STIHL FSE 60 Owner's Manual

STIHL FSE 60

STIH)

Instruction Manual
Manual de instrucciones

Warning!

For safe operation follow all safety
precautions in Instruction Manual - improper
use can cause serious injury.

Advertencia!

Para su seguridad durante el manejo de este
producto, siga siempre las precauciones de
seguridad dadas en el manual de
instrucciones - el uso indebido puede causar
lesiones graves.

Contents

English / USA

Guide to Using this Manual .............. 2

IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS ............................... 3

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ................. 6

Mounting the Drive Tube ................ 15

Mounting the Loop Handle ............. 16

Mounting the Deflector ................... 16

BA_SE_038_001_01_10.fmPrinted on chlorine-free paper.

Mounting Cutting Tools ................... 17

Fitting the Harness ......................... 19

Starting ........................................... 19

Storing the Machine ........................ 20

Main Parts and Control ................... 21

Specifications ................................. 23

Maintenance and Repairs ............... 23

Addresses ...................................... 24

Printing inks contain vegetable oils; paper can be recycled.

Allow only persons who understand this
manual to operate your trimmer.

To receive maximum performance and
satisfaction from your STIHL trimmer, it
is important that you read and under­stand the maintenance and safety
precautions, starting on page 3, before
using your trimmer.

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 trimmer 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 trimmer differs from those
described in this manual, please contact
your STIHL dealer for information and
assistance.

STIHl

© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2007

0458 238 8621. M0.16. K7. PM. Printed in USA

1FSE 60

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

FSE 60

IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS

English / USA

!Warning!

To reduce the risk of serious or fatal
injury from electrocution, follow basic
precautions, including the following:

1 = Avoid Dangerous Environment -

Don't use appliance in damp or wet
locations.

2 = Don't Use In Rain.

3 = Keep Children Away -All visitors

should be kept at a distance from
work area.

4 = Dress Properly - Do not wear loose

clothing or jewelry. They can be
caught in moving parts. Use of
rubber gloves and substantial
footwear is recommended when
working outdoors.

5 = Use Safety Glasses - Always use

face or dust mask if operation is
dusty.

6 = Use Right Appliance - Do not use

appliance for any job except that for
which it is intended.

7 = Ground Fault Circuit interrupter

(GFCI) protection should be
provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s)
to be used for the gardening
appliance. Receptacles are
available having built-in GFCI
protection and may be used for this
measure of safety.

8 = Warning: To reduce the risk of

electric shock, use only with an
extension cord intended for outdoor
use, such as an extension cord of
cord type

SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A,
SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-A, or
SJTOW-A.

9 = Cord Sets - Make sure your cord set

is in good condition. When using an
extension cord set, be sure to use
one heavy enough to carry the
current your product will draw. An
undersized extension cord set will
cause a drop in line voltage
resulting in loss of power and
overheating. Table below shows the
correct size to use depending on
cord length and nameplate ampere
rating. If in doubt, use the next
heavier gage. The smaller the gage
number, the heavier the cord.

Minimum wire gage for extension cords
for 120 Volt appliances using 0-6 amps

Cord length (ft) 25 50 100 150
Wire size (AWG) 18 16 16 14

Appropriate extension cords are
available in special stores for electrical
equipment or form your STIHL dealer.

3FSE 60

English / USA

1

To reduce the risk of disconnection of
appliance cord form the extension cord
set during operating:

: Insert unit's plug (1) into extension

cord coupling (2).

2

3

5

4

238BA008 KN

Strain relief

: Make a loop (3) in the extension

cord and pass it through the
opening (4).

: Slip the loop over the hook (5) and

pull it tight.

10= Avoid Unintentional Starting - Don´t

carry plugged-in appliance with
finger on switch. Be sure switch is
off when plugging in.

11= Don´t Abuse Cord - Never carry

appliance by cord or yank it to
disconnect from receptacle. Keep
cord from heat, oil, and sharp
edges.

12= Don´t grasp the cutting tool when

picking up or holding the appliance.

13= Don´t Force Appliance - It will do the

job better and with less likelihood of
a risk of injury at the rate for which it
was designed.

14= Don´t Overreach - Keep proper

238BA009 KN

footing and balance at all times.

15= Stay Alert - Watch what you are

doing. Use common sense. Do not
operate appliance when you are
tired.

16= Disconnect Appliance - Disconnect

the appliance from the power supply
when not in use, before servicing,
when changing accessories such as
blades, and the like.

4

FSE 60

English / USA

17= Store Idle Appliance indoors - When

not in use, appliances should be
stored indoors in dry, high or locked­up place - out of reach of children.

18= Maintain appliance with care.

