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STIHL FS 460 C-M K, 490 C-M K
Instruction Manual
Contents
English
Guide to Using this Manual 2
Safety Precautions and Working
Techniques 2
Approved Combinations of Cutting
Attachment, Deflector, Limit Stop
and Harness 10
Mounting the Bike Handle 12
Adjusting the Throttle Cable 15
Mounting the Deflector 15
Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper
Mounting the Cutting Attachment 16
Fuel 19
Fueling 20
Fitting the Full Harness 21
Balancing the Trimmer/Brushcutter 21
Starting / Stopping the Engine 22
Operating Instructions 25
Air filter 25
M-Tronic 26
Winter Operation 26
Electric Handle Heating 28
Spark Plug 28
Engine Running Behavior 29
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
Rewind Starter 30
Storing the Machine 30
Sharpening Metal Cutting Blades 30
Inspection and Maintenance by
User 31
Inspections and Maintenance by
Dealer 32
Maintenance and Care 33
Minimize Wear and Avoid Damage 35
Main Parts 36
Specifications 37
Maintenance and Repairs 38
Disposal 39
EC Declaration of Conformity 39
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing a quality
engineered STIHL product.
It 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 product.
Please contact your dealer or our sales
company if you have any queries
concerning this product.
Your
Dr. Nikolas Stihl
{
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2014
0458-748-0121-D. VA3.H14.
0000005274_010_GB
FS 460 C-M K, FS 490 C-M K
This instruction manual is protected by copyright. All rights reserved, especially the rights to reproduce, translate and process
with electronic systems.
1
English
Guide to Using this Manual
Pictograms
The meanings of the pictograms
attached to the machine are explained in
this manual.
Depending on the model concerned, the
following pictograms may be attached to
your machine.
Fuel tank; fuel mixture of
gasoline and engine oil
Operate decompression
valve
Manual fuel pump
Operate manual fuel
pump
Tube of grease
Intake air: Summer
operation
Intake air: Winter
operation
Handle heating
Symbols in text
WARNING
Warning where there is a risk of an
accident or personal injury or serious
damage to property.
NOTICE
Caution where there is a risk of
damaging the machine or its individual
components.
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.
Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques
Some special safety precautions have to be
observed when working
with this power tool
because of the very high
speed of the cutting
attachment.
It is important that you
read the instruction manual before first use and
keep it in a safe place for
future reference. Nonobservance of the
instruction manual may
result in serious or even
fatal injury.
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 unit 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.
2
FS 460 C-M K, FS 490 C-M K
English
002BA479 KN
Do not lend or rent your power tool
without the instruction manual. Be sure
that anyone using it 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. STIHL
recommends that persons with
pacemakers consult their physician and
the pacemaker manufacturer to reduce
any health risk.
Do not operate the power tool if you are
under the influence of any substance
(drugs, alcohol) which might impair
vision, dexterity or judgment.
Depending on the cutting attachment
fitted, use your power tool only for
cutting grass, wild growth, shrubs,
scrub, bushes, small diameter trees and
similar materials.
Do not use your power tool for any other
purpose because of the increased risk of
accidents.
Only use cutting attachments and
accessories that are explicitly approved
for this power tool model by STIHL or
are technically identical. If you have any
questions in this respect, consult a
servicing dealer. Use only high quality
tools and accessories in order to avoid
the risk of accidents and damage to the
machine.
STIHL recommends the use of genuine
STIHL cutting attachments and
accessories. They are specifically
designed to match the product and meet
your performance requirements.
Never attempt to modify your unit 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.
The deflector on this power tool cannot
protect the operator from all objects
thrown by the cutting attachment
(stones, glass, wire, etc.). Such objects
may ricochet and then hit the operator.
Clothing and Equipment
Wear proper protective clothing and
equipment.
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.
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.).
Wear steel-toed safety
boots with non-slip soles.
Wear a safety hard hat
for thinning operations,
when working in high
scrub and where there is
a danger of head injuries
from falling objects. To
reduce the risk of injury
from thrown objects,
always wear a face shield
and safety glasses.
