Stihl FC Attachment / KM FCB Curved Edger FC Attachment / KM FCB Curved Edger

STIHL FCB-KM

WARNING

Read Instruction Manual thoroughly
before use and follow all safety
precautions – improper use can
cause serious or fatal injury.

ADVERTENCIA

Antes de usar la máquina lea y siga
todas las precauciones de
seguridad dadas en el manual de
instrucciones – el uso incorrecto
puede causar lesiones graves o
mortales.

Instruction Manual
Manual de instrucciones

Instruction Manual
1 - 20

Manual de instrucciones
21 - 42

Contents

English

KombiSystem 2
Guide to Using this Manual 2
Safety Precautions and Working

Techniques 3
Using the Unit 9
Approved KombiEngines 11
Assembling the Unit 11
Mounting the KombiTool 12

Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper

Mounting the Cutting Blade 12
Starting / Stopping the Engine 13
Storing the Machine 14
Replacing the Depth Wheel 14
Replacing the Skirt 14
Replacing the Cutting Blade 15
Checking and Replacing the Wear

Guard 15
Maintenance and Care 16
Main Parts 17
Specifications 18
Maintenance and Repairs 18
Disposal 19
Trademarks 19

Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.

Allow only persons who fully understand
the manuals of the KombiEngine and
edger KombiTool to operate this power
tool combination.

To receive maximum performance and
satisfaction from your STIHL
KombiTool, it is important that you read,
understand and follow the safety
precautions and the operating and
maintenance instructions in chapter
"Safety Precautions and Working
Techniques" before using your
KombiTool. For further information you
can go to www.stihlusa.com.

Contact your STIHL dealer or the STIHL
distributor for your area if you do not
understand any of the instructions in the
two manuals.

WARNING

Because a KombiEngine equipped with
an edger KombiTool has a high-speed
cutting attachment some special safety
precautions must be observed to reduce
the risk of personal injury. Careless or
improper use may cause serious or even
fatal injury.

© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2020

0458-471-8621-A. VA5.J20.

0000006833_008_GB

FCB-KM

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

1

English

KombiSystem Guide to Using this Manual

In the STIHL KombiSystem a number of
different KombiEngines and KombiTools
can be combined to produce a power
tool. In this instruction manual the
functional unit formed by the
KombiEngine and KombiTool is referred
to as the power tool.

Therefore, the separate instruction
manuals for the KombiEngine and
KombiTool should be used together for
the power tool.

Always read 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.

Pictograms

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

Symbols in Text

Many operating and safety instructions
are supported by illustrations.

The individual steps or procedures
described in the manual may be marked
in different ways:

N A bullet marks a step or procedure.
A description of a step or procedure that

refers directly to an illustration may
contain item numbers that appear in the
illustration. Example:

N Loosen the screw (1).
N Lever (2) ...

In addition to the operating instructions,
this manual may contain paragraphs
that require your special attention. Such
paragraphs are marked with the
following symbols and signal words:

WARNING

Indicates a hazardous situation that, if
not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.

NOTICE

Indicates a risk of property damage,
including damage to the machine or its
individual components.

Engineering Improvements

STIHL’s philosophy is to continually
improve all of its products. As a result,
engineering changes and improvements
are made from time to time. Therefore,
some changes, modifications and
improvements may not be covered in
this manual. If the operating
characteristics or the appearance of
your machine differs from those
described in this manual, please contact
your STIHL dealer or the STIHL
distributor for your area for assistance.

DANGER

Indicates a hazardous situation that, if
not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.

2

FCB-KM

English

Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques

Because a KombiEngine
equipped with an edger
KombiTool is a high­speed power tool, special
safety precautions must
be observed to reduce
the risk of personal injury.

It is important that you
read, fully understand
and observe the following
safety precautions and
warnings. Read the
instruction manuals and
the safety precautions of
your KombiEngine and
KombiTool periodically.
Careless or improper use
may cause serious or
fatal injury.

