Stihl FS 56 Instruction Manual
STIHL FS 56
Instruction Manual
Contents
English
Guide to Using this Manual 2
Safety Precautions and Working
Techniques 2
Approved Combinations of Cutting
Attachment, Deflector, Handle and
Harness 11
Mounting the Bike Handle 12
Mounting the Loop Handle 14
Fitting the Carrying Ring 15
Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper
Mounting the Deflector 16
Mounting the Cutting Attachment 16
Fuel 19
Fueling 20
Fitting the Harness 21
Balancing the Machine 21
Starting / Stopping the Engine 22
Transporting the Unit 25
Operating Instructions 25
Cleaning the Air Filter 26
Adjusting the Carburetor 26
Spark Plug 27
Engine Running Behavior 28
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
Storing the Machine 28
Sharpening Metal Cutting Blades 28
Maintaining the Mowing Head 29
Maintenance and Care 31
Minimize Wear and Avoid Damage 33
Main Parts 34
Specifications 35
Maintenance and Repairs 36
Disposal 37
EC Declaration of Conformity 37
UKCA Declaration of Conformity 38
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 trouble-free 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, 2021
0458-547-0121-E. VA0.H21.
0000000931_029_GB
FS 56, FS 56 R, FS 56 C, FS 56 RC
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
Because the machine is a
high-speed fast-cutting
power tool, special safety
precautions must be
observed to reduce the
risk of personal injury.
It is important that you
read and understand the
User Manual before commissioning and keep it in
a safe place for future reference. Non-compliance
with the User Manual
may cause serious or
even fatal injury.
Observe all applicable local safety
regulations, e.g. by trade organizations,
social insurance institutions, labor safety
authorities etc.
If you have never used a power tool
before: Have your dealer or other
experienced user show you how to
operate your machine – or attend a
special course to learn how to operate it.
Minors should never be allowed to use
the machine – except for apprentices
over the age of 16 when working under
supervision.
Children, animals and onlookers must
remain at a safe distance.
When not using the machine, it must be
laid down in such a way that it does not
endanger anyone. Ensure that the
machine cannot be used without
authorization.
2
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The user is responsible for accidents or
risks involving third parties or their
property.
Do not lend or rent your power tool
without the User Manual. Be sure that
anyone using it understands the
information contained in this manual.
The use of machines that emit noise
may be limited to certain hours of the
day as specified by national and/or
regional or local regulations.
Anyone operating the machine must be
well rested, in good physical health and
in good mental condition.
If you have any condition that might be
aggravated by strenuous work, check
with your doctor before operating a
machine.
If you have a pacemaker: The ignition
system of your machine produces an
electromagnetic field of 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.
Anyone who has consumed alcohol or
drugs or medicines affecting their ability
to react must not operate a power tool.
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.
The machine must not be used for any
other purposes – 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 your
dealer. Use only high-quality parts and
accessories. in order to avoid the risk of
accidents and damage to the machine.
STIHL recommends the use of genuine
STIHL tools and accessories. They are
specifically designed to match the
product 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
unauthorised attachments.
The guard provided with your machine
may not protect the operator from all
foreign objects (gravel, glass, wire etc.)
ejected by the revolving cutting
attachment. Ejected objects may also
ricochet and strike the operator.
Do not use a high-pressure washer to
clean the power tool. The solid jet of
water may damage parts of the unit.
Clothing and equipment
Wear proper protective clothing and
equipment.
Clothing must be robust
but allow complete freedom of movement. Wear
close-fitting clothes such
as a boiler suit, not a
loose jacket.
Do not wear clothing which could
become trapped in wood, brush or
moving parts of the machine. Do not
wear a scarf, necktie or jewelry. Tie up
and confine long hair above your
shoulders.
Wear safety boots with
steel toe caps and nonslip soles.
Sturdy shoes with non-slip shoes are
permissible only when using mowing
heads.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of eye
injuries, wear close-fitting safety glasses in
accordance with European Standard EN 166.
Make sure the safety
glasses are a snug fit.
Wear face protection and make sure it is
a good fit. Face protection alone is not
sufficient to protect the eyes.
Wear "personal" sound protection, e.g.
ear defenders.
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.
Wear sturdy protective
gloves made of a resistant material (e.g.
leather).
STIHL can supply a comprehensive
range of personal protective equipment.
FS 56, FS 56 R, FS 56 C, FS 56 RC
3
English
002BA601 KN
002BA272 KN
Transporting the machine
Always stop the engine.
Carry the machine hanging on the
harness or by the shaft in such a way
that it is balanced.
To reduce the risk of cut injuries, fit
transport guard on the cutting
attachment, even when carrying the tool
for short distances – see also "Mounting
the Transport Guard".
