STIHL KM HL Owner's Manual

STIH)

STIHL HL-KM

Instruction Manual

Manual de instrucciones

Warning!

Read and follow all safety precautions in
Instruction Manual - improper use can cause
serious or fatal injury.

Advertencia!

Lea y siga todas las precauciones de
seguridad dadas en el manual de
instrucciones - el uso incorrecto puede

causar lesiones graves o mortales.

Contents

English / USA

KombiSystem ................................... 2

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

Safety Precautions and

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

Using the Hedge Trimmer .............. 10

Approved CombiEngines ................ 12

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

BA_SE_118_003_01_07.fmPrinted on chlorine-free paper.

Mounting the KombiTool ................. 14

Adjusting Cutter Bar ....................... 14

Fitting the Harness ......................... 16

Starting / Stopping

the Engine ...................................... 17

Lubricating the Gearbox ................. 18

Storing the Machine ........................ 19

Sharpening the Cutting Blades ....... 19

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

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

Maintenance and Repairs ............... 21

Printing inks contain vegetable oils; paper can be recycled.

Allow only persons who understand the
manuals of the CombiEngine and hedge
trimmer 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 working tool 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, 2008

0458 475 8621 A. M10. B8. PM. Printed in USA

1HL-KM

English / USA

KombiSystem

+

.

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.

.

+

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.

The KombiEngine and KombiTool 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

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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.

Because a KombiEngine
equipped with a hedge
trimmer KombiTool is a
high-speed, fast-cutting
power tool with sharp
cutting blades, 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.

!Warning!

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

!Warning!

The use of this machine may be
hazardous. If the cutting tool comes in
contact with your body, it will cut you.

Use your hedge trimmer only for cutting
hedges, shrubs, scrub, bushes and
similar material. It must not be used for
any other purposes, since such misuse
may result in an accident or 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.

3HL-KM

English / USA

Most of these safety precautions and
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL
hedge trimmers. 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 hedge trimmer 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 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.

!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
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 protective 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.

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

Always wear gloves when
handling the machine and
the cutting tool. Heavy­duty, 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.

4

HL-KM

English / USA

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

STIHL offers a wide range of protective
clothing and equipment.

THE POWER TOOL

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 or
expressly approved by STIHL for use
with the specific STIHL model are
authorized. Although certain
unauthorized attachments are useable
with STIHL power tools, their use may, in
fact, be extremely dangerous.

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

Transporting the Power Tool

!Warning!

To reduce the risk of injury from blade
contact, never carry or transport your
power tool with the cutter blades
moving.

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!

Always switch off the engine and fit the
scabbard over the cutter blades before
transporting the power tool over long
distances. When transporting it in a
vehicle, properly secure it to prevent
turnover, fuel spillage and damage to the
unit.

On machines with an adjustable cutter
bar: Make sure the cutter bar is secured
in position. See chapter in this
instruction manual entitled “Adjusting
Cutter Bar Angle.” On machines with a
transport position: Move cutter bar to
transport position and secure.

Before Starting

!Warning!

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

389BA019 KN

5HL-KM

English / USA

!Warning!

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

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

!Warning!

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. Regularly
check the condition and tightness of the
cutter blades – with the engine stopped!
Replace damaged cutter blades before
using the power tool. Always keep
blades sharp.

STIHL recommends that you always
spray the cutter blades with STIHL resin
solvent before starting work - with the
engine stopped! You can obtain this
protective spray from your dealer. Apply
generously.

Adjust carrying harness and hand grip to
suit your size before starting work.

Starting

On machines with an adjustable cutter
bar: Secure the cutter bar in the starting
position as described in the chapter
“Starting/Stopping the Engine.” If this
starting position is not the desired
cutting position, you will then need to
carefully adjust the machine to the
desired position once the engine has
returned to idle and the blades are no
longer moving.

On machines with a defined transport
position (cutter bar folded against the
drive tube): Never start the machine in
the transport position, since the blades
are not engaged in that position and you
therefore cannot visually check to see
that they will be stopped at idle when
you start to adjust the cutter bar to the
desired cutting position (where the
blades are engaged).

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

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 blade
contact, 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
move the blades on 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).

!Warning!

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

6

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English / USA

See also the Safety Precautions on
Starting in the instruction manual of the
KombiEngine.

Important Adjustments

!Warning!

To reduce the risk of personal injury from
loss of control or contact with the
running cutting tool, do not use your unit
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 your instruction manual of the
KombiEngine.

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

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.

Your right hand should grip the rear
handle. This also applies to left-handers.

!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 tool. Never touch a
moving cutting tool 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 fallen branches, 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, in a tree
or any other insecure support. Never

002BA057 KN

hold the machine above shoulder
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
accompanied the substance at issue.

7HL-KM

English / USA

!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 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 to 0 or STOP.

See section of your KombiEngine
instruction manual on the proper use of
the slide control.

!Warning

The cutter blades continue to move for a
short period after the throttle trigger is
released (flywheel effect).

Accelerating the engine while the blades
are blocked increases the load and will
cause the clutch to slip continuously.
This may result in overheating and
damage to important components (e.g.
clutch, polymer housing components) –
which can then increase the risk of injury
from the blades moving while the engine
is idling.

!Warning!

On units with an adjustable cutter bar: To
reduce the risk of injury, never touch the
blades while making adjustments.

The power tool

15m (50ft)

falling objects or inadvertent contact with
the moving cutter blades of your power
tool always keep bystanders at least
50 feet (15m) away when the power tool
is running.

Stop the engine and cutting tool
immediately if you are approached.

has a large range.
In order to reduce
the risk of personal
or even fatal injury
to bystanders from

!Warning!

