STIHL Fs 50 C Manual

							{
STIHL FS 40, 50
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.
Instruction Manual
Manual de instrucciones 
						

							Instruction Manual
1 - 44
Manual de instrucciones
45 - 93 
						

							Original Instruction Manual Printed on chlorine-free paper
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled. © ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2011
0458-546-8621-C. M13-5.H11.CP. 
0000001050_008_GB
FS 40, FS 40 C, FS 50, FS 50 C
English
1
{
Contents
Allow only persons who fully understand 
this manual to operate your trimmer.
To receive maximum performance and 
satisfaction from your STIHL trimmer, it 
is important that you read, understand 
and follow the safety precautions and 
the operating and maintenance 
instructions in chapter "Safety 
Precautions and Working Techniques" 
before using your trimmer. For further 
information you can go to 
www.stihlusa.com.
Contact your STIHL dealer or the STIHL 
distributor for your area if you do not 
understand any of the instructions in this 
manual.
Make sure your unit is equipped with the 
proper deflector, handle and harness for 
the type of cutting attachment being 
used. Always wear proper eye 
protection. Guide to Using this Manual 2
Safety Precautions and Working 
Techniques 3
Approved Combinations of Cutting 
Attachment, Deflector, Handle and 
Harness 15
Mounting the Loop Handle 16
Mounting the Deflector 16
Mounting the Cutting Attachment 17
Fuel 20
Fueling 21
Starting / Stopping the Engine 24
Operating Instructions 26
Cleaning the Air Filter 26
Engine Management 27
Adjusting the Carburetor 27
Spark Plug 28
Engine Running Behavior 29
Rewind Starter 30
Storing the Machine 30
Replacing Nylon Line 30
Inspections and Maintenance by 
Dealer 33
Maintenance and Care 34
Main Parts 36
Specifications 37
Special Accessories 38
Maintenance and Repairs 39
STIHL Incorporated Federal 
Emission Control Warranty 
Statement 39STIHL Incorporated California 
Exhaust and Evaporative 
Emissions Control Warranty 
Statement 41
Trademarks 43
Warning!
Because a trimmer is a high-speed cut-
ting tool some special safety 
precautions must be observed to reduce 
the risk of personal injury. Careless or 
improper use may cause serious or 
even fatal injury. 
						

							FS 40, FS 40 C, FS 50, FS 50 C
English
2
Pictograms
The meanings of the pictograms 
attached to or embossed on the 
machine are explained in this manual.
Depending on the model concerned, the 
following pictograms may be on your 
machine.
Symbols in Text
Many operating and safety instructions 
are supported by illustrations.
The individual steps or procedures 
described in the manual may be marked 
in different ways:
NA bullet marks a step or procedure.
A description of a step or procedure that 
refers directly to an illustration may 
contain item numbers that appear in the 
illustration. Example:
NLoosen the screw (1).
NLever (2) ...
In addition to the operating instructions, 
this manual may contain paragraphs 
that require your special attention. Such 
paragraphs are marked with the 
symbols and signal words described 
below: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. Therefore, 
some changes, modifications and 
improvements may not be covered in 
this manual. If the operating 
characteristics or the appearance of 
your machine differs from those 
described in this manual, please contact 
your STIHL dealer for assistance.Guide to Using this Manual
Fuel tank for gasoline 
and engine oil mixture
Press to operate decom-
pression valve
Manual fuel pump
Press to operate manual 
fuel pump
Filler hole for gear 
lubricant
Air intake summer mode
Air intake winter mode
Handle heating
Danger!
Indicates an imminent risk of severe or 
fatal injury.
Warning!
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if 
not avoided, could result in severe or 
fatal injury.
Caution!
Indicates a risk of property damage, 
including damage to the machine or its 
individual components. 
						

							FS 40, FS 40 C, FS 50, FS 50 C
English
3 The terminology utilized in this manual 
when referring to the power tool reflects 
the type of cutting attachments that may 
be mounted on it. The term "trimmer" is 
used to designate an FS unit that is 
equipped with a nylon line head or a 
head with flexible plastic blades (i.e., the 
PolyCut head).Have your STIHL dealer show you how 
to operate your power tool. Observe all 
applicable local safety regulations, 
standards and ordinances.
Use your trimmer equipped with the 
appropriate cutting attachment only for 
cutting grass and similar material.Most of these safety precautions and 
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL 
trimmers. 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.
Safe use of a trimmer involves
1.the operator
2.the power tool
3.the use of the power tool.
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 machine when you are fatigued.
Safety Precautions and 
Working Techniques
Because a trimmer is a 
high-speed, fast-cutting 
power tool, 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 
safety precautions and 
warnings. Read the 
instruction manual and 
the safety precautions 
periodically. Careless or 
improper use may cause 
serious or fatal injury.
Warning!
As more fully explained later in these 
Safety Precautions, to reduce the risk of 
personal injury, make sure your unit is 
equipped with the proper handle, har-
ness and deflector for the type of cutting 
attachment you are using. Use only cut-
ting attachments that are specifically 
authorized by STIHL for use on your FS 
model. To reduce the risk of severe or 
fatal injury from blade contact and / or 
loss of control, never attempt to use a 
metal blade on this trimmer.
Warning!
Do not lend or rent your power tool with-
out the instruction manual. Be sure that 
anyone using it understands the infor-
mation contained in this manual.
Warning!
The use of this machine may be hazard-
ous. If the rotating line or blade comes in 
contact with your body, it will cut you. 
When it comes in contact with solid for-
eign objects such as rocks or bits of 
metal, it may fling them directly or by ric-
ochet in the direction of bystanders or 
the operator. Striking such objects could 
damage the cutting attachment. Thrown 
objects, including broken heads or 
blades, may result in serious or fatal 
injury to the operator or bystanders.
Warning!
Do not use it for other purposes, since 
misuse may result in personal injury or 
property damage, including damage to 
the machine.
Warning!
Minors should never be allowed to use 
this power tool. Bystanders, especially 
children, and animals should not be 
allowed in the area where it is in use.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury to bystand-
ers and damage to property, never let 
your power tool run unattended. When it 
is not in use (e.g. during a work break), 
shut it off and make sure that unauthor-
ized persons do not use it. 
						

							FS 40, FS 40 C, FS 50, FS 50 C
English
4 These conditions reduce the hand's 
ability to feel and regulate temperature, 
produce numbness and burning 
sensations and may cause nerve and 
circulation damage and tissue necrosis.
All factors which contribute to 
whitefinger disease are not known, but 
cold weather, smoking and diseases or 
physical conditions that affect blood 
vessels and blood transport, as well as 
high vibration levels and long periods of exposure to vibration are mentioned as 
factors in the development of whitefinger 
disease. In order to reduce the risk of 
whitefinger disease and carpal tunnel 
syndrome, please note the following:
–Most STIHL power tools are 
available with an anti-vibration 
("AV") system designed to reduce 
the transmission of vibrations 
created by the machine to the 
operator's hands. An AV system is 
recommended for those persons 
using power tools on a regular or 
sustained basis.
–Wear gloves and keep your hands 
warm.
–Keep the AV system well 
maintained. A power tool with loose 
components or with damaged or 
worn AV buffers will tend to have 
higher vibration levels.
–Maintain a firm grip at all times, but 
do not squeeze the handles with 
constant, excessive pressure. Take 
frequent breaks.
All the above-mentioned precautions do 
not guarantee that you will not sustain 
whitefinger disease or carpal tunnel 
syndrome. Therefore, continual and 
regular users should closely monitor the 
condition of their hands and fingers. If 
any of the above symptoms appear, 
seek medical advice immediately.Proper Clothing Warning!
Be alert – if you get tired, take a break. 
Tiredness may result in loss of control. 
Working with any power tool can be 
strenuous. If you have any condition 
that might be aggravated by strenuous 
work, check with your doctor before 
operating this machine.
Warning!
Prolonged use of a power tool (or other 
machines) exposing the operator to 
vibrations may produce whitefinger dis-
ease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or 
carpal tunnel syndrome.
Warning!
The ignition system of the STIHL unit 
produces an electromagnetic field of a 
very low intensity. This field may inter-
fere with some pacemakers. To reduce 
the risk of serious or fatal injury, persons 
with a pacemaker should consult their 
physician and the pacemaker manufac-
turer before operating this tool.
Warning!
T o  r e d u c e  t h e  r i s k  o f  i n j u r y ,  t h e  o p e r a t o r  
should wear proper protective apparel.
Warning!
The deflector provided with your power 
tool will not protect the operator from all 
foreign objects (gravel, glass, wire, etc.) 
thrown back by the rotating cutting 
attachment. Thrown objects may also 
ricochet and strike the operator.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of 
injury to your eyes never 
operate your power tool 
unless wearing goggles 
or properly fitted protec-
tive glasses with 
adequate top and side protection com-
plying with ANSI Z 87.1 (or your 
applicable national standard). To 
reduce the risk of injury to your face 
STIHL recommends that you also wear 
a face shield or face screen over your 
goggles or protective glasses. 
						

