Stihl FSA 135 R User manual

STIHL FSA 135 R 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 2020 0458-662-0121-A. VA0.J20. 0000009153_001_GB
0458-662-0121-A
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 Applicable Documentation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.2 Symbols used with warnings in the text
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.3 Symbols in Text
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3 Overview
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3.1 Brushcutter and Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3.2 Deflectors and Cutting Attachments
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.3 Icons
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4 Safety Precautions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.1 Warning Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.2 Intended Use
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.3 The Operator
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.4 Clothing and equipment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.5 Work Area and Surroundings
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.6 Safe Condition
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.7 Operation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.8 Reactive Forces
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.9 Transporting
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.10 Storing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.11 Cleaning, Maintenance and Repair
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5 Preparing Trimmer for Operation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5.1 Preparing the Brushcutter for Operation
. . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6 Charging the Battery, LEDs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6.1 Charging the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6.2 Displaying State of Charge
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6.3 LEDs on Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
7 Assembling the Trimmer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
7.1 Mounting the Loop Handle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
7.2 Mounting the Barrier Bar
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
7.3 Mounting and Removing the Deflector
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
7.4 Fitting and Removing the Skirt
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
7.5 Mounting and Removing the Mowing Head
. . . . . . . . . 17
7.6 Removing and Installing Metal Cutting
Attachment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
8 Adjusting Trimmer for User
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
8.1 Adjusting and Setting the Loop Handle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
8.2 Fitting and Adjusting the Carrying System
. . . . . . . . . . 19
8.3 Balancing the Brushcutter
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
9 Removing and Fitting the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
9.1 Inserting the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
9.2 Removing the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
10 Switching the Trimmer On/Off
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
10.1 Switching the Brushcutter ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
10.2 Switching Off
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
11 Testing the Trimmer and Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
11.1 Checking the controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
11.2 Testing the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
12 Operating the Trimmer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
12.1 Holding and Controlling the Brushcutter
. . . . . . . . . . . . 21
12.2 Setting the performance level
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
12.3 Mowing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
12.4 Adjusting Nylon Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
13 After Finishing Work
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
13.1 When Work is Finished
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
14 Transporting
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
14.1 Transporting the brushcutter
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
14.2 Transporting the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
15 Storing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
15.1 Storing the Brushcutter
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
15.2 Storing the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
16 Cleaning
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
16.1 Cleaning the Brushcutter
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
16.2 Cleaning the Deflector and Cutting Attachment
. . . . . 24
16.3 Cleaning the Air Filter
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
16.4 Cleaning the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

0458-662-0121-A
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 Applicable Documentation
Local safety regulations apply.
► Read, understand and save the following documents in
addition to this instruction manual:
– Instruction manual and packaging of the cutting
attachment you are using
– Instruction manual of the carrying system you are using
17 Maintenance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
17.1 Maintenance intervals
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
17.2 Lubricating the Gearbox
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
17.3 Sharpening and Balancing a Metal Cutting
Attachment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
18 Repairing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
18.1 Repairing the Trimmer and Cutting Attachment
. . . . . 26
18.2 Servicing and Repairing the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
19 Troubleshooting
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
19.1 Troubleshooting Brushcutter or Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
20 Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
20.1 STIHL FSA 135 R Brushcutters
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
20.2 STIHL AP battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
20.3 Sound Values and Vibration Values
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
20.4 REACH
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
21 Combinations of Cutting Attachments, Deflectors
and Carrying Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
21.1 Combinations of Cutting Attachments, Deflectors
and Carrying Systems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
22 Spare Parts and Accessories
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
22.1 Spare parts and accessories
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
23 Disposal
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
23.1 Disposing of Trimmer and Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
24 EC Declaration of Conformity
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
24.1 STIHL FSA 135 R Brushcutters
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
1 Introduction
2 Guide to Using this Manual

