Stihl SP 451, SP 481 Instruction Manual
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STIHL SP 451, 481 Instruction Manual
Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2011
0458-418-0121-A. M0-125.A11.DDS.
0000001685_005_GB
SP 451, SP 481
English
1
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Contents
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing a quality
engineered STIHL product.
This machine has been built using
modern production techniques and
comprehensive quality assurance.
Every effort has been made to ensure
your satisfaction and troublefree use
of the machine.
Please contact your dealer or our
sales company if you have any
queries concerning your machine.
Your
Hans Peter Stihl
Guide to Using this Manual 2
Safety Precautions and Working
Techniques 2
Using the Unit 6
Assembling the Unit 7
Adjusting the Throttle Cable 8
Fuel 8
Fueling 9
Starting / Stopping the Engine 10
Operating Instructions 13
Fitting the Harness 13
Transporting the Unit 15
Cleaning the Air Filter 16
Adjusting the Carburetor 16
Spark Plug 17
Engine Running Behavior 18
Replacing the Starter Rope and
Rewind Spring 19
Storing the Machine 20
Inspection and Maintenance by
User 21
Inspections and Maintenance by
Dealer 22
Maintenance and Care 23
Minimize Wear and Avoid Damage 25
Main Parts 26
Specifications 27
Special Accessories 28
Maintenance and Repairs 28
EC Declaration of Conformity 28
Quality Certification 29
SP 451, SP 481
English
2
Pictograms
All the pictograms attached to the
machine are shown and explained in this
manual.
Symbols in text
Engineering improvements
STIHL's philosophy is to continually
improve all of its products. For this
reason we may modify the design,
engineering and appearance of our
products periodically.
Therefore, some changes, modifications
and improvements may not be covered
in this manual.
Observe all applicable local safety
regulations, standards and ordinances.
If you have not used this type of power
tool before: Have your dealer or other
experienced user show you how to
operate your power tool or attend a
special course in its operation.
Minors should never be allowed to use a
power tool.
Keep bystanders, especially children,
and animals away from the work area.
When the power tool is not in use, shut it
off so that it does not endanger others.
Secure it against unauthorized use.
The user is responsible for avoiding
injury to third parties or damage to their
property.
Do not lend or rent your power tool
without the instruction manual. Be sure
than anyone using your power tool
understands the information contained
in this manual.
The use of noise emitting power tools
may be restricted to certain times by
national or local regulations.
To operate the power tool you must be
rested, in good physical condition and
mental health.
If you have any condition that might be
aggravated by strenuous work, check
with your doctor before operating a
power tool.
Persons with pacemakers only: The
ignition system of your power tool
produces an electromagnetic field of a
very low intensity. This field may
interfere with some pacemakers. To
reduce health risks, STIHL recommends
that persons with pacemakers consult
their physician and the pacemaker
manufacturer before operating this tool.
Do not operate the power tool if you are
under the influence of any substance
(drugs, alcohol) which might impair
vision, dexterity or judgment.
Use the special harvester only for
shaking small trees, branches, bushes
and shrubs.
Do not use your harvester for any other
purpose since this may result in
accidents.
Only mount tools and accessories that
are explicity approved for this power tool
by STIHL or are technically identical. If
you have any questions in this respect,
consult a servicing dealer. Use only high
Guide to Using this Manual
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.
Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques
Some special safety precautions must be
observed when working
with this harvester
because of the very high
oscillating speed of the
hook.
It is important you read
and understand the
instruction manual before
using your power tool for
the first time and keep
the manual in a safe
place for future reference. Non-observance of
the safety precautions
may result in serious or
even fatal injury.
SP 451, SP 481
English
3
quality parts and accessories in order to
avoid the risk of accidents and damage
to the machine.
STIHL recommends the use of original
STIHL replacement parts. They are
specifically designed to match your
model and meet your performance
requirements.
Never attempt to modify your power tool
in any way since this may increase the
risk of personal injury. STIHL excludes
all liability for personal injury and
damage to property caused while using
unauthorized attachments.
Do not use a pressure washer to clean
the unit. The solid jet of water may
damage parts of the unit.
Clothing and Equipment
Wear proper protective clothing and
equipment.
Avoid clothing that could get caught on
branches or brush or moving parts of the
machine. Do not wear a scarf, necktie or
jewelry. Tie up and confine long hair
(e.g. with a hair net, cap, hard hat, etc.).
