Stihl BGE 81 User Manual

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STIHL BGE 61, 71, 81, SHE 71, 81

Instruction Manual

Contents

English

Guide to Using this Manual 2
Safety Precautions and Working

Techniques 2
Assembling the Blower 8
Assembling the Vacuum Shredder 8
Connecting to Power Supply 10
Switching On 11
Switching Off 12

Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper

Storing the Machine 12
Maintenance and Care 13
Minimize Wear and Avoid Damage 14
Main Parts 15
Specifications 16
Maintenance and Repairs 17
Disposal 18
EC Declaration of Conformity 18

Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.

Dear Customer,

Thank you for choosing a quality
engineered STIHL product.

It has been built using modern
production techniques and
comprehensive quality assurance.
Every effort has been made to ensure
your satisfaction and trouble-free use of
the product.

Please contact your dealer or our sales
company if you have any queries
concerning this product.

Your

Dr. Nikolas Stihl

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© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2018

0458-290-0121-B. VA1.F18.

0000007626_004_GB

BGE 61, BGE 71, BGE 81, SHE 71, SHE 81

This instruction manual is protected by copyright. All rights reserved, especially the rights to reproduce, translate and process
with electronic systems.

1

English

Guide to Using this Manual Safety Precautions and

Working Techniques

Pictograms

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

Symbols in text

WARNING

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.

Engineering improvements

STIHL's philosophy is to continually
improve all of its products. For this
reason we may modify the design,
engineering and appearance of our
products periodically.

Therefore, some changes, modifications
and improvements may not be covered
in this manual.

WARNING

– Minors should never be allowed to

operate this machine. Watch
children to be sure that they do not
play with the power tool.

– This power tool may be operated

only by persons who have been
instructed in its use and proper
handling.

– Persons who are not able to operate

the power tool safely due to limited
physical, sensory or mental ability
may work with it only under
supervision or after being instructed
appropriately by a responsible
person.

Special safety precau­tions must be observed
when working with this
power tool. The power
supply is a particular
source of danger.

It is important that you
read the instruction man­ual before first use and
keep it in a safe place for
future reference. Non­observance of the
instruction manual may
result in serious or even
fatal injury.

– Lend or rent your power tool only

together with this instruction manual
and only to persons who are familiar
with this model and its operation.

– Disconnect plug from wall outlet

before performing any work on the
machine, e.g. cleaning,
maintenance, replacing parts.

Observe all applicable local safety
regulations, standards and ordinances.

When the power tool is not in use, put it
in a place where it does not endanger
others. Secure it against unauthorized
use, disconnect the plug from the power
supply.

The user is responsible for avoiding
injury to third parties or damage to their
property.

If you have not used this model before:
Have your dealer or a trained expert
show you how to operate it properly and
safely.

The use of noise emitting power tools
may be restricted to certain times by
national or local regulations.

Before each use, check that your power
tool is in good condition. Pay special
attention to the power cord, mains plug
and safety devices.

Do not operate your power tool if any of
its components are damaged.

Do not use the power cord to pull or
carry the power tool.

Do not use a pressure washer to clean
your power tool. The solid jet of water
may damage parts of the power tool.

Never spray water on the unit – risk of
short circuit!

2

BGE 61, BGE 71, BGE 81, SHE 71, SHE 81

English

Physical Condition

To operate this power tool you must be
rested, in good physical condition and
mental health.

If you have any condition that might be
aggravated by strenuous work, check
with your doctor before operating a
power tool.

Do not operate the machine if you are
under the influence of any substance
(alcohol, drugs) which might impair
vision, dexterity or judgment.

Intended Use

The blower is designed for blow­sweeping leaves, grass, paper and
similar materials, e.g. in gardens, sports
stadiums, car parks and driveways.

The vacuum shredder is designed for
picking up dry leaves and other
lightweight, loose and non-combustible
debris.

Do not blow-sweep or vacuum
hazardous materials.

Do not operate your power tool indoors.

Do not use your power tool for any other
purpose because of the increased risk of
accidents and damage to the power tool
itself. Never attempt to modify the
product in any way since this may result
in accidents or damage to the product.

Operating Conditions

Never work with the
power tool in the rain,
snow or in wet or very
damp locations. Do not
leave the power tool out­doors in the rain.

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 any clothing,
scarves, neckties, jewel­lery or anything that could
get into the air intake. Tie
up and confine long hair
(e.g. with a hair net, cap,
hard hat, etc.).

