Stihl RL-MM RL-MM

STIHL RL-MM

WARNING

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

ADVERTENCIA

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

Instruction Manual
Manual de instrucciones

Instruction Manual
1 - 15

Manual de instrucciones
16 - 32

Contents

English

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

Techniques 3
Using the Unit 9
Approved MultiEngines 10
Mounting the MultiTool 10
Starting / Stopping the Engine 11

Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper

Storing the Machine 12
Maintenance and Care 12
Main Parts 13
Specifications 14
Maintenance and Repairs 14
Disposal 14
Trademarks 15

Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.

Allow only persons who fully understand
the manuals of the MultiEngine and
aerator MultiTool to operate this power
tool combination.

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

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

WARNING

Because a MultiEngine equipped with a
aerator MultiTool is a power tool with a
relatively fast turning 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.

© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2020

0458-482-8621. VA3.G20.

0000000585_008_GB

RL-MM

This instruction manual is protected by copyright. All rights reserved, especially the rights to reproduce, translate and process
with electronic systems.

1

English

469BA028 KN

+

+

MultiSystem

In the STIHL MultiSystem, various
MultiEngines and MultiTools are
combined to form a machine. In this
Instruction Manual, the functional unit of
MultiEngine and MultiTool is referred to
as a machine.

Accordingly, the instruction manuals for
the MultiEngine and the MultiTool
constitute the entire Instruction Manual
for the machine.

Always read both manuals carefully
before using your machine for the first
time and keep them safe for future
reference.

Guide to Using this Manual

Pictograms

All the pictograms attached to or
embossed on the machine are shown
and explained in this manual.

Symbols in Text

Many operating and safety instructions
are supported by illustrations.

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

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

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

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

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

DANGER

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

WARNING

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

NOTICE

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

Engineering Improvements

STIHL’s philosophy is to continually
improve all of its products. As a result,
engineering changes and improvements
are made from time to time. Therefore,
some changes, modifications and
improvements may not be covered in
this manual. If the operating
characteristics or the appearance of
your machine differs from those
described in this manual, please contact
your STIHL dealer or the STIHL
distributor for your area for assistance.

2

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English

Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques

Because a MultiEngine
equipped with an aerator
MultiTool is a high-speed
power tool, special safety
precautions must be
observed to reduce the
risk of personal injury.

It is important that you
read, fully understand
and observe the following
safety precautions and
warnings. Read the
instruction manuals and
the safety precautions of
your MultiEngine and
MultiTool 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 of your
MultiEngine and MultiTool. Be sure that
anyone using it understands the
information contained in these manuals.

WARNING

The use of this machine may be
hazardous. If a rotating blade comes in
contact with your body, it will injure 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 MultiTool and may cause
blades to crack, chip or break. Thrown
objects, including broken blades, may
result in serious or fatal injury to the
operator or bystanders.

STIHL does not recommend the use of
the aerator when working in stony areas.

Use your MultiEngine equipped with the
aerator MultiTool only for creating slits
into the soil of the lawn. These holes
allow air, moisture, fertilizers and other
nutrients to get to the roots.

WARNING

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

WARNING

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

WARNING

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

Most of these safety precautions and
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL
power tools. Different models may have
different parts and controls. See the
appropriate section of your MultiEngine

and MultiTool instruction manuals for a
description of the controls and the
function of the parts of your model.

Safe use of a power tool involves

1. the operator

2. the power tool

3. the use of the power tool.

THE OPERATOR

Physical Condition
You must be in good physical condition

and mental health and not under the
influence of any substance (drugs,
alcohol, etc.) which might impair vision,
dexterity or judgment. Do not operate
this machine when you are fatigued.

WARNING

Be alert – if you get tired, take a break.
Tiredness may result in loss of control.
Working with any power tool can be
strenuous. If you have any condition that
might be aggravated by strenuous work,
check with your doctor before operating
this machine.

Proper Clothing

WARNING

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

The suitable deflector for your power
tool will not protect the operator from all
foreign objects (stones, glass, wire, etc.)
thrown back by the rotating attachment.
Thrown objects may also ricochet and
strike the operator.

