Stihl BR 500 User manual

STIHL BR 500, 550, 600 Instruction Manual

Translation of Original Instruction Manual
Printed on chlorine-free paper Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG 2021 0458-452-0121-H. VA0.C21. 0000009368_001_GB
0458-452-0121-H
English
1
This instruction manual is protected by copyright. All rights reserved, especially the rights to reproduce, translate and process
with electronic systems.
Contents
1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 Guide to Using this Manual
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.1 Symbols used with warnings in the text
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.2 Symbols in Text
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3 Overview
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3.1 Blower
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3.2 Icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4 Safety Precautions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.1 Warning Symbols
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.2 Intended Use
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.3 Requirements concerning the user . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.4 Clothing and equipment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4.5 Working Area and Surroundings
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4.6 Safe condition
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.7 Fuel Mixture and Refueling
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.8 Working
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.9 Transport
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.10 Storage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.11 Cleaning, Maintenance and Repair
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5 Preparing the Blower for Operation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5.1 Preparing the Blower for Operation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
6 Assembling the Blower
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
6.1 Mounting the Control Handle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
6.2 Mounting the Blower Tube
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
6.3 Attaching the Nozzle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
7 Adjusting Blower for User
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
7.1 Fitting and Adjusting the Carrying System
. . . . . . . . . . 12
7.2 Taking off the carrying system
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
7.3 Adjusting the Control Handle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
7.4 Adjusting the Blower Tube
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
8 Mixing the fuel and refuelling the blower
. . . . . . . . . . . . 13
8.1 Mixing fuel
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
8.2 Refuelling the blower
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
9 Starting and Stopping the Engine
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
9.1 Selecting the correct starting procedure
. . . . . . . . . . . . 14
9.2 Preparing the engine for start
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
9.3 Starting the engine
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
9.4 Shut off the engine
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
10 Checking the Blower
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
10.1 Checking the controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
10.2 Checking the nozzle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
11 Operating the Blower
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
11.1 Holding and Guiding the Blower
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
11.2 Blowing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
11.3 Setting to winter mode
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
12 After Finishing Work
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
12.1 When Work is Finished
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
13 Transporting
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
13.1 Transporting the blower
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
14 Storing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
14.1 Storing the blower
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
15 Cleaning
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
15.1 Cleaning the blower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
15.2 Cleaning the Spark Plug
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
16 Maintenance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
16.1 Maintenance intervals
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
16.2 Adjusting the throttle cable
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
17 Repairing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
17.1 Repairing the Blower
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
18 Troubleshooting
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
18.1 Troubleshooting the Blower
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
18.2 Replacing air filter
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
18.3 Adjust idle speed
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
19 Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
19.1 Blower STIHL BR 500
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

0458-452-0121-H
2
English 1 Introduction
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing STIHL. We develop and
manufacture our quality products to meet our customers’
requirements. The products are designed for reliability even
under extreme conditions.
STIHL also stands for premium service quality. Our dealers
guarantee competent advice and instruction as well as
comprehensive service support.
STIHL expressly commit themselves to a sustainable and
responsible handling of natural resources. This user manual
is intended to help you use your STIHL product safely and in
an environmentally friendly manner over a long service life.
We thank you for your confidence in us and hope you will
enjoy working with your STIHL product.
Dr. Nikolas Stihl
IMPORTANT! READ BEFORE USING AND KEEP IN A
SAFE PLACE FOR REFERENCE.
2.1 Symbols used with warnings in the text
WARNING
This symbol indicates dangers that can cause serious
injuries or death.
► The measures indicated can avoid serious injuries or
death.
19.2 Blower STIHL BR 550
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
19.3 Blower STIHL BR 600
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
19.4 Sound Values and Vibration Values
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
19.5 REACH
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
19.6 Exhaust Emissions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
20 Spare Parts and Accessories
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
20.1 Spare parts and accessories
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
21 Disposal
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
21.1 Disposing of Blower
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
22 EC Declaration of Conformity
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
22.1 Blower STIHL BR 500, 550, 600
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
1 Introduction
2 Guide to Using this Manual

0458-452-0121-H 3
English 3 Overview
NOTICE
This symbol indicates dangers that can cause damage to
property.
► The measures indicated can avoid damage to property.
2.2 Symbols in Text
3.1 Blower
This symbol refers to a chapter in this instruction
manual.
3Overview
3
7
11
8
9
10 6
5
4
#
1
2
20
13
12
16
17
18
19
15
14
0000097079_002
BR 550 /BR 600
BR 500