Follow instructions for lubricating
and changing accessories. Inspect
appliance cord periodically, and if
damaged, have it repaired by an
authorized service facility. Inspect
extension cords periodically and
replace if damaged. Keep hands
dry, clean and free from oil and
grease.

19= Check damaged parts - before

further use of the appliance, a guard
or other part that is damaged should
be carefully checked to determine
that it will operate properly and
perform its intended function. Check
for alignment of moving parts,
binding of moving parts, breakage
of parts, mounting, and any other
condition that may affect its
operation. A guard or other part that
is damaged should be properly
repaired or replaced by an
authorized service center unless
indicated elsewhere in this manual.

Replacement Parts

When servicing use only identical
replacement parts. Replace damaged
cords or have them repaired by
authorized STIHL Servicing dealer only.

To reduce the risk of electric shock, this
equipment has a polarized plug (one
blade is wider than the other). This plug
will fit in a polarized outlet one way. If the
plug does not fit fully in the outlet,
reverse the plug. If it still does not fit,
contact a qualified electrician to install
the proper outlet. Do not change the
plug in any way.

SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS

5FSE 60

English / USA

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING! READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS!

Warning!

Because your trimmer is a
high-speed, fast-cutting
electric power tool,
special safety precautions
must be observed to
reduce the risk of fire,

electric shock and personal injury.

It is important that you
read, fully understand and
observe the following
safety precautions and
warnings. Save this

owner's manual and read
the safety instructions periodically. Be
thoroughly familiar with the controls and
the proper use of the equipment. Know
how to stop the unit and disengage the
controls quickly.

Careless or improper use of any trimmer
may cause serious or fatal injury. Have
your STIHL dealer show you how to
operate your electric trimmer. Observe
all applicable local safety regulations,
standards and ordinances.

!Warning!

Do not lend or rent your trimmer without
the owner's manual. Be sure that
anyone using your trimmer understands
the information contained in this manual.

!Warning!

The use of any trimmer 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 also damage the cutting
attachment. Thrown objects or damaged
cutting tools may result in serious or fatal
injury to the operator or bystanders.

!Warning!

Minors should never be allowed to use
an electric trimmer. Bystanders,
especially children, and animals should
not be allowed in the area where a
power trimmer is in use.

Never let the trimmer run unattended.

Most of these safety precautions and
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL
electric trimmers. 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
electric trimmer.

Safe use of an electric trimmer involves

1 = the operator

2 = the trimmer

3 = the use of the trimmer.

6

FSE 60

English / USA

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 judgment. Do not operate an
electric trimmer when you are fatigued.

Be alert. Watch what you are doing. Use
common sense. If you get tired while
operating your electric trimmer, take a
break. Tiredness may result in loss of
control. Working with any trimmer can
be strenuous. If you have any condition
that might be aggravated by strenuous
work, check with your doctor before
operating a trimmer.

!Warning!

Prolonged use of an electric trimmer (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:

: Wear gloves and keep your hands

warm.

: Maintain a firm grip at all times, but

do not squeeze the handles with
constant, excessive pressure; 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 closely monitor the
condition of their hands and fingers. If
any of the above symptoms appear,
seek medical advice immediately.

!Warning!

According to STIHL´s current
knowledge, the electric motor of this unit
should not interfere with a pacemaker.
When in doubt, however, consult your
physician and pacemaker manufacturer
before operating this tool.

Proper Clothing

!Warning!

To reduce the risk of injury, the operator
should wear proper protective apparel.

!Warning!

Trimmer operation can
cause serious injury to
eyes and person. The
deflector provided with
your trimmer may not

protect the operator from
all foreign objects (gravel, glass, wire,
etc.) thrown by the rotating cutting tool.
Thrown objects may also ricochet and
strike the operator.

7FSE 60

English / USA

Therefore, to reduce the risk of injury to
your eyes never operate a trimmer
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!

Trimmer 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

trimmer and the cutting

tool. Heavy-duty, nonslip

rubber gloves improve

your grip and help 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 long hair 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 trimmer work.

Wear sturdy boots with

nonslip soles. Steel-toed

safety boots are

recommended.

Always use face or dust mask if
operation is dusty.

THE TRIMMER

For illustrations and definitions of the
electric trimmer parts see the chapter on
"Parts and Controls"!

!Warning!

Never modify a trimmer in any way. Only
attachments supplied by STIHL or
expressly approved by STIHL for use
with the specific STIHL electric trimmer
model are authorized. Although certain
unauthorized attachments are useable
with the STIHL electric trimmer, their use
may, in fact, be extremely dangerous.

!Warning!

To reduce the risk
of injury to
operator from
blade contact,

never use any
metal cutting attachment on this trimmer
model.

