Stihl FS-KM / KM FS Trimmer FS-KM / KM FS Trimmer

STIHL FS-KM

WARNING

Read Instruction Manual thoroughly
before use and follow all safety
precautions – improper use can
cause serious or fatal injury.

ADVERTENCIA

Antes de usar la máquina lea y siga
todas las precauciones de
seguridad dadas en el manual de
instrucciones – el uso incorrecto
puede causar lesiones graves o
mortales.

Instruction Manual
Manual de instrucciones

Instruction Manual
1 - 32

Manual de instrucciones
33 - 66

Contents

English

KombiSystem 2
Guide to Using this Manual 2
Safety Precautions and Working

Techniques 3
Approved KombiEngines 13
Approved Combinations of Cutting

Attachment, Deflector, Handle and
Harness 14

Mounting the KombiTool 16

Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper

Mounting the Deflector 16
Mounting the Cutting Attachment 17
Fitting the Harness 20
Balancing the Machine 22
Starting / Stopping the Engine 22
Transporting the Unit 23
Lubricating the Gearbox 25
Storing the Machine 25
Sharpening Metal Cutting Blades 26
Maintaining the Mowing Head 26
Maintenance and Care 28
Main Parts 29
Specifications 30

Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.

Maintenance and Repairs 31
Disposal 31
Trademarks 31

Allow only persons who fully understand
the manuals of the KombiEngine and
trimmer / brushcutter / clearing saw
KombiTool to operate this power tool
combination.

To receive maximum performance and
satisfaction from your STIHL
KombiTool, it is important that you read,
understand and follow the safety
precautions and the operating and
maintenance instructions in chapter
"Safety Precautions and Working
Techniques" before using your
KombiTool. For further information you
can go to www.stihlusa.com.

Contact your STIHL dealer or the STIHL
distributor for your area if you do not
understand any of the instructions in the
two manuals.

WARNING

Because a KombiEngine equipped with
a trimmer / brushcutter / clearing saw
has a high-speed 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.

Make sure your unit is equipped with the
proper deflector or limit stop, handle and
harness for the type of cutting
attachment being used. Always wear
proper eye protection.

© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2020

0458-407-8621-B. VA7.J20.

0000006943_010_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

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 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 or
embossed on the machine are shown
and explained in this manual.

Symbols in Text

Many operating and safety instructions
are supported by illustrations.

The individual steps or procedures
described in the manual may be marked
in different ways:

N A bullet marks a step or procedure.
A description of a step or procedure that

refers directly to an illustration may
contain item numbers that appear in the
illustration. Example:

N Loosen the screw (1).
N Lever (2) ...

In addition to the operating instructions,
this manual may contain paragraphs
that require your special attention. Such
paragraphs are marked with the
following symbols and signal words:

WARNING

Indicates a hazardous situation that, if
not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.

NOTICE

Indicates a risk of property damage,
including damage to the machine or its
individual components.

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. Therefore,
some changes, modifications and
improvements may not be covered in
this manual. If the operating
characteristics or the appearance of
your machine differs from those
described in this manual, please contact
your STIHL dealer or the STIHL
distributor for your area for assistance.

DANGER

Indicates a hazardous situation that, if
not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.

2

FS-KM

English

Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques

Because a KombiEngine
equipped with a trimmer /
brushcutter / clearing saw
KombiTool is a high­speed 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
instruction manuals and
the safety precautions of
your KombiEngine and
KombiTool periodically.
Careless or improper use
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.

The terminology utilized in this manual
when referring to the power tool reflects
the fact that different types of cutting
attachments may be mounted on it. The
term "trimmer" is used to designate an
FS unit that is equipped with a nylon line
head or a head with flexible plastic
blades (i.e., the PolyCut head). A
"brushcutter" designates a unit
equipped with a rigid metal blade. Many
FS models may be used as either a
trimmer or a brushcutter – therefore, the
power tool is referred in this manual as a
"trimmer / brushcutter". Some smaller

and / or lightweight FS models may only
be used as a trimmer, i.e., they may not
be used with metal blades.

The term "clearing saw" indicates a
high-powered trimmer / brushcutter that
is particularly suited for use with a
circular saw blade to clear saplings or
small trees.