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English

WARNING

To reduce the risk of
injury to your eyes never
operate your power tool
unless wearing goggles
or properly fitted protec
tive glasses with
adequate top and side
protection complying with
ANSI Z87 "+" (or your
applicable national
standard).

Power tool noise may
damage your hearing.
Wear sound barriers (ear
plugs or ear mufflers) to
protect your hearing.
Continual and regular
users should have their
hearing checked
regularly.

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

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

Clothing must be sturdy
and snug-fitting, but allow
complete freedom of
movement. Wear long
pants made of heavy
material to help protect

-

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.

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

THE POWER TOOL (MULTIENGINE
EQUIPPED WITH AERATOR
MULTITOOL)

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

WARNING

Never modify this power tool in any way.
Only attachments supplied by STIHL
and expressly approved by STIHL for
use with the specific STIHL power tool
models are authorized. Although certain

your legs. Do not wear
shorts, sandals or go
barefoot.

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

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
(MULTIENGINE EQUIPPED WITH
AERATOR MULTITOOL)

Transporting the Power Tool

WARNING

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

WARNING

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

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English

469BA001 KN

Grip the power tool by the carrying
handle with the attachment facing
forward.

WARNING

When transporting it in a vehicle,
properly secure it to prevent turnover,
fuel spillage and damage to the unit.

Before Starting

WARNING

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

WARNING

Never operate your power tool if it is
damaged, improperly adjusted or
maintained, or not completely or
securely assembled.

Unfold the bike handle into the working
position and secure it with the knob (see
chapter "Adjusting the bicycle handle" of
your MultiEngine instruction manual.)

Keep the handles clean and dry at all
times; it is particularly important to keep
them free of moisture, pitch, oil, fuel mix,

grease or resin in order for you to
maintain a firm grip and properly control
your power tool.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of injury from the
MultiTool rotating in the wrong direction,
check that the position of the gearbox is
correct and change it if necessary.

On metal tools (top illustration), position
the gearbox so that the shaft is below
the drive tube.

Use for:
– BF-MM cultivator blades with

pointed tines

– BK-MM cultivator blades with

curved tines

– FC-MM edger
– RL-MM aerator
– MF-MM dethatcher

WARNING

The MultiTool must be properly
tightened and in safe operating
condition. Inspect for loose parts (hitch
pins, screws, etc.) and for cracked, bent,
warped or damaged blades. Replace
damaged blades before using the power
tool.

WARNING

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

WARNING

To reduce the risk of injury from thrown
objects and contact with the attachment,
never operate your power tool without a
properly mounted deflector.

Check your MultiTool instruction manual
to ensure you are using the appropriate
deflector for the MultiTool mounted.

Starting

WARNING

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

For specific starting instructions, see the
appropriate section of your MultiEngine
and MultiTool manuals.

Place the power tool on firm ground or
other solid surface in an open area.
Maintain good balance and secure
footing.

RL-MM

5

English

469BA027 KN

469BA045 KN

WARNING

Always stand to one side of the unit to
avoid the risk of injury from contact with
the rotating MultiTool.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of injury from loss of
control, be absolutely sure that the
MultiTool 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 MultiTool.

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

WARNING

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

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

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, 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.

WARNING

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

WARNING

Do not overreach. Keep proper footing
and balance at all times. Special care
must be taken in slippery conditions (wet
ground, snow) and in difficult, overgrown
terrain. Watch for hidden obstacles such
as tree stumps, roots and ditches to

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

Operate the power tool only at a normal
walking pace.

WARNING

To avoid the risk of injury from contact
with the rotating attachment, be
extremely cautious when pulling the
power tool toward you.

Be extremely cautious when changing
direction with the power tool – especially
on slopes.

WARNING

To avoid the risk of injury from loss of
control, never work on steep slopes.

Working Conditions
Start and operate your power tool only

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

WARNING

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

6

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English

5m (16ft)

WARNING

Inhalation of certain
dusts, especially organic
dusts such as mold or
pollen, can cause sus

-

ceptible persons to have
an allergic or asthmatic
reaction. Substantial or
repeated inhalation of
dust and other airborne
contaminants, in particu
lar 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.

