Guide to Using this Manual2
Safety Precautions and Working
Techniques2
Approved Combinations of Cutting
Attachment, Deflector and Handle12
Approved Power Tool Attachments13
Description of Operation13
Charging the Battery14
Assembling the Unit15
Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper
Adjusting the Throttle Cable18
Mounting the Deflector18
Mounting the Cutting Attachment19
Fuel22
Fueling23
Fitting the Backpack24
Starting / Stopping the Engine25
Operating Instructions27
Cleaning the Air Filter27
Adjusting the Carburetor27
Spark Plug28
Engine Running Behavior29
Lubricating the Gearbox30
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
Lubricating the Flexible Shaft30
Rewind Starter31
Storing the Machine31
Sharpening Metal Cutting Blades31
Maintenance and Care33
Minimize Wear and Avoid Damage35
Main Parts36
Specifications38
Special Accessories39
Maintenance and Repairs39
Disposal40
EC Declaration of Conformity40
Quality Certification41
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing a quality
engineered STIHL product.
This machine 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 machine.
Please contact your dealer or our
sales company if you have any
queries concerning your machine.
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.
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.
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 of its cutting attachment.
It is important you read
and understand the
instruction manual before
using your power tool for
the first time and keep
the manual in a safe
place for future reference. Non-observance of
the safety precautions
may result in serious or
even fatal injury.
Observe all applicable local safety
regulations, standards and ordinances.
If you have not used this type of power
tool before: Have your dealer or other
experienced user show you how to
operate your power tool or attend a
special course in its operation.
Minors should never be allowed to use a
power tool.
Keep bystanders, especially children,
and animals away from the work area.
When the power tool is not in use, shut it
off so that it does not endanger others.
Secure it against unauthorized use.
The user is responsible for avoiding
injury to third parties or damage to their
property.
Do not lend or rent your power tool
without the instruction manual. Be sure
that anyone using it understands the
information contained in this manual.
The use of noise emitting power tools
may be restricted to certain times by
national or local regulations.
To operate the 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.
Persons with pacemakers only: The
ignition system of your power tool
produces an electromagnetic field of a
very low intensity. This field may
interfere with some pacemakers. To
reduce health risks, STIHL recommends
that persons with pacemakers consult
their physician and the pacemaker
manufacturer before operating this tool.
Do not operate the power tool if you are
under the influence of any substance
(drugs, alcohol) which might impair
vision, dexterity or judgment.
Depending on the cutting attachment
fitted, use your power tool only for
cutting grass, wild growth, shrubs,
scrub, bushes and similar materials.
Do not use your power tool for any other
purpose.
Only use cutting attachments and
accessories that are explicity 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
2
FR 480 C
English
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. They are
specifically designed to match your
model 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 tool 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
the unit. The solid jet of water may
damage parts of the unit.
STIHL Electric Starter
Battery, Control Unit
The battery is recharged while the power
tool is running – the power tool is always
ready to start.
–The battery cannot be replaced – it
is integrated in the control unit.
Never open the control unit to
access the battery.
–Protect the control unit from direct
sunlight, heat and fire – never throw
it into a fire – risk of explosion.
–Protect the control unit from rain –
do not immerse it in fluids.
–Never expose the control unit to
microwaves or high pressures.
–Fluid may leak from the battery if it is
not used properly – avoid contact
with the skin! If contact accidentally
occurs, flush with water. If liquid
contacts eyes, additionally seek
medical help. Leaking battery fluid
can cause skin irritation and
chemical burns.
–Store the power tool at a
temperature between 10°C and
25°C. If the power tool is stored at
temperatures below 5°C it may cool
down to a point where a start is
inhibited to protect the battery.
Power supply unit
–Use only original STIHL power
supply units.
–Connect the power supply unit only
to a wall outlet with the voltage and
frequency specified on the rating
plate.
–Never use a power supply unit with
a damaged housing or damaged
connecting cord.
–Do not open.
–Store out of the reach of children.
–Protect from dampness.
Use and store only
indoors in dry rooms.
–Operate at ambient temperatures
between 0°C and + 40°C.
–Allow the power supply unit to cool
down normally – do not cover it.
–Do not operate on an easily
combustible surface (e.g. paper,
texiles) or in an easily combustible
environment – risk of fire.
–Do not operate in a hazardous
location, i.e. in a location where
there are combustible liquids
(fumes), vapors or dusts.