WARNING

As more fully explained later in these
Safety Precautions, to reduce the risk of
personal injury, make sure your unit is
equipped with the proper handle,
harness and deflector for the type of
cutting attachment you are using. Use
only cutting attachments that are
specifically authorized by STIHL for use
on your KombiEngine model.

WARNING

Do not lend or rent your power tool
without the instruction manuals of your
KombiEngine and KombiTool. Be sure
that anyone using it understands the
information contained in these manuals.

WARNING

The use of this machine may be
hazardous. If the rotating line or blade
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. Thrown objects, including broken
heads or blades, may result in serious or
fatal injury to the operator or bystanders.

STIHL does not recommend the use of
rigid blades when cutting in stony areas.

Use your KombiEngine equipped with
the appropriate KombiTool only for
cutting grass, brush, wood and similar
material.

WARNING

Do not use it for other purposes, since
misuse may result in personal injury or
property damage, including damage to
the machine.

WARNING

Minors should never be allowed to use
this power tool. Bystanders, especially
children, and animals should not be
allowed in the area where it is in use.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of injury to bystanders
and damage to property, never let your
power tool run unattended. When it is
not in use (e.g. during a work break),
shut it off and make sure that
unauthorized persons do not use it.

Most of these safety precautions and
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL
power tools. Different models may have
different parts and controls. See the
appropriate section of your
KombiEngine and KombiTool instruction
manuals for a description of the controls
and the function of the parts of your
model.

Safe use of a power tool involves

1. the operator

2. the power tool

3. the use of the power tool.

FS-KM

3

English

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
this machine when you are fatigued.

WARNING

Be alert – if you get tired, 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
this machine.

Proper Clothing

WARNING

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

The deflector provided with your power
tool will not protect the operator from all
foreign objects (gravel, glass, wire, etc.)
thrown back 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 your power tool
unless wearing goggles
or properly fitted protec­tive glasses with
adequate top and side
protection complying with
ANSI Z87 "+" (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 protective
glasses.

Wear an approved safety
hard hat to reduce the
risk of injury to your head
when there is a danger of
head injuries.

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.

Be particularly alert and cautious when
wearing hearing protection because
your ability to hear warnings (shouts,
alarms, etc.) is restricted.

Always wear heavy duty
work gloves (e.g. made of
leather or other wear
resistant material) when
handling the cutting
attachment, especially
blades.Heavy-duty, non­slip gloves improve your
grip and help to protect
your hands.

Clothing must be sturdy
and snug-fitting, but allow
complete freedom of
movement. Wear long
pants made of heavy
material to help protect
your legs. Do not wear
shorts, sandals or go
barefoot.

Avoid loose-fitting jackets, scarfs,
neckties, jewelry, flared or cuffed pants,
unconfined long hair or anything that
could become caught on branches,
brush or the moving parts of the unit.
Secure hair so it is above shoulder level.

Good footing is very
important. Wear sturdy
boots with nonslip soles.
Steel-toed safety boots
are recommended.

For further instructions on proper
clothing see the safety precautions in
the instruction manual of the
KombiEngine you are using.

4

FS-KM

English

389BA019 KN

THE POWER TOOL (KOMBIENGINE
EQUIPPED WITH TRIMMER /
BRUSHCUTTER / CLEARING SAW
KOMBITOOL)

For illustrations and definitions of the
power tool parts see the chapter on
"Main Parts.”

WARNING

Never modify this power tool in any way.
Only attachments supplied by STIHL
and expressly approved by STIHL for
use with the specific STIHL
KombiEngine are authorized. Although
certain unauthorized attachments are
useable with STIHL power tools, their
use may, in fact, be extremely
dangerous.

For the cutting attachments authorized
by STIHL for your unit, see the chapter
"Approved Combinations of Cutting
Attachment, Deflector, Handle and
Harness" in the instruction manual or the
STIHL "Cutting Attachments, Parts &
Accessories" catalog.

If this 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. Check in particular that
the fuel system is tight (no leaks) and
that the controls and safety devices are
working properly. Do not continue
operating this machine if it is damaged.
In case of doubt, have it checked by your
STIHL servicing dealer.

