Stihl SG 20 User manual

Instruction Manual
Manual de instrucciones
Warning!
Read and follow all safety precautions in
Instruction Manual – improper use can cause
serious or fatal injury.
Advertencia!
Lea y siga todas las precauciones de
seguridad dadas en el manual de
instrucciones – el uso incorrecto puede
causar lesiones graves o mortales.
STIH)
STIHL SG 20
BA_U1_86_02.fm Seite 0 Dienstag, 20. Juni 2006 9:57 09

1SG 20
English / USA
BA_SE_186_001_01_02.fmPrinted on chlorine-free paper.
Printing inks contain vegetable oils; paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2006 0458 408 8621 A. M8. G6. Sä. Printed in Germany
STIHl
Contents
Guide to Using this Manual .............. 2
Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques ......................... 3
Assembling the Sprayer ................. 10
Harness .......................................... 10
Filling the Container ........................ 11
Spraying ......................................... 12
Storing the Machine ........................ 13
Maintenance Chart ......................... 14
Main Parts and Controls ................. 15
Specifications ................................. 16
Special Accessories ....................... 16
Trademarks .................................... 17

2
English / USA
SG 20
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

3SG 20
English / USA
Because the backpack
sprayer is a tool for
spraying chemicals,
special safety precautions
must be observed to
reduce the risk of
personal injury.
It is important that you
read, fully understand and
observe the following
general safety
precautions and
warnings. Read the
instruction manual and the safety
precautions periodically. In addition,
read and follow the chemical
manufacturer’s instructions for the
chemical products being applied. Since
such products may vary greatly in
handling/application requirements and
risks, the product label is normally your
best guide for safe and effective use.
!Warning!
Read the label each time before mixing
or using the chemical and before storing
or disposing of it. Do not trust your
memory. Careless or improper use may
cause serious or fatal injury.
Have your STIHL dealer show you how
to operate your backpack sprayer.
Observe all applicable federal, state and
local safety regulations, standards and
ordinances.
All operating and servicing personnel
should be trained and familiarized with
the proper handling procedures for the
chemical products being used, as well
as with first aid/emergency care, and
liquid chemical disposal regulations.
!Warning!
Do not lend or rent your backpack
sprayer without the instruction manual.
Be sure that anyone using it
understands the information contained
in this manual.
!Warning!
The chemicals sprayed with your
backpack sprayer may contain toxic
and/or caustic substances. Such
chemicals can be dangerous and cause
serious or fatal injury to persons and
animals and/or severe damage to plants
and the environment.
Avoid direct contact with chemicals.
Follow the chemical manufacturer’s
instructions with respect to any contact
with its product.
Use your backpack sprayer for spraying
chemicals and other liquids to control
pests and weeds in fruit, flower and
vegetable gardens, on trees and bushes
and on other plants, such as coffee,
tobacco and cotton. It is also useful in
the maintenance of young trees,
controlling the bark beetle and other
plant diseases.
!Warning!
Do not use it for other purposes, since
misuse may result in personal injury or
property damage, including damage to
the sprayer itself.
!Warning!
Minors should never be allowed to use
this backpack sprayer. Bystanders,
especially children, and animals should
not be allowed in the area where it is in
use. Make sure that unauthorized
persons do not use it.
Most of these safety precautions and
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL
backpack sprayers. Different models
may have different parts and controls.
See the appropriate section of your
instruction manual for a description of
the controls and the function of the parts
of your model.
Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques

4
English / USA
SG 20
Safe use of a backpack sprayer involves
1. the operator
2. the backpack sprayer
3. the use of the backpack sprayer
4. the handling of the chemicals to be
sprayed.
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
this backpack sprayer when you are
fatigued.
!Warning!
Be alert – if you get tired, take a break.
Tiredness may result in loss of
concentration and control. Working with
any backpack sprayer can be strenuous.
If you have any condition that might be
aggravated by strenuous work, check
with your doctor before operating this
backpack sprayer.
Proper Clothing
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury when working
with chemical agents, the operator
should wear proper protective apparel
when filling, using and cleaning the
backpack sprayer. Always follow all of
the chemical manufacturer’s instructions
with respect to proper eye, skin, nose
and mouth protection. They may differ
from and exceed the following
precautions.
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury
to your eyes you may
need to wear protective
goggles when operating
your backpack sprayer.
Check the product label
for the chemical you are spraying.
Always wear rubber/
chemical-resistent gloves
when handling the
backpack sprayer.