Have your STIHL dealer show you how
to operate your power tool. Observe all
applicable local safety regulations,
standards and ordinances.

WARNING

As more fully explained later in these
Safety Precautions, to reduce the risk of
personal injury, make sure your unit is
equipped with the proper handle,
harness (if applicable) and deflector.
Use only cutting attachments that are
specifically authorized by STIHL for use
on your KombiEngine model.

WARNING

Do not lend or rent your power tool
without the instruction manuals of your
KombiEngine and KombiTool. Be sure
that anyone using it understands the
information contained in these manuals.

WARNING

The use of this machine may be
hazardous. If the rotating blade comes in
contact with your body, it will cut you.
When it comes in contact with solid
foreign objects such as rocks or bits of
metal, it may fling them directly or by
ricochet in the direction of bystanders or
the operator. Striking such objects could
damage the cutting attachment and may
cause blades to crack, chip or break.
Thrown objects, including broken
blades, may result in serious or fatal
injury to the operator or bystanders.

STIHL does not recommend the use of
an edger when cutting in stony areas.

Use your KombiEngine equipped with
the edger KombiTool only for edging in
grass, weeds and soft green plants.

WARNING

Do not use it for other purposes, since
misuse may result in personal injury or
property damage, including damage to
the machine.

WARNING

Minors should never be allowed to use
this power tool. Bystanders, especially
children, and animals should not be
allowed in the area where it is in use.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of injury to bystanders
and damage to property, never let your
power tool run unattended. When it is
not in use (e.g. during a work break),
shut it off and make sure that
unauthorized persons do not use it.

Most of these safety precautions and
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL
edgers. Different models may have
different parts and controls. See the
appropriate section of your
KombiEngine and KombiTool instruction
manuals for a description of the controls
and the function of the parts of your
model.

Safe use of a power tool involves

1. the operator

2. the power tool

3. the use of the power tool.

THE OPERATOR

Physical Condition
You must be in good physical condition

and mental health and not under the
influence of any substance (drugs,
alcohol, etc.) which might impair vision,
dexterity or judgment. Do not operate
this machine when you are fatigued.

WARNING

Be alert – if you get tired, take a break.
Tiredness may result in loss of control.
Working with any power tool can be
strenuous. If you have any condition that

FCB-KM

3

English

might be aggravated by strenuous work,
check with your doctor before operating
this machine.

Proper Clothing

WARNING

To reduce the risk of injury, the operator
should wear proper protective apparel.

The deflector provided with your power
tool will not protect the operator from all
foreign objects (gravel, glass, wire, etc.)
thrown back by the rotating cutting
attachment. Thrown objects may also
ricochet and strike the operator.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of
injury to your eyes never
operate your power tool
unless wearing goggles
or properly fitted protec­tive glasses with
adequate top and side
protection complying with
ANSI Z87 "+" (or your
applicable national stand­ard). If there is a risk of
injury to the operator´s
face, STIHL also recom­mends that you also wear
a face shield or face
screen over your gog­gles or protective
glasses.

Power tool noise may
damage your hearing.
Wear sound barriers (ear
plugs or ear mufflers) to
protect your hearing.
Continual and regular
users should have their
hearing checked
regularly.

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

Always wear heavy duty
work gloves (e.g. made of
leather or other wear
resistant material) when
handling the machine
and metal blades. Heavy­duty, nonslip gloves
improve your grip and
help to protect your
hands.

Clothing must be sturdy
and snug-fitting, but allow
complete freedom of
movement. Wear long
pants made of heavy
material to help protect
your legs. Do not wear
shorts, sandals or go
barefoot.

Avoid loose-fitting jackets, scarfs,
neckties, jewelry, flared or cuffed pants,
unconfined long hair or anything that
could become caught on branches,
brush or the moving parts of the unit.
Secure hair so it is above shoulder level.

Good footing is very
important. Wear sturdy
boots with nonslip soles.
Steel-toed safety boots
are recommended.

Wear an approved safety hard hat to
reduce the risk of injury to your head
when there is a danger of head injuries.

For further instructions on proper
clothing see the safety precautions in
the instruction manual of the
KombiEngine you are using.

4

FCB-KM

English

239BA011 KN

THE POWER TOOL (KOMBIENGINE
EQUIPPED WITH EDGER
KOMBITOOL)

For illustrations and definitions of the
power tool parts see the chapter on
"Main Parts.”

WARNING

Never modify this power tool in any way.
Only attachments supplied by STIHL
and expressly approved by STIHL for
use with the specific STIHL
KombiEngine are authorized. Although
certain unauthorized attachments are
useable with STIHL power tools, their
use may, in fact, be extremely
dangerous.

If this 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. Check in particular that
the controls and safety devices are
working properly. Do not continue
operating this machine if it is damaged.
In case of doubt, have it checked by your
STIHL servicing dealer.

THE USE OF THE POWER TOOL
(KOMBIENGINE EQUIPPED WITH
EDGER KOMBITOOL)

Transporting the Power Tool

WARNING

To reduce the risk of injury from loss of
control and blade contact, never carry or
transport your power tool with the cutting
attachment moving.

WARNING

Always switch off the engine and make
sure the cutting blade has stopped
before putting a power tool down.

It may be carried only in a horizontal
position. Grip the shaft in a manner that
the machine is balanced horizontally.
Keep the hot muffler away from your
body and the cutting attachment behind
you.

WARNING

When transporting it in a vehicle,
properly secure it to prevent turnover,
fuel spillage and damage to the unit.

Before Starting

WARNING

Always check your power tool for proper
condition and operation before starting.
Never attempt to modify the controls or
safety devices.

WARNING

Never operate your power tool if it is
damaged, improperly adjusted or
maintained, or not completely or
securely assembled.

WARNING

Do not attach any cutting attachment to
a unit without proper installation of all
required parts. Failure to use the proper
parts may cause the blade to fly off and
seriously injure the operator or
bystanders.

WARNING

The cutting attachment must be properly
tightened and in safe operating
condition. Inspect for loose parts (nuts,
screws, etc.) and for cracked, bent,
warped or damaged blades. Replace
damaged blades before using the power
tool.

Keep the handles clean and dry at all
times; it is particularly important to keep
them free of moisture, pitch, oil, fuel mix,
grease or resin in order for you to
maintain a firm grip and properly control
your power tool.

WARNING

To reduce the risk
of personal injury
to the operator
from blade con­tact and thrown
objects, make sure
your unit is
equipped with the
proper deflector,
handle and har­ness (if
applicable).

An arrow on the deflector shows the
correct direction of rotation of the cutting
blade.

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5

English

002BA117 KN

The arrow on the deflector must always
face away from you, so that cuttings and
other debris will be diverted away from
the machine and your position (see
chapter "Using the Unit".)

Adjust carrying harness and hand grip to
suit your size before starting work. The
machine should be properly balanced as
specified in your instruction manual for
proper control and less fatigue in
operation. To be better prepared in case
of an emergency, practise releasing the
unit from the harness as quickly as
possible.

Starting

WARNING

Start the engine at least 10 feet (3 m)
from the fueling spot, outdoors only.

For specific starting instructions, see the
appropriate section of your
KombiEngine and KombiTool manuals.

Place the power tool on firm ground or
other solid surface in an open area.
Maintain good balance and secure
footing.

Once the engine has started,
immediately blip the throttle trigger,
which should release the starting throttle
and allow the engine to slow down to
idle.

With the engine running only at idle,
attach the power tool to the spring hook
of your harness if you are using one (see
appropriate chapter of this manual).

WARNING

Your power tool is a one-person
machine. Do not allow other persons in
the general work area, even when
starting.

See also the safety precautions on
Starting in the instruction manual of the
KombiEngine.

During Operation
Holding and Controlling the Power Tool

WARNING

Never attempt to operate
your power tool with one
hand. Loss of control of
the power tool resulting in
serious or fatal injury may
result. To reduce the risk
of cut injuries, keep
hands and feet away
from the cutting attach­ment. Never touch a
moving cutting attach­ment with your hand or
any other part of your
body.

