STIHL FT 250
Instruction Manual2 - 32
English
Contents
1 Guide to Using this Manual.........................2
2 Safety Precautions and Working Techni‐
ques............................................................ 3
3 Using the Unit............................................. 9
4 Approved Combinations of Cutting Attach‐
ment, Deflector, Limit Stop and Harness.. 10
5 Mounting the Bike Handle.........................10
6 Adjusting the Throttle Cable......................12
7 Fitting Padding.......................................... 12
8 Mounting the Deflector..............................12
9 Mounting the Cutting Attachment..............13
10 Fuel........................................................... 14
11 Fueling...................................................... 15
12 Fitting the Harness....................................16
13 Starting / Stopping the Engine.................. 20
14 Transporting the Unit................................ 22
15 Operating Instructions...............................22
16 Cleaning the Air Filter............................... 23
17 Adjusting the Carburetor........................... 24
18 Spark Plug................................................ 25
19 Engine Running Behavior......................... 26
20 Lubricating the Gearbox............................26
21 Replacing the Starter Rope and Rewind
Spring........................................................26
22 Storing the Machine.................................. 28
23 Sharpening Metal Cutting Blades............. 28
24 Inspection and Maintenance by User........28
25 Inspections and Maintenance by Dealer...29
26 Maintenance and Care..............................29
27 Minimize Wear and Avoid Damage...........30
28 Main Parts.................................................31
29 Specifications............................................31
30 Maintenance and Repairs......................... 32
31 Disposal.................................................... 32
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing a quality engineered
STIHL product.
It has been built using modern production techni‐
ques and comprehensive quality assurance.
Every effort has been made to ensure your satis‐
faction and trouble-free use of the product.
Please contact your dealer or our sales company
if you have any queries concerning this product.
Your
Dr. Nikolas Stihl
1 Guide to Using this Manual
1.1 Pictograms
The meanings of the pictograms attached to the
machine are explained in this manual.
Depending on the model concerned, the follow‐
ing pictograms may be attached to your
machine.
Fuel tank; fuel mixture of gasoline
and engine oil
Operate decompression valve
Manual fuel pump
Operate manual fuel pump
Tube of grease
Intake air: Summer operation
Intake air: Winter operation
Handle heating
1.2 Symbols in text
WARNING
Warning where there is a risk of an accident or
personal injury or serious damage to property.
Original Instruction Manual
0000000795_016_GB
Printed on chlorine-free paper
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG 2021
0458-262-0121-C. VA0.F21.
NOTICE
Caution where there is a risk of damaging the
machine or its individual components.
1.3 Engineering improvements
STIHL's philosophy is to continually improve all
of its products. For this reason we may modify
2 0458-262-0121-C
2 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques English
the design, engineering and appearance of our
products periodically.
Therefore, some changes, modifications and
improvements may not be covered in this man‐
ual.
2 Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques
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 of its cutting attachment.
It is important you read and under‐
stand the User Manual before com‐
missioning and keep it in a safe place
for future reference. Non-compliance
with the User Manual may cause seri‐
ous or even fatal injury.
Observe all applicable local safety regulations,
e.g. by trade organizations, social insurance
institutions, labor safety authorities etc.
If you have never used a power tool before:
Have your dealer or other experienced user
show you how to operate your machine – or
attend a special course to learn how to operate
it.
Minors should never be allowed to use the
machine – except for apprentices over the age of
16 when working under supervision.
Children, animals and bystanders must remain at
a distance.
When not using the machine, it must be laid
down in such a way that it does not endanger
anyone. Ensure that the machine cannot be
used without authorization.
The user is responsible for avoiding injury to third
parties or damage to their property.
Do not lend or rent your power tool without the
User Manual. Be sure that anyone using it under‐
stands the information contained in this manual.
The use of machines that emit noise may be limi‐
ted to certain hours of the day as specified by
national and/or regional or local regulations.
Anyone operating the machine must be well res‐
ted, in good physical health and in good mental
condition.
If you have any condition that might be aggrava‐
ted by strenuous work, check with your doctor
before operating a machine.
If you have a pacemaker: The ignition system of
your machine produces an electromagnetic field
of very low intensity. This field may interfere with
some pacemakers. STIHL recommends that per‐
sons with pacemakers consult their physician
and the pacemaker manufacturer to reduce any
health risk.
