STIHL FS-KM
Instruction Manual
Contents
English
KombiSystem 2
Guide to Using this Manual 2
Safety Precautions and Working
Techniques 2
Approved KombiEngines 10
Approved Combinations of Cutting
Attachment, Deflector, Handle and
Harness 11
Mounting the KombiTool 13
Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper
Mounting the Deflector 13
Mounting the Cutting Attachment 14
Fitting the Harness 17
Balancing the Machine 18
Starting / Stopping the Engine 19
Transporting the Unit 19
Lubricating the Gearbox 22
Storing the Machine 22
Sharpening Metal Cutting Blades 23
Maintaining the Mowing Head 23
Maintenance and Care 25
Minimize Wear and Avoid Damage 25
Main Parts 26
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
Specifications 27
Maintenance and Repairs 29
Disposal 29
EC Declaration of Conformity 29
UKCA Declaration of Conformity 30
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 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
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2021
0458-407-0121-C. VA0.H21.
0000006938_019_GB
FS-KM
This instruction manual is protected by copyright. All rights reserved, especially the rights to reproduce, translate and process
with electronic systems.
1
English
KombiSystem Guide to Using this Manual Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques
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.
Therefore, the separate instruction
manuals for the KombiEngine and
KombiTool should be used together for
the power tool.
Always read and and make sure you
understand both instruction manuals
before using your power tool for the first
time and keep them in a safe place for
future reference.
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.
Lend or rent your machine only to
persons who are familiar with this model
and its operation – do not lend or rent
your machine without the KombiEngine
and KombiTool user manuals.
Depending on the cutting attachment
fitted, use your power tool only for
cutting grass, wild growth, shrubs,
scrub, bushes, small diameter trees and
similar materials.
The machine must not be used for any
other purposes – risk of accidents!
Only use cutting attachments and
accessories that are explicitly approved
for this power tool model by STIHL or
Some special safety precautions must be
observed to reduce the
risk of personal injury
when operating this
power tool because of the
very high speed and
sharpness of its cutting
attachment.
Always read and and
make sure you understand both user manuals
(KombiEngine and
KombiTool) before using
your power tool for the
first time and keep them
in a safe place for future
reference. Non-compliance with the user
manuals may cause serious or even fatal injury.
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English
002BA079 KN
are technically identical. If you have any
questions in this respect, consult your
dealer.
Use only high-quality parts and
accessories. in order to avoid the risk of
accidents and damage to the machine.
STIHL recommends the use of original
STIHL tools, cutting attachments and
accessories. They are specifically
designed to match the product and meet
your performance requirements.
The guard provided with your machine
may not protect the operator from all
foreign objects (gravel, glass, wire etc.)
ejected by the revolving cutting
attachment. Ejected objects may also
ricochet and strike the operator.
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.
Do not use a high-pressure washer to
clean the power tool. The solid jet of
water may damage parts of the unit.
Clothing and equipment
Wear proper protective clothing and
equipment.
Clothing must be robust
but allow complete freedom of movement. Wear
close-fitting clothes such
as a boiler suit, not a
loose jacket.
Do not wear clothing which could
become trapped 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
shoulders.
Wear safety boots with
steel toe caps and nonslip soles.
Sturdy shoes with non-slip shoes are
permissible only when using mowing
heads.
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 protect the eyes.
Wear "personal" sound protection, e.g.
ear defenders.
Always wear a hard hat during thinning
work, in high brush, and whenever there
is a risk of injury due to falling objects.
Wear sturdy protective
gloves made of a resistant material (e. g.
leather).
STIHL can supply a comprehensive
range of personal protective equipment.
Transporting the machine
Always stop the engine.
Carry the machine hanging on the
harness or by the shaft so that it is
balanced.
To reduce the risk of cut injuries, fit
transport guard on the cutting
attachment, even when carrying the tool
for short distances – see also
"Transporting the Unit".
Avoid touching hot parts
of the machine and gearbox – risk of burns!