0458-452-0121-H
4
English 3 Overview
1 Master control lever
The Master Control Lever is used to operate and stop the
engine. The Master Control Lever is used to lock the
throttle.
2Spark plug
Ignites the fuel-air mixture in the engine.
3 Spark plug boot
Connects the ignition lead to the spark plug.
4 Muffler
The muffler reduces the sound emission of the blower.
5 Choke lever
The Choke Lever is used to set the start procedure.
6 Starter grip
Serves to crank the engine.
7 Manual fuel pump
The manual fuel pump eases engine starts.
8 Air filter
The air filter filters the air entering the engine.
9 Fuel Tank Cap
Closes the fuel tank.
10 Filter cover
Covers the air filter.
11 Carburetor adjusting screws
For tuning the carburetor.
12 Shield
The shield protects the user from moving parts inside the
blower.
13 Handle
The handle serves to carry the blower.
14 Carrying strap
The carrying strap distributes the weight of the blower
over shoulders and back.
15 Control handle
The control handle is used to operate and guide the
blower.
16 Throttle trigger
Controls the engine speed.
17 Blower tube
The blower tube directs the air stream.
18 Nozzle
The nozzle directs and controls the air stream.
19 Throttle cable
Connects the throttle trigger to the engine.
20 Throttle cable retainer
The throttle cable retainer secures the throttle cable in
position.
# Rating plate with machine number
3.2 Icons
Meanings of symbols that may be on the blower:
Guaranteed sound power level in accordance
with Directive 2000/14/EC in dB(A) for the
purpose of comparing the sound emissions of
products.
This icon denotes the fuel tank.
This symbol denotes the manual fuel pump.
Engine is operated with the slide control in this
position.
Engine is stopped when the slide control is in
this position.
The engine is started in this position of the gearshift
lever.
In this position of the gearshift lever, the engine is
prepared for starting.
L
W
A

0458-452-0121-H 5
English 4 Safety Precautions
4.1 Warning Symbols
Meanings of warning symbols on the blower:
4.2 Intended Use
The blower STIHL BR 500, BR 550 and BR 600 is designed
for blowing leaves, grass, paper and similar materials.
WARNING
￭ Using the blower for purposes for which it is not designed
may result in serious or fatal injuries and damage to
property.
► Always use the blower as described in this Instruction
Manual.
4.3 Requirements concerning the user
WARNING
￭ Users who have had no instruction cannot recognize or
assess the risks involved in using the blower. The user or
other persons may sustain serious or fatal injuries.
► If you pass the blower on to another person: Always
give them the instruction manual.
► Make sure that the user meets the following conditions:
– The user is rested.
– The user must be in good physical condition and
mental health to operate and work with the blower. If
the user is able to operate the equipment but has
physical, sensory or mental restrictions, the user may
Shutter is in winter mode in this position.
Shutter is in summer mode in this position.
Do not dispose of the product with domestic waste.
4 Safety Precautions
Observe safety notices and take the necessary
precautions.
Read, understand and keep the User Manual.
Wear goggles and hearing protection.
Observe the safety advice concerning flying
objects and associated measures.
Avoid inhaling exhaust gas.
Tie back long hair and confine it so that it cannot
be pulled into the blower.
Maintain a safety distance.
► Read, understand and keep the User
Manual.
15m (50ft)

0458-452-0121-H
6
English 4 Safety Precautions
only work with the equipment under the supervision of
or after receiving instruction from a responsible
person.
– The user is able to recognize and assess the risks
involved in using the blower.
– The user is an adult, or is being trained in an
occupation under supervision according to national
regulations.
– The user has received instruction from a STIHL
servicing dealer or other expert before operating the
blower for the first time.
– The user is not under the influence of alcohol,
medicines or drugs.
► If you have any doubts, be sure to consult a STIHL
dealer.
￭ The blower's ignition system produces an electromagnetic
field. This field may interfere with some pacemakers. This
may result in serious or fatal injury to the user.
► If the user has a pacemaker: Make sure the pacemaker
is not affected.
4.4 Clothing and equipment
WARNING
￭ Long hair may be pulled into the blower while working.
This may result in serious injury to the user.
￭ Objects can be thrown at high speed during operation.
This may result in injury to the user.
► Wear long trousers.
￭ Noise is generated during operation. Noise can damage
your hearing.
￭ Dust can be whipped up during operation. Whipped up
dust can damage the respiratory passages and cause
allergic reactions.
► If dust is generated: Wear a dust respirator mask.
￭ Unsuitable clothing can snag on wood or scrub and may
become caught in the blower. Users not wearing suitable
clothing are at risk of serious injury.
► Wear close-fitting clothing.
► Remove scarves and jewelry.
￭ Wearing unsuitable footwear may cause the user to slip.
This may result in injury to the user.
► Wear sturdy, closed-toed footwear with high-grip soles.
4.5 Working Area and Surroundings
WARNING
￭ Bystanders, children and animals are not aware of the
dangers of the blower and objects being thrown into the air
and cannot assess them. This may result in serious injury
to bystanders, children and animals and damage to
property.
► Maintain a clearance of 15 meters from objects.
► Do not leave the blower unattended.
► Ensure that children cannot play with the blower.
► Tie up and confine long hair above your
shoulders so that it cannot be pulled into the
blower.
► Wear close-fitting safety glasses. Suitable
safety glasses tested to standard EN 166 or
national standards and bearing the
corresponding mark are available to buy.
► Wear ear protection.
► Do not allow bystanders, children
or animals within 15 meters of the
work area.
15m (50ft)

