FSE 31, 41
Instruction Manual2 - 17
English
Contents
1 Guide to Using this Manual.........................2
2 Safety Precautions and Working Techni‐
ques............................................................ 2
3 Using the Unit............................................. 7
4 Mounting the Deflector................................8
5 Adjusting Nylon Line................................... 9
6 Adjusting the Handles................................. 9
7 Adjusting Angle of Shaft............................10
8 Converting Unit to Power Edger............... 11
9 Connecting to Power Supply.....................11
10 Switching On.............................................12
11 Switching Off.............................................12
12 Storing the Machine.................................. 12
13 Replacing Nylon Line................................ 12
14 Maintenance and Care..............................13
15 Minimize Wear and Avoid Damage...........13
16 Main Parts.................................................14
17 Specifications............................................14
18 Maintenance and Repairs......................... 15
19 Disposal.................................................... 15
20 EC Declaration of Conformity................... 15
21 UKCA Declaration of Conformity.............. 16
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing a quality engineered
STIHL product.
It has been built using modern production techni‐
ques and comprehensive quality assurance.
Every effort has been made to ensure your satis‐
faction 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
1 Guide to Using this Manual
1.1 Pictograms
All the pictograms attached to the machine are
shown and explained in this manual.
1.2 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.
1.3 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 man‐
ual.
2 Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques
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 electric‐
ity.
It is important that you read and
understand the User Manual before
commissioning and keep it in a safe
place for future reference. Non-com‐
pliance with the User Manual may
cause serious or even fatal injury.
Observe the national safety regulations issued,
e.g., by the employers' liability insurance associ‐
ation, social security institutions, occupational
safety and health authorities or other organiza‐
tions.
If you have not used this machine before: Have
your dealer or other experienced user show you
how to handle your machine safely or attend a
specialist course.
Minors should never be allowed to use the
machine – except for young trainees over the
age of 16 when working under supervision.
Children, animals and onlookers must not be
allowed near the machine.
When the machine is not in use, shut it off so
that it does not endanger others. Secure it
against unauthorized use, disconnect the plug
from the power supply.
Original Instruction Manual
0000000898_027_GB
Printed on chlorine-free paper
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG 2021
0458-280-0121-D. VA0.K21.
2 0458-280-0121-D
2 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques English
The user is responsible for accidents or risks
involving third parties or their property.
Do not pass on or lend the machine to persons
who are not familiar with this model and its han‐
dling – always include the User 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 super‐
vision 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.
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 perform‐
ing any work on the machine, e.g. cleaning,
maintenance, replacing parts.
The deflector on this power tool cannot protect
the operator from all objects ejected by the cut‐
ting attachment (stones, glass, wire, etc.). Ejec‐
ted objects may also ricochet and strike the oper‐
ator.
Do not use a high-pressure washer to clean the
power tool. The solid jet of water may damage
parts of the unit.
Do not spray the power tool with water.
2.1 Physical fitness
To operate the power tool you must be rested,
and in good physical condition and mental
health.
If you have any condition that might be aggrava‐
ted by strenuous work, check with your doctor
before operating a power tool.
Do not operate the power tool if you have con‐
sumed alcohol or taken medication which may
impair responsiveness, or taken drugs.
2.2 Accessories and replacement
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 STIHL
dealer. Use only high-quality parts and accesso‐
ries. Otherwise there is a 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 power 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.
2.3 Applications
Depending on the cutting attachment fitted, use
your power tool only for cutting grass, over‐
growth and similar materials.
Do not use the power tool for any other purpose
because of the increased risk of accidents and
damage to the power tool itself. The product
must not be modified in any way - this may also
lead to accidents or damage to the unit.
2.4 Clothing and equipment
Wear proper protective clothing and equipment.
Clothing must be robust but allow
complete freedom of movement.
Wear close-fitting clothing – a boiler‐
suit, not a loose work jacket.
Do not wear clothing which could become trap‐
ped in wood, brush or moving parts of the
machine. Do not wear a scarf, necktie or jewelry.
Tie up and confine long hair above your should‐
ers.
