Stihl RL-MM User manual

Instruction Manual
STIH)
STIHL RL-MM
BA_U1_01_01.fm Seite 0 Mittwoch, 26. November 2003 1:53 13

1RL-MM
English
BA_SE_142_002_01_05.fmPrinted on chlorine-free paper.
Printing inks contain vegetable oils; paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2005 0458 482 0121. M0,35. F5. PM. Printed in USA
STIHl
Contents
MultiSystem ...................................... 2
Guide to Using this Manual .............. 2
Safety Precautions ........................... 3
Using the Aerator ............................. 9
Permissible MultiEngines ............... 10
Mounting the MultiTool ................... 11
Starting / Stopping the Engine ........ 12
Minimize Wear and Avoid Damage 13
Main Parts ...................................... 14
Specifications ................................. 15
Maintenance and Repairs ............... 15
Certificate of Conformity ................. 15
Quality Certification ........................ 16
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing a quality
engineered STIHL product.
This machine has been built using
modern production techniques and
comprehensive quality assurance.
Every effort has been made to ensure
your satisfaction and troublefree use
of the machine.
Please contact your dealer or our
sales company if you have any
queries concerning your machine.
Hans Peter Stihl

2
English
RL-MM
In the STIHL MultiSystem the
MultiEngine can be combined with a
number of different MultiTools to
produce a power tool. In this instruction
manual the functional unit formed by the
MultiEngine and MultiTool is referred to
as the power tool.
The MultiEngine and MultiTool come
with separate instruction manuals.
Always read and make sure you
understand both instruction manuals
before starting and using your machine.
Keep the manuals in a safe place for
later reference.
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.
MultiSystem
469BA028 KN
+
+
Guide to Using this Manual

3RL-MM
English
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.
Special safety
precautions must be
observed when working
with the aerator because
it is a high-speed power
tool with rotating blades.
It is important that you
read and understand
both instruction manuals
(MultiEngine and
MultiTool) before using
the unit for the first time.
Keep the manuals in a safe place for
future reference.
Non-observance of the safety
precautions in the instruction manuals
may cause serious or even fatal injury.
Always observe local safety regulations,
standards and ordinances.
If you have never used this power tool
model before: Have your STIHL dealer
or other experienced user show you how
to operate your power tool or attend a
special course of training in power tool
operation.
Do not lend or rent your power tool
combination without the instruction
manuals. Be sure that anyone using
your power tool understands the
information contained in both manuals
(MultiEngine and MultiTool).
Minors should never be allowed to use a
power tool. Children, bystanders and
animals should not be allowed in the
area where a power tool is in use.
The power tool user is responsible for
avoiding injury to third parties or damage
to their property.
To operate the power tool you must be in
good physical condition and mental
health and not under the influence of any
substance (drugs, alcohol) which might
impair vision, dexterity or judgment.
Use the power tool only for aerating
lawns and similar grassed areas. It must
not be used for any other purpose
because of the increased risk of
accidents.
Only blades supplied by STIHL or
expressly approved by STIHL for use
with your specific model are authorized.
Other blades or attachments must not
be used because of the increased risk of
accidents.
Safety Precautions

4
English
RL-MM
Never attempt to modify your power
tool in any way since this can be
extremely dangerous and result in
serious or fatal injury. STIHL cannot
accept any liability for personal injury or
damage to property caused by
modifications to the power tool or using
blades, tools or attachments not
approved by STIHL.
Clothing and Equipment
Wear proper protective clothing and
equipment.
Clothing must be sturdy
and snug-fitting, but allow
complete freedom of
movement. Overalls or a
STIHL safety combination
are recommended.
Avoid loose-fitting jackets, work coats,
scarves, neckties, jewellery or anything
that could become caught on wood or
brush.
Tie up and secure long
hair (cap, hard hat, etc.).
Wear steel-toed safety
boots with non-slip soles.
To reduce the risk of injury
to your eyes from thrown
objects, always wear
safety glasses and a
face shield.
Warning! A face shield alone does not
provide adequate eye protection.
Wear hearing protection (ear plugs or
ear muffs).
Wear heavy-duty, non-
slip gloves, preferably
made of leather.
STIHL offers a comprehensive line of
safety clothing and equipment.
Transporting the Machine
Always turn off the engine. Carry the
machine by the carrying handle.
– Blades in front of you.
– Hot muffler away from your body.
When the machine is not in use (work
break), shut it off so that it does not
endanger others.
See also notes on "Transporting the
Power Tool" in the MultiEngine
instruction manual.
469BA001 KN