Warning! A face shield alone does not
provide adequate eye protection.
Wear hearing protection, e.g. earplugs
or ear muffs.
Transporting the Power Tool
Always stop the engine.
Carry the unit suspended from the
harness.
Transporting in a vehicle: Properly
secure your power tool to prevent
turnover, fuel spillage and damage.
Fueling
Always shut off the engine before
refueling.
Do not fuel a hot engine – fuel may spill
and cause a fire.
Open the fuel cap carefully to allow any
pressure build-up in the tank to release
slowly and avoid fuel spillage.
Fuel your power tool only in wellventilated areas. If you spill fuel, wipe
the machine immediately – if fuel gets on
your clothing, change immediately.
This reduces the risk of unit vibrations
causing the fuel cap to loosen or come
off and spill quantities of fuel.
Check for leakage. To reduce the risk of
serious of fatal burn injuries, do not
start or run the engine until leak is fixed.
Before starting
Check that your power tool is properly
assembled and in good condition – refer
to appropriate chapters in the instruction
manual.
Clothing must be sturdy
but allow complete freedom of movement. Wear
snug-fitting clothing, an
overall and jacket combination, do not wear a
work coat.
Wear steel-toed safety
boots with non-slip soles.
Wear a safety hard hat
where there is a danger
of head injuries from falling objects. Wear a face
shield and safety
glasses.
Wear heavy-duty gloves,
preferably made of
leather.
4902BA001 KN
Gasoline is an
extremely flammable
fuel. Keep clear of naked
flames. Do not spill any
fuel – do not smoke.
After fueling, tighten
down the screw-type fuel
cap as securely as
possible.
SP 451, SP 481
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– Slide control / stop switch must
move easily to STOP or 0.
– Smooth action of throttle trigger and
throttle trigger interlock – throttle
trigger must return automatically to
idle position.
– Check that the spark plug boot is
secure – a loose boot may cause
arcing that could ignite combustible
fumes and cause a fire.
– Keep the handles dry and clean –
free from oil and dirt – for safe
control of the power tool.
– Hook with rubber element: Properly
mounted and in good condition.
– Never attempt to modify the controls
or the safety devices in any way.
– Adjust the harness to suit your
height and reach – see "Fitting the
Harness".
To reduce the risk of personal injury,
do not operate your power tool if it is
damaged or not properly assembled.
For emergencies: Practise removing
and putting down the machine as you
would in an emergency. To avoid
damage, do not throw the machine to
the ground when practising – see also
"Fitting the Harness".
Starting the engine
Start the engine at least 3 meters from
the fueling spot, outdoors only.
Place the unit on firm ground in an open
area. Make sure you have good balance
and secure footing. Hold the unit
securely. The hook must be clear of the
ground and all other obstacles because
it may begin to run when the engine
starts.
Your harvester is a one-person unit. To
reduce the risk of injury from thrown
objects or contact with the shaft and
hook, do not allow other persons within
a radius of 10 meters of your own
position – even when starting.
Do not drop start the power tool – start
the engine as described in the
instruction manual.
Note that the hook continues to run for a
short period after you let go of the
throttle trigger (flywheel effect).
Make sure the idle speed setting is
correct. The hook must not move when
the engine is idling with the throttle
trigger released.
Check and correct the idle speed setting
at regular intervals. If the hook still
moves, have your dealer check your
machine and make proper adjustments
or repairs. STIHL recommends a STIHL
servicing dealer.
To reduce the risk of fire, keep hot
exhaust gases and hot muffler away
from easily combustible materials (e.g.
wood chips, bark, dry grass, fuel).
Holding and Controlling the Power
Tool
Always hold the unit on the right-hand
side of your body with both hands on the
handles.
Left hand on the front handle, right hand
on the control handle, even if you are
left-handed.
Make sure you always have good
balance and secure footing.
During Operation
To reduce the risk of serious or fatal
injury from breathing toxic fumes,
ensure proper ventilation when working
in trenches, hollows or other confined
locations.
Your power tool produces
toxic exhaust fumes as
soon as the engine is
running. These fumes
may be colorless and
odorless and contain
unburned hydrocarbons
and benzol. Never operate the power tool in
enclosed or poorly ventilated locations.