Anyone who has consumed alcohol or drugs or
medicines affecting their ability to react must not
operate a power tool.
Use your power tool only for cutting
and pruning tea plants – not logs.
The machine must not be used for any other pur‐
poses – risk of accidents!
Only use cutting attachments and accessories
that are explicitly approved for this power tool
model by STIHL or 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 acci‐
dents and damage to the machine.
STIHL recommends the use of original STIHL
tools and accessories. They are specifically
designed to match the product and meet your
performance requirements.
Never attempt to modify your power tool in any
way since this may increase the risk of personal
injury. STIHL excludes all liability for personal
injury and damage to property caused while
using unauthorized attachments.
Do not use a high-pressure washer to clean the
power tool. The solid jet of water may damage
parts of the unit.
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 ric‐
ochet and strike the operator.
2.1 Clothing and equipment
Wear proper protective clothing and equipment.
Clothing must be sturdy 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.
0458-262-0121-C 3
262BA029 KN
English 2 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques
Wear safety boots with steel toe caps
and non-slip soles.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of eye injuries,
wear close-fitting safety glasses in
accordance with European Standard
EN 166. Make sure the safety
glasses are a snug fit.
Wear face protection and make sure it is a good
fit. Face protection alone is not sufficient to pro‐
tect the eyes.
Wear "personal" sound protection, e.g. ear
defenders.
Wear a safety hard hat for thinning operations,
when working in high scrub and where there is a
danger of head injuries from falling objects.
Wear sturdy protective gloves made
of a resistant material (e. g. leather).
STIHL can supply a comprehensive range of per‐
sonal protective equipment.
2.2 Transporting the machine
2.3 Refueling
Gasoline is extremely flammable –
keep it away from naked flames – do
not spill any fuel – no smoking.
Always shut off the engine before refueling.
Do not fuel a hot engine – fuel may spill and
cause a fire.
Open the fuel cap carefully to allow any pressure
build-up in the tank to release slowly and avoid
fuel spillage.
Only refuel the machine in a well ventilated
place. If fuel has been spilled, immediately clean
the machine – do not allow your clothes to be
splashed with fuel. If that happens, change your
clothes at once.
After refueling, close the fuel cap as
tightly as possible.
This helps reduce the risk of unit vibrations caus‐
ing an incorrectly tightened fuel cap to loosen or
come off and spill quantities of fuel.
Check for leaks. Do not start the engine if there
is a fuel leak – serious or fatal burns could result!
2.4 Before starting
Check that your power tool is properly assem‐
bled and in good condition – refer to appropriate
chapters in the User Manual:
Check the fuel system for leaks, especially the
–
visible parts, e. g., fuel cap, hose connections,
manual fuel pump (only in machines with a
manual fuel pump). In case of leakage and
damage, do not start the engine – risk of fire!
Have the machine serviced by a dealer before
using it
Use only an approved combination of cutting
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 car‐
rying 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, prop‐
erly secure your machine to prevent turnover,
damage and fuel spillage.
–
attachment, deflector, handle and harness. All
parts must be assembled properly and
securely
Slide control / stop switch must move easily to
–
STOP or 0
Throttle trigger lockout (if installed) and throttle
–
trigger must move easily – the throttle trigger
must return to the idle position automatically
Check that the spark plug boot is secure – a
–
loose boot may cause sparking that could
ignite combustible fumes and cause a fire!
Check cutting attachment for correct and
–
secure assembly and good condition
Check safety devices (e. g., deflector for cut‐
–
ting attachments) for damage and/or wear.
4 0458-262-0121-C
262BA048 KN
15m (50ft)
2 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques English
Always replace damaged parts. Never operate
the unit with a damaged deflector
Never attempt to modify the controls or safety
–
devices
Keep the handles dry and clean – free from oil
–
and dirt – this is important for safe control of
the machine
Adjust the harness and handles to suit your
–
height and reach – see "Fitting the Harness".
To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not
operate your machine if it is not in a safe condi‐
tion.
To prepare for emergencies when using a har‐
ness: Practice setting down the machine quickly.
To avoid damage, do not throw the machine to
the ground when practicing.
2.5 Starting the engine
Start the engine at least 3 meters from the fuel‐
ing spot, outdoors only.