0458-662-0121-A 3
English 3 Overview
– User instructions for STIHL AR battery
– User instructions for AP belt bag with connecting cable
– Safety notes and precautions for STIHL AP battery
– Instruction manual for STIHL AL 101, 300, 500 chargers
– Safety information for STIHL batteries and products
with built-in batteries: www.stihl.com/safety-data-
sheets
2.2 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.
NOTICE
This symbol indicates dangers that can cause damage to
property.
► The measures indicated can avoid damage to property.
2.3 Symbols in Text
3.1 Brushcutter and Battery
1 Locking lever
The locking lever holds the battery in the battery
compartment.
This symbol refers to a chapter in this instruction
manual.
3Overview
1 2
3
5
#4
7
89
10
6
13 16
14
17
15
11 12
20
18 19
0000097098-001
#

0458-662-0121-A
4
English 3 Overview
2 Battery compartment
The battery compartment holds the battery.
3Cover
The cover is the placeholder for a Smart Connector 2 A.
4 Air filter
The air filter filters the air entering the engine.
5 Control handle
The control handle is used for operating, holding and
controlling the brushcutter.
6 Trigger
The trigger switches the brushcutter on and off.
7 Trigger lockout
The trigger lockout unlocks the trigger.
8 Release slide
The release slide switches on the brushcutter and
selects the power level.
9LEDs
The LEDs indicate the selected power level.
10 Carrying ring
For attaching the carrying system to the brushcutter.
11 Loop handle
For holding and controlling the brushcutter.
12 Barrier bar
Maintains distance between operator’s leg and a metal
cutting attachment.
13 Shaft
The shaft connects all components.
14 Opening for stop pin
The opening for the stop pin accommodates the stop pin.
15 Stop pin
The stop pin blocks the shaft while a cutting attachment
is being mounted.
16 Gear housing
The gear housing encloses the gearbox.
17 Screw plug
The screw plug closes the filler opening for STIHL gear
grease.
18 LEDs
The LEDs indicate the state of charge of the battery and
any faults.
19 Button
The button activates the LEDs on the battery.
20 Battery
The battery supplies power to the brushcutter.
# Rating plate with machine number
3.2 Deflectors and Cutting Attachments
The illustrations show examples of deflectors and cutting
attachments. Approved combinations are listed in this
instruction manual, @21.
1 Universal Deflector
Protects user from flying debris and contact with the
cutting attachment.
2 Grass Cutting Blade
Cuts grass and weeds.
8
4
0000-GXX-3081-A0
1
2
7
4
5
3
6

0458-662-0121-A 5
English 4 Safety Precautions
3Brush knife
Cuts brushwood.
4 Line Limiting Blade
Trims surplus mowing line to correct length.
5Skirt
Extends universal deflector for use with a mowing head.
6 Transport Guard
Helps protect user from contact with metal cutting
attachments.
7 Deflector for mowing heads
Protects user from flying debris and contact with the
mowing head.
8 Mowing Head
The mowing head contains the mowing line.
3.3 Icons
Meanings of icons that may be on the brushcutter, deflector
and battery:
4.1 Warning Signs
4.1.1 Warning Symbols
Meanings of warning signs on the brushcutter and battery:
1 LED emits red light. The battery is too warm or
too cold.
4 LEDs flashing red. There is a fault in the
battery.
Push the release slide forward to switch the
brushcutter on and set the power levels.
This icon marks the release slide.
This icon shows the direction of rotation of the
cutting attachment.
This icon shows the maximum diameter of the
cutting attachment in millimeters.
This icon shows the rated speed of the cutting
attachment.
Guaranteed sound power level in accordance
with Directive 2000/14/EC in dB(A) for the
purpose of comparing the sound emissions of
products.
The information next to the symbol indicates the
energy content of the battery according to the cell
manufacturer’s specification. The energy content
available in operation is lower.
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 instruction
manual.
Wear safety glasses.
If objects are likely to fall while working: wear a
hard hat.
Wear safety boots.
L
W
A

