STIHL FS 550, FS 500 Owner's Manual
STIHL FS 500, 550
STIH)
Instruction Manual
Manual de instrucciones
Warning!
Read and follow all safety precautions in
Instruction Manual – improper use can cause
serious or fatal injury.
Advertencia!
Lea y siga todas las precauciones de
seguridad dadas en el manual de
instrucciones – el uso incorrecto puede
causar lesiones graves o mortales.
Contents
English / USA
Guide to Using this Manual .............. 2
Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques ......................... 3
Mounting the Bike Handle .............. 17
Adjusting the Throttle Cable ........... 18
Approved Combinations of
Cutting Tool and Deflector .............. 19
BA_SE_082_004_01_09.fmPrinted on chlorine-free paper.
Mounting the Cutting Tools ............. 20
Fuel ................................................ 23
Fueling ............................................ 24
Fitting the Harness ......................... 25
Balancing the Machine ................... 26
Starting / Stopping the Engine ........ 26
Operating Instructions .................... 28
Cleaning the Air Filter ..................... 29
Motor Management ........................ 29
Adjusting the Carburetor ................ 30
Spark Arresting Screen in Muffler ... 31
Winter Operation ............................ 32
Checking the Spark Plug ................ 32
Replacing the Starter Rope
and Rewind Spring ......................... 33
Storing the Machine ........................ 35
Sharpening Metal Cutting Tools ...... 35
Maintenance Chart ......................... 37
Parts and Controls .......................... 38
Printing inks contain vegetable oils; paper can be recycled.
Specifications ................................. 40
Special Accessories ....................... 40
Maintenance and Repairs ............... 41
STIHL Incorporated Federal
Emission Control
Warranty Statement ........................ 42
Allow only persons who understand this
manual to operate your clearing saw.
To receive maximum performance and
satisfaction from your STIHL brushcutter, it is important that you read and
understand the maintenance and safety
precautions, starting on page 3, before
using your clearing saw.
Contact your STIHL dealer or the STIHL
distributor for your area if you do not
understand any of the instructions in this
manual.
!Warning!
Because a clearing saw is a high-speed
cutting tool 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. Make sure
your unit is equipped with the proper
deflector, handle and harness for the
type of cutting attachment being used.
Always wear proper eye protection.
STIHL's philosophy is to continually
improve all of its products. As a result,
engineering changes and improvements are made from time to time. If the
operating characteristics or the appearance of your clearing saw differs from
those described in this manual, please
contact your STIHL dealer for information and assistance.
STIHl
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2008
0458 398 8621. M0,4. K8. Rei. Printed in Germany
1FS 500, FS 550
English / USA
Guide to Using this Manual
Pictograms
All the pictograms attached to the
machine are shown and explained in
this manual.
The operating and handling instructions
are supported by illustrations.
Symbols in text
The individual steps or procedures
described in the manual may be marked
in different ways:
: A bullet marks a step or procedure
without direct reference to an
illustration.
A description of a step or procedure that
refers directly to an illustration may
contain item numbers that appear in the
illustration.
Example:
Loosen the screw (1)
Lever (2) ...
In addition to the operating instructions,
this manual may contain paragraphs
that require your special attention. Such
paragraphs are marked with the
symbols described below:
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.
Note or hint which is not essential
for using the machine, but may
improve the operator’s understanding of the situation and result
in better use of the machine.
Note or hint on correct procedure in
order to avoid damage to the
environment.
Equipment and features
This instruction manual may refer to
several models with different
features. Components that are not
installed on all models and related
applications are marked with an
asterisk (*). Such components may
be available as special accessories
from your STIHL dealer.
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. If the
operating characteristics or the
appearance of your machine differ from
those described in this manual, please
contact your STIHL dealer for
assistance.
Therefore some changes, modifications
and improvements may not be covered
in this manual.
2
FS 500, FS 550
Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques
English / USA
Warning!
Because a clearing saw is
a high-speed, fast-cutting
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
owner's manual and the
safety instructions periodically. Careless
or improper use of any clearing saw may
cause serious or fatal injury.
Have your STIHL dealer show you how
to operate your clearing saw. Observe
all applicable local safety regulations,
standards and ordinances.
!Warning!
Do not lend or rent your clearing saw
without the owner's manual. Be sure that
anyone using your clearing saw
understands the information contained
in this manual.
!Warning!
The use of any clearing saw may be
hazardous. If the rotating cutting tool
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.
STIHL does not recommend the use of
rigid blades when cutting in stony areas.
Thrown objects or damaged blades may
result in serious or fatal injury to the
operator or bystanders.
!Warning!
Minors should never be allowed to use a
clearing saw. Bystanders, especially
children, and animals should not be
allowed in the area where a clearing saw
is in use.
Never let the clearing saw run
unattended.
Most of these safety precautions and
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL
clearing saws. Different models may
have different parts and controls. See
the appropriate section of your owner's
manual for a description of the controls
and function of the parts of your model
clearing saw.
Safe use of a clearing saw involves
1. the operator
2. the clearing saw
3. the use of the clearing saw.
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 judgement. Do not operate a
clearing saw when you are fatigued.
Be alert – if you get tired while operating
your clearing saw, take a break.
Tiredness may result in loss of control.
Working with any clearing saw can be
strenuous. If you have any condition that
might be aggravated by strenuous work,
check with your doctor before operating
a clearing saw.
3FS 500, FS 550
English / USA
!Warning!
Prolonged use of a clearing saw (or
other machines) exposing the operator
to vibrations may produce whitefinger
disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or
carpal tunnel syndrome.
These conditions reduce the hand's
ability to feel and regulate temperature,
produce numbness and burning
sensations and may cause nerve and
circulation damage and tissue necrosis.
All factors which contribute to whitefinger disease are not known, but cold
weather, smoking and diseases or
physical conditions that affect blood
vessels and blood transport, as well as
high vibration levels and long periods of
exposure to vibration are mentioned as
factors in the development of whitefinger
disease. In order to reduce the risk of
whitefinger disease and carpal tunnel
syndrome, please note the following:
– Most STIHL power tools are
available with an anti-vibration
("AV") system designed to reduce
the transmission of vibrations
created by the engine to the
operator's hands. An AV system is
recommended for those persons
using power tools on a regular or
sustained basis.
– Wear gloves and keep your hands
warm.
– Keep the AV system well
maintained. A clearing saw with
loose components or with damaged
or worn AV buffers will tend to have
higher vibration levels.
– Maintain a firm grip at all times, but
do not squeeze the handles with
constant, excessive pressures and
take frequent breaks.
All the above mentioned precautions do
not guarantee that you will not sustain
whitefinger disease or carpal tunnel
syndrome. Therefore continual and
regular users should monitor closely the
condition of their hands and fingers. If
any of the above symptoms appear,
seek medical advice immediately.
!Warning!
The ignition system of your unit
produces an electromagnetic field of a
very low intensity. This field may
interfere with some pacemakers. To
reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury,
persons with pacemaker should consult
their physician and the pacemaker
manufacturer before operating this tool.
Proper Clothing
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury, the operator
should wear proper protective apparel.
The deflector provided with your clearing
saw may not protect the operator from
all foreign objects (gravel, glass, wire,
etc.) thrown by the rotating cutting
attachment. Thrown objects may also
ricochet and strike the operator.
4
FS 500, FS 550
English / USA
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury
to your eyes never
operate a clearing saw
unless wearing goggles or
properly fitted safety
glasses with adequate top
and side protection complying with ANSI
Z 87.1 (or your applicable national
standard). To reduce the risk of injury to
your face STIHL recommends that you
also wear a face shield or face screen
over your goggles or safety glasses.
!Warning!
Clearing saw 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.
Protect your hands with
gloves when handling the
clearing saw and the
cutting tool. Heavy-duty,
nonslip gloves improve
your grip and protect your
hands.
Clothing must be sturdy
and snug-fitting, but allow
complete freedom of
movement. Avoid loosefitting jackets, scarfs,
neckties, jewelry, flared or
cuffed pants, unconfined longhair or
anything that could become caught on
branches, brush or moving parts of the
unit. Wear long pants made of heavy
material to protect your legs. Do not
wear shorts, pants, sandals or go bare
foot. Secure hair so it is above shoulder
level.
Good footing is most
important in clearing saw
work. 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.
THE CLEARING SAW
For illustrations and definitions of the
clearing saw parts see the chapter on
"Parts and Controls".
!Warning!
Never modify a clearing saw in any way.
Only attachments supplied by STIHL or
expressly approved by STIHL for use
with the specific STIHL clearing saw
models are authorized. Although certain
unauthorized attachments are useable
for the STIHL clearing saw, their use
may, in fact, be extremely dangerous.
5FS 500, FS 550
English / USA
THE USE OF THE
CLEARING SAW
Transporting the clearing saw
!Warning!
Always turn off the engine and make
sure the cutting attachment has stopped before putting a clearing saw down.
When transporting your clearing saw in
a vehicle, properly secure it to prevent
turnover, fuel spillage and damage to the
clearing saw. Keep metal cutting tools
covered with the transport guard
(optional accessory).
Preparation for the use of the clearing
saw
Adjust carrying harness and hand grip to
suit your size before starting work. The
machine should be properly balanced as
specified in your owner's manual for
proper control and less fatigue in
operation.
Always check your clearing saw for
proper condition and operation before
starting, particularly the throttle trigger,
throttle trigger interlock (if applicable),
stopswitch, cutting tool, deflector and
harness.
A
B
Arrows on the deflector (A) and stop (B)
show the correct direction of rotation of
the cutting tool.
The throttle trigger must move freely and
always spring back to the idle position.
The cutting tool must be properly
tightened and in safe operating
condition. Inspect for loose parts (nuts,
screws, etc.) and for cracked, bent,
warped or damaged blades.
Fueling
Your STIHL clearing saw uses an oilgasoline mixture for fuel (see the chapter on "Fuel" of your owner's manual).
!Warning!
Gasoline is an extremely
000BA006 KN
damage. Use extreme caution when
handling gasoline or fuel mix.
Do not smoke or bring any fire or flame
near the fuel or clearing saw.
000BA007 KN
Fueling Instructions
flammable fuel. If spilled
and ignited by a spark or
other ignition source, it
can cause fire and serious
burn injury or property
!Warning!
