Stihl BG 55 User manual

Instruction Manual
Manual de instrucciones
Warning!
For safe operation follow all safety
precautions in Instruction Manual - improper
use can cause serious injury.
Advertencia!
Para su seguridad durante el manejo de este
producto, siga siempre las precauciones de
seguridad dadas en el manual de
instrucciones - el uso indebido puede causar
lesiones graves.
STIH)
STIHL BG 55, 65, 85, SH 55, 85

1BG 55, BG 65, BG 85, SH 55, SH 85
English / USA
BA_SE_001_002_01_11.fmPrinted on chlorine-free paper.
Printing inks contain vegetable oils; paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2007 0458 295 8621. M41. H7. CP. Printed in USA
STIHl
Contents
Guide to Using this Manual .............. 2
Safety Precautions ........................... 3
Assembling the Blower ................... 10
Assembling
the Vacuum Shredder ..................... 11
Fuel ................................................ 13
Fueling ............................................ 14
Starting / Stopping
the Engine ...................................... 14
Using the Blower ............................ 17
Using the Shredder Vacuum ........... 18
Cleaning the Air Filter ..................... 19
Motor Management ........................ 20
Adjusting the Carburetor ................ 20
Catalytic Converter ......................... 22
Checking the Spark Plug ................ 22
Engine Running Behavior ............... 23
Rewind Starter ................................ 24
Storing the Machine ........................ 24
Maintenance Chart ......................... 25
Parts and Controls .......................... 26
Specifications ................................. 29
Special Accessories ....................... 30
Maintenance and Repairs ............... 30
STIHL Incorporated
California Exhaust and
Evaporative Emissions Control
Warranty Statement ........................ 31
STIHL Incorporated
Federal Emission Control
Warranty Statement ........................ 34
Trademarks .................................... 36
Allow only persons who understand this
Manual to operate your blower.
To receive maximum performance and
satisfaction from your STIHL blower, it is
important that you read and understand
the maintenance and safety precautions,
starting on page 3, before using your
blower.
Contact your STIHL dealer or the STIHL
distributor for your area if you do not
understand any of the instructions in this
Manual.
!Warning!
Because a blower is a high-speed tool,
some special safety precautions must
be observed as with any other power
tool to reduce the risk of personal injury.
Careless or improper use may cause
serious or even fatal injury.
STIHL's philosophy is to continually
improve all of its products. As a result,
engineering changes and improvements
are made from time-to-time. If the
operating characteristics or the
appearance of your blower differs from
those described in this Manual, please
contact your STIHL dealer for
information and assistance.

2
English / USA
BG 55, BG 65, BG 85, SH 55, SH 85
Pictograms
All the pictograms attached to the
machine are shown and explained in
this manual.
The operating and handling instructions
are supported by illustrations.
Symbols in text
The individual steps or procedures
described in the manual may be marked
in different ways:
:A bullet marks a step or procedure
without direct reference to an
illustration.
A description of a step or procedure that
refers directly to an illustration may
contain item numbers that appear in the
illustration.
Example:
Loosen the screw (1)
Lever (2) ...
In addition to the operating instructions,
this manual may contain paragraphs
that require your special attention. Such
paragraphs are marked with the
symbols described below:
Warning where there is a risk of an
accident or personal injury or
serious damage to property.
Caution where there is a risk of
damaging the machine or its
individual components.
Note or hint which is not essential
for using the machine, but may
improve the operator’s under-
standing of the situation and result
in better use of the machine.
Note or hint on correct procedure in
order to avoid damage to the
environment.
Equipment and features
This instruction manual may refer to
several models with different
features. Components that are not
installed on all models and related
applications are marked with an
asterisk (*). Such components may
be available as special accessories
from your STIHL dealer.
Engineering improvements
STIHL’s philosophy is to continually
improve all of its products. As a result,
engineering changes and improvements
are made from time to time. If the
operating characteristics or the
appearance of your machine differ from
those described in this manual, please
contact your STIHL dealer for
assistance.
Therefore some changes, modifications
and improvements may not be covered
in this manual.
Guide to Using this Manual