THE USE OF THE POWER TOOL
(KOMBIENGINE EQUIPPED WITH
TRIMMER / BRUSHCUTTER /
CLEARING SAW KOMBITOOL)

Transporting the Power Tool

WARNING

To reduce the risk of injury from loss of
control and blade or line contact, never
carry or transport your power tool with
the cutting attachment moving.

WARNING

Always switch off the engine and make
sure the working tool has stopped before
putting a power tool down.

It may be carried only in a horizontal
position. Grip the shaft in a manner that
the machine is balanced horizontally.

Keep the hot muffler away from your
body and the cutting attachment behind
you.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of burn injury, do not
touch hot parts of the machine and the
gear housing when they are hot.

WARNING

When transporting it in a vehicle,
properly secure it to prevent turnover,
fuel spillage and damage to the unit.
STIHL recommends that you keep metal
blades covered with the transport guard
(optional accessory).

Before Starting

WARNING

Always check your power tool for proper
condition and operation before starting.
Never attempt to modify the controls or
safety devices.

WARNING

Never use a power tool that is damaged
or not properly maintained.

WARNING

Do not attach any cutting attachment to
a unit without proper installation of all
required parts. Failure to use the proper
parts may cause the blade or head to fly
off and seriously injure the operator or
bystanders.

FS-KM

5

English

A

000BA006 KN

B

000BA007 KN

WARNING

The cutting attachment must be properly
tightened and in safe operating
condition. Inspect for loose parts (nuts,
screws, etc.) and for cracked or
damaged heads or cracked, bent,
warped or damaged blades. Replace
damaged heads or blades before using
the power tool. Always keep blades
sharp.

Keep the handles clean and dry at all
times; it is particularly important to keep
them free of moisture, pitch, oil, fuel mix,
grease or resin in order for you to
maintain a firm grip and properly control
your power tool.

WARNING

To reduce the risk
of personal injury
to the operator
from blade or line
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 (see chart in
the chapter on
"Approved Combi­nations of Cutting
Attachment,
Deflector, Handle
and Harness".)

As can be seen in that chart, some
cutting attachments may require you to
change your deflector, handle and or
harness.

Keep the deflector (and the attached
skirt where appropriate) adjusted
properly at all times (see chapters on
"Mounting the Deflector" and "Mounting
the Cutting Attachment" of your
instruction manual).

Arrows on the deflector (A) and limit
stop (B) (as seen from the underside)
show the correct direction of rotation of
the cutting attachment. When viewed
from above, however, the cutting
attachment rotates counterclockwise.

Adjust harness (if you are wearing one)
and hand grip to suit your size before
starting work. The machine should be
properly balanced as specified in your
instruction manual for proper control and
less fatigue in operation. To be better

prepared in case of an emergency,
practice releasing the unit from the
harness as quickly as possible.

Starting

WARNING

Start the engine at least 10 feet (3 m)
from the fueling spot, outdoors only.

Start and operate your power tool
without assistance. For specific starting
instructions, see the appropriate section
of your KombiEngine and KombiTool
manuals. Place the power tool on firm
ground or other solid surface in an open
area. Maintain good balance and secure
footing.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of injury from loss of
control, be absolutely sure that the
working 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
move the working tool.

Once the engine has started,
immediately blip the throttle trigger,
which should release the starting throttle
and allow the engine to slow down to
idle.

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

6

FS-KM

English

002BA257 KN

002BA273 KN

WARNING

Your power tool is a one-person
machine. Do not allow other persons in
the general work area, even when
starting.

See also the safety precautions on
Starting in the instruction manual of the
KombiEngine.

During Operation
Holding and Controlling the Power Tool
Always hold the unit firmly with both

hands on the handles while you are
working. Wrap your fingers and thumbs
around the handles.

Make sure you always have good
balance and secure footing.

Models with bike handle

Right hand on control handle, left hand
on left handle.

Models with loop handle

Left hand on loop handle, right hand on
control handle, even if you are left­handed.

WARNING

Never attempt to operate
your power tool with one
hand. Loss of control of
the power tool resulting in
serious or fatal injury may
result. To reduce the risk
of cut injuries, keep
hands and feet away
from the cutting attach­ment. Never touch a
moving cutting attach­ment with your hand or
any other part of your
body.

