Stihl HS 46, HS 56 Instruction Manual

STIHL HS 46, 56

Instruction Manual

Contents

English

Guide to Using this Manual 2
Safety Precautions and Working

Techniques 2
Using the Unit 7
Fuel 8
Fueling 9
Starting / Stopping the Engine 11
Operating Instructions 13

Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper

Cleaning the Air Filter 14
Adjusting the Carburetor 14
Checking the Spark Plug 14
Lubricating the Gearbox 15
Storing the Machine 16
Sharpening Instructions 17
Maintenance and Care 18
Minimize Wear and Avoid Damage 20
Main Parts 21
Specifications 22
Maintenance and Repairs 23
Disposal 23
EC Declaration of Conformity 24
UKCA Declaration of Conformity 24

Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.

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

0458-447-0121-D. VA0.H21.

0000008859_004_GB

HS 46, HS 46 C, HS 56 C

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 manual fuel
pump

Filler hole for gear
lubricant

Blade lock

Rotating handle

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

Special safety precau­tions must be observed
when working with this
power tool because it has
very sharp, high-speed
cutting blades.

It is important 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 are not allowed to work with the
power tool – except adolescents above
16 years of age who are instructed
under supervision.

Children, animals and bystanders must
not be allowed near the machine.

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.

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HS 46, HS 46 C, HS 56 C

English

0008BA024 KN

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.

Use the machine only for cutting
hedges, shrubs, bushes, scrub and the
like. The machine must not be used for
any other purposes – risk of accidents!

Never attempt to modify your power tool
in any way since this may result in
accidents or damage to the machine.

Only use cutting blades and accessories
that are explicitly approved for this
power tool 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 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
unauthorized attachments.

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 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 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 sturdy shoes with non-slip soles.

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 "personal" sound protection, e.g.
ear defenders.

Wear sturdy protective
gloves made of a resist­ant material (e. g.
leather).

STIHL can supply a comprehensive
range of personal protective equipment.

Transporting the machine

Always stop the engine.

Attach the blade scabbard even when
carrying the machine over short
distances.

Carry the power tool by the handle –
cutting blades behind you. Do not touch
hot parts of the machine, especially the
muffler and gear housing – risk of burns!

HS 46, HS 46 C, HS 56 C

3

English

By vehicle: When transporting in a
vehicle, properly secure your machine to
prevent turnover, damage and fuel
spillage.

Refueling

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.

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.

Place the clip lock fuel
cap (bayonet-type) in
position, turn it as far as it
will and fold the clip lock
down.

This helps reduce the risk of unit
vibrations causing an incorrectly
tightened fuel cap to loosen or come off
and spill quantities of 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

– The Master Control Lever must

move easily in direction of STOP or
† and then spring back to operating
positionF

– Action of Master Control Lever,

Throttle Trigger Lockout and
Throttle Trigger must be smooth –
the Throttle Trigger must return
automatically to the idle position.
The Master Control Lever must
spring back from the l and n
positions to the operating position F
while the Throttle Trigger Lockout
and Throttle Trigger are
simultaneously 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 blades must be properly

tightened and in safe operating
condition (clean, sharp, not bent or
warped), correctly mounted and
thoroughly sprayed with STIHL
resin solvent (lubricant)

– Check cutter guard (if fitted) for

damage

– 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

To reduce the risk of personal injury, do
not operate your power tool if it is
damaged or not properly assembled!

Starting the engine

Start the engine at least 3 meters from
the fueling spot, outdoors only.

Place the power tool on firm ground in
an open area. Make sure you have good
balance and secure footing. Hold the
power tool securely. The cutting blades
must be clear of the ground and all other
obstructions because they may begin to
run when the engine starts.

Your power tool is designed to be
operated by one person only. Do not
allow other persons in the work area –
even when starting.

Avoid contact with the cutting blades –
risk of injury!

Do not drop-start the engine – start it as
described in the User Manual.

Note that the cutting blades continue to
run for a short period after you let go of
the throttle trigger - flywheel effect!

Check engine idling: The cutting blades
must remain at a standstill when the
engine idles – throttle trigger released.

