STIHL KM BC Owner's Manual

STIHL BC-KM

STIH)

Instruction Manual
Manual de instrucciones

Warning!

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

Advertencia!

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

Contents

English / USA

CombiSystem ................................... 2

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

Safety Precautions and

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

Application ...................................... 10

Approved CombiEngines ................ 13

Assembling the Unit ....................... 13

Mounting the CombiTool ................. 14

Fitting the Harness ......................... 14

Printing inks contain vegetable oils;

paper can be recycled.

Starting / Stopping the Engine ........ 15

Gearbox Lubrication ....................... 15

Storing the Machine ........................ 16

Main Parts ...................................... 17

Specifications ................................. 18

Special Accessories ....................... 18

Maintenance and Repairs ............... 18

Printed on chlorine-free paper.© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2003

Allow only persons who understand the
manuals of the CombiEngine and
cultivator CombiTool to operate this
power tool combination.
To receive maximum performance and
satisfaction from your STIHL CombiTool,
it is important that you read and
understand the maintenance and safety
precautions, starting on page 3, before
using your CombiTool.

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 relatively
fast turning 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.

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

0458 474 8621. M1.5. E3. PM. Printed in USA

1BC-KM

English / USA

CombiSystem

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In the STIHL CombiSystem™ a number
of different CombiEngines and
CombiTools can be combined to
produce a power tool. In this instruction
manual the functional unit formed by the
CombiEngine™ and CombiTool™ is
referred to as the power tool.

The CombiEngine and CombiTool 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:

: Step or procedure without direct

reference to an illustration.

Description of step or procedure that
refers directly to the illustration and
contains item numbers that appear in

002BA159 KN

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.

Warning where there is a risk of
damaging the machine or 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

BC-KM

Safety Precautions and Working Techniques

English / USA

Equipment and features

This instruction manual refers to
several models with different
features. Components that are not
installed in all models and related
applications are marked thus
Such components are 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, we cannot be responsible for
changes, modifications or
improvements not covered in this
manual.

Warning!

Because a CombiEngine
equipped with a cultivator
CombiTool is a relatively
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 cultivator 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 tool 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 cultivator run unattended.

3BC-KM

English / USA

Most of these safety precautions and
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL
cultivators. 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
cultivator.

!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

BC-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 Combi
Tool 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 cultivator
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 cultivator
work. Wear sturdy boots
with nonslip soles. Steel­toed safety boots are
recommended.

THE CULTIVATOR COMBITOOL

For illustrations and definitions of the
cultivator 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.

5BC-KM

English / USA

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

Transporting the cultivator

!Warning!

Always turn off the engine and make
sure the cutting attachment has stopped
before putting a cultivator down. When
transporting your cultivator in a vehicle,
properly secure it to prevent turnover,
fuel spillage and damage to the
cultivator.

Preparation for the use of the
cultivator

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 cultivator for proper
condition and operation before starting,
particularly the throttle trigger, throttle
trigger interlock (if applicable),
stopswitch, cutting tool, deflector and
harness.

Fueling

Your STIHL cultivator 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 Combi Engine.

!Warning!

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

Do not smoke or bring any fire or flame
near the fuel or cultivator.

Operating instructions

Use the cultivator only for the operations
described in your manual.

!Warning!

Your power tool is a one-person
machine. Once started, it may fling
foreign objects for a great distance.

To reduce the risk of eye and other injury
insure that bystanders are at least
50 feet (15 m) away. Bystanders should
be encouraged to wear eye protection.
Stop the engine and cutting tool
immediately if you are approached. Start
and operate your cultivator without
assistance.

Starting

For specific starting instructions, see the
appropriate section of the owner’s
manual of the Combi Engine. Place the
power tool on firm ground or other solid
surface in an open area. Maintain a
good balance and secure footing.

!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).

6

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English / USA

Working Conditions

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

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

!Warning!

Your cultivator 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 cultivator indoors or in
poorly ventilated locations.