5SG 20
English / USA
For some chemicals it is
advisable to wear
impermeable coveralls or
an impermeable work
apron. Check the product
label. If you are spraying
overhead or if the spray may reach head
height, wear a wide brim hat or other
suitable head covering. Do not wear
shorts, sandals or go barefoot.
Wear rubber/chemical-
resistent boots.
!Warning!
When working with toxic chemicals, the
operator and any bystanders may need
to wear a properly fitted respirator
approved by NIOSH/MSHA for the
chemical being used. Consult the
product label. Breathing toxic chemicals
can cause serious or fatal injury.
!Warning!
Backpack sprayers may usually also be
used in greenhouses that are well
ventilated if the operator can protect
himself or herself from any harmful
effects through the use of proper eye,
skin, nose and mouth protection. Such
work may require special precautions.
THE BACKPACK SPRAYER
For illustrations and definitions of the
backpack sprayer parts see the chapter
on “Main Parts and Controls.”
!Warning!
Never modify this backpack sprayer in
any way. Only attachments supplied by
STIHL or expressly approved by STIHL
for use with the specific STIHL model
are authorized.
If this 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. Check in particular that
the container system is tight (no leaks)
and that the controls are working
properly. Do not continue operating this
backpack sprayer if it is damaged. In
case of doubt, have it checked by your
STIHL servicing dealer.
!Warning!
Make sure the hose is securely attached
and in good condition before
pressurizing the container. Never
attempt to pressurize the unit by any
other method than with the pump
module provided.
HANDLING OF CHEMICALS
!Warning!
Chemicals can be harmful to individuals,
animals and the environment if
improperly used. In addition, some
chemicals that are caustic, corrosive or
poisonous should not be used in your
sprayer.
Carefully read the labels on chemical
containers prior to use. Chemicals are
classified into categories of toxicity.
Pesticides regulated by the EPA, for
instance, use signal words to indicate
the product’s potential to make you sick.
“Caution“ appears on pesticides found to
be least harmful to humans. “Warning“
indicates a product that is more
poisonous than those in the “Caution“
group. Pesticides with the signal word
“Danger“ on the label are very
poisonous or irritating. They should be
used with extreme care. Finally,
pesticides labeled “Danger – Poison“
are for restricted use only and generally
must be used under the supervision of a
certified applicator. Each category will
have unique handling characteristics.
Familiarize yourself with the
characteristics for the category you are
using.
!Warning!
Mix only compatible pesticides. Wrong
mixtures can produce toxic fumes.

6
English / USA
SG 20
When handling chemicals and when
spraying, make sure you are operating
in accordance with local, state, and
federal environmental protection rules
and guidelines. Do not spray in windy
conditions. To help protect the
environment, use only the
recommended dosage – do not overuse.
!Warning!
Do not eat, drink, or smoke while
handling chemicals or while you are
spraying. Never blow through nozzles,
valves, pipes or any other component by
mouth. Always handle chemicals in a
well ventilated area while wearing
appropriate protective clothing and
safety equipment. Do not store or
transport chemicals with food or
medicines, and never reuse a chemical
container for any other purpose.
Do not transfer spray materials to other
containers, especially food and/or drink
containers.
!Warning!
In case of accidental contact or ingestion
of chemicals or in case of contamination
of clothing, stop work and immediately
consult the chemical manufacturer’s
instructions. If in doubt as to what to do,
consult a poison control center or doctor
without delay. Have the product’s label
available to read to or show the persons
you consult.
Clean all chemical spills immediately.
Dispose of any residue in accordance
with state or federal laws and
regulations.
!Warning!
Keep chemicals out of reach of children,
other unauthorized people or animals.
When not in use, store chemicals in a
safe place. Follow the manufacturer’s
recommendations for proper storage.
THE USE OF THE BACKPACK
SPRAYER
Transporting the Backpack
Sprayer
Empty container when transporting it in
a vehicle; properly secure it to prevent
damage to the unit.
Filling the Container
Before using the sprayer with chemicals,
fill it with fresh water to assure that you
have it properly assembled; pressurize it
and practice spraying. Also, check for
any leaks at this time. When thoroughly
familiar with the sprayer operation,
follow normal operating procedures.
Fill your backpack sprayer in well-
ventilated areas, outdoors.
!Warning!
Do not use:
– flammables in the sprayer, which
can explode causing serious or fatal
injury;
– caustic or corrosive materials in the
sprayer, which could result in
damage to the unit;backpack
sprayer
– liquids with a temperature above
120 °F (50 °C) to avoid scalding and
damage to the unit.