4

HS 46, HS 46 C, HS 56 C

English

0008BA001 KN

0008BA002 KN

Holding and guiding the machine

Always hold the unit firmly with both
hands on the handles. Wrap your fingers
and thumbs around the handles.

Right-handed users

Right hand on the control handle and left
hand on the handlebar.

Left-handed users

Left hand on the control handle and right
hand on the handlebar.

Make sure you always have a good
footing and hold the machine so that the
cutting blades are always facing away
from your body.

While working

In the event of impending danger or in
an emergency, switch off the engine
immediately – move the Master Control
Lever in the direction of STOP or †.

Ensure that there are no bystanders
within the working area.

Watch the cutting blades at all times – do
not cut areas of the hedge that you
cannot see.

Be extremely careful when cutting tall
hedges, check the other side of the
hedge before starting work.

Check for correct idling, so that the
cutting blades stop moving when the
throttle trigger is released.

If the cutting blades still move, have the
machine repaired by your specialist
dealer. Check and correct the idle speed
setting at regular intervals.

Note that the cutting blades continue to
run for a short period after you let go of
the throttle trigger - flywheel effect!

The gearhead becomes hot during
operation. To reduce the risk of burn
injury, do not touch the gear housing!

Take special care in slippery conditions
– damp, snow, ice, on slopes or uneven
ground.

Clear away fallen branches, scrub and
cuttings.

Watch out for obstacles: tree stumps,
roots – risk of tripping or stumbling!

Make sure you always have good
balance and secure footing.

When working at heights:

– Always use a lift bucket

– Never use the machine while

standing on a ladder or in a tree

– Never work on an insecure support

– Never use the machine with just one

hand

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. 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,

HS 46, HS 46 C, HS 56 C

5

English

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.

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 in the
starting throttle position – engine speed
cannot be controlled in this position.

Inspect the hedge and work area to
avoid damaging the cutting blades:

– Remove stones, rocks, pieces of

metal and other solid objects

– Ensure that no sand or small stones

get between the cutting blades, e.g.
when working close to the ground

– When cutting hedges next to or

against wire fences, do not touch
wire with the cutting blades

Do not touch electric power lines – never
cut through electric power lines – risk of
electrocution!

Do not touch the cutting
blades.while the engine
is running. If the cutting
blades become jammed
by an object, switch off
the engine immediately
before attempting to
remove the object – risk
of injury!

Opening the throttle when the cutting
blades are jammed increases the load
and reduces the working speed of the
engine. The clutch then slips
continuously and this causes
overheating and damage to important
components (e.g. clutch, plastic housing
components) – as a result, there is a risk
of injury! from the idling cutting blades

If the hedge is very dusty or dirty, spray
the cutting blades with STIHL resin
solvent from time to time during cutting.
This will significantly reduce blade
friction, the aggressive effects of sap
and the build-up of dirt particles.

The dust which is generated during
operation may be harmful to health.
Wear a dust mask in case of dust
formation.

Before you leave the machine: Shut the
engine off.

Check the cutting blades at regular short
intervals during operation or
immediately if there is a noticeable
change in cutting behavior:

– Shut off the engine

– Wait for cutting blades to come to a

standstill

– Check the condition and firm seat,

watch out for fine cracks

– Ensure that the cutting blades are

sharp

Always clean plant residue, chips,
leaves and excess lubricant off the
engine and muffler – risk of fire!

After finishing work

Always clean dust and dirt off the
machine – do not use any grease
solvents for this purpose.

Spray the cutting blades with STIHL
resin solvent. Run the motor briefly so
that the solvent is evenly distributed.

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

6

HS 46, HS 46 C, HS 56 C

English

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 power tool. 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, 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 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.

Using the Unit

Cutting Season

Observe country-specific or municipal
rules and regulations for cutting hedges.

Do not use your power tool during other
people's rest periods.

Cutting Sequence

Use lopping shears or a chain saw to cut
out thick branches first.

Cut both sides of the hedge first, then
the top.

Disposal

Do not throw cuttings into the garbage
can – they can be composted!

HS 46, HS 46 C, HS 56 C

7