Fuel your clearing saw in well-ventilated
areas, outdoors. Always shut off the
engine and allow it to cool before
refueling. Gasoline vapor pressure may
build up inside the fuel tank depending
on the fuel used, the weather conditions
and the tank venting system.
6
FS 500, FS 550
English / USA
In order to reduce the risk of burns and
other personal injury from escaping gas
vapor and fumes, remove the fuel filler
cap on your clearing saw carefully so as
to allow any pressure build-up in the
tank to release slowly. Never remove
fuel filler cap while engine is running.
Select bare ground for fueling and move
at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling
spot before starting the engine. Wipe off
any spilled fuel before starting your
clearing saw and check for leakage.
!Warning!
Check for fuel leakage while refueling
and during operation. If fuel or oil
leakage is found, do not start or run the
engine until leak is fixed and spilled fuel
has been wiped away. Take care not to
get fuel on your clothing. If this happens,
change your clothing immediately.
Different models may be equipped with
different fuel caps.
Cap with Grip
!Warning!
In order to reduce the risk of fuel spillage
and fire from an improperly tightened
fuel cap, correctly position and tighten
the fuel cap in the fuel tank opening.
To do this with this STIHL
cap, raise the grip on the
top of the cap until it is
upright at a 90° angle.
Insert the cap in the fuel
tank opening with the
triangular marks on the grip of the cap
and on the fuel tank opening lining up.
Using the grip, turn the cap firmly
clockwise as far as it will go (approx. a
quarter turn).
Fold the grip flush with the
top of the cap. If the grip
does not lie completely
flush with the cap and the
detent on the grip does
not fit in the
corresponding recess in the filler neck,
the cap is not properly seated and
tightened and you must repeat the
above steps.
Screw Cap
!Warning!
Unit vibrations can cause
an improperly tightened
fuel filler cap to loosen or
come off and spill
quantities of fuel. In order
to reduce the risk of fuel
spillage and fire, tighten the fuel filler cap
by hand with as much force as possible.
Operating instructions
! Warning!
Improper use of
any clearing saw
can cause serious
or fatal personal
injury. 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 for
the type of cutting attachment being
used (see chart in chapters on Approved
Combinations of Cutting Tool, Deflector,
Handle and Harness).
7FS 500, FS 550
English / USA
Keep the deflector (and the skirt where
appropriate) adjusted properly at all
times (see chapter on mounting the
various cutting tools of your owner's
manual).
Starting
!Warning!
Your clearing saw is a one-person
machine. Once started, it may fling
foreign objects for a great distance.
15m (50ft)
To reduce the risk of eye and other injury
insure that bystanders are at least
50 feet (15 m) away. Bystanders should
be encouraged to wear eye protection.
Stop the engine and cutting tool
immediately if you are approached. Start
and operate your clearing saw without
assistance. For specific starting
instructions, see the appropriate section
of your manual. Place the clearing saw
on firm ground or other solid surface in
an open area. Maintain a good balance
and secure footing.
!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
turn the cutting tool.
!Warning!
When you pull the starter grip, don't
wrap the starter rope around your hand.
Do not allow the grip to snap back, but
guide the starter rope to rewind it
properly. Failure to follow this procedure
may result in injury to hand or fingers
and may damage the starter
mechanism.
With the engine running but at idle,
attach the clearing saw to the spring
hook of your harness (see appropriate
chapter of this manual).
Catalytic converter
!Warning!
Some STIHL clearing saw
models are equipped with
a catalytic converter,
which is designed to
reduce the exhaust
emissions of the engine
by a chemical process in the muffler.
Due to this process, the muffler does not
cool down as rapidly as conventional
mufflers when the engine returns to idle
or is shut off. To reduce the risk of fire
and burn injuries, the following specific
safety precautions must be observed.
!Warning!
Since a muffler with a catalytic converter
cools down less rapidly than conventional mufflers, always set your clearing
saw down in the upright position and
never locate it where the muffler is near
dry brush, grass, wood chips or other
combustible materials while it is still hot.
8
FS 500, FS 550
English / USA
Let the engine cool down sitting on
concrete, metal, bare ground or solid
wood (e.g. the trunk of a felled tree)
away from any combustible substances.
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of fire or burn injury,
let the unit cool down before refueling
your clearing saw after use.
!Warning!
Never disassemble or modify your
muffler. The muffler could be damaged
and cause an increase in heat radiation
or sparks, thereby increasing the risk
of fire or burn injury. You may also
permanently damage the engine. Have
your muffler serviced and repaired by
your STIHL Servicing Dealer only.
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of fire or burn injury,
keep the area around the muffler clean.
Remove all debris such as pine needles,
branches or leaves.
!Warning!
An improperly mounted or damaged
cylinder housing or a damaged/
deformed muffler shell may interfere
with the cooling effect of the catalytic
converter. To reduce the risk of fire or
burn injury, do not continue work with a
damaged or improperly mounted
cylinder housing or a damaged/
deformed muffler shell. Your catalytic
converter is furnished with screens
designed to reduce the risk of fire from
the emission of hot particles. Due to the
heat from the catalytic reaction, these
screens will normally stay clean and
need no service or maintenance. If you
experience loss of performance and you
suspect a clogged screen, have your
muffler maintained by a STIHL Servicing
Dealer.
