Product Instruction Manual
Page 3
... 36 Maintenance and Care 37 Main Parts 39 Specifications 41 Special Accessories 42 { Maintenance and Repairs STIHL Incorporated Federal Emission Control Warranty Statement STIHL Incorporated California Exhaust and Evaporative Emissions Control Warranty Statement Trademarks FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC English 42 Allow only persons ...manual. Careless or improper use may cause serious or even fatal injury. KG, 2011 0458-233-8621-C. © ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. M23-8.A11.CP. 0000000063_004_GB Printed on chlorine-free paper Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can go...
... 36 Maintenance and Care 37 Main Parts 39 Specifications 41 Special Accessories 42 { Maintenance and Repairs STIHL Incorporated Federal Emission Control Warranty Statement STIHL Incorporated California Exhaust and Evaporative Emissions Control Warranty Statement Trademarks FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC English 42 Allow only persons ...manual. Careless or improper use may cause serious or even fatal injury. KG, 2011 0458-233-8621-C. © ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. M23-8.A11.CP. 0000000063_004_GB Printed on chlorine-free paper Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can go...
Product Instruction Manual
Page 5
... should never be used as rocks or bits of metal, it for a description of the controls and the function of the parts of cutting attachment you . Warning! Use only cutting attachments that is in these safety precautions and warnings apply to operate your ... the instruction manual. Warning! Warning! Minors should not be used to use of a trimmer / brushcutter involves FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC 3 When it off and make sure your STIHL dealer show you read, fully understand and observe the following safety precautions and warnings. during a work break), shut...
... should never be used as rocks or bits of metal, it for a description of the controls and the function of the parts of cutting attachment you . Warning! Use only cutting attachments that is in these safety precautions and warnings apply to operate your ... the instruction manual. Warning! Warning! Minors should not be used to use of a trimmer / brushcutter involves FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC 3 When it off and make sure your STIHL dealer show you read, fully understand and observe the following safety precautions and warnings. during a work break), shut...
Product Instruction Manual
Page 7
...). Do not continue operating this machine if it is damaged. FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC 5 Be particularly alert and cautious when wearing hearing protection because your ability to your hands. Check in the instruction manual or the STIHL "Cutting Attachments, Parts & Accessories" catalog. Wear sturdy boots with STIHL power tools, their hearing checked regularly. To reduce the...
...). Do not continue operating this machine if it is damaged. FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC 5 Be particularly alert and cautious when wearing hearing protection because your ability to your hands. Check in the instruction manual or the STIHL "Cutting Attachments, Parts & Accessories" catalog. Wear sturdy boots with STIHL power tools, their hearing checked regularly. To reduce the...
Product Instruction Manual
Page 10
...all times (see the appropriate section of this manual). 8 FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC Starting Start the engine at starting instructions, see chapters on "Mounting the Deflector" and "Mounting the Cutting Attachment" of all required parts. For specific starting -throttle, engine speed will be properly ...instruction manual). The cutting attachment must be fast enough for you to engage and move the cutting attachment. Inspect for loose parts (nuts, screws, etc.) and for the type of cutting attachment being used (see appropriate chapter of your instruction manual...
...all times (see the appropriate section of this manual). 8 FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC Starting Start the engine at starting instructions, see chapters on "Mounting the Deflector" and "Mounting the Cutting Attachment" of all required parts. For specific starting -throttle, engine speed will be properly ...instruction manual). The cutting attachment must be fast enough for you to engage and move the cutting attachment. Inspect for loose parts (nuts, screws, etc.) and for the type of cutting attachment being used (see appropriate chapter of your instruction manual...
Product Instruction Manual
Page 11
...proper adjustments and repairs. If you cannot set the correct idle speed, have your STIHL dealer check your hand or fingers and may result. Never attempt to "drop start your power... tool with your hand or any other part of cut injuries, keep hands and feet away from loss of the power tool resulting ...attachment above waist height. Never hold the unit firmly with both hands on any other insecure support. FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC 9 Warning! To reduce the risk of injury from loss of control, never work area, even...
...proper adjustments and repairs. If you cannot set the correct idle speed, have your STIHL dealer check your hand or fingers and may result. Never attempt to "drop start your power... tool with your hand or any other part of cut injuries, keep hands and feet away from loss of the power tool resulting ...attachment above waist height. Never hold the unit firmly with both hands on any other insecure support. FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC 9 Warning! To reduce the risk of injury from loss of control, never work area, even...
Product Instruction Manual
Page 13
...Warning! Remove excess lubricant and all debris such as pine needles, branches or leaves. FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC 11 English Warning! During cutting, check the tightness and the condition of the cylinder..., damaged, dull or worn out blade immediately, even if damage is limited to the blade. STIHL recommends use of sufficient length to the ground. In addition, be replaced. If the head, blade... To reduce the risk of burn injury, do not touch the muffler and other parts of buildings, tree trunks, stones or other such objects that the cutting attachment is ...