3BG 55, BG 65, BG 85, SH 55, SH 85
English / USA
Warning!
The use of any blower
may be dangerous. It is
important that you read,
fully understand and
observe the following safety
precautions.
!Warning!
Reread the owner`s
manual and the safety
instructions peri-
odically.
!Warning!
Careless or improper use of the machine
may cause serious injury. Have your
STIHL Dealer or other experienced user
show you how to operate your blower.
Observe all applicable local safety
regulations, standards and ordinances.
!Warning!
Minors should never be allowed to use a
blower. Bystanders, especially children,
and animals should not be allowed in the
area where a machine is in use.
Never let the unit run unattended. Do not
lend or rent your machine without the
owner`s manual.
Be sure that anyone using your unit
understands the information contained
in this manual.
Most of these safety precautions and
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL
blowers. Different models may have
different parts and controls.
See the appropriate section of your
owner`s manual for a description of the
controls and function of the parts of your
machine.
Safe use of a blower involves
1. the operator
2. the blower
3. the use of the blower .
THE OPERATOR
Physical Condition
You must be in good physical condition
and mental health and not under the
influence of any substance (drugs,
alcohol, etc.) which might impair vision,
dexterity or judgment. Do not operate a
blower when you are fatigued.
Be alert - if you get tired while operating
your machine, take a break. Tiredness
may result in loss of control. Working
with any blower can be strenuous. If you
have any condition that might be
aggra
vated by strenuous work, check
with
your doctor before operating the
machine.
!Warning!
Prolonged use of a blower, (or other
machines) exposing the operator to
vibrations may produce whitefinger
disease (Raynaud`s phenomenon) or
carpal tunnel syndrome. These condi-
tions reduce the hand`s ability to feel
and regulate temperature, produce
numbness and burning sensations and
may cause nerve and circulation
damage and tissue necrosis.
!Warning!
The STIHL blower is not equipped with
an antivibration (AV) system. Other
STIHL blower models are available with
an AV system designed to reduce the
transmission of engine vibrations to the
operator's hands. An AV system is
recommended for those operators who
use blowers on a regular or sustained
basis.
Antivibration systems do not guarantee
that you will not sustain whitefinger
disease or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Therefore, continual and regular users
should monitor closely the condition of
their hands and fingers. If any of the
above symptoms appear, seek medical
advice immediately.
Safety Precautions

4
English / USA
BG 55, BG 65, BG 85, SH 55, SH 85
!Warning!
The ignition system of your unit
produces an electromagnetic field of a
very low intensity. This field may
interfere with some pacemakers. To
reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury,
persons with pacemaker should consult
their physician and the pacemaker
manufacturer before operating this tool.
Proper Clothing
Clothing must be sturdy and snug-fitting,
but allow complete freedom of move-
ment.
!Warning!
Avoid loose-fitting jackets, flared or
cuffed pants, scarfs, unconfined long
hair or anything that could be drawn into
the air intake.
Wear overalls or long
pants to protect your legs.
Do not wear shorts.
Use of gloves when
working with the blower is
recommended.
Good footing is most
important. Wear sturdy
shoes with nonslip soles.
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury associated
with the inhalation of dust, use a face
filter mask when using your blower in
dusty conditions.
!Warning!
Proper eye protection is a must. Even
though the discharge is directed away
from the operator, ricochets and bounce
backs can occur during blower
operations.
Never operate a blower
unless wearing goggles
or properly fitted safety
glasses with adequate
top and side protection
which comply with
ANSI Z 87.1 (or your applicable national
standard).
!Warning!
Blower noise may damage your hearing.
Wear sound barriers (ear plugs or ear
mufflers) to protect your hearing. Conti-
nual and regular users should have their
hearing checked regulary.
THE BLOWER
For illustrations and definitions of the
blower parts see the chapter on "Parts
and Controls"!
!Warning!
Never modify a blower in any way. Only
attachments supplied by STIHL or
expressly approved by STIHL for use
with the specific STIHL blower models
are authorized. Although certain
unauthorized attachment are useable for
the STIHL blower, their use may be
extremely dangerous.
THE USE OF THE BLOWER
Transport
Always turn off the engine before putting
down blower. When transporting your
unit in a vehicle, properly secure it to
prevent turnover, fuel spillage and
damage to the machine.
Fueling
This STIHL unit uses an oil-gasoline
mixture for fuel (see the chapter on
"Fuel" of your owner`s manual).
!Warning!
Gasoline is an extremely
flammable fuel. If spilled
or ignited by a spark or
other ignition source, it
can cause fire and serious
burn injury or property
damage.

