapter on "Approved Basic Power Tools".
In this instruction manual the functional unit formed by the basic power tool and interchangeable attachment is referred to as the power tool.
Therefore, the separate instruction manuals for the basic power tool and attachment should be used together for the power tool.
Always read and and make sure you understand both instruction manuals before using your power tool for the first time and keep them in a safe place for future reference.

Guide to Using this Manual

Pictograms
All the pictograms attached to the machine are shown and explained in this manual.

Symbols in text

Warning where there is a risk of an accident or personal injury or serious damage to property.
NOTICE
Caution where there is a risk of damaging the machine or its individual components.

Safety Precautions and Working Techniques

Some special safety precautions must be observed to reduce the risk of personal injury when operating this power tool because of the very high speed and sharpness of its cutting attachment.

Always read and and make sure you understand both instruction manuals (basic power tool and attachment) before using your power tool for the first time and keep them in a safe place for future reference. Nonobservance of the safety precautions may result in serious or even fatal injury.
Lend or rent your power tool only to persons who are familiar with this model and its operation – and only with the instruction manuals of the basic power tool and attachment.
Depending on the cutting attachment fitted, use your power tool only for cutting grass, wild growth, shrubs, scrub, bushes, small diameter trees and similar materials.
Do not use your power tool for any other purpose because of the increased risk of accidents.
Only use cutting attachments and accessories that are explicitly approved for this power tool model by STIHL or are technically identical. If you have any questions in this respect, consult a servicing dealer.
Use only high quality tools and accessories in order to avoid the risk of accidents and damage to the machine.
STIHL recommends the use of original STIHL tools, cutting attachments and accessories. They are specifically designed to match the product and meet your performance requirements.
The deflector on this power tool cannot protect the operator from all objects thrown by the cutting attachment (stones, glass, wire, etc.). Such objects may ricochet and then hit the operator.
Never attempt to modify your machine in any way since this may increase the risk of personal injury. STIHL excludes all liability for personal injury and damage to property caused while using unauthorized attachments.
Do not use a pressure washer to clean your power tool. The solid jet of water may damage parts of the power tool.

Clothing and Equipment
Wear proper protective clothing and equipment.

Clothing must be sturdy but allow complete freedom of movement. Wear snug-fitting clothing, an overall and jacket combination, do not wear a work coat.
Avoid clothing that could get caught on branches or brush or moving parts of the machine. Do not wear a scarf, necktie or jewelry. Tie up and confine long hair (e.g. with a hair net, cap, hard hat, etc.).

Wear steel-toed safety boots with non-slip soles.
Sturdy shoes with non-slip soles may be worn as an alternative only when using mowing heads.

To reduce the risk of eye injuries, wear close-fitting safety glasses in accordance with European Standard EN 166. Make sure the safety glasses are a comfortable and snug fit.
Wear a face shield and make sure it is a good fit. A face shield alone does not provide adequate eye protection.
Wear hearing protection, e.g. earplugs or ear muffs.
Wear a safety hard hat for thinning operations, when working in high scrub and where there is a danger of head injuries from falling objects.

Wear heavy-duty work gloves made of durable material (e.g. leather).
STIHL offers a comprehensive range of personal protective clothing and equipment.

Transporting the Power Tool

Always turn off the engine.
Carry the unit hanging from the shoulder strap or properly balanced by the drive tube.
To reduce the risk of cut injuries, fit transport guard on the cutting attachment, even when carrying the tool for short distances – see also "Transporting the Unit".
To reduce the risk of serious burn injuries, avoid touching hot parts of the machine, including the gearbox housing.
Transporting by vehicle: Properly secure your power tool to prevent turnover, fuel spillage and damage.

Before Starting
Check that your power tool is properly assembled and in good condition – refer to appropriate chapters in the instruction manuals of the basic power tool and attachment.

• Use only an approved combination of cutting attachment, deflector, handle and harness. All parts must be assembled properly and securely.
• Check cutting attachment for correct and secure assembly and good condition.
• Check protective devices (e.g. deflector for cutting attachment, rider plate) for damage or wear. Always replace damaged parts. Do not operate your machine with a damaged deflector or worn rider plate (lettering and arrows no longer legible).
• Never attempt to modify the controls or safety devices – work only with a properly mounted deflector.
• Keep the handles dry and clean – free from oil and dirt – for safe control of the power tool.
• Adjust the harness and handle(s) to suit your height and reach. See chapter on "Fitting the Harness".