...Warning! Remove excess lubricant and all debris such as pine needles, branches or leaves. FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC 11 English Warning! During cutting, check the tightness and the condition of the cylinder..., damaged, dull or worn out blade immediately, even if damage is limited to the blade. STIHL recommends use of sufficient length to the ground. In addition, be replaced. If the head, blade... To reduce the risk of burn injury, do not touch the muffler and other parts of buildings, tree trunks, stones or other such objects that the cutting attachment is ...
Product Instruction Manual
Page 14
...of the various cutting attachments and instructions on proper mounting see "Main Parts" chapter in your power tool down as rapidly as conventional mufflers ...while it is not necessary, and worn polymer blades are easily replaced. 000BA015 KN 12 FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC than the intended length. Your catalytic converter is furnished with a line-limiting blade...in overheating and damage to the heat from blade contact and / or loss of the engine by a STIHL servicing dealer. Warning! It achieves a "softer" cut if there are equipped with a damaged or improperly ...
...of the various cutting attachments and instructions on proper mounting see "Main Parts" chapter in your power tool down as rapidly as conventional mufflers ...while it is not necessary, and worn polymer blades are easily replaced. 000BA015 KN 12 FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC than the intended length. Your catalytic converter is furnished with a line-limiting blade...in overheating and damage to the heat from blade contact and / or loss of the engine by a STIHL servicing dealer. Warning! It achieves a "softer" cut if there are equipped with a damaged or improperly ...
Product Instruction Manual
Page 15
... is replaced by a simple adjustment (see instruction sheet supplied with the head. The mowing head FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC 13 Three rectangular wear limit marks are missing or worn - English may be used when...Warning! Pieces of the power tool and may result in injury to the rear. STIHL SuperCut mowing head Fresh line is found on the base are applied to the operator ...serious or fatal injury to the base (periphery) of the cutting attachment shattering and flying parts injuring the operator or bystanders. To reduce the risk of these marks. Do not continue...
... is replaced by a simple adjustment (see instruction sheet supplied with the head. The mowing head FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC 13 Three rectangular wear limit marks are missing or worn - English may be used when...Warning! Pieces of the power tool and may result in injury to the rear. STIHL SuperCut mowing head Fresh line is found on the base are applied to the operator ...serious or fatal injury to the base (periphery) of the cutting attachment shattering and flying parts injuring the operator or bystanders. To reduce the risk of these marks. Do not continue...
Product Instruction Manual
Page 16
... blade can be resharpened when all cutting edges are always clean and in serious or fatal injuries. 14 FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC Use of non-STIHL parts may create arcing that the risk of forest fires is intended to cut with the grass cutting blade. ...deny coverage. front and rear. Use only identical STIHL replacement parts for a component which has not been serviced or maintained properly or if nonapproved replacement parts were used, STIHL may cause parts of fire, never operate your STIHL servicing dealer only. Never repair damaged cutting attachments...
... blade can be resharpened when all cutting edges are always clean and in serious or fatal injuries. 14 FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC Use of non-STIHL parts may create arcing that the risk of forest fires is intended to cut with the grass cutting blade. ...deny coverage. front and rear. Use only identical STIHL replacement parts for a component which has not been serviced or maintained properly or if nonapproved replacement parts were used, STIHL may cause parts of fire, never operate your STIHL servicing dealer only. Never repair damaged cutting attachments...
Product Instruction Manual
Page 17
Tighten all nuts, bolts and screws, except the carburetor adjustment screws, after each use. The solid jet of water may damage parts of children. Before storing for longer than a few days, always empty the fuel tank. See chapter "Storing the Machine" in a dry and high or locked location out of reach of the machine. Store the power tool in the instruction manual. English FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC 15 Do not clean your machine with a pressure washer. Keep blades sharp.
Tighten all nuts, bolts and screws, except the carburetor adjustment screws, after each use. The solid jet of water may damage parts of children. Before storing for longer than a few days, always empty the fuel tank. See chapter "Storing the Machine" in a dry and high or locked location out of reach of the machine. Store the power tool in the instruction manual. English FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC 15 Do not clean your machine with a pressure washer. Keep blades sharp.
Product Instruction Manual
Page 19
... attachment being used Equipment Among other parts, the complete unit in the parts and screw them into the clamp (6) as far as stop. 233BA025 KN FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC 17 N Place the clamp (6) on this unit only if equipped with a bike handle or a loop handle with the cutting attachment. 6 STIHL PolyCut 20-3 Metal mowing attachments 7 Grass...