5BG 55, BG 65, BG 85, SH 55, SH 85
English / USA
Use extreme caution when handling
gasoline or fuel mix.
Do not smoke or bring any fire or flame
near the fuel.
Fueling instructions
Fuel your machine in well-ventilated
areas, outdoors only. Always shut off the
engine and allow it to cool before
refueling. Relieve fuel tank pressure by
loosening fuel cap slowly. Never remove
fuel filler cap while engine is running.
Select bare ground for fueling and move
at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling
spot before starting the engine. Avoid
spilling of fuel or oil. Wipe off any spilled
fuel before starting your blower and
check for leakage.
Always tighten fuel filler cap securely
after fueling.
!Warning!
Check for fuel leakage while refueling
and during operation. If fuel or oil
leakage is found, do not start or run the
engine until leak is fixed and spilled fuel
has been wiped away. Take care not to
get fuel on your clothing. If this happens,
change your clothing immediately.
Always store gasoline in a container
approved for flammable liquids.
!Warning!
Unit vibrations can cause an improperly
tightened fuel cap to loosen or come off
and spill quantities of fuel.
In order to reduce risk of
fuel spillage and fire,
tighten fuel cap by hand
with as much force as
possible.
Before Starting
!Warning!
Never operate your machine if it is
damaged, improperly adjusted or not
completely and securely assembled.
You should always inspect your unit
before starting it. Make sure the unit is
properly assembled, in good operating
condition and the controls and safety
devices are working properly.
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury from thrown
parts, check your fanwheel and fan
housing for damage (cracks, nicks,
chipping). If any damage is found, stop
using the unit and contact your STIHL
dealer for repair.
:Throttle trigger must move freely
and spring back to idle position
when released.
:Stop switch must move easily to $
:Tightness of spark plug boot - if boot
is loose, sparks may occur and
ignite the escaping fuel vapor!
:Condition of fanwheel and fan
housing (see chapter “Using the
Vacuum Shredder”).
Starting
!Warning!
Your blower is a one-person machine.
To reduce the risk of eye or other injury
from thrown objects, insure that by-
standers are at least 50 feet (15m) away
during use.
Stop the engine immediately if you are
approached.
For specific starting instructions, see the
appropriate section of your owner`s
manual. Place the machine on firm
ground or other solid surface in an open
area. Maintain good balance and secure
footing.