To reduce the risk of accidents, do not operate your power tool if it is damaged or not properly assembled.
If you use a shoulder strap or full harness: Practice removing and putting down the machine as you would in an emergency. To avoid damage, do not throw the machine to the ground when practicing.

Holding and Controlling the Power Tool
Always hold the power tool firmly with both hands on the handles.
Make sure you always have good balance and secure footing.

Models with bike handle

Right handle on control handle, left hand on left handle.

Models with loop handle

On models with a loop handle and barrier bar, left hand on loop handle, right hand on control handle, even if you are left-handed.
Wrap fingers and thumbs firmly around the handles.

During Operation
Make sure you always have good balance and secure footing.
In the event of impending danger or in an emergency, switch off the engine immediately by moving the slide control / stop switch/button to 0 or STOP.

The cutting attachment may catch and fling objects a great distance and cause injury - therefore, do not allow any other persons within a radius of 15 meters of your own position. To reduce the risk of damage to property, also maintain this distance from other objects (vehicles, windows). Even maintaining a distance of 15 meters or more cannot exclude the potential danger.

To reduce the risk of injury, avoid contact with the cutting attachment.
The correct engine idle speed is important to ensure that the cutting attachment stops rotating when you let go of the throttle trigger.
Check and correct the idle speed setting regularly. If the cutting attachment still rotates when the engine is idling, have your dealer check your machine and make proper adjustments or repairs – see instruction manual of basic power tool. STIHL recommends an authorized STIHL servicing dealer.
Take special care in slippery conditions (ice, wet ground, snow), on slopes or uneven ground.
Watch out for obstacles: Roots and tree stumps which could cause you to trip or stumble.
Always stand on the ground while working, never on a ladder, work platform or any other insecure support.
Never operate your power tool with one hand.
Be particularly alert and cautious when wearing hearing protection because your ability to hear warnings (shouts, alarms, etc.) is restricted.
To reduce the risk of accidents, take a break in good time to avoid tiredness or exhaustion.
Work calmly and carefully – in daylight conditions and only when visibility is good. Stay alert so as not to endanger others.
If your power tool is subjected to unusually high loads for which it was not designed (e.g. heavy impact or a fall), always check that it is in good condition before continuing work – see also "Before Starting".
Make sure the safety devices are working properly. Do not continue operating your power tool if it is damaged. In case of doubt, consult your servicing dealer.

To reduce the risk of injury from thrown objects, never operate the power tool without the proper deflector for the type of cutting attachment being used.

Inspect the work area: Stones, pieces of metal or other solid objects may be thrown more than 15 meters and cause personal injury or damage the cutting attachment and property (e.g. parked vehicles, windows).

Special care must be taken when working in difficult, over-grown terrain.
When cutting high scrub, under bushes and hedges: Keep cutting attachment at a minimum height of 15 cm to avoid harming small animals.
Check the cutting attachment at regular short intervals during operation or immediately if there is a noticeable change in cutting behavior:

• Turn off the engine. Hold the unit firmly and press the cutting attachment into the ground to bring it to a standstill.
• Check condition and tightness, look for cracks.
• Check sharpness.
• Replace damaged or dull cutting attachments immediately, even if they have only superficial cracks.

Clean grass and plant residue off the cutting attachment mounting at regular intervals – remove any build up of material from the cutting attachment and deflector.
To reduce the risk of injury, shut off the engine before changing the cutting attachment.
The gearbox becomes hot during operation. To reduce the risk of burn injury, do not touch the gearbox housing.

When using mowing heads
Equip the deflector with the additional components specified in the instruction manual.
Use only the deflector with properly mounted line limiting blade to ensure the mowing lines are automatically trimmed to the approved length.
To reduce the risk of injury, always turn off the engine before adjusting the nylon
line of manually adjustable mowing heads
Using the unit with over-long nylon cutting lines reduces the engine's operating speed. The clutch then slips continuously and this causes overheating and damage to important components (e.g. clutch, polymer housing components) – and this can increase the risk of injury from the cutting attachment rotating while the engine is idling.

