31 EC Declaration of Conformity................... 37
1Guide to Using this Manual
1.1Pictograms
The meanings of the pictograms attached to the
machine are explained in this manual.
Depending on the model concerned, the follow‐
ing 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
1.2Symbols 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.
1.3Engineering 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 man‐
ual.
2Safety 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 you read and under‐
stand the User Manual before com‐
missioning and keep it in a safe place
for future reference. Non-compliance
with the User Manual may cause seri‐
ous 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
Original Instruction Manual
0000008143_012_GB
Printed on chlorine-free paper
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
2 Safety Precautions and Working TechniquesEnglish
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 bystanders must remain at
a 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.
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 under‐
stands the information contained in this manual.
The use of machines that emit noise may be limi‐
ted to certain hours of the day as specified by
national and/or regional or local regulations.
Anyone operating the machine must be well res‐
ted, in good physical health and in good mental
condition.
If you have any condition that might be aggrava‐
ted 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 per‐
sons 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 pur‐
poses – 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 acci‐
dents and damage to the machine.
STIHL recommends the use of original 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 ric‐
ochet 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.
2.1Clothing and equipment
Wear proper protective clothing and equipment.
Clothing must be sturdy 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 trap‐
ped 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 should‐
ers.
Wear safety boots with steel toe caps
and non-slip 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 pro‐
tect 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.
0458-593-8321-C3
0208BA003 KN
0208BA004 KN
English2 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques
Wear sturdy protective gloves made
of a resistant material (e.g. leather).
STIHL can supply a comprehensive range of per‐
sonal protective equipment.
2.2Transporting the machine
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!
2.4Before starting
Check that your power tool is properly assem‐
bled 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!
Always stop the engine.
The tool should be carried hanging on the har‐
ness or by the shaft, in such a way that it is bal‐
anced.
To reduce the risk of cut injuries, fit transport
guard on the cutting attachment, even when car‐
rying the tool for short distances – see also
"Transporting the Unit".
Avoid touching hot parts of the
machine and gearbox – risk of burns!
By vehicle: When transporting in a vehicle, prop‐
erly secure your machine to prevent turnover,
damage and fuel spillage.
2.3Refueling
Gasoline is highly flammable – keep
away from fire or flame – do not spill
any fuel – no smoking.
Always shut off the engine before refueling.
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 rotary knob for warm start, throttle
–
trigger lockout, throttle trigger and set wheel
for smooth action – the throttle trigger must
return automatically to idle position. From the
warm start knob position g, it must return to
the run position F when the throttle trigger
lockout and throttle trigger are pressed simul‐
taneously
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 attach‐
–
ment: correctly fitted, secure and in perfect
condition
Safety devices (e. g., deflector for cutting
–
attachments, rider plate) for damage and/or
40458-593-8321-C
0208BA005 KN
0208BA006 KN
15m (50ft)
2 Safety Precautions and Working TechniquesEnglish
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 har‐
ness: Practice setting down the machine quickly.
To avoid damage, do not throw the machine to
the ground when practicing.
2.5Starting the engine
Start the engine at least 3 meters from the fuel‐
ing 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 attach‐
ment – 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 releas‐
ing 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!
2.6Holding and guiding the
machine
Always hold the unit firmly with both hands on
the handles.
Make sure you always have good balance and
secure footing.
2.6.1For versions with bike handle
Right hand on control handle, left hand on grip
on handlebar.
2.6.2For versions with loop handle
Left hand on loop handle, right hand on control
handle, even if you are left-handed.
2.7While working
Make sure you always have a firm and secure
footing.
In the event of impending danger or in an emer‐
gency, shut off the engine immediately – move
the stop switch / slide control in the direction of 0.
0458-593-8321-C5
English2 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques
There is a risk of accident due to ejected objects
within a wide area around the working space, so
ensure there is no-one within a 15 m radius of
the tool. This distance must also be maintained
in relation to objects (vehicles, window panes) –
risk of property damage! Even at a distance over
15 m, 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 regu‐
lar 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 sur‐
face.
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 feel‐
ing 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 gener‐
ates 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 loca‐
tions, 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 con‐
fined 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. Com‐
bustible fuel vapor may escape from the fuel sys‐
tem.
Dust, fumes and smoke produced while working
may be hazardous to your health. Wear respira‐
tory 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.
To reduce the risk of injuryfrom
thrown objects, never operate the unit
without the proper deflector for the
type of cutting attachment being
used.
Check the work site – rocks, metal
objects etc. may be caught up and
ejected – possibly over a distance of
15 m – risk of injury! – They can also
damage the cutting attachment and
other property (e. g. parking vehicles,
windows).
Be particularly careful when working on difficult,
densely grown terrain.
When mowing in high shrubbery, under shrub‐
bery and hedges: Hold the cutting tool at a work‐
ing height of at least 15 cm – avoid risks to ani‐
mals.
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 hair‐
line cracks
60458-593-8321-C
2 Safety Precautions and Working TechniquesEnglish
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 replacing the cutting attachment.
The gearbox gets hot during opera‐
tion. Never touch the gearbox – risk
of burns!
Do not continue using or attempt to repair dam‐
aged or cracked cutting attachments by welding,
straightening or modifying the shape (out of bal‐
ance).
Particles or pieces may come off and hit the
operator or a bystander at a high speed – risk of
most severe injuries!
