Stihl FT 250 User manual

{
STIHL FT 250 Instruction Manual

Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2017 0458-262-0121-B. VA1.A17. 0000000795_013_GB
FT 250
English
1
{This instruction manual is protected by copyright. All rights reserved, especially the rights to reproduce, translate and process
with electronic systems.
Contents
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing a quality
engineered STIHL product.
It 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 product.
Please contact your dealer or our sales
company if you have any queries
concerning this product.
Your
Dr. Nikolas Stihl
Guide to Using this Manual 2
Safety Precautions and Working
Techniques 2
Using the Unit 9
Approved Combinations of Cutting
Attachment, Deflector, Limit Stop
and Harness 10
Mounting the Bike Handle 11
Adjusting the Throttle Cable 12
Fitting Padding 13
Mounting the Deflector 13
Mounting the Cutting Attachment 13
Fuel 15
Fueling 16
Fitting the Harness 17
Starting / Stopping the Engine 20
Transporting the Unit 22
Operating Instructions 23
Cleaning the Air Filter 23
Adjusting the Carburetor 25
Spark Plug 26
Engine Running Behavior 27
Lubricating the Gearbox 27
Replacing the Starter Rope and
Rewind Spring 28
Storing the Machine 29
Sharpening Metal Cutting Blades 30
Inspection and Maintenance by
User 30
Inspections and Maintenance by
Dealer 30
Maintenance and Care 31
Minimize Wear and Avoid Damage 33
Main Parts 34
Specifications 35
Maintenance and Repairs 35
Disposal 36

FT 250
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Pictograms
The meanings of the pictograms
attached to the machine are explained in
this manual.
Depending on the model concerned, the
following pictograms may be attached to
your machine.
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.
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 manual.
Observe all applicable local safety
regulations, standards and ordinances.
If you have not used this type of power
tool before: Have your dealer or other
experienced user show you how to
operate your machine or attend a
special course in its operation.
Minors should never be allowed to use a
power tool.
Keep bystanders, especially children,
and animals away from the work area.
When the power tool is not in use, shut it
off so that it does not endanger others.
Secure it against unauthorized use.
The user is responsible for avoiding
injury to third parties or damage to their
property.
Guide to Using this Manual
Fuel tank; fuel mixture of
gasoline and engine oil
Operate decompression
valve
Manual fuel pump
Operate manual fuel
pump
Tube of grease
Intake air: Summer
operation
Intake air: Winter
operation
Handle heating
Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques
Some special safety pre-
cautions must be
observed to reduce the
risk of personal injury
when operating this
power tool because of the
very high speed of its cut-
ting attachment.
It is important that you
read the instruction man-
ual before first use and
keep it in a safe place for
future reference. Non-
observance of the
instruction manual may
result in serious or even
fatal injury.

FT 250
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Do not lend or rent your power tool
without the instruction manual. Be sure
that anyone using it understands the
information contained in this manual.
The use of noise emitting power tools
may be restricted to certain times by
national or local regulations.
To operate the power tool you must be
rested, in good physical condition and
mental health.
If you have any condition that might be
aggravated by strenuous work, check
with your doctor before operating a
power tool.
Persons with pacemakers only: The
ignition system of your power tool
produces an electromagnetic field of a
very low intensity. This field may
interfere with some pacemakers. STIHL
recommends that persons with
pacemakers consult their physician and
the pacemaker manufacturer to reduce
any health risk.
Do not operate the power tool if you are
under the influence of any substance
(drugs, alcohol) which might impair
vision, dexterity or judgment.
Do not use your power tool for any other
purpose because of the increased risk of
accidents.
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
servicing dealer. Use only high quality
tools and accessories in order to avoid
the risk of accidents and damage to the
machine.
STIHL recommends the use of genuine
STIHL tools and accessories. They are
specifically designed to match the
product and meet your performance
requirements.
Never attempt to modify your machine 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 pressure washer to clean
the unit. The solid jet of water may
damage parts of the unit.
The deflector on this power tool cannot
protect the operator from all objects
thrown by the cutting attachment
(stones, glass, wire, etc.). Such objects
may ricochet and then hit the operator.
Clothing and Equipment
Wear proper protective clothing and
equipment.
WARNING
Wear a face shield and make sure it is a
good fit. A face shield alone does not
provide adequate eye protection.
Wear hearing protection, e.g. earplugs
or ear muffs.
Wear a safety hard hat for thinning
operations, when working in high scrub
and where there is a danger of head
injuries from falling objects.
STIHL offers a comprehensive range of
personal protective clothing and
equipment.
Use your power tool only
for cutting and pruning
tea plants – not logs. Clothing must be sturdy
but allow complete free-
dom of movement. Wear
snug-fitting clothing, an
overall and jacket combi-
nation, do not wear a
work coat.
Avoid clothing that could
get caught on branches
or brush or moving parts
of the machine. Do not
wear a scarf, necktie or
jewelry. Tie up and con-
fine long hair (e.g. with a
hair net, cap, hard hat,
etc.).
Wear steel-toed safety
boots with non-slip soles.
To reduce the risk of eye
injuries, wear close-fit-
ting safety glasses in
accordance with Euro-
pean Standard EN 166.
Make sure the safety
glasses are a snug fit.
Wear heavy-duty work
gloves made of durable
material (e.g. leather).

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Transporting the Power Tool
Always turn off the engine.
Carry the unit hanging from the shoulder
strap or properly balanced by the drive
tube.
To reduce the risk of cut injuries, fit
transport guard on the cutting
attachment, even when carrying the tool
for short distances – see also
"Transporting the Unit".
Transporting by vehicle: Properly secure
your power tool to prevent turnover, fuel
spillage and damage.
Fueling
Always shut off the engine before
refueling.
Do not fuel a hot engine – fuel may spill
and cause a fire.
Open the fuel cap carefully to allow any
pressure build-up in the tank to release
slowly and avoid fuel spillage.
Fuel your power tool only in well-
ventilated areas. If you spill fuel, wipe
the machine immediately – if fuel gets on
your clothing, change immediately.
This reduces the risk of unit vibrations
causing the fuel cap to loosen or come
off and spill quantities of fuel.
To reduce the risk of serious or fatal
burn injuries, check for fuel leakage. If
fuel leakage is found, do not start or run
the engine until leak is fixed.
Before Starting
Check that your power tool is properly
assembled and in good condition – refer
to appropriate chapters in the instruction
manual.
–Check the fuel system for leaks,
paying special attention to visible
parts such as the tank cap, hose
connections and the manual fuel
pump (on machines so equipped). If
there are any leaks or damage, do
not start the engine – risk of fire.
Have your machine repaired by a
servicing dealer before using it
again.
–Use only an approved combination
of cutting attachment, deflector,
handle and harness. All parts must
be assembled properly and
securely.
–Slide control / stop switch must
move easily to STOP or 0.
–Smooth action of throttle trigger
lockout (if fitted) and throttle trigger
– the throttle trigger must return
automatically to the idle position.
–Check that the spark plug boot is
secure – a loose boot may cause
arcing that could ignite combustible
fumes and cause a fire.
–Check cutting attachment for
correct and secure assembly and
good condition.
–Check protective devices (e.g.
deflector for cutting attachment) for
damage or wear. Always replace
damaged parts. Never operate the
unit with a damaged deflector.
–Never attempt to modify the controls
or safety devices in any way.
–Keep the handles dry and clean –
free from oil and dirt – for safe
control of the power tool.
–Adjust the harness and handles to
suit your height and reach – see
"Fitting the Harness".
To reduce the risk of personal injury, do
not operate your machine if it is
damaged or not properly assembled.
To reduce the risk of seri-
ous burn injuries, avoid
touching hot parts of the
machine, including the
gearbox housing.
Gasoline is an extremely
flammable fuel. Keep
clear of naked flames. Do
not spill any fuel – do not
smoke.
262BA029 KN
After fueling, tighten
down the fuel tank cap as
securely as possible.

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If you use a shoulder strap or full
harness: Practice removing and putting
down the machine as you would in an
emergency. To avoid damage, do not
throw the machine to the ground when
practicing.
Starting the Engine
Start the engine at least 3 meters from
the fueling spot, outdoors only.
Place the unit on firm ground in an open
area. Make sure you have good balance
and secure footing. Hold the unit
securely. The cutting attachment must
be clear of the ground and all other
obstructions because it may begin to run
when the engine starts.
Your power tool is a one-person unit. To
reduce the risk of injury from thrown
objects, do not allow other persons
within a radius of 15 meters of your own
position – even when starting.
Check idle speed setting: The cutting
attachment must not rotate when the
engine is idling with the throttle trigger
released.
To reduce the risk of fire, keep hot
exhaust gases and hot muffler away
from easily combustible materials (e.g.
wood chips, bark, dry grass, fuel).
Holding and Controlling the Power Tool
Always hold the power tool firmly with
both hands on the handles.
Make sure you always have good
balance and secure footing.
Right handle on control handle, left hand
on left handle.
During Operation
Make sure you always have good
balance and secure footing.
In the event of impending danger or in
an emergency, switch off the engine
immediately by moving the slide control
/ stop switch to STOP or 0.
The cutting attachment may catch and
fling objects a great distance and cause
injury - therefore, do not allow any other
persons within a radius of 15 meters of
your own position. To reduce the risk of
damage to property, also maintain this
distance from other objects (vehicles,
windows). Even maintaining a distance
of 15 meters or more cannot exclude the
potential danger.
The correct engine idle speed is
important to ensure that the cutting
attachment stops rotating when you let
go of the throttle trigger.
Check and correct the idle speed setting
regularly. If the cutting attachment
continues to rotate when the engine is
idling, have the machine checked by
your servicing dealer. STIHL
recommends an authorized STIHL
servicing dealer.
Take special care in slippery conditions
(ice, wet ground, snow) – on slopes or
uneven ground.
Watch out for obstacles: Roots and tree
stumps which could cause you to trip or
stumble.
To reduce the risk of
injury, avoid contact with
the cutting attachment.
Do not drop start the
power tool – start the
engine as described in
the instruction manual.
Note that the cutting
attachment continues to
run for a short period
after you let go of the
throttle trigger – flywheel
effect.
262BA048 KN
Never touch the rotating
cutting attachment – risk
of serious injury.
15m (50ft)

FT 250
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Always stand on the ground while
working, never on a ladder, work
platform or any other insecure support.
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. Stay alert so as not to endanger
others.
To reduce the risk of serious or fatal
injury from breathing toxic fumes,
ensure proper ventilation when working
in trenches, hollows or other confined
locations.
To reduce the risk of accidents, stop
work immediately in the event of
nausea, headache, visual disturbances
(e.g. reduced field of vision), problems
with hearing, dizziness, deterioration in
ability to concentrate. Apart from other
possibilities, these symptoms may be
caused by an excessively high
concentration of exhaust gases in the
work area.
Operate your power tool so that it
produces a minimum of noise and
emissions – do not run the engine
unnecessarily, accelerate the engine
only when working.
To reduce the risk of fire, do not smoke
while operating or standing near your
power tool. Note that combustible fuel
vapor may escape from the fuel system.
The dusts, vapor and smoke produced
during operation may be dangerous to
health. If the work area is very dusty or
smoky, wear a respirator.
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".
Check the fuel system in particular for
leaks and make sure the safety devices
are working properly. Do not continue
operating your power tool if it is
damaged. In case of doubt, consult your
servicing dealer.
Do not operate your power tool in the
starting throttle position – engine speed
cannot be controlled in this position.
Special care must be taken when
working in difficult, over-grown terrain.
When cutting high scrub, under bushes
and hedges: Keep cutting attachment at
a minimum height of 15 cm to avoid
harming small animals.
Before leaving the power tool
unattended: Shut off the engine.
Check the cutting attachment at regular
short intervals during operation or
immediately if there is a noticeable
change in cutting behavior:
–Turn off the engine. Hold the unit
firmly and wait for the cutting
attachment to come to a standstill.
–Check condition and tightness, look
for cracks.
–Check sharpness.
–Replace damaged or dull cutting
attachments immediately, even if
they have only superficial cracks.
Clean grass and plant residue off the
cutting attachment mounting at regular
intervals – remove any build up of
material from the cutting attachment and
deflector.
To reduce the risk of injury, shut off the
engine before changing the cutting
attachment.
Your power tool produces
toxic exhaust fumes as
soon as the engine is
running. These fumes
may be colorless and
odorless and contain
unburned hydrocarbons
and benzol. Never run
the engine indoors or in
poorly ventilated loca-
tions, even if your model
is equipped with a cata-
lytic converter.
To reduce the risk
of injury from
thrown objects,
never operate the
unit without the
proper deflector for
the type of cutting
attachment being
used.
Inspect the work area:
Stones, pieces of metal
or other solid objects may
be thrown more than 15
meters and cause per-
sonal injury or damage
the cutting attachment
and property (e.g. parked
vehicles, windows).

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Using metal cutting attachments
STIHL recommends the use of original
STIHL metal cutting attachments. They
are specifically designed to match your
model and meet your performance
requirements.
Metal cutting attachments rotate at very
high speed. The forces that occur act on
the machine, the attachment and the
material being cut.
Sharpen metal cutting attachments
regularly as specified.
Unevenly sharpened metal cutting
attachments cause out-of-balance
which can impose extremely high loads
on the machine and increase the risk of
breakage.
Dull or improperly sharpened cutting
edges can put a higher load on the
cutting attachment and increase the risk
of injury from cracked or broken parts.
Inspect metal cutting attachments for
cracks or warping after every contact
with hard objects (e.g. stones, rocks,
pieces of metal). To reduce the risk of
injury, remove burrs and other visible
build-ups of material (use a file) because
they may become detached and be
thrown at high speed during operation.
If a rotating metal cutting attachment
makes contact with a rock or other solid
object there is a risk of sparking which
may cause easily combustible material
to catch fire under certain
circumstances. Dry plants and scrub are
also easily combustible, especially in hot
and dry weather conditions. If there is a
risk of fire, do not use metal cutting
attachments near combustible
materials, dry plants or scrub. Always
contact your local forest authority for
information on a possible fire risk.
Do not continue using or attempt to
repair damaged or cracked cutting
attachments by welding, straightening or
modifying the shape (out of balance).
This may cause parts of the cutting
attachment to come off and hit the
operator or bystanders at high speed
and result in serious or fatal injuries.
To reduce the above-mentioned risks
when using a metal cutting attachment,
never use a metal cutting attachment
with a diameter larger than specified. It
must not be too heavy. It must be
manufactured from materials of
adequate quality and its geometry must
be correct (shape, thickness).
To reduce the risk of injury, a metal
cutting attachment not manufactured by
STIHL must not be heavier, thicker,
have a different shape or a diameter
larger than the largest metal cutting
attachment approved by STIHL for this
power tool model.
Vibrations
Prolonged use of the power tool may
result in vibration-induced circulation
problems in the hands (whitefinger
disease).
No general recommendation can be
given for the length of usage because it
depends on several factors.
The period of usage is prolonged by:
–Hand protection (wearing warm
gloves)
–Work breaks
The period of usage is shortened by:
–Any personal tendency to suffer
from poor circulation (symptoms:
frequently cold fingers, tingling
sensations).
–Low outside temperatures.
–The force with which the handles
are held (a tight grip restricts
circulation).
Continual and regular users should
monitor closely the condition of their
hands and fingers. If any of the above
symptoms appear (e.g. tingling
sensation in fingers), seek medical
advice.
Maintenance and Repairs
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 are supplied with
the necessary technical information.
The gearbox becomes
hot during operation. To
reduce the risk of burn
injury, do not touch the
gearbox housing.

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Only use high-quality replacement parts
in order to avoid the risk of accidents
and damage to the machine. If you have
any questions in this respect, consult a
servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends the use of genuine
STIHL replacement parts. They are
specifically designed to match your
model and meet your performance
requirements.
To reduce the risk of injury, always shut
off the engine before carrying out any
maintenance or repairs or cleaning the
machine. – Exception: Carburetor and
idle speed adjustments.
Do not turn the engine over on the
starter with the spark plug boot or spark
plug removed unless the slide control /
stop switch is on STOP or 0 since there
is otherwise a risk of fire from
uncontained sparking.
To reduce the risk of fire, do not service
or store your machine near open flames.
Check the fuel filler cap for leaks at
regular intervals.
Use only a spark plug of the type
approved by STIHL and make sure it is
in good condition – see "Specifications".
Inspect the ignition lead (insulation in
good condition, secure connection).
Check the condition of the muffler.
To reduce the risk of fire and damage to
hearing, do not operate your machine if
the muffler is damaged or missing.
Do not touch a hot muffler since burn
injury will result.
Vibration behavior is influenced by the
condition of the AV elements – check the
AV elements at regular intervals.
For safety reasons, the tea plant pruner
may only be operated with the following
cutting attachment:
Circular saw blade 250-100 (scratcher
tooth)
Circular saw blades made of any other
non-metal material are not permitted.
Symbols on Deflectors
Arrows on top of the circular saw blade
(1) and limit stop (2) show the correct
direction of rotation.
Harness
NUse a shoulder strap.
Shoulder strap with 2 carabiners
(included with machine)
NAttach the shoulder strap to the
machine.
NWith the engine running, put on the
shoulder strap with the machine.
Shoulder strap with 1 carabiner (special
accessory)
NWith the engine running, attach the
machine to the shoulder strap.
Circular Saw Blade
For cutting shrubs up to a stem diameter
of 6 cm.
Before starting the cut, accelerate the
engine up to full throttle. Perform cut
with uniform pressure.
Use circular saw blade only with a
matching limit stop of the correct
diameter.
002BA226 KN
1 2
262BA049 KN
262BA071 KN

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9
WARNING
To reduce the risk of blade damage,
avoid contact with stones and the
ground. Resharpen the blade properly in
good time – dull teeth may result in the
blade cracking and shattering and
causing serious injury.
Risk of kickout
The risk of kickout is highest in the black
area of the blade: Do not use this area of
the circular saw blade for cutting.
There is also a risk of kickout when
using the lighter shaded areas of the
blade: These areas of the blade should
only be used by experienced operators
with specialized training.
STIHL recommends that you use the
non-shaded area of the circular saw
blade. Always start the cut with this area
of the blade.
Use your tea plant pruner only for cutting
and pruning tea bushes.
Preparations
NTo reduce the risk of accidents or
injury, remove all obstacles and
objects from the work area.
NBefore starting cutting work, scare
away small animals to ensure they
are not injured.
NPut on the harness – see "Fitting the
Harness".
NStart the engine – see
"Starting / Stopping the Engine".
NPut on the harness with machine –
see "Fitting the Harness".
WARNING
Do not operate your tea plant pruner
without the harness.
NSwing the tea plant pruner to and fro
at the same height while moving
forwards.
002BA449 KN
Using the Unit
262BA050 KN

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10
Approved Combinations
Select correct combination from the
table according to the cutting
attachment you intend to use.
WARNING
For safety reasons no other
combinations are permitted – risk of
accidents.
Metal cutting attachment
1Circular saw blade 250-100
(scratcher tooth)
(250 mm dia.)
Deflector, Limit Stop
2Limit stop for circular saw
blades 250
Shoulder Strap
3Shoulder strap with 1 carabiner
4Shoulder strap with 2 carabiners
Approved Combinations of Cutting Attachment, Deflector, Limit Stop and Harness
Cutting Attachment Deflector, Limit Stop Shoulder Strap
681BA261 KN
1
234

FT 250
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Mounting the Handlebar
NPlace the rubber liner (1) in the
clamp (2) and against the drive
tube (3).
NPosition rubber liner (4) on the drive
tube so that it lines up exactly with
the lower rubber liner.
NPlace the handle support (5) on the
rubber liner.
NFit the handlebar (6) in the handle
support – the rubber handle (7)
must be on the left (viewed from the
engine).
NPlace the clamp (8) on the handle
support and handlebar.
NInsert the screws (9) through the
holes in the parts and screw them
into the lower clamp (2) – do not
finally tighten yet.
Lining up the handlebar
NSecure the handlebar (1) on the
drive tube (2) about 43 cm (17 in.)
(A) from the engine.
NLine up the handlebar and tighten
down the screws firmly.
Mounting the Bike Handle
3
262BA032 KN
1
2
4
5
9
2
7
8
6
262BA033 KN
262BA051 KN
A
2
1

FT 250
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Mounting the control handle
NTake out the screw (1) – the nut (2)
remains in the control handle (3).
NPush the control handle onto the
handlebar (5) until the holes (6) line
up – the throttle trigger (4) must
point towards the gearbox.
NInsert the screw (1) and tighten it
down firmly.
Fitting the throttle cable
NOTICE
Do not kink the throttle cable or lay it in
tight radii – make sure the throttle trigger
moves freely.
NPush the throttle cable (1) into the
retainer (2).
Adjusting the throttle cable
NCheck adjustment of throttle cable –
see chapter on "Adjusting the
Throttle Cable".
A properly adjusted throttle cable is the
precondition for correct operation in the
full throttle, starting throttle and idle
positions.
Adjust the throttle cable only after the
unit is fully assembled – the control
handle must be in the normal operating
position.
NUse a suitable tool to push the slide
to the end of the slot (see
illustration).
NPress down the throttle trigger
lockout (1) and squeeze the throttle
trigger (2) (full throttle) – this sets
the throttle cable correctly.
1
3
4
5
6
002BA241 KN
6
2
22
1
262BA052 KN
1
2
Adjusting the Throttle Cable
002BA163 KN
STOP
249BA017 KN
1
2

FT 250
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NPlace the padding (1) against the
underside of the drive tube and fold
it up and around the drive tube.
NClose the padding with the press
studs (2).
NRotate the padding until the press
studs are under the drive tube.
Mounting the Limit Stop
WARNING
The limit stop (1) must be mounted on
the gearhead when you use a circular
saw blade.
NPosition the limit stop (1) on the
gearhead flange.
NFit the three M6 x 14 mm screws (2)
provided and tighten them down
firmly.
Placing power tool on the ground
NShut off the engine.
NLay your power tool on its back so
that the cutting attachment
mounting face is pointing up.
Blocking the Shaft
The drive shaft must be blocked with the
stop pin to mount and remove the cutting
attachment. The stop pin is included with
the machine and is available as a
special accessory.
Fitting Padding
262BA053 KN
2
262BA054 KN
Mounting the Deflector
262BA021 KN
1
2
Mounting the Cutting
Attachment
262BA022 KN

FT 250
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14
NInsert the stop pin (1) in the bore (2)
in the gearhead as far as stop, apply
slight pressure.
NRotate the output shaft (3) until the
stop pin slips into position.
NPush it home as far as stop.
Removing the Mounting Hardware
NBlock the shaft.
NUse the combination wrench (4) to
loosen and remove the nut (5)
clockwise (left-hand thread).
NTake the thrust washer (6) off the
shaft (3). Do not remove the thrust
plate (7).
Mounting Metal Cutting Attachment
Keep the leaflet and packaging of the
metal cutting attachment in a safe place.
WARNING
Wear protective gloves to reduce the
risk of direct contact with the sharp
cutting edges.
Mount only one metal cutting
attachment.
Mounting the cutting attachment
NPlace the circular saw blade (8) in
position – check direction of saw
teeth (magnified view).
WARNING
Collar of thrust plate (arrows) must
engage the cutting attachment's
mounting hole.
Securing the cutting attachment
NFit the thrust washer (6) – convex
side must face up.
NBlock the shaft.
NScrew on the nut (5)
counterclockwise and tighten it
down firmly.
WARNING
If the mounting nut has become too
loose, fit a new one.
2
3
1
262BA068 KN
4
5
6
7
262BA069 KN
3
262BA060 KN
6
5
8

FT 250
English
15
NOTICE
Remove the tool used to block the shaft.
Removing the Metal Cutting Attachment
WARNING
Wear protective gloves to reduce the
risk of direct contact with the sharp
cutting edges.
NBlock the shaft.
NUnscrew the mounting nut
clockwise.
NTake the parts off the shaft – do not
remove the thrust plate.
Your engine requires a mixture of
gasoline and engine oil.
WARNING
For health reasons, avoid direct skin
contact with gasoline and avoid inhaling
gasoline vapor.
STIHL MotoMix
STIHL recommends the use of STIHL
MotoMix. This ready-to-use fuel mix
contains no benzol or lead, has a high
octane rating and ensures that you
always use the right mix ratio.
STIHL MotoMix uses STIHL HP Ultra
two-stroke engine oil for an extra long
engine life.
MotoMix is not available in all markets.
Mixing Fuel
NOTICE
Unsuitable fuels or lubricants or mix
ratios other than those specified may
result in serious damage to the engine.
Poor quality gasoline or engine oil may
damage the engine, sealing rings, hoses
and the fuel tank.
Gasoline
Use only high-quality brand-name
gasoline with a minimum octane rating
of 90 – leaded or unleaded.
If your machine is equipped with a
catalytic converter, you must use
unleaded gasoline.
NOTICE
A few tankfuls of leaded gasoline will
greatly reduce the efficiency of the
catalytic converter.
Gasoline with an ethanol content of
more than 10% can cause running
problems in engines with a manually
adjustable carburetor and should not be
used in such engines.
Engines equipped with M-Tronic deliver
full power when run on gasoline with an
ethanol content of up to 25% (E25).
Engine oil
Use only high-quality two-stroke engine
oil – preferably STIHL HP, HP Super or
HP Ultra, which are specially formulated
for use in STIHL engines. HP Ultra
guarantees high performance and a
long engine life.
These engine oils are not available in all
markets.
Use only STIHL 50:1 two-stroke engine
oil for the fuel mix in models with a
catalytic converter.
Mix Ratio
STIHL 50:1 two-stroke engine oil: 50
parts gasoline to 1 part oil
Fuel

FT 250
English
16
Examples
NUse a canister approved for storing
fuel. Pour oil into canister first, then
add gasoline and mix thoroughly.
Storing Fuel
Store fuel only in approved safety-type
fuel canisters in a dry, cool and safe
location protected from light and the sun.
Fuel mix ages – only mix sufficient fuel
for a few weeks work. Do not store fuel
mix for longer than 30 days. Exposure to
light, the sun, low or high temperatures
can quickly make the fuel mix unusable.
STIHL MotoMix may be stored for up to
2 years without any problems.
NThoroughly shake the mixture in the
canister before fueling your
machine.
WARNING
Pressure may build up in the canister –
open it carefully.
NClean the fuel tank and canister
from time to time.
Dispose of remaining fuel and cleaning
fluid properly in accordance with local
regulations and environmental
requirements.
Preparations
NBefore fueling, clean the filler cap
and the area around it to ensure that
no dirt falls into the tank.
NPosition the machine so that the
tank cap faces up.
Filling Up with Fuel
Take care not to spill fuel while fueling
and do not overfill the tank. STIHL
recommends you use the STIHL filler
nozzle for fuel (special accessory).
Gasoline STIHL engine oil 50:1
Liters Liters (ml)
10.02(20)
5 0.10 (100)
10 0.20 (200)
15 0.30 (300)
20 0.40 (400)
25 0.50 (500)
Fueling
256BA060 KN

FT 250
English
17
NOpen the tank cap.
NFill up with fuel.
NClosing the Tank Cap
WARNING
After fueling, tighten down the filler cap
as securely as possible by hand.
Use the Shoulder Strap
The type and style of the shoulder strap
and carabiner depend on the market.
STIHL recommends you use the
shoulder strap supplied with the
machine because it is specifically
designed to match the machine and the
application, and ensure ergonomic
operation.
Shoulder Strap with 2 Carabiners
(included with machine)
Attaching the shoulder strap
NAttach both carabiners (1) to the
two carrying rings (2) on the drive
tube.
Putting on shoulder strap with machine
NGrip the handle support with your
right hand and lift the machine.
NPull the shoulder strap over your
head with your left hand and place it
on your left shoulder.
Fitting the Harness
266BA061 KN
1
2
1
2
002BA311 KN
262BA070 KN
262BA062 KN

FT 250
English
18
Adjusting the straps
Adjust the length of the straps with the
front (arrow) and rear sliding adjusters.
Tightening the straps
NPull the end of the strap down to
tighten the strap.
Loosening the straps
NPush the sliding adjuster up to
loosen the strap.
NAdjust the length of the strap so that
the machine and cutting attachment
point downwards at a shallow angle.
Removing the machine
NGrip the handle support with your
right hand and lift the machine.
NLift the strap off your left shoulder
and over your head with your left
hand.
Shoulder Strap with 1 Carabiner (special
accessory)
The shoulder strap with 1 carabiner
requires a carrying ring between the
handle support and padding.
Use either the front carrying ring or an
additional carrying ring (available as
special accessory).
Fitting the carrying ring
NPlace the clamp (1) against the
drive tube with the tapped hole on
the left (viewed from engine).
NSqueeze the two ends of the clamp
together and hold in that position.
NInsert the M6x14 screw (2).
NLine up the carrying ring.
NTighten down the screw firmly.
262BA063 KN
262BA072 KN
262BA073 KN
262BA064 KN
2
262BA066 KN
1
1