Stihl AR 900 User manual

{
STIHL AR 900 Instruction Manual
Notice d’emploi

GInstruction Manual
1 - 21
FNotice d’emploi
22 - 44

Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2014 0458-420-8221-A. VA1.K14. 0000006363_002_GB
AR 900
English
1
{This instruction manual is protected by copyright. All rights reserved, especially the rights to reproduce, translate and process
with electronic systems.
Contents
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 troublefree use of
the product.
Please contact your dealer or our sales
company if you have any queries
concerning this product.
Your
Dr. Nikolas Stihl
Guide to Using this Manual 2
Safety Precautions and Working
Techniques 2
Assembling the Battery 5
Fitting the Harness 7
Acoustic Signal 8
Charging the Battery 9
Light Emitting Diodes (LED) on
Battery 10
Light Emitting Diodes (LED) on
Charger 11
Connecting Battery to Power Tool 12
Disconnecting Battery from Power
Tool 13
Maintenance and Care 14
Main Parts 15
Specifications 16
Special Accessories 17
Troubleshooting 18
Maintenance and Repairs 21
Battery Recycling 21
Disposal 21

AR 900
English
2
Pictograms
All the pictograms attached to the
machine are shown and explained in this
manual.
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.
Notes on Usage
Use the STIHL battery only with STIHL
power tools and recharge it only with
STIHL chargers. Do not use the battery
for any other purpose since it may result
in accidents.
The battery is recommended for use
with the following STIHL power tools and
STIHL chargers:
STIHL MSA 160 C, STIHL MSA 160 T,
STIHL MSA 200 C, STIHL HTA 85,
STIHL FSA 65, STIHL FSA 85,
STIHL HSA 65, STIHL HSA 85,
STIHL HSA 66, STIHL HSA 86,
STIHL HLA 65, STIHL BGA 85,
STIHL SPA 65
STIHLAL300, STIHLAL500
Notes on Battery
Never attempt to modify the battery 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.
Charge the battery before using it.
Do not charge or use a defective,
damaged or deformed battery. Do not
open, damage or drop the battery.
If four light emitting diodes on the battery
flash red (see "Light Emitting Diodes
(LEDs) on Battery") and a rapid
succession of beeps sound for several
seconds (see "Acoustic Signal"), the
battery is faulty or has a malfunction –
disconnect the battery from the power
tool, take it off your back, check its
condition and contact your STIHL
servicing dealer immediately.
WARNING
If the battery emits fumes, heats up,
smells, makes noises or shows signs of
deformation, disconnect it from the
power tool, take it off your back, put it
down and immediately move a safe
distance away. Keep children and
animals away from the work area. Keep
battery away from combustible
materials.
Guide to Using this Manual Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques
It is important that you
observe the following
information and
warnings.
It is important that you
read the instruction man-
ual before first use and
keep it in a safe place for
future reference. Non-
observance of the
instruction manual may
result in serious or even
fatal injury. Also observe
instruction manual of the
STIHL power tool used
with this battery.

AR 900
English
3
Use the battery only with the harness
provided – do not combine with other
carrying straps (e.g. shoulder strap, full
harness, etc.).
Do not place the battery on raised
surfaces or hang it up (e.g. on branches)
– it may fall down.
Never sit or stand on the battery. Never
place objects on the battery – do not
stack several batteries on top of one
another.
Protect the battery from direct sunlight
when it is not in use.
Never expose the battery to microwaves
or high pressures.
Never insert objects in the battery's
cooling slots.
Inspect the adapter, the adapter's
contacts and the cable for damage at
regular intervals. If any damage is found,
contact your STIHL servicing dealer. Do
not continue using a faulty, damaged,
cracked or deformed battery, cable or
adapter.
Never bridge the adapter's contacts with
metallic objects (short circuit). The
battery may be damaged by a short
circuit. Keep a battery that is not in use
away from metal objects (e.g. nails,
coins, jewelry). Do not use metallic
transport boxes.
Fluid may leak from the battery if it is
damaged or not used properly – avoid
contact with the skin! Leaking electrolyte
can cause skin irritation and chemical
burns. In the event of accidental contact,
wash affected areas of skin thoroughly
with soap and water. If fluid gets into
your eyes, do not rub your eyes – rinse
them with plenty of water for at least 15
minutes. Also seek medical attention.
Transporting the battery
Disconnect the battery from the power
tool – even when carrying it for short
distances. This avoids the risk of
accidental startup.
Carry the battery by the handle or on
your back.
In vehicles: Properly secure the battery
to prevent turnover and damage.
WARNING
Special precautions must be taken when
transporting a damaged or faulty battery.
To reduce the risk of accidents, always
contact your STIHL servicing dealer
before transporting such a battery.
Cleaning the battery
Always clean dust and dirt off the battery
– do not use any grease solvents for this
purpose.
Clean plastic surfaces with a cloth. Do
not use aggressive detergents. They
may damage the plastic.
Do not spray the battery with water.
Do not use a pressure washer to clean
your battery. The solid jet of water may
damage parts of the battery and cause
malfunctions.
Protect from rain – do not
immerse in fluids.
Protect from heat and fire
– never throw into a fire –
risk of explosion.
Use and store the bat-
tery only in a temperature
range between -10°C
and + 50°C.
4865BA029 KN