Working Conditions
Operate and start your clearing saw only
outdoors in a ventilated area.
Operate the clearing saw under good
visibility and daylight conditions only.
Work carefully.
!Warning!
Your clearing saw
produces toxic exhaust
fumes as soon as the
engine is running. These
gases (e.g. carbon
monoxide) may be
colorless and odorless. To reduce the
risk of serious or fatal injury from
inhaling toxic fumes, never run the
clearing saw indoors or in poorly
ventilated locations.
!Warning!
Use of this product can generate dust
and fumes containing chemicals known
to cause respiratory disease, cancer,
birth defects, or other reproductive
harm. If you are unfamiliar with the risks
associated with the particular dust or
fume at issue, consult your employer,
governmental agencies such as OSHA
and NIOSH and other sources on
hazardous materials.
9FS 500, FS 550
English / USA
0
California and some other authorities,
for instance, have published lists of
substances known to cause cancer,
reproductive toxicity, etc.
Control dust and fumes at the source
where possible. In this regard use good
work practices and follow the
recommendations of OSHA/NIOSH and
occupational and trade associations.
When the inhalation of toxic dust and
fumes cannot be eliminated, the
operator and any bystanders should
always wear a respirator approved by
NIOSH/MSHA for the type of dust and /
or fumes encountered.
!Warning!
The muffler and other parts of the engine
(e.g. fins of the cylinder, spark plug)
become hot during operation and remain
hot for a while after stopping the engine.
To reduce risk of burns do not touch the
muffler and other parts while they are
hot.
Do not cut any material other than grass,
brush and wood. The cutting tools may
be used only for the operations
described in your manual.
!Warning!
Never attempt to operate any clearingsaw with one hand. Loss of control of the
clearing saw resulting in serious or fatal
injury may result.
!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. Be extremely cautious
when working on slopes or uneven
ground.
00BA014
Always hold the clearing saw firmly with
both hands. Wrap your fingers tightly
around the handles, keeping the
handles cradled between your thumb
and forefinger. Keep your hands in this
position to have your clearing saw under
control at all times. Make sure your
clearing saw handles and grip are in
good condition and free of moisture,
pitch, oil or grease.
10
FS 500, FS 550
English / USA
!Warning!
Before cutting, inspect the
area for stones, glass,
pieces of metal, trash or
other solid objects. The
cutting attachment could
throw objects of this kind.
!Warning!
When using rigid blades, avoid cutting
close to fences, sides of buildings, tree
trunks, stones or other such objects that
could cause the clearing saw to kick out
or could cause damage to the blade.
STIHL recommends use of the nylon line
heads or PolyCut head for such jobs. In
addition, be alert to an increased
possibility of ricochets in such situations.
!Warning!
This clearing saw is normally to be used
at ground level with the cutting attachment parallel to the ground. Use of a
clearing saw above ground level or with
the cutting attachment perpendicular to
the ground may increase the risk of
injury, since the cutting attachment is
more fully exposed and the clearing saw
may be more difficult to control. Never
use your clearing saw as a hedge
trimmer.
Do not operate using the starting throttle
lock as you do not have control of the
engine speed. See section of your
owner's manual on the proper use of the
slide control.
If the cutting tool or deflector becomes
clogged or stuck, always turn off the
engine and make sure the cutting tool
has stopped before cleaning. Grass,
weeds, etc. should be cleaned off the
cutting tool at regular intervals.
!Warning!
During cutting, check the tightness and
the condition of the cutting tool at regular
intervals. If the behavior of the tool
changes, stop the engine immediately,
and check the nut securing the tool for
tightness and the cutting tool for cracks
and damage. Replace cracked, bent,
warped, damaged or dull cutting tools
immediately. Such tools may shatter at
high speed and cause serious or fatal
injury.
!Warning!
A loose blade may cause the blade to
vibrate, crack, break or come off the
clearing saw, which may result in serious
or fatal injury. Make sure that the blade
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. Never use unauthorized parts
to secure the blade. If the blade
continues to loosen, see your STIHL
dealer. Never use a clearing saw with a
loose blade.
Do not attach any blade to a unit without
proper installation of all required parts.
Never use unauthorized parts to secure
the blade. Failure to use the proper parts
may cause the blade to fly off and
seriously injure the operator or
bystanders.
11FS 500, FS 550
English / USA
!Warning!
Keep hands and feet
away from cutting tool.
Never touch a rotating
cutting tool with your hand
or any part of your body. It
continues to rotate for a
short period after the throttle trigger is
released (flywheel effect).
Important adjustments
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of personal injury from
loss of control or contact with the
running cutting tool, do not use a cutting
tool with incorrect idle adjustment. At
correct idle speed, the cutting tool
should not move. For directions on how
to adjust idle speed, see the appropriate
section of your owner's manual.
If you cannot set the correct idle speed,
have your STIHL dealer check your
clearing saw and make proper
adjustments and repairs.
MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND
STORING
Maintenance, replacement, or repair
of the emission control devices and
systems may be performed by any
nonroad engine repair establishment
or individual. However if you claim
warranty coverage for a component
which has not been serviced or
maintained properly or if
nonapproved replacement parts were
used, STIHL may deny warranty.