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. For better footing, clear
away scrub and cuttings. Be extremely
cautious when working on slopes or
uneven ground.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of injury from loss of
control, never work on a ladder or on any
other insecure support. Never hold the
cutting attachment above waist height

Working Conditions
Operate and start your power tool only

outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
Operate it under good visibility and
daylight conditions only. Work carefully.

WARNING

If the vegetation being cut or the
surrounding ground is coated with a
chemical substance (such as an active
pesticide or herbicide), read and follow
the instructions and warnings that
accompany the substance at issue.

WARNING

Inhalation of certain dusts, especially
organic dusts such as mold or pollen,
can cause susceptible persons to have
an allergic or asthmatic reaction.
Substantial or repeated inhalation of
dust and other airborne contaminants, in
particular those with a smaller particle
size, may cause respiratory or other
illnesses. Control dust at the source
where possible. Use good work
practices, such as operating the unit so
that the wind or operating process
directs any dust raised by the power tool
away from the operator. Follow the
recommendations of EPA / OSHA /
NIOSH and occupational and trade
associations with respect to dust
("particulate matter"). When the
inhalation of dust cannot be
substantially controlled, i.e., kept at or

FS-KM

7

English

15m (50ft)

near the ambient (background) level, the
operator and any bystanders should
wear a respirator approved by NIOSH /
MSHA for the type of dust encountered.

Operating Instructions

WARNING

Do not operate your power tool using the
starting throttle lock, as you do not have
control of the engine speed.

In the event of an emergency, switch off
the engine immediately – move the slide
control / stop switch / momentary stop
switch to 0 or STOP.

WARNING

The cutting attachment
continues to rotate for a
short period after the
throttle trigger is released
(flywheel effect.)

To reduce the risk of eye and other injury
always wear proper eye protection (see
the chapter on "Proper Clothing") and
ensure that bystanders are at least
50 feet (15 m) away. To reduce the risk
of damage to property, also maintain this
distance from such objects as vehicles
or windows. Even maintaining a
minimum distance of 15 meters cannot
exclude the potential danger. Any
coworkers who must be in the restricted

area should also wear goggles or
protective glasses. Stop the engine
immediately if you are approached.

WARNING

Inspect the work area: To
reduce the risk of injury,
remove stones, pieces of
metal and other solid
objects which could be
thrown 15 meters or more
by the cutting attachment
or damage the cutting
attachment and property
(e.g. parked vehicles,
windows).

WARNING

This power tool is normally to be used at
ground level with the KombiTool parallel
to the ground. Use of a KombiEngine
above ground level or with the
KombiTool perpendicular to the ground
may increase the risk of injury, since the
cutting attachment is more fully exposed
and the power tool may be more difficult
to control.

WARNING

During cutting, check the tightness and
the condition of the cutting attachment at
regular short intervals with the engine
and attachment stopped. If the behavior
of the attachment changes during use,
stop the engine immediately, wait until
the cutting attachment stops, and check
the nut securing the attachment for
tightness and the blade or head for
cracks, wear and damage.

WARNING

A loose blade or head may vibrate,
crack, break or come off the power tool,
which may result in serious or fatal
injury. Make sure that the cutting
attachment is properly tightened. Use
the wrench supplied or one of sufficient
length to obtain the proper torque. If the
blade or head loosens after being
properly tightened, stop work
immediately. The retaining nut may be
worn or damaged and should be
replaced. If the blade or head continues
to loosen, see your STIHL dealer. Never
use a KombiEngine with a loose
KombiTool.

WARNING

Replace a cracked, damaged or worn­out head or a cracked, bent, warped,
damaged, dull or worn out blade
immediately, even if damage is limited to
superficial cracks. Such attachments
may shatter at high speed and cause
serious or fatal injury.

WARNING

When using rigid blades, avoid cutting
close to fences, sides of buildings, tree
trunks, stones or other such objects that
could cause the power tool to kick out or
could cause damage to the blade.
STIHL recommends use of the nylon line
heads for such jobs. In addition, be alert
to an increased possibility of ricochets in
such situations.

