Stihl FSA 135 R User manual

FSA 135 R
2 - 24 Instruction Manual

Contents
1 Introduction................................................. 2
2 Guide to Using this Manual.........................2
3 Overview..................................................... 3
4 Safety Precautions......................................4
5 Preparing Trimmer for Operation.............. 11
6 Charging the Battery, LEDs...................... 11
7 Activating and Deactivating Bluetooth®
Radio Interface..........................................12
8 Assembling the Trimmer........................... 12
9 Adjusting Trimmer for User....................... 14
10 Removing and Fitting the Battery..............15
11 Switching the Trimmer On/Off...................15
12 Testing the Trimmer and Battery.............. 16
13 Operating the Trimmer..............................16
14 After Finishing Work..................................18
15 Transporting..............................................18
16 Storing.......................................................18
17 Cleaning....................................................19
18 Maintenance............................................. 19
19 Repairing...................................................20
20 Troubleshooting........................................ 20
21 Specifications............................................21
22 Combinations of Cutting Attachments,
Deflectors and Carrying Systems............. 22
23 Spare Parts and Accessories....................23
24 Disposal.................................................... 23
25 EC Declaration of Conformity................... 23
26 UKCA Declaration of Conformity.............. 24
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 con‐
ditions.
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 sus‐
tainable 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 Guide to Using this Manual
2.1 Applicable Documents
The local safety regulations apply.
► In addition to this User Manual, you should
also read, understand and retain the following
documents:
–User Manual and packaging of the cutting
attachment being used
–User manual of the carrying system you are
using
–User Manual for STIHL AR battery
–User Manual for "AP belt bag with connect‐
ing cable"
–Safety notices and precautions for
STIHL AP battery
–User Manual for STIHL AL 101, 301, 301-4,
500 chargers
–Safety information for STIHL batteries and
products with built-in battery:
www.stihl.com/safety-data-sheets
For further information on STIHL connected,
compatible products and FAQs, please visit
www.connect.stihl.com or available from a STIHL
servicing dealer.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are regis‐
tered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
These word marks/logos are used by STIHL
under license.
Batteries with are equipped with a Bluetooth®
radio interface. Local operating restrictions (in
aircraft or hospitals, for example) must be
observed.
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.
English
2 0458-662-0121-C
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG 2022
0458-662-0121-C. VA0.G22.
Printed on chlorine-free paper Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
Translation of Original Instruction Manual 0000009153_009_GB

NOTICE
■ This symbol indicates dangers that can cause
damage to property.
► The measures indicated can avoid damage
to property.
2.3 Symbols in Text
This symbol refers to a chapter in this
instruction manual.
3 Overview
3.1 Brushcutter and Battery
1 2
3
5
#4
7
8
9
10
6
13 16
14
17
15
11
12
0000097098_002
18
19
21
20
#
1 Locking lever
The locking lever holds the battery in the bat‐
tery compartment.
2 Battery compartment
The battery compartment holds the battery.
3Cover1
The cover is the placeholder for a Smart Con‐
nector 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.
9 LEDs
These LEDs indicate the selected power
level.
10 Carrying ring
The carrying ring is for attaching the carrying
system.
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 Battery
The battery supplies power to the brushcutter.
19 LEDs
The LEDs indicate the state of charge of the
battery and any faults.
20 Pushbutton
The pushbutton activates the LEDs on the
battery. The pushbutton activates and deacti‐
vates Bluetooth® radio interface (if available).
1The cover is part of the motor housing. Only remove the cover to install a Smart Connector 2 A and
store it safely for later re-installation. Always use the brushcutter with the cover or Smart Connector 2
A installed.
3 Overview English
0458-662-0121-C 3

21 "BLUETOOTH®" LED (only for batteries with
)
The LED indicates the activation and deacti‐
vation of the Bluetooth® interface.
# Rating plate with the machine number
3.2 Deflectors and Cutting Attach‐
ments
The illustrations show examples of deflectors
and cutting attachments. Approved combinations
are listed in this instruction manual, 22.
8
4
0000-GXX-3081-A0
1
2
7
4
5
3
6
1 Universal Deflector
Protects user from flying debris and contact
with the cutting attachment.
2 Grass Cutting Blade
Cuts grass and weeds.
3 Brush knife
Cuts brushwood.
4 Line Limiting Blade
Trims surplus mowing line to correct length.
5 Skirt
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 Symbols
Meanings of symbols that may be on the brush‐
cutter, deflector and battery:
1 LED emits red light. The battery is
too warm or too cold.
4 LEDs flash red. There is a fault in the
battery.
Push the release slide forward to switch
the brushcutter on and set the power lev‐
els.
This icon marks the release slide.
This symbol indicates the direction of
rotation of the cutting attachment.
This icon shows the maximum diame‐
ter of the cutting attachment in millime‐
ters.
This symbol shows the rated speed of the
cutting attachment.
L
W
A
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 battery is equipped with a Bluetooth®
radio interface and can be paired with the
STIHL connected app.
The information next to the symbol indi‐
cates the energy content of the battery
according to the cell manufacturer’s specifi‐
cation. The energy content available in
operation is lower.
Do not dispose of the product with domes‐
tic waste.
4 Safety Precautions
4.1 Warning Signs
4.1.1 Warning Symbols
Meanings of warning signs on the brushcutter
and battery:
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.
Wear work gloves.
English 4 Safety Precautions
4 0458-662-0121-C