By vehicle: When transporting in a
vehicle, properly secure your machine to
prevent turnover, damage and fuel
spillage.
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English
002BA055 KN
002BA080 KN
15m (50ft)
Before starting
Check that your power tool is properly
assembled and in good condition – refer
to appropriate chapters in the
KombiEngine and KombiTool user
manuals:
– Use only an approved combination
of cutting attachment, deflector,
handle and harness. All parts must
be assembled properly and
securely
– Check cutting attachment for
correct and secure assembly and
good condition
– Safety devices (e. g., deflector for
cutting attachments, rider plate) for
damage and/or wear. Always
replace damaged parts. Do not use
the machine with a damaged
deflector or worn rider plate (if the
writing and arrows are no longer
discernible)
– Do not attempt to modify the
controls or safety devices in any
way – only work with the deflector
fitted
– Keep the handles dry and clean –
free from oil and dirt – this is
important for safe control of the
machine
– Adjust the harness and handle(s) to
suit your height and reach Observe
the chapter "Fitting the Harness"
To reduce the risk of personal injury, do
not operate your power tool if it is
damaged or not properly assembled!
4
To prepare for emergencies when using
a harness: Practice setting down the
machine quickly. To avoid damage, do
not throw the unit to the ground when
practicing.
Holding and guiding the machine
Always hold the unit firmly with both
hands on the handles.
Make sure you always have a firm and
secure footing.
For versions with bike handle
Right hand on control handle, left hand
on grip on handlebar.
For versions with loop handle
For versions with loop handle and loop
handle with barrier bar, left hand on the
loop handle, right hand on the control
handle – even if you are left-handed.
Wrap your fingers and thumbs around
the handles.
While working
Make sure you always have a firm and
secure footing.
In the event of impending danger or in
an emergency, switch off the engine
immediately by moving the slide
control/stop switch/stop button to
0 or STOP.
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 also be
maintained in relation to objects
(vehicles, window panes) – risk of
property damage! Even at distances
beyond 15 m, the danger cannot be
ruled out.
Avoid contact with the
cutting attachment – risk
of injury!
Check that the engine is properly idling
so that the cutting tool will not continue
rotating after you release the throttle
trigger.
Check and correct the idle speed setting
at regular intervals. If the attachment still
rotates when the engine is idling, have
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English
your dealer check your machine and
make proper adjustments or repairs –
see KombiEngine user manual. STIHL
recommends you have this work done
by a STIHL servicing dealer.
Take special care in slippery conditions
– damp, snow, ice, on slopes or uneven
ground.
Watch out for obstacles: tree stumps,
roots – risk of tripping or stumbling!
Only work while standing on the ground,
never on a ladder or mobile elevated
work platform.
Never operate your power tool with one
hand.
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 feeling 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.
If your power tool is subjected to
unusually high loads 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 Starting".
Make sure the safety devices are
working properly. Never use a power
tool that is no longer safe to operate. In
case of doubt, contact a dealer.
Never work without protection
suitable for the
respective
machine and cutting tool – risk of
injury from ejected
objects!
Check the work site –
rocks, metal objects etc.
could get caught up and
ejected – potentially
beyond a distance of
15 m – risk of injury! Such
objects can also damage
the cutting attachment
and other property (e.g.
parked vehicles,
windows).
Be particularly careful when working on
difficult, densely grown terrain.
When mowing in high shrubbery, under
shrubbery and hedges: Hold the cutting
tool at a working height of at least 15 cm
– avoid risks to animals.
Examine the cutting attachment
periodically at short intervals and as
soon as you note any noticeable
changes:
– Turn off the engine, hold the device
securely, press the cutting
attachment against the ground to
stop it
– Check condition and secure fitting;
watch out for cracks
– Ensure that the cutting blades are
sharp
– Replace damaged or blunt cutting
attachments immediately, even in
the event 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.
To reduce the risk of injury, shut off the
engine before replacing the cutting
attachment.
The gear head becomes
hot during operation. Do
not touch the gear housing – risk of burns!
If a rotating cutting attachment makes
contact with a rock or another hard
object, sparks can be generated which
may possibly ignite combustible
materials. Also dried-out plants and
brushwood are combustible, above all in
hot and dry weather. If there is a risk of
fire, do not use cutting attachments 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.
Using mowing heads
Enhance the cutting attachment
deflector with the attached parts
specified in the User Manual.
Only use the deflector with properly
mounted blade that ensures the mowing
line is restricted to the permissible
length.
Always switch off the engine to adjust
the mowing line for manually adjustable
mowing heads – risk of injury!
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5
English
Misuse with mowing lines that are too
long reduces the working speed of the
engine. The constant slipping of the
clutch causes overheating and damage
to important components (e. g. clutch,
plastic housing parts) – e. g. due to the
cutting attachment rotating during idling
– risk of injury!
When using metal cutting attachments
STIHL recommends the use of original
STIHL metal cutting attachments. These
have been optimized for the machine
and the user’s requirements.
Metal cutting attachments rotate very
fast, generating forces acting on the
attachments and on the cuttings.
Metal cutting attachments must be
sharpened in regular intervals in
accordance with the instructions.
Unevenly sharpened metal cutting
attachments generate an imbalance
which may cause extreme loads on the
machine – risk of breakage!
Dull or improperly sharpened cutting
edges can put a higher load on the
cutting attachment and increase the risk
of injuryfrom cracked or broken parts.
After each contact of the metal cutting
attachment with hard objects (e.g.
stones, rocks, metal parts), check it for
damage (e.g. tears and deformation).
Burrs and other visible accumulated
material must be removed since they
may come loose at any time while the
machine is running and then be ejected
– risk of injury!
Do not continue using or attempt to
repair damaged 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!
To reduce the above-named risks
involved in operating a metal cutting
attachment, ensure that the diameter of
your metal cutting attachment is not too
big. Also, the attachment must not be
too heavy. It must be made of highquality materials and have a suitable
geometry (shape, thickness).
To reduce the risk of injury, a metal
cutting attachment not manufactured by
STIHL must not be heavier, thicker,
have a different shape or a diameter
larger than the largest metal cutting
attachment approved by STIHL for this
power tool model.
After finishing work
After finishing work or before leaving the
power tool unattended: Shut off the
engine.
Clean the cutting attachment regularly
after finishing work to remove dust, dirt,
soil and plant debris – wear gloves – risk
of injury!
Do not use any grease solvents when
cleaning.
After cleaning it thoroughly, coat the
surface of metal cutting attachments
with a corrosion-proofing agent.
Maintenance and Repairs
Service the machine regularly. Do not
attempt any maintenance or repair work
not described in the KombiTool and
KombiEngine instruction manuals. Have
all other work performed by a servicing
dealer.
STIHL recommends that you have
servicing and repair work carried out
exclusively by an authorized 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
model and meet your performance
requirements.
To reduce the risk of injury, always shut
off the engine before carrying out any
maintenance or repairs or cleaning the
machine.
Symbols on Deflectors
An arrow on the deflector shows the
correct direction of rotation of the cutting
attachments.
Some of the following symbols are
applied to the outside of the deflector to
indicate the approved combination of
cutting attachment and deflector.
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000BA015 KN
Deflector may be used
with mowing heads.
Deflector must not be
used with mowing heads.
Deflector may be used
with grass cutting blades.
Deflector must not be
used with grass cutting
blades.
Deflector may be used
with brush knives.
Deflector must not be
used with brush knives.
Deflector must not be
used with shredder
blades.
Deflector must not be
used with circular saw
blades.
Harness / Strap
The harness is included in the scope of
supply or available as a special
accessory.
N Use a shoulder strap.
N With the engine running, attach the
machine to the shoulder strap.
Grass cutting blades and brush knives
must always be used in combination
with a shoulder strap.