AR 900
English
4
Storing the battery
Disconnect the battery from the power
tool or charger.
When the battery is not in use, put it in a
safe place it so that it does not endanger
others. Secure it against unauthorized
use.
Store the battery out of the reach of
children.
Store indoors in a dry and safe location.
Protect it from dirt and damage.
To optimize the life of the battery, store
it at a state of charge of about 30%.
Do not store spare batteries unused –
use in rotation.
Accessories and spare parts
Only use parts and accessories that are
explicity approved for this battery by
STIHL. If you have any questions in this
respect, consult your STIHL servicing
dealer.
STIHL recommends the use of genuine
STIHL replacement parts and
accessories. They are specifically
designed to match the product and meet
your performance requirements.
Notes on Cable
Check the adapter, cable and plug for
signs of damage. Never use a damaged
adapter, cable or plug.
Make sure the insulation of the cable
and plug is in good condition.
Positioning the cable:
Straighten a twisted cable before use.
Position the cable so that it cannot be
reached or damaged by the cutting or
working attachment of the power tool
being used.
Avoid damage to the cable. Do not drive
over it, pinch or tug it. Protect from heat,
oil pointed objects and sharp edges.
Do not use the cable for any other
purpose, e.g. for carrying or hanging up
the battery or power tool. Do not tug the
cable.
Position the cable so that it does not
endanger others – risk of tripping or
stumbling.
Notes on Operation
–before carrying out tests and
adjustments or cleaning work
–before working on the power tool's
cutting or working attachment
–before leaving the machine
unattended
–before transporting the machine
–before storing the machine
–before performing repairs and
maintenance work
–in the event of danger or in an
emergency
This avoids the risk of accidental startup.
Before starting work
Check that the battery is in good
condition – refer to appropriate chapters
in the instruction manual.
–Check condition of housing parts.
–Check condition of straps.
–Make sure adapter, cable and plug
are not damaged.
–Operate pushbutton to activate the
LED display.
–Acoustic signal is activated when
pushbutton is released.
Do not continue using the battery if parts
of housing or straps are worn, cracked
or broken – contact STIHL servicing
dealer.
To reduce the risk of personal injury, use
the battery only if it is in good working
order.
Do not use the battery if any of its
components are damaged.
For emergencies: Practice quickly
opening the fastener on the waist belt,
loosening the shoulder straps and
setting down the battery. To avoid
damage, do not throw the battery to the
ground when practicing.
Disconnect battery from
the power tool:

AR 900
English
5
During Operation
WARNING
The battery is equipped with an acoustic
signal. Your ability to hear the acoustic
signal may be reduced when wearing
hearing protection.
The battery is carried as a backpack.
The battery is designed to be operated
by one person only. Do not allow other
persons in the work area.
Make sure you always have good
balance and secure footing.
Never work with the battery in trees, on
roofs or on a ladder.
Make sure the cable cannot become
entangled or snag on objects – position
and secure the cable carefully before
starting work.
If the battery 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 Work". Do not continue
operating the battery if it is damaged. In
case of doubt, contact your STIHL
servicing dealer.
After Finishing Work
Clean the battery – see "Cleaning the
Battery".
Further Safety Precautions
see www.stihl.com/safety-data-sheets
Connecting the Adapter
NRemove the cover (1) – press the
tabs (arrows) inwards and push the
cover upwards.
NInsert the plug (2) in the socket (3) –
line up the lugs on the plug with the
slots in the socket.
4865BA030 KN
Assembling the Battery
4865BA003 KN
2
3
4865BA004 KN