5RL-MM
English
Before Starting
Check that your power tool is properly
assembled and in good condition – refer
to appropriate chapters in the instruction
manuals:
To reduce risk of injury from MultiTool
rotating in the wrong direction, check
that position of gearbox is correct and
adjust if necessary.
See chapter on "Mounting the
MultiTool".
Correct Position of Gearbox:
(when using the aerator)
The gearbox output shaft (1) must be
below the drive tube (2) so that the
MultiTool rotates in the direction of the
arrow (3).
Position the gearbox for metal blades
(top illustration) so that the gearbox
output shaft is below the drive tube.
See also notes on "Before Starting" in
the MultiEngine instruction manual.
– Cutting tools must be correctly and
securely mounted and in good
condition (clean, move freely, not
warped).
– Never attempt to modify the controls
or safety devices.
– Keep the handles dry and clean for
safe control.
– Set the handlebar to the normal
operating position and tighten it
down firmly with the rotary knob.
See chapter on "Adjusting the
Handlebar" in the MultiEngine
instruction manual.
Always check your power tool for proper
condition and operation before starting.
Inspect the deflector for damage or
wear.
Replace any damaged parts. Do not
operate the machine with a damaged
deflector. Replace damaged blades
immediately even if they have only minor
hairline cracks.
2
469BA043 KN
1
3

6
English
RL-MM
Starting the Engine
Place the unit on firm ground in an open
area. Make sure you have good balance
and secure footing. Hold the unit
securely. To reduce the risk of damage,
be sure that the blades are clear of the
ground and all other obstructions.
Your power tool is a one-person unit. To
reduce the risk of injury, do not allow
other persons within a radius of 5 meters
of your own position – even when
starting.
Risk of injury from
contact with rotating
blades. The blades begin
to rotate as soon as the
engine is started in the
"Start" position. Always
stand to one side of the machine when
starting – never in front of the blades.
Check engine idle speed setting. The
blades must not rotate when the engine
is idling with the throttle trigger released.
See also chapter on "Starting the
Engine" in the MultiEngine instruction
manual.
Holding and Controlling the
Power Tool
Always hold the unit firmly with both
hands on the handles.
For safe control wrap your fingers and
thumbs tightly around the control handle
and left handle.
Hold the control handle with your right
hand and left handle with your left hand.
During Operation
Note that the blades continue to rotate
for a short period after you let go of the
throttle trigger (flywheel effect).
Work calmly and carefully – in daylight
conditions and only when visibility is
good. Stay alert at all times so as not to
endanger others.
Make sure you have good balance and
secure footing at all times, taking special
care in slippery conditions:
–damp
– on slopes, uneven ground etc.
Operate the aerator only at a normal
walking pace.
Be extremely cautious when pulling the
aerator towards you because of the risk
of injury from contact with the rotating
blades.
To reduce the risk of accidents and
injury, clear obstacles and objects from
the work area.
Do not operate using the starting throttle
lock as you do not have control of the
engine speed.
To reduce the risk of injury from contact
with the blades, never operate a aerator
without a properly mounted deflector.
469BA045 KN

7RL-MM
English
To reduce the risk of injury from contact
with the blades, do not allow
bystanders within 5 m of your own
position.
Before starting work, inspect the area for
stones, glass, pieces of metal, trash or
other solid objects. Such objects may
damage the blades.
Be extremely cautious when changing
direction with the aerator – especially on
slopes.
Never work on steep slopes because of
the risk of injury through loss of control
of the aerator.
To reduce the risk of
injury, keep your hands
and feet well away from
the blades. Never touch a
rotating blade.
Always stand behind the deflector or to
one side of the machine during aerating
work – never in front of the blades.
The correct engine idle speed is
important to ensure that the blades stop
rotating when you let go of the throttle
trigger.
Check and correct the idle speed setting
at regular intervals – see MultiEngine
instruction manual. If the blades still
rotate, have your STIHL dealer check
your power tool and make proper
adjustments or repairs.
To reduce the risk of injury, take
particular care when working close to
fences, walls, stones, roots, trees and
areas of dense growth. Solid objects can
be thrown or damage the blades.
When operating next to high scrub,
bushes and hedges, take care not to
harm small animals (e.g. hedgehogs).
Clean the blades and deflector after
finishing work – always stop the engine
and disconnect the spark plug boot
before cleaning. Remove grass, weeds,
mud, etc.
Check the blades at regular short
intervals, particularly if there is any
noticeable change in behavior:
– Shut off the engine, hold the unit
firmly. Brake the blades to a
standstill by pushing them against
the ground.
– Check condition and tightness –
look for cracks.
– Replace damaged blades
immediately – even if they have only
minor hairline cracks – perform
ringing test.
To reduce the risk of unintentional
engine start and injury, always shut off
the engine and remove the spark plug
boot before checking or changing
blades.
Do not attempt to repair damaged or
cracked blades, e.g. by welding or
straightening. Do not continue using the
aerator if the blades are damaged
After finishing work, clean dirt, soil,
moss, weeds, etc. off the blades –
always turn off the engine and make
sure the blades have stopped before
cleaning. Wear gloves to reduce the risk
of injury.
Do not use a grease solvent for
cleaning.
5m (16ft)