0458-662-0121-A
6
English 4 Safety Precautions
4.1.2 Deflector for mowing heads
Meanings of warning signs and labels on the deflector for
mowing heads:
4.1.3 Universal Deflector and Skirt
Universal deflector
Meanings of warning signs on the universal deflector:
Wear work gloves.
Observe the safety notices on kickback and take
the necessary precautions.
Observe the safety advice concerning flying
objects and associated measures.
Maintain a safety distance.
Remove the battery during work stoppages,
transport, storage, maintenance or repair.
Do not touch hot surface.
Protect battery from heat and fire.
Do not immerse battery in fluids.
Observe the permitted battery temperature
range.
15m (50ft)
Use this deflector for mowing heads.
Do not use this deflector for grass cutting blades.
Do nit use this deflector for brush knives.
Do not use this deflector for shredder blades.
Do not use this deflector for circular saw blades.
Do not use this deflector without skirt for mowing
heads.
Use this deflector for grass cutting blades.

0458-662-0121-A 7
English 4 Safety Precautions
Skirt
Meanings of warning signs on the skirt:
4.2 Intended Use
The STIHL FSA 135 R brushcutter is designed for the
following applications:
– with a mowing head: Mowing grass
– with a grass cutting blade: Mowing grass and weeds
– with a brush knife: Cutting brush with a stem diameter up
to 20 mm
The brushcutter may be used in the rain.
The brushcutter is powered by a STIHL AP battery or a
STIHL AR battery.
WARNING
￭ Batteries not explicitly approved for the brushcutter by
STIHL may cause a fire or explosion. Persons may be
seriously or fatally injured and property may be damaged.
► Use the brushcutter with a STIHL AP battery or a STIHL
AR battery.
￭ Using the brushcutter or the battery for purposes for which
they were not designed may result in serious or fatal
injuries and damage to property.
► Use the brushcutter as described in this User Manual.
► Use the battery as described in this User Manual or the
User Manual for the STIHL AR battery.
4.3 The Operator
WARNING
￭ Users without adequate training or instruction cannot
recognize or assess the risks involved in using the trimmer
and battery. The user or other persons may sustain
serious or fatal injuries.
► If the trimmer or battery are passed on to another
person: Always give them the instruction manual.
► Make sure the user meets the following requirements:
– The user must be rested.
– The user must be in good physical condition and
mental health to operate and work with the trimmer
and battery. If the user’s physical, sensory or mental
Use use this deflector for brush knives.
Use this deflector for shredder blades.
Do not use this deflector for circular saw blades.
Use the universal deflector with skirt and line
limiting blade for mowing heads.
► Read, understand and save the instruction
manual.

0458-662-0121-A
8
English 4 Safety Precautions
ability is restricted, he or she may work only under the
supervision of or as instructed by a responsible
person.
– The user is able to recognize and assess the risks
involved in using the trimmer and battery.
– The user must be of legal age or is being trained in a
trade under supervision in accordance with national
rules and regulations.
– The user has received instruction from a STIHL
servicing dealer or other experienced user before
working with the trimmer for the first time.
– The user must not be under the influence of alcohol,
medication or drugs.
► If you have any queries: Contact a STIHL servicing
dealer for assistance.
4.4 Clothing and equipment
WARNING
￭ Long hair can be drawn into the brushcutter during
operation. This may result in serious injury to the user.
► Tie up and confine long hair above your shoulders.
￭ Objects can be thrown at high speed during operation.
This may result in injury to the user.
► Wear face protection.
► Wear long trousers made from resistant material.
￭ Falling objects can cause head injuries.
￭ 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.
￭ Inappropriate clothing can snag on wood, brush or the
brushcutter. Users not wearing suitable clothing are at risk
of serious injury.
► Wear close-fitting clothing.
► Remove scarves and jewelry.
￭ The user may come into contact with the rotating cutting
attachment during operation. This may result in serious
injury to the user.
► Wear robust footwear.
► Wear long trousers made from resistant material.
￭ There is a risk of the user coming into contact with the
cutting attachment or the line limiting blade during
cleaning and maintenance work and when the cutting
attachment is mounted or removed. This may result in
injury to the user.
￭ 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.
► Wear close-fitting safety glasses. Suitable
safety glasses are tested in accordance with
EN 166 or national regulations and
available commercially with the
corresponding marking.
► If objects are likely to fall while working:
wear a hard hat
► If you are using a metal cutting attachment:
Wear steel-toed safety boots.
► Wear work gloves made from resistant
material.