8

FS-KM

English

000BA015 KN

WARNING

If a rotating metal blade strikes a rock or
other hard object, sparks may be
created, which can ignite flammable
materials under certain circumstances.
Flammable materials can include dry
vegetation and brush, particularly when
weather conditions are hot and dry.
When there is a risk of fire or wildfire, do
not use metal blades around flammable
materials or around dry vegetation or
brush. Contact your local fire authorities
or the U.S. Forestry Service if you have
any question about whether vegetation
and weather conditions are suitable for
the use of a metal blade.

WARNING

If the head, blade or deflector becomes
clogged or stuck, always shut off the
engine and make sure the cutting
attachment has stopped before
cleaning. Grass, weeds, etc. should be
cleaned off the blade or from around the
head at regular intervals.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of unintentional
rotation of the cutting attachment and
injury, always shut off the engine before
replacing the cutting attachment. To
reduce the risk of injury, always shut off
the engine before adjusting the length of
the nylon line on manually adjustable
mowing heads.

WARNING

The gearbox becomes
hot during operation. To
reduce the risk of burn
injury, do not touch the
gear housing when it is
hot.

USING THE CUTTING ATTACHMENT

For an illustration of the various cutting
attachments and instructions on proper
mounting see the chapter on "Mounting
the Cutting Attachment" in your
instruction manual.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of severe or fatal
injury from blade contact and / or loss of
control, never attempt to use a metal
blade on a power tool for which it is not
authorized.

Using the Mowing Heads
Do not use with mowing line longer than

the intended length. With a properly
mounted deflector, the built-in line­limiting blade will automatically adjust
the line to its proper length.

Using the unit with an overly long nylon
cutting line increases the load on the
engine and reduces its operating speed.
This causes the clutch to slip
continuously and results in overheating
and damage to important components
(e.g. clutch, polymer housing
components). Such damage could,
among other things, cause the cutting
attachment to rotate at idle.

Mowing heads are to be used only on
trimmers / brushcutters equipped with a
line-limiting blade in the deflector in
order to keep the line at the proper
length (see "Main Parts" chapter in your
instruction manual).

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 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
polymer 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

FS-KM

9

English

002BA177 KN

002BA135 KN

cutting lines. Pieces of wire could break
off and be thrown at high speed toward
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 AutoCut mowing head
Nylon cutting line advances

automatically when tapped against the
ground (TapAction).

STIHL TrimCut mowing head
Frayed line is replaced by a simple

adjustment (see instruction sheet
supplied with mowing head).

STIHL PolyCut mowing head
Uses either nylon lines or nonrigid,

pivoting polymer blades.
Observe wear indicators.

WARNING

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.

STIHL FixCut mowing head
Uses pre-cut lengths of nylon line.
Observe wear indicators.

Do not continue using the mowing head
if the raised moldings (1) on the base
are missing or worn – see right
illustration above. The mowing head
may otherwise shatter and flying objects
could result in injury to the operator or
bystanders. Install a new mowing head.

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 (espe­cially the darkly shaded
area) of a rotating blade
comes in contact with a
solid rigid 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 to the right or to
the rear.

This kickout (blade thrust) may cause
loss of control of the power tool 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.

10

FS-KM

English

000BA020 KN

002BA066 KN

Using the Grass Cutting Blade

All kinds of grass and weeds can be
easily cut with the grass cutting blade.
The power tool is swept in an arc similar
to a scythe.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of serious or fatal
injury from blade breakage, never
attempt to use this blade 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. When the
cutting edges on one side become dull,
the blade can be turned over to utilize
the cutting edges on the other side.

The 8-tooth grass cutting blade is
recommended for cutting fern or reed.

Both types of grass cutting blade have to
be resharpened when all cutting edges
are dull.

Using the Brush Knife
When fitted to the power tool, the brush

knife is suitable for applications ranging
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 –
but keep the tool below waist height at
all times.

WARNING

Exercise extreme caution when using
this method of cutting. The higher the
cutting attachment is off the ground, the
greater the risk of loss of control and of
cuttings being thrown sideways.

Use the power tool like a scythe to cut
grass, i.e. sweep it to and fro 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. Thrown blade
fragments may seriously or fatally injure
the operator or bystanders. To reduce
the risk of injury, avoid contact with hard
or solid foreign objects such as stones,
rocks or pieces of metal.