Avoid touching hot parts
of the machine and gearbox – risk of burns!
By vehicle: When transporting in a
vehicle, properly secure your machine to
prevent turnover, damage and fuel
spillage.
Refueling
Gasoline is highly flammable – keep away from
fire or flame – do not spill
any fuel – no smoking.
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.
Only refuel the machine in a well
ventilated place. If fuel has been spilled,
immediately clean the machine – do not
allow your clothes to be splashed with
fuel. If that happens, change your
clothes at once.
After refueling, close the
fuel cap as tightly as
possible.
This helps reduce the risk of engine
vibrations causing an incorrectly
tightened fuel cap to loosen or come off
and spill fuel.
Check for leaks. Do not start the engine
if there is a fuel leak – serious or fatal
burns could result!
Before starting
Check that your power tool is properly
assembled and in good condition – refer
to appropriate chapters in the User
Manual.
– Check the fuel system for leaks,
especially the visible parts, e. g.,
fuel cap, hose connections, manual
fuel pump (only in machines with a
manual fuel pump). In case of
leakage and damage, do not start
the engine – risk of fire! Have the
machine serviced by a dealer
before using it
– Use only an approved combination
of cutting attachment, deflector,
handle and harness. All parts must
be assembled properly and
securely
– The stop switch / slide control must
be easy to actuate
– Check the choke lever, throttle
trigger and throttle trigger lockout
for smooth action – throttle trigger
must return automatically to idle
position. The choke lever must
spring back from the g and <
positions 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
sparking that could ignite
combustible fumes and cause a fire!
– Cutting attachment or
interchangeable attachment:
correctly fitted, secure and in
perfect condition
4
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English
002BA257 KN
002BA080 KN
– Safety devices (e. g., deflector for
cutting attachments, rider plate) for
damage and/or wear. Always
replace damaged parts. Do not use
the machine with a damaged
deflector or worn rider plate (if the
writing and arrows are no longer
discernible)
– Never attempt to modify the controls
or safety devices.
– Keep the handles dry and clean –
free from oil and dirt – this is
important for safe control of the
machine
– Adjust the harness and handle(s) to
suit your height and reach Note the
information in the chapters "Fitting
the Harness" and "Balancing the
Machine".
To reduce the risk of personal injury, do
not operate your power tool if it is
damaged or not properly assembled!
To prepare for emergencies when using
a harness: Practice setting down the
machine quickly. To avoid damage, do
not throw the machine to the ground
when practicing.
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 cutting attachment must
be clear of the ground and all other
obstructions because it may begin to run
when the engine starts.
This is a one-person machine – ensure
that there is no-one within 15 meters of
the machine, not even when starting the
power tool! Risk of injury due to ejected
objects!
Avoid contact with the
cutting attachment – risk
of injury!
Do not drop-start the
power tool – start the
engine as described in
the User Manual. The
cutting attachment runs
on for a short while after
releasing the throttle trigger – coasting effect!
Check engine idling: The cutting
attachment must remain at a standstill
when the engine idles – throttle trigger
released.
Keep easily combustible materials
(e. g., wood chips, bark, dry grass, fuel)
away from hot exhaust gases and hot
muffler surfaces – risk of fire!
Holding and guiding the machine
Always hold the unit firmly with both
hands on the handles.
Make sure you always have a firm and
secure footing.
For versions with bike handle
Right hand on control handle, left hand
on grip on handlebar.
For versions with loop handle
Left hand on loop handle, right hand on
control handle, even if you are lefthanded.
While working
Make sure you always have a firm and
secure footing.
In the event of impending danger or in
an emergency, shut off the engine
immediately – move the stop switch /
slide control in the direction of 0.
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English
15m (50ft)
There is a risk of accident from ejected
objects within a wide area around the
working space, so you must ensure that
there is no-one within a 15 m radius of
the machine. This distance must also be
maintained in relation to objects
(vehicles, window panes) – risk of
property damage! Even at distances
beyond 15 m, the danger cannot be
ruled out.
Check that the engine is properly idling
so that the cutting tool will not continue
rotating after you release the throttle
trigger.
Check and correct the idle speed setting
at regular intervals. If the cutting
attachment still rotates at idle speed,
have your dealer make proper
adjustments or repairs. STIHL
recommends you have this work done
by a STIHL servicing dealer.
Take special care in slippery conditions
– damp, snow, ice, on slopes or uneven
ground.
Watch out for obstacles: tree stumps,
roots – risk of tripping or stumbling!
Only work while standing on the ground,
never on a ladder, work platform or other
unstable surface.
Be particularly alert and cautious when
wearing hearing protection because
your ability to hear warnings (shouts,
alarms, etc.) is restricted.