0458-662-0121-A 9
English 4 Safety Precautions
4.5 Work Area and Surroundings
4.5.1 Brushcutter
WARNING
￭ Bystanders, children and animals are not aware of the
dangers of the brushcutter or flying debris. 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 brushcutter unattended.
► Make sure that children cannot play with the
brushcutter.
￭ Electrical components of the brushcutter can produce
sparks. Sparks may cause fires and explosions in highly
flammable or explosive environments. Persons may be
seriously or fatally injured and property may be damaged.
► Do not work in a highly flammable or explosive
environment.
4.5.2 Battery
WARNING
￭ Bystanding people, children and animals cannot
recognise or evaluate the dangers posed by the battery.
This may result in serious injury to bystanding people,
children and animals.
► Keep bystanding people, children and animals out of the
way.
► Do not leave the battery unattended.
► Make sure that children cannot play with the battery.
￭ The battery is not protected against all ambient
conditions. If exposed to certain ambient conditions, the
battery may catch fire or explode. This may result in
serious injury to people and damage to property.
► Keep the battery away from metallic objects.
► Do not expose the battery to high pressure.
► Do not expose the battery to microwaves.
► Protect the battery from chemicals and salts.
4.6 Safe Condition
4.6.1 Brushcutter
The brushcutter is in a safe condition if the following points
are observed:
– The brushcutter is not damaged.
– The brushcutter is clean.
– The controls function properly and have not been
modified.
– A combination of cutting attachment and deflector
recommended in this user manual is mounted.
– The cutting attachment and deflector are properly
mounted.
– Genuine STIHL accessories for this brushcutter are fitted.
– The accessories are correctly attached.
► Do not allow bystanders, children
or animals within 15 meters of the
work area.
15m (50ft)
► Protect the battery from heat and fire.
► Do not throw the battery into a fire.
► Use and store the battery at temperatures
between -10 °C and + 50 °C.
► Do not immerse the battery in liquids.

0458-662-0121-A
10
English 4 Safety Precautions
WARNING
￭ If not in safe condition, components may no longer
operate correctly and safety devices may be disabled.
This may result in serous or fatal injury to people.
► Work only with an undamaged brushcutter.
► If the brushcutter is dirty: Clean the brushcutter.
► Never attempt to modify your brushcutter. Exception:
Mounting one of the combinations of cutting attachment
and deflector recommended in this user manual.
► If the controls do not function properly: Do not use your
brushcutter.
► Fit genuine STIHL accessories for this brushcutter.
► Mount the cutting attachment and deflector as
described in this user manual.
► Attach accessories as described in this User Manual or
in the User Manual for the accessories.
► Never insert objects in the openings of the brushcutter.
► Replace worn or damaged labels.
► If you have any doubts, be sure to consult a STIHL
dealer.
4.6.2 Deflector
The deflector is in a safe condition if the following points are
observed:
– The deflector is not damaged.
– If you are using the line limiting blade and skirt: Line
limiting blade and skirt are correctly fitted.
WARNING
￭ If components do not comply with safety requirements,
they will no longer function properly and safety devices
may be rendered inoperative. This can result in serious
injuries.
► Work only with an undamaged deflector.
► If you are using the line limiting blade and skirt: Work
with a correctly fitted line limiting blade and skirt.
► If you have any queries: Contact your STIHL servicing
dealer.
4.6.3 Mowing Head
The mowing head is in a safe condition if the following points
are observed:
– The mowing head is not damaged.
– The mowing head is not jammed.
– The mowing lines are properly installed.
– The wear limits are not exceeded.
WARNING
￭ If they are in an unsafe condition, parts of the mowing
head or mowing lines may come off and be ejected at high
speed. They may cause serious injury to persons.
► Work only with an undamaged mowing head.
► Never use metal objects in place of the nylon mowing
lines.
► Observe and remain inside the wear limits.
► If you have any doubts, be sure to consult a STIHL
dealer.
4.6.4 Metal cutting attachment
The metal cutting attachment is in a safe condition if the
following points are observed:
– Metal cutting attachment and mounting hardware are
undamaged.
– Metal cutting attachment is not warped.
– Metal cutting attachment is properly mounted.
– Metal cutting attachment is correctly sharpened.
– Cutting edges of the metal cutting attachment have no
burrs.
– The wear limits are not exceeded.