Using metal cutting attachments
STIHL recommends the use of original STIHL metal cutting attachments. They are specifically designed to match your model and meet your performance requirements.
Metal cutting attachments rotate at very high speed. The forces that occur act on the machine, the attachment and the material being cut.
Sharpen metal cutting attachments regularly as specified.
Unevenly sharpened metal cutting attachments cause out-of-balance which can impose extremely high loads on the machine and increase the risk of breakage.
Dull or improperly sharpened cutting edges can put a higher load on the cutting attachment and increase the risk of injury from cracked or broken parts.
Inspect metal cutting attachments for cracks or warping after every contact with hard objects (e.g. stones, rocks, pieces of metal). To reduce the risk of injury, remove burrs and other visible build-ups of material (use a file) because they may become detached and be thrown at high speed during operation.
If a rotating metal cutting attachment makes contact with a rock or other solid object there is a risk of sparking which may cause easily combustible material to catch fire under certain circumstances. Dry plants and scrub are also easily combustible, especially in hot and dry weather conditions. If there is a risk of fire, do not use metal cutting attachments near combustible materials, dry plants or scrub. Always contact your local forest authority for information on a possible fire risk.
Do not continue using or attempt to repair damaged or cracked cutting attachments by welding, straightening or modifying the shape (out of balance).
This may cause parts of the cutting attachment to come off and hit the operator or bystanders at high speed and result in serious or fatal injuries.
To reduce the above-mentioned risks when using a metal cutting attachment, never use a metal cutting attachment with a diameter larger than specified. It must not be too heavy. It must be manufactured from materials of adequate quality and its geometry must be correct (shape, thickness).
To reduce the risk of injury, a metal cutting attachment not manufactured by STIHL must not be heavier, thicker, have a different shape or a diameter larger than the largest metal cutting attachment approved by STIHL for this power tool model.

After Finishing Work
After finishing work or before leaving the unit unattended: Shut off the engine.
After finishing work, clean dirt, soil and plant residue off the cutting attachment – wear gloves to reduce the risk of injury.
Do not use grease solvents for cleaning.
After thoroughly cleaning, coat surface of metal cutting attachments with a corrosion inhibitor.

Maintenance and Repairs
Service the machine regularly. Do not attempt any maintenance or repair work not described in the instruction manuals of the basic power tool and attachment. Have all other work performed by a servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends that you have servicing and repair work carried out exclusively by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. STIHL dealers are regularly given the opportunity to attend training courses and are supplied with the necessary technical information.
Only use high-quality replacement parts in order to avoid the risk of accidents and damage to the power tool. If you have any questions in this respect, consult a servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends the use of genuine STIHL replacement parts. They are specifically designed to match your model and meet your performance requirements.
To reduce the risk of injury, always shut off the engine before carrying out any maintenance or repairs or cleaning the machine.

Symbols on Deflectors
An arrow on the deflector shows the correct direction of rotation of the cutting attachments.
Some of the following symbols are applied to the outside of the deflector to indicate the approved combination of cutting attachment and deflector.

	Deflector may be used with mowing heads.
	Deflector may be used with grass cutting blades.
	Deflector must not be used with mowing heads.
	Do not use deflector with brush knives, shredder blades or circular saw blades.
	Do not use deflector with brush knives, shredder blades, grass cutting blades or circular saw blades.
	Deflector may be used with mowing heads. Not approved for use with brush knives, shredder blades or circular saw blades.
	Deflector may be used with mowing heads – do not use metal cutting attachments.

Harness / Strap
The harness is included in the scope of supply or available as a special accessory.

• Use a shoulder strap.
• With the engine running, attach the machine to the shoulder strap.

Grass cutting blades and brush knives must always be used in combination with a shoulder strap.

Circular saw blades must always be used in combination with a full harness with a quick-release system.

Mowing Head with Nylon Line

Nylon line achieves a soft cut for edging and trimming around trees, fence posts, etc. – less risk of damaging tree bark.
The mowing head comes with an instruction leaflet. Refill the mowing head with nylon line as described in the instruction leaflet.

To reduce the risk of serious injury, never use wire or metal-reinforced line in place of the nylon line.

STIHL Polycut Mowing Head with Polymer Blades
For mowing unobstructed edges of meadows (without posts, fences, trees or similar obstacles).

Check the wear limit marks!