Wear sturdy shoes 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 snug fit.
Wear face protection and make sure it is a good
fit. Face protection alone is not sufficient to pro‐
tect the eyes.
Wear "personal" sound protection, e.g. ear
defenders.
Wear sturdy protective gloves made
of a resistant material (e.g. leather).
0458-280-0121-D 3
English 2 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques
Voltage and frequency of the machine (see
STIHL can supply a comprehensive range of per‐
sonal protective equipment.
2.5 Transporting the machine
Always switch off the tool and unplug it from the
power supply.
Transporting by vehicle: Properly secure the
power tool to prevent tipping over and damage.
2.6 Before Starting Work
Check the machine
Check that your machine is properly assembled
and in good condition – refer to the 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 cut‐
ting attachments!
Check that the cutting attachment is properly
–
and securely mounted and in good condition.
Check safety devices (e.g., deflector for cut‐
–
ting attachments) for damage and/or wear.
Always replace damaged parts. Never operate
the unit with a damaged deflector
Keep the handles dry, clean and free from dirt,
–
for safe control of the power tool
Adjust handle to suit your height and reach.
–
To reduce the risk of accidents and personal
injury, do not operate your power tool if it is not
properly assembled and in good condition!
Do not operate your power tool if any of its com‐
ponents are damaged or not properly mounted.
Never attempt to modify the controls or safety
devices
Before switching on your power tool, make sure
the cutting attachment is not touching the ground
or any other object.
Avoid contact with the cutting attach‐
ment – risk of injury!
Note that the cutting attachment con‐
tinues to run for a short period after
the power tool is switched off – fly‐
wheel effect.
–
rating plate) and the voltage and frequency of
your power supply must be the same.
Examine the connecting cord, power plug and
–
extension cord for damage. Damaged cords,
couplings and plugs or connecting cords that
do not comply with the regulations must not be
used
Always connect the engine analyzer to a prop‐
–
erly installed wall outlet.
Check that the insulation of the power cord,
–
extension cord, plug and coupling is in good
condition
Never touch the power plug, power cord and
–
extension cord, and electrical plug connec‐
tions with wet hands.
Any extension cords used must comply with
–
the specifications for the particular application
Position the connecting and extension cords cor‐
rectly:
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 dan‐
–
gerous. 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.
Do not chafe on edges, pointed or sharp
–
objects
don't trap or squeeze the cord in or under
–
doors or windows
If cords are twisted – unplug the power tool
–
and straighten them out
Never touch the rotating cutting attachment
–
Always completely unroll the connecting cord
–
from the cable reel to avoid risk of fire due to
overheating
2.7 Holding and guiding the machine
Always hold the tool firmly with both hands on
the handles. Make sure you always have a firm
and secure footing.
Always hold the tool on the right-hand side of
your body.
Electrical connection.
Reduce the risk of electric shock:
4 0458-280-0121-D
280BA020 KN
15m (50ft)
2 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques English
also be maintained in relation to objects (vehi‐
cles, window panes) – risk of property damage!
Even at distances beyond 15 m, the danger can‐
not be ruled out.
Check the work site – rocks, metal
objects etc. could get caught up and
ejected – potentially beyond a dis‐
tance of 15 m – risk of injury! Such
objects can also damage the cutting
attachment and other property (e.g.
parked vehicles, windows).
Left hand on the loop handle, right hand on the
control handle, even if you are left-handed.
2.8 While working
If the power cord is damaged, imme‐
diately disconnect the plug from the
wall outlet to avoid the risk of electric
shock.
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.
The power cord and power plug must never be
touched with wet hands.
Never spray water on the unit – risk of short cir‐
cuit!
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.
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.
There is a risk of accident from ejected objects
within a wide area around the working space, so
you must ensure that there is no-one within a
15 m radius of the machine. This distance must
Never work without protection suitable for the
respective machine and cutting tool – risk of
injury from ejected objects!
Do not cut wet grass.
Take care in slippery conditions on slopes and
uneven ground.
Keep the connecting cord behind the power tool
at all times – do not walk backwards – risk of
stumbling.