A face shield alone does not provide
adequate eye protection.
Wear hearing protection, e.g. earplugs
or ear muffs.
Wear robust work gloves
made of durable material
(e.g. leather).
STIHL offers a comprehensive range of
personal protective clothing and
equipment.
Transporting the Power Tool
Always stop the engine.
FS 460 C-M K, FS 490 C-M K
3
English
Carry the unit hanging from the shoulder
strap or properly balanced by the drive
tube. Fit transport guard on metal cutting
attachments to avoid the risk of injury
from blade contact
To reduce the risk of serious burn injuries, avoid
touching hot parts of the
machine, including the
gearbox housing.
In vehicles: Properly secure your power
tool to prevent turnover, fuel spillage and
damage.
Fueling
Gasoline is an extremely
flammable fuel. Keep
clear of naked flames. Do
not spill any fuel – do not
smoke.
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.
After fueling, tighten
down the fuel tank cap as
securely as possible.
This reduces the risk of unit vibrations
causing the fuel cap to loosen or come
off and spill quantities of fuel.
To reduce the risk of serious or fatal
burn injuries, check for fuel leakage. If
fuel leakage is found, 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.
– Check the fuel system for leaks,
paying special attention to visible
parts such as the tank cap, hose
connections and the manual fuel
pump (on machines so equipped). If
there are any leaks or damage, do
not start the engine – risk of fire.
Have your machine repaired by a
servicing dealer before using it
again.
– Use only an approved combination
of cutting attachment, deflector,
handle and harness. All parts must
be assembled properly and
securely.
– The stop switch must move freely.
– Check smooth action of choke
knob, throttle trigger lockout and
throttle trigger – the throttle trigger
must return automatically to the idle
position. The choke knob must
spring back from the } position to
the run position F when the throttle
trigger lockout and throttle trigger
are squeezed.
– Check that the spark plug boot is
secure – a loose boot may cause
arcing that could ignite combustible
fumes and cause a fire.
– Check cutting tool or attachment for
correct and secure assembly and
good condition.
– Check protective devices (e.g.
deflector for cutting attachment,
rider plate) for damage or wear.
Always replace damaged parts. Do
not operate your machine with a
damaged deflector or worn rider
plate (lettering and arrows no longer
legible).
– Never attempt to modify the controls
or safety devices in any way.
– Keep the handles dry and clean –
free from oil and dirt – for safe
control of the power tool.
– Adjust the harness and handle(s) to
suit your height and reach. See
chapters on "Fitting the Harness"
and "Balancing the Machine".
To reduce the risk of accidents, do not
operate your power tool if it is damaged
or not properly assembled.
If you use a shoulder strap or full
harness: Practice removing and putting
down the power tool as you would in an
emergency. To avoid damage, do not
throw the power tool to the ground when
practicing.
Starting the Engine
Start the engine at least 3 meters from
the fueling spot, outdoors only.
4
FS 460 C-M K, FS 490 C-M K
English
002BA480 KN
15m (50ft)
Place the unit on firm ground in an open
area. Make sure you have good balance
and secure footing. Hold the unit
securely. The cutting attachment must
be clear of the ground and all other
obstructions because it may begin to run
when the engine starts.
Your power tool is a one-person unit. To
reduce the risk of injury from thrown
objects, do not allow other persons
within a radius of 15 meters of your own
position – even when starting.
To reduce the risk of
injury, avoid contact with
the cutting attachment.
Do not drop start the
power tool – start the
engine as described in
the instruction manual.
Note that the cutting
attachment continues to
run for a short period
after you let go of the
throttle trigger – flywheel
effect.
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 Unit
Always hold the power tool firmly with
both hands on the handles.
Make sure you always have good
balance and secure footing.
Right handle on control handle, left hand
on left handle.
During Operation
Make sure you always have good
balance and secure footing.
In the event of imminent danger or in an
emergency, press the stop switch to
shut off the engine.