If one of the wear limit marks on the
PolyCut mowing head is worn through (arrow): Do not continue using the mowing head. Install a new one. There is otherwise a risk of injury from thrown parts of the head.
It is important to follow the maintenance instructions for the PolyCut mowing head.
The PolyCut can also be equipped with mowing line in place of the polymer blades.
The mowing head comes with instruction leaflets. Equip the mowing head with polymers blades or nylon line as described in the instruction leaflets.

Never use wire in place of the nylon mowing line – risk of injury.

Risk of Kickout (Blade Thrust) with Metal Cutting Attachments


When using metal cutting attachments there is a risk of kickout when the rotating blade comes into contact with a solid object such as a tree trunk, branch, tree stump, rock or similar. The machine is thrown to the right or to the rear – opposite to the attachment's direction of rotation.

The risk of kickout is greatest when the black area of the rotating cutting attachment comes into contact with a solid object.

Grass Cutting Blade

Use for grass and weeds only – sweep the brushcutter in an arc like a scythe.

Brush Knife
For cutting matted grass, wild growth and scrub and thinning young stands with a stem diameter of no more than 2 cm – do not cut thicker stems – risk of accidents.

Use the brushcutter like a scythe (sweep it to the right and left) at ground level when cutting grass and thinning young stands.

To cut wild growth and scrub, lower the brush knife down onto the growth to achieve a shredding effect – always keep the cutting attachment below hip level during this process. Exercise extreme caution when using this method of cutting. The higher the cutting attachment is off the ground, the greater the risk of injury from cuttings being thrown sideways.

Improper use of a brush knife may cause it to crack, chip or shatter – risk of injury from thrown parts.

To reduce the risk of injury it is essential to take the following precautions:

• Avoid contact with stones, rocks, pieces of metal and other solid foreign objects.
• Never cut wood or shrubs with a stem diameter of more than 2 cm – use a circular saw blade for such work.
• Inspect the brush knife at regular short intervals for signs of damage. Do not continue working with a damaged brush knife.
• Resharpen the brush knife regularly and whenever it has dulled noticeably, and have it balanced if necessary (STIHL recommends a STIHL servicing dealer).

Circular Saw Blade
Suitable for cutting shrubs and trees with a maximum stem diameter of 4 cm.
Before starting the cut, accelerate the engine up to full throttle. Perform cut with uniform pressure.
Use circular saw blades only with a matching limit stop of the correct diameter.

To reduce the risk of blade damage, avoid contact with stones and the ground. Resharpen the blade properly in good time – dull teeth may result in the blade cracking and shattering and causing serious injury.
When felling, maintain a distance of at least two tree lengths from the next felling site.

Risk of kickout

The risk of kickout is highest in the black area of the blade: Do not use this area of the circular saw blade for cutting.
There is also a risk of kickout when using the lighter shaded areas of the blade: These areas of the blade should only be used by experienced operators with specialized training.
STIHL recommends that you use the non-shaded area of the circular saw blade. Always start the cut with this area of the blade.

Approved Basic Power Tools

This interchangeable attachment is only approved for use on a basic power tool equipped with one of the following handle systems:

• Bike handle
• Loop handle without barrier bar but suitable for retrofitting a barrier bar.
• Loop handle with barrier bar.

Operation of this interchangeable attachment is permitted with the following basic power tools:

Bike-handled machines or loop-handled machines with barrier bar

• FT 250
• KA 85 R, KR 120, KW 250

Loop-handled machines without barrier bar
A barrier bar cannot be retrofitted to an existing loop handle. For this reason the loop handle must be replaced by a version with barrier bar on the following models:

• STIHL FC 95, FC 110

If necessary, the machine must be retrofitted with a carrying ring for a harness/shoulder strap.

• To retrofit the loop handle see chapter on "Mounting the Loop Handle".
• To retrofit the carrying ring – see "Mounting the Attachment"/"Fitting the Carrying Ring".

Combinations with basic power tools other than those listed above are not permitted since they may result in accidents or serious personal injury.

To reduce the risk of accidents and injury, use cutting attachments only as specified in the chapter on "Approved Combinations of Cutting Attachment, Deflector, Handle and Harness".

For use of the barrier bar see "Approved Combinations of Cutting Attachment, Deflector, Handle and Harness"– risk of accidents and injury.

Approved Combinations of Cutting Attachment, Deflector, Handle and Harness

Approved Combinations
Select correct combination from the table according to the cutting attachment you intend to use.

For safety reasons only the cutting attachments, deflectors, handles and harnesses shown in each row of the table may be used together. No other combinations are permitted because of the risk of accidents.