Place the unit on firm ground in an open area.
Make sure you have good balance and secure
footing. Hold the unit securely. The cutting
attachment must be clear of the ground and all
other obstructions because it may begin to run
when the engine starts.
Your power tool is a one-person unit. To reduce
the risk of injury from ejected objects, do not
allow other persons within a radius of 15 meters
of your own position – even when starting.
Avoid contact with the cutting attach‐
ment – risk of injury!
2.6 Holding and guiding the machine
Always hold the unit firmly with both hands on
the handles.
Make sure you always have good balance and
secure footing.
Right hand on control handle, left hand on grip
on handlebar.
2.7 While working
Make sure you always have good balance and
secure footing.
In the event of impending danger or in an emer‐
gency, switch off the engine immediately - move
the slide control/stop switch to STOP or 0.
Do not drop-start the power tool –
start the engine as described in the
User Manual. The cutting attachment
runs on for a short while after releas‐
ing the throttle trigger – coasting
effect!
Check engine idling: The cutting attachment
must remain at a standstill when the engine idles
– throttle trigger released.
Keep easily combustible materials (e. g., wood
chips, bark, dry grass, fuel) away from hot
exhaust gases and hot muffler surfaces – risk of
fire!
0458-262-0121-C 5
Within a wide area around the workplace, there
is a risk of accident by ejected objects, therefore
ensure that there is no-one within a 15 m radius
of the machine. This distance must also be main‐
tained in relation to objects (vehicles, window
panes) – risk of property damage! Even at a dis‐
tance over 15 m, danger cannot be ruled out.
Never touch the rotating cutting
attachment – risk of serious 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 regu‐
lar intervals. If the cutting attachment still rotates
at idle speed, have your dealer make proper
English 2 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques
adjustments or repairs. 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.
Be particularly alert and cautious when wearing
hearing protection because your ability to hear
warnings (shouts, alarms, etc.) is restricted.
Take breaks when you start getting tired or feel‐
ing fatigue – risk of accidents!
Work calmly and carefully – in daylight conditions
and only when visibility is good. Proceed with
caution, do not put others in danger.
As soon as the engine is running, the
power machine generates toxic
exhaust gas.As soon as the engine is
running, the power machine gener‐
ates toxic exhaust gas. These gases
may be odorless and invisible and
may contain unburned hydrocarbons
and benzene. Never run the engine
indoors or in poorly ventilated loca‐
tions, even if your model is equipped
with a catalytic converter.
To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury from
breathing toxic fumes, ensure proper ventilation
when working in trenches, hollows or other con‐
fined locations.
Stop work immediately if you start suffering from
nausea, headaches, impaired vision (e.g. your
field of vision gets smaller), impaired hearing,
dizziness, or impaired concentration – these
symptoms may possibly be the result of too-high
exhaust gas concentration – Risk of accidents!
Operate your power tool so that it produces a
minimum of noise and emissions – do not run the
engine unnecessarily, accelerate the engine only
when working.
To reduce the risk of fire, do not smoke while
operating or standing near your power tool. Com‐
bustible fuel vapor may escape from the fuel sys‐
tem.
Dust, fumes and smoke produced while working
may be hazardous to your health. Wear respira‐
tory protection in case of heavy dust or smoke
emission.
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".
Check in particular that the fuel system has no
leaks and the safety equipment is fully operative.
Never use a power tool that is no longer safe to
operate. In case of doubt, contact a dealer.
Do not operate your power tool in the starting
throttle position – engine speed cannot be con‐
trolled in this position.
To reduce the risk of injury from
thrown objects, never operate the unit
without the proper deflector for the
type of cutting attachment being
used.
Check the work site – rocks, metal
objects etc. may be caught up and
ejected – possibly over a distance of
15 m – risk of injury! – They can also
damage the cutting attachment and
other property (e. g. parking vehicles,
windows).
Be particularly careful when working on difficult,
densely grown terrain.
When mowing in high shrubbery, under shrub‐
bery and hedges: Hold the cutting tool at a work‐
ing height of at least 15 cm – avoid risks to ani‐
mals.
Before you leave the machine: Shut the engine
off.