Wear sturdy shoes with non-slip soles.

WARNING

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 hearing protection, e.g. earplugs
or ear muffs.

STIHL offers a comprehensive range of
personal protective clothing and
equipment.

Accessories

Only use parts and accessories that are
explicitly approved for this power tool by
STIHL or are technically identical. If you
have any questions in this respect,
consult a servicing dealer. Use only high
quality parts and accessories in order to
avoid the risk of accidents and damage
to the machine.

STIHL recommends the use of original
STIHL replacement parts and
accessories. They are specifically
designed to match the product and meet
your performance requirements.

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.

Before Starting Work

Inspect the power tool.

– Trigger switch/switch lever must

move easily to STOP or 0

– The trigger/switch lever must be on

STOP or 0.

– The blower tubes must be properly

assembled.

BGE 61, BGE 71, BGE 81, SHE 71, SHE 81

3

English

290BA001 KN

– Handles must be clean and dry, free

from oil and dirt, for safe control.

– Check condition of blower wheel

and blower housing – see chapter
on "Using the Vacuum Attachment".

To reduce the risk of accidents, do not
operate your power tool if it is not
properly assembled and in good
condition.

Do not operate your power tool if any of
its components are damaged or not
properly mounted.

Risk of injury from con­tact with rotating blower
wheel. Always switch off
the motor and discon­nect the plug from the
power supply before
removing the intake
screen, suction tube,
blower tube or elbow.
Wait for the blower wheel
to come to a complete
standstill.

A worn blower housing (cracks, nicks,
chips) may result in an increased risk of
injury from thrown foreign objects. If the
blower housing is damaged, consult
your dealer – STIHL recommends you
contact a STIHL servicing dealer.

Never attempt to modify the controls or
the safety devices in any way.

Electrical Connection

Reduce the risk of electric shock:

– Voltage and frequency of the power

tool (see rating plate) and the
voltage and frequency of your
power supply must be the same.

– Check the connecting cord, plug

and extension cord for damage.
Never use damaged cords,
couplings and plugs or connecting
cords that do not comply with
regulations.

– Always connect the power tool to a

properly installed wall outlet.

– Check that the insulation of the

power cord, extension cord, plug
and coupling is in good condition.

– Never touch the mains plug,

connecting cord, extension cord or
electrical connections with wet
hands.

Position the connecting and extension
cords correctly:

– Check minimum cross section of

wires (wire gauge) – see
"Connecting to Power Supply".

– To reduce the risk of stumbling,

position and mark the connecting
cord so that it cannot be damaged
or endanger others.

– Using unsuitable extension cords

can be dangerous. Use only
extension cords approved for
outdoor use which are labeled as
such and have the appropriate wire
gauge.

– The plug and coupling of the

extension cord must be water-proof
and must never be immersed in
water.

– Do not chafe on edges, pointed or

sharp objects

– Do not squeeze through gaps in

doors or windows

– If cords are twisted – unplug the

power tool and straighten them out

– Always unwind the extension cord

completely from the cable drum to
reduce the risk of fire from
overheating.

Holding and Controlling the Power Tool

Your blower is designed for one-handed
operation. It can be carried by the
control handle in either the right or left
hand.

Always hold the power tool firmly in your
hand.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of injury, operate the
unit only with a properly mounted blower
tube.

4

BGE 61, BGE 71, BGE 81, SHE 71, SHE 81

English

290BA002 KN

The round nozzle is particularly suitable
for use on uneven surfaces (e.g. fields
and lawns).

The fan nozzle (either included with
power tool or available as special
accessory) produces a broad and
powerful airstream at ground level. It can
be aimed and controlled very accurately.
This nozzle is highly effective for blow­sweeping sawdust, leaves, grass
cuttings, etc. on flat surfaces.

Using the Vacuum Attachment

For specific assembling instructions,
see appropriate chapter in this manual.

Your vacuum shredder is designed for
two-handed operation. Hold and operate
the power tool with your right hand on
the control handle and your left hand on
the assist handle (union nut).

Wear the catcher bag shoulder strap
over your right shoulder, not across your
chest. This enables you to quickly
remove the power tool and catcher bag
in an emergency.

To reduce the risk of injury, operate your
power tool only with a properly mounted
suction tube and closed catcher bag.