7SG 20
English / USA
To fill the backpack sprayer, place it on a
level surface. To reduce the risk of
contaminating the surrounding
environment, be careful not to overfill the
container with chemical solution.
If you fill the container with a hose
attached to a central water supply, be
sure the end of the hose is out of the
solution to reduce the risk of backflow,
i.e. the chemicals being sucked into the
water supply in the case of a sudden
vacuum.
Calculate the correct amount of
chemical solution so that it is used up at
one time, with no extra solution left in the
container.
!Warning!
Check for leakage while refilling and
during operation. A leak from the
container or a loose fitting could soak
your clothing and come into contact with
your skin.
Before Spraying
!Warning!
Always inspect your sprayer before and
after each use. To reduce the risk of
leakage and skin contact with
chemicals, check that the cap and all
connections are tight, and be sure the
hose is securely attached and in good
condition before pressurizing the
container.
!Warning!
Never use a backpack sprayer that is
damaged or not properly maintained.
!Warning!
Your backpack sprayer is a one-person
tool. Do not allow other persons in the
general work area.
During Operation
Holding and Controlling the
Backpack Sprayer
The backpack sprayer is operated with
the right hand on the trigger valve and
the left hand on the hand lever.
The backpack sprayer is carried as a
backpack.

8
English / USA
SG 20
!Warning!
Adjust carrying harness to suit your size
before starting work.
In order to keep the container upright
and reduce the risk of spillage, do not
bend at the waist. Bend only at the
knees and support yourself as required
to ensure proper balance.
Remember that a sprayer filled with
liquid has a significant amount of weight.
Use caution when bending, leaning or
walking.
!Warning
To reduce the risk of injury from loss of
control, never work on a ladder, in a tree
or any other insecure support.
Working conditions
Operate your backpack sprayer only in a
well ventilated area. Operate it under
good visibility and daylight conditions
only. Work carefully.
!Warning!
Inhalation of certain chemicals can
cause susceptible persons to have an
allergic or asthmatic reaction.
Substantial or repeated inhalation of
certain chemicals may cause respiratory
disease, cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm. Control the chemical
spray at the source where possible. Use
good work practices, such as operating
the unit so that the wind or operating
process does not blow the spray back on
the operator. Follow the
recommendations of EPA/OSHA/
NIOSH and occupational and trade
associations with respect to proper
usage. When the inhalation of the
chemical being sprayed cannot be
avoided, the operator and any
bystanders may need to wear a
respirator approved by NIOSH/MSHA
for the type of chemical encountered.
Consult the label of the chemical product
being used.
!Warning!
If you are unfamiliar with the risks
associated with the particular chemical
at issue, review the product label and/or
material safety data sheet for that
substance and/or consult the material
manufacturer/supplier. You may also
consult your employer, governmental
agencies such as the EPA, OSHA and
NIOSH and other sources on hazardous
materials. The state of California and
some other authorities, for instance,
have published lists of substances
known to cause cancer, reproductive
toxicity, etc.

9SG 20
English / USA
Operating instructions
Never spray in the direction of humans,
animals or property which might be
injured or damaged by spray formula.
!Warning!
Pay attention to the direction of the wind,
i.e., do not work against the wind. When
spraying, stand so that the wind does
not blow towards you or bystanders.
Keep children and pets away from areas
that have just been sprayed. After the
use of some chemicals, especially
agricultural pesticides, a notice must be
posted on the treated area that a
“Restricted Entry Interval“ (REI) is in
effect. See the product’s label and any
applicable governmental regulations.
Danger!
Your backpack sprayer is
not insulated against
electric shock. To reduce
the risk of electrocution,
never operate this backpack sprayer in
the vicinity of any wires or cables
(power, etc.) which may be carrying
electric current. Do not spray on or near
electrical installations.
After Finishing Work
Always wash thoroughly with soap and
water after spraying or handling
chemicals. Shower immediately, and
wash all protective clothing separately
from other items. Follow any additional
recommendations of the chemical
manufacturer.
Always clean dust and dirt off the
backpack sprayer.
!Warning!
Empty, rinse and clean the container
and sprayer assembly after each use.
This helps to prevent the solution from
crystallizing, which could later cause
clogging and chemical damage to the
unit. In addition; residual chemicals may
have undesirable effects during
subsequent spraying with a different
type of chemical (e.g., residual herbicide
may damage or kill plants being sprayed
with a pesticide).
Disposal of contaminated rinse should
be in accordance with applicable
ordinances. Observe the precautionary
instructions of the chemical
manufacturer.
Do not store sprayer under pressure or
with spray solution in the container.
MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND
STORING
!Warning!
Use only identical STIHL replacement
parts for maintenance and repair. Use of
non-STIHL parts may result in personal
injury or property damage.
Strictly follow the maintenance and
repair instructions in the appropriate
section of your instruction manual.
Please refer to the maintenance chart in
this manual.
!Warning!
Always release pressure in the pump
and the pressure chamber prior to
cleaning or servicing the sprayer. To
release the pressure, keep the trigger
valve depressed without operating the
hand lever until there is no more air or
liquid coming out of the nozzle.
Do not attempt any maintenance or
repair work not described in your
instruction manual. Have such work
performed by your STIHL servicing
dealer only.

10
English / USA
SG 20
:Connect the wand (1) to the spray
gun (2).
:Secure the nozzle holder (3) to the
wand (1).
:Use the screws (5) to mount the
hand lever (4).
After completing assembly, do a test
run with clean water to check the
sprayer for leaks – do not use the
sprayer if it is leaking.
:Adjust the harness straps so that
the backplate fits snugly and
securely against your back.
Threading the Harness Straps
Assembling the Sprayer Harness

11SG 20
English / USA
Tightening the Harness
:Pull the ends of the straps
downward.
Loosening the Harness
:Lift tabs of sliding adjusters.
:Fit the strainer (1).
:Stand the sprayer on a level
surface.
:Fill up with thoroughly blended
mixture – do not overfill (no further
than max. mark – arrow).
:Gasket (2) in the cap (3) must
always be well lubricated with
grease.
:Fit the cap and tighten it down firmly.
373BA003 KN
373BA004 KN
Filling the Container

12
English / USA
SG 20
Before Spraying
:Oil the pump piston (1).
:Put the sprayer on your back.
:Operate the hand lever (2) slowly
and uniformly without engaging the
trigger of the spray gun – 8 to 10
strokes are required to build up
pressure.
Spraying
:Pull the trigger of the spray gun (1).
:Operate the hand lever 3 to 6 times
per minute to maintain a uniform
spray pressure.
:Rotate the nozzle (2) to adjust the
spray pattern.
For continuous operation:
:Pull the trigger.
:Swing the U-clip (3) in direction of
the arrow – the trigger is locked.
Spraying

13SG 20
English / USA
:Drain the container in a well-
ventilated location.
:Dispose of spray solution in
accordance with applicable
ordinances and environmental
requirements – follow instructions of
the chemical manufacturer.
:Rinse the container with clean
water.
:Fill the container with about 1 1/4
gallons (5 liters) clean water; pump
and spray until the container and
hose system are empty and
pressure is released – do not store
the unit under pressure or with
spray solution in the container.
:After finishing work, clean the
filter (1) in the spray gun.
Storing the Machine

14
English / USA
SG 20
Maintenance Chart
The following maintenance operations apply to normal operating conditions.
If working conditions are difficult (very dusty work area, etc.) or your daily working time
is longer than normal, shorten the specified intervals accordingly.
before starting work after finishing work or daily weekly monthly yearly if problem if damaged if required
Complete unit Visual inspection (condition, leaks) x
Clean x
Filter in spray gun Clean xx
Container, pipe and hose system Drain x
Clean x
Container, pressure vessel, pipe and hose
system Visual inspection (condition, leaks) x
Pump piston Lubricate with oil xx x
Gasket in cap Lubricate with grease xx
Vent in cap Clean x
Accessible screws and nuts Retighten x
Safety labels Replace x