6
English / USA
BG 55, BG 65, BG 85, SH 55, SH 85
!Warning!
When you pull the starter grip, don`t
wrap the starter rope around your hand.
Do not allow the grip to snap back, but
guide the starter rope slowly back to
permit the rope to rewind properly.
Failure to follow this procedure may
result in injury to hand or fingers and
may damage the starter mechanism.
Catalytic converter
!Warning!
Some STIHL blower
models are equipped with
a catalytic converter,
which is designed to
reduce the exhaust
emissions of the engine
by a chemical process in the muffler.
Due to this process, the muffler does not
cool down as rapidly as conventional
mufflers when the engine returns to idle
or is shut off. To reduce the risk of fire
and burn injuries, the following specific
safety precautions must be observed.
!Warning!
Since a muffler with a catalytic converter
cools down less rapidly than
conventional mufflers, always set your
blower down in the upright position and
never locate it where the muffler is near
dry brush, grass, wood chips or other
combustible materials while it is still hot.
Let the engine cool down sitting on
concrete, metal, bare ground or solid
wood (e.g. the trunk of a felled tree)
away from any combustible substances.
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of fire or burn injury,
let the unit cool down before refueling
your blower after use.
!Warning!
Never disassemble or modify your
muffler. The muffler could be damaged
and cause an increase in heat radiation
or sparks, thereby increasing the risk of
fire or burn injury. You may also
permanently damage the engine. Have
your muffler serviced and repaired by
your STIHL Servicing Dealer only.
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of fire or burn injury,
keep the area around the muffler clean.
Remove all debris such as pine needles,
branches or leaves.
!Warning!
An improperly mounted or damaged
cylinder housing or a damaged/
deformed muffler shell may interfere
with the cooling effect of the catalytic
converter. To reduce the risk of fire or
burn injury, do not continue work with a
damaged or improperly mounted
cylinder housing or a damaged/
deformed muffler shell. Your catalytic
converter is furnished with screens
designed to reduce the risk of fire from
the emission of hot particles. Due to the
heat from the catalytic reaction, these
screens will normally stay clean and
need no service or maintenance. If you
experience loss of performance and you
suspect a clogged screen, have your
muffler maintained by a STIHL Servicing
Dealer.

7BG 55, BG 65, BG 85, SH 55, SH 85
English / USA
Working instructions
Work carefully.
Operate the blower under good visibility
and daylight conditions only.
!Warning!
Your blower produces
poisonous exhaust fumes
as soon as the combus-
tible engine is running.
These gases (e.g. carbon
monoxide) may be color-
less and odorless.
To reduce the risk of serious or fatal
injury from breathing toxic fumes, never
start or run the blower indoors or in
poorly ventilated locations. Ensure
proper ventilation when working in
trenches or other confined areas.
Keep the space behind and beside the
engine clear at all times to allow for the
escape of hot and toxic exhaust fumes.
When working with a handheld blower,
always carry it with the muffler away
from you to reduce the risk of burns from
contact with the hot muffler or hot
exhaust fumes.
!Warning!
Use of this product can generate dust,
mists, and fumes containing chemicals
known to cause respiratory disease,
cancer, birth defects, or other reproduc-
tive harm. If you are unfamiliar with the
risks associated with the particular dust,
mists or fumes at issue, consult your
employer, governmental agencies such
as OSHA and NIOSH and other sources
on hazardous materials. If the substance
being blown or vacuumed is a commer-
cial substance, review the material
safety data sheet for that substance and
/ or consult the material manufacturer /
supplier. The state of California and
some other authorities, for instance,
have published lists of substances
known to cause cancer, reproductive
toxicity, etc.
Control dust, mist and fumes at the
source where possible. In this regard
use good work practices and follow the
recommendations of OSHA / NIOSH
and occupational and trade associa-
tions. When the inhalation of toxic dust,
mists and fumes cannot be eliminated,
the operator and any bystanders should
always wear a respirator approved by
NIOSH / MSHA for the substance at
issue.
!Warning!
Dust with silica in its composition may
contain crystalline silica. Silica is a basic
component of sand, quartz, brick, clay,
granite and numerous other minerals
and rocks, including masonry and con-
crete products. Repeated and / or sub-
stantial inhalation of airborne crystalline
silica can cause serious or fatal respira-
tory disease, including silicosis. In addi-
tion, the state of California and some
other authorities have listed respirable
crystalline silica as a substance known
to cause cancer. When encountering
such materials, always follow the re-
spiratory precautions mentioned above.
!Warning!
Breathing asbestos dust is dangerous
and can cause severe or fatal injury, re-
spiratory illness or cancer. The use and
disposal of asbestos containing products
have been strictly regulated by OSHA
and the Environmental Protection
Agency. Do not blow or disturb asbestos
or asbestos containing products, such
as asbestos insulation. If you have any
reason to believe that you might be
disturbing asbestos, immediately contact
your employer or a local OSHA
representative.