Take breaks when you start getting tired
or feeling fatigue – risk of accidents!
Work calmly and carefully – in daylight
conditions and only when visibility is
good. Proceed with caution, do not put
others in danger.
As soon as the engine is
running, the power
machine generates toxic
exhaust gas.As soon as
the engine is running, the
power machine generates toxic exhaust gas.
These gases may be
odorless and invisible
and may contain
unburned hydrocarbons
and benzene. Never run
the engine indoors or in
poorly ventilated locations, even if your model
is equipped with a catalytic converter.
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.
Stop work immediately if you start
suffering from nausea, headaches,
impaired vision (e.g. your field of vision
gets smaller), impaired hearing,
dizziness, or impaired concentration –
these symptoms may possibly be the
result of too-high exhaust gas
concentration – Risk of accidents!
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. Combustible fuel vapor may
escape from the fuel system.
Dust, fumes and smoke produced while
working may be hazardous to health.
Wear respiratory protection in case of
heavy dust or smoke emission.
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 in particular that the fuel system
has no leaks and the safety equipment is
fully operative. Never use a power tool
that is no longer safe to operate. In case
of doubt, contact a dealer.
Do not operate your power tool with the
choke lever in the warm start position <
– the engine speed cannot be controlled
in this position.
Never operate the
unit without the
correct deflector for
the type of cutting
attachment being
used – risk of injury
from ejected
objects!
6
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English
Check the work site –
rocks, metal objects etc.
could get caught up and
ejected – potentially
beyond a distance of
15 m – risk of injury! Such
objects can also damage
the cutting attachment
and other property (e.g.
parked vehicles,
windows).
Be particularly careful when working on
difficult, densely grown terrain.
When mowing in high shrubbery, under
shrubbery and hedges: Hold the cutting
tool at a working height of at least 15 cm
– avoid risks to animals.
Always shut off the engine before
leaving the unit unattended.
Examine the cutting attachment
periodically at short intervals and as
soon as you note any noticeable
changes:
– Stop the engine, hold the machine
securely, allow the cutting
attachment to come to a stop
– Check condition and secure fitting;
watch out for cracks
– Ensure that the cutting blades are
sharp
– Replace damaged or blunt cutting
attachments immediately, even in
the event of minor hairline cracks
Clean grass and plant residue off the
cutting attachment mounting at regular
intervals – remove any accumulated
material from the cutting attachment and
deflector.
To reduce the risk of injury, shut off the
engine before replacing the cutting
attachment.
The gearbox gets hot
during operation. Never
touch the gearbox – risk
of burns!
If a rotating cutting attachment touches a
rock or another hard object, sparks may
be generated which may possibly ignite
combustible materials. Also dried-out
plants and brushwood are combustible,
above all in hot and dry weather. If there
is a risk of fire, do not use cutting
attachments in the vicinity of
combustible materials, dried-out plants
or brushwood. It is mandatory that you
ask the responsible forestry office about
current fire hazards.
Using mowing heads
Extend the cutting attachment deflector
with the attached parts specified in the
User Manual.
Only use a deflector with a properly fitted
blade, which limits the mowing line to the
permissible length.
For manually adjustable mowing heads,
always switch off the engine before
adjusting the mowing line – risk of injury!
Misuse with mowing lines that are too
long reduces the working speed of the
engine. The constant slipping of the
clutch causes overheating and damage
to important components (e. g. clutch,
plastic housing parts) – e. g. due to the
cutting attachment rotating during idling
– risk of injury!
When using metal cutting attachments
STIHL recommends the use of original
STIHL metal cutting attachments. These
have been optimized for the machine
and the user’s requirements.
Metal cutting attachments rotate very
fast, generating forces acting on the
attachments and on the cuttings.
Metal cutting attachments must be
sharpened in regular intervals in
accordance with the instructions.
Unevenly sharpened metal cutting
attachments generate an imbalance
which may cause extreme loads on the
machine – risk of breakage!
Dull or improperly sharpened cutting
edges can put a higher load on the
cutting attachment and increase the risk
of injuryfrom cracked or broken parts.
After each contact of the metal cutting
attachment with hard objects (e.g.
stones, rocks, metal parts), check it for
damage (e.g. tears and deformation).
Burrs and other visible accumulated
material must be removed since they
may come loose at any time while the
machine is running and then be ejected
– risk of injury!
Do not continue using or attempt to
repair damaged or cracked cutting
attachments by means of welding,
straightening or modifying the shape
(unbalanced).
Particles or pieces may come off and hit
the operator or a bystander at a high
speed – risk of most severe injuries!