Observe the safety notices on kickback
and take the necessary precautions.
Observe the safety advice concerning
flying objects and associated meas‐
ures.
15m (50ft)
Maintain a safety distance.
Remove the battery during work stop‐
pages, 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 temper‐
ature range.
4.1.2 Deflector for mowing heads
Meanings of warning signs and labels on the
deflector for mowing heads:
Use this deflector for mowing heads.
Do not use this deflector for grass cut‐
ting blades.
Do nit use this deflector for brush kni‐
ves.
Do not use this deflector for shredder
blades.
Do not use this deflector for circular
saw blades.
4.1.3 Universal Deflector and Skirt
Universal deflector
Meanings of warning signs on the universal
deflector:
Do not use this deflector without skirt
for mowing heads.
Use this deflector for grass cutting
blades.
Use use this deflector for brush knives.
Use this deflector for shredder blades.
Do not use this deflector for circular
saw blades.
Skirt
Meanings of warning signs on the skirt:
Use the universal deflector with skirt
and line limiting blade for mowing
heads.
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 bat‐
tery or a STIHL AR battery.
The battery with in combination with the
STIHL connected app enables customization and
the transfer of information to the battery using
Bluetooth® technology.
WARNING
■Batteries not explicitly approved for the brush‐
cutter by STIHL may cause a fire or an explo‐
sion. Persons may be seriously or fatally
injured, and property may be damaged.
4 Safety Precautions English
0458-662-0121-C 5

► Use the brushcutter with a STIHL AP bat‐
tery or a STIHL AR battery.
■ Using the brushcutter or the battery for purpo‐
ses 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, the STIHL AR battery User Man‐
ual, the STIHL connected app and at
www.connect.stihl.com.
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.
► Read, understand and save the
instruction manual.
► 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 con‐
dition and mental health to operate and
work with the trimmer and battery. If the
user’s physical, sensory or mental abil‐
ity 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 supervi‐
sion in accordance with national rules
and regulations.
–The user has received instruction from a
STIHL servicing dealer or other experi‐
enced user before working with the trim‐
mer for the first time.
–The user must not be under the influ‐
ence 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 close-fitting safety glasses.
Suitable safety glasses are tested in
accordance with EN 166 or national
regulations and available commer‐
cially with the corresponding mark‐
ing.
►Wear face protection.
► Wear long trousers made from resistant
material.
■ Falling objects can cause head injuries.
► If objects are likely to fall while work‐
ing: wear a hard hat
■ 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 rotat‐
ing cutting attachment during operation. This
may result in serious injury to the user.
►Wear robust footwear.
► If you are using a metal cutting
attachment: Wear steel-toed safety
boots.
► 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.
► Wear work gloves made from resist‐
ant material.
■ Wearing unsuitable footwear may cause the
user to slip. This may result in injury to the
user.
English 4 Safety Precautions
6 0458-662-0121-C

► Wear sturdy, closed-toed footwear with
high-grip soles.
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 fly‐
ing debris. This may result in serious injury to
bystanders, children and animals and damage
to property.
15m (50ft)
► Do not allow bystanders,
children or animals within 15
meters of the work area.
► 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 explo‐
sive environment.
4.5.2 Battery
WARNING
■Bystanders, children and animals cannot rec‐
ognize or assess the dangers of the battery.
Bystanders, children and animals may be seri‐
ously injured.
►Keep bystanders, children and animals
away from the work area.
► Do not leave the battery unattended.
► Make sure that children cannot play with
the battery.
■ The battery is not protected against all ambi‐
ent conditions. If the battery is exposed to cer‐
tain ambient conditions, the battery may catch
fire, explode or be irreparably damaged. This
may result in serious injury to people and
damage to property.
► Protect battery from heat and fire.
► Do not throw the battery into a fire.
► Use and store the battery at temper‐
atures between ‑ 10 °C and + 50 °C.
► Do not immerse the battery in fluids.
► Keep battery away from small metal parts.
► 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 fol‐
lowing 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 prop‐
erly mounted.
–Genuine STIHL accessories for this brushcut‐
ter are fitted.
–The accessories are correctly attached.
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 brush‐
cutter.
► Never attempt to modify your brushcutter.
Exception: Mounting one of the combina‐
tions 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 Safety Precautions English
0458-662-0121-C 7