4902BA002 KN
SP 451, SP 481
English
5
To reduce the risk of accidents, stop
work immediately in the event of
nausea, headache, visual disturbances
(e.g. reduced field of vision), problems
with hearing, dizziness, deterioration in
ability to concentrate. Apart from other
possibilities, these symptoms may be
caused by an excessively high
concentration of exhaust gases in the
work area.
The dusts, vapor and smoke produced
during operation may be dangerous to
health. If dust levels are very high, wear
a suitable respirator.
To reduce the risk of fire, do not smoke
while operating or standing near your
power tool. Note that combustible fuel
vapor may escape from the fuel system.
Operate your power tool so that it
produces a minimum of noise and
emissions – do not run the engine
unnecessarily, accelerate the engine
only for cutting.
Do not work alone – keep within calling
distance of others in case help is
needed.
Work calmly and carefully – in daylight
conditions and only when visibility is
good. Stay alert so as not to endanger
others.
Do not operate your power tool in the
starting throttle position. Engine speed
cannot be controlled with the throttle
trigger in this position.
Opening the throttle while the hook is
blocked increases the load and reduces
engine speed. The clutch then slips
continuously and this causes
overheating and damage to important
components (e.g. clutch, polymer
housing components) – and this can
increase the risk of injury from the hook
moving while the engine is idling.
To reduce the risk of personal injury
from falling branches, fruit, etc., do not
allow any other persons within a radius
of 15 meters of your own position while
you are working.
Special care must be taken when
working in difficult, over-grown terrain.
Take special care in slippery conditions
– damp, slopes, fruit on the ground and
on uneven ground.
Watch out for obstacles: Watch out for
tree stumps, roots and fallen fruit to
avoid stumbling.
Be particularly alert and cautious when
wearing hearing protection because
your ability to hear warnings (shouts,
alarms, etc.) is restricted.
Before starting work, check the safety
devices for damage or wear. Always
replace damaged parts. Never operate
your power tool with damaged safety
devices.
Check the hook, rubber element and
shaft at regular short intervals or
immediately if there is a noticeable
change in the tool's behavior:
– Shut off the engine and hold the unit
firmly.
– Check condition – look for cracks.
– Replace damaged parts
immediately, even if they have only
superficial cracks.
To reduce the risk of unintentional
engine start and injury, always shut off
the engine before replacing the hook
and shaft.
Do not continue using or attempt to
repair a damaged or cracked hook by
welding or straightening.
After finishing work or before leaving the
unit unattended: Shut off the engine.
Vibrations
Recommendation: Several persons
should share the day's work with the
harvester by rotating at regular intervals.
No general recommendation can be
given for the length of usage because it
depends on several factors.
The period of usage is prolonged by:
– Hand protection (wearing warm
gloves)
– Work breaks
The period of usage is shortened by:
– Any personal tendency to suffer
from poor circulation (symptoms:
frequently cold fingers, tingling
sensations).
– Low outside temperatures.
– The force with which the handles
are held (a tight grip restricts
circulation).
Seek medical advice immediately if any
of the following symptoms appear:
The function of this harvester causes vibrations.
Some of these vibrations
are transmitted to the
handles. Therefore, the
permissible period of
daily usage for one operator is restricted.
SP 451, SP 481
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– Fingers turning white – especially in
cold weather.
– Tingling sensations and numbness
in fingers (after using the machine).
– Constant pains in muscles or joints.
– Difficulty gripping or holding small
objects, such as screws, nails, etc.
Operators with the above symptoms
should not use the machine until further
notice.
An aid to calculating the daily exposure
to vibrations can be found on
www.stihl.com/vib. Dealers can also
provide information on daily exposure to
vibrations. STIHL recommends you
consult a STIHL servicing dealer in this
respect.
Maintenance and Repairs
Service the machine regularly. Do not
attempt any maintenance or repair work
not described in the instruction manual.
Have all other work performed by a
servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends that you have
servicing and repair work carried out
exclusively by an authorized STIHL
servicing dealer. STIHL dealers are
regularly given the opportunity to attend
training courses and are supplied with
the necessary technical information.
Only use high-quality replacement parts
in order to avoid the risk of accidents
and damage to the machine. If you have
any questions in this respect, consult a
servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends the use of genuine
STIHL replacement parts. They are
specifically designed to match your
model and meet your performance
requirements.