WARNING

Do not overreach. Keep proper footing
and balance at all times. Special care
must be taken in slippery conditions (wet
ground, snow) and in difficult, overgrown
terrain. Watch for hidden obstacles such
as tree stumps, roots and ditches to
avoid stumbling. For better footing, clear
away scrub and cuttings. Be extremely
cautious when working on slopes or
uneven ground.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of injury from loss of
control, be absolutely sure that the
cutting tool is clear of you and all other
obstructions and objects, including the
ground, because when the engine starts
at starting-throttle, engine speed will be
fast enough for the clutch to engage and
move the blade on the cutting tool.

6

Always hold the unit firmly with both
hands on the handles while you are
working. Wrap your fingers and thumbs
around the handles.

Your right hand should grip the rear
handle. This also applies to left-handers.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of injury from loss of
control, never work on a ladder or on any
other insecure support. Never hold the
cutting attachment above waist height.

Working Conditions
Operate and start your power tool only

outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
Operate it under good visibility and
daylight conditions only. Work carefully.

FCB-KM

English

15m (50ft)

WARNING

If the vegetation being cut or the
surrounding ground is coated with a
chemical substance (such as an active
pesticide or herbicide), read and follow
the instructions and warnings that
accompany the substance at issue.

WARNING

Inhalation of certain dusts, especially
organic dusts such as mold or pollen,
can cause susceptible persons to have
an allergic or asthmatic reaction.
Substantial or repeated inhalation of
dust and other airborne contaminants, in
particular those with a smaller particle
size, may cause respiratory or other
illnesses. Control dust at the source
where possible. Use good work
practices, such as operating the unit so
that the wind or operating process
directs any dust raised by the power tool
away from the operator. Follow the
recommendations of EPA / OSHA /
NIOSH and occupational and trade
associations with respect to dust
("particulate matter"). When the
inhalation of dust cannot be
substantially controlled, i.e., kept at or
near the ambient (background) level, the
operator and any bystanders should
wear a respirator approved by NIOSH /
MSHA for the type of dust encountered.

Operating Instructions

WARNING

Do not operate your power tool using the
starting throttle lock, as you do not have
control of the engine speed.

In the event of an emergency, switch off
the engine immediately – move the slide
control / stop switch / momentary stop
switch to 0 or STOP.

See section of your KombiEngine
instruction manual on the proper use of
the slide control / stop switch /
momentary stop switch.

WARNING

The cutting attachment continues to
rotate for a short period after the throttle
trigger is released (flywheel effect.)

WARNING

The rotating cutting attachment may
fling foreign objects directly or by
ricochet a great distance.

To reduce t he risk of ey e and other i njury
always wear proper eye protection (see
the chapter on "Proper Clothing") and
ensure that bystanders are at least
50 feet (15 m) away. To reduce the risk
of damage to property, also maintain this
distance from such objects as vehicles
or windows. Even maintaining a
minimum distance of 15 meters cannot
exclude the potential danger. Any
coworkers who must be in the restricted
area should also wear goggles or
protective glasses. Stop the engine
immediately if you are approached.

WARNING

Inspect the work area: To
reduce the risk of injury,
remove stones, pieces of
metal and other solid
objects which could be
thrown 15 meters or more
by the cutting attachment
or damage the cutting
attachment and property
(e.g. parked vehicles,
windows).

WARNING

This edger is normally to be used at
ground level with the KombiTool
perpendicular to the ground. Use of an
edger above ground level or with the
cutting attachment parallel to the ground
may increase the risk of injury, since the
cutting attachment is more fully exposed
and the edger may be more difficult to
control. Never use your edger as a
hedge trimmer.

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 for cracks, wear
and damage.

FCB-KM

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English

WARNING

A loose blade may vibrate, crack, break
or come off the edger, 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 loosens after
being properly tightened, stop work
immediately. The retaining nut may be
worn or damaged and should be
replaced. If the blade continues to
loosen, see your STIHL dealer. Never
use a KombiEngine with a loose
KombiTool.