8
English
RL-MM
See also notes on "During Operation" in
the MultiEngine instruction manual.
When the machine is not in use, put it
down so that it does not endanger
others. Protect it from unauthorized use
(e.g. by children).
General Precautions
Be particularly alert and cautious when
wearing hearing protection because
your ability to hear warnings (shouts,
alarms, etc.) is restricted.
When working, make sure the blades do
not touch any foreign materials such as
rocks, nails etc. Such objects may
damage the blades.
Keep within calling distance of others in
case help is needed.
Maintenance and Repairs
Do not attempt any maintenance or
repair work not described in the
MultiTool and MultiEngine instruction
manuals. Have all other worked
performed by your STIHL servicing
dealer.
Only use original STlHL replacement
parts for repairs to the machine. The use
of replacement parts from other
manufacturers may result in damage to
the machine and increase the risk of
injury.
Never attempt to modify your power tool
in any way as this could result in serious
injury.
:Shut off the engine:
– Before performing any maintenance
or repair work.
– Before cleaning blades.
– Before mounting or removing
blades.
– Before rectifying blockages or other
problems.
Thoroughly clean blades and coat with a
corrosion inhibitor.
Store the machine as described in the
MultiEngine instruction manual – see
"Storing the Machine".

9RL-MM
English
Your RL-MM MultiTool is designed for
aerating lawns to keep them in better
condition.
Preparations
If the soil is very dry, spray it with water
before you start work: this softens the
soil a little and also reduces the amount
of dust created.
:Inspect the work area and clear
away any solid objects to reduce the
risk of injury.
:Plan the the best route for aerating.
Operate the MultiEngine with RL-MM
aerator in the forward direction only.
The blades may only be mounted and
operated in one position. Arrows on the
blades indicate the correct direction of
rotation – see "Mounting the MultiTool".
Never work without the deflector!
The deflector is designed to direct debris
away from the machine and operator.
Using the Aerator
482BA001 KN
482BA002 KN
482BA003 KN

10
English
RL-MM
Aerating the Lawn
:Start the engine.
:Operate the aerator at no less than
half throttle, or at full throttle.
:Choose a working speed that
produces the required aerating
depth without lugging down the
engine.
:Do not operate the machine at a
speed faster than normal walking
pace.
:Do not push the blades into the
ground.
Cleaning the blades
Pieces of grass or roots may become
tightly wound around the tool mounting
during aerating work.
Clean the blades as follows:
– Shut off the engine.
– Wear protective gloves.
– Pull the spring clips out of the shaft.
– Pull the blades off the shaft.
– Clean residue of roots, plants and
soil off the blades and mounting.
Refit the blades as described in chapter
"Mounting the MultiTool".
Always stop the engine and
disconnect the spark plug boot before
doing any maintenance, repair or
cleaning work on the machine.
Only MultiEngines which have been
supplied by STIHL or specially approved
for use with this MultiTool may be used.
This MultiTool may only be used in
combination with STIHL MM 55.
Permissible MultiEngines

11RL-MM
English
Removing existing MultiTools
:Wear gloves to reduce the risk of
injury from contact with sharp,
pointed MultiTools and/or the hot
surface of the gearbox.
:Remove the hitch pin and pull the
MultiTool (if fitted) off the shaft.
:Clean the gearbox if necessary.
Also refer to chapter on "Mounting the
MultiTool" in the instruction manual of
the other MultiTool.
Checking position of gearbox
To reduce risk of injury from MultiTool
rotating in the wrong direction, check
that position of gearbox is correct and
adjust if necessary.
The gearbox output shaft (1) must be
below the drive tube (2) so that the
MultiTool rotates in the direction of the
arrow (3).
Adjusting position of gearbox
:Loosen clamp screws on gearbox.
:Turn gearbox 180°.
:Line up the gearbox in the correct
position.
:Tighten down the two clamp screws
on the gearbox in the following
sequence:
– Tighten first screw moderately.
– Tighten second screw moderately.
– Tighten down first screw firmly.
– Tighten down second screw firmly.
Mounting the MultiTool
481BA008 KN
2
469BA043 KN
1
3