–In the event of smoke or fire in the
power supply unit, disconnect it
from the wall outlet immediately.
–Check the power supply unit's
connecting cord regularly for
damage. If the connecting cord is
damaged, immediately disconnect
the plug from the wall outlet to avoid
the risk of electric shock.
–Never use damaged cords and
plugs or connecting cords that do
not comply with regulations.
–Never jerk the connecting cord to
disconnect it from the wall outlet. To
unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
Have a damaged connecting cord
repaired by an experienced
electrician.
–Do not use the power supply unit for
any other purpose.
–To reduce the risk of stumbling,
position and mark the connecting
cord so that it cannot be damaged
or endanger others.
To reduce the risk of electric shock:
FR 480 C
3
English
–Always connect the unit to a
properly installed wall outlet.
–Make sure the insulation of the
connecting cord and plug is in good
condition.
–After using the power supply unit,
unplug it from the wall outlet.
12V/24V Charging Cable
–Use only original STIHL 12V/24V
charging cables.
–Connect the 12V/24V charging
cable only to a vehicle outlet with
the voltage specified on the rating
plate.
–Do not use a 12V/24V charging
cable with a damaged housing or
damaged connecting cord.
–Do not open.
–Store out of the reach of children.
–Protect from dampness.
–Store in a dry place, indoors only.
–Operate only in a dry location.
–Operate at ambient temperatures
between 0°C and + 40°C.
–Allow the 12V/24V charging cable to
cool down normally – do not cover.
–Do not operate on an easily
combustible surface (e.g. paper,
texiles) or in an easily combustible
environment – risk of fire.
–Do not operate in a hazardous
location, i.e. in a location where
there are combustible liquids
(fumes), vapors or dusts.
–In the event of smoke or fire in the
12V/24V charging cable, disconnect
it from the vehicle outlet
immediately.
–Check the 12V/24V charging cable
for damage at regular intervals. If
damage is found, immediately
disconnect the power supply
adapter from the vehicle socket to
avoid the risk of electrocution.
–Never use damaged cords and
plugs or connecting cords that do
not comply with regulations.
–Never jerk the connecting cord to
disconnect the adapter from the
vehicle socket. To disconnect,
grasp the adapter, not the cord.
Have a damaged connecting cord
repaired by an experienced
electrician.
–Do not use the 12V/24V charging
cable for any other purpose.
–To reduce the risk of stumbling,
position and mark the 12V/24V
charging cable so that it cannot be
damaged or endanger others.
To reduce the risk of electric shock:
–Always connect the 12V/24V
charging cable to a properly
installed vehicle socket.
–Make sure the insulation of the
connecting cord and plug is in good
condition.
–After using the 12V/24V charging
cable, unplug it from the vehicle
socket.
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.
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. To
reduce the risk of injury
from thrown objects,
always wear a face shield
and safety glasses.
Warning! A face shield alone does not
provide adequate eye protection.
Wear hearing protection, e.g. earplugs
or ear muffs.
4
FR 480 C
English
Wear heavy-duty gloves.
STIHL offers a comprehensive range of
personal protective clothing and
equipment.
Transporting the Power Tool
Always shut off the engine before
carrying the unit long distances.
Carry the unit in the normal working
position: Power tool on your back, left
hand on the loop handle and the right
hand on the control handle – even if you
are left-handed – cutting attachment
lowered close to ground. Fit transport
guard on metal cutting attachments to
avoid the risk of injury from blade
contact
Avoid touching hot parts of the machine,
especially the muffler and gear housing
– you could suffer serious burns.
Transporting in a vehicle: Properly
secure your power tool to prevent
turnover, fuel spillage and damage.
Fueling
Gasoline is an
extremely flammable
fuel. Keep clear of naked
flames. Do not spill any
fuel – do not smoke.
Always shut off the engine before
refueling.
Do not fuel a hot engine – fuel may spill and cause a fire.
Open the fuel cap carefully to allow any
pressure build-up in the tank to release
slowly and avoid fuel spillage.
Fuel your power tool only in wellventilated areas. If you spill fuel, wipe
the machine immediately – if fuel gets on
your clothing, change immediately.
271BA001 KN
Your power tool comes standard with
either a screw-type or bayonet-type fuel
cap.
After fueling, tighten down
the screw-type fuel cap as
securely as possible.
Insert the fuel cap with
hinged grip (bayonet-type
cap) correctly in the
opening, turn it clockwise
as far as stop and fold the
grip down.