Watch out for obstacles such as tree stumps,
roots – risk of tripping or stumbling!
Only work while standing on the ground, never
on a ladder, work platform or other unstable sur‐
face.
Be particularly alert and cautious when wearing
hearing protection because your ability to hear
warnings (shouts, alarms, etc.) is restricted.
Take breaks when you start getting tired or feel‐
ing fatigue – risk of accidents!
Work calmly and carefully – in daylight conditions
and only when visibility is good. Proceed with
caution, do not put others in danger.
Be particularly careful when working on difficult,
densely grown terrain.
Check the cutting tool regularly at frequent inter‐
vals, and immediately if you notice a change in
its behavior:
Switch off the tool, hold it firmly and press the
–
cutting attachment into the ground to bring it to
a standstill, and disconnect the plug from the
power supply.
Check condition and tightness of connections,
–
look out for fine cracks
Immediately replace defective cutting tools,
–
also in case of minor hairline cracks
Clean grass and plant residue off the cutting
–
attachment mounting at regular intervals –
remove any accumulated material from the
cutting attachment and deflector.
0458-280-0121-D 5
English 2 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques
Always switch off the tool and unplug it from the
power supply before replacing the cutting attach‐
ment. Risk of injury from the motor starting unin‐
tentionally!
Do not continue using or attempt to repair dam‐
aged or cracked cutting attachments by means
of welding, straightening or modifying the shape
(unbalanced).
Particles or pieces may come off and hit the
operator or a bystander at a high speed – risk of
most severe injuries!
If a rotating cutting attachment touches a rock or
another hard object, sparks may be generated
which may possibly ignite combustible materials.
Also dried-out plants and brushwood are com‐
bustible, above all in hot and dry weather. If
there is a risk of fire, do not use cutting attach‐
ments in the vicinity of combustible materials,
dried-out plants or brushwood. It is mandatory
that you ask the responsible forestry office about
current fire hazards.
Only use the deflector with properly mounted
blade that ensures the mowing line is restricted
to the permissible length.
To reduce the risk of injury, avoid contact with
the blade.
To reduce the risk of injury, always switch off the
tool and unplug it from the power supply before
manually adjusting the mowing line.
Misuse with mowing lines that are too long
reduces the working speed of the engine. This
results in overheating and damage to the motor.
To reduce the risk of injury, never use wire in
place of the nylon cutting line.
If your power tool is subjected to unusual stress
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 Start‐
ing Work". Make sure the safety devices are
working properly. Do not continue operating your
machine if it is damaged. In case of doubt, con‐
tact a dealer.
Before leaving the power tool unattended: Switch
it off and disconnect the plug from the power
supply.
2.9 Vibrations
This power tool minimizes the vibrations trans‐
mitted to the operator's hands.
However, the operator should seek medical
advice in the event of suspected circulatory prob‐
lems in the hands (e.g. tingling sensation in the
fingers).
2.10 Maintenance and Repairs
Always switch off the machine and disconnect
the plug from the power supply before carrying
out any maintenance work to reduce the risk of
injury from the motor starting unintentionally.
Service the machine regularly. Do not attempt
any maintenance or repair work not described in
the instruction manual. Have all other work per‐
formed by a servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends that you have servicing and
repair work carried out exclusively by an author‐
ized 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 genuine STIHL
replacement parts. They are specifically
designed to match your machine model and
meet your performance requirements.
Never attempt to modify your power tool in any
way since this will increase the risk of personal
injury.
Regularly check that the insulation of the power
cord and plug is in good condition and shows no
sign of ageing (brittleness).
Electrical components, e.g. power cord, may only
be repaired or replaced by a qualified electrician.
Clean plastic components with a cloth. Do not
use aggressive detergents. They may damage
the plastic.
Do not spray the machine with water.
Check tightness of mounting screws on safety
devices and the cutting attachment and retighten
if necessary.
Clean cooling air inlets in motor housing as nec‐
essary.
Store the machine is a safe and dry place.
6 0458-280-0121-D
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