The cutting attachment may catch and
fling objects a great distance and cause
injury - therefore, do not allow any other
persons within a radius of 15 meters of
your own position. To reduce the risk of
damage to property, also maintain this
distance from other objects (vehicles,
windows). Even maintaining a distance
of 15 meters or more cannot exclude the
potential danger.
The correct engine idle speed is
important to ensure that the cutting
attachment stops rotating when you let
go of the throttle trigger. If the cutting
attachment continues to rotate when the
engine is idling, have the machine
checked by your servicing dealer. STIHL
recommends a STIHL servicing dealer.
Take special care in slippery conditions
(ice, wet ground, snow), on slopes or
uneven ground.
Watch out for obstacles: Roots, tree
stumps or holes which could cause you
to trip or stumble.
Always stand on the ground while
working, never on a ladder, work
platform or any other insecure support.
Be particularly alert and cautious when
wearing hearing protection because
your ability to hear warnings (shouts,
alarms, etc.) is restricted.
To reduce the risk of accidents, take a
break in good time to avoid tiredness or
exhaustion.
Work calmly and carefully – in daylight
conditions and only when visibility is
good. Stay alert so as not to endanger
others.
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 run
the engine indoors or in
poorly ventilated locations, even if your model
is equipped with a catalytic converter.
FS 460 C-M K, FS 490 C-M K
5
English
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.
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.
Operate your power tool so that it
produces a minimum of noise and
emissions – do not run the engine
unnecessarily, accelerate the engine
only when working.
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.
The dusts, vapor and smoke produced
during operation may be dangerous to
health. If the work area is very dusty or
smoky, wear a respirator.
If your power 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 – see also
"Before Starting".
Check the fuel system in particular for
leaks and make sure the safety devices
are working properly. Do not continue
operating your power tool if it is
damaged. In case of doubt, consult your
servicing dealer.
To reduce the risk
of injury from
thrown objects,
never operate the
unit without the
proper deflector for
the type of cutting
attachment being
used.
Inspect the work area:
Stones, pieces of metal
or other solid objects may
be thrown more than 15
meters and cause personal injury or damage
the cutting attachment
and property (e.g. parked
vehicles, windows).
Special care must be taken when
working in difficult, over-grown terrain.
When cutting high scrub, under bushes
and hedges: Keep cutting attachment at
a minimum height of 15 cm to avoid
harming small animals.
Always shut off the engine before
leaving the unit unattended.
Check the cutting attachment at regular
short intervals during operation or
immediately if there is a noticeable
change in cutting behavior:
– Turn off the engine. Hold the unit
firmly and wait for the cutting
attachment to come to a standstill.
– Check condition and tightness, look
for cracks.
– Check sharpness.
– Replace damaged or dull cutting
attachments immediately, even if
they have only superficial cracks.
Clean grass and plant residue off the
cutting attachment mounting at regular
intervals – remove any build up of
material from the cutting attachment and
deflector.
To reduce the risk of injury, shut off the
engine before changing the cutting
attachment.
The gearbox becomes
hot during operation. To
reduce the risk of burn
injury, do not touch the
gearbox housing.
Do not continue using or attempt to
repair damaged or cracked cutting
attachments by welding, straightening or
modifying the shape (out of balance).
This may cause parts of the cutting
attachment to come off and hit the
operator or bystanders at high speed
and
result in serious or fatal injuries.
Using metal cutting attachments
STIHL recommends the use of original
STIHL metal cutting attachments. They
are specifically designed to match your
model and meet your performance
requirements.
Metal cutting attachments rotate at very
high speed. The forces that occur act on
the machine, the attachment and the
material being cut.
Sharpen metal cutting attachments
regularly as specified.
Unevenly sharpened metal cutting
attachments cause out-of-balance
which can impose extremely high loads
on the machine and increase the risk of
breakage.
6
FS 460 C-M K, FS 490 C-M K
English
Dull or improperly sharpened cutting
edges can put a higher load on the
cutting attachment and increase the risk
of injury from cracked or broken parts.