8

FSE 60

English / USA

THE USE OF THE ELECTRIC
TRIMMER

Electrical precautions

Special precautions for electric trimmers
must be observed to reduce the risk of
serious or fatal injury and property
damage from fire and electric shock.

!Warning!

The voltage of the power supply must
agree with the voltage specified on the
trimmer's machine label. Improper
voltage will damage the trimmer and
may cause personal injury.

Polarized Plugs: To reduce the risk of
electric shock, this trimmer has a
polarized plug (one blade is wider than
the other and will require the use of a
polarized extension cord. The trimmer
plug will fit into a polarized extension
cord only one way. If the plug does not fit
fully into the extension cord, reverse the
plug. If the plug still does not fit, obtain a
correct polarized extension cord. A
polarized extension cord will require the
use of a polarized wall outlet. This plug
will fit into the polarized wall outlet only
one way. If the plug does not fit fully into
the wall outlet, reverse the plug. If the
plug still does not fit, contact a qualified
electrician to install the proper wall
outlet. Do not change the trimmer plug,
extension cord receptacle, or extension
cord plug in any way.

Ground Fault Circuit Interupter (GFCI)
protection should be provided on the
circuit (s) of outlet(s) to be used for the
gardening appliance. Receptacles are
available having built-in GFCI protection
and may be used for this measure of
safety.

Extension Cord: Make sure your
extension cord is in good condition.
When using an extension cord, be sure
to use one heavy enough to carry the
current your product will draw. An
undersized extension cord will cause a
drop in line voltage resulting in loss of
power and overheating. The table below
shows the correct size to use depending
on cord length and nameplate ampere
raiting. If in doubt, use the next heavier
gauge. The smaller the gauge number,
the heavier the cord.

Minimum wire gage for extension cords
for 120 Volt appliances using 0-6 amps

Cord length (ft) 25 50 100 150
Wire size (AWG) 18 16 16 14

Appropriate extension cords are
available in special stores for electrical
equipment.

!Warning!

To reduce the risk of electric shock, use
only with an extension cord intended for
outdoor use, such as an extension cord
of cord type SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A,
STOW-A, SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-A, or
SJTOW-A.

9FSE 60

English / USA

Strain relief

To reduce the risk of disconnection of
appliance cord from the extension cord
during operating:

1

Insert unit's plug (1) into extension cord
coupling (2).

2

3

5

4

Make a loop (3) in the extension cord
and pass it through the opening (4). Slip
the loop over the hook (5) and pull it

238BA008 KN

tight.

!Warning!

Inspect the power supply
cord, plug and extension
cord before use and
periodically during use.
In order to reduce the risk

of serious injury from
electrocution, never use your trimmer if
the power supply cord or plug is cut,
cracked, worn or damaged. Disconnect
the plug from the power supply and have
a dealer replace the power supply cord.
Immediately replace any damaged
extension cords.

!Warning!

238BA009 KN

shock, do not handle the plug or the unit
with wet hands.

Avoid dangerous

environments. Do not use

the trimmer in damp or

wet locations. Do not

expose or use in rain. To

reduce the risk of electric

!Warning!

Be sure switch is off when plugging the
unit into the power supply in order to
reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock
from arcing and the risk of injury from
contact with a revolving cutting tool.

10

FSE 60

English / USA

!Warning!

When using the electric trimmer, always
keep the power supply cord and
extension cord behind you and away
from the cutting tool. Always ensure that
your power cords do not become
entangled with obstacles or objects.
Damaged cords may cause
electrocution. Always disconnect the
plug from the power supply when you
take a break.

!Warning!

Avoid damage to the power cords. Keep
cords away from heat, oil and sharp
edges. Never carry trimmer by power
cable or yank power cable or extension
cord to disconnect the plug from the wall
outlet. To unplug, grasp the plug not the
cord.

!Warning!

Always switch off the motor and make
sure the cutting attachment has stopped
before putting an electric trimmer down.
Disconnect the trimmer from the power
supply when not in use, before servicing,
when changing accessories such as
trimmer line, and the like.

To reduce the risk of unintentional
starting, never carry a plugged in unit
with your finger on the switch. Be sure
the switch is off when plugged in.

Transporting the electric trimmer

When transporting your electric trimmer
in a vehicle, properly secure it to prevent
turnover and damage to the electric
trimmer.

Preparation for the use of the electric
trimmer

Adjust 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 electric trimmer for proper condition
and operation before starting,
particularly the power supply cord, plug,
switch, cutting tool and deflector.

A

002BA051 KN

An arrow on the deflector shows the
correct direction of rotation of the cutting
tool.

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 parts.

Follow the instructions in the appropriate
section of this owner’s manual when
changing cutting attachments.

!Warning!

