STIHL FS-KM Instruction Manual

STIHL FS-KM

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

KombiSystem ................................... 2

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

Safety Precautions and

Working Techniques ......................... 3

Approved CombiEngines ................ 14

Approved Combinations of
Cutting Tool, Deflector,

BA_SE_114_006_01_12.fmPrinted on chlorine-free paper.

Handle and Harness ....................... 15

Mounting the KombiTool ................. 17

Mounting the Deflector ................... 17

Mounting the Cutting Tools ............. 18

Fitting the Harness ......................... 22

Balancing the Brushcutter .............. 23

Starting / Stopping the Engine ........ 24

Storing the Machine ........................ 25

Lubricating the Gearbox ................. 25

Sharpening Metal Cutting Tools ...... 25

Maintenance ................................... 26

Main Parts ...................................... 27

Specifications ................................. 28

Special Accessories ....................... 28

Maintenance and Repairs ............... 28

Trademarks .................................... 29

Printing inks contain vegetable oils; paper can be recycled.

Allow only persons who understand the
manuals of the KombiEngine and
brushcutter KombiTool to operate this
power tool combination.

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

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 this power-tool has a high­speed cutting attachment 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.

Ma ke sur e you r unit is equip p ed wi th 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 attachment differs
from those described in this Manual,
please contact your STIHL dealer for
information and assistance.

STIHl

© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2008

0458 407 8621. M20. B8. PM. Printed in USA

1FS-KM

English / USA

KombiSystem

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.

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.

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In the STIHL KombiSystem a number of
different KombiEngines and KombiTools
can be combined to produce a power
tool. In this instruction manual the
functional unit formed by the
KombiEngine and KombiTool is referred
to as the power tool.

The KombiEngine and KombiTool come
with separate instruction manuals.

Always read and make sure you
understand both instruction manuals
before starting and using your machine.
Keep the manuals in a safe place for
later reference.

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

002BA159 KN

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.

2

FS-KM

Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques

English / USA

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.

Warning!

Because a CombiEngine
equipped with a
brushcutter CombiTool 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 manuals and the
safety instructions of your CombiEngine
and CombiTool periodically. Careless or
improper use of any power tool may
cause serious or fatal injury.

Have your STIHL dealer show you how
to operate your power tool. Observe all
applicable local safety regulations,
standards and ordinances.

!Warning!

Do not lend or rent your power tool
without the owner's manuals. Be sure
that anyone using your power tool
understands the information contained
in these manuals.

!Warning!

The use of any brushcutter 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
power tool. Bystanders, especially
children, and animals should not be
allowed in the area where a power tool is
in use.

Never let the brushcutter run
unattended.

3FS-KM

English / USA

Most of these safety precautions and
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL
brushcutters. Different models may have
different parts and controls. See the
appropriate sections of your
CombiEngine and CombiTool owner's
manuals for a description of the controls
and function of the parts of your power
tool model.

Safe use of a power tool involves

1. the operator

2. the power tool

3. the use of the power tool.

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
power tool when you are fatigued.

Be alert - if you get tired while operating
your power tool, take a break. Tiredness
may result in loss of control. Working
with any power tool can be strenuous. If
you have any condition that might be
aggravated by strenuous work, check
with your doctor before operating a
brushcutter.

!Warning!

Prolonged use of a power tool (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 power tool 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.

4

FS-KM

English / USA

Proper Clothing

!Warning!

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

!Warning!

The deflector provided with your
CombiTool 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.

!Warning!

To reduce the risk of injury
to your eyes never
operate a brushcutter
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!

Power tool 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

power tool and the cutting

attachment. 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 loose-fitting 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 brushcutter
work. Wear sturdy boots
with nonslip soles. Steel­toed 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 BRUSHCUTTER
COMBITOOL

For illustrations and definitions of the
brushcutter CombiTool parts see the
chapter on "Main Parts".

!Warning!

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

5FS-KM

English / USA

THE USE OF THE
BRUSHCUTTER
(COMBIENGINE EQUIPPED WITH
BRUSHCUTTER COMBITOOL)

Transporting the brushcutter

!Warning!

Always turn off the engine and make
sure the cutting attachment has stop­ped before putting a brushcutter down.
When transporting your brushcutter in a
vehicle, properly secure it to prevent
turnover, fuel spillage and damage to the
brushcutter. Keep metal cutting tools
covered with the transport guard
(optional accessory).

Preparation for the use of the
brushcutter

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 brushcutter 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.

!Warning!

Some risks of injury are associated with
specific types of cutting attachments.
For instance, with rigid cutting tools
there is a risk of reactive force known as
„kickout“ or „blade thrust“, which can
throw the brushcutter sideways in
certain situations. For more information
on such risks, see „Using the Cutting
To ol s “ .

Fueling

Your STIHL brushcutter uses an oil­gasoline mixture for fuel. For further
instructions see the safety precautions
and the chapter on „Fuel“ of the owner’s
manual of the CombiEngine.

!Warning!

000BA006 KN

damage. Use extreme caution when
handling gasoline or fuel mix.

Do not smoke or bring any fire or flame

000BA007 KN

near the fuel or brushcutter.

Gasoline is an extremely
flammable fuel. If spilled
and ignited by a spark or
other ignition source, it
can cause fire and serious
burn injury or property

6

FS-KM

English / USA

Operating instructions

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!

Improper use of
any brushcutter
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. Conversely make sure any cutting
attachment you use is authorized for
your model in its current configuration.
(See chart in chapter on "Approved
Combinations of Cutting Tool, Deflector,
Handle and Harness").

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).

!Warning!

Your power tool 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 brushcutter without
assistance. For specific starting
instructions, see the appropriate section
of the owner’s manual of the
CombiEngine. Place the power tool on
firm ground or other solid surface in an
open area. Maintain a good balance and
secure footing.

Starting

!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.

With the engine running only at idle,
attach the power tool to the spring hook
of your harness (see appropriate
chapter of this manual).

Working Conditions

Operate and start your power tool only
outdoors in a ventilated area.

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

!Warning!

Your brushcutter
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
brushcutter indoors or in poorly
ventilated locations.

7FS-KM

English / USA

!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. The State of
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.

Always hold the power tool 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 power tool under
control at all times. Make sure your
brushcutter handles and grips are in
good condition and free of moisture,
pitch, oil or grease.

!Warning!

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

002BA055 KN

!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.

002BA057 KN

8

FS-KM

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.
Remove such objects if possible, and
avoid any remaining ones when cutting.

!Warning!

When using rigid blades, avoid cutting
close to fences, sides of buildings, tree
trunks, stones or other such objects that
could cause the brushcutter 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 brushcutter is normally to be used
at ground level with the cutting attach­ment parallel to the ground. Use of a
brushcutter 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 brushcutter
may be more difficult to control. Never
use your brushcutter 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
CombiEngine 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
brushcutter, 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 brushcutter with a
loose blade.

!Warning!

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.

9FS-KM

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 the owner's manual of the
CombiEngine.

If you cannot set the correct idle speed,
have your STIHL dealer check your
brushcutter 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
coverage.

!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.

Additionally, the daily maintenance
schedule for your power tool set forth in
your STIHL Owner's Manual should be
strictly followed.

!Warning!

Always stop the engine and make sure
that the cutting tool is stopped before
doing any maintenance or repair work or
cleaning the power tool. 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
performing 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.

Keep the cutting tool sharp. Tighten all
nuts, bolts and screws, except the
carburetor adjustment screws, after
each use.

Store the brushcutter CombiTool in a dry
and 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“ in the
CombiEngine manual.

10

FS-KM

USING THE CUTTING TOOLS

For an illustration of the various cutting
tools and instructions on proper
mounting see the chapter on "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.

002BA018 LÄ

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, AutoCut, TrimCut
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).

English / USA

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).

11FS-KM

English / USA

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.

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.

002BA177 KN

Using the grass cutting blade

All kinds of grass and weeds can be
easily cut with the grass cutting blade.
The brushcutter 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 brushcutter, the brush
knife is suitable for applications ranging

000BA020 KN

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 brushcutter 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.

002BA066 KN

12

FS-KM

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.

Never cut wood or shrubs with a stem
diameter of more than 2cm (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 2cm (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 brushcutter forward.
This may cause damage to the blade or
brushcutter or loss of control of the
brushcutter, resulting in personal injury.

Using the circular saw blade

Circular saw blades are suitable for
thinning brush and cutting small trees up
to a diameter of 4 cm (1 9/16 in). Do not
attempt to cut trees with larger
diameters, since the blade may catch or
jerk the brushcutter forward. This may
cause damage to the blade or loss of
control of the brushcutter which may
result in serious injury.

English / USA

000BA016 KN

When the brushcutter 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 brushcutter
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 brushcutter
against the tree during the cutting
operation and will reduce the risk of loss
of control and possible kickout
(described in the following section).

000BA012 KN

13FS-KM

English / USA

Approved CombiEngines

!Warning!

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.

!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
brushcutter.

To reduce the risk of serious injury to the
operator or bystanders by a kickout,
never use a circular saw blade on a
brushcutter with a loop handle.

Risk of kickout (blade thrust)
with all rigid cutting blades

!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 brushcutter 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.

Only use CombiEngines supplied by
STIHL or expressly approved by STIHL
for use with the CombiTool.

Depending on the cutting tool used,
always refer to and observe the
recommendations in chapter "Approved
Combinations of Cutting Tool, Deflector,
Handle and Harness".

This CombiTool may be operated only in
combination with the following
CombiEngines:

STIHL KM 55, KM 55 C, KM 55 R,
KM 55 RC, KM 85, KM 85 R, KM 90,
KM 90 R, KM 110, KM 110 R, KM 130,
KM 130 R

The barrier bar must be mounted on
loop-handled units.

The CombiTool may also be mounted to
STIHL brushcutters with a split boom or
drive tube (T models).

Operation of this CombiTool is therefore
also permitted on the following power
tool models:

STIHL FS 55 T, FS 55 TC, FS 55 RT,
FS 55 RTC, FS 83 T, FS 83 RT, FS 85 T
und FS 85 RT

14

For use of barrier bar refer to power
tool instruction manual.