Examine the cutting attachment periodically at
short intervals and as soon as you note any
noticeable changes:
Stop the engine, hold the machine securely,
–
allow the cutting attachment to come to a stop
Check condition and secure fitting; watch out
–
for cracks
Ensure that the cutting blades are sharp
–
Replace damaged or dull cutting attachments
–
immediately, even if they have only superficial
cracks
Clean grass and plant residue off the cutting
attachment mounting at regular intervals –
remove any build up of material from the cutting
attachment and deflector.
To reduce the risk of injury, shut off the engine
before replacing the cutting attachment.
The gearbox gets hot during opera‐
tion. Never touch the gearbox – risk
of burns!
6 0458-262-0121-C
2 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques English
2.8 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 require‐
ments.
Metal cutting attachments rotate very fast, gener‐
ating forces acting on the attachments and on
the cuttings.
Metal cutting attachments must be sharpened in
regular intervals in accordance with the instruc‐
tions.
Unevenly sharpened metal cutting attachments
generate an imbalance which may cause
extreme loads on the machine – risk of break‐
age!
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 attach‐
ment with hard objects (e.g. stones, rocks, metal
parts), check it for damage (e.g. tears and defor‐
mation). Burrs and other visible material accumu‐
lations must be removed since they may come
loose at any time while the machine is running
and then be ejected – risk of injury!
If a rotating metal cutting attachment touches a
rock or another hard object, sparks may be gen‐
erated 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 metal
cutting attachments in the vicinity of combustible
materials, dried-out plants or brushwood. It is
mandatory that you ask the responsible forestry
office about the current fire hazard.
Do not continue using or attempt to repair dam‐
aged or cracked cutting attachments by welding,
straightening or modifying the shape (out of bal‐
ance).
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 high-quality materials
and have a suitable geometry (shape, thickness).
A metal cutting attachment not made by STIHL
must not have a different weight, thickness,
shape and a larger diameter than the largest
STIHL metal cutting attachment approved for this
metal cutting attachment – risk of injury!
2.9 Vibrations
Prolonged use of the power tool may result in
vibration-induced circulation problems in the
hands (whitefinger disease).
No general recommendation can be given for the
length of usage because it depends on several
factors.
The period of usage is prolonged by:
Hand protection (wearing warm gloves)
–
Work breaks
–
The period of usage is shortened by:
Any personal tendency to suffer from poor cir‐
–
culation (symptoms: frequently cold fingers,
tingling sensations).
Low outside temperatures.
–
The force with which the handles are held (a
–
tight grip restricts circulation).
Continual and regular users should monitor
closely the condition of their hands and fingers. If
any of the above symptoms appear (e.g. tingling
sensation in fingers), seek medical advice.
2.10 Maintenance and Repairs
Service the machine regularly. Do not attempt
any maintenance or repair work not described in
the instruction manual. Have all other work per‐
formed by a servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends that you have servicing and
repair work carried out exclusively by an author‐
ized STIHL servicing dealer. STIHL dealers are
regularly given the opportunity to attend training
courses and are supplied with the necessary
technical information.
Only use high-quality replacement parts in order
to avoid the risk of accidents and damage to the
machine. If you have any questions in this
respect, consult a servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends the use of genuine STIHL
replacement parts. They are specifically
designed to match your 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. – Exception:
Carburetor and idle speed adjustments.
0458-262-0121-C 7
002BA226 KN
1 2
262BA049 KN
262BA071 KN
English 2 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques
Do not turn the engine over on the starter with
the spark plug boot or spark plug removed
unless the slide control / stop switch is on STOP
or 0 since there is otherwise a risk of fire from
uncontained sparking.
To reduce the risk of fire, do not service or store
your machine near open flames.
Check the fuel filler cap for leaks at regular inter‐
vals.
Use only a spark plug of the type approved by
STIHL and make sure it is in good condition –
see "Specifications".
Inspect the ignition lead (insulation in good con‐
dition, secure connection).
Check the condition of the muffler.
To reduce the risk of fire and damage to hearing,
do not operate your machine if the muffler is
damaged or missing.
Do not touch a hot muffler since burn injury will
result.
Vibration behavior is influenced by the condition
of the AV elements – check the AV elements at
regular intervals.
For safety reasons, the tea plant pruner may only
be operated with the following cutting attach‐
ment:
Circular saw blade 250-100 (scratcher tooth)
Circular saw blades made of any other non-metal
material are not permitted.