... attachment being used Equipment Among other parts, the complete unit in the parts and screw them into the clamp (6) as far as stop. 233BA025 KN FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC 17 N Place the clamp (6) on this unit only if equipped with a bike handle or a loop handle with the cutting attachment. 6 STIHL PolyCut 20-3 Metal mowing attachments 7 Grass...
Product Instruction Manual
Page 22
... the gearbox in the same way. N Squeeze the two ends of the clamp together and hold in (20 cm) (A) forward of carrying ring see "Main Parts". N Tighten down the screws firmly - Mounting the Deflector 1 1 3 N Secure the loop handle (4) approx. 8 in that position. N Insert the M6x14 screw (2). N Line up the loop handle... (viewed from engine). N Place the deflector on the gearbox flange. N Insert the screws (3) and tighten them down firmly. 002BA147 KN 002BA142 KN 002BA380 KN 20 FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC
... the gearbox in the same way. N Squeeze the two ends of the clamp together and hold in (20 cm) (A) forward of carrying ring see "Main Parts". N Tighten down the screws firmly - Mounting the Deflector 1 1 3 N Secure the loop handle (4) approx. 8 in that position. N Insert the M6x14 screw (2). N Line up the loop handle... (viewed from engine). N Place the deflector on the gearbox flange. N Insert the screws (3) and tighten them down firmly. 002BA147 KN 002BA142 KN 002BA380 KN 20 FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC
Product Instruction Manual
Page 23
...the lower guide slot of a mowing head, you use a mowing head. FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC 21 N Push the blade (5) into position. it must be fitted to the deflector (1) when you will need the following additional parts: Nut (3), rider plate (4) and thrust washer (5) (special accessories). Mounting hardware... Fitting the Skirt and Blade 4 4 1 Mounting the Cutting Attachment Preparations English 3 4 5 1 002BA103 KN 002BA104 KN 002BA164 KN 5 These parts must snap into the upper guide slot on the skirt and line it up . N Lay your brushcutter on its back so that comes as ...
...the lower guide slot of a mowing head, you use a mowing head. FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC 21 N Push the blade (5) into position. it must be fitted to the deflector (1) when you will need the following additional parts: Nut (3), rider plate (4) and thrust washer (5) (special accessories). Mounting hardware... Fitting the Skirt and Blade 4 4 1 Mounting the Cutting Attachment Preparations English 3 4 5 1 002BA103 KN 002BA104 KN 002BA164 KN 5 These parts must snap into the upper guide slot on the skirt and line it up . N Lay your brushcutter on its back so that comes as ...
Product Instruction Manual
Page 24
...or "Mounting the metal cutting attachment". The rider plate (4) is available as stop pin (7) or screwdriver - in the hole (8) in the parts kit supplied with the machine. 8 7 7 N Insert the stop , and apply slight pressure. N Rotate the nut or cutting attachment ...N Block the shaft - N Use the combination wrench (6) - Removing the mowing head N Block the shaft STIHL SuperCut 20-2, STIHL AutoCut 25-2, STIHL AutoCut C 25-2, 22 FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC Removing the mounting hardware N Go to block the shaft. Attaching the mowing head Keep the information sheet ...
...or "Mounting the metal cutting attachment". The rider plate (4) is available as stop pin (7) or screwdriver - in the hole (8) in the parts kit supplied with the machine. 8 7 7 N Insert the stop , and apply slight pressure. N Rotate the nut or cutting attachment ...N Block the shaft - N Use the combination wrench (6) - Removing the mowing head N Block the shaft STIHL SuperCut 20-2, STIHL AutoCut 25-2, STIHL AutoCut C 25-2, 22 FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC Removing the mounting hardware N Go to block the shaft. Attaching the mowing head Keep the information sheet ...
Product Instruction Manual
Page 26
...to operate on gasoline with an ethanol content of the oil with the fuel. 24 FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC Some fuel additives not only detrimentally affect elastomers (carburetor diaphragms, oil seals, fuel ...lines, etc.), but magnesium castings and catalytic converters as necessary. For this reason STIHL recommends that are sitting in such engines. Avoid direct contact with a lower octane rating may...they are designed for a few days work, not to the engine. N Take the parts off the shaft - Gasoline with M-Tronic can cause running problems or even damage the ...
...to operate on gasoline with an ethanol content of the oil with the fuel. 24 FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC Some fuel additives not only detrimentally affect elastomers (carburetor diaphragms, oil seals, fuel ...lines, etc.), but magnesium castings and catalytic converters as necessary. For this reason STIHL recommends that are sitting in such engines. Avoid direct contact with a lower octane rating may...they are designed for a few days work, not to the engine. N Take the parts off the shaft - Gasoline with M-Tronic can cause running problems or even damage the ...
