STIHL KM FCS Owner's Manual

STIHL FCS-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

Working Techniques ....................... 11

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

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

BA_SE_116_006_01_05.fmPrinted on chlorine-free paper.

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

Fitting the Cutting Blade ................. 14

Starting / Stopping

the Engine ...................................... 15

Lubricating the Gearbox ................. 16

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

Replacing Wheels .......................... 17

Replacing the Skirt ......................... 17

Replacing the Cutting Blade ........... 19

Checking and Replacing

the Wear Guard .............................. 19

Main Parts ...................................... 20

Specifications ................................. 21

Special Accessories ....................... 21

Maintenance and Repairs ............... 22

Printing inks contain vegetable oils; paper can be recycled.

Allow only persons who understand the
manuals of the CombiEngine and edger
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 high­speed cutting attachment some special
safety precautions must be observed to
reduce the risk of personal injury.
Careless or improper use may cause
serious or even fatal injury.

STIHL's philosophy is to continually
improve all of its products. As a result,
engineering changes and improve­ments are made from time to time. If the
operating characteristics or the
appearance of your attachment differs
from those described in this Manual,
please contact your STIHL dealer for
information and assistance.

STIHl

© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2006

0458 472 8621. M3. C6. PM. Printed in USA

1FCS-KM

English / USA

CombiSystem

+

.

.

.

.

+

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:

: A bullet marks a step or procedure

without direct reference to an
illustration.

A description of a step or procedure that
refers directly to an illustration may

002BA159 KN

contain item numbers that appear in the
illustration.
Example:

Loosen the screw (1)

Lever (2) ...

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

Warning where there is a risk of an
accident or personal injury or
serious damage to property.

Caution where there is a risk of
damaging the machine or its
individual components.

Note or hint which is not essential
for using the machine, but may
improve the operator’s under­standing of the situation and result
in better use of the machine.

Note or hint on correct procedure in
order to avoid damage to the
environment.

2

FCS-KM

Safety Precautions and Working Techniques

English / USA

Equipment and features

This instruction manual may refer to
several models with different
features. Components that are not
installed on all models and related
applications are marked with an
asterisk (*). Such components may
be available as special accessories
from your STIHL dealer.

Engineering improvements

STIHL’s philosophy is to continually
improve all of its products. As a result,
engineering changes and improvements
are made from time to time. If the
operating characteristics or the
appearance of your machine differ from
those described in this manual, please
contact your STIHL dealer for
assistance.

Therefore some changes, modifications
and improvements may not be covered
in this manual.

Warning!

Because a CombiEngine
equipped with an edger
CombiTool is a high­speed, 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 edger may be
hazardous. If the rotating cutting tool
comes in contact with your body, it will
cut you. When it comes in contact with
solid foreign objects such as rocks or
bits of metal, it may fling them directly or
by ricochet in the direction of bystanders
or the operator.

Striking such objects could damage the
cutting attachment and may cause
blades to crack, chip or break.
STIHL does not recommend the use of
an edger 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 edger run unattended.

3FCS-KM

English / USA

Most of these safety precautions and
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL
edgers. 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 an
edger.

!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

FCS-KM

English / USA

Proper Clothing

!Warning!

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

!Warning!

The deflector provided with your
CombiTool may not protect the operator
from all foreign objects (gravel, glass,
wire, etc.) thrown by the rotating cutting
attachment. Thrown objects may also
ricochet and strike the operator.

!Warning!

To reduce the risk of injury
to your eyes never
operate an edger 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!

Edger 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 edger work.
Wear sturdy boots with
nonslip soles. Steel-toed
safety boots are
recommended.

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

THE EDGER COMBITOOL

For illustrations and definitions of the
edger 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.

5FCS-KM

English / USA

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

Transporting the edger

!Warning!

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

Preparation for the use of the edger

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 edger for proper
condition and operation before starting,
particularly the throttle trigger, throttle
trigger interlock (and if applicable stop
switch, cutting tool, deflector and
harness). An arrow on the deflector
shows the correct direction of rotation of
the cutting blade.