RL-MM

DANGER

Your power tool is not
insulated against electric
shock. To reduce the risk
of electrocution, ensure
that there are no power
cables near the surface
or in the working area
that could come into con
tact with the MultiTool.

-

Damaging such cables
with the tool can cause
electric shocks with seri
ous or fatal
consequences.

Information on the routing of cables can
be obtained from public utilities and such
service providers as "Miss Utility" or
"One Call."

WARNING

Use the power tool at ground level only.
The risk of injury is increased if you use
MultiTools above ground level because
they are more exposed and the power
tool is more difficult to control.

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.

WARNING

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

If the MultiTool or deflector becomes
clogged or stuck, always switch off the
engine and make sure the attachment
has stopped before cleaning. Grass,

-

weeds, etc. should be cleaned off the
attachment as necessary.

-

To reduce the risk of eye and other injury
ensure that bystanders are at least
16 feet (5 m) away. Bystanders should
be encouraged to wear eye protection.
To reduce the risk of damage to
property, also maintain this distance
from such objects as vehicles or
windows.

Stop the engine immediately if you are
approached.

WARNING

Before you start work, examine the area
for stones, glass, pieces of metal,
rubbish or other solid objects. Such
objects could be hurled by the cutting
tool and directly or indirectly strike the
operator or bystanders. Such objects
may also damage the MultiTool. The
blade may shatter, splinter or break.
Flying objects or damaged blades may
cause serious or fatal injury to the
operator and bystanders.

7

English

Do not use the aerator MultiTool on
gravel surfaces.

WARNING

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

WARNING

Avoid cutting close to fences, sides of
buildings, tree trunks, stones or similar
obstacles which could damage the blade
or lead to loss of control of the unit. Be
aware of a higher risk of ricochets in
such conditions. Flying objects or
damaged blades may cause serious or
fatal injuries to the operator and
bystanders.

If the machine strikes a foreign object
(such as a stone), stop the engine and
remove the obstacle. Examine the
machine for signs of damage before
continuing.

WARNING

Check the tightness and condition of the
MultiTool at regular intervals during
cutting. If the behaviour of the tool
changes, stop the engine immediately
and examine the tool. Replace a
cracked, bent, warped or damaged
blade immediately, even if damage is
limited to superficial cracks. Such
attachments may shatter at high speed
and cause serious or fatal injury.

WARNING

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

MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND
STORING

WARNING

Always stop the engine and make sure
that the attachment is stopped before
doing any maintenance or repair work or
cleaning the power tool. Do not attempt
any maintenance or repair work not
described in your MultiEngine and
MultiTool instruction manuals. Have
such work performed at your STIHL
servicing dealer only.

WARNING

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

Wear gloves when handling or
performing maintenance on blades.

WARNING

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

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

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

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

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

8

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English

482BA001 KN

482BA002 KN

482BA003 KN

Using the Unit

Your RL-MM is designed for aerating
lawns and other grassed areas.

Preparations

If the lawn is very dry, spray it with water
before you start work: this softens the
soil a little and reduces the amount of
dust created.

WARNING

Clear away all obstacles and solid
objects from the work area.

N Plan the best route for aerating.

Operate the MultiEngine with RL-MM
aerator in the forward direction only.

The blades may only be mounted and
operated in one position. Arrows on the
blades show the required direction of
rotation – see chapter on "Mounting the
MultiTool".

WARNING
Never work without the deflector!
The deflector ensures that cuttings and

other debris are directed away from the
machine and operator.

Aerating the lawn

N Secure the handlebar in the normal

operating position.

N Start the engine.
N Operate at no less than half throttle,

or at full throttle.

N Choose a working speed that

produces the required aerating
depth without lugging down the
engine.

N Operate at no more than a normal

walking pace.

N Do not push the blades into the

ground.

Cleaning the blades

Pieces of grass or roots may become
tightly wrapped around blade mounting
and between the blades during
operation. Clean the blades as follows:

– Shut off the engine.
– Wear work gloves.
– Pull the hitch pins out of the axle.
– Pull the blades off the axle.
– Remove pieces of roots, plants and

soil.

Refer to "Mounting the MultiTool" for
mounting instructions.

RL-MM

9