0458-662-0121-A 11
English 4 Safety Precautions
WARNING
￭ If it is not in an safe condition, parts of the metal cutting
attachment may come off and be thrown at high speed.
They may cause serious injury to persons.
► Never work with a damaged metal cutting attachment or
damaged mounting hardware.
► Sharpen the metal cutting attachment correctly.
► Deburr the cutting edges with a file.
► Have the metal cutting attachment balanced by a STIHL
servicing dealer.
► Observe and remain inside the wear limits.
► If you have any doubts, be sure to consult a STIHL
dealer.
4.6.5 Battery
The battery is in safe condition when the following conditions
are met:
– The battery is not damaged.
– The battery is clean and dry.
– The battery is working and has not been modified.
WARNING
￭ The battery cannot function safely if it is not in safe
condition. There is a risk of serious injury to persons.
► Use an undamaged and functioning battery.
► Do not charge a damaged or defective battery.
► If the battery is dirty or wet: clean the battery and allow
it to dry.
► Do not modify the battery.
► Do not insert objects into the apertures in the battery.
► Never connect the battery terminals to metallic objects
and cause a short circuit.
► Do not open the battery.
► Replace worn or damaged warning signs.
￭ Fluid may leak from a damaged battery. If the fluid
contacts the skin or eyes, this may cause irritation.
► Avoid contact with the fluid.
► In the event of contact with the skin: wash the affected
areas with plenty of soap and water.
► In the event of contact with the eyes: rinse the eyes with
plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical
attention.
￭ A damaged or defective battery may emit an unusual
odour, smoke or catch fire. This may result in serious or
fatal injury to people and damage to property.
► If the battery emits an unusual odour or smoke: do not
use the battery and keep it away from flammable
materials.
► If the battery catches fire: try to extinguish the battery
using a fire extinguisher or water.
4.7 Operation
WARNING
￭ The user cannot concentrate on the work in certain
situations. The user may stumble, fall and be seriously
injured.
► Work calmly and carefully.
► If light and visibility are poor: Do not use your trimmer.
► Operate the trimmer alone.
► Keep the cutting attachment close to the ground.
► Watch out for obstacles.
► Stand on the ground while working and keep a good
balance.
► If you begin to feel tired: Take a break.
￭ The rotating cutting attachment can cut the user. This can
result in serious injuries.
► Do not touch the rotating cutting attachment.
► If the cutting attachment is blocked by an object: Switch
off the trimmer and remove the battery. Then remove
the object causing the blockage.