!Warning!
Use only identical STIHL replacement
parts for maintenance and repair. Use of
non-STIHL parts may cause serious or
fatal injury.
Follow the maintenance and repair
instructions in the appropriate section of
your owner's manual. Please refer to the
maintenance chart on the last pages of
this manual.
!Warning!
Always stop the engine and make sure
that the cutting tool is stopped before
doing any maintenance or repair work or
cleaning the clearing saw. Do not
attempt any maintenance or repair work
not described in your owner's manual.
Have such work performed at your
STIHL service shop only.
Wear gloves when handling or doing
maintenance on blade.
!Warning!
Never repair damaged cutting attachments by welding, straightening or
modifying the shape. This may cause
parts of the cutting tool to come off and
result in serious or fatal injuries.
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of fire and burn
injuries, check fuel filler cap for leaks at
regular intervals. Use the specified
spark plug and make sure it and the
ignition lead are always clean and in
good condition. Always press spark plug
boot snugly onto spark plug boot of the
proper size. (Note: If boot has
detachable SAE adapter nut, it must be
attached.) A loose connection between
spark plug boot and ignition wire
connector in the boot may create arcing
that could ignite combustible fumes and
cause a fire.
12
FS 500, FS 550
English / USA
0
!Warning!
Never test the ignition system with
ignition wire boot removed from spark
plug or with unseated spark plug, since
uncontained sparking may cause a fire.
!Warning!
Do not operate your clearing saw if the
muffler is damaged, missing or modified.
An improperly maintained muffler will
increase the risk of fire and hearing loss.
Never touch a hot muffler or burn will
result. If your muffler was equipped with
a spark-arresting screen to reduce the
risk of fire (e.g. in the USA, Canada and
Australia), never operate your clearing
saw if the screen is missing or damaged.
Do not modify or remove any part of the
muffler or spark arresting screen.
Remember that the risk of forest fires is
greater in hot or dry weather.
Keep cutting tool sharp. Tighten all nuts,
bolts and screws, except the carburetor
adjustment screws, after each use.
Additionally, the daily maintenance
schedule for your clearing saw set forth
in your STIHL Owner's Manual should
be strictly followed.
For any maintenance please refer to the
maintenance chart and to the warranty
statement near the end of this manual.
Store clearing saw in a dry, high or
locked location out of reach of children.
Before storing for longer than a few
days, always empty the fuel tank. See
chapter "Storing the machine".
02BA018 LÄ
USING THE CUTTING TOOLS
For an illustration of the various cutting
tools and instructions on proper
mounting see the chapter "Mounting the
cutting tools" in your owner's manual.
Using the mowing heads
Do not use with mowing line longer than
the intended diameter. With a properly
mounted guard, the built-in cutter will
automatically adjust the line to its proper
length. Overly long lines can overload
the engine, resulting in damage to the
clutch mechanism and nearby parts.
13FS 500, FS 550
English / USA
A damaged clutch may cause a cutting
attachment to rotate at idle speed and
increase the risk of personal injury from
loss of control and from contact with the
cutting tool.
The STIHL SuperCut, TrimCut, AutoCut
and PolyCut mowing heads produce a
clean and tidy finish.
They are to be used only on brushcutters equipped with a limiter blade in
the deflector in order to keep the line at
the proper length (see "Parts and
Controls" chapter of this manual).
If the lawn edges are planted with trees
or bordered by a fence etc., it is best to
use a nylon line head. It achieves a
"softer" cut with less risk of damaging
tree bark etc. than with the polymer
blades.
However, the polymer bladed STIHL
"PolyCut" produces a better cut if there
are no plants along the edge of the lawn.
Sharpening is not necessary and worn
grass cutting blades are easily replaced.
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of serious injury,
never use wire or metal-reinforced line
or other material in place of the nylon
cutting lines. Pieces of wire could break
off and be thrown at high speed toward
000BA015 KN
the operator or bystanders.
STIHL "SuperCut" mowing head
Fresh line is advanced automatically.
Frayed line is replaced by a simple
adjustment (see instruction sheet
supplied with mowing head).
STIHL "TrimCut" mowing head
Frayed line is replaced by a simple
adjustment (see instruction sheet
supplied with mowing head).
STIHL "AutoCut" mowing head
Nylon cutting cord advances
automatically when tapped against the
ground.
STIHL "PolyCut" mowing head
Uses either nylon lines or nonrigid
plastic blades.
002BA177 KN
Important!
Three rectangular wear limit marks are
applied to the base (periphery) of the
PolyCut. To reduce the risk of serious
injury from breakage of the head or
blades, the PolyCut must not be used
when it has worn as far as one of these
marks. It is important to follow the
maintenance instructions supplied with
the head!
14
FS 500, FS 550
Using the grass cutting blade
All kinds of grass and weeds can be
easily cut with the grass cutting blade.
The clearing saw is swept in an arc
similar to a scythe.
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of serious or fatal
injury never attempt to cut woody
materials.
The 4-tooth grass cutting blade is
intended to cut grass and weeds. It has
4 cutting knives with cutting edges on
both sides, i.e. front and rear.
The 8-tooth grass cutting blade is
recommended for cutting fern or reed.