8
English / USA
BG 55, BG 65, BG 85, SH 55, SH 85
When working with the blower, always
wrap your fingers tightly around the
handle, keeping the control handle
cradled between your thumb and
forefinger. Keep your hand in this
position to have your machine under
control at all times. Make sure your
control handle (and grip for vacuum
attachment) are in good condition and
free of moisture, pitch, oil or grease.
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of personal injury, do
not direct air blast towards bystanders,
since the high pressure of the air flow
could injure eyes and could blow small
objects at great speed. Do not direct air
blast towards pets.
!Warning!
Always shut off the engine before
cleaning or servicing the unit or
replacing parts. Always disconnect the
spark plug before performing
maintenance or accessing movable
parts.
The blower fan between the air intake
and output openings rotates whenever
the engine is running. In order to reduce
the risk of injury from contact with the
fan, never operate your unit without a
properly mounted intake screen and
blower tube. Never insert any foreign
object into the air intake or output
openings of the machine.
Pay attention to the direction of the wind,
i.e., do not work against the wind.
To reduce the risk of stumbling and loss
of control,do not walk backward while
operating the machine.
Using the Vacuum Attachment
(special accessory)
For specific assembling instructions,
see the appropriate section of your
owner's manual.
When working with the vacuum attach-
ment (special accessory), always hold
the unit firmly with both hands.
Wear it with the carrying harness over
the shoulder (see illustration).
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of
personal injury from fire
and explosion, never
attempt to pick up hot or
burning substances (e.g.
smoldering ashes,
glowing cigarettes)
or combustible fluids (e.g.
gasoline, paint thinners).
326BA000 LA
295BA053 KN

9BG 55, BG 65, BG 85, SH 55, SH 85
English / USA
!Warning!
In order to reduce the risk of injury from
contact with rotating parts and damage
to the motor, the intake screen must
always have the locking tab placed
when the suction tube is not mounted.
MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND
STORING
Maintenance, replacement, or repair
of the emission control devices and
systems may be performed by any
nonroad engine repair establishment
or individual. However if you claim
warranty for a component which has
not been serviced or maintained pro-
perly or if nonapproved replacement
parts were used, STIHL may deny
warranty.
Use only identical STIHL replacement
parts for maintenance and repair.
Use of parts manufactured by others
may cause serious or fatal injury.
Follow the maintenance and repair
instructions in the appropriate section of
your owner's manual. Refer to the
maintenance chart at the last pages of
this manual.
!Warning!
Always stop the engine and make sure
that the fan is stopped before doing any
maintenance or repair work or cleaning
the blower. Do not attempt any mainten-
ance or repair work not described in
your owner's manual. Have such work
performed at your STIHL service shop
only.
Check fuel filler cap for leaks at regular
intervals. Use the specified spark plug
and make sure it and the ignition lead
are always in good condition.
!Warning!
A worn or damaged muffler is a fire
hazard and may cause loss of hearing.
Check to see that the muffler is in good
condition. The blower must not be opera-
ted if the muffler is not functioning pro-
perly or has been removed.
Remember that the risk of forest fires is
greater in hot weather. Use the spark
arresting muffler supplied with the unit.
Never touch a hot muffler or burn will
result.
!Warning!
In order to reduce the risk of fire, do not
modify or remove any part of the muffler
or spark arrestor.
Keep spark plug and wire connection
tight and clean. The spark plug electrode
gap should be checked with a feeler
gauge at least every 50 operating hours
and reset if necessary. Fit a new spark
plug if the electrodes are badly pitted.
For any maintenance please refer to the
maintenance chart and to the warranty
statement near the end of this manual.
Store blower in a dry, high or locked
location place and out of reach of
children.
Before storing for longer than a few
days, always empty the fuel tank.

10
English / USA
BG 55, BG 65, BG 85, SH 55, SH 85
:Push the blower tube (1) with lug (2)
into the fan housing stub (3) and
rotate it in the direction of the arrow
to lock in position.
:Push nozzle (4) onto the blower
tube (1) as far as lug (5), position a
(long) or position b(short), and
rotate it in the direction of the arrow
to lock in position.
Removing blower tube
:Use a suitable tool to lift the
tab (6) on the fan housing stub (3).
Rotate the blower tube in the
direction of the arrow and then pull it
out.
See “Assembling the Vacuum Shredder”
for installation and removal of vacuum
attachment.
* see “Guide to Using this Manual”
Assembling the Blower
3
2
295BA003 KN
1
1
5
4
295BA004 KN
ab
6
295BA005 KN
3

11BG 55, BG 65, BG 85, SH 55, SH 85
English / USA
:From inside the catcher bag* (2),
push the elbow* (1) through the
intake opening (see arrow) and pull
it outwards until it is firmly seated.
:Attach the carrying strap*.
* see “Guide to Using this Manual”
:Push elbow (1) into the catcher
bag (2) as far as mark (see arrow)
and secure it with the Velcro
strip* (3).
* see “Guide to Using this Manual”
:Loosen the screw (4).
:Push elbow (1) with lug (5) into
fan housing stub (6) and rotate in
direction of arrow to lock in position.
:Tighten down the screw (4).
Assembling the Vacuum
Shredder
1
2
295BA006 KN
3
1
2
295BA007 KN
4
295BA037 KN
5
295BA038 KN
1
6

12
English / USA
BG 55, BG 65, BG 85, SH 55, SH 85
:Use a suitable tool to disengage the
tab (7) on the intake screen (8) and
then open the intake screen.
:Push guideways (9) on suction
tube* (10) onto lugs (11) on fan
housing and rotate suction tube
in direction of arrow to lock it in
position.
* see “Guide to Using this Manual”
Removing the elbow
:Loosen the screw (4).
:Use a suitable tool to lift the
tab (7) on the fan housing stub (6).
Rotate the blower tube or elbow in
the direction of the arrow and then
pull it out.
:Tighten down the screw (4).
8
7
295BA039 KN
1
0
11 11
11
9
9
9
295BA040 KN
4
295BA037 KN
7
295BA041 KN
6

13BG 55, BG 65, BG 85, SH 55, SH 85
English / USA
This engine is certified to operate on
unleaded gasoline and the STIHL two-
stroke engine oil at a mix ratio of 50:1.
Your engine requires a mixture of high-
quality gasoline and quality two-stroke
air cooled engine oil.
Use mid-grade unleaded gasoline with a
minimum octane rating of 89 (R+M/2). If
the octane rating of the mid-grade
gasoline in your area is lower, use
premium unleaded fuel.
Fuel with a lower octane rating may
increase engine temperatures. This, in
turn, increases the risk of piston seizure
and damage to the engine.
The chemical composition of the fuel is
also important. Some fuel additives not
only detrimentally affect elastomers
(carburetor diaphragms, oil seals, fuel
lines, etc.), but magnesium castings and
catalytic converters as well. This could
cause running problems or even
damage the engine. For this reason
STIHL recommends that you use only
nationally recognized high-quality
unleaded gasoline!
Use only STIHL two-stroke engine oil or
equivalent high-quality two-stroke
engine oils that are designed for use
only in air cooled two-cycle engines.
We recommend STIHL 50:1 two-stroke
engine oil since it is specially formulated
for use in STlHL engines.
Do not use BIA or TCW rated (two-
stroke water cooled) mix oils or other
mix oils that state they are for use in both
water cooled and air cooled engines
(e.g., outboard motors, snowmobiles,
chainsaws, mopeds, etc.).
Take care when handling gasoline.
Avoid direct contact with the skin and
avoid inhaling fuel vapor. When filling at
the pump, first remove the canister from
your vehicle and place the canister on
the ground before filling. Do not fill fuel
canisters that are sitting in or on a
vehicle.
The canister should be kept tightly
closed in order to avoid any moisture
getting into the mixture.
The machine‘s fuel tank and the canister
in which fuel mix is stored should be
cleaned as necessary.
Fuel mix ages
Only mix sufficient fuel for a few days
work, not to exceed 3 months of storage.
Store in approved fuel-canisters only.
When mixing, pour oil into the canister
first, and then add gasoline. Close the
canister and shake it vigorously by hand
to ensure proper mixing of the oil with
the fuel.
Dispose of empty mixing-oil canisters
only at authorized disposal locations.
Fuel
Gaso-
line
Oil (STIHL 50:1 or
equivalent high-quality oils)
US gal. US fl.oz
12.6
2 1/2 6.4
512.8

