Stihl RL-MM User manual

RL-MM
2 - 10 Instruction Manual

Contents
1 MultiSystem................................................ 2
2 Guide to Using this Manual.........................2
3 Safety Precautions and Working Techni‐
ques............................................................ 2
4 Using the Unit............................................. 6
5 Approved MultiEngines............................... 7
6 Mounting the MultiTool................................7
7 Starting / Stopping the Engine.................... 8
8 Storing the Machine.................................... 8
9 Maintenance and Care................................9
10 Minimize Wear and Avoid Damage.............9
11 Main Parts...................................................9
12 Specifications..............................................9
13 Maintenance and Repairs......................... 10
14 Disposal.................................................... 10
1 MultiSystem
469BA028 KN
+
+
In the STIHL MultiSystem, various MultiEngines
and MultiTools are combined to form a machine.
In this Instruction Manual, the functional unit of
MultiEngine and MultiTool is referred to as a
machine.
Accordingly, the instruction manuals for the Mul‐
tiEngine and the MultiTool constitute the entire
Instruction Manual for the machine.
Always read both manuals carefully before using
your machine for the first time and keep them
safe for future reference.
2 Guide to Using this Manual
2.1 Pictograms
All the pictograms attached to the machine are
shown and explained in this manual.
2.2 Symbols in text
WARNING
Warning where there is a risk of an accident or
personal injury or serious damage to property.
NOTICE
Caution where there is a risk of damaging the
machine or its individual components.
2.3 Engineering improvements
STIHL's philosophy is to continually improve all
of its products. For this reason we may modify
the design, engineering and appearance of our
products periodically.
Therefore, some changes, modifications and
improvements may not be covered in this man‐
ual.
3 Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques
Special safety precautions must be
observed when working with the aer‐
ator because its pointed and sharp-
edged blades rotate at high speed.
Always read and and make sure you
understand both user manuals (Multi‐
Engine and MultiTool) before using
your power tool for the first time, and
keep them in a safe place for future
reference. Non-compliance with the
user manuals may cause serious or
even fatal injury.
Lend or rent your power tool only to persons who
are familiar with this model and its operation – do
not lend or rent your power tool without the Multi‐
Engine and MultiTool user manuals.
Use the power tool only for aerating lawns and
similar grassed areas.
The machine must not be used for any other pur‐
poses – risk of accident!
Only use attachments and accessories that are
explicitly approved for this power tool model by
STIHL or are technically identical. If you have
English
2 0458-482-0121-B
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG 2022
0458-482-0121-B. VA0.G22.
Printed on chlorine-free paper Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
Original Instruction Manual 0000000584_013_GB