Product Instruction Manual
Page 28
...of the harness and carabiner (spring hook) depend on loop-handled units- tighten the screw moderately - then check the floating position. 26 FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC Proceed as follows to be balanced. N Loosen the screw (3). Floating position 002BA311 KN 002BA313 KN N Mowing heads and grass cutting... blades should just touch the ground. let the unit go and wait until is about a hand's width below your right hip. see "Main Parts". N Balance the trimmer/brushcutter. 2 1 1 2 N Attach the carabiner (1) to the harness N Put on the drive tube. English Full...
...of the harness and carabiner (spring hook) depend on loop-handled units- tighten the screw moderately - then check the floating position. 26 FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC Proceed as follows to be balanced. N Loosen the screw (3). Floating position 002BA311 KN 002BA313 KN N Mowing heads and grass cutting... blades should just touch the ground. let the unit go and wait until is about a hand's width below your right hip. see "Main Parts". N Balance the trimmer/brushcutter. 2 1 1 2 N Attach the carabiner (1) to the harness N Put on the drive tube. English Full...
Product Instruction Manual
Page 32
... lever to e - N Refit the spark plug - N Set the choke lever to e . even if the bulb is cold. As all moving parts have to bed in during the break-in period, the frictional resistances in the engine are greater during the break-in period. Empty the fuel ... dry N After refueling, press the fuel pump bulb at least five times - N Crank the engine several times with fuel. see "Storing the Machine". 30 FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC N Set the choke lever to F / I. English Stopping the engine N Move the slide control in direction of the arrow (h) to STOP-0 or the...
... lever to e - N Refit the spark plug - N Set the choke lever to e . even if the bulb is cold. As all moving parts have to bed in during the break-in period, the frictional resistances in the engine are greater during the break-in period. Empty the fuel ... dry N After refueling, press the fuel pump bulb at least five times - N Crank the engine several times with fuel. see "Storing the Machine". 30 FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC N Set the choke lever to F / I. English Stopping the engine N Move the slide control in direction of the arrow (h) to STOP-0 or the...
Product Instruction Manual
Page 33
... any major hardware. 232BA017 KN 232BA018 KN 2 1 N Set the choke lever to g. N Remove the felt element (3) from around the filter. N Replace damaged parts. carburation, ignition, timing and valve or port timing) without the addition of the fundamental engine parameters and components (e.g. do not wash. N Press in the filter housing (4). FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC 31
... any major hardware. 232BA017 KN 232BA018 KN 2 1 N Set the choke lever to g. N Remove the felt element (3) from around the filter. N Replace damaged parts. carburation, ignition, timing and valve or port timing) without the addition of the fundamental engine parameters and components (e.g. do not wash. N Press in the filter housing (4). FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC 31
Product Instruction Manual
Page 35
...the low speed screw (L) about 1/4 turn in operation. These factors cause deposits to form on power, difficult to start or runs poorly at part throttle etc.) affect the condition of the spark plug. Removing the Spark Plug N Move the stop switch to run when the engine is ...the spark plug. Engine stops while idling N Turn the idle speed screw (LA) slowly clockwise until the engine runs and accelerates smoothly. FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC 33 Spark Plug English If engine is down on the insulator nose which may result in trouble in the same direction. Aadjusting Idle ...
...the low speed screw (L) about 1/4 turn in operation. These factors cause deposits to form on power, difficult to start or runs poorly at part throttle etc.) affect the condition of the spark plug. Removing the Spark Plug N Move the stop switch to run when the engine is ...the spark plug. Engine stops while idling N Turn the idle speed screw (LA) slowly clockwise until the engine runs and accelerates smoothly. FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC 33 Spark Plug English If engine is down on the insulator nose which may result in trouble in the same direction. Aadjusting Idle ...
Product Instruction Manual
Page 36
... electrode gap (A) and readjust if necessary - Rectify problems which have servicing and repair work carried out exclusively by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. operating at part load. 000BA039 KN 000BA071 KN 1 2 Warning! English Checking the Spark Plug Engine Running Behavior A N Clean dirty spark ... the proper size. (Note: If terminal has detachable SAE adapter nut, it down firmly. 34 FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC Have the muffler checked for contamination (carbonization) by STIHL. N Screw home the spark plug, fit the boot and press it must be attached.) A ...
... electrode gap (A) and readjust if necessary - Rectify problems which have servicing and repair work carried out exclusively by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. operating at part load. 000BA039 KN 000BA071 KN 1 2 Warning! English Checking the Spark Plug Engine Running Behavior A N Clean dirty spark ... the proper size. (Note: If terminal has detachable SAE adapter nut, it down firmly. 34 FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC Have the muffler checked for contamination (carbonization) by STIHL. N Screw home the spark plug, fit the boot and press it must be attached.) A ...