14
English / USA
BG 55, BG 65, BG 85, SH 55, SH 85
Before fueling, clean the filler cap and
the area around it to ensure that no dirt
falls into the tank.
Always thoroughly shake the mixture in
the canister before fueling your
machine.
In order to reduce the risk of burns
or other personal injury from
escaping gas vapor and fumes,
remove the fuel filler cap carefully
so as to allow any pressure build-up
in the tank to release slowly.
After fueling, tighten fuel cap
as securely as possible by hand.
Change the fuel pick up body
every year.
Before storing your machine for a long
period, drain and clean the fuel tank and
run engine until carburetor is dry.
BG 55, 65, SH 55
Observe safety precautions - see
chapter “Safety Precautions”.
Start as follows:
:Set switch (1) to position I
:Squeeze the throttle trigger (2) and
press in the interlock button (3) at
the same time.
:Release the throttle trigger.
:Release the interlock button, this is
the starting throttle position.
The interlock button enables the
throttle trigger to be locked in the full
throttle position.
Fueling
295BA035 KN
295BA034 KN
Starting / Stopping
the Engine
32
1
295BA013 KN

15BG 55, BG 65, BG 85, SH 55, SH 85
English / USA
BG 85, SH 85
Observe safety precautions - see
chapter “Safety Precautions”.
Start as follows:
:Set switch (1) to position I
:Squeeze the throttle trigger (2) and
move the setting lever (4) to midway
position at the same time.
:Release the throttle trigger,
this is the starting throttle
position.
The setting lever enables you to
select and hold any throttle position
between idle and full throttle. Move
the setting lever to the idle position
before shutting off the engine.
All models
Set the choke lever (5):
For cold start to g
For warm start to e
:Press fuel pump bulb (6) at least five
times.
:Place the unit on the ground.
:Make sure you have a firm footing:
Hold the unit firmly on the ground
with your left hand on the handle
and press down.
:Pull the starter grip slowly with your
right hand until you feel it engage
and then give it a brisk strong pull.
Do not pull out the starter rope all
the way - it might break.
4
1
2
295BA031 KN
295BA015 KN
5
6
295BA016 KN

16
English / USA
BG 55, BG 65, BG 85, SH 55, SH 85
:Do not let the starter grip snap back.
Guide it slowly back into the housing
so that it can rewind properly.
If the engine is cold:
(choke position g)
:Pull the starter rope five times.
:Move the choke lever (5) to e
:Continue cranking until engine runs.
If the engine does not start after 10
pulls with the choke lever set to e:
Set choke to g, pull the starter
rope five times, set choke to eand
continue cranking.
If engine is warm:
:Continue cranking until engine runs
(choke lever to e)
As soon as engine runs
:BG 55, 65, SH 55
Blip the throttle trigger so that
interlock button pops out and the
engine settles down to idle speed
:BG 85, SH 85
Move setting lever forwards to end
position.
If the engine stops during warm-up or
acceleration:
:Repeat starting procedure as
described under “If engine is cold”
Your unit is now ready for operation.
To stop the engine:
:Move switch to position O
Additional hints on starting
- If the engine does not start:
:Make sure all settings are correct
(choke shutter, throttle trigger
in starting throttle position, stop
switch to I)
:Repeat the starting procedure
- If the engine still does not start:
:Move switch to O
:Pull off the spark plug boot (7).
:Unscrew and dry off the spark plug.
:Open throttle wide.
:Crank the engine several times with
the starter to clear the combustion
chamber.
295BA043 KN
5
7
295BA017 KN