any questions in this respect, consult your
dealer.
Use only high-quality parts and accessories. Oth‐
erwise, there is a risk of accidents and damage
to the machine.
STIHL recommends the use of original STIHL
replacement parts, blades and accessories. They
are specifically designed to match the product
and meet your performance requirements.
The deflector on this power tool cannot protect
the operator from all objects thrown by the
attachment (stones, glass, wire, etc.). Ejected
objects may also ricochet and strike the operator.
Never attempt to modify your power tool in any
way since this may increase the risk of personal
injury. STIHL excludes all liability for personal
injury and damage to property caused while
using unauthorized attachments.
Do not use a high-pressure washer to clean the
power tool. The solid jet of water may damage
parts of the unit.
3.1 Clothing and Equipment
Wear proper protective clothing and equipment.
Clothing must be sturdy but allow
complete freedom of movement.
Wear close-fitting clothes such as a
boiler suit, not a loose jacket.
Do not wear clothing which could become trap‐
ped in wood, brush or moving parts of the
machine. Do not wear a scarf, necktie or jewelry.
Tie up and secure long hair above your should‐
ers.
Wear steel-toed safety boots with
non-slip soles.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of eye injuries,
wear close-fitting safety glasses in
accordance with European Standard
EN 166. Make sure the safety
glasses are a snug fit.
Wear "personal" sound protection, e.g. ear
defenders.
Wear sturdy protective gloves made
of a resistant material (e. g. leather).
STIHL offers a comprehensive range of personal
protective equipment.
3.2 Transporting the machine
469BA001 KN
Always stop the engine.
Carry your power tool by the handle, attachment
in front of you.
Do not touch hot parts of the machine – risk of
burn injury!
By vehicle: When transporting in a vehicle, prop‐
erly secure your machine to prevent turnover,
damage and fuel spillage.
3.3 Before starting
Check that your power tool is properly assem‐
bled and in good condition – refer to the appro‐
priate chapters in the MultiEngine and MultiTool
user manuals.
–Blade correctly and securely mounted and in
good condition (clean, move freely, not war‐
ped)
–Inspect the deflectors for damage and wear.
Do not operate the machine with a damaged
deflector – replace damaged parts.
–Never attempt to modify the controls or safety
devices.
–Keep the handles dry and clean – free from oil
and dirt – this is important for safe control of
the machine.
–Swing the bike handle to the normal operating
position and tighten it down firmly with the
rotary knob. See chapter on "Adjusting the
Bike Handle" in the MultiEngine user manual.
The power tool must only be operated when it is
in good operating condition – Risk of accident!
Check the gearbox for correct position, adjust if
necessary. This helps reduce the risk of injury
from the MultiTool rotating in the wrong direction.
See also notes on "Mounting the MultiTool".
Ensure that the gear unit and the
rotor blades are correctly attached
and aligned and avoid contact with
the rotor blades - risk of injury!
3 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques English
0458-482-0121-B 3

As soon as the engine starts running,
the power tool generates toxic
exhaust gas. These gases may be
odorless and invisible and may con‐
tain unburned hydrocarbons and ben‐
zene. Never run the engine indoors or
in poorly ventilated locations, even if
your model is equipped with a cata‐
lytic converter.
Arrows on the rotor blades show the direction of
rotation. The arrows on the rotor blades must
point in the same direction as the arrows on the
gear.
If you use metal tools, position the gear so that
the axle is below the drive shaft.
Use this position for:
–BF-MM cultivator
–BK-MM bolo tines
–FC-MM edger
–RL-MM aerator
–MF-MM dethatcher
3.4 Holding and Guiding the Tool
Make sure you always have a firm and secure
footing.
469BA045 KN
Always hold the unit firmly with both hands on
the handles.
Right hand on control handle, left hand on grip
on handlebar.
3.5 While Working
In the event of impending danger or in an emer‐
gency, switch off the engine immediately by mov‐
ing the slide control / stop switch/button to
0 or STOP.
To reduce the risk of injury from contact with the
tool and ejected objects, do not allow any other
persons within a radius of 5 meters of your own
position.This distance must also be maintained in
relation to objects (vehicles, window panes) –
risk of property damage!
The correct engine idle speed is important to
ensure that the work tool stops moving when you
let go of the throttle trigger. Check and correct
the idle speed setting at regular intervals. If the
attachment still rotates when the engine is idling,
have your dealer check your machine and make
proper adjustments or repairs – see MultiEngine
user manual.
The gear head becomes hot during
operation. Do not touch the gear
housing – risk of burns!
To reduce the risk of injury from thrown objects
or contact with the attachment, never operate the
unit without a properly mounted deflector
designed specifically for the unit and the attach‐
ment.
Always stand behind the deflector or to one side
of the machine during operation – never in front
of the attachment.
Take special care in slippery conditions – wet or
icy, on slopes or uneven ground etc.
To reduce the risk of accidents or injury, remove
all obstacles and objects from the work area.
Inspect the work area – solid objects (stones,
pieces of metal, etc.) may damage the attach‐
ment.
To avoid the risk of electrocution,
never use your power tool in areas
where electrical lines are laid on the
surface or buried just below the sur‐
face.Striking and damaging such
lines with the attachment could cause
serious or even fatal injury.
Operate your power tool at normal walking pace
only.
English 3 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques
4 0458-482-0121-B