WARNING

Replace a cracked, bent, warped,
damaged or worn out blade
immediately, even if damage is limited to
superficial cracks. Such attachments
may shatter at high speed and cause
serious or fatal injury.

WARNING

When using your edger, 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.

WARNING

If a rotating metal blade strikes a rock or
other hard object, sparks may be
created, which can ignite flammable
materials under certain circumstances.
Flammable materials can include dry
vegetation and brush, particularly when
weather conditions are hot and dry.
When there is a risk of fire or wildfire, do

not use metal blades around flammable
materials or around dry vegetation or
brush. Contact your local fire authorities
or the U.S. Forestry Service if you have
any question about whether vegetation
and weather conditions are suitable for
the use of a metal blade.

WARNING

If the blade or deflector becomes
clogged or stuck, always shut off the
engine and make sure the cutting
attachment has stopped before
cleaning. Grass, weeds, etc. should be
cleaned off the blade at regular intervals.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of unintentional
rotation of the cutting attachment and
injury, always shut off the engine before
replacing the cutting attachment.

WARNING

The gearbox becomes hot during
operation. To reduce the risk of burn
injury, do not touch the gear housing
when it is hot.

USING THE CUTTING ATTACHMENT
For an illustration of the cutting

attachment and instructions on proper
mounting see the chapter on "Replacing
the Cutting Blade" in your instruction
manual.

MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND
STORING

WARNING

Always stop the engine and make sure
that the cutting attachment is stopped
before doing any maintenance or repair
work or cleaning the power tool. Do not
attempt any maintenance or repair work
not described in your KombiEngine and
KombiTool instruction manuals. Have
such work performed at your STIHL
servicing dealer only.

WARNING

Use only identical STIHL replacement
parts for maintenance and repair. Use of
non-STIHL parts may cause serious or
fatal injury.

Wear gloves when handling or
performing maintenance on blades.

WARNING

Never repair damaged cutting
attachments by welding, straightening or
modifying the shape. This may cause
parts of the cutting attachment to come
off and result in serious or fatal injuries.

Tighten all nuts, bolts and screws,
except the carburetor adjustment
screws, after each use.

Do not clean your machine with a
pressure washer. The solid jet of water
may damage parts of the machine.

Do not immerse the power tool in fluids.
Always clean dust and dirt off the power

tool – do not use any grease solvents for
this purpose.

8

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English

239BA015 KN

2

1

A

239BA012 KN

Store the power tool in a dry and high or
locked location out of reach of children.

Using the Unit

Your power edger is designed to
produce sharp contoured borders
around lawns and flower beds. It will cut
almost all types of grass, weeds and soft
green plants.

N Plan the best route for edging.

Always hold and operate your edger
on the right-hand side of your body.

Adjusting Depth of Cut

N Shut down the engine.
N Loosen the wingnut (1)

counterclockwise.

N Push wheel (2) upwards to increase

the depth of cut (A) or downwards to
reduce the depth of cut (A).

FCB-KM

Preparations

If the work area is very dry, spray it
lightly with water: this softens the soil
and ensures that less dust is created.
Slightly damp green plants are easier to
cut.

WARNING

Clear away all obstacles and solid
objects from the work area.

9

English

2

B

3

239BA013 KN

239BA014 KN

239BA015 KN

239BA016 KN

Adjust correctly

The depth of cut depends on the
unevenness of the ground, your height
and the way you hold the edger. Use the
following procedure:

N Adjust the depth wheel (2) so that

the blade (3) just touches the
ground or breaks the surface of the
soil by no more than 5 mm (B)

N Tighten down the wingnut

clockwise.

N Standing in the normal working

position, check the depth of cut
again and correct it if necessary.

WARNING
Do not adjust the deflector.
The deflector has been set at the factory

so that the arrow on the deflector and
the open side point away from the

operator. This ensures that cuttings and
other debris are directed away from the
power tool and operator.