Both blades have to be resharpened
when all cutting edges are dull.
Using the brush knife
When fitted to the clearing saw, the
brush knife is suitable for applications
000BA020 KN
ranging from cutting matted grass to
clearing weeds, wild growth and scrub.
To cut wild growth and scrub, lower the
rotating brush knife down onto the
growth to achieve a chopping effect. Use
the clearing saw like a scythe to cut
grass, i.e. sweep it to and for in an arc.
!Warning!
When cutting woody materials, use the
left side of the blade to avoid "kickout"
(blade thrust) situations.
!Warning!
Improper use of a brush knife may cause
it to crack, chip or shatter.
English / USA
Thrown parts may seriously injure the
operator or bystanders. To reduce the
risk of personal injury it is essential to
take the following precautions:
Avoid contact with hard or solid foreign
objects such as stones, rocks or pieces
of metal.
002BA066 KN
Never cut wood or shrubs with a stem
diameter of more than 2 cm (3/4") – 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 (when it has dulled noticeably).
!Warning!
When cutting young saplings or other
woody materials up to 2 cm (3/4") in
diameter, use left side of the blade to
avoid "kickout" situations (see
appropriate section in this manual). Do
not attempt to cut woody material with a
larger diameter, since the blade may
catch or jerk the clearing saw forward.
This may cause damage to the blade or
clearing saw or loss of control of the
clearing saw, resulting in personal injury.
15FS 500, FS 550
English / USA
Using the circular saw blade
Circular saw blades are suitable for
thinning brush and cutting small trees up
to a diameter of 7 cm (2 3/4"). Do not
attempt to cut trees with larger
diameters, since the blade may catch or
jerk the clearing saw forward. This may
cause damage to the blade or loss of
control of the clearing saw which may
result in serious injury.
When the clearing saw with circular saw
blade is used to cut down small trees,
STIHL recommends that the standard
deflector be removed and replaced by
the special "stop" (see chapter "circular
saw blade" for mounting instructions).
This stop helps to keep the clearing saw
positioned against the tree during the
cutting process. Inexperienced users
should place the left side of the stop
against the tree trunk before beginning
to cut. This will keep the clearing saw
against the tree during the cutting
operation and will reduce the risk of loss
of control and possible kickout
(described in the following section).
!Warning!
000BA016 KN
In order to reduce the risk of injury from
thrown objects or from operator contact
with the cutting tool, be sure to remount
the standard deflector for all other uses.
Before starting the cut, accelerate the
engine up to full throttle. Perform cut
with uniform pressure. STIHL
recommends that the circular saw blade
be applied to the right of the tree, using
the non-shaded area of the blade.
000BA012 KN
!Warning!
The risk of kickout is highest when
cutting in the darker shaded area. To
reduce the risk of kickout and resulting
injury, do not use this area of the circular
saw blade for cutting trees or shrubs.
Special techniques using the lighter
shaded areas of the blade to cut shrubs
and trees should only be used by
experienced operators with specialized
training in use and control of the clearing
saw.
16
FS 500, FS 550
Risk of "kickout" (blade thrust)
with all rigid cutting blades
English / USA
Mounting the Bike Handle
A
!Warning!
Kickout (blade thrust) is the sudden and
uncontrolled motion towards the
operator's right or rear that can occur
when the shaded area of the rotating
blade comes in contact with a solid
object like a tree, rock, bush or wall. The
rapid counterclockwise rotation of the
blade may be stopped or slowed, and
the cutting attachment may be thrown in
an area to the right or to the rear.
This kickout (blade thrust) may cause
loss of control of the clearing saw and
may result in serious or fatal injury to the
operator or bystanders. To reduce the
risk of injury, extreme caution should be
used when cutting with the shaded area
of any rigid blade.
3
2
4
1
002BA135 KN
: Hold lower clamp (1) steady.
: Unscrew and remove the clamp
screw (2) and the hex. head
screw (3).
: Remove the upper clamp (4) from
the lower clamp.
Upper and lower clamps are loose
once the hex. head screw has been
removed.
5
1
5
398BA001 KN
: Place the handlebar (5) in the lower
clamp (1) so that distance A is no
more than 6 in (15 cm).
: Place upper clamp in position and
press it down.
: Fit the clamp screw and hex. head
screw.
: Line up handlebar at right angles to
the drive tube.
: Tighten the clamp screw first, then
the hex. head screw.
1
398BA002 KN398BA003 KN
A
17FS 500, FS 550
English / USA
Adjusting the Throttle Cable
7 7
6
8
9
: Loosen the screw (6) and remove it
with the washer.
: Push the control handle (7) – throttle
trigger must face gearhead – on to
the handlebar (8) so that the holes
(9) line up.
: Insert screw with washer and
tighten it down firmly.
To save space when transporting or
storing the machine, loosen the
clamp screw and hex. head screw
and swing the handlebar in line with
the shaft, fold the handles down.
Throttle Cable Adjustment*
On control handles with slide*:
: Go to chapter "Adjusting the
Throttle Cable".
398BA004 KN
Some machine versions are equipped
with a throttle cable adjuster in the
control handle.
A properly adjusted throttle cable is
the precondition for correct
operation in the full throttle, starting
throttle and idle positions.