WARNING

When cutting young saplings or other
woody materials up to 2 cm (3/4 in.) in
diameter, use the left side of the blade to
avoid "kickout" situations (see section
on "Risk of kickout (blade thrust) with all
rigid cutting blades"). Do not attempt to
cut woody material with a larger
diameter, since the blade may catch or
jerk the power tool forward. This may
cause damage to the blade or power tool
or loss of control of the power tool,
resulting in personal injury. Use a
circular saw blade for such work.

WARNING

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).

FS-KM

11

English

000BA016 KN

002BA068 KN

Using the Circular Saw Blade

Circular saw blades are suitable for
thinning brush and cutting small trees up
to a diameter of 1 1/2 in. (4 cm). Do not
attempt to cut trees with larger
diameters, since the blade may catch or
jerk the trimmer / brushcutter forward.
This may cause damage to the blade or
loss of control of the power tool and
result in serious injury. Use a chain saw
for such work.

WARNING

To reduce the risk that the blade will
crack and / or break, avoid all contact
with stones, rocks or the ground.
Sharpen blades in a timely manner as
specified – dull teeth may cause the
blade to crack or shatter.

When a trimmer / brushcutter with a
circular saw blade is used to cut down
small trees, STIHL recommends that the
standard deflector be removed and

replaced by the special limit stop
deflector (see chapter on "Mounting the
Deflector"). This limit stop helps to keep
the unit 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 trimmer / brushcutter against the tree
during the cutting operation and will
reduce the risk of loss of control and
possible kickout (described above and
briefly again below).

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, as
shown in the illustration above.

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 the use and control of the

002BA214 ST

trimmer / brushcutter.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of loss of control and
serious injury to the operator or
bystanders by a kickout, never use a
circular saw blade on a trimmer /
brushcutter with a loop handle, but
rather only on one with a bicycle handle.

When felling small trees, maintain a
distance of at least two tree lengths from
the nearest coworker.

WARNING

In order to reduce the risk of injury from
thrown objects or operator contact with
the blade or head, be sure to remount
the standard deflector when no longer
using a circular saw blade.

12

FS-KM

English

MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND
STORING

WARNING

Always stop the engine and make sure
that the cutting attachment 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 instruction manual.
Have such work performed by your
STIHL servicing dealer only.

WARNING

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

Wear gloves when handling or
performing maintenance on blades.

WARNING

Never repair damaged cutting
attachments by welding, straightening or
modifying the shape. This may cause
parts of the cutting attachment to come
off and result in serious or fatal injuries.

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

Do not clean your machine with a
pressure washer. The solid jet of water
may damage parts of the machine.

Store the power tool in a dry and high or
locked location out of reach of children.

Approved KombiEngines

KombiEngines

Only use KombiEngines supplied or
explicitly approved by STIHL for use with
the attachment.

Depending on the cutting attachment
used, always observe the chapter
“Permissible combinations of cutting
attachment, deflector, grip and
harness”.

This KombiTool may be operated only in
combination with the following
KombiEngines:

STIHL KM 56 R, KM 91 R, KM 94 R,
KM 111 R, KM 131 R, KMA 130 R,
KMA 135 R

WARNING

Loop-handled machines must be
equipped with a barrier bar.

FS-KM

13

English

Approved Combinations of Cutting Attachment, Deflector, Handle and Harness

Cutting Attachment Deflector, Limit Stop Handle Harness

1

3

5 6

7

9

10

11

2

14

19

20

22

24

4

16

15

21

23

24

8

19

20

17

23

24

21

14

12

13

18

21

25

0000-GXX-0388-A1

FS-KM

English

Approved Combinations

The complete combination includes:

– Cutting attachment
– Deflector or limit stop
– Handle
– Harness

Select correct combination from the
table according to the cutting
attachment you intend to use.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of injury, only the
cutting attachments, deflectors or limit
stops, handles and harnesses shown in
each row of the table may be used
together. No other combinations are
permitted.

WARNING

Loop-handled machines must be
equipped with a barrier bar.

Cutting Attachments

Mowing heads
1 STIHL SuperCut 20-2

2 STIHL AutoCut C 25-2
3 STIHL AutoCut 25-2
4 STIHL AutoCut C 26-2
5 STIHL AutoCut 36-2
6 STIHL FixCut 31-2
7 STIHL TrimCut 31-2
8 STIHL DuroCut 20-2
9 STIHL PolyCut 20-3

2)

Metal cutting attachments
10 Grass cutting blade 230-4 (230 mm

dia.)