Be extremely cautious when pulling the power
tool towards you because of the risk of injury
from contact with the rotating attachment.
Make sure you always have a firm and secure
footing.
Be extremely cautious when changing direction
with the power tool – especially on slopes.
On slopes, always work parallel to the gradient to
reduce the risk of injury from slipping or contact
with the attachment.
Never work on steep slopes because of the risk
of injury through loss of control of the power tool.
Take particular care when working close to fen‐
ces, walls, stones, roots, trees and areas of
dense growth. Solid objects could be thrown in
your direction or may damage the attachment –
risk of accident!
When working next to high scrub, bushes and
hedges, avoid harming animals!
Be particularly alert and cautious when wearing
ear protection because your ability to hear warn‐
ings (shouts, alarms, etc.) is impaired.
Take breaks when you start getting tired or feel‐
ing fatigue – risk of accidents!
Work calmly and carefully – in daylight conditions
and only when visibility is good. Proceed with
caution, do not put others in danger.
If your power tool is subjected to unusually high
loads for which it was not designed (e.g. heavy
impact or a fall), always check that it is in good
condition before continuing work – see also
"Before Starting". Make sure the safety devices
are working properly. Never use a power tool
that is no longer safe to operate. In case of
doubt, contact a dealer.
Do not touch the attachment while the engine is
running. If the attachment becomes jammed by
an obstruction, switch off the engine immediately
before attempting to remove the obstruction –
otherwise, risk of injury!
Opening the throttle while the attachment is
blocked increases the load and reduces engine
speed. The clutch then slips continuously and
this causes overheating and damage to impor‐
tant components (e.g. clutch, polymer housing
components) – and this can increase the risk of
injury from the attachment moving while the
engine is idling.
Check the attachment at frequent and regular
intervals during operation, or as soon as there is
a noticeable change in behavior:
–Shut off the engine, hold the machine
securely.
–Check condition and secure position; look for
cracks.
–Replace damaged working tools immediately,
even if they have only superficial cracks.
Clean the attachment and deflector at regular
intervals during operation.
–Shut off the engine
–Use gloves
–Remove grass, weeds, clumps of soil, etc.
To reduce the risk of injury, shut off the engine
before changing attachments.
Do not continue using or attempt to repair dam‐
aged or cracked cutting attachments by welding,
straightening or modifying the shape (out of bal‐
ance).
3.6 After Finishing Work
After finishing work or before leaving the power
tool unattended: Shut off the engine.
After finishing work, clean dirt, soil and plant resi‐
due off the attachment – wear gloves to reduce
the risk of injury.
Do not use any grease solvents when cleaning.
After having thoroughly cleaned, coat metal sur‐
face of attachments with a corrosion inhibitor.
3.7 Maintenance and Repairs
Service the machine regularly. Do not attempt
any maintenance or repair work not described in
the MultiTool and MultiEngine instruction man‐
uals. Have all other work performed by a servic‐
ing dealer.
STIHL recommends that you have servicing and
repair work carried out exclusively by an author‐
ized STIHL servicing dealer. STIHL dealers are
regularly given the opportunity to attend training
courses and are supplied with the necessary
technical information.
Only use high-quality replacement parts in order
to avoid the risk of accidents and damage to the
power tool. If you have any questions in this
respect, consult a servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends the use of original STIHL
replacement parts. They are specifically
designed to match your model and meet your
performance requirements.
3 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques English
0458-482-0121-B 5