Cutting attachments
Mowing heads

1. STIHL SuperCut 20-2
2. STIHL AutoCut C 25-2^[1])
3. STIHL AutoCut 25-2
4. STIHL AutoCut 30-2^[2])
5. STIHL AutoCut 36-2²⁾
6. STIHL TrimCut 31-2
7. STIHL DuroCut 20-2
8. STIHL PolyCut 20-3

Metal cutting attachments

9. Grass cutting blade 230-2 (230 mm dia.)
10. Grass cutting blade 260-2^[3]) (260 mm dia.)
11. Grass cutting blade 230-4 (230 mm dia.)
12. Grass cutting blade 230-8 (230 mm dia.)
13. Grass cutting blade 250-40 Spezial
    (250 mm dia.)
14. Brush knife 250-3
    (250 mm dia.)
15. Scratcher tooth circular saw blade 200²⁾ (200 mm dia.)
16. Chisel tooth circular saw blade 200²⁾ (200 mm dia.)

Non-metal grass cutting blades, brush knives and circular saw blades are not approved.

Deflectors

17. Deflector for mowing heads
18. Deflector with
19. skirt and blade, for mowing heads
20. Deflector without skirt and blade, for metal cutting attachments
21. Limit stop for circular saw blades

Handles

22. Loop handle without barrier bar
23. Loop handle with
24. barrier bar
25. Bicycle handle

Harness

26. Shoulder strap may be used
27. Shoulder strap must be used
28. Full harness may be used
29. Full harness must be used

Mounting the Loop Handle

Mounting Loop Handle with Barrier Bar

• Fit the square nuts (1) in the barrier bar (2); the holes must line up.

• Place the clamp (3) in the loop handle (4) and position them both against the drive tube (5).
• Position the clamp (6) against the drive tube.
• Place the barrier bar (2) in position as shown.
• Line up the holes.
• Insert the screws (7) in the holes and screw them into the barrier bar (2) as far as stop.
• Go to "Securing the Loop Handle".

Mounting the Loop Handle without Barrier Bar

• Place the clamp (3) in the loop handle (4) and position them both against the drive tube (5).
• Position the clamp (6) against the drive tube.
• Line up the holes.
• Fit washers (8) on the screws (7) and insert the screws in the holes. Fit the square nuts (1) and screw them down as far as stop.
• Go to "Securing the Loop Handle".

Securing the Loop Handle

The loop handle can be adjusted to suit the height and reach of the operator and the application by changing distance (A).
Recommendation: distance (A): about 20 cm (8 in)

• Slide the handle to the required position.
• Line up the loop handle (4).
• Tighten down the screws until the loop handle can no longer be rotated on the drive tube. If no barrier bar is fitted – lock the nuts if necessary.

The sleeve (9) (not fitted on all models) must be between the loop handle and the control handle.

Mounting the Attachment

Preparations for Mounting the Attachment

To reduce the risk of injury, always shut off the engine before converting the basic power tool.
NOTICE
Make sure the work area is clean before mounting or removing the attachment.

• Rest the power tool on the machine support.

Removing the protective cap
If a cap is fitted on the end of the power tool's drive tube:

• Pull the protective cap off the end of the drive tube and keep it in a safe place.

If the plug comes out of the drive tube when you pull off the cap:

• Push the plug into the drive tube as far as stop.

Removing the gearbox or attachment
Remove any existing gearbox or interchangeable attachment from the basic power tool.

• Loosen the clamp screws (arrows) on the gearbox housing – do not remove them.
• Pull the gearbox off the drive tube.

If the drive shaft slips out of the tube when you pull off the gearbox:

• Push the drive shaft into the tube.
  

The drive shaft must not project from the tube more than L = 22 mm (7/8 in). If dimension (L) is not correct:

• Apply slight pressure to the drive shaft and rotate it slowly at the same time until it can be pushed in to the specified length.

Mounting the Gearbox

• Apply a mark (with pencil or felt-tip pen) at distance A (40 mm/1.6 in) from the end of the drive tube.
• Place the power tool on the ground so that it rests on the machine support.
  

• Loosen the clamp screws (1) on the gearbox – do not remove them.
  

• Push the gearbox (2) onto the drive tube (3) as far as stop – turn it back and forth at the same time – until it reaches or covers the mark on the drive tube.