Inspect metal cutting attachments for
cracks or warping after every contact
with hard objects (e.g. stones, rocks,
pieces of metal). To reduce the risk of
injury, remove burrs and other visible
build-ups of material (use a file) because
they may become detached and be
thrown at high speed during operation.
If a rotating metal cutting attachment
makes contact with a rock or other solid
object there is a risk of sparking which
may cause easily combustible material
to catch fire under certain
circumstances. Dry plants and scrub are
also easily combustible, especially in hot
and dry weather conditions. If there is a
risk of fire, do not use metal cutting
attachments near combustible
materials, dry plants or scrub. Always
contact your local forest authority for
information on a possible fire risk.
To reduce the above-mentioned risks
when using a metal cutting attachment,
never use a metal cutting attachment
with a diameter larger than specified. It
must not be too heavy. It must be
manufactured from materials of
adequate quality and its geometry must
be correct (shape, thickness).
To reduce the risk of injury, a metal
cutting attachment not manufactured by
STIHL must not be heavier, thicker,
have a different shape or a diameter
larger than the largest metal cutting
attachment approved by STIHL for this
power tool model.
Vibrations
Prolonged use of the power tool may
result in vibration-induced circulation
problems in the hands (whitefinger
disease).
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).
Continual and regular users should
monitor closely the condition of their
hands and fingers. If any of the above
symptoms appear (e.g. tingling
sensation in fingers), seek medical
advice.
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 original
STIHL replacement parts. They are
specifically designed to match your
model and meet your performance
requirements.
To reduce the risk of injury from
unintentional engine startup, always
shut off the engine and disconnect the
spark plug boot before performing any
repairs, maintenance or cleaning work. –
Exception: Carburetor and idle speed
adjustments.
Do not turn the engine over on the
starter with the spark plug boot or spark
plug removed 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.
FS 460 C-M K, FS 490 C-M K
7
English
002BA397 KN
002BA135 KN
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.
Symbols on Deflectors
An arrow on the deflector shows the
correct direction of rotation of the cutting
attachments.
Some of the following symbols are
applied to the outside of the deflector to
indicate the approved combination of
cutting attachment and deflector.
Deflector may be used
with mowing heads.
Deflector may be used
with grass cutting blades.
Harness
Deflector must not be
used with mowing heads.
Deflector must not be
used with grass cutting
blades.
Deflector must not be
used with brush knives.
Deflector must not be
used with shredder
blades.
Deflector must not be
used with circular saw
blades.
N Use the harness.
N With the engine running, attach the
machine to the harness.
Circular saw blades must always be
used in combination with a full harness
with a quick-release system.
Risk of Kickout (Blade Thrust) with Metal
Cutting Attachments
When using metal cutting attachments
(grass cutting blade, brush knife, circular
saw blade) there is a risk of kickout
when the rotating blade comes into
contact with a solid object such as a tree
trunk, branch, tree stump, rock or
similar. The machine is thrown to the
right or to the rear – opposite to the
attachment's direction of rotation.
Deflector may be used
with brush knives.
The harness is included with the
machine or available as a special
accessory.
Deflector may be used
with shredder blades.
The risk of kickout is greatest when the
black area of the rotating cutting
attachment comes into contact with a
solid object.
8
FS 460 C-M K, FS 490 C-M K
English
002BA355 KN
002BA509 KN
002BA449 KN
Brush Knife
For cutting matted grass, wild growth
and scrub and thinning young stands
with a stem diameter of no more than
2 cm – do not cut thicker stems – risk of
accidents.
Use the brushcutter like a scythe (sweep
it to the right and left) at ground level
when cutting grass and thinning young
stands.
To cut wild growth and scrub, lower the
brush knife down onto the growth to
achieve a shredding effect – always
keep the cutting attachment below hip
level during this process.
Exercise extreme caution when using
this method of cutting. The higher the
cutting attachment is off the ground, the
greater the risk of injury from cuttings
being thrown sideways.