To reduce the risk of injury, always shut off the
engine before carrying out any maintenance or
repairs or cleaning the machine.
4 Using the Unit
482BA001 KN
Your RL‑MM is designed for aerating lawns and
other grassed areas.
4.1 Preparations
If the lawn is very dry, spray it with water before
you start work: this softens the soil a little and
reduces the amount of dust created.
WARNING
Clear away all obstacles and solid objects from
the work area.
► Plan the best route for aerating.
482BA002 KN
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 show the
required direction of rotation – see chapter on
"Mounting the MultiTool".
482BA003 KN
WARNING
Never work without the deflector!
The deflector ensures that cuttings and other
debris are directed away from the machine and
operator.
4.2 Aerating the lawn
► Secure the handlebar in the normal operating
position.
► Start the engine.
► Operate 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.
► Operate at no more than a normal walking
pace.
► Do not push the blades into the ground.
4.3 Cleaning the blades
Pieces of grass or roots may become tightly
wrapped around blade mounting and between
English 4 Using the Unit
6 0458-482-0121-B

the blades during operation. Clean the blades as
follows:
–Shut off the engine.
–Wear work gloves.
–Pull the hitch pins out of the axle.
–Pull the blades off the axle.
–Remove pieces of roots, plants and soil.
Refer to "Mounting the MultiTool" for mounting
instructions.
5 Approved MultiEngines
Only use MultiEngines supplied by STIHL or
expressly approved by STIHL for use with the
MultiTool.
This MultiTool may only be used in combination
with the STIHL MM 56 MultiEngine.
6 Mounting the MultiTool
6.1 Removing Existing MultiTools
WARNING
Wear gloves to reduce the risk of injury from con‐
tact with sharp MultiTools and/or hot surface of
gearbox.
481BA008 KN
► Remove the hitch pins and pull the MultiTools
(if fitted) off the axle – see also "Mounting the
MultiTool" in the instruction manual of the
other MultiTool.
► Clean the gearbox if necessary.
6.2 Checking Position of Gearbox
WARNING
To reduce risk of injury from the MultiTool rotat‐
ing in the wrong direction, check that position of
gearbox is correct and adjust if necessary.
2
469BA043 KN
1
3
The axle (1) must be below the shaft (2).
Direction of rotation (3) of MultiTool.
6.3 Adjusting Position of Gearbox
481BA011 KN
► Loosen clamp screws on gearbox.
► Turn the gearbox through 180°.
► Line up the gearbox in the correct position.
► Tighten down the two clamp screws on the
gearbox in the following sequence:
–Tighten the first screw moderately.
–Tighten the second screw moderately.
–Tighten down first screw firmly.
–Tighten down second screw firmly.
NOTICE
It must not be possible to rotate the gearbox on
the drive tube.
6.4 Mounting the MultiTool
► Arrange the blades in the order they will be fit‐
ted on the axle, noting the following points:
Left-hand and right-hand blades are different.
The direction of rotation is marked with arrows
5 Approved MultiEngines English
0458-482-0121-B 7

on the gearbox and blades. Make sure the
arrows point in the same direction.
482BA004 KN
4
5
6
► Rotate the inner right-hand blade (4) on the
axle 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
axle until it can be pushed into position –
check the direction of rotation again (arrows).
► Insert and engage the hitch pin (6) in the hole
in the axle – fold the hitch pin flat against the
blade.
► Use the same procedure to mount the blades
on the left-hand side.
7 Starting / Stopping the
Engine
7.1 Starting the Engine
Always follow the starting procedure described in
the MultiEngine instruction manual.
469BA061 AS
469BA062 AS
► Secure the handlebar in the normal operating
position.
► Retract the wheels, if fitted – see chapter on
"Wheels" in MultiEngine instruction manual.
► Retract the spur, if fitted.
► Check that the MultiTool is not touching the
ground or any other obstacles. The unit must
rest on the engine flange and the support on
the frame.
► Make sure you have good balance and secure
footing – as shown in the illustration.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury from contact with the
rotating attachment, always stand to the side of
the power tool, never in front of the attachment.
► With your left hand on the loop handle, press
the unit firmly against the ground – do not
touch the throttle trigger or lockout lever.
NOTICE
Do not stand or kneel on the handlebar or frame.
WARNING
The attachment may begin to move as soon as
the engine starts. For this reason, blip the throttle
after starting – the engine returns to idling speed.
Now follow the starting procedure described in
the MultiEngine instruction manual.
7.2 Stopping the Engine
► See MultiEngine instruction manual.
8 Storing the Machine
For periods of about 30 days or longer
► Remove, clean and inspect the cutting blade.
► Store the machine in a dry and secure loca‐
tion. Keep out of the reach of children and
other unauthorized persons
English 7 Starting / Stopping the Engine
8 0458-482-0121-B

