KombiSystem2
Guide to Using this Manual2
Safety Precautions and Working
Techniques3
Approved KombiTools7
Mounting the Loop Handle7
Carrying ring9
Fuel9
Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper
Fueling10
Starting / Stopping the Engine11
Operating Instructions13
Cleaning the Air Filter13
Adjusting the Carburetor14
Spark Plug14
Engine Running Behavior15
Storing the Machine16
Maintenance and Care17
Minimize Wear and Avoid Damage18
Main Parts19
Specifications20
Maintenance and Repairs21
Disposal21
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
EC Declaration of Conformity21
UKCA Declaration of Conformity22
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.
This instruction manual is protected by copyright. All rights reserved, especially the rights to reproduce, translate and process
with electronic systems.
1
English
KombiSystemGuide to Using this Manual
In the STIHL KombiSystem a number of
different KombiEngines and KombiTools
can be combined to produce a power
tool. In this instruction manual the
functional unit formed by the
KombiEngine and KombiTool is referred
to as the power tool.
Therefore, the separate instruction
manuals for the KombiEngine and
KombiTool should be used together for
the power tool.
Always read and and make sure you
understand both instruction manuals
before using your power tool for the first
time and keep them in a safe place for
future reference.
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
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.
Tube of grease
Intake air: Summer
operation
Intake air: Winter
operation
Handle heating
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KM 56 R, KM 56 RC
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Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques
Special safety precautions must be observed
when operating a power
tool.
Both user manuals (KombiEngine and KombiTool)
must be read through
attentively before using
the unit for the first time
and kept in a safe place
for future reference. Noncompliance with the user
manuals 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 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.
The machine should only be provided or
loaned to people familiar with this model
and its operation. The KombiEngine and
KombiTool User Manuals should always
be handed over with the machine.
The use of noise emitting power tools
may be restricted to certain times by
national 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 your power tool only for the
applications described in the User
Manual of the KombiTool you are using.
The machine must not be used for any
other purposes – risk of accidents!
Do not operate the KombiEngine without
a properly mounted KombiTool since
this may result in damage to the
machine.
Only use KombiTools and accessories
that are explicitly approved for this
power tool by STIHL or are technically
identical. It is important that you read the
chapter on "Approved KombiTools". 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.
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.
See also notes on "Clothing and
Equipment" in the User Manual of the
KombiTool you are using.
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002BA271 KN
Transporting the machine
Always stop the engine.
By vehicle: When transporting in a
vehicle, properly secure your machine to
prevent turnover, damage and fuel
spillage.
See also notes on "Transporting the
Machine" in the User Manual of the
KombiTool you are using.
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 fueling, tighten
down the screw-type fuel
cap as securely as
possible.
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
Manuals:
–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 must move easily to
0
–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!
–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
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.
See also notes on "Before Starting" in
the User Manual of the KombiTool you
are using.
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
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KM 56 R, KM 56 RC
English
002BA273 KN
power tool securely. The attachment
must be clear of the ground and all other
obstructions because it may begin to run
when the engine starts.
To reduce the risk of injury, avoid
contact with the attachment
Do not drop-start the power tool – start
the engine as described in the User
Manual. Note that the attachment
continues to run for a short period after
you let go of the throttle trigger –
flywheel effect.
Check idle speed setting: The
attachment must be stationary when the
engine is idling with the 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!
See also notes on "Starting the Engine"
in the User Manual of the KombiTool you
are using.
Holding 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.
Left hand on loop handle, right hand on
control handle, even if you are lefthanded.
While working
In the event of impending danger or in
an emergency, switch off the engine
immediately – move the stop switch in
the direction of 0.
The correct engine idle speed is
important to ensure that the attachment
stops moving when you let go of the
throttle trigger. If the working tool still
moves at idle speed, have your dealer
make proper adjustments or repairs.
Check and correct the idle speed setting
at regular intervals. STIHL recommends
you have this work done by a STIHL
servicing dealer.
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.
Use your power tool only in the areas
specified in the KombiTool User Manual.
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.
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. Combustible fuel vapor may
escape from the fuel system.
KM 56 R, KM 56 RC
5
English
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.
Before you leave the machine: Shut the
engine off.
To reduce the risk of injury, always shut
off the engine before changing the
KombiTool or attachment.
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.
6
KM 56 R, KM 56 RC
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002BA586 KN
002BA587 KN
4
002BA588 KN
3
5
3
5
1
2
1
2
Approved KombiTools
The following STIHL KombiTools may
be attached to the KombiEngine: