Stihl FSE 60 User manual

Instruction Manual
STIH)
STIHL FSE 60, 71, 81
BA_U1_01_01.fm Seite 0 Dienstag, 23. Oktober 2007 11:21 11

1FSE 60, FSE 71, FSE 81
English
BA_SE_204_001_01_06.fmPrinted on chlorine-free paper.
Printing inks contain vegetable oils; paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2007 0458 282 0121 A. M1,5. L7. Rei. Printed in Germany
STIHl
Contents
Guide to Using this Manual .............. 2
Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques ......................... 3
Approved Combinations of
Cutting Tool, Deflector,
Handle and Harness ......................... 9
Mounting the Drive Tube ................ 10
Mounting the Loop Handle ............. 10
Mounting the Deflector ................... 11
Mounting Cutting Tools ................... 11
Connecting to Power Supply .......... 13
Fitting the Harness ......................... 14
Switching On .................................. 15
Switching Off .................................. 15
Storing the Machine ........................ 15
Replacing the Nylon Line ............... 16
Maintenance Chart ......................... 20
Main Parts and Controls ................. 21
Specifications ................................. 22
Special Accessories ....................... 23
Maintenance and Repairs ............... 23
Certificate of Conformity ................ 24
Disposal .......................................... 24
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
FSE 60, FSE 71, FSE 81
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

3FSE 60, FSE 71, FSE 81
English
Special safety
precautions must be
observed when working
with this electric power
tool because of its high-
speed cutting attachment.
It is important that you
read and understand the
instruction manual before
using your power tool for
the first time. Keep it in a
safe place for later
reference. Non-observance of the
following safety precautions 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 servicing
dealer or a trained expert show you how
to operate your power tool or attend a
special course of training in power tool
operation.
Minors should never be allowed to use
this power tool.
Children, bystanders and animals
should not be allowed in the area where
a power tool is in use.
When the machine is not in use, shut it
off so that it does not endanger others
and secure it against unauthorized use.
The operator is responsible for avoiding
injury to third parties and damage to
their property.
Do not lend or rent your power tool
without the instruction manual. Be sure
that anyone using your power tool
understands the information contained
in this manual.
You must be rested, healthy and in good
physical condition to operate a power
tool.
If you have any condition that may be
aggravated by strenuous work, check
with your doctor before operating the
power tool.
Do not operate this power tool while
under the influence of any substance
(drugs, alcohol) which might impair
vision, dexterity or judgment.
Depending on the cutting tool fitted, use
your power tool only for cutting grass,
wild growth and similar materials.
Do not use your power tool for any other
purpose since this may result in
accidents or damage to the machine.
Never attempt to modify your power tool
in any way since this may also result in
accidents or damage to the machine.
To reduce the risk of accidents, always
disconnect the plug from the power
supply before carrying out any work on
the power tool.
Never jerk the power cord to disconnect
the plug from the wall outlet. To unplug,
grasp the plug, not the cord.
Unsuitable extension cords can be
extremely dangerous.
Make sure that the conductor cross
section (wire gauge) of the extension
cord meets the minimum requirements
(see "Connecting to Power Supply”).
Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques

4
English
FSE 60, FSE 71, FSE 81
The plug and coupling of the extension
cord must be waterproof and positioned
so that they cannot come into contact
with water.
Only use cutting attachments and
accessories that are explicitly approved
for this power tool model by STIHL or
are technically identical. If you have any
questions in this respect, consult a
specialist dealer. To reduce the risk of
accidents or damage to the machine,
use only high quality tools and
replacement parts.
STIHL recommends the use of STIHL
original tools and accessories. The
characteristics of these components are
specifically designed to match your
machine and meet your performance
requirements.
The deflector provided with your
machine may not protect the operator
from all foreign objects (stones, glass,
wire, etc.) thrown by the rotating cutting
attachment. Thrown objects may also
ricochet and strike the operator.
Clothing and Equipment
Wear proper protective clothing and
equipment.
Clothing must be sturdy
but allow complete
freedom of movement.
Wear snug-fitting clothing
– an overall and jacket
combination is
recommended, do not wear a coat.
Do not wear loose-fitting garments,
scarves, jewelry or anything that could
restrict movement or become entangled
with wood, brush or moving parts of the
machine. Tie up and confine long hair
(e.g. with a hair net, cap, hard hat, etc.).
Wear sturdy shoes
with non-slip soles.
To reduce the risk of injury
from thrown objects,
always wear a face shield
and safety glasses.
Warning! A face shield
alone does not provide adequate eye
protection.
Wear hearing protection, e.g. ear plugs
or ear muffs.
Wear heavy-duty
gloves, preferably made
of leather.
STIHL offers a comprehensive range of
safety clothing and equipment for
personal protection.
Transporting the Power Tool
Always switch off the power tool and
unplug it from the power supply.
Carry the unit hanging from the shoulder
strap or properly balanced by the drive
tube or loop handle.
By vehicle: Properly secure the power
tool to prevent turnover and damage.

5FSE 60, FSE 71, FSE 81
English
Before Starting Work
Check that your power tool is properly
assembled and in good condition – refer
to appropriate chapters in the instruction
manual:
– Voltage and frequency of the
machine (see rating plate) and the
voltage and frequency of your
power supply must be the same.
– Check the connecting cord, plug
and extension cord for damage.
Never use damaged cords,
couplings and plugs or connecting
cords that do not comply with
regulations.
– Receptacles of extension cords
must be splash-proof.
– The combination of cutting tool,
deflector, handle and shoulder strap
must be approved and all parts
properly assembled.
To reduce the risk of injury, do not
use metal cutting tools.
– To reduce the risk of stumbling,
position and mark the connecting
cord so that it cannot be damaged
or endanger others.
– Starting lockout lever and trigger
switch must move freely – the
switch must return to the idle
position when it is released.
– Check that the cutting tool is
properly and securely mounted and
in good condition.
– Check protective devices (e.g.
deflector for cutting tool) for damage
and wear. Replace damaged parts.
Never operate your power tool with
a damaged deflector.
– Never attempt to modify the controls
or safety devices.
– Keep handles dry and clean, free
from dirt, for safe control.
– Adjust handle to suit your height.
To reduce risk of personal injury, do
not operate your machine if it is
damaged or not properly assembled.
To reduce the risk of electric shock:
– Always connect the power tool to a
properly installed wall outlet.
– Make sure the extension cord used
complies with the regulations for the
intended application.
– Check that insulation of power cord
extension cord, plug and coupling is
in good condition.
Before switching on the power tool,
make sure the cutting tool is not
touching the ground or any other object.
To reduce the risk of
injury, avoid contact with
the cutting tool.
Note that the cutting tool
continues to rotate for a
short period after the
power tool is switched off
– flywheel effect.

6
English
FSE 60, FSE 71, FSE 81
Holding and Controlling the Unit
Always hold the machine firmly with
both hands on the handles. Make sure
you always have a firm footing.
Always hold the machine on the right-
hand side of your body.
Left hand on loop handle, right hand on
the control handle.
Left hand on loop handle, right hand on
the control handle.
During Operation
In case of imminent danger or in an
emergency, switch off the motor
immediately – release the trigger switch
and starting lockout.
To reduce the risk of personal injury from
thrown objects, do not allow any other
persons within a radius of 15 meters of
your own position.
Also maintain this distance to reduce the
risk of damage to property (parked
vehicles, windows).
The drive motor is not
waterproof. To reduce the
risk a short circuit or
electrocution, never work
with the power tool in the
rain or in wet or very damp
locations.
Do not leave the machine outdoors in
the rain.
Do not cut wet grass.
Take special care in slippery conditions
on slopes, uneven ground, etc.
Avoid stumbling on stumps, roots, rocks
or in ditches.
Be particularly alert and cautious when
wearing hearing protection because
your ability to hear warnings (shouts,
alarms, etc.) is restricted.
To reduce the risk of accidents, take a
break in good time to avoid tiredness or
exhaustion.
Work calmly and carefully – in daylight
conditions and only when visibility is
good – ensure you do not endanger
others – stay alert at all times.
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 Work”.
Make sure the safety devices are
working properly. Do not continue
operating your power tool if it is
damaged. In case of doubt, have the
machine checked by your servicing
dealer.
002BA117 KN
280BA020 KN
15m (50ft)

7FSE 60, FSE 71, FSE 81
English
To reduce the risk of personal injury
from thrown objects, never operate the
unit without the proper deflector for the
type of cutting tool being used.
Before cutting, inspect the
area for stones, glass,
pieces of metal or other
solid objects which could
damage the cutting tool or
be thrown and cause
damage to property (e.g. parked
vehicles, windows).
Special care must be taken when
working in difficult, over-grown terrain.
If the power cord is
damaged, immediately
disconnect the plug from
the power supply to avoid
the risk of electrocution.
Never jerk the power cord to disconnect
the plug from the wall outlet. To unplug,
grasp the plug, not the cord.
Avoid damage to the connecting cord.
Do not drive over it, pinch or pull it.
Position the connecting and extension
cords correctly:
– Do not chafe on edges, pointed or
sharp objects
– Do not squeeze through gaps in
doors or windows
– If cords are twisted – unplug the
power tool and straighten them out.
– Never touch the rotating cutting tool
– Always unwind cord from cable
drums to full length to reduce the
risk of fire from overheating.
Before leaving the machine unattended:
Switch off and disconnect the plug from
the power supply.
Check the cutting tool at regular short
intervals. If behavior of cutting tool
changes, check it immediately:
– Switch off the machine, hold it firmly
and press the cutting tool into the
ground to bring it to a standstill, and
disconnect the plug from the power
supply.
– Check condition and tightness –
look for cracks.
– Replace damaged cutting tools
immediately, even if they have only
superficial cracks.
– Clean grass and plant residue off
the cutting tool mounting at regular
intervals – remove obstructions
from around the cutting tool and
deflector.
To reduce the risk of unintentional motor
start and injury, always switch off the
machine and disconnect the plug from
the power supply before replacing the
cutting tool.
Do not continue using damaged or
cracked cutting tools and do not attempt
to repair them by welding, straightening
or modifying the shape (out of balance).
This may cause parts of the cutting tool
to come off and hit the operator or
bystanders at high speed and result in
serious or fatal injuries.

8
English
FSE 60, FSE 71, FSE 81
Use only the deflector with properly
mounted line limiter blade to ensure that
the mowing lines are automatically
trimmed to the approved length.
To reduce the risk of injury, always
switch off the machine and disconnect
the plug from the power supply before
manually adjusting the nylon line.
Using the unit with over-long nylon
cutting lines reduces the motor’s
operating speed. This results in
overheating and damage to the motor.
Maintenance and Repairs
To reduce the risk of injury from the
motor starting unintentionally, always
switch off the machine and disconnect
the plug from the power supply before
carrying out any maintenance work on
the machine.
Service the machine regularly.Do not
attempt any maintenance or repair work
not described in the instruction manual.
Have all other work performed by a
servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends that you have
servicing and repair work carried out
exclusively by an authorized STIHL
servicing dealer. STIHL dealers are
regularly given the opportunity to attend
training courses and receive technical
information bulletins on engineering
changes.
Use only high quality replacement parts
since there is otherwise a risk of
accidents or damage to the machine. If
you have any questions in this respect,
consult a servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends you use only
original STlHL replacement parts. The
characteristics of these parts are
specifically designed to match your
machine model and meet your
performance requirements.
Never attempt to modify your machine in
any way since this can be extremely
dangerous.
Regularly check that the insulation of the
power cord and plug is in good condition
and shows no signs of ageing
(brittleness).
Electrical components, e.g. power cord,
may only be repaired or replaced by a
qualified electrician.
Use a cloth to clean plastic parts of the
machine. Aggressive cleaning agents
may damage plastics.
Do not spray the machine with water.
Check tightness of mounting screws on
safety devices and cutting tool and
retighten if necessary.
Clean the cooling air inlets in the motor
housing as required.
Store the machine in a safe and dry
place.

9FSE 60, FSE 71, FSE 81
English
Cutting tools
1STIHL AutoCut C 5-2 mowing head
2STIHL AutoCut 5-2 mowing head
Deflector
3Deflector with blade for mowing
heads only (see “Mounting the
Deflector”
Handle
4Loop handle
Harness
5Shoulder strap may be used
Equipment
Among other parts, the complete
trimmer includes:
– Cutting tool
– Deflector
– Handle
– Shoulder strap (special accessory)
Approved Combinations
Select correct combination from the
table according to the cutting tool you
intend to use.
For safety reasons only the tool,
deflector, handle and harness
versions shown in the table may be
used together. No other
combinations are permitted
because of the risk of accidents
and personal injury.
Only mowing heads (1, 2) may be used
on trimmers with a curved drive tube and
loop handle.
To reduce the risk of personal injury,
take special care to avoid contact
with the rotating cutting tool.
Approved Combinations of Cutting Tool, Deflector, Handle
and Harness
Cutting tool Deflector Handle Harness/Strap
Schnur/LINE 2
681FK213 KN
Schnur/LINE 1
1
002BA000 KN
2
3
4
0
02BA125 KN
5

10
English
FSE 60, FSE 71, FSE 81
:Pull the protective cap off the drive
tube.
:Push the drive tube (1) into the
motor housing (2) as far as the
mark (A), turning the drive tube
back and forth at the same time.
:Tighten down the screw (3) in the
housing.
Mounting the Loop Handle
:Fit the loop handle (1) on the drive
tube at a distance A of about 30 cm
from the control handle (2).
:Insert the hex nut (3) in the loop
handle.
:Squeeze the ends of the clamp
together, fit the M6x40 screw (4)
with washer (5) from the other wise
and tighten down firmly.
Adjusting Loop Handle to Most
Comfortable Position
:Loosen the screw (4).
:Move the loop handle along the
drive tube to the required position –
tighten down the screw firmly.
Mounting the Drive Tube
1
238BA016 KN
3
A
2
A
Mounting the Loop Handle
4
1
2
3
5
A
282BA001 KN
40 mm

11FSE 60, FSE 71, FSE 81
English
:Push the deflector (1) onto the
clamp (2) as far as stop.
:Fit the locknut (3) in the hex recess
on the deflector.
:Make sure the holes line up.
:Insert the M6x30 screw (4) and
tighten it down firmly.
Preparations
:Switch off the motor.
:Lay your trimmer on its back with
the loop handle pointing down and
the output shaft facing up.
Mounting STIHL AutoCut C 5-2
Mowing Head
:Slide the mowing head (1) over the
shaft (2) and engage hexagon
recess (3) on external hexagon (4).
Mounting the Deflector
1
238BA003 KN
2
238BA004 KN
4
3
Mounting Cutting Tools
238BA005 KN
3
2
1
282BA002 KN
4

12
English
FSE 60, FSE 71, FSE 81
:Screw the spool (5)clockwise until
the two arrow points are in
alignment – secure the spool in this
position.
:Fit cap (6)in the spool, press it
down as far as stop and rotate it
clockwise at the same time.
:Rotate cap as far as stop and
tighten down by hand.
Mounting the STIHL AutoCut 5-2
Assembling the Mowing Head
:Fit the spring (1) in the head (2).
All other steps are described in the
instruction sheet provided.
:Wind the nylon lines (3) onto the
spool (4).
:Thread the ends of the nylon lines
through the sleeves and place the
spool in the head.
Mounting the Mowing Head
:Push the mowing head (2) over the
shaft (5) and engage the hex recess
(7) on the external hexagon (6).
:Place the cap (8) on the head –
turn it clockwise as far as stop and
then tighten it down firmly.
Keep instruction sheet for mowing
head in a safe place.
5
282BA003 KN
Schnur/LINE 2
Schnur/LINE 1
2
6
1
232BA054 KN
23
4
3
6
5
238BA006 KN
7
2
8

13FSE 60, FSE 71, FSE 81
English
Adjusting Nylon Line
STIHL AutoCut mowing head
:Hold the rotating mowing head
horizontal to the ground – tap it on
the ground – about 3cm fresh line is
advanced.
:The blade (1) on the deflector (2)
trims surplus line to the correct
length. Avoid tapping the head more
than once.
Line feed operates only if both lines
are at least 2.5cm long.
If the nylon lines are shorter than 2.5cm:
:Switch off the machine.
:Unplug the power cord from the
power supply.
:Turn the machine in its back.
:Push home the cap on the spool as
far as stop.
:Pull the ends of the nylon line out of
the spool to the required length.
If the spool is empty, see “Replacing
Nylon Line”.
Removing the Mowing Head
STIHL AutoCut
:Hold the mowing head steady.
:Unscrew the cap counterclockwise.
Replacing Cutting Line
STIHL AutoCut
See chapter on “Replacing Nylon Line”.
Mains voltage and operating voltage
must be the same.
The machine must be connected to the
power supply via a ground-fault circuit
interrupter.
The mains connection must comply with
IEC 60364 and country-specific
regulations.
Check the minimum conductor cross
section required for extension cords.
1
282BA004 KN
2
Cord length Cross section
up to 25 m 1.0 mm2
25 m to 50 m 1.5 mm2
Connecting to Power
Supply

14
English
FSE 60, FSE 71, FSE 81
:Insert the unit’s plug (1) into
extension cord coupling (2).
Strain Relief
:Make a loop (3)in the extension
cord and pass it through the
opening (4).
:Slip the loop over the hook (5) and
pull it tight.
:Connect the extension cord plug to
a properly installed power outlet.
A Harness is available as special
accessory.
Wear the harness over your left shoulder
and adjust its length so that the spring
hook lies against your right hip.
The open side of the hook should face
away from your body. Attach the spring
hook to the carrying loop.
238BA008 KN
12
4
238BA009 KN
5
3
Fitting the Harness

15FSE 60, FSE 71, FSE 81
English
:Make sure you have a secure and
balanced footing.
:Hold the unit with both hands – right
hand on the control handle – left
hand on the loop handle.
:Stand upright – hold the unit in a
relaxed position and always on the
right-hand side of your body.
:Make sure the cutting tool is not
touching the ground or any other
object.
:Press down the starting lockout
lever (1) and hold it in that poistion.
:Squeeze the trigger switch (2).
:Release the trigger switch and the
starting lockout lever.
Note that cutting tool continues to
rotate for a brief period after you
release the trigger switch and
starting lockout lever – flywheel
effect!
During long work breaks – disconnect
the plug from the power supply.
When the power tool is not in use, store
it in such a way that it does not endanger
others.
Secure your power tool against
unauthorized use.
For periods of about 3 months or longer:
:Thoroughly clean the machine,
especially the cooling air inlets.
:Take out the spool with nylon lines
and attach the ends of the lines in
the spool’s notches.
Clean and inspect the spool.
The resilience and service life of the
nylon line can be increased by
storing it in water.
:Store the machine in a dry, high or
locked location – out of the reach of
children and other unauthorized
persons.
Switching On
2
1
238BA010 KN
Switching Off Storing the Machine

16
English
FSE 60, FSE 71, FSE 81
STIHL AutoCut C 5-2
Always inspect the mowing head for
signs of wear before replacing the nylon
line.
If there are signs of serious wear,
install a completely new mowing
head.
Preparations
:Switch off the machine.
:Lay your trimmer on its back with
the mowing head facing up.
Removing Remaining Nylon Line
In normal operation, the line in the
mowing head is used up almost
completely.
Disassembling the mowing head
To remove the remaining line:
:Hold the mowing head steady and
rotate the cap (1) counterclockwise
until it can be removed.
:Pull the spool (2) out of the mowing
head (3) and remove the remaining
line.
Assembling the mowing head
:Fit the empty spool in the mowing
head.
If the spring (4) has popped out,
push it into the spool (2) until it
engages in position with an audible
click.
:Mount the mowing head – see
chapter on “Mounting the Mowing
Head”.
Replacing the Nylon Line
Schnur/LINE 1
681BA021 KN
1
2
3
Schnur/LINE 1
681BA022 KN
2
4

17FSE 60, FSE 71, FSE 81
English
Winding Line onto Spool
:Use green-coded nylon line with a
diameter of 2 mm.
:Cut two 2 m lengths of nylon line
from the reel**.
:Rotate the spool (2) counterclock-
wise until the two arrow points are in
alignment.
:Push the straight end of each line
through the sleeves (5) in the
mowing head (3) until you feel
noticeable resistance – and then
continuing pushing as far as stop.
** see “Special Accessories”
:Hold the mowing head steady.
:Rotate the spool counterclockwise
until the shortest line is about 10 cm
long.
:If necessary, cut the longer line to a
length of about 10 cm.
The mowing head is now full.
STIHL AutoCut 5-2
Always inspect the mowing head for
wear before replacing the nylon line.
If there are signs of serious wear,
replace the parts concerned or
install a new mowing head.
Preparations
:Switch off the motor.
:Lay the trimmer on its back with the
mowing head facing up.
Schnur/LINE 2
681BA023 KN
5
Schnur/LINE 1
3
3
2
681BA024 KN
Schnur/LINE 2
Schnur/LINE 1

18
English
FSE 60, FSE 71, FSE 81
Removing Remaining Nylon Line
:Open the mowing head – hold it
steady with one hand and unscrew
the cap (1) counterclockwise.
:Disengage the spool (2), take it out
of the mowing head and remove the
remaining nylon line.
Winding Line Onto Spool
A prewound spool** may be
installed instead of fitting individual
lines.
** see "Special Accessories"
:Use green-coded nylon line with a
diameter of 2 mm.
:Cut two 3 m lengths of nylon line
from the replacement reel**
Insert the end of each line (3) in the
holes (4) in the spool.
:Bend the ends of the lines over the
edge of the holes to form a hook.
** see "Special Accessories"
:Straighten out the nylon lines and
wind them tightly onto the spool –
one nylon line in each chamber.
:Engage the ends of the nylon lines
in the notches (5).
Assembling the Mowing Head
Check that the compression spring
is installed (see "Mounting the
Mowing Head").
681BA008 KN
12
681BA009 KN
4
3
3
681BA010 KN
5
5

19FSE 60, FSE 71, FSE 81
English
:Thread the ends of the lines (6)
through the sleeves (7) and push
the spool (2) into the head so that
snaps into position.
Nylon lines must disengage from
the notches (5) as the spool is
pushed into position.
:Pull out the ends of the lines as far
as stop.
:Mount the mowing head on the
machine.
7
681BA011 KN
2
6
6