AR 900
English
6
NPush the plug into the socket as far
as stop, then turn it clockwise until
the plug's latch (4) engages audibly.
NFit cable (5) in the cable duct (6) in
the housing – see also "Positioning
the Cable".
NPush the cover (1) into place,
making sure the cable is properly
seated in the duct and not pinched.
Positioning the Cable
The cable can be fitted in different cable
ducts.
If the power tool being used with this
battery is:
Nnext to or behind your body – fit the
cable (1) in one of the lateral cable
ducts (2) and push it into place
Nin front of your body – fit the
cable (1) in one of the upper cable
ducts (2) and push it into place
Always use the cable outlets at the side
on which the power tool is held and
controlled.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of accidents, never
lay the cable diagonally – it may snag on
objects.
NIf the cable is too long, attach it to
the retainer on the bag.
4
6
4865BA021 KN
5
4865BA023 KN
4865BA005 KN
22
1
1
2
4865BA022 KN
4865BA006 KN

AR 900
English
7
Adjusting the Harness Straps
APull the ends of the straps
downward to tighten the harness.
BLift the tabs of the adjusters to
loosen the straps.
CClose and lock the quick-release
fastener by pushing it together.
DSqueeze the hooks to open the
quick-release fastener.
Put on the shoulder strap.
NFasten and adjust the waist belt (1)
so that it rests comfortably on your
hips – thread the end of the belt
through the loop (2) – do not let in
hang down.
NAdjust the harness straps (3, 6) to
the correct length.
NAdjust chest strap (4) to correct
length and fasten it.
NIf you use the upper cable ducts –
see "Positioning the Cable" – thread
the cable through the hook and eye
fasteners (5).
The back padding must fit firmly and
securely against your back.
Fitting the Harness
4865BA031 KN
AB
C
D
4865BA027 KN
6
1
5
4
4865BA033 KN
33
5
55
2

AR 900
English
8
Removing Harness
NOpen the quick-release fasteners
on the waist belt and chest strap.
NLoosen the harness straps by lifting
the sliding adjusters and then take
off the battery.
Throwing Off the Machine
WARNING
The battery must be quickly thrown off in
the event of imminent danger. The waist
belt and chest strap must be opened
before throwing the battery to the
ground.
Pouch
Accommodates adapter during work
breaks and after finishing work.
Secure the pouch (1) to the waist belt
only in the positions shown.
NAttach pouch to waist belt.
NInsert the adapter (2).
NClose the hook and eye fastener (3)
– the adapter is held in the pouch.
WARNING
Never transport metallic, pointed or
sharp objects in the pouch. They may
bridge the contacts in the adapter and
cause a short circuit.
The battery emits acoustic signals as
well as optical signals – see "Light
Emitting Diodes (LEDs) on Battery".
4865BA010 KN
1
3
4865BA011 KN
2
Acoustic Signal
A A short beep
This signal is activated by pressing
and releasing the button on the bat-
tery – see "Main Parts".
Meaning: Acoustic signal works as it
should.
B Four long beeps
One LED on battery flashes green.
Meaning: Battery's state of charge is
low – recharge the battery.
C Rapid succession of short beeps 1)
Four LEDs on battery flash red.
Meaning: Malfunction in battery –
see "Troubleshooting".
1) Signal stops automatically after a
few seconds.
4865BA024 KN
A
B
C.......

AR 900
English
9
A factory-new battery is not fully
charged.
Recommendation: Fully charge the
battery before using it for the first time.
NConnect the charger to the power
supply – mains voltage and
operating voltage of the charger
must be the same – see
"Connecting Charger to Power
Supply".
Operate the charger indoors only in dry
locations at an ambient temperature
between +5°C and +40°C.
NPush the adapter (1) into the
charger (2) until you feel noticeable
resistance – then push it as far as
stop.
The light emitting diode (3) on the
charger comes on when the adapter is
inserted – see "Light Emitting Diode
(LED) on Charger"
Charging begins as soon as the light
emitting diodes (4) on the battery glow
green – see "Light Emitting Diodes
(LEDs) on Battery".
The charge time is dependent on a
number of factors, including battery
condition, ambient temperature, etc.,
and may therefore vary from the charge
time in the "Specifications".
The battery becomes hot during
operation. If a hot battery is inserted in
the charger, it may be necessary to cool
it down before charging. The charging
process begins only after the battery has
cooled down. The time required for
cooling may prolong the charge time.
AL 300, AL 500 Chargers
The charger is equipped with a fan
End of Charge
The charger switches itself off
automatically when the battery is fully
charged:
–Light emitting diodes on the battery
go off.
–The light emitting diode on the
charger goes off.
–The charger's fan is switched off.
Remove the adapter from the charger.
Charging the Battery
2
4865BA012 KN
4
3
4865BA013 KN

AR 900
English
10
The light emitting diodes show the
battery's state of charge and any
problems with the battery or the power
tool being used.
NPress button (1) to activate the light
emitting diodes – the display goes
off automatically after 5 seconds.
–The acoustic signal must sound
briefly when the button is released
(to confirm function) – see also
"Acoustic Signal".
The light emitting diodes can glow or
flash green or red.
During Charging Process
The light emitting diodes glow
continuously or flash to indicate the
progress of charge.
A green flashing light emitting diode
indicates the capacity that is currently
being charged.
The light emitting diodes on the battery
go off automatically when the charge
process is completed.
If the light emitting diodes on the battery
flash or glow red – see "If the red light
emitting diodes glow continuously /
flash".
During Operation
The green light emitting diodes glow
continuously or flash to indicate the state
of charge.
If the battery is almost completely
discharged and the last LED begins to
flash, four long signals sound – see
"Acoustic Signal".
If the light emitting diodes on the battery
flash or glow red – see "If the red light
emitting diodes glow continuously /
flash".
Light Emitting Diodes (LED)
on Battery
Light emitting diode glows con-
tinuously green.
Light emitting diode flashes
green.
Light emitting diode glows con-
tinuously red.
Light emitting diode flashes red.
4865BA025 KN
1
AR 900 Lithium-Ion
4865BA015 KN
0 %
100 %
100 %
4865BA028 KN
0 %

AR 900
English
11
If the red light emitting diodes glow
continuously / flash
The light emitting diode (1) on charger
glows continuously green or flashes red.
Green continuous light ...
... indicates the following:
The battery
–is being charged
–is too hot and must cool down
before charging
See also "Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
on Battery".
The green light emitting diode on the
charger goes off as soon as the battery
is fully charged.
A1 light emitting
diode glows
continuously
red:
Battery is too
hot1) 2)/cold1)
B4 light emitting
diodes flash
red:
Malfunction in
battery 3)
C3 light emitting
diodes glow
continuously
red:
Power tool is too
hot – allow it to
cool down.
D3 light emitting
diodes flash
red:
Malfunction in
power tool 4)
4865BA025 KN
A
B
C
D
1) When charging: Charge process
starts automatically after the battery
has cooled down / warmed up.
2) During operation: Power tool
switches itself off – allow battery to
cool down for a while.
3) Electromagnetic interference or
fault. Acoustic signal can be heard
as a rapid series of beeps lasting
several seconds – see also
"Acoustic Signal". Disconnect
battery from power tool, take it off
your back, observe battery and
contact your STIHL servicing dealer
immediately – see also
"Troubleshooting".
4) Electromagnetic interference or
fault. Take the adapter out of the
power tool and refit it. Switch on the
power tool – if the light emitting
diodes still flash, the power tool is
faulty and must be checked by a
STIHL servicing dealer.
Light Emitting Diodes (LED)
on Charger
1
3901BA019 KN

AR 900
English
12
Red flashing light ...
... indicates the following:
–No electrical contact between
battery and charger – remove and
refit the adapter
–Malfunction in battery – see also
"Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) on
Battery".
–Malfunction in charger – have
charger checked by dealer – STIHL
recommends an authorized STIHL
servicing dealer.
A factory-new battery is not fully
charged.
Recommendation: Fully charge the
battery before using it for the first time.
NIf necessary, remove the cover from
the power tool's battery
compartment before fitting the
adapter, i.e. depress both locking
levers to unlock and remove the
cover.
Insert adapter
NInsert the adapter (1) in the power
tool – the adapter slides into the
compartment – press it down
carefully until it snaps into position –
the adapter must be flush with the
top of the housing.
The battery and power tool are now
connected together.
For further information on switching on
and operating the power tool: see the
instruction manual of the power tool
being operated with this battery.
Connecting Battery to Power
Tool
4865BA018 KN

AR 900
English
13
NSwitch off the power tool – see also
instruction manual of the power tool
being used.
NDepress both locking levers (1) at
the same time to unlock the adapter.
NTake the adapter (2) out of the
power tool.
The battery and power tool are now
disconnected.
Disconnecting Battery from
Power Tool
1
1
4865BA019 KN
2

