Stihl FSE 41, FSE 31 Instruction Manual
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STIHL FSE 31, 41
Instruction Manual
Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2016
0458-280-0121-A. VA0.J16.
0000000898_016_GB
FSE 31, FSE 41
English
1
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This instruction manual is protected by copyright. All rights reserved, especially the rights to reproduce, translate and process
with electronic systems.
Contents
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 troublefree use of
the product.
Please contact your dealer or our sales
company if you have any queries
concerning this product.
Your
Dr. Nikolas Stihl
Guide to Using this Manual 2
Safety Precautions and Working
Techniques 2
Using the Unit 9
Mounting the Deflector 10
Adjusting Nylon Line 11
Adjusting the Handles 11
Adjusting Angle of Shaft 12
Converting Unit to Power Edger 13
Connecting to Power Supply 13
Switching On 14
Switching Off 14
Storing the Machine 14
Replacing Nylon Line 15
Maintenance and Care 16
Minimize Wear and Avoid Damage 17
Main Parts 18
Specifications 19
Maintenance and Repairs 20
Disposal 20
EC Declaration of Conformity 20
FSE 31, FSE 41
English
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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.
Observe all applicable local
safety regulations, standards
and ordinances.
If you have not used this
model before: Have your
dealer or other experienced
user show you how to operate
your machine or attend a
special course in its operation.
Minors should never be
allowed to use this product.
Keep bystanders, especially
children, and animals away
from the work area.
When the machine is not in
use, store it so that it does not
endanger others. Secure it
against unauthorized use,
disconnect the plug from the
power supply.
The user is responsible for
avoiding injury to third parties
or damage to their property.
Do not lend or rent your unit
without the instruction
manual. Be sure that anyone
using it understands the
information contained in this
manual.
Persons who are not able to
operate the power tool safely
due to limited physical,
sensory or mental ability may
work with it only under
supervision or after being
instructed appropriately by a
responsible person.
The use of noise emitting
power tools may be restricted
to certain times by national or
local regulations.
Guide to Using this Manual Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques
Some special
safety precautions
must be observed
when working with
this power tool
because of the
very high speed of
its cutting attachment and the fact
that it is powered
by electricity.
It is important that
you read the
instruction manual
before first use and
keep it in a safe
place for future reference. Nonobservance of the
instruction manual
may result in serious or even fatal
injury.
FSE 31, FSE 41
English
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Before each use, check that
your power tool is in good
condition. Pay special
attention to the power cord,
mains plug and safety
devices.
Do not use the power cord to
pull or carry the power tool.
Disconnect plug from wall
outlet before performing any
work on the machine, e.g.
cleaning, maintenance,
replacing parts.
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.
Do not use a pressure washer
to clean the unit. The solid jet
of water may damage parts of
the unit.
Do not spray the power tool
with water.
Physical Condition
To operate this power tool you
must be rested, in good
physical condition and mental
health.
If you have any condition that
might be aggravated by
strenuous work, check with
your doctor before operating a
power tool.
Do not operate the power tool
if you are under the influence
of any substance (drugs,
alcohol) which might impair
vision, dexterity or judgment.
Accessories and Spare Parts
Only use cutting attachments
and accessories that are
explicitly approved for this
power tool by STIHL or are
technically identical. If you
have any questions in this
respect, consult a servicing
dealer. Use only high quality
tools and accessories in order
to avoid the risk of accidents
and damage to the unit.
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.
Applications
Depending on the cutting
attachment fitted, use your
trimmer only for cutting grass,
wild growth and similar
materials.
Do not use the machine for
any other purpose because of
the increased risk of accidents
and damage to the machine.
Never attempt to modify the
product in any way since this
may result in accidents or
damage to the product.
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.
FSE 31, FSE 41
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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.).
WARNING
Wear a face shield and make
sure it is a good fit. A face
shield alone does not provide
adequate eye protection.
Wear hearing protection, e.g.
earplugs or ear muffs.
STIHL offers a
comprehensive range of
personal protective clothing
and equipment.
Transporting the Power Tool
Always switch off the power
tool and unplug it from the
power supply.
Transporting by vehicle:
Properly secure the power
tool to prevent turnover and
damage.