0458-662-0121-A
12
English 4 Safety Precautions
￭ If the behavior of the trimmer changes during operation or
feels unusual, it may no longer be in a safe condition. This
can result in serious injuries and damage to property.
► Stop work, remove the battery and contact your STIHL
servicing dealer for assistance.
￭ Trimmer vibrations may occur during operation.
► Take regular breaks.
► If signs of circulation problems occur: Seek medical
advice.
￭ If the cutting attachment makes contact with a foreign
object during operation, the object or parts of it may be
thrown at high speed. This may result in personal injuries
and damage to property.
► Clear away all foreign objects from the work area.
￭ If the rotating metal cutting attachment makes contact with
a hard object, sparks may occur and the cutting
attachment may be damaged. Sparks may cause a fire in
an easily combustible location. This can result in serious
or fatal injuries and damage to property.
► Do not work in an easily combustible location.
► Make sure the metal cutting attachment is in a safe
condition.
￭ Note that the cutting attachment continues to rotate for a
short period after you release the trigger. This can result
in serious injuries.
► Wait until the cutting attachment comes to a complete
stop.
￭ In an emergency, the user may panic and not put the
carrying system down. This can result in serious injuries.
► Practice removing and putting down the carrying
system.
4.8 Reactive Forces
Kickout can be caused for the following reasons:
– The shaded area or the black area of the rotating metal
cutting attachment comes into contact with a solid object
and is suddenly braked.
– The rotating metal cutting attachment gets pinched in the
cut.
The risk of kickout is greatest in the black area.
WARNING
￭ These situations can abruptly decelerate or stop rotation
of the cutting attachment and cause the cutting
attachment to be thrown to the right or in the direction of
the user (black arrow). The user can lose control of the
trimmer. This can result in serious or fatal injuries.
► Hold the trimmer firmly with both hands.
► Use the working techniques described in this instruction
manual.
► Do not use the black area for cutting.
► Use a combination of cutting attachment, deflector and
carrying system recommended in this instruction
manual.
► Sharpen the metal cutting attachment correctly.
► Cut with the motor running at full speed.
► Wear gloves.
0000-GXX-3025-A1

0458-662-0121-A 13
English 4 Safety Precautions
4.9 Transporting
4.9.1 Brushcutter
WARNING
￭ The gear housing can get hot during operation. There is a
risk of burn injuries.
￭ The brushcutter may tilt over or shift during transport.
Persons may be injured or property damaged.
► If a metal cutting attachment is mounted: Fit the
transport guard.
► Secure the brushcutter with lashing straps, belts or a
net to prevent it turning over and moving.
4.9.2 Battery
WARNING
￭ The battery is not protected against all ambient
conditions. The battery may be damaged if it is exposed to
certain ambient conditions and damage to property may
occur.
► Never transport a damaged battery.
► Store the battery in non-conductive packaging.
￭ The battery may turn over or shift during transport. This
may result in personal injuries and damage to property.
► Pack the battery in packaging in such a way that it
cannot move.
► Secure the packaging so that it cannot move.
4.10 Storing
4.10.1 Brushcutter
WARNING
￭ Children are not aware of and cannot assess the dangers
of a brushcutter and can be seriously injured.
► If a metal cutting attachment is mounted: Fit the
transport guard.
► Store the brushcutter out of the reach of children.
￭ Dampness can corrode the electrical contacts on the
brushcutter and metal components. This can damage the
brushcutter.
► Store the brushcutter in a clean and dry condition.
4.10.2 Battery
WARNING
￭ Children are not aware of and cannot assess the dangers
of the battery and can be seriously injured.
► Store the battery out of the reach of children.
￭ The battery is not protected against all ambient
conditions. The battery may be damaged if it is exposed to
certain ambient conditions.
► Store the battery in a clean and dry condition.
► Store the battery in a confined space.
► Store the battery separately from the trimmer and
charger.
► Store the battery in non-conductive packaging.
► Do not touch a hot gear housing.
► Remove the battery.
► Remove the battery.
► Remove the battery.