To reduce the risk of injury, always shut
off the engine before carrying out any
maintenance or repairs or cleaning the
machine. – Exception: Carburetor and
idle speed adjustments.
Do not turn the engine over on the
starter with the spark plug boot or spark
plug removed unless the slide control /
stop switch is on STOP or 0 since there
is otherwise a risk of fire from
uncontained sparking.
To reduce the risk of fire, do not service
or store your machine near open flames.
Check the fuel filler cap for leaks at
regular intervals.
Use only a spark plug of the type
approved by STIHL and make sure it is
in good condition – see "Specifications".
Inspect the ignition lead (insulation in
good condition, secure connection).
Check the condition of the muffler.
To reduce the risk of fire and damage
to hearing, do not operate your
machine if the muffler is damaged or
missing.
Do not touch a hot muffler since burn
injury will result.
Vibration behavior is influenced by the
condition of the AV elements – check the
AV elements at regular intervals.
Preparations
N Start the engine – see
"Starting / Stopping the Engine".
N Put on the harness – see "Fitting the
Harness".
N Attach the hook (1) to a branch –
rotate the shaft (2) to turn the hook
to the required position.
Using the Unit
Do not operate the harvester
without the harness.
2
1
4902BA003 KN
SP 451, SP 481
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7
Working Position
N With the harvester suspended from
the harness (3), hold the control
handle with your right hand and hold
and control the unit with your left
hand on the front handle (4).
N Open the throttle and begin work
Mounting the Shaft
N Place the powerhead on a clean
and flat surface so that it is resting
on the guard plate and the machine
support (under the front handle).
N Place the shaft (1) in front of the
powerhead and check that both
parts form a straight line.
N Push back the hand guard (2) to
expose the thread (3) on the
pushrod.
N Hold the hand guard in this position
and screw the shaft (1) onto the
pushrod's thread by hand – as far as
stop.
N Position the 27mm open-end
wrench on the pushrod's hexagon.
N Position the 34mm open-end
wrench on the shaft's hexagon.
Do not grip the shaft during
operation because its movements
will otherwise be transmitted
directly to your body – the
anitivibration system will be
bypassed – see also section on
"Vibrations" in "Safety Precautions
and Working Techniques".
3
4902BA004 KN
4
Assembling the Unit
Make sure the ends of the shaft
and pushrod are clean.
4902BA005 KN
1
1
3
2
4902BA006 KN
4902BA007 KN
SW 27
SW 34
SP 451, SP 481
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8
N Hold the pushrod steady with the
27mm wrench and tighten down the
shaft firmly.
Removing the Shaft
The shaft can be removed again to save
space when transporting the machine.
See chapter on "Transporting the
Machine".
Attaching the Harness
N Attach the harness to the machine
and put it on – see "Putting on the
Harness".
A properly adjusted throttle cable is the
precondition for correct operation in the
starting throttle, idle and full throttle
positions.
N Adjust the throttle cable only when
the unit is completely and properly
assembled.
N Use a suitable tool to push the slide
to the end of the slot (see
illustration).
N Press down the throttle trigger
lockout (1) and squeeze the throttle
trigger (2) (full throttle) – this sets
the throttle cable correctly.
Your engine requires a mixture of
gasoline and engine oil.
STIHL MotoMix
STIHL recommends the use of STIHL
MotoMix. This ready-to-use fuel mix
contains no benzol or lead, has a high
octane rating and ensures that you
always use the right mix ratio.
STIHL MotoMix is specially formulated
for use in STIHL engines and
guarantees a long engine life.
MotoMix is not available in all markets.
Mixing Fuel
Gasoline
Use only high-quality brand-name
gasoline with a minimum octane rating
of 90 – leaded or unleaded.
If your machine is equipped with a
catalytic converter, you must use
unleaded gasoline.
4902BA008 KN
SW 27
SW 34
Adjusting the Throttle
Cable
4902BA009 KN
1
2
4902BA010 KN
Fuel
For health reasons, avoid direct
skin contact with gasoline and
avoid inhaling gasoline vapor.
Unsuitable fuels or lubricants or
mix ratios other than those
specified may result in serious
damage to the engine. Poor
quality gasoline or engine oil may
damage the engine, sealing rings,
hoses and the fuel tank.
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