Stihl Br 500 User manual

Instruction Manual

Notice d’emploi

STIH)

STIHL BR 500, 550, 600

1BR 500, BR 550, BR 600

English

BA_SE_163_004_01_05.fmPrinted on chlorine-free paper.

Printing inks contain vegetable oils; paper can be recycled.

04584528221 D. M0,5. G6. PM.Printed in USA

STIHl

Contents

Guide to Using this Manual .............. 2

Ignition System ................................. 3

Safety Precautions ........................... 3

Assembling the Blower –

with non-adjustable

blowing attachment ......................... 11

Assembling the Blower –

with length-adjustable

blowing attachment ......................... 15

Adjusting the Throttle Cable ........... 18

Fitting the Harness ......................... 18

4-MIX Engine .................................. 19

Fuel ................................................ 19

Fueling ........................................... 20

Information Before You Start .......... 21

Starting / Stopping the Engine ........ 21

Replacing the Air Filter ................... 24

Motor Management ........................ 25

Adjusting the Carburetor ................ 25

Checking the Spark Plug ................ 27

Spark Arresting Screen

in Muffler ......................................... 28

Replacing Starter Rope

and Rewind Spring ......................... 28

Storing the Machine ........................ 30

Maintenance Chart ......................... 31

Parts and Controls -

with non-adjustable

blowing attachment ......................... 32

Parts and Controls –

with length-adjustable

blowing attachment ......................... 34

Specifications ................................. 36

Special Accessories ....................... 37

Maintenance and Repairs ............... 37

STIHL Limited Emission

Control Warranty Statement ........... 38

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.

English

BR 500, BR 550, BR 600

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

3BR 500, BR 550, BR 600

English

!Constant operational readiness

This unit’s ignition system is always

switched on and is only interrupted

briefly to shut down the engine. The

ignition system is switched on again

after engine shutdown. To avoid the

risk of accidents and injury, keep

children away from the unit.

To avoid the risk of fire caused by

ignition sparks outside the cylinder, do

not turn the engine over with the rewind

starter when the spark plug boot is

disconnected or the spark plug removed

from the cylinder.

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

periodically.

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.

!Warning!

Careless or improper use of the machine

may cause serious injury. Have your

STIHL Dealer 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.

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.

Ignition System Safety Precautions

English

BR 500, BR 550, BR 600

Your STIHL blower is equipped with an

antivibration system (AV). The AV

system is designed to reduce the

transmission of engine vibrations to the

operator's body. An AV system is

recommended for those operators who

use blowers on a regular or sustained

basis.

Keep the AV system well maintained. A

blower with loose components or with

damaged or worn AV buffers will tend to

have higher vibration levels.

!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

!Warning!

To reduce the risk of injury, the operator

should wear proper protective apparel.

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.

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 an

appropriate dust respirator for the

material being blown.

!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.

5BR 500, BR 550, BR 600

English

!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.

!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).

Fellow workers must also wear personal

protective equipment.

!Warning!

Blower noise may damage your hearing.

Wear sound barriers (ear plugs or ear

mufflers) to help protect your hearing.

Continual 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.

!Warning!

Small particles (e.g. dust) blown through

the blower tubes and nozzle can cause

a static charging of the blower tubes.

This is especially true in low humidity

conditions. In order to reduce the risk of

shock from static charging and

subsequent injury from loss of control,

your blower has features designed to

help reduce the build up of static

electricity in the blower tubes and

equalize the charge with the engine and/

or operator.

For blowers with a non-adjustable

blowing attachment: never operate the

blower without the conductor wire in

place and appropriately mounted as

described in the chapter "Assembling

the Blower – with non-adjustable

blowing attachment".

English

BR 500, BR 550, BR 600

For blowers with an adjustable blowing

attachment only: the control handle is

designed to conduct static electricity

through the throttle cable to the engine

and from the handle through the

operator to the ground. For these units

STIHL offers an optional kit for use in

especially dry and dusty conditions. The

kit contains: (1) blower tubes made with

graphite to help conduct the charge back

to the control handle, and (2) a metal

ring with "wire" for inseration in the end

tube that helps reduce the buildup of

static electricity.

If your blower is properly assembled and

you are still experiencing static shocks,

make sure that your footware has

conductive soles and try operating your

unit without gloves, which may be

interfering with the conduction of the

charge.

THE USE OF THE BLOWER

Transport

Always turn off the engine before taking

the machine off your back and putting it

down. When transporting your unit in a

vehicle, properly secure it to prevent

turnover, fuel spillage and damage to the

machine.