To reduce the above-named risks
involved in operating a metal cutting
attachment, ensure that the diameter of
FS 56, FS 56 R, FS 56 C, FS 56 RC
7
English
your metal cutting attachment is not too
big. Also, the attachment must not be
too heavy. It must be made of highquality materials and have a suitable
geometry (shape, thickness).
A metal cutting attachment not made by
STIHL must not have a different weight,
thickness, shape or a larger diameter
than the largest STIHL metal cutting
attachment approved for this metal
cutting attachment – risk of injury!
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 genuine
STIHL replacement parts. These parts
are specifically designed to match your
machine 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.
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.
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 tool and deflector.
Use deflector in
combination with
mowing heads
only. Do not use
metal cutting
attachments.
Do not use deflector with
brush knives or circular
saw blades.
8
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000BA015 KN
002BA049 KN
Do not use deflector with
mowing heads.
Use deflector in combination with grass cutting
blades only.
Shoulder strap
N Use a shoulder strap.
N With the engine running, attach the
machine to the shoulder strap.
Grass cutting blades must always be
used in combination with a shoulder
strap.
Mowing Head with Nylon Line
Nylon line achieves a soft cut for edging
and trimming around trees, fence posts,
etc. – less risk of damaging tree bark.
The mowing head comes with an
instruction leaflet. Refill the mowing
head with nylon line as described in the
instruction leaflet.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of serious injury,
never use wire or metal-reinforced line in
place of the nylon line.
Check the wear limit marks!
If one of the wear limit marks on the
PolyCut mowing head is worn through
(arrow): Do not continue using the
mowing head. Install a new one. There
is otherwise a risk of injury from thrown
parts of the head.
It is important to follow the maintenance
instructions for the PolyCut mowing
head.
The PolyCut can also be equipped with
mowing line in place of the polymer
blades.
The mowing head comes with
instruction leaflets. Equip the mowing
head with polymers blades or nylon line
as described in the instruction leaflets.
WARNING
Never use wire in place of the nylon
mowing line – risk of injury.
FS 56, FS 56 R, FS 56 C, FS 56 RC
STIHL Polycut Mowing Head with
Polymer Blades
For mowing unobstructed edges of
meadows (without posts, fences, trees
or similar obstacles).
9
English
002BA135 KN
000BA020 KN
Risk of Kickout (Blade Thrust) with Metal
Cutting Attachments
WARNING
When using metal cutting attachments there is
a risk of kickout when the
rotating blade comes into
co ntact w ith a s olid ob ject
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.
The risk of kickout is greatest when the
black area of the rotating cutting
attachment comes into contact with a
solid object.
Grass Cutting Blade
Use for grass and weeds only – sweep
the brushcutter in an arc like a scythe.
WARNING
Improper use may damage the grass
cutting blade – risk of injury from thrown
parts.
Resharpen the grass cutting blade
according to instructions when it has
dulled noticeably.
10
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Approved Combinations of Cutting Attachment, Deflector, Handle and Harness
Cutting Attachment Deflector Handle Shoulder Strap/Harness
1
2
13
14
15
17
3
4
19
11
5
6
16
18
19
7
14
15
8
12
9
FS 56, FS 56 R, FS 56 C, FS 56 RC
10
16
18
19
0000-GXX-0379-A1
11
English
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, deflectors, handles and
harnesses shown in each row of the
table may be used together. No other
combinations are permitted – risk of
accidents.
Cutting Attachments
Mowing heads
1 STIHL SuperCut 20-2
2 STIHL AutoCut C 25-2
3 STIHL AutoCut 25-2
4 STIHL AutoCut C 26-2
5 STIHL TrimCut 31-2
6 STIHL DuroCut 20-2
7 STIHL PolyCut 20-3
Metal cutting attachments
8 Grass cutting blade 230-2
(230 mm dia.)
9 Grass cutting blade 230-4
(230 mm dia.)
10 Grass cutting blade 230-8
(230 mm dia.)
WARNING
Non-metal grass cutting blades are not
approved.
Deflectors
11 Deflector with blade, for mowing
heads
12 Deflector for metal cutting
attachments
Handles
13 Loop handle
14 Loop handle with
15 Barrier bar
16 Bicycle handle
Harness
17 Shoulder strap may be used
18 Shoulder strap must be used
19 Full harness may be used
Mounting the Bike Handle
Mounting the Handlebar
Mount the handlebar on the drive tube
about 10 cm (4 in) forward of the engine
housing.
3
5
4
1
2
6
002BA274 KN
N Place the handle support (1) on the
drive tube (2).
N Place the handlebar (3) in the
handle support.
N Fit the clamp (4) on the handle
support. Insert the screws (5)
through the holes in the parts and
screw them into clamp (6) as far as
stop – tighten them only moderately
at this stage.
12
FS 56, FS 56 R, FS 56 C, FS 56 RC
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