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 fol‐
lowing 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 condi‐
tion if the following points are observed:
–Metal cutting attachment and mounting hard‐
ware are undamaged.
–Metal cutting attachment is not warped.
–Metal cutting attachment is properly mounted.
–Metal cutting attachment is correctly sharp‐
ened.
–Cutting edges of the metal cutting attachment
have no burrs.
–The wear limits are not exceeded.
–If a metal cutting attachment not manufactured
by STIHL is used, it must not be heavier,
thicker, of a different shape, of a lower quality,
or larger in diameter than the largest metal
cutting attachment approved by STIHL.
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 hard‐
ware.
►Sharpen the metal cutting attachment cor‐
rectly.
► Deburr the cutting edges with a file.
► Have the metal cutting attachment bal‐
anced by a STIHL servicing dealer.
► Observe and remain inside the wear limits.
► Use a metal cutting attachment specified in
these instructions for use.
► If you have any doubts, be sure to consult a
STIHL dealer.
4.6.5 Battery
The battery is in safe condition when the follow‐
ing conditions are met:
–The battery is not damaged.
–The battery is clean and dry.
–The battery is working and has not been modi‐
fied.
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 bat‐
tery.
► If the battery is dirty or wet: clean the bat‐
tery 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 met‐
allic 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.
English 4 Safety Precautions
8 0458-662-0121-C

■ 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 Working
WARNING
■ In certain situations, the user may no longer
be able to concentrate on their work. This may
result in the user stumbling, falling and suffer‐
ing serious injury.
►Work calmly and in a considered manner.
► 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.
► Work standing on the ground and keep your
balance.
► If you feel tired, take a break.
■ The rotating cutting attachment can cut the
user. This may result in serious injury to the
user.
►Do not touch the rotating cutting attach‐
ment.
► If the cutting attachment is blocked by an
object: Switch off the brushcutter and
remove the battery. Only then should you
remove the object.
■If the behavior of the trimmer changes during
operation or feels unusual, it may no longer be
in a safe condition. There is a risk of serious
injury to people and damage to property.
►Stop working, remove the battery and con‐
sult a STIHL dealer.
■ Vibrations may occur during trimmer opera‐
tion.
► Wear gloves.
► Take breaks.
► If signs of a circulatory disturbance occur:
Consult a doctor.
■ If the cutting attachment makes contact with a
foreign object during operation, the object or
parts of it may be thrown at high speed. Per‐
sons may be injured or property damaged.
►Remove foreign objects from the working
area.
■ If the rotating cutting attachment makes con‐
tact with a hard object, sparks may occur and
the cutting attachment may be damaged.
Sparks can cause fires in a flammable envi‐
ronment. Persons may be seriously or fatally
injured and property may be damaged.
►Do not use in a flammable environment.
► Make sure the cutting attachment is in a
safe condition.
■ Note that the cutting attachment continues to
rotate for a short period after you release the
trigger. They may cause serious injury to per‐
sons.
►Wait until the cutting attachment comes to a
complete stop.
■ In an emergency, the user may start to panic
and forget to take off the carrying system. This
may result in serious injury to the user.
►Practice taking off the carrying system.
4.8 Reactive Forces
0000-GXX-3025-A1
Kickout can be caused for the following reasons:
–The shaded area or the black area of the rotat‐
ing metal cutting attachment comes into con‐
tact 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 trim‐
mer. 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 recommen‐
ded in this instruction manual.
4 Safety Precautions English
0458-662-0121-C 9

► Sharpen the metal cutting attachment cor‐
rectly.
► Cut with the motor running at full speed.
4.9 Transporting
4.9.1 Brushcutter
WARNING
■ The gear housing can get hot during opera‐
tion. There is a risk of burn injuries.
► Do not touch a hot gear housing.
■ The brushcutter may tilt over or shift during
transport. Persons may be injured or property
damaged.
► Remove the battery.
► 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 ambi‐
ent 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.
■ The battery may turn over or shift during trans‐
port. This may result in injury to people 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 seri‐
ously injured.
► Remove the battery.
► 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.
► Remove the battery.
► 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 Children may be
seriously injured.
►Store the battery out of the reach of chil‐
dren.
■ The battery is not protected against all ambi‐
ent conditions. If the battery is exposed to cer‐
tain ambient conditions, the battery may be
irreparably damaged.
►Store the battery in a clean and dry condi‐
tion.
► Store the battery in an enclosed space.
► Store the battery separately from the brush‐
cutter.
► If the battery is stored in the charger, dis‐
connect the mains plug and store the
rechargeable battery at a battery charge
status between 40% and 60% (2 lit green
LEDs).
►Store the battery at a temperature range
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.
► Remove the battery.
■ The gear housing can get hot during opera‐
tion. There is a risk of burn injuries.
► Do not touch a hot gear housing.
English 4 Safety Precautions
10 0458-662-0121-C