The deflector can be rotated to suit
working conditions. The arrow on the
deflector must always face away from
you, so that cuttings and other dedris will
be diverted away from the machine and
your position (see “Working
Techniques“).

The throttle trigger must move freely and
always spring back in the idle position.
The cutting tool must be properly
tightened and in safe operating
condition. Inspect for loose parts (nuts,
screws, etc.) and for cracked, bent,
warped or damaged blades.

002BA118 KN

Fueling

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

!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 edger.

6

FCS-KM

English / USA

Starting

!Warning!

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

15m (50ft)

To reduce the risk of eye and other injury
insure that bystanders are at least
50 feet (15 m) away. Bystanders should
be encouraged to wear eye protection.
Stop the engine and cutting tool
immediately if you are approached. Start
and operate your edger without
assistance. For specific starting
instructions, see the appropriate section
of the owner’s manual of the
CombiEngine. Place the power tool on
firm ground or other solid surface in an
open area. Maintain a good balance and
secure footing.

!Warning!

To reduce the risk of injury from loss of
control, be absolutely sure that the
cutting tool is clear of you and all other
obstructions and objects, including the
ground, because when the engine starts
at starting-throttle, engine speed will be
fast enough for the clutch to engage and
turn the cutting tool.

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

Working Conditions

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

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

!Warning!

Your edger 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
edger 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.

7FCS-KM

English / USA

!Warning!

Never divert discharge of material
toward bystanders nor allow anyone
near the area of operation. Use care in
directing discharge to avoid glass
enclosures, automobiles, and the like.

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

!Warning!

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

!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

002BA117 KN

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

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

Use only for edging in grass, weeds and
soft green plants.

Do not use edger on gravel surfaces.

throw objects of this kind.

!Warning!

To reduce the risk
of injury from
thrown objects and
blade contact,

never operate an
edger without a properly mounted
deflector. Keep the skirt on the deflector
adjusted properly at all times (see
chapter on mounting the cutting tool of
your owner’s manual). Do not
overreach. Keep proper footing an
balance at all times.

8

FCS-KM

English / USA

To reduce the risk of injury
from blade contact, keep
hands and feet away from
cutting area.

!Warning!

This edger is normally to be used at
ground level with the cutting attachment
perpendicular to the ground. Use of an
edger above ground level or with the
cutting attachment parallel to the ground
may increase the risk of injury, since the
cutting attachment is more fully exposed
and the edger may be more difficult to
control. Never use your edger as a
hedge trimmer.

!Warning

When using your edger, avoid cutting
close to fences, sides of buildings, tree
trunks, stones or other such objects that
could cause the edger to kick out or
could cause damage to the blade. In
addition, be alert to an increased risk of
ricochets in such situations.

If the edger strikes a foreign object,
follow these steps: stop the engine,
disconnect spark plug lead, inspect for
damage and repair any damage before
restarting and operating the product.

Do not operate using the starting throttle
lock as you do not have control of the
engine speed. See section of your
CombiEngine owner's manual on the
proper use of the slide control.

If the cutting tool or deflector becomes
clogged or stuck, always turn off the
engine and make sure the cutting tool
has stopped before cleaning. Grass,
weeds, etc. should be cleaned off the
cutting tool at regular intervals.

!Warning!

During cutting, check the tightness and
the condition of the cutting tool at regular
intervals. If the behavior of the tool
changes, stop the engine immediately,
and check the nut securing the tool for
tightness and the cutting tool for cracks
and damage. Replace cracked, bent,
warped, damaged or dull cutting tools
immediately. Such tools may shatter at
high speed and cause serious or fatal
injury.

!Warning!

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

Do not attach any blade to a unit without
proper installation of all required parts.
Never use unauthorized parts to secure
the blade. Failure to use the proper parts
may cause the blade to fly off and
seriously injure the operator or
bystanders.

9FCS-KM

English / USA

!Warning!