Alternative check: The drive tube is correctly positioned when it completely closes the slot in the gearbox's clamp (short arrows).

• Tighten down the clamp screws on the gearbox firmly.

It must not be possible to rotate the gearbox on the drive tube.

Models with Loop Handle

• Loosen the screws on the loop handle.
  
• Align the loop handle (1) and move it to the most comfortable position.
  Recommendation: distance A: about 20 cm (8 in)
• Tighten down the screws on the loop handle.

Fitting the Carrying Ring
A carrying ring is necessary if the power tool is to be used with a shoulder strap/harness. Not all versions of basic power tools are equipped with a carrying ring.
The carrying ring is available as a special accessory and is mounted as described below.

• Mount the carrying ring (1) at distance A = about 5 cm (2 in) from the control handle (2).
• Place the open carrying ring (1) against the drive tube with the tapped hole on the left (viewed from engine).
• Squeeze the ends of the carrying ring together and insert the M6x14 screw (3).
• Line up the carrying ring and tighten down the screw firmly.

Fitting the Skirt and Blade


These parts must be fitted to the deflector (1) when you use a mowing head.

• Slide the lower guide slot of the skirt (4) onto the deflector (1) – it must snap into position.
• Push the blade (5) into the upper guide slot on the skirt and line it up with the first hole.
• Insert the screw and tighten it down firmly.

Mounting the Limit Stop


Always fit the limit stop (6) when you use a circular saw blade.

• Position the limit stop (6) on the gearbox flange.
• Insert the screws (7) and tighten them down firmly.

Mounting the Cutting Attachment

Placing power tool on the ground

• Shut off the engine.
• Lay your power tool on its back so that the cutting attachment mounting face is pointing up.

Mounting Hardware for Cutting Attachments
The mounting hardware supplied depends on the cutting attachment that comes as original equipment with the new machine.

If mounting hardware is not packed with machine

Only mowing heads may be used which mount directly to the shaft (1).

If mounting hardware is packed with machine
Mowing heads and metal cutting attachments may be mounted.

Depending on the cutting attachment, it may be necessary to use the nut (2), rider plate (3) and thrust washer (4). These parts are included in a kit supplied with the machine and are also available as special accessories.

Block the shaft.

The output shaft (1) must be blocked with the stop pin (2) or screwdriver (2) to mount or remove cutting tools. These parts come standard with the machine or are available as special accessories.

• Insert the stop pin (2) or screwdriver (2) in the hole (3) in the gearbox as far as stop – and apply slight pressure.
• Rotate shaft or cutting attachment until the stop pin slips into position and blocks the shaft.

Removing the Mounting Hardware

• Block the shaft.
• Use the combination wrench (1) to loosen and remove the nut (2) clockwise (left-hand thread).
• Take the thrust washer (3) off the shaft (4). Do not remove the thrust plate (5).

Mounting the Cutting Attachment

Use a deflector that matches the cutting attachment – see "Mounting the Deflector".

Fitting Mowing Head with Screw Mounting
Keep the instruction leaflet for the mowing head in a safe place.

• Screw the mowing head counterclockwise on to the shaft (1) as far as stop.
• Block the shaft.
• Tighten down the mowing head firmly.

NOTICE
Remove the tool used to block the shaft.

Removing the Mowing Head

• Block the shaft.
• Unscrew the mowing head clockwise.

Mounting Metal Cutting Attachments
Keep the leaflet and packaging of the metal cutting attachment in a safe place.

Wear protective gloves to reduce the risk of direct contact with the sharp cutting edges.
Mount only one metal cutting attachment.

Check direction of rotation of cutting attachment

Cutting attachments 2, 4 and 5 may be mounted either way round – they must be turned over regularly to help avoid one-sided wear. The cutting edges of cutting attachments 1, 3, 6 and 7 must point clockwise.

Direction of rotation is indicated by an arrow on the inside of the deflector.

• Place the cutting attachment (8) on the thrust plate (9).

Collar (see arrow) must engage the cutting attachment's mounting hole.

Securing the cutting attachment

• Fit the thrust washer (10) – convex side must face up.
• Fit the rider plate (11).
• Block the shaft (12).
• Use the combination wrench (14) to screw the mounting nut (13) on to the output shaft counterclockwise and tighten it down firmly.