Adjust the throttle cable only after
the unit is fully assembled – the
control handle must be in the normal
operating position.
002BA163 KN
: Use a suitable tool to push the slide
to the bottom of the slot (see
illustration).
18
* see "Guide to Using this Manual"
FS 500, FS 550
Approved Combinations of
Cutting Tool and Deflector
English / USA
STOP
2
1
: Press down the trigger interlock (1)
and squeeze the throttle trigger (2)
(full throttle) – this sets the throttle
cable correctly.
1
249BA017 KN
4+5
7+8
Approved Cutting Tools
1 STIHL AutoCut 40-4
2 STIHL TrimCut 50-2
3 STIHL PolyCut 40-3
4 Brush knife 350-3
5 Brush knife 350-3 "Special"
6 Grass cutting blade 255-8
7 Circular saw blade 225
(chisel tooth)
8 Circular saw blade 225
(carbide tipped)
9 Circular saw blade 225
(scratcher tooth)
10 Circular saw blade 250
(scratcher tooth)
3
9+10
2
6
11
12
14
13
398BA046 KN
Deflector and Stops
11 Deflector for cutting tools 1 to 6
Mounting the deflector
: Place deflector on the gearhead so
that the molding (12) locates around
the neck of the gearhead.
: Fit the clamp (13).
: Insert screws and tighten them
down firmly.
The grass shield (14) is used in
conjunction with some mowing
tools.
398BA048 KN
19FS 500, FS 550
English / USA
Mounting the Cutting Tools
15
16
15 Limit stop for circular saw
blades 225
16 Limit stop for circular saw
blades 250
Mounting the stop
: First remove the grass shield
(if fitted).
: Place limit stop 15 or 16 in position.
: Insert the screws and tighten them
down firmly.
20
17
18
11
19
398BA049 KN
: If you use one of the mowing heads,
note that the skirt (17) must be
attached to the deflector (11).
: Use lower guide slot (18) for
mowing heads 1 and 2. Push the
blade (19) into the upper guide slot
and line it up with the hole.
: Fit the screw and tighten it down
firmly.
: Use the skirt’s upper guide slot (20)
for mowing head 3.
3
4
5
6
2
1
398BA044 KN
Blocking the Drive Shaft
: Insert the stop pin (1) in the bore (2)
in the gearhead as far as stop, apply
slight pressure.
: Rotate the output shaft until the stop
pin slips into position.
: Use combination wrench (3) to
loosen and unscrew the nut (4)
clockwise.
: Remove the rider plate (5) and
thrust washer (6).
398BA051 KN
20
FS 500, FS 550
A
English / USA
4
6
7
Grass Shield
: The grass shield may only be used
together with the 2.4 in (60 mm)
diameter thrust plate (A) and the
deflector for mowing heads.
* see "Guide to Using this Manual"
*
398BA052 KN
STIHL AutoCut
STIHL TrimCut
: Block the output shaft with the stop
pin.
: Screw cutting head
counterclockwise onto the output
shaft (7) and
Important: Remove the stop pin.
Removing the mowing head
: Block the output shaft.
: Unscrew the mowing head
clockwise.
398BA053 KN
STIHL PolyCut 40-3
: Block the output shaft with the stop
pin.
: Position the mowing head on the
shaft.
: Fit the 2.4 in (60 mm) diameter
thrust washer (6) –
convex side must face down.
: Screw on nut (4) counterclockwise
and tighten down firmly.
Important: Remove the stop pin.
Removing the mowing head
: Block the output shaft.
: Unscrew the nut clockwise.
If the mounting nut is too loose (cannot
be tightened properly), fit a new one.
398BA054 KN
21FS 500, FS 550
English / USA
Adjusting Nylon Line
Note
A detailed description is contained in
the instruction sheet supplied with the
mowing head.
STIHL AutoCut
Hold the rotating mowing head above
the ground.
: Tap the mowing head on the ground
– fresh line is advanced and the
blade on the deflector trims surplus
line to the correct length.
Line feed operates only if both lines are
still at least 1 in (2.5 cm) long.
STIHL TrimCut
Shut off the engine and move the slide
control to 0. Hold mowing head housing
firmly and
: Pull spool up – rotate it about 1/6
turn counterclockwise and allow it to
spring back.
: Pull ends of lines outward.
Repeat the above procedure as
necessary until both lines are 5.5 in
(14 cm) long.
Rotating the spool from one stop to the
next advances about 1.6 in (4 cm) of
fresh line.
22
FS 500, FS 550
4
3
Grass cutting blade 255-8
Brush knife 350-3
Brush knife 350-3 "Special"
: Place the cutting tool (1) in position.
Collar (see arrow) must engage the
cutting tool’s mounting hole.
Cutting edges on grass cutting blade
255-8 and the circular saw blades must
point clockwise.
: Fit thrust washer (2) – convex side
must face up.
For mowing:
: Fit rider plate (3) for mowing.
3
2
3
1
4
5
2
Circular saw blades 225
Circular saw blade 230
Circular saw blade 250
For sawing:
: Fit rider plate (5) for sawing.
: Block the output shaft.
: Screw on nut (4) counterclockwise
and tighten down firmly.
Removing the cutting tool
: Block the output shaft.