This reduces the risk of unit vibrations
causing the fuel cap to loosen or come
off and spill quantities of fuel.
Check for leakage. To
reduce the risk of seri-
ous of fatal burn
injuries, do not start or
run the engine until leak
is fixed.
Before starting
Check that your power tool is properly
assembled and in good condition – refer
to appropriate chapters in the instruction
manual.
–Use only an approved combination
of cutting attachment, deflector and
handle. All parts must be
assembled properly and securely.
–Slide control / stop switch must
move easily to STOP or 0
–Smooth action of throttle trigger
lockout and throttle trigger – the
throttle trigger must return
automatically to the idle position.
–Check that the spark plug boot is
secure – a loose boot may cause
arcing that could ignite combustible
fumes and cause a fire.
–Cutting tool or attachment: Check
for correct and secure assembly
and good condition.
–Check protective devices (e.g.
deflector for cutting tool, 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).
FR 480 C
5
English
–Never attempt to modify the controls
or the safety devices in any way.
–Keep the handles dry and clean –
free from oil and dirt – for safe
control of the power tool.
–Adjust straps and loop handle to suit
your height and reach – see chapter
on "Fitting the Backpack".
To reduce the risk of personal injury,
do not operate your power tool if it is
damaged or not properly assembled.
For emergencies: Practise quickly
opening the fastener on the waist belt,
loosening the shoulder straps and
setting down the unit.
Starting the Engine
Start the engine at least 3 meters from
the fueling spot, outdoors only.
Select firm ground in an open area.
Make sure you have good balance and
secure footing. Power tool on your back.
The cutting attachment must be clear of
the ground and all other obstructions
because it may begin to run when the
engine starts.
Your power tool is designed to be
operated by one person only. Do not
allow other persons within 15 meters of
your own position – even when starting.
To reduce the risk of
injury, avoid contact with
the cutting attachment.
Start the engine only as described in the
instruction manual.
Note that the cutting
attachment continues to
run for a short period
after you let go of the
throttle trigger – fly-
wheel effect.
Check idle speed setting: The cutting
attachment must not rotate when the
engine is idling with the throttle trigger
released.
To reduce the risk of fire, keep hot
exhaust gases and hot muffler away
from easily combustible materials (e.g.
wood chips, bark, dry grass, fuel).
Holding and Controlling the Power
Tool
Make sure you always have good
balance and secure footing.
Carry the powerhead on your back.
Always hold the drive tube firmly with
both hands on the handles – right hand
on control handle and left hand on loop
handle – and always keep the drive tube
on the right side of your body – lefthanders, too.
During Operation
In the event of impending danger or in
an emergency, switch off the engine
immediately by moving the slide control
/ stop switch to STOP or 0.
15m (50ft)
To reduce the risk of personal injury ,
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).
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 at regular
intervals. If the cutting attachment still
rotates at idle speed, have your dealer
make proper adjustments or repairs.
271BA002 KN
Take special care in slippery conditions
– damp, snow, ice, on slopes or uneven
ground.
Watch out for obstacles: Roots, tree
stumps or holes which could cause you
to trip or stumble.
Make sure you always have good
balance and secure footing.
Never work on a ladder or in a tree.
Never operate your unit with one hand.
6
FR 480 C
English
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.
Your power tool produces
toxic exhaust fumes as
soon as the engine is
running. These fumes
may be colorless and
odorless and contain
unburned hydrocarbons
and benzol. Never run
the engine indoors or in
poorly ventilated locations, even if your model
is equipped with a catalytic converter.
To reduce the risk of serious or fatal
injury from breathing toxic fumes,
ensure proper ventilation when working
in trenches, hollows or other confined
locations.
To reduce the risk of accidents, stop
work immediately in the event of
nausea, headache, visual disturbances
(e.g. reduced field of vision), problems
with hearing, dizziness, deterioration in
ability to concentrate. Apart from other
possibilities, these symptoms may be
caused by an excessively high
concentration of exhaust gases in the
work area.
Operate your power tool so that it
produces a minimum of noise and
emissions – do not run the engine
unnecessarily, accelerate the engine
only for cutting.
To reduce the risk of fire, do not smoke
while operating or standing near your
power tool. Note that combustible fuel
vapor may escape from the fuel system.
The dusts, vapor and smoke produced
during operation may be dangerous to
health. If dust levels are very high, wear
a suitable respirator.