Adjust carrying harness to suit your size

before starting work.

!Warning!

Before starting work, always inspect the

rubber buffers which connect the engine

to the pack frame. If the buffers are torn

or damaged, they should be replaced by

your STIHL dealer. Failure of one or

more buffers may cause the engine or

fuel tank to hit or rub against other parts,

and may lead to serious injury from

increased vibrations or from fire as the

result of fuel leakage.

Fuel

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.

!Warning!

To reduce the risk of serious injury from

burns, never attempt to refuel the unit

until it has been completely removed

from the operator.

Use extreme caution when handling

gasoline or fuel mix.

Do not smoke or bring any fire or flame

near the fuel.

7BR 500, BR 550, BR 600

English

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. Always

tighten fuel filler cap securely after

fueling. Wipe off any spilled fuel before

starting your blower and check for

leakage.

!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 approved

container.

!Warning!

In order to reduce the risk of fuel spillage

and fire from an improperly tightened

fuel cap, correctly position and tighten

the fuel cap in the fuel tank opening.

To do this with this STIHL

cap, raise the grip on the

top of the cap until it is

upright at a 90° angle.

Insert the cap in the fuel

tank opening with the

triangular marks on the grip of the cap

and on the fuel tank opening lining up.

Using the grip, turn the cap firmly

clockwise as far as it will go (approx. a

quarter turn).

Fold the grip flush with the

top of the cap. If the grip

does not lie completely

flush with the cap and the

detent on the grip does

not fit in the

corresponding recess in the filler neck,

the cap is not properly seated and

tightened and you must repeat the

above steps.

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 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 0

:Tightness of spark plug boot - if boot

is loose, sparks may occur and

ignite fuel vapor!

:Condition of fanwheel and fan

housing.

English

BR 500, BR 550, BR 600

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 (15 m)

away during use.

Stop the operation 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.

!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.

The assistance of another person may

be needed in placing the unit on your

back after starting. In order to reduce the

risk of injury to the assistant from thrown

objects or from contact with fumes, the

engine should be kept at idle speed

during this brief period, and your

assistant should not stand in the area of

the outlet nozzle or exhaust. Otherwise,

the unit should be started and operated

without assistance.

!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 muffler. 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.

9BR 500, BR 550, BR 600

English

Working instructions

Work carefully.

When working with the blower, always

wear it on your back using the carrying

harness. 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.

Operate the blower under good visibility

and daylight conditions only.

!Warning!

Your blower produces

poisonous exhaust fumes

as soon as the

combustion 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.

!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.

!Warning!

Always shut off the engine before

cleaning or servicing the unit or

replacing parts.

!Warning!

The blower fan between the air intake

and output openings rotates whenever

the engine is running.

Never insert any foreign object into the

air intake of the machine or into the

nozzle of the blower. It will damage the

fan wheel and may cause serious injury

to the operator or bystanders as a result

of the object or broken parts being

thrown out at high speed.

Do not place the blower on the ground

when operating at high speed, because

small objects such as sand, grass, dust,

etc. may be pulled into the air intake and

damage the fan wheel.

To reduce the risk of stumbling and loss

of control,do not walk backward while

operating the machine.

In an emergency, you may slip out of the

harness and throw off the machine

quickly. Try slipping out of the harness a

number of times before using the

machine in order to become

accustomed with it.

Do not throw off the machine while

practising as it could damage the

machine.

Pay attention to the direction of the wind,

i.e., do not work against the wind.

353BA039 KN

English

BR 500, BR 550, BR 600

Using the Blower

The blower is designed for single-

handed operation. It is carried as a

backpack and operated with the right

hand on the control handle.

The powerful ground-level airstream can

be aimed highly accurately and

effectively.

The blower may be used only for the

operations described in your manual.

The blower can be used for clearing

leaves, grass, paper, dust and light snow

in yards, gardens, sports stadiums,

parks, driveways and parking lots. It is

also suitable for drying cars and clearing

forest paths.

Other applications are blowing out

pipes, drains, gutters and your carport.

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.

11BR 500, BR 550, BR 600

English

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 servicing

dealer 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.

Tighten all nuts, bolts and screws except

the carburetor adjustment screws after

each use.

!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 and out of reach of children.

Before storing for longer than a few

days, always empty the fuel tank.

A = Length-adjustable blowing

attachment*

B = Non-adjustable blowing

attachment*

Operate machines with a non-

adjustable blowing attachment only

with a properly fitted discharge wire.

* See “Guide to Using the Manual”

Assembling the Blower –

with non-adjustable

blowing attachment*

452BA073 KN