11 Grass cutting blade 230-8 (230 mm

dia.)
12 Brush knife 250-3
13 Scratcher tooth circular saw blade

14 Chisel tooth circular saw blade

1)

200

(200 mm dia.)

1)

200

(200 mm dia.)

1)

(250 mm dia.)

WARNING

Non-metal grass cutting blades, brush
knives and circular saw blades are not
approved.

Deflectors, Limit Stop

15 Deflector for mowing heads
16 Deflector with
17 skirt and blade, for mowing heads
18 Deflector without skirt and blade, for

metal cutting attachments 10 to 12
19 Limit stop for circular saw blades

Handles

20 Loop handle with
21 Barrier bar
22 Bike handle

1)

Not approved for KMA 130 R,

KMA 135 R, KM 55, KM 55 R,

FS 55 T, FS 55 RT, KM 56 R

2)

Not approved for KMA 135 R

Harnesses

23 Shoulder strap may be used
24 Shoulder strap must be used
25 Full harness may be used
26 Full harness must be used

WARNING

Based on the cutting attachment being
used:

Choose the proper deflector in order to
reduce the risk of serious personal injury
from thrown objects and contact with the
cutting attachment.

Make sure your unit is equipped with the
proper handle and harness in order to
reduce the risk of serious personal injury
from loss of control and contact with the
cutting attachment.

To reduce the risk of serious personal
injury from contact with the cutting
attachment, use grass cutting metal
blades and brush knives on this unit only
if equipped with a bike handle or a loop
handle with barrier bar. Use circular saw
blades on this unit only if equipped with
a bike handle.

Do not use rigid polymer blades on this
unit.

FS-KM

15

English

1

002BA326 KN

2

3

002BA327 KN

4

002BA636 KN

2

1

3

3

002BA637 KN

1.

2.

002BA646 KN

Mounting the KombiTool

N Push the lug (1) on the drive tube

into the slot (2) in the coupling
sleeve as far as stop.

When correctly installed, the red line (3)
(arrow point) must be flush with the end
of the coupling sleeve.

N Tighten down the star knob (4)

firmly.

Removing the KombiTool

N Reverse the above sequence to

remove the drive tube.

Mounting the Deflector

Mounting the Deflector

1 Deflector for mowing attachments
2 Deflector for mowing heads

Deflectors (1 and 2) are both mounted to
the gearbox in the same way.

N Place the deflector on the gearbox

flange.
N Insert the screws (3) and tighten

them down firmly.

Fitting the Skirt and Blade

WARNING

Risk of injury from thrown objects and
contact with the cutting attachment.
These parts must be fitted to the
deflector (1) when you use a mowing
head.

Fitting the Skirt

N Slide the lower guide slot of the skirt

onto the deflector – it must snap into
position.

Removing the Skirt

16

N Insert the stop pin into the hole in

the skirt and use it to push the skirt
to the left.

N Pull the skirt off the deflector.

FS-KM

English

002BA638 KN

7

002BA639 KN

6

002BA104 KN

2

002BA164 KN

1

3

4

5

2

002BA266 KN

Mounting the Blade

N Slide the line limiting blade into the

guide on the skirt.

N Insert the screw and tighten it down

firmly.

Mounting the Limit Stop

Mounting the Cutting
Attachment

Placing power tool on the ground

N Shut off the engine.
N Lay your power tool on its back so

that the cutting attachment

mounting face is pointing up.

Mounting Hardware for Cutting
Attachments

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

Depending on the cutting attachment, it
may be necessary to use the nut (3),
rider plate (4) and thrust washer (5).

These parts are included in a kit
supplied with the machine and are also
available as special accessories.

Removing the transport lock
N Pull the hose (1) off the shaft (2).

WARNING

Risk of injury from thrown objects and
contact with the cutting attachment.
Always fit the limit stop (6) when you use
a circular saw blade.

N Position the limit stop (6) on the

gearbox flange.

N Insert the screws (7) and tighten

them down firmly.

FS-KM

Machine supplied with mounting
hardware

Mowing heads and metal cutting
attachments may be mounted.