AR 900
English
14
Maintenance and Care
The following intervals apply to normal operating conditions only. If your daily work-
ing time is longer or operating conditions are difficult (very dusty work area, etc.),
shorten the specified intervals accordingly.
Always disconnect the battery from the power tool before performing any work on the
battery.
before starting work after finishing work or daily weekly monthly every 12 months if problem if damaged if required
Battery Visual inspection X XXX
Clean X
Light emitting diodes (LEDs) Check operation – LED display must be
activated when button is pressed XX
Acoustic signal Check operation – brief signal must
sound when button is released XX
Adapter and cable Visual inspection XXX
Safety labels Replace X

AR 900
English
15
1Battery
2Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) on
Battery
3Push Button
4Cover
5Carrying Handle
6Shoulder Straps
7Velcro Fasteners
8Chest Strap
9Hip/Waist Belt
10 Pouch
11 Cable
12 Adapter
#Serial number
Main Parts
8
7
7
7
#
4865BA032 KN
1
2
3
4
9
5
10
6
6
12
11
7

AR 900
English
16
Defintions
1. Battery
Supplies the motor of the power tool
(used with this battery) with
electrical power.
2. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) on
Battery
Indicate the state of charge and
operating condition of the battery.
3. Push Button
For activating light emitting diodes
(LEDs) on battery and for checking
operation of acoustic signal.
4. Cover
Covers and protects the plug
connection for the adapter.
5. Carrying Handle
For transporting the battery.
6. Shoulder Straps
Carry the battery comfortably on
back and shoulders.
7. Velcro Fasteners
For fitting the cable by using the
upper cable ducts.
8. Chest Strap
Ensures a more secure hold in the
chest area.
9. Hip/Waist Belt
Carries the battery comfortably on
hip / around the waist.
10. Pouch
Accommodates adapter during
work breaks and after finishing
work.
11. Cable
Supplies electric current from the
battery to the adapter.
12. Adapter
Supplies electric current to the
power tool.
Running time of the power tool is
dependent on the energy content of the
battery.
Charge Times
Specifications
Type: Lithium-ion
Number of cells and
energy content accord-
ing to manufacturer's
specification. The energy
content available in spe-
cific applications is lower.
Number of cells: 110
Energy content: 891 Wh
Capacity to
IEC EN 61960: 23.7 Ah
Weight: 7.1 kg
AL 300
– up to 80 % capacity: 190 min
– up to 100 % capacity: 250 min
AL 500
– up to 80 % capacity: 100 min
– up to 100 % capacity: 130 min

AR 900
English
17
Transporting
STIHL batteries comply with the
requirements laid down in UN-Manual
ST/SG/AC.10/11/Rev.5/Part III,
Subsection 38.3.
No further condition have to be fulfilled
by the user to transport STIHL batteries
by road to the power's tool operating
site.
Country-specific regulations must be
observed for transport by air or sea.
For further notes on transportation see
www.stihl.com/safety-data-sheets
–Pouch
Contact your STIHL dealer for more
information on these and other special
accessories.
Special Accessories

AR 900
English
18
Troubleshooting
Always disconnect the battery from the power tool before performing any maintenance work.
Condition Cause Remedy
Power tool does not start after switch-on
No electrical contact between power
tool and battery
Remove adapter, check contacts and refit
adapter
Battery flat
(1 light emitting diode on battery
flashes green and four long beeps
sound)
Charge the battery
Battery too hot / too cold
(1 light emitting diode on battery glows
red)
Allow battery to cool down / allow battery to
warm up slowly at temperature of about
15°C - 20°C
Malfunction in battery
(4 light emitting diodes on battery flash
red and a rapid succession of beeps
sound for several seconds)
Disconnect battery from power tool, take it
off your back, observe battery and contact
your STIHL servicing dealer immediately.
If the battery emits fumes, heats up, smells,
makes noises or shows signs of deforma-
tion, disconnect it from the power tool, take
it off your back, put it down and immediately
move a safe distance away. Keep children
and animals away from the work area. Keep
battery away from combustible materials.
Power tool too hot
(3 light emitting diodes on battery glow
red)
Allow power tool to cool down
Electromagnetic problem or fault in
machine
(3 light emitting diodes on battery flash
red)
Take the adapter out of the power tool and
refit it. Switch on the power tool – if the light
emitting diodes still flash, the power tool has
a malfunction and must be checked by a
STIHL servicing dealer.
Dampness in machine and / or battery Allow power tool / battery to dry