: Unscrew the nut clockwise.
If the mounting nut is too loose (cannot
be tightened properly), fit a new one.
5
1
English / USA
Fuel
This engine is certified to operate on
unleaded gasoline and the STIHL twostroke engine oil at a mix ratio of 50:1.
Your engine requires a mixture of highquality gasoline and quality two-stroke
air cooled engine oil.
Use mid-grade unleaded gasoline with a
minimum octane rating of 89 (R+M/2). If
the octane rating of the mid-grade
gasoline in your area is lower, use
premium unleaded fuel.
Fuel with a lower octane rating may
increase engine temperatures. This, in
turn, increases the risk of piston seizure
and damage to the engine.
The chemical composition of the fuel is
398BA050 KN
also important. Some fuel additives not
only detrimentally affect elastomers
(carburetor diaphragms, oil seals, fuel
lines, etc.), but magnesium castings and
catalytic converters as well. This could
cause running problems or even
damage the engine. For this reason
STIHL recommends that you use only
nationally recognized high-quality
unleaded gasoline!
23FS 500, FS 550
English / USA
Fueling
Use only STIHL two-stroke engine oil or
equivalent high-quality two-stroke
engine oils that are designed for use
only in air cooled two-cycle engines.
We recommend STIHL 50:1 two-stroke
engine oil since it is specially formulated
for use in STlHL engines.
Do not use BIA or TCW rated (twostroke water cooled) mix oils or other
mix oils that state they are for use in both
water cooled and air cooled engines
(e.g., outboard motors, snowmobiles,
chainsaws, mopeds, etc.).
Take care when handling gasoline.
Avoid direct contact with the skin and
avoid inhaling fuel vapor. When filling at
the pump, first remove the canister from
your vehicle and place the canister on
the ground before filling. Do not fill fuel
canisters that are sitting in or on a
vehicle.
The canister should be kept tightly
closed in order to avoid any moisture
getting into the mixture.
The machine‘s fuel tank and the canister
in which fuel mix is stored should be
cleaned as necessary.
Fuel mix ages
Only mix sufficient fuel for a few days
work, not to exceed 3 months of storage.
Store in approved fuel-canisters only.
When mixing, pour oil into the canister
first, and then add gasoline. Close the
canister and shake it vigorously by hand
to ensure proper mixing of the oil with
the fuel.
Gasoline
Oil (STIHL 50:1 or
equivalent high-quality oils)
US gal. US fl.oz
12.6
2 1/2 6.4
5 12.8
Dispose of empty mixing-oil canisters
only at authorized disposal locations.
398BA014 KN
Before fueling, clean the filler cap and
the area around it to ensure that no dirt
falls into the tank.
Always thoroughly shake the mixture in
the can before fueling your machine.
In order to reduce the risk of burns
or other personal injury from
escaping gas vapor and fumes,
remove the fuel filler cap carefully
so as to allow any pressure build-up
in the tank to release slowly.
After fueling, tighten down the filler
cap by hand as securely as
possible.
24
FS 500, FS 550
A
: Push grommet home and check that
it is properly seated.
: Fit the carburetor box cover.
English / USA
Fitting the Harness
1
2
3
3
12
Change the fuel pickup body
once every year
: Drain the fuel tank.
: Set the choke knob to g.
: Remove carburetor box cover (1).
: Pry grommet (2) with fuel hose out
of the tank.
: Remove the fuel pickup body (3).
: Push new pickup body into the hose
and place it in the tank. The
distance between the bottom of the
grommet and the stop of the pickup
body is A = 1.6 in (40 mm).
398BA015 KN
002BA240 KN
: Put on the full harness (1).
: Adjust length until the spring hook
(2) is about a hand’s width below
your right hip. Over-long straps can
be cut to length after making the
adjustments.
: Attach the spring hook to the
machine’s perforated strip (3).
Find the right attachment point for the
cutting tool you are using – see section
"Balancing the Machine".
25FS 500, FS 550
English / USA
Balancing the Machine
: Attach machine to the harness. Let
it go and check to see how it is
balanced – change the attachment
point of the spring hook as
necessary:
Mowing tools (mowing heads,
grass cutting blades, brush knives,
Shredder blades) should just touch
the ground (top illustration).
Circular saw blades should
"hover" about 20 cm (8 in) above
the ground (bottom illustration).
Starting / Stopping the
Engine
START
3
STOP
256BA016 KN
2
256BA017 KN
: Observe safety precautions – see
chapter "Safety Precautions and
working techniques" in this manual.
: Hold down the throttle trigger
interlock (1) and squeeze the
throttle trigger (2).
: While holding both levers in this
position, move slide control (3) to
START and hold it there.
: Now release the throttle trigger,
slide control and trigger interlock in
that order. This is the starting
throttle position.
4
5
1
256BA018 KN
: Set the choke knob (4):
For cold start, turn counter-
clockwise to g.
For warm start, turn clockwise
away from g (also use this setting
if engine has been running but is still
cold).
: Press the fuel pump bulb (5) at least
five times – even if the bulb is filled
with fuel.
: Press the decompression valve
button (6). Press this button before
each starting attempt.
6
398BA016 KN
398BA017 KN
26
FS 500, FS 550
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