Machine supplied without mounting
hardware

Only mowing heads may be used which
mount directly to the shaft (2).

17

English

6

7

2

002BA330 KN

6

3

4

2

271BA057 KN

1

5

1

002BA385 KN

Blocking the Shaft

The output shaft (2) must be blocked
with the stop pin (6) or screwdriver (6) to
mount or remove cutting attachments.
These parts come standard with the
machine or are available as special
accessories.

N Insert the stop pin (6) or

screwdriver (6) in the hole (7) in the
gearbox as far as stop – and apply
slight pressure.

N Rotate shaft, nut or cutting

attachment until the stop pin slips
into position and blocks the shaft.

Removing the Mounting Hardware

N Block the shaft.
N Use the combination wrench (1) to

loosen and remove the nut (2)

clockwise (left-hand thread).
N Take the thrust washer (3) off the

shaft (4). Do not remove the thrust

plate (5).

Mounting the Cutting Attachment

Fitting the mowing head with screw
mounting

Keep the supplement sheet for the
mowing head in a safe place.

N Fit the thrust plate
N Turn the mowing head

anticlockwise on the shaft (1) as far
as it will go

N Retain the shaft
N Tighten the mowing head

18

WARNING

Use a deflector that matches the cutting
attachment – see "Mounting the
Deflector".

NOTICE

Remove the tool that was used to block
the shaft.

Removing the Mowing Head

N Retain the shaft
N Turn the mowing head clockwise

FS-KM

English

Fitting Mowing Head without Screw
Mounting

Keep the instruction leaflet for the
mowing head in a safe place.

STIHL FixCut 31-2

N Fit the thrust plate (2).
N Place the mowing head on the

thrust plate (2).

WARNING

Collar (see arrows) must engage the
mowing head's mounting hole.

N Push the thrust washer (3) (convex

side up) over the shaft (1) until it is

seated on the base.

N Block the shaft.
N Use the combination wrench (5) to

screw the mounting nut (4) onto the

output shaft and it tighten down

firmly.

WARNING

If the mounting nut has become too
loose, fit a new one.

NOTICE

Remove the tool used to block the shaft.

Removing the Mowing Head

N Block the shaft.
N Use the combination wrench to

loosen and unscrew the mounting

nut counterclockwise from the

output shaft.

Mounting Metal Cutting Attachment

Keep the leaflet and packaging of the
metal cutting attachment in a safe place.

WARNING

Wear protective gloves to reduce the
risk of direct contact with the sharp
cutting edges.

Mount only one metal cutting
attachment.

Check direction of rotation of cutting
attachment

Cutting attachments with 3 or 4 teeth (1,

3) may point in either direction – these
cutting attachments must be turned over
regularly to help avoid one-sided wear.

The cutting edges of cutting
attachments 2, 4 and 5 must point
clockwise.

WARNING

Direction of rotation is indicated by an
arrow on the inside of the deflector.

FS-KM

19

English

1

002BA374 KN

2

N Place the cutting attachment (6) on

the thrust plate (7).

WARNING

Collar (see arrow) must engage the
cutting attachment's mounting hole.

Securing the cutting attachment
N Fit the thrust washer (8) – convex

side must face up.

N Fit the rider plate (9).
N Block the shaft (10).
N Use the combination wrench (12) to

screw the mounting nut (11) on to
the output shaft counterclockwise
and tighten it down firmly.

WARNING

If the mounting nut has become too
loose, fit a new one.

NOTICE

Remove the tool used to block the shaft.

Removing the Metal Cutting Attachment

WARNING

Wear protective gloves to reduce the
risk of direct contact with the sharp
cutting edges.

N Block the shaft.
N Unscrew the mounting nut

clockwise.
N Remove cutting attachment and its

mounting hardware from the

gearbox – but do not remove the

thrust plate (7).

Fitting the Harness

The type and style of the harness,
carrying ring and carabiner (spring hook)
depend on the market.

The use of the harness is described in
the chapter on "Approved Combinations
of Cutting Attachment, Deflector, Handle
and Harness".

Shoulder strap

N Put on the shoulder strap (1).
N Adjust the length of the strap so that

the carabiner (2) is about a hand’s
width below your right hip.

N Balance the machine – see

"Balancing the Machine".

20

FS-KM