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 com‐
bustible, above all in hot and dry weather. If
there is a risk of fire, do not use cutting attach‐
ments in the vicinity of combustible materials,
dried-out plants or brushwood. It is mandatory
that you ask the responsible forestry office about
any fire hazard conditions.
2.8Using 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,
to limit the mowing line to the permissible length.
To adjust the mowing line in manually adjustable
mowing heads, always switch off the engine first
– 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 overheat‐
ing and damage to important components (e. g.
clutch, plastic housing parts) – e. g. due to the
cutting attachment rotating during idling – risk of
injury!
2.9When 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 require‐
ments.
Metal cutting attachments rotate very fast, gener‐
ating forces acting on the attachments and on
the cuttings.
Metal cutting attachments must be sharpened in
regular intervals in accordance with the instruc‐
tions.
Unevenly sharpened metal cutting attachments
generate an imbalance which may cause
extreme loads on the machine – risk of break‐
age!
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 attach‐
ment with hard objects (e.g. stones, rocks, metal
parts), check it for damage (e.g. tears and defor‐
mation). Burrs and other visible accumulated
material must be removed since it may come
loose at any time while the machine is running
and then be ejected – risk of injury!
To reduce the above-specified risks involved in
operating a metal cutting attachment, ensure that
the diameter of your metal cutting attachment is
not too big. Also, the attachment must not be too
heavy. It must be made of high-quality 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!
2.10Vibrations
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.
English2 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques
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.
2.11Maintenance and Repairs
Service the machine regularly. Do not attempt
any maintenance or repair work not described in
the instruction manual. Have all other work per‐
formed by a servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends that you have servicing and
repair work carried out exclusively by an author‐
ized 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 adjust‐
ments.
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 inter‐
vals.
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 con‐
dition, 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.
2.12Symbols 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 must not be used with mow‐
ing heads.
Deflector may be used with grass cut‐
ting blades.
Deflector must not be used with grass
cutting blades.
Deflector may be used with brush kni‐
ves.
Deflector must not be used with brush
knives.
Deflector must not be used with
shredder blades.
Deflector must not be used with circu‐
lar saw blades.
2.13Shoulder strap
► Use a shoulder strap.
80458-593-8321-C
000BA015 KN
002BA049 KN
002BA135 KN
2 Safety Precautions and Working TechniquesEnglish
► With the engine running, attach the machine to
the shoulder strap.
Grass cutting blades must always be used in
combination with a shoulder strap.
2.14Mowing Head with Nylon Line
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 instruc‐
tions 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.
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 leaf‐
let. 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.
2.16Risk of Kickout (Blade Thrust)
with Metal Cutting Attachments
WARNING
When using metal cutting attach‐
ments 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.
2.15STIHL Polycut Mowing Head
with Polymer Blades
For mowing unobstructed edges of meadows
(without posts, fences, trees or similar obsta‐
cles).
Check the wear limit marks!
0458-593-8321-C9
000BA020 KN
English2 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques
The risk of kickout is greatest when the black
area of the rotating cutting attachment comes
into contact with a solid object.
2.17Grass 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.
100458-593-8321-C
8
9
11
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
19
17
18
22
22
21
10
1
2
3
5
6
14
12
13
15
4
0000086485_002
7
3 Approved Combinations of Cutting Attachment, Deflector, Handle an…English
3Approved Combinations of Cutting Attachment, Deflector, Han‐
dle and Harness
Cutting attachmentDeflectorHandleCarrying strap
3.1Permissible combinations
Choose the correct combination from the table
depending on the cutting tool!
For safety reasons only the cutting attachments,
deflector, handle and harness versions within
one line of the table may be combined with one
another. No other combinations are permitted
because of the risk of accidents.
WARNING
3.2Cutting attachments
3.2.1Mowing heads
1 STIHL SuperCut 20-2
2 STIHL AutoCut 25-2 / AutoCut 27-2
3 STIHL AutoCut C 26-2
0458-593-8321-C11
4 STIHL FixCut 31-2
5 STIHL DuroCut 20-2
6 STIHL PolyCut 20-3
7 STIHL PolyCut 28-2
3.2.2Metal cutting tools
8 Grass cutting blade 230-2
9 Grass cutting blade 260-2
10 Grass cutting blade 230-4
11 Grass cutting blade 230-8
(230 mm dia.)
(260 mm dia.)
(230 mm dia.)
(230 mm dia.)
0208BA063 KN
A
1191BA005
3
6
7
4
1
2
5
1191BA006
5
1
B
English4 Approved Power Tool Attachments
WARNING
Grass cutting blades of materials other than
metal must not be used.
3.3Deflectors
12 Deflector for mowing heads
13 Deflector with
14 Skirt and blade for mowing heads
15 Deflector without skirt and blade for metal
mowing heads
3.4Handles
16 Loop handle
17 Loop handle with
18 Barrier bar
19 Bike handle
3.5Shoulder straps
20 Shoulder strap can be used
21 Shoulder strap must be used
22 Full harness can be used
4Approved Power Tool
► Mount the handlebar (1) on the drive tube (2)
about 40 cm/15 in (A) forward of the engine
housing.
► Place the clamp (3) and handle support (4)
against the drive tube (2).
Attachments
The following STIHL attachments may be used
with the basic power tool:
Attachment
1)
RG
Application
Weeder
5Mounting the Bike Handle
5.1Mounting the Handlebar
Do not rotate the control handle (1) between
unpacking and mounting it on the handlebar.
1)
use the barrier bar on machines with loop handle
120458-593-8321-C
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