15SG 20
English / USA
1 Backplate
2 Pressure vessel
3 Harness
4 Spray gun
5 Filter
6 Spray wand
7 Nozzle holder with nozzle
8 Cap
9 Vent
10 Gasket
11 Strainer
12 Container
13 Pump
14 Retainer
15 Hand lever
# Serial number
Definitions
1. Backplate
Helps to protect the user’s back.
2. Pressure Vessel
Stores pressure produced by pump
and the pressurized spray solution.
3. Harness
For carrying the sprayer.
4. Spray Gun
Opens and closes the valve. Starts
and stops spray jet.
5. Filter in Spray Gun
Helps prevent impurities entering
and blocking the nozzle.
6. Spray Wand
Feeds spray solution to the nozzle.
7. Nozzle Holder
Accommodates the nozzle.
Nozzle
Atomizes the spray solution.
8. Cap
Closes the spray solution container.
9. Vent
Allows air into container to avoid
vacuum.
10. Gasket
Seals the container.
11. Strainer
Helps prevent impurities entering
the container.
12. Container
Contains the spray solution.
13. Pump
Produces the spray pressure.
14. Retainer
Holds spray gun when it is not in
use.
15. Hand Lever
Pump lever for producing spray
pressure.
Main Parts and Controls

16
English / USA
SG 20
Contact your STIHL dealer for
information regarding special
accessories that may be available for
your product.
Discharge rate: 61 cu.in/min
(1000 cm3/min)
a = 31 in (80 cm)
b=39 in (1 m)
Container
capacity: 4.76 gal (18 liters)
Weight: 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg)
Specifications Special Accessories

17SG 20
English / USA
STIHL Registered Trademarks
STIHL®
q
(
The color combination orange-grey
(U.S. Registration #2,821,860)
4-MIX®
AUTOCUT®
EASYSTART®
OILOMATIC®
STIHL Cutquik®
STIHL DUROMATIC®
STIHL Farm Boss®
STIHL Quickstop®
STIHL ROLLOMATIC®
STIHL WOOD BOSS®
TIMBERSPORTS®
YARD BOSS®
Some of STIHL’s Common Law
Trademarks
BioPlus™
Easy2Start™
EasySpool™
ElastoStart™
Ematic /Stihl-E-Matic™
FixCut™
HT Plus™
IntelliCarb™
Master Control Lever™
Micro™
Pro Mark™
Quad Power™
Quiet Line™
STIHL Arctic™
STIHL Compact™
STIHL HomeScaper Series™
STIHL Interchangeable Attachment
Series™
STIHL Magnum /Stihl-Magnum™
STIHL MiniBoss™
STIHL MotoPlus 4™
STIHL Multi-Cut HomeScaper Series™
Stihl Outfitters™
STIHL PICCO™
STIHL PolyCut™
STIHL PowerSweep™
STIHL Precision Series™
STIHL Protech™
STIHL RAPID™
STIHL SuperCut™
STIHL Territory™
TapAction™
TrimCut™
This listing of trademarks is subject to
change.
Any unauthorized use of these
trademarks without the express written
consent of
ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG,
Waiblingen is strictly prohibited.
Trademarks

18
English / USA
SG 20

19SG 20
español / EE.UU
BA_SE_186_001_31_02.fmImpreso en papel sin cloro.
Las tintas contienen aceites vegetales,el papel es reciclable.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2006 0458 408 8621 A. M8. G6. Sä. Printed in Germany
STIHl
Contenido
Guía para el uso de este manual ... 20
Medidas de seguridad
y técnicas de manejo ...................... 21
Armado del pulverizador ................ 28
Arnés .............................................. 28
Llenado del recipiente .................... 29
Pulverización .................................. 30
Almacenamiento de la máquina ..... 31
Tabla de mantenimiento ................. 32
Controles y piezas principales ........ 33
Especificaciones ............................. 34
Accesorios especiales .................... 34
Marcas comerciales ........................ 35