!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.

Danger!

The cultivator is not
insulated against electric
shock. Before cutting,

make sure that the area
does not contain buried electrical lines
near the surface. Striking such lines with
the cutting attachment could cause
serious or fatal injury as a result of
electrocution.

!Warning!

Contact your local utility company or
locator service, such as "Miss Utility" or
"One Call", for information.

002BA055 KN

Attach the power tool to the spring hook
of your harness after starting.

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
cultivator handles and grips are in good
condition and free of moisture, pitch, oil
or grease.

!Warning!

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

7BC-KM

English / USA

!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.

!Warning!

Before cutting, inspect the

area for stones, glass,

pieces of metal, trash or

other solid objects. The

cutting attachment could

002BA057 KN

directly or indirectly by ricochet towards
the operator or bystanders. Striking such
objects could damage the cutting
attachment and may cause blades to
crack, chip or break. Thrown objects,
including chipped or broken blades, may
result in serious or fatal injury to the
operator or bystanders.

throw objects of this kind

!Warning!

Avoid cutting close to fences, sides of
buildings, tree trunks, stones etc.
Striking such objects could cause
damage to the cutting attachment or
could result in your losing control of the
cultivator attachment. In addition, there
is a greater likelihood that thrown
objects will be ricocheted. Thrown
objects, damaged blades or loss of
control may result in serious or fatal
injury to the operator or bystanders.
Avoid tree roots. Large roots can jam the
blades and could damage the unit.
Damage to the tree could occur if roots
are cut.

If you hit a buried object (such as a rock)
stop the engine and remove the
obstruction. Inspect the cultivator
attachment for damage before
proceeding.

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.

8

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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
Combi Engine.

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

9BC-KM

English / USA

Application

3

2 1

A

a

b

General

: Put on the harness.
: With the engine running, attach the

cultivator to the harness.

Operate your cultivator with the
engine running at half throttle.

You can work with your cultivator in the
forward (1) and backward (2) directions,
from left to right or vice versa (3) or in a
circular motion.

Choose the best method to suit your
purposes, i.e. this depends on the shape
and size of the area and soil conditions.

381BA003 KN

Working in an alternating backwards
and forwards motion is particularly
suitable for loosening packed soil.

Positions of Blades and
Changing Position

The position of the blades has to be
adjusted to suit the soil and the job. The
blades can be fitted to the cultivator in
three different positions A, B and C.

381BA004 KN

Blades in position A

The blades (a) and (b) are set at the
factory to this position. This position is
particularly suitable for deep tilling
previously cultivated, packed soil and
digging or plowing heavy soils.

Changing position of blades

To change back to the original position
(above), reverse the changeover
procedures described below.

381BA033 KN

10

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English / USA

B

a

b

5
4

8

6

7

Blades in position B

The blades can be set to this position for
shallow digging in previously cultivated,
packed soil, deep tilling loose soil,
weeding and working mulches into
loosened soil.

: Changing position of blades

Starting from blade position A, remove
spring clip (4) and pin (5) from the hub.
Do not lose the washer (6).

C

a

381BA006 KN

381BA034 KN

Rotate blade (a) through 180° on rotor
shaft. Secure the blade on the rotor
shaft.

There is no need to change the position
of blade (b).

b

Blades in position C

This blade position ensures smoother
operation in lighter soil.

Changing position of blades

Starting from blade position A, remove

381BA008 KN

spring clips (4) and pins (5) from the
hubs of blades (a) and (b). Do not lose
the washers (6). Pull both blades off the
rotor shaft and swap them over. Position
the blades so that the tips are facing
each other. Secure blade (a) on the rotor
shaft.

Loosen and remove the three fastening
screws (7) on blade (b). Rotate blade on
flange (8) about 30° counterclockwise

381BA035 KN

until the next hole lines up with a tapped
hole. Reconnect both parts with screws
(7) and mount on the cultivator's rotor
shaft.

11BC-KM