0458-662-0121-A
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English 5 Preparing Trimmer for Operation
► Use and store the battery at temperatures between -
10°C and +50°C.
4.11 Cleaning, Maintenance and Repair
WARNING
￭ The brushcutter may start up unintentionally if the battery
is left in place during cleaning, maintenance or repair
operations. This may result in serious injury to people and
damage to property.
￭ The gear housing can get hot during operation. There is a
risk of burn injuries.
￭ Aggressive cleaning agents or cleaning with a water jet or
pointed objects may damage the brushcutter, deflector,
cutting attachment and the battery. If the brushcutter,
deflector, cutting attachment or battery are not cleaned
correctly, components may no longer function properly or
safety devices may be rendered inoperative. They may
cause serious injury to persons.
► Clean the brushcutter, deflector, cutting attachment and
battery as described in this User Manual.
￭ If the brushcutter, deflector, cutting attachment or battery
are not serviced or repaired correctly, components may no
longer function properly or safety devices may be
rendered inoperative. This may result in serous or fatal
injury to people.
► Do not attempt to service or repair the brushcutter,
deflector or battery yourself.
► If the brushcutter, the deflector or the battery require
servicing or repairs, contact your STIHL dealer for
assistance.
► Maintain the cutting attachment as described in the
User Manual supplied with the cutting attachment being
used or on the cutting attachment’s packaging.
￭ The user can be cut by the sharp cutting edges while
cleaning or maintaining cutting attachments. This may
result in injury to the user.
5.1 Preparing the Brushcutter for Operation
The following steps must be performed before commencing
work:
► Ensure that the following components are in safe
condition:
–Brushcutter, @4.6.1.
– Deflector, @4.6.2.
– Mowing head or metal cutting attachment, @4.6.3 or
@4.6.4.
– Battery, @4.6.5.
► Check the battery, @11.2.
► Fully charge battery as described in the User Manual for
chargers STIHL AL 101, 300, 500.
► Clean the brushcutter, @16.1.
► Mount the loop handle, @7.1.
► Select combination of cutting attachment, deflector and
carrying system, @21.
► Mount the deflector, @7.3.1.
► If you are using a universal deflector together with a
mowing head: Fit the skirt and line limiting blade,
@7.4.1.
► Remove the battery.
► Do not touch a hot gear housing.
► Wear work gloves made from resistant
material.
5 Preparing Trimmer for Operation

0458-662-0121-A 15
English 6 Charging the Battery, LEDs
► If a metal cutting attachment is used: Mount the barrier
bar, @7.2.
► Mount mowing head or metal cutting attachment, @7.5.1
or @7.6.1.
► Fit and adjust the carrying system, @8.2.
► Balance the brushcutter, @8.3.
► Adjust the loop handle, @8.1.
► Check the controls, @11.1.
► If 3 LEDs flash red while you are checking the controls:
Remove the battery and contact your STIHL dealer for
assistance.
The brushcutter has a malfunction.
► If you cannot carry out this work: Do not use your
brushcutter and contact your STIHL dealer for assistance.
6.1 Charging the Battery
The charging time depends on several factors, e.g.
temperature of the battery or the ambient temperature. The
actual charging time may differ from the specified charging
time. For specified charging times see
www.stihl.com/charging-times.
► Recharge the battery fully as described in the instruction
manual for the STIHL AL 101, 300, 500 chargers.
6.2 Displaying State of Charge
► Press the button (1).
The LEDs (5) glow green for about 5 seconds and indicate
the state of charge.
► If the LED on the right flashes green: Charge the battery.
6.3 LEDs on Battery
The LEDs can show the state of charge or malfunctions. The
LEDs can glow or flash green or red.
The state of charge is indicated when the LEDs glow or flash
green.
► If the LEDs glow or flash red: Troubleshooting, @19.
Malfunction in trimmer or battery.
7.1 Mounting the Loop Handle
► Switch off the brushcutter and remove the battery.
6 Charging the Battery, LEDs
7 Assembling the Trimmer
1
0000-GXX-1248-A0
20-40%
40-60%
60-80%
80-100%
0-20%