If the mounting nut has become too loose, fit a new one.
NOTICE
Remove the tool used to block the shaft.

Removing the Metal Cutting Attachment

Wear protective gloves to reduce the risk of direct contact with the sharp cutting edges.

• Block the shaft.
• Unscrew the mounting nut clockwise.
• Remove cutting attachment and its mounting hardware from the gearbox – but do not remove the thrust plate (9).

Fitting the Harness

Not all basic power tools are equipped with a harness and carrying ring.

• To retrofit the carrying ring – see "Mounting the Attachment"/"Fitting the Carrying Ring".

The shoulder strap/harness is available as a special accessory.
The type of carrying ring, shoulder strap/harness and carabiner depends on the market and the basic power tool.
The use of the harness is described in the chapter on "Approved Combinations of Cutting Attachment, Deflector, Handle and Harness".

Shoulder strap

• Put on the shoulder strap (1).
• Adjust the length of the strap – with the machine attached, the carabiner (2) must be about a hand's width below your right hip.
• Balance the machine – see "Balancing the Machine".

Full Harness

• Put on the harness (1) and close the locking plate (3).
• Adjust the length of the strap – with the machine attached, the carabiner (2) must be about a hand's width below your right hip.
• Balance the machine – see "Balancing the Machine".

Attaching Machine to Harness

The type and style of the harness and carabiner (spring hook) depend on the market.

• Attach the carabiner (1) to the carrying ring (2) on the drive tube.

Disconnecting machine from harness

• Press down the bar on the carabiner (1) and pull the carrying ring (2) out of the carabiner.

Throwing Off the Machine

The machine must be quickly thrown off in the event of imminent danger. Practice removing and putting down the machine as you would in an emergency. To avoid damage, do not throw the machine to the ground when practicing.
Practice quickly detaching the power tool from the carabiner as described under "Disconnecting Machine from Harness".
If you are using a shoulder strap: Practice slipping the strap off your shoulder.
If you are using a full harness: Practice quickly opening the locking plate and slipping the harness straps off your shoulders.

Balancing the Machine

Balancing the Machine
The unit is balanced differently depending on the cutting attachment used.
Proceed as follows until the conditions specified under "Floating positions" have been met:

• Loosen the screw (1).
• Slide the carrying ring (2) along the drive tube.
• Tighten the screw moderately.
• Allow the unit to hang freely.
• Check the position obtained.

Sharpening Metal Cutting Blades

• Use a sharpening file (see "Special Accessories") to sharpen dull cutting attachments. In case of more serious wear or nicks: Resharpen with a grinder or have the work done by a dealer – STIHL recommends a STIHL servicing dealer.
• Sharpen frequently, take away as little metal as possible – two or three strokes of the file are usually enough.
  
• Resharpen the teeth (1) uniformly – do not alter the contour of the parent blade (2) in any way.

See cutting attachment packaging for additional sharpening instructions. Keep the packaging for future reference.

Balancing

• After resharpening about 5 times, check the cutting attachment for out-of-balance on a STIHL balancer – see "Special Accessories" – or have it checked by a dealer and rebalanced as necessary – STIHL recommends a STIHL servicing dealer.

Maintaining the Mowing Head

Placing power tool on the ground

• Shut off the engine.
• Lay your power tool on its back so that the cutting attachment mounting face is pointing up.

Replacing Nylon Line
Always check the mowing head for signs of wear before replacing the nylon line.

If there are signs of serious wear, replace the complete mowing head.
The nylon mowing line is referred to as "nylon line" or "line" in the following.
The mowing head is supplied with illustrated instructions for replacing the nylon line. Keep the instructions for the mowing head in a safe place.

• If necessary, remove the mowing head.

Adjusting Nylon Line
STIHL SuperCut
Fresh line is advanced automatically if the remaining line is at least 6 cm (2 1/2 in) long. The blade on the deflector trims overlong lines to the correct length.

STIHL AutoCut

• With the engine running, hold the rotating mowing head above the grass surface.
• Tap it on the ground once – fresh line is advanced and the blade on the deflector trims it to the right length.

Fresh line is advanced every time the mowing head is tapped on the ground. For this reason observe the mowing head's cutting performance during operation. If the mowing head is tapped on the ground too often, the line limiter blade will unnecessarily cut off unused lengths of nylon line.
Line feed operates only if both lines are still at least 2.5 cm (1 in) long.