							FS 40, FS 40 C, FS 50, FS 50 C
English
5 Be particularly alert and cautious when 
wearing hearing protection because 
your ability to hear warnings (shouts, 
alarms, etc.) is restricted.
Avoid loose-fitting jackets, scarfs, 
neckties, jewelry, flared or cuffed pants, 
unconfined long hair or anything that 
could become caught on branches, 
brush or the moving parts of the unit. 
Secure hair so it is above shoulder level.
THE POWER TOOL
For illustrations and definitions of the 
power tool parts see the chapter on 
"Main Parts."
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 fuel system is tight (no leaks) and 
that the controls and safety devices are 
working properly. Do not continue 
operating this machine if it is damaged. 
In case of doubt, have it checked by your 
STIHL servicing dealer.
THE USE OF THE POWER TOOL
Transporting the Power Tool Warning!
Power tool noise may 
damage your hearing. 
Wear sound barriers (ear 
plugs or ear mufflers) to 
protect your hearing. 
Continual and regular 
users should have their hearing 
checked regularly.
Always wear gloves 
when handling the 
machine, blade and the 
cutting attachment. 
Heavy-duty, nonslip 
gloves improve your grip 
and help to protect your 
hands.
Clothing must be sturdy 
and snug-fitting, but allow 
complete freedom of 
movement. Wear long 
pants made of heavy 
material to help protect 
your legs. Do not wear 
shorts, sandals or go 
barefoot.
Good footing is very 
important. Wear sturdy 
boots with nonslip soles. 
Steel-toed safety boots 
are recommended.
Warning!
Never modify this power tool in any way. 
Only attachments supplied by STIHL 
and expressly approved by STIHL for 
use with the specific STIHL model are 
authorized. Although certain unauthor-
ized attachments are useable with 
STIHL power tools, their use may, in 
fact, be extremely dangerous. For the 
cutting attachments authorized by 
STIHL for your unit, see the chapter 
"Approved Combinations of Cutting 
Attachment, Deflector, Handle and Har-
ness" in the instruction manual or the 
STIHL "Cutting Attachments, Parts & 
Accessories" catalog.
Warning!
Never modify this power tool in any way. 
Only attachments supplied by STIHL 
and expressly approved by STIHL for 
use with the specific STIHL model are 
authorized. Although certain unauthor-
ized attachments are useable with 
STIHL power tools, their use may, in 
fact, be extremely dangerous. For the 
cutting attachments authorized by 
STIHL for your unit, see the chapter 
"Approved Combinations of Cutting 
Attachment, Deflector, Handle and Har-
ness" in the instruction manual or the 
STIHL "Cutting Attachments, Parts & 
Accessories" catalog.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury from loss of 
control and blade or line contact, never 
carry or transport your power tool with 
the cutting attachment moving. 
						

							FS 40, FS 40 C, FS 50, FS 50 C
English
6 It may be carried only in a horizontal 
position. Grip the shaft in a manner that 
the machine is balanced horizontally. 
Keep the hot muffler away from your 
body and the cutting attachment behind 
you.
Fuel
Your STIHL power tool uses an oil- 
gasoline mixture for fuel (see the 
chapter on "Fuel" of your instruction 
manual).Fueling Instructions
In order to reduce the risk of burns and 
other personal injury from escaping gas 
vapor and fumes, remove the fuel filler 
cap on your power tool carefully so as to 
allow any pressure build-up in the tank 
to release slowly. Never remove the fuel 
filler cap while the engine is running.Select bare ground for fueling and move 
at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling 
spot before starting the engine. Wipe off 
any spilled fuel before starting your 
machine.
Different models may be equipped with 
different fuel caps.
Toolless cap with grip
To do this with this STIHL cap, raise the 
grip on the top of the cap until it is upright 
at a 90° angle. Insert the cap in the fuel 
tank opening with the raised positioning  Warning!
Always shut off the engine and make 
sure the cutting attachment has stopped 
before putting a trimmer down. When 
transporting it in a vehicle, properly 
secure it to prevent turnover, fuel spill-
age and damage to the unit.
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ous burn injury or 
property damage. Use extreme caution 
when handling gasoline or fuel mix. Do 
not smoke or bring any fire or flame near 
the fuel or the power tool. Note that 
combustible fuel vapor may escape 
from the fuel system.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of serious injury from 
burns, never attempt to refuel the unit 
until it has been completely removed 
from the operator.
Warning!
Fuel your power tool in well-ventilated 
areas, outdoors. Always shut off the 
engine and allow it to cool before refu-
eling. Gasoline vapor pressure may 
build up inside the fuel tank depending 
on the fuel used, the weather conditions 
and the tank venting system.
Warning!
Check for fuel leakage 
while refueling and dur-
ing operation. If fuel 
leakage is found, do not 
start or run the engine 
until the leak is fixed and 
any spilled fuel has been wiped away. 
Take care not to get fuel on your cloth-
ing. If this happens, change your 
clothing immediately.
Warning!
In order to reduce the risk of fuel spill-
age and fire from an improperly 
tightened fuel cap, correctly position 
and tighten the fuel cap in the fuel tank 
opening.
001BA220 KN 
						

