Stihl FH-KM Instruction Manual

STIHL FH-KM

Instruction Manual

Contents

English

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

Techniques 2
Using the Unit 6
Approved KombiEngines 6
Mounting the KombiTool 7
Assembling the Unit 7

Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper

Adjusting the Cutter Bar 8
Fitting the Harness 9
Starting / Stopping the Engine 10
Lubricating the Gearbox 11
Storing the Machine 12
Maintenance and Care 12
Sharpening Instructions 12
Minimize Wear and Avoid Damage 13
Main Parts 14
Specifications 15
Maintenance and Repairs 16
Disposal 16
EC Declaration of Conformity 16
UKCA Declaration of Conformity 17

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

© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2021

0458-476-0121-C. VA0.H21.

0000007459_008_GB

FH-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 Safety Precautions and

Working Techniques

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 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 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.

Lend or rent your power tool only to
persons who are familiar with this model
and its operation – do not lend your
power tool without the KombiEngine and
KombiTool instruction manuals.

Use your power scythe only for cutting
grass, scrub, shrubs, thicket, bushes
and similar materials.

Do not use your power tool for any other
purpose because of the increased risk of
accidents.

Only use cutting blades 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.

Because a power scythe
is a high-speed, fast-cut­ting power tool with very
sharp cutting blades and
a long reach, special
safety precautions must
be observed during
operation.

Always read and and
make sure you under­stand both instruction
manuals (KombiEngine
and KombiTool) 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.

2

FH-KM

English

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 genuine
STIHL tools 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.

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 long hair so that it is
above shoulder level.

Wear steel-toed safety
boots 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.

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 shut off the engine.

Always fit the blade guard (scabbard) –
even when you carry the unit for short
distances.

Move the cutter bar to the transport
position and make sure it is properly
engaged.

Carry the power tool properly balanced
by the drive tube – cutting blades behind
you.

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
KombiEngine and KombiTool instruction
manuals.

– Cutting blades: Correctly

assembled, securely mounted and
in good condition (clean, move
freely, not warped), properly
sharpened and sprayed thoroughly
with STIHL resin solvent (lubricant).

– Never attempt to start the machine

in the transport position (cutter bar
folded against drive tube).

– Never attempt to modify the controls

or safety devices in any way.

– Keep the handles dry and clean –

free from oil and dirt – for safe
control of the power tool.

– Adjust shoulder strap and handles

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.

FH-KM

3

English

5m (17ft)

Holding and Controlling the Power Tool

Always hold the power tool firmly with
both hands on the handles.

Make sure you have firm and secure
footing and hold the power tool so that
the cutting blades are always away from
your body.

Some versions of the machine can be
carried on a harness to relieve the
weight on the operator's arms.

Models with loop handle

Right hand on control handle, left hand
on loop handle on drive tube, even if you
are left-handed. Wrap fingers and
thumbs firmly around the handles.

Machines with handle hose

Right hand on control handle, left hand
on handle hose on drive tube, even if
you are left-handed. Wrap fingers and
thumbs firmly around the handles.

During Operation

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.

0000-GXX-1677-A0

This power tool is not
insulated against electric
shock. To reduce the risk
of electrocution, keep
well clear of electric
power lines.

To reduce the risk
of injury from mov­ing blades or falling
cuttings, do not
allow bystanders
within 5 meters of
your own position.

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

Make sure the idle speed setting is
correct. The cutting blades must not run
when the engine is idling with the throttle

trigger released. Check and correct the
idle speed setting regularly. If the cutting
blades still rotate when the engine is
idling, have your dealer check your
machine and make proper adjustments
or repairs – see KombiEngine instruction
manual.

Watch the cutting blades at all times – do
not cut areas of the bush or scrub that
you cannot see.

0000-GXX-1678-A0

Be extremely careful when cutting high
scrub or bushes, check the other side
frequently for bystanders.

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

Take special care in slippery conditions
(ice, wet ground, snow) – on slopes or
uneven ground.

Clear away fallen branches, scrub and
cuttings from the work area.

Watch out for obstacles: Roots and tree
stumps which could cause you to trip or
stumble.

Make sure you always have good
balance and secure footing.

When working at heights:

– Always use a lift bucket

– Never work on a ladder or in a tree

– Never work on an 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.

4

FH-KM