0458-662-0121-A
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English 7 Assembling the Trimmer
► Fit the clamp (4) in the loop handle (3).
► Place the loop handle (3) with clamp (4) on the shaft (5).
► Fit the washers (2) on the screws (1).
► Press the clamp (6) against the shaft (5).
► Insert the screws (1) through holes in the loop handle (3)
and clamps (4 and 6).
► Fit and tighten down the nuts (7) firmly.
7.2 Mounting the Barrier Bar
► Switch off the brushcutter and remove the battery.
► Insert the nuts (2) in the barrier bar (1) so that the holes
line up.
► Fit the clamp (5) in the loop handle (3).
► Place the loop handle (3) with clamp (5) and barrier bar (4)
on the shaft (6).
► Press the clamp (7) against the shaft (6).
► Insert screws (8) and tighten.
7.3 Mounting and Removing the Deflector
7.3.1 Mounting the guard
► Switch off the brushcutter and remove the battery.
► Push the deflector (1) into the guides on the gear housing
up to the limit stop.
► Insert the screws (2) and tighten them firmly.
7.3.2 Removing the Deflector
► Switch off the brushcutter and remove the battery.
► Unscrew the screws (2).
► Pull off the deflector (1).
5
4
6
7
1
2
3
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0458-662-0121-A 17
English 7 Assembling the Trimmer
7.4 Fitting and Removing the Skirt
7.4.1 Fitting the Skirt
► Switch off the brushcutter and remove the battery.
► Slide the guide slot in the skirt (2) onto the universal
deflector (1) – it must snap into position.
► Push the line limiting blade (3) into the slot in the skirt (2).
► Insert and tighten down the screw (4) firmly.
7.4.2 Removing the Skirt
► Switch off the brushcutter and remove the battery.
► Insert the stop pin (2) into the hole in the skirt (1).
► Remove the skirt (1) with the stop pin (2).
The line limiting blade (1) can be left on the skirt.
7.5 Mounting and Removing the Mowing Head
7.5.1 Mounting the Mowing Head
► Switch off the brushcutter and remove the battery.
► Place the thrust plate (2) on the shaft (3) so that its smaller
diameter faces up.
► Fit the mowing head (1) on the shaft (3) and turn it
counterclockwise by hand.
► Insert the stop pin (4) in the bore up to the limit stop and
hold it depressed.
► Turn the mowing head (1) counterclockwise until the stop
pin (4) engages in position.
The shaft (3) is now blocked.
► Tighten down the mowing head (1) firmly by hand.
► Remove the stop pin (4).
7.5.2 Removing the Mowing Head
► Switch off the brushcutter and remove the battery.
► Insert the stop pin in the bore up to the limit stop and hold
it depressed.
► Rotate the mowing head until the stop pin engages in
position.
The shaft is now blocked.
► Unscrew the mowing head clockwise.
► Remove the thrust plate.
► Remove the stop pin.
3
2
4
0000-GXX-3028-A1
1
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0000-GXX-3030-A2
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1

0458-662-0121-A
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English 8 Adjusting Trimmer for User
7.6 Removing and Installing Metal Cutting
Attachment
7.6.1 Mounting the Metal Cutting Attachment
► Switch off the brushcutter and remove the battery.
► Place the thrust plate (5) on the shaft (6) so that its smaller
diameter faces up.
► Place the metal cutting attachment (4) on the thrust
plate (5). If you are fitting a circular saw blade or a grass
cutting blade with more than 4 cutting edges: Its cutting
edges must face in the same direction as the arrow on the
deflector.
► Place the thrust washer (3) on the metal cutting
attachment (4) so that its raised side faces up.
► Place the rider plate (2) on the thrust washer (3) so that its
closed side faces up.
► Insert the stop pin (7) in the bore up to the limit stop and
hold it depressed.
► Rotate the metal cutting attachment (4) counterclockwise
until the stop pin (7) engages in position.
The shaft (6) is now blocked.
► Fit the nut (1) counterclockwise and tighten it down firmly.
► Remove the stop pin (7).
7.6.2 Removing the metal cutting attachment
► Switch off the brushcutter and remove the battery.
► Insert the stop pin in the bore up to the limit stop and hold
it depressed.
► Rotate the metal cutting attachment clockwise until the
stop pin engages in position.
The shaft is now blocked.
► Unscrew the mounting nut clockwise.
► Remove the rider plate, thrust washer, metal cutting
attachment and thrust plate.
► Remove the stop pin.
8.1 Adjusting and Setting the Loop Handle
The loop handle can be set to different positions to suit the
height and reach of the user.
► Switch off the brushcutter and remove the battery.
► Undo the screws (2).
1
0000-GXX-3032-A1
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6
7
8 Adjusting Trimmer for User
a1
0000-GXX-3085-A0
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