17BG 55, BG 65, BG 85, SH 55, SH 85
English / USA
:Refit the spark plug and connect the
spark plug boot – push it down
firmly.
:Move switch to I
:Set choke lever to e-
even if the engine is cold.
:Now start the engine.
Fuel tank run until dry and then
refueled
:Press the fuel pump bulb (6) at least
five times – bulb must be filled with
fuel.
:Now start the engine.
Your blower is designed for one-handed
operation. It can be carried by the
control handle in either the right or left
hand.
To reduce the risk of injury, do not
operate the machine unless it is fully
assembled with a properly mounted
blower tube.
The round nozzle is particularly suitable
for use on uneven surfaces (e.g. fields
and lawns).
The fan nozzle* produces a broad and
powerful airstream at ground level. It can
be aimed and controlled very accurately.
This nozzle is highly effective for blow-
sweeping sawdust, leaves, grass
cuttings, etc. on flat surfaces.
Watch out for small animals when
using the blower on open ground, in
yards and gardens.
* Depending on version – special
accessory
6
295BA018 KN
Using the Blower
295BA052 KN

18
English / USA
BG 55, BG 65, BG 85, SH 55, SH 85
Working techniques
To minimize blowing time, use rakes and
brooms to loosen debris before blowing.
Recommended working techniques to
minimize airborne debris and pollution:
:In dusty conditions, slightly dampen
surfaces.
:Use the full blower nozzle extension
so the air stream can work close to
the ground.
:Do not direct debris at people,
children, pets, at open windows or
freshly-washed cars. Blow debris
safely away.
:After using blowers, CLEAN UP.
Dispose of debris in trash
receptacles. Do not blow debris
onto neighboring properties.
Recommended working techniques to
minimize noise:
:Operate power equipment only at
reasonable hours - not early in the
morning, late at night or during the
noon-break when people might be
disturbed. Comply with times listed
in local ordinances. Usual
recommendations are 9:00 a.m. to
12:00 a.m. and 03:00 p.m. to 5:00
p.m. on workdays for professionals.
Special considerations should be
given to neighbors on weekends.
:Fewer engines mean less noise;
therefore use only one piece of
power equipment at a time, when
possible.
:Operate power blowers at the
lowest possible throttle speed to do
the job.
:Check your equipment before
operation, especially the muffler, air
intakes and air filters.
Conserve water by using power blowers
instead of hoses for those lawn and
garden applications where a blower can
be properly used, such as cleaning
patios or porches.
Your shredder vacuum is designed for
two-handed operation. Hold and operate
the unit with your right hand on the
control handle and your left hand on the
assist handle.
Wear the shoulder strap for the catcher
bag over your left shoulder – not across
your chest.
To reduce the risk of injury, do not
operate the machine unless it is fully
assembled with a properly mounted
suction tube and catcher bag.
Using the Shredder Vacuum
295BA053 KN

19BG 55, BG 65, BG 85, SH 55, SH 85
English / USA
Vacuuming abrasive material (such
as grit, stone chips, etc.) causes the
fanwheel and fan housing to wear at
a rapid rate. This results in a
considerable loss of suction power.
In such a case you should contact
your STIHL dealer.
Take particular care when
vacuuming wet leaves since they
may block the fan and elbow.
Watch out for small animals when
vacuuming and blowing in open
areas and gardens.
Dirty air filters reduce engine power
increase fuel consumption and make
starting more difficult.
If there is a noticeable loss of
engine power
:Move choke lever to g
:Squeeze the tabs (1) together,
swing filter cover (2) open and take
it away.
:Clean away loose dirt from around
the filter.
:Take the filter (3) out of the
housing (4).
:Install a new filter. As a temporary
measure you can knock it out on the
palm of your hand or blow it out with
compressed air – do not wash!
:Replace any damaged parts.
:Fit the filter (3) in the housing (4).
:Fit the filter cover (2) so that it snaps
into positon.
Cleaning the Air Filter
1
295BA019 KN
2
4
295BA046 KN
3