12
English
RL-MM
Mounting the MultiTool
:Arrange the blades in the order they
will be fitted on the shaft, noting the
following points:
Left-hand and right-hand blades are
different. The direction of rotation is
marked with arrows on the gearbox
and blades. Make sure the arrows
point in the same direction.
:Rotate the inner right-hand blade (4)
on the shaft until it can be pushed
into position – check the direction of
rotation again (arrows).
The hub of the inner blade is larger
than that of the outer blade.
:Rotate the outer, right-hand blade
(5) on the shaft until it can be
pushed into position – check the
direction of rotation again (arrows).
:Insert and engage hitch pin (6) in
the hole in the shaft – fold the hitch
pin flat against the blade.
:Use the same procedure to mount
the blades on the left-hand side.
Starting
:Secure the handlebar in the
operating position.
:Retract the wheels, if fitted – see
notes on "Wheels" in the
MultiEngine instruction manual.
:Place the unit on a patch of clear
ground. It must rest securely on the
engine flange and the support on
the frame. Check that the working
tools are not touching the ground or
any other obstacles.
Make sure you have good balance
and secure footing – as shown in
the illustration. To reduce the risk of
injury from contact with rotating
attachments, always stand to the
side of the power tool, never in front
of or near the attachments.
482BA004 KN
4
5
6
Starting / Stopping the
Engine
469BA027 KN

13RL-MM
English
:With your left hand on the loop
handle, press the unit firmly against
the ground.
Do not stand or kneel on the
handlebar or frame.
The starting procedure is now as
described in the MultiEngine instruction
manual.
To shut down the engine
:Push slide control in direction of
arrow ( h) to STOP – $.
Observing the instructions in this manual
and the MultiEngine manual helps
reduce the risk of unnecessary wear and
damage to the power tool.
The power tool must be operated,
maintained and stored with the due care
and attention described in these
instruction manuals.
The user is responsible for all damage
caused by non-observance of the safety
precautions, operating and maintenance
instructions. This includes in particular:
– Alterations or modifications to the
product not approved by STIHL.
– Using attachments or tools not
approved by STIHL.
– Using the product for purposes for
which it was not designed.
– Using the product for sports or
competitive events.
– Consequential damage caused by
continuing to use the product with
defective components.
Maintenance Work
All maintenance operations must be
performed on a regular basis.
If these maintenance operations cannot
be performed by the owner, they should
be performed by an authorized STIHL
servicing dealer.
If these operations are not carried out
as specified, the user assumes
responsibility for any damage that may
occur. Among other things, this includes:
– Corrosion and other consequential
damage resulting from improper
storage.
– Damage and consequential
damage resulting from the use of
parts other than original STIHL
replacement parts.
– Damage resulting from
maintenance or repair work not
performed by authorized STIHL
servicing dealers.
Minimize Wear and
Avoid Damage

14
English
RL-MM
Parts Subject to Wear and Tear
Some parts of the power tool are subject
to normal wear and tear even during
regular operation in accordance with
instructions, depending of the type and
duration of use, and have to be replaced
in good time. Among other parts, this
includes:
–Blades
– Mounting hardware
– Deflector
1Outer right-hand blade
2Inner right-hand blader
3Inner left-hand blade
4Outer left-hand blade
5Hitch pin
Main Parts
1
2
482BA005 KN
3
4
5

15RL-MM
English
Working tool
Weight
Users of this machine may only carry
out the maintenance and service work
described in this user manual.
All other repairs must be carried out
by a servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends that all
maintenance and repair work be carried
out by an authorized STIHL dealer.
STIHL dealers regularly attend training
courses and are supplied with the
necessary technical information.
When repairing the machine, only use
replacement parts which have been
approved by STIHL for this power tool
or are technically equivalent. Only use
high-quality replacement parts in order
to avoid the risk of accidents or damage
to the machine.
STIHL recommends the use of genuine
STIHL replacement parts.
Original STlHL parts can be identified by
the STIHL part number, the
STIHl
logo and the STlHL parts symbol (.
The symbol may appear alone on small
parts.
Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
Badstr. 115
71336 Waiblingen
certify that the new machine described
below
conforms to the specifications of
Directive 98/37/EC.
The product has been developed and
manufactured in compliance with the
following standards:
EN ISO 12100, EN 13684
(in conjunction with the specified
MultiEngine: MM 55).
Done at Waiblingen,
December 10, 2004
Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
Steinhauser
Director
Group Product Management /
Engineering Services
4 blades
Diameter: 230 mm
Working width: 200 mm
4 blades
with hub
2.0 kg
Specifications Maintenance and Repairs
Category: MultiTool
Make: STIHL
Model: RL-MM
Series identification: 4106
Certificate of Conformity

16
English
RL-MM
All STIHL products comply with the
highest quality standards.
An independent organization has
certified that all products manufactured
by STIHL meet the strict requirements of
the ISO 9001 standard for quality
management systems in terms of
product development, materials
purchasing, production, assembly,
documentation and customer service.
Quality Certification
000BA026

0458 482 0121
englisch / English
BA_U4_01_01.fm Seite 1 Mittwoch, 26. November 2003 1:54 13