STIHL TrimCut

To reduce the risk of injury, always shut off the engine before adjusting the nylon line by hand.

• Pull the spool up – rotate it about 1/6 turn counterclockwise until it engages – and allow it to spring back.
• Pull ends of the lines outward.

Repeat the above procedure as necessary until both lines reach the limiter blade on the deflector.
Rotating the spool from one stop to the next advances about 4 cm (1 1/2 in) of fresh line.

Replacing Nylon Line
STIHL PolyCut
A length of nylon line can be fitted to the PolyCut in place of the cutting blades. STIHL DuroCut, STIHL PolyCut

To reduce the risk of injury, always shut off the engine before refilling the mowing head.

• Fit nylon line in the mowing head as described in the instructions supplied.

Replacing Cutting Blades
STIHL PolyCut
Always check the mowing head for signs of wear before installing new cutting blades.

If there are signs of serious wear, replace the complete mowing head.
The thermoplastic cutting blades are referred to as "blades" in the following.
The mowing head is supplied with illustrated instructions for replacing the blades. Keep the instructions for the mowing head in a safe place.

To reduce the risk of injury, always shut off the engine before installing the blades.

• Remove the mowing head.
• Replace blades as shown in the illustrated instructions.
• Mount the mowing head on the machine.

Maintenance and Care

The following intervals apply to normal operating conditions only. If your daily working time is longer or operating conditions are difficult, shorten the specified intervals accordingly.

All accessible screws and nuts

• Retighten if necessary

Cutting attachments

• Visual inspect, check tightness before starting work and after every fueling stop
• Replace if damaged
• Sharpen metal cutting attachments before starting work if necessary

Gearbox lubrication

• Check weekly
• Replenish as necessary

Safety labels

• Replace illegible safety labels

Minimize Wear and Avoid Damage

Observing the instructions in this manual and the basic power tool manual helps reduce the risk of unnecessary wear and damage to the power tool.
The power tool must be operated, maintained and stored with the due care and attention described in these instruction manuals.
The user is responsible for all damage caused by non-observance of the safety precautions, operating and maintenance instructions. This includes in particular:

• Alterations or modifications to the product not approved by STIHL.
• Using tools or accessories which are neither approved or suitable for the product or are of a poor quality.
• Using the product for purposes for which it was not designed.
• Using the product for sports or competitive events.
• Consequential damage caused by continuing to use the product with defective components.

Maintenance Work
All the operations described in the chapter on "Maintenance and Care" must be performed on a regular basis. If these maintenance operations cannot be performed by the owner, they should be performed by a servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends that you have servicing and repair work carried out exclusively by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. STIHL dealers are regularly given the opportunity to attend training courses and are supplied with the necessary technical information.
If these maintenance operations are not carried out as specified, the user assumes responsibility for any damage that may occur. Among other parts, this includes:

• Corrosion and other consequential damage resulting from improper storage.
• Damage to the product resulting from the use of poor quality replacement parts.

Parts Subject to Wear and Tear
Some parts of the power tool are subject to normal wear and tear even during regular operation in accordance with instructions and, depending on the type and duration of use, have to be replaced in good time. Among other parts, this includes:

• Cutting attachments (all types)
• Mounting hardware for cutting attachments
• Deflectors for cutting attachments

Main Parts

1. Drive tube
2. Mowing head
3. Deflector for mowing heads only
4. Line limiting blade
5. Deflector for all mowing attachments
6. Skirt for mowing heads
7. Metal mowing attachment
8. Circular saw blade
9. Limit stop for circular saw blades only

Specifications

Engine speed
Max. output shaft speed at cutting attachment with basic power tool:

Weight
dry, without cutting attachment and deflector 0.65 kg

Maintenance and Repairs

Users of this machine may only carry out the maintenance and service work described in this user manual. All other repairs must be carried out by a servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends that you have servicing and repair work carried out exclusively by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. STIHL dealers are regularly given the opportunity to attend training courses and are supplied with the necessary technical information.
When repairing the machine, only use replacement parts which have been approved by STIHL for this power tool or are technically identical. Only use highquality replacement parts in order to avoid the risk of accidents and damage to the machine.
STIHL recommends the use of original STIHL replacement parts.
Original STIHL parts can be identified by the STIHL part number, the logo and the STIHL parts symbol (the symbol may appear alone on small parts)