Edging

N Start the engine
N Start the cut at no less than half

throttle and continue cutting at full
throttle.

N Hold and guide your power tool so

that the blade is vertical.

N Cut steadily so that the engine is not

lugged down – do not apply force.

N Operate at no more than a normal

walking pace.

N Do not push the blade into the

ground.

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English

1

239BA017 KN

413BA014 KN

1

239BA018 KN

2

N Always walk forwards when cutting,

do not pull the unit towards you.

N Cut at a ste ady pace to a void having

to make several passes.

N Use the gunning sight (1) to line the

blade up with the edge of the bed.

Approved KombiEngines Assembling the Unit

KombiEngines

Only use KombiEngines supplied or
explicitly approved by STIHL for use with
the attachment.

This KombiTool may be operated only in
combination with the following
KombiEngines:

STIHL KM 55 R, KM 56 R, KM 85 R,
KM 90 R, KM 94 R, KM 110 R,
KM 130 R, KMA 130 R, KMA 135 R

WARNING
Loop-handled machines must be

equipped with a barrier bar.

N Pull the protective caps off of the

ends of the shaft and keep them in a
safe place for later use – see
"Storing the Machine"

Connecting drive tube to gearbox

FCB-KM

N Loosen the clamping screw (1) on

the gearbox – do not remove

N Insert curved end of drive tube (3) in

the gearbox (2), turn the gearbox
back and forth as necessary.

N Push the shaft (3) in as far as it will

go.

N Screw in the clamping screw (1) as

far as it will go – do not tighten yet!

11

English

2

239BA019 KN

4

1

002BA326 KN

2

3

002BA327 KN

4

239BA020 KN

6

239BA021 KN

3

2

4

5

N Align the gearbox (2) on the shaft so

that the rib (4) is in line with the
shaft.

N Tighten the clamping screw firmly.

Mounting the KombiTool

N Push the lug (1) on the drive tube

into the slot (2) in the coupling
sleeve as far as stop.

When correctly installed, the red line (3)
(arrow point) must be flush with the end
of the coupling sleeve.

N Tighten down the star knob (4)

firmly.

Mounting the Cutting Blade

N Place the edger so that the blade

mounting (1) faces upwards

Removing the KombiTool

N Reverse the above sequence to

remove the drive tube.

12

N Insert the locking pin (2) as far as

possible into the bore (3), push
lightly and rotate back and forth a
little together with the thrust washer
(4) until the shaft is blocked.

N Fit Allen wrench (5) onto nut (6).

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English

4

10

9

7

7

239BA022 KN

6

8

9926BA009 KN

9926BA010 KN

N Turn nut clockwise (left-hand

thread) and remove it.

N Remove the thrust washer.

N Position the blade (7) on the thrust

plate (8).

WARNING

The collar (arrow) must engage the hole
in the blade.

N Fit the thrust washer (4) on the shaft

(9) and block the shaft.

N Screw nut (6) counterclockwise

onto shaft and tighten.

WARNING

If the cup spring (10) on the nut (6)
becomes fatigued, then the nut must be
replaced!

Starting / Stopping the
Engine

Starting the engine

To start the engine, basically follow the
instructions for use for the KombiEngine
or basic power tool!

N Place the machine on the ground in

a secure position

The blade must not touch the ground or
any other objects – risk of accident!

N Assume a firm stance – possibilities:

standing, bending or kneeling

N Press the machine firmly against

the ground with the left hand – do
not touch the control elements on
the control handle while doing so –
see instruction manual for the
KombiEngine or basic power tool

NOTICE

Do not stand or kneel on the shaft!

WARNING

If the engine is started, the blade may
rotate as soon as the engine is running –
therefore blip the throttle trigger as soon
as the engine is running – the engine
begins to idle.

The other starting procedure is
described in the instruction manual for
the KombiEngine or basic power tool.

Switching off the engine

N see instruction manual for the

KombiEngine or basic power tool

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13