9 Maintenance and Care
The following intervals apply to normal operating
conditions only. If your daily working time is lon‐
ger or operating conditions are difficult (very
dusty work area, etc.), shorten the specified
intervals accordingly.
All accessible screws and nuts
► Retighten if necessary
Blades
► Visual inspection, check tightness before start‐
ing work and after every refueling stop
► Have checked for out-of-balance if necessary,
replace if out-of-balance
► Replace if damaged
Safety labels
► Replace illegible safety labels
10 Minimize Wear and Avoid
Damage
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, oper‐
ating and maintenance instructions. This
includes in particular:
–Alterations or modifications to the product not
approved by STIHL.
–Using tools or accessories which are neither
approved or suitable for the product or are of a
poor quality.
–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.
10.1 Maintenance Work
All the operations described in the chapter on
"Maintenance and Care" must be performed on a
regular basis. If these maintenance operations
cannot be performed by the owner, they should
be performed by a servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends that you have servicing and
repair work carried out exclusively by an author‐
ized STIHL servicing dealer. STIHL dealers are
regularly given the opportunity to attend training
courses and are supplied with the necessary
technical information.
If these maintenance operations are not carried
out as specified, the user assumes responsibility
for any damage that may occur. Among other
parts, this includes:
–Corrosion and other consequential damage
resulting from improper storage.
–Damage to the product resulting from the use
of poor quality replacement parts.
10.2 Parts Subject to Wear and Tear
Some parts of the power tool are subject to nor‐
mal wear and tear even during regular operation
in accordance with instructions and, depending
on the type and duration of use, have to be
replaced in good time. Among other parts, this
includes:
–Blade
–Mounting hardware for blade
–Deflector
11 Main Parts
1
2
482BA005 KN
3
4
5
1 Outer right-hand blade
2 Inner right-hand blade
3 Inner left-hand blade
4 Outer left-hand blade
5 Hitch pin
12 Specifications
12.1 Attachment
4 blades
Diameter: 230 mm
Working width: 200 mm
12.2 Weight
4 blades with hub: 2.0 kg
9 Maintenance and Care English
0458-482-0121-B 9

12.3 REACH
REACH is an EC regulation and stands for the
Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and
Restriction of Chemical substances.
For information on compliance with the REACH
regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 see
www.stihl.com/reach
13 Maintenance and Repairs
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 you have servicing and
repair work carried out exclusively by an author‐
ized STIHL servicing dealer. STIHL dealers are
regularly given the opportunity to attend training
courses and are supplied with the necessary
technical information.
When repairing the machine, only use replace‐
ment parts which have been approved by STIHL
for this power tool or are technically identical.
Only use high-quality replacement parts in order
to avoid the risk of accidents and damage to the
machine.
STIHL recommends the use of original STIHL
replacement parts.
Original STIHL parts can be identified by the
STIHL part number, the { logo and the
STIHL parts symbol K (the symbol may appear
alone on small parts).
14 Disposal
Contact the local authorities or your STIHL serv‐
icing dealer for information on disposal.
Improper disposal can be harmful to health and
pollute the environment.
000BA073 KN
► Take STIHL products including packaging to a
suitable collection point for recycling in accord‐
ance with local regulations.
► Do not dispose with domestic waste.
English 13 Maintenance and Repairs
10 0458-482-0121-B

14 Disposal English
0458-482-0121-B 11

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