2.11 Symbols on Deflectors
2.12.1 Shoulder strap with 2 carabiners
(included with machine)
► Attach the shoulder strap to the machine.
► With the engine running, put on the shoulder
strap with the machine.
2.12.2 Shoulder strap with 1 carabiner (spe‐
cial accessory)
► With the engine running, attach the machine to
the shoulder strap.
2.13 Circular Saw Blade
For cutting shrubs up to a stem diameter of 6 cm.
Before starting the cut, accelerate the engine up
to full throttle. Perform cut with uniform pressure.
Use circular saw blade only with a matching limit
stop of the correct diameter.
Arrows on top of the circular saw blade (1) and
limit stop (2) show the correct direction of rota‐
tion.
2.12 Harness
► Use a shoulder strap.
8 0458-262-0121-C
002BA449 KN
262BA050 KN
3 Using the Unit English
WARNING
To reduce the risk of blade damage, avoid con‐
tact 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.
2.13.1 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-sha‐
ded area of the circular saw blade. Always start
the cut with this area of the blade.
Use your tea plant pruner only for cutting and
pruning tea bushes.
3.1 Preparations
► To reduce the risk of accidents or injury,
remove all obstacles and objects from the
work area.
► Before starting cutting work, scare away small
animals to ensure they are not injured.
► Put on the harness – see "Fitting the Harness".
► Start the engine – see "Starting / Stopping the
Engine".
► Put on the harness with machine – see "Fitting
the Harness".
WARNING
Do not operate your tea plant pruner without the
harness.
► Swing the tea plant pruner to and fro at the
same height while moving forwards.
3 Using the Unit
0458-262-0121-C 9
681BA261 KN
1
2
3
4
3
262BA032 KN
1
2
4
5
English
4 Approved Combinations of Cutting Attachment, Deflector, Limit Stop and Har‐
ness
4 Approved Combinations of Cutting Attachment, Deflector, Limit
Stop and Harness
Cutting attachment Deflector, limit stop Carrying strap
4.1 Permissible combinations
Choose the correct combination from the table
depending on the cutting tool!
WARNING
For safety reasons no other combinations are
permitted – risk of accidents!
4.2 Metal cutting attachment
1 Circular saw blade 250-100 scratcher tooth
(Ø 250 mm)
4.3 Deflector, limit stop
2 Limit stop for circular saw blades 250
4.4 Carrying strap
3 Shoulder Strap with 1 Carabiner
4 Shoulder Strap with 2 Carabiners
5 Mounting the Bike Handle
5.1 Mounting the Handlebar
► Place the rubber liner (1) in the clamp (2) and
against the drive tube (3).
► Position rubber liner (4) on the drive tube so
that it lines up exactly with the lower rubber
liner.
► Place the handle support (5) on the rubber
liner.
10 0458-262-0121-C
9
2
7
8
6
262BA033 KN
262BA051 KN
A
2
1
1
3
4
5
6
002BA241 KN
6
2
2
21
2
1
262BA052
5 Mounting the Bike Handle English
5.3 Mounting the Control Handle
► Fit the handlebar (6) in the handle support –
the rubber handle (7) must be on the left
(viewed from the engine).
► Place the clamp (8) on the handle support and
handlebar.
► Insert the screws (9) through the holes in the
parts and screw them into the lower clamp (2)
– do not finally tighten yet.
5.2 Aligning the handlebar
► Unscrew the screw (1) – the nut (2) remains in
the control handle (3)
► Push the control handle with the throttle trig‐
ger (4) facing toward the gearbox onto the
handlebar (5) until the holes (6) align
► Insert and tighten screw (1)
5.4 Fastening the Throttle Cable
NOTICE
Do not kink the throttle cable or lay it in tight radii
– make sure the throttle trigger moves freely.
► Fasten the handlebar (1) before the motor at a
distance A of approx. 43 cm (17 in.) ahead of
the engine on the shaft (2)
► Line up the handlebar and tighten down the
0458-262-0121-C 11
screws firmly
► Position the throttle cable retainer (2) and the
throttle cable (1) on the shaft
► Squeeze the throttle cable retainer (2). The
throttle cable retainer (2) engages in position
with an audible click
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