Before Starting Work
Inspect the power tool.
Check that your power tool is
properly assembled and in
good condition – refer to
appropriate chapters in the
instruction manual.
– The trigger switch must
move freely – the switch
must return to the idle
position when it is
released.
– Use only an approved
combination of cutting
attachment, deflector and
handle. All parts must be
assembled properly and
securely. To reduce the
risk of injury, never use
metal cutting attachments.
– Check that the cutting
attachment is properly and
securely mounted and in
good condition.
– Check protective devices
(e.g. deflector for cutting
attachment) for damage or
wear. Always replace
damaged parts. Never
operate the unit with a
damaged deflector.
Wear sturdy shoes
with non-slip soles.
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 snug
fit.
Wear robust work
gloves made of
durable material
(e.g. leather).
FSE 31, FSE 41
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–
Keep the handles dry and
clean – free from oil and
dirt – for safe control of the
power tool.
– Adjust handle to suit your
height and reach.
To reduce the risk of
accidents, do not operate the
unit if it is not properly
assembled and in good
condition.
Do not operate your power
tool if any of its components
are damaged or not properly
mounted.
Never attempt to modify the
controls or the safety devices
in any way.
Before switching on your
power tool, make sure the
cutting attachment is not
touching the ground or any
other object.
Electrical Connection
Reduce the risk of electric
shock:
– Voltage and frequency of
the power tool (see rating
plate) and the voltage and
frequency of your power
supply must be the same.
– Check the connecting
cord, plug and extension
cord for damage. Never
use damaged cords,
couplings and plugs or
connecting cords that do
not comply with
regulations.
– Always connect the power
tool to a properly installed
wall outlet.
– Check that the insulation of
the power cord, extension
cord, plug and coupling is
in good condition.
– Never touch the mains
plug, connecting cord,
extension cord or electrical
connections with wet
hands.
– Make sure the extension
cord used complies with
the regulations for the
intended application.
Position the connecting and
extension cords correctly:
– Check minimum cross
section of wires (wire
gauge) – see "Connecting
to Power Supply".
– To reduce the risk of
stumbling, position and
mark the connecting cord
so that it cannot be
damaged or endanger
others.
– Using unsuitable extension
cords can be dangerous.
Use only extension cords
approved for outdoor use
which are labeled as such
and have the appropriate
wire gauge.
– The plug and coupling of
the extension cord must be
water-proof and must
never be immersed in
water.
To reduce the risk
of injury, avoid
contact with the
cutting attachment.
Note that the cutting attachment
continues to run for
a short period after
the power tool is
switched off – flywheel effect.
FSE 31, FSE 41
English
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–
Do not chafe on edges,
pointed or sharp objects
– Do not squeeze through
gaps in doors or windows
– If cords are twisted –
unplug the power tool and
straighten them out
– Never touch the rotating
cutting attachment
– Always unwind the
extension cord completely
from the cable drum to
reduce the risk of fire from
overheating.
Holding and Controlling the
Power Tool
Always hold the unit firmly
with both hands on the
handles. Make sure you
always have good balance
and secure footing.
Always hold the machine on
the right-hand side of your
body.
Left hand on the assist
handle, right hand on the
control handle, even if you are
left-handed.
During Operation
Avoid damage to the power
supply cord. Do not drive over
it, pinch or tug it.
Never jerk the connecting
cord to disconnect it from the
wall outlet. To unplug, grasp
the plug, not the cord.
Be sure your hands are dry
before touching the plug or
power cord.
Never spray water on the unit
– risk of short circuit!
Do not leave the power tool
outdoors in the rain.
In case of imminent danger or
in an emergency, switch off
the motor immediately –
release the trigger switch and
starting lockout.
Your power tool is designed to
be operated by one person
only. Do not allow other
persons in the work area.
The cutting attachment may
catch and fling objects a great
distance and cause injury therefore, do not allow any
other persons within a radius
If the power supply cord is
damaged, immediately disconnect
the plug from the
wall outlet to avoid
the risk of electric
shock.
280BA020 KN
The drive motor is
not waterproof. To
reduce the risk of a
short circuit or
electrocution,
never work with
the power tool in
the rain or in wet or
very damp
locations.
15m (50ft)
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