Inspect the power supply cord plug, and
extension cord before and after each
use for signs of damage or aging.

11FSE 60

English / USA

15m (50ft)

!Warning!

Your electric trimmer is a one-person
machine. Once switched on, it may fling
foreign objects for a great distance. 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.
Operate your trimmer without
assistance.

Working Conditions

!Warning!

Never attempt to use an electric trimmer
in locations where there is a potential for
explosive or flammable atmospheres.

Operate the electric trimmer under good
visibility and daylight conditions only.
Work carefully.

Do not cut any material other than
weed or similar soft vegetation.
The cutting tools may be used only
for the operations described in your
manual.

Always hold the trimmer 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 trimmer under control at all
times. Make sure that your trimmer
handles and grip are in good condition
and that they and your hands are clean
and free of moisture, pitch, oil or grease.

!Warning!

Never attempt to operate any trimmer
with one hand. Loss of control of the
trimmer resulting in serious or fatal injury
may result.

!Warning!

002BA056 KN

trimmer without a properly mounted
deflector. Keep the deflector (and the
skirt where appropriate) adjusted
properly at all times (see chapter on
mounting the cutting tool of your owner's
manual).

Do not overreach. Keep proper footing
and balance at all times. Special care
must be taken in slippery conditions 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.

To reduce the risk
of injury from
thrown objects and
blade contact,
never operate a

12

FSE 60

English / USA

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!

This trimmer is normally to be used at
ground level with the cutting attachment
parallel to the ground. Use of a trimmer
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 trimmer may be more difficult to
control. Use the correct tool for the job.
Never use your trimmer as a hedge
trimmer. Do not use trimmer for any job
except that for which it is intended.

Do not force trimmer. It will do the job
better and with less likelihood of a risk of
injury at the rate for which it was
designed.

If the cutting tool or deflector becomes
clogged or stuck, always switch off the
motor, disconnect the plug, and make
sure the cutting tool has stopped, before
cleaning. Grass, weeds, etc. should be
cleaned off the cutting tool at regular
intervals.

Check damaged parts. Before further
use of the trimmer, a guard or other part
that is damaged should be carefully
checked to determine that it will operate
properly and perform its intended
function. Check for alignment of moving
parts, binding of moving parts, breakage
of parts, mounting, and any other
condition that my affect its operation. A
guard or other part that is damaged
should be properly repaired or replaced
by an authorized service center unless
indicated elsewhere in this manual.

!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
damaged cutting tools immediately.
Such tools may shatter at high speed
and cause serious or fatal injury.

!Warning!

Keep hands and feet
away from cutting tool. Do
not grasp it when picking
up or holding the trimmer.
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).

MAINTENANCE; REPAIR AND
STORING

Servicing of double-insulated
appliance

This electric trimmer is double-insulated.
In such an appliance, two systems of
insulation are provided instead of
grounding. No grounding means are
provided, nor should means for
grounding be added to the appliance.
Servicing a double-insulated appliance
requires extreme care and knowledge of
the system, and should be done only by
qualified service personnel.

!Warning!

Use only identical STIHL replacement
parts for maintenance and repair. Use of
non - STIHL parts may cause serious or
fatal injury.

Maintain your trimmer with care. Follow
the maintenance, lubrication and repair
instructions in the appropriate section of
your owner's manual. Never attempt
unauthorized repairs or open
powerhead.

13FSE 60

English / USA

!Warning!

Always disconnect the plug from the
power supply and make sure that the
cutting tool is stopped before doing any
maintenance or repair work or cleaning
the electric trimmer. 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.

Only authorized personnel may replace
the power supply cord. A damaged
power supply cord must be replaced by
an identical STIHL replacement part.
Check cooling air inlets about every ten
hours of operation and clean if
necessary. Do not use any strong
detergents on the plastic housing or
handle. They can be attacked by certain
house-hold cleaners containing
aromatic oils such as pine or lemon, or
by solvents such as kerosene.

!Warning!

Do not spray water on the trimmer,
moisture can cause an electric shock
hazard. Wipe the unit with a cloth.

!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!

Check condition of cutting tool at regular
short intervals. If behavior of tool
changes, check it immediately for
tightness or any signs of cracks in
particular. Replace damaged or dull
cutting tools immediately, even if they
have only superficial cracks.If the tool
loosens after being properly tightened,
the retaining nut may be worn or
damaged and should be replaced. If the
tool continues to loosen, see your STIHL
dealer.

Tighten all nuts, bolts and screws before
and after each use.

For any maintenance please refer to the
maintenance chart and to the warranty
statement near the end of this manual.

Store electric trimmer indoors in a dry,
high or locked location and out of reach
of children.

SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS!

14

FSE 60