To reduce the risk of per­sonal injury from fire,
never attempt to pick up
hot or burning sub­stances (e.g. smoldering
ashes, glowing
cigarettes).

To reduce the risk of fatal
injury from fire or explo­sion, never attempt to
pick up combustible fluids
(e.g. gasoline) or materi­als soaked in
combustible fluids.

NOTICE

Vacuuming abrasive material (such as
grit, stone chips, etc.) causes the blower
wheel and blower housing to wear at a
rapid rate. This results in a considerable
loss of suction power. In such a case

you should contact your dealer. STIHL
recommends an authorized STIHL
servicing dealer.

Take particular care when vacuuming
wet leaves since they may block the
blower wheel and elbow.

To clear a blockage in the machine:

– Switch off the motor and disconnect

the plug from the power supply.

– Remove the elbow and suction tube

– see "Assembling the Shredder
Vacuum".

– Clean the elbow and blower

housing.

During Operation

If the power cord is dam­aged, immediately
disconnect the plug from
the power supply to avoid
the risk of electrocution.

Avoid damage to the power supply cord.
Do not drive over it, pinch or tug it.

Never jerk the connecting cord to
disconnect it from the wall outlet. To
unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.

Be sure your hands are dry before
touching the plug or power cord.

In case of imminent danger or in an
emergency, move the switch
lever/trigger switch to STOP or 0 .

Your power tool is designed to be
operated by one person only. Do not
allow other persons in the work area.

Keep bystanders, especially children,
and animals away from the work area.

BGE 61, BGE 71, BGE 81, SHE 71, SHE 81

5

English

To reduce the risk
of injury from
thrown objects, do
not allow any other
persons within a
radius of 5 meters
of your own
position.

To reduce the risk of damage to
property, also maintain this distance
from other objects (vehicles, windows).

Do not direct the air blast towards
bystanders or animals since the air flow
can blow small objects at great speed.

When blow-sweeping and vacuum
shredding (in open ground and
gardens), watch out for small animals to
avoid harming them.

Never leave a running machine
unattended.

Walk slowly forwards as you work –
observe the nozzle outlet at all times –
do not walk backwards – risk of
stumbling.

Keep the connecting cord behind the
power tool at all times – do not walk
backwards – risk of stumbling.

Hold your power tool in a normal,
relaxed working position. Make sure you
always have good balance and secure
footing.

Take care in slippery conditions – on
slopes and uneven ground.

Watch out for obstacles: Be careful of
refuse, tree stumps, roots and ditches
which could cause you to trip or stumble.

Never work on a ladder or any other
insecure support.

Be particularly alert and cautious when
wearing hearing protection because
your ability to hear warnings (shouts,
alarms, etc.) is restricted.

Work calmly and carefully – in daylight
conditions and only when visibility is
good. Stay alert so as not to endanger
others.

To reduce the risk of accidents, take a
break in good time to avoid tiredness or
exhaustion.

Static electricity may build-up while
blow-sweeping large quantities of very
dusty material and suddenly discharge
in certain unfavorable conditions (e.g.
very dry work area).

If dust levels are very high, always wear
a suitable respirator.

Vacuuming unsuitable materials may
block the blower wheel. Switch off the
unit immediately and disconnect the
plug from the power supply. Then clear
the blockage.

Never attempt to insert objects into the
blower housing through the intake
screen or the nozzle. They may be
expelled at very high speed by the
blower – risk of injury.

If there is a noticeable change in running
behavior (e.g. higher vibrations), stop
work and rectify the cause of the
problem.

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 Work". 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.

If the machine continues to run (does not
switch off) after the trigger switch is
released, disconnect the plug from the
wall outlet and consult your STIHL
servicing dealer. The machine has a
malfunction.

Before leaving the power tool
unattended: Switch it off and disconnect
the plug from the power supply.

After Finishing Work

Disconnect the plug from the wall outlet.

Never jerk the connecting cord to
disconnect it from the wall outlet. To
unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.

Always clean dust and dirt off the power
tool – do not use any grease solvents for
this purpose.

Vibrations

Prolonged use of the power tool may
result in vibration-induced circulation
problems in the hands (whitefinger
disease).

No general recommendation can be
given for the length of usage because it
depends on several factors.

The period of usage is prolonged by:

– Hand protection (wearing warm

gloves)

– Work breaks

6

BGE 61, BGE 71, BGE 81, SHE 71, SHE 81