Circular saw blades must always be
used in combination with a full harness
with a quick-release system.
Mowing Head with Nylon Line
Nylon line achieves a soft cut for edging
and trimming around trees, fence posts,
etc. – less risk of damaging tree bark.
The mowing head comes with an
instruction leaflet. Refill the mowing
head with nylon line as described in the
instruction leaflet.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of serious injury,
never use wire or metal-reinforced line in
place of the nylon line.
STIHL Polycut Mowing Head with
Polymer Blades
FS-KM
For mowing unobstructed edges of
meadows (without posts, fences, trees
or similar obstacles).
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002BA049 KN
002BA135 KN
000BA020 KN
Check the wear limit marks!
If one of the wear limit marks on the
PolyCut mowing head is worn through
(arrow): Do not continue using the
mowing head. Install a new one. There
is otherwise a risk of injury from thrown
parts of the head.
It is important to follow the maintenance
instructions for the PolyCut mowing
head.
The PolyCut can also be equipped with
mowing line in place of the polymer
blades.
The mowing head comes with
instruction leaflets. Equip the mowing
head with polymers blades or nylon line
as described in the instruction leaflets.
WARNING
Never use wire in place of the nylon
mowing line – risk of injury.
Risk of Kickout (Blade Thrust) with Metal
Cutting Attachments
WARNING
When using metal cutting attachments there is
a risk of kickout when the
rotating blade comes into
contact with a solid object
such as a tree trunk,
branch, tree stump, rock
or similar. The machine is
thrown to the right or to
the rear – opposite to the
attachment's direction of
rotation.
The risk of kickout is greatest when the
black area of the rotating cutting
attachment comes into contact with a
solid object.
Grass Cutting Blade
Use for grass and weeds only – sweep
the brushcutter in an arc like a scythe.
WARNING
Improper use may damage the grass
cutting blade – risk of injury from thrown
parts.
Resharpen the grass cutting blade
according to instructions when it has
dulled noticeably.
Brush Knife
For cutting matted grass, wild growth
and scrub and thinning young stands
with a stem diameter of no more than
2 cm – do not cut thicker stems – risk of
accidents.
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002BA355 KN
002BA509 KN
002BA068 KN
Use the brushcutter like a scythe (sweep
it to the right and left) at ground level
when cutting grass and thinning young
stands.
To cut wild growth and scrub, lower the
brush knife down onto the growth to
achieve a shredding effect – always
keep the cutting attachment below hip
level during this process.
Exercise extreme caution when using
this method of cutting. The higher the
cutting attachment is off the ground, the
greater the risk of injury from cuttings
being thrown sideways.
Warning! Improper use of a brush knife
may cause it to crack, chip or shatter –
risk of injury from thrown parts.
To reduce the risk of injury it is essential
to take the following precautions:
– Avoid contact with stones, rocks,
pieces of metal and other solid
foreign objects.
– Never cut wood or shrubs with a
stem diameter of more than 2 cm –
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
and whenever it has dulled
noticeably, and have it balanced if
necessary (STIHL recommends a
STIHL servicing dealer).
Circular Saw Blade
Suitable for cutting shrubs and trees with
a maximum stem diameter of 4 cm.
Before starting the cut, accelerate the
engine up to full throttle. Perform cut
with uniform pressure.
Use circular saw blades only with a
matching limit stop of the correct
diameter.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of blade damage,
avoid contact with stones and the
ground. Resharpen the blade properly in
good time – dull teeth may result in the
blade cracking and shattering and
causing serious injury.
When felling, maintain a distance of at
least two tree lengths from the next
felling site.
Risk of kickout
The risk of kickout is highest in the black
area of the blade: Do not use this area of
the circular saw blade for cutting.
There is also a risk of kickout when
using the lighter shaded areas of the
blade: These areas of the blade should
only be used by experienced operators
with specialized training.
STIHL recommends that you use the
non-shaded area of the circular saw
blade. Always start the cut with this area
of the blade.
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