The gearbox becomes hot during
operation. To reduce the risk of burn injury, do not touch the gearbox
housing.
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". Check the fuel system
in particular for leaks and make sure the
safety devices are working properly. Do
not continue operating your power tool if
it is damaged. In case of doubt, have the
machine checked by your servicing
dealer.
To reduce the risk of injuryfrom
thrown objects,
never operate the
unit without the
proper deflector for
the type of cutting
attachment being
used.
Inspect the work area:
Stones, pieces of metal
or other solid objects can
be thrown 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 tool at
minimum height of 15 cm to avoid
harming small animals.
Before leaving the power tool
unattended: Shut off the engine.
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 replacing the cutting
attachment.
FR 480 C
7
English
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
blade to come off and hit the operator or
bystanders at high speed and result in
serious or fatal injuries.
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 motor'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.
When using metal cutting tools
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 injuryfrom 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.
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.
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
The period of usage is shortened by:
–Any personal tendency to suffer
from poor circulation (symptoms:
frequently cold fingers, tingling
sensations).
–Low outside temperatures.
–The force with which the handles
are held (a tight grip restricts
circulation).
Continual and regular users should
monitor closely the condition of their
hands and fingers. If any of the above
symptoms appear (e.g. tingling
sensation in fingers), seek medical
advice.
Maintenance and Repairs
Service the machine regularly. Do not
attempt any maintenance or repair work
not described in the instruction manual.
Have all other work performed by a
servicing dealer.
8
FR 480 C
English
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 machine. If you have
any questions in this respect, consult a
servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends the use of original
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 enginebefore carrying out any
maintenance or repairs or cleaning the
machine. – Exception: Carburetor and
idle speed adjustments.
To reduce the risk of fire caused by
unconfined sparking outside the
cylinder, do not press the starter switch
if the spark plug boot has been removed
or the spark plug unscrewed.
To reduce the risk of fire, do not service
or store your machine near open flames.
Check the fuel filler cap for leaks at
regular intervals.
Use only a spark plug of the type
approved by STIHL and make sure it is
in good condition – see "Specifications".
Inspect the ignition lead (insulation in
good condition, secure connection).
Check the condition of the muffler.
To reduce the risk of fire and damage to hearing, do not operate your
machine if the muffler is damaged or
missing.
Do not touch a hot muffler since burn injury will result.
Vibration behavior is influenced by the
condition of the AV elements – check the
AV elements at regular intervals.
Symbols on Deflectors
An arrow on the deflector shows the
correct direction of rotation of the cutting
attachments.
Use deflector in
combination with
mowing heads
only. Do not use
metal cutting
attachments.
Mowing Head with Nylon Lines
002BA331 KN
For trimming around fence posts, trees,
etc. – less risk of damaging tree bark.
To reduce the risk of injury, never use steel wire in place of
the nylon cutting 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!
FR 480 C
9
English
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.
002BA177 KN
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
Resharpen the grass cutting blade
according to instructions when it has
dulled noticeably.
Brush Knife
Suitable for cutting matted grass, wild
growth and scrub, thinning young stands
002BA135 KN
with a maximum stem diameter of 2 cm.
To reduce the risk of personal injury,
never attempt to cut thicker wood.
Risk of Kickout (Blade Thrust) with
Metal Cutting Attachments
When using metal cutting attachments
(grass cutting blade, brush knife) 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.
10
Use for grass and weeds only – sweep
the brushcutter in an arc like a scythe.
Improper use may damage the
grass cutting blade – risk of injury from thrown parts.
To cut wild growth and scrub, lower the
brush knife down onto the growth to
achieve shredding effect – do not use
the cutting attachment above waist
height.
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.
Use the brushcutter like a scythe (sweep
it to the right and left) at ground level
when cutting grass and thinning young
002BA222 KN
stands.
Warning! 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:
002BA231 KN
FR 480 C
–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.
–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
(when it has dulled noticeably) and
have it balanced if necessary
(STIHL recommends a STIHL
servicing dealer).
English
FR 480 C
11
English
Approved Combinations of Cutting Attachment, Deflector and Handle
Cutting AttachmentDeflectorHandle
1
3
6
8
10
12
Approved Combinations
Select correct combination from the
table according to the cutting
attachment you intend to use.
2, 4
11
13
17
5
14
15
18
19
7
9
16
For safety reasons only the
cutting attachments, deflectors
and handles shown in each row of
the table may be used together.
No other combinations are
permitted because of the risk of accidents.