Before you start work, examine the
hedge area for stones, fence wire, metal
or other solid objects which could
damage the cutter blades.

Take particular care when cutting
hedges next to or against wire fences.
Do not touch the wire with the cutting
blades. When working close to the
ground, make sure that no sand, grit or
stones get between the cutter blades.

8

HL-KM

English / USA

Striking solid foreign objects such as
stones, fence wire or metal could
damage the cutting attachment and may
cause blades to crack, chip or break.
STIHL does not recommend the use of
your power tool when cutting in areas
where the blades could contact such
objects.

!Warning

Observe the cutting blades at all times –
do not cut any areas of the hedge that
you cannot see. When cutting the top of
a taller hedge, check the other side of
the hedge frequently for bystanders,
animals and obstructions.

Danger!

Your power tool is not

insulated against electric

shock. To reduce the risk

of electrocution, never
operate this power tool in the vicinity of
any wires or cables (power, etc.) which
may be carrying electric current.

!Warning!

If the cutting tool 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.

Check the cutting blades at regular short
intervals during operation, or
immediately if there is a noticeable
change in cutting behavior:

– Shut off the engine.
– Wait until the cutting blades have

come to a complete standstill.

– Check condition and tightness, look

for cracks.
– Check sharpness.
– Replace damaged or dull cutting

tools immediately, even if they have

only superficial cracks.

!Warning

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

After Finishing Work

Always clean dust and dirt off the
machine – do not use any grease
solvents for this purpose.

Spray the blades with STIHL resin
solvent. Start and run the engine briefly
so that the solvent is evenly distributed.

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 make a
warranty claim for a component
which has not been serviced or
maintained properly or if
nonapproved replacement parts were
used, STIHL may deny coverage.

!Warning!

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

Strictly follow the maintenance and
repair instructions in the appropriate
section of your KombiEngine and
KombiTool instruction manuals. Please
refer to the maintenance charts
respectively the maintenance notes in
these manuals.

9HL-KM

English / USA

Using the Hedge Trimmer

!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 KombiEngine and
KombiTool instruction manuals. Have
such work performed by your STIHL
servicing dealer only.

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

Cutting Season

Observe country-specific or municipal
rules and regulatons for cutting hedges.

Do not use your hedge trimmer during
rest periods customary in the
neigborhood.

Cutting Sequence

If a radical cut is necessary, cut a little at
a time in several stages.

Use lopping shears to cut out thick
branches first.

Cut the sides of the hedge first, then the
top.

Disposal

Do not throw cuttings in the garbage

can – they can be composted!

Working Technique

Always wear the shoulder strap.

389BA044 KN

Horizontal Cut
– with angled cutter bar

Cutting close to the ground from a
standing position, e.g. low shrubs.

Swing the cutter bar back and forth
down in an arc as you move along – use
both sides of the cutting blades.

10

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English / USA

Vertical Cut
– with angled cutter bar

Cutting without standing directly next to
hedge, e.g. flowerbed between operator
and hedge.

Swing the cutter bar up and down in an
arc as you move along the hedge – use
both sides of the cutting blades.

389BA049 KN

Vertical Cut
– with straight cutter bar

For cutting while standing directly next to
hedge and for extra long reach without
the need for other aids.

Swing the cutter bar up and down in an
arc as you move along the hedge – use
both sides of the cutting blades.

475BA000 KN

Overhead Cut
– with angled cutter bar

Hold the hedge trimmer vertically and
swing it in an arc to make maximum use
of its reach.

Any working position above head
height is tiring. To minimize the risk
of accidents, work in such positions
for short periods only. Set angle of
adjustable cutter bar to maximum so
that the unit can be held in a lower,
less tiring position suspended from
the shoulder strap while still
providing adequate vertical reach.

388BA021 KN

11HL-KM

English / USA

Approved CombiEngines

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

The CombiTools may be operated in
combination with the following
CombiEngines:

Horizontal Cut
– with straight cutter bar

Cutting without standing directly in front
of the hedge, e.g. reaching over a
flowerbed.

Hold the cutter bar at an angle of 0° to
10° as you swing the hedge trimmer
horizontally.

475BA005 KN

Swing the cutter bar in an arc towards
the outside of the hedge so that the
cuttings are swept on to the ground.

Recommendation: Only cut hedges

that are no higher than chest level..

Combi
Engine

STIHL
KM 55,
KM 55 C

STIHL
KM 85

STIHL

389BA010 KN

KM 110
STIHL

KM 55 R,
KM 55 RC

STIHL
KM 85 R

STIHL
KM 110 R

HL-KM 0°HL-KM

30°

HL-KM
0 - 90°/

135°

ox x

ox x

ox x

xxx

xxx

xxx

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

12

xapproved
o not approved

HL-KM

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

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

English / USA

Assembling the Unit

Brush­cutter

STIHL
FS 55 T,
FS 55 TC

STIHL
FS 85 T

STIHL
FS 55 RT,
FS 55 RTC

STIHL
FS 85 RT

STIHL
FS 83 T

Refer to power tool instruction
manual for use of the barrier bar.

HL-KM 0°HL-KM

30°

ox x

ox x

xxx

xxx

xxx

HL-KM
0 - 90°/

135°

: Pull the protective cap off the end of

the drive tube.

The plug may come out of the drive

tube when you remove the cap. If

this happens, push the plug back

into the drive tube as fas as stop.

413BA014 KN

2

1

1

3

Mounting the Gearbox

002BA248 KN

: Loosen the clamp screws (1).
: Push the gearbox (2) onto the drive

tube (3) – turn the gearbox back and
forth as necessary.

475BA006 KN

xapproved
o not approved

13HL-KM