0458-452-0121-H 7
English 4 Safety Precautions
￭ Hot exhaust gas is emitted through the muffler while the
engine is running. Hot exhaust gas can ignite easily
flammable materials and cause a fire.
► Keep exhaust gas well away from easily flammable
materials.
4.6 Safe condition
The blower is in a safe condition if the following conditions
are fulfilled:
– The blower is undamaged.
– The blower is clean.
– There is no fuel leaking from the blower.
– The fuel tank cap is closed.
– The controls function properly and have not been
modified.
– The wear limits are not exceeded.
– Original STIHL accessories are fitted.
– The accessories are correctly attached.
WARNING
￭ If not in safe condition, components may no longer
operate correctly, safety devices may be disabled and fuel
leakage may occur. This may result in serous or fatal
injury to people.
► Never use a damaged blower.
► If fuel is leaking from the blower: Do not use the blower
and contact a STIHL dealer for assistance.
► Close the fuel tank cap.
► If the blower is dirty: Clean the blower.
► If the controls do not function properly: Do not work with
the blower.
► Fit original STIHL accessories designed for this blower
model.
► Attach accessories as described in this User Manual or
in the User Manual for the accessories.
► Do not insert objects into the openings in the blower.
► Replace worn or damaged labels.
► If you have any doubts, be sure to consult a STIHL
dealer.
4.7 Fuel Mixture and Refueling
WARNING
￭ This blower requires a fuel mixture of gasoline and two-
stroke engine oil. Fuel mixture and gasoline are extremely
flammable. If fuel mixture or gasoline make contact with
open fire or hot objects, they can cause a fire or
explosions. Persons may be seriously or fatally injured
and property may be damaged.
► Protect fuel mixture and gasoline from heat and fire.
► Do not spill fuel mixture and gasoline.
► If fuel has been spilled: Wipe up fuel with a cloth and do
not attempt to start engine until all parts of the blower
are dry.
► Do not smoke.
► Never refuel near a fire.
► Shut off the engine and allow it to cool down before
refueling.
► Start the engine at least 3 meters from the fueling spot,
outdoors only.
￭ Inhaling fuel fumes and gasoline fumes can have toxic
effects.
► Avoid inhaling fuel fumes or gasoline fumes.
► Refuel in a well-ventilated location.

0458-452-0121-H
8
English 4 Safety Precautions
￭ The blower becomes hot during operation. The fuel
expands and excess pressure can build up in the tank.
Fuel can escape as a spray when the fuel tank cap is
opened. The escaping fuel can ignite. This may result in
serious injury to the user.
► Allow the blower to cool down first and then open the
tank cap carefully.
￭ Clothing that has been in contact with fuel or gasoline is
more easily flammable. Persons may be seriously or
fatally injured and property may be damaged.
► If your clothing comes into contact with fuel or gasoline:
Change your clothing.
￭ Fuel mix, gasoline and two-stroke engine oil can harm the
environment.
► Do not spill fuel, gasoline or two-stroke engine oil.
► Dispose of fuel mix, gasoline and two-stroke engine oil
in accordance with local regulations and environmental
requirements.
￭ Fuel, gasoline or two-stroke engine oil can cause irritation
if they come into direct contact with the skin or eyes.
► Avoid contact with fuel, gasoline and two-stroke engine
oil.
► If skin contact occurs: Wash affected areas of skin with
plenty of water and soap.
► If eye contact occurs: Flush eyes with plenty of water for
at least 15 minutes and consult a doctor.
￭ The blower's ignition system produces sparks.
Unconfined sparks may cause a fire or an explosion in an
easily combustible or explosive environment. Persons
may be seriously or fatally injured and property may be
damaged.
► Use the spark plugs described in this instruction
manual.
► Insert and tighten down the spark plug.
► Connect the spark plug boot and press it down firmly.
￭ The blower can be damaged if it is run on a fuel mixture
consisting of unsuitable gasoline or an unsuitable two-
stroke engine oil or if an incorrect mix ratio of gasoline and
two-stroke engine oil is used.
► Mix the fuel as described in this instruction manual.
￭ The mixture of gasoline and two-stroke engine oil can
separate if it is stored for a long period. The blower can be
damaged if it is used with a fuel mix that has separated.
► Before refueling the blower: Thoroughly mix the fuel.
► Use a mixture of gasoline and two-stroke engine oil that
is not older than 30 days (STIHL MotoMix: 2 years).
4.8 Working
WARNING
￭ If the engine is not started properly, the user may lose
control of the blower. This may result in serious injury to
the user.
► Start the engine as described in this instruction manual.
￭ In certain situations, the user may no longer be able to
concentrate on their work. This may result in the user
stumbling, falling and suffering serious injury.
► Keep calm and plan your work.
► If light and visibility are poor: Do not work with the
blower.
► Do not use the blower on your own.
► Do not work above shoulder height.
► Watch out for obstacles.
► Work standing on the ground and keep your balance. If
you have to work at a height: Use a mobile elevating
work platform or secure scaffolding.
► If you start feeling fatigue: Take a break.If you start
feeling fatigue: Take a break.
► Blow in direction of the wind.