FS-KM

Approved Combinations of Cutting Tool, Deflector, Handle
and Harness

English / USA

Cutting tools

1 STIHL SuperCut 20-2

2 STIHL AutoCut 25-2

3 STIHL AutoCut C 25-2

4 STIHL TrimCut 30-2

5 STIHL PolyCut 20-3

6 STIHL FixCut 25-2

7 Grass cutting blade 230-4

8 Grass cutting blade 230-8

9 Brush knife 250

10 Scratcher tooth circular

saw blade 200

11 Chisel tooth circular

saw blade 200

Grass cutting blades, brush knives,
shredder blades and circular saw blades
made of any other non-metal material
are not permitted.

1)

1)

1)

Deflectors

12 Deflector for mowing heads only

13 Deflector with
14 Skirt and blade for all mowing heads

(see “Mounting the deflector”)

15 Deflector without skirt and blade

for all metal mowing tools and brush
knife

16 Limit stop for circular saw blades

Handles

17 Loop handle with
18 Barrier bar

19 Bike handle

Harnesses

20 Shoulder strap may be used

21 Shoulder strap must be used

22 Full harness may be used

23 Full harness must be used

Equipment

Among other parts, the complete FS-KM
CombiTool includes:

– Cutting tool

– Deflector

Select the correct combination from
the table according to the cutting tool
you intend to use. Read the table
horizontally from left to right. Other
combinations, e.g. reading the table
diagonally, are not permitted.

Warning!

To reduce the risk of injury from
thrown objects and blade contact,
never operate your unit without the
proper deflector for the cutting
attachment being used. To reduce the
risk of injury from loss of control
and / or contact with the cutting tool,
make sure your unit is equipped with
a proper handle and harness for the
type of cutting attachment being
used.

Warning!

Plastic or metal cutting tools, but not
circular saw blades, may be used
only on power tools with a bike
handle or loop handle with barrier bar
in order to reduce the risk of personal
injury through contact with the
cutting tool. To reduce the risk of
serious injury to the operator or
bystanders by kickout, never use a
circular saw blade on a power tool
with a loop handle. Circular saw
blades may be used only on power
tools with a bike handle.

1)

Not approved for KM 55, KM 55 C,
KM 55 R, KM 55 RC, FS 55 T,
FS 55 TC, FS 55 RT, FS 55 RTC

15FS-KM

English / USA

681FK111 KN

0

0

002BA005 K

002BA003 K

002BA001 K

0

0

0

681FK018

0

Cutting tool Deflector Handle Harness/Strap

1

681FK003

2

18

681FK006

3

12

17

681FK023

02BA003 K

20

4

02BA125 KN

5

8

10

681FK037 KN

681FK011

13

6

14

681BA002 KN

19

02BA001 K

21

7

18

17

9

13

681FK014

681FK021

19

21

02BA005 K

22

02BA127 KN

22

02BA126 KN

16

681FK016

11

19

02BA001 K

23

23

02BA026 KN

16

FS-KM

English / USA

Mounting the KombiTool

2

1

4

3

Mounting

: Engage lug (1) on drive tube in

slot (2) in the coupling sleeve and
push home the drive tube as far as
stop.

: When correctly installed, the red

line (3) (arrow point) must be flush
with the end of the coupling sleeve.

: Tighten the wing screw (4) firmly.

Removing

: Reverse the above sequence to

remove the drive tube.

Mounting the Deflector

1

002BA132 KN

3

2

3

002BA133 KN

Mounting the deflector

1 = Deflector approved for all cutting

tools

2 = Deflector approved for use with

mowing heads only

: Place the deflector on the

gearhead.

: Fit the plate (3) and line it up.
: Insert M 5 x 18 screws and tighten

down firmly.

4

4

1

5

002BA102 KN

Fitting skirt and blade

These parts must be fitted to the
deflector (1) when you use a
mowing head:

: Slide the lower guide slot of the

skirt (4) onto the deflector (1) – it
must snap into position.

: Push the blade (5) into the upper

guide slot on the skirt and line it up
with the first hole.

: Fit the screw and tighten it down

firmly.

002BA103 KN

17FS-KM

English / USA

7 7

6

7

Mounting the stop

: Always fit stop (6) when you use a

circular saw blade.

: Place the stop on the gearhead

flange.

: Fit the three M 5 x 18 screws (7) and

tighten down securely.

Mounting the Cutting Tools

Preparations

: Lay your brushcutter on its back

with the gearhead facing upward.

Mounting Hardware
for Cutting Tools

002BA028 KN

The mounting hardware supplied
depends on the cutting tool that comes
as original equipment with the new
brushcutter.

Mounting hardware is not packed
with the machine

Only mowing heads may be
mounted.

3

4

002BA104 KN

5

1

2

002BA164 KN

: Pull the hose (1) (protector for

shipping) off the shaft (2).

: Go to "Mounting the Mowing Head".

If you want to mount a metal cutting
tool in place of a mowing head, you
will need the following additional
parts: Nut (3), rider plate (4) and
thrust washer (5) (special
accessories).

18

FS-KM