Never touch a rotating cutting tool with
your hand or any part of your body. The
tool continues to rotate for a short period
after the throttle trigger is released
(flywheel effect).

Important adjustments

!Warning!

To reduce the risk of personal injury from
loss of control or contact with the
running cutting tool, do not use a cutting
tool with incorrect idle adjustment. At
correct idle speed, the cutting tool
should not move. For directions on how
to adjust idle speed, see the appropriate
section of the owner's manual of the
CombiEngine.

If you cannot set the correct idle speed,
have your STIHL dealer check your
edger and make proper adjustments and
repairs.

MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND
STORING

STIHL may refuse to acknowledge a
warranty claim if the component has
not been handled or serviced
correctly or if unauthorized spare
parts have been used.

!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 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 by your STIHL
servicing dealer only.

Wear gloves when handling or
performing maintenance on the tool.

!Warning!

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

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

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

Before storing for longer than a few
days, always empty the fuel tank. See
chapter “Storing the machine” in the
CombiEngine manual.

10

FCS-KM

Working Techniques

245BA003 KN

English / USA

2

1

A

245BA004 KN

Your power edger is designed to
produce sharp contoured borders
around lawns and flower beds. It will cut
almost all types of grass, weeds and soft
green plants.

Preparations

If the soil is very dry, spray it with water
before you start work: this softens the
soil a little and also reduces the amount
of dust created. Slightly damp green
plants are easier to cut.

: Inspect the work area and clear

away any obstacles (stones, gravel,
glass, etc.) to reduce the risk of
injury from thrown objects.

: Plan the best route for edging, i.e.

starting point, changes in direction,
etc. Always hold and operate your
edger on the right-hand side of the
body.

Adjusting the depth of cut

: Shut off the engine and wait for the

cutting blade to come to a complete
standstill.

: Loosen wingnut (1)

counterclockwise

: Adjust wheel (2):

Upwards
to increase depth of cut (A).

Downwards
to reduce depth of cut (A).

2

3

B

245BA005 KN

Adjust correctly

The depth of cut varies, depending
on unevenness, your height and the
way you hold the edger.

: Use the following procedure:

Adjust the wheel (2) so that the
cutting blade (3) just touches the
ground or breaks the surface of the
soil by no more than 0.2" / 5 mm (B)
in the normal working position.

11FCS-KM

English / USA

245BA007 KN

90°

: Tighten wingnut clockwise.
: Standing in the normal working

position, check the depth of cut
again and correct it if necessary.

Do not adjust the deflector!

The deflector has been set by the
manufacturer so that the arrow on the
deflector and the open side point away
from the operator. This ensures that
cuttings and other debris will be directed
away from the machine and operator.

12

245BA006 KN

245BA008 KN

Edging

: Start the engine.
: Start the cut at half throttle and

continue cutting at full throttle.

: Hold and guide the unit so that the

blade is vertical.

: Cut steadily so that the engine

speed does not decline to any major
extent – do not apply force!

: Cut at a normal walking pace.
: Do not push the blade into the

ground!

FCS-KM

1

: Always walk forwards when cutting,

do not pull the unit towards you.

: Cut at a steady pace to avoid having

to make several passes.

1 = Gunning sight for cutting blade.

Approved CombiEngines Assembling the Unit

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

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

STIHL KM 55, KM 55 C, KM 55 R,
KM 55 RC, KM 85, KM 85 R, KM 100,
KM 100 R, KM 110, KM 110 R

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

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

245BA009 KN

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

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

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

Mounting the Gearbox

: Loosen the clamp screws (1) on the

: Push the drive tube (4) through the

2

1

gearbox (2) and clamp (3).

clamp and into the gearbox – turn
the gearbox back and forth as
necessary.

2
5

English / USA

3

1

4

406BA001 KN

406BA002 KN

: Once the end of the drive tube is

inserted beyond the slot in the
clamp (5), push it fully home as far
as stop.

: Screw in the clamp screws as far as

stop but do not tighten down yet.

13FCS-KM