Warning! Improper use of a brush knife
may cause it to crack, chip or shatter –
risk of injury from thrown parts.
To reduce the risk of injury it is essential
to take the following precautions:
– Avoid contact with stones, rocks,
pieces of metal and other solid
foreign objects.
– Never cut wood or shrubs with a
stem diameter of more than 2 cm –
use a circular saw blade for such
work.
– Inspect the brush knife at regular
short intervals for signs of damage.
Do not continue working with a
damaged brush knife.
– Resharpen the brush knife regularly
and whenever it has dulled
noticeably, and have it balanced if
necessary (STIHL recommends a
STIHL servicing dealer).
Circular Saw Blade
Suitable for cutting shrubs and trees with
a maximum stem diameter of 7 cm.
Before starting the cut, accelerate the
engine up to full throttle. Perform cut
with uniform pressure.
Use circular saw blades only with a
matching limit stop of the correct
diameter.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of blade damage,
avoid contact with stones and the
ground. Resharpen the blade properly in
good time – dull teeth may result in the
blade cracking and shattering and
causing serious injury.
When felling, maintain a distance of at
least two tree lengths from the next
felling site.
Risk of kickout
The risk of kickout is highest in the black
area of the blade: Do not use this area of
the circular saw blade for cutting.
There is also a risk of kickout when
using the lighter shaded areas of the
blade: These areas of the blade should
only be used by experienced operators
with specialized training.
STIHL recommends that you use the
non-shaded area of the circular saw
blade. Always start the cut with this area
of the blade.
FS 460 C-M K, FS 490 C-M K
9
English
21
3
4
8
9
11
5
6
7
10
681BA200 KN
Approved Combinations of Cutting Attachment, Deflector, Limit Stop and Harness
Cutting Attachment Deflector, Limit Stop Harness
Approved Combinations
Select correct combination from the
table according to the cutting
attachment you intend to use.
WARNING
For safety reasons only the cutting
attachments and deflectors or limit stops
shown in each row of the table may be
10
used together. No other combinations
are permitted because of the risk of
accidents.
Cutting Attachments
Metal cutting attachments
1 Brush knife 305-2 Spezial
2 Brush knife 300-3
3 Scratcher tooth circular saw blade
200
4 Chisel tooth circular saw blade 200
5 Scratcher tooth circular saw blade
225
6 Chisel tooth circular saw blade 225
7 Carbide tipped circular saw blade
225
FS 460 C-M K, FS 490 C-M K
WARNING
Non-metal brush knives and circular saw
blades are not approved.
Deflector, Limit Stops
8 Deflector for metal cutting
attachments, items 1 to 2
9 Limit stop for circular saw blades,
items 3 and 4
10 Limit stop for circular saw blades,
items 5 and 7
Harness/Shoulder Strap
11 Full harness must be used
English
FS 460 C-M K, FS 490 C-M K
11
English
1
3BA003 KN
2BA002 KN
3
2
2BA003 KN
4
6
2BA004 KN
3
2
2BA005 KN
7
Mounting the Bike Handle
Mounting Bike Handle with Swiveling
Handle Support
Do not rotate the control handle (1)
between unpacking and mounting it on
the handlebar; see also chapter on
"Adjusting the Throttle Cable".
Mounting the Handlebar
Assembly of the swivelling handle
support involves equipping the clamp
moldings with a spring and mounting
them on the handle support.
N Use the spring (4) from the parts kit
supplied with the machine.
N Push the spring (4) into the lower
clamp molding (5).
N Position the clamp moldings (3) with
handlebar (2) on the handle support
(6).
N Do notturn the handlebar in the
clamp moldings.
The machine is shipped with the clamp
moldings (3) mounted on the handlebar
(2).
N Do not change the position of the
clamp moldings on the handlebar
until the control handle is mounted.
12
N Raise the grip of the wing screw (7)
to the upright position.
N Rotate the wing screw
counterclockwise and tighten it only
moderately.
FS 460 C-M K, FS 490 C-M K
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