							FS 40, FS 40 C, FS 50, FS 50 C
English
7 marks on the grip of the cap and on the 
fuel tank opening lining up. Using the 
grip, press the cap down firmly while 
turning it clockwise as far as it will go 
(approx. 1/4 turn).
Misaligned, damaged or broken cap
NIf the cap does not drop fully into the 
opening when the positioning marks 
line up and/or if the cap does not 
tighten properly when twisted, the 
base of the cap may be prematurely 
rotated (in relation to the top) to the 
closed position. Such misalignment 
can result from handling, cleaning 
or an improper attempt at 
tightening.NTo return the cap to the open 
position for installation, turn the cap 
(with the grip up) until it drops fully 
into the tank opening. Next, twist the 
cap counterclockwise as far as it will 
go (approx. 1/4 turn) – this will twist 
the base of the cap into the correct 
position. Then, twist the cap 
clockwise, closing it normally.
NIf your cap still does not tighten 
properly, it may be damaged or 
broken; immediately stop use of the 
unit and take it to your authorized 
STIHL dealer for repair.Screw Cap
See also the "Fueling" chapter in your 
Instruction Manual for additional 
information.
Before Starting Fold the grip flush with 
the top of the cap. Check 
the cap for tightness. If 
the grip does not lie com-
pletely flush with the cap 
and the detent on the grip 
does not fit in the corre-
sponding recess in the 
filler opening, or if the cap 
is loose in the filler open-
ing, the cap is not 
properly seated and tight-
ened and you must 
repeat the above steps.
Left: Base of cap in closed posi-
tion (with open space)
Right: Base of cap correctly posi-
tioned for installation
001BA227 KN
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ties of fuel. In order to 
reduce the risk of fuel 
spillage and fire, tighten the fuel filler 
cap by hand as securely as possible.
Warning!
Always check your power tool for proper 
condition and operation before starting, 
particularly the throttle trigger, throttle 
trigger lockout, momentary stop switch, 
cutting attachment, deflector and har-
ness. The throttle trigger must move 
freely and always spring back to the idle 
position. Never attempt to modify the 
controls or safety devices. Never use a 
power tool that is damaged or not prop-
erly maintained.
Warning!
Do not attach any cutting attachment to 
a unit without proper installation of all 
required parts. Failure to use the proper 
parts may cause the blade or head to fly 
off and seriously injure the operator or 
bystanders. 
						

							FS 40, FS 40 C, FS 50, FS 50 C
English
8 Keep the handles clean and dry at all 
times; it is particularly important to keep 
them free of moisture, pitch, oil, fuel mix, 
grease or resin in order for you to 
maintain a firm grip and properly control 
your power tool.
Keep the deflector (and the attached 
skirt where appropriate) adjusted 
properly at all times (see chapters on 
"Mounting the Deflector" and "Mounting 
the Cutting Attachment" of your 
instruction manual).Arrows on the deflector (as seen from 
the underside) show the correct 
direction of rotation of the cutting 
attachment. When viewed from above, 
however, the cutting attachment rotates 
clockwise.
Adjust the hand grip and harness (if you 
are wearing one) to suit your size before 
starting work. The machine should be 
properly balanced as specified in your 
instruction manual for proper control and 
less fatigue in operation. To be better 
prepared in case of an emergency, 
practise releasing the unit from the 
harness as quickly as possible.
Starting
Start the engine at least 10 feet (3 m) 
from the fueling spot, outdoors only.
For specific starting instructions, see the 
appropriate section of your manual. 
Place the power tool on firm ground or 
other solid surface in an open area. 
Maintain good balance and secure 
footing.Once the engine has started, 
immediately blip the throttle trigger, 
which should release the starting throttle 
and allow the engine to slow down to 
idle.
With the engine running only at idle, 
attach the power tool to the spring hook 
of your harness (see appropriate 
chapter of this manual). Warning!
The cutting attachment must be prop-
erly tightened and in safe operating 
condition. Inspect for loose parts (nuts, 
screws, etc.) Replace damaged heads 
before using the power tool.
Warning!
Check that the spark plug boot is 
securely mounted on the spark plug – a 
loose boot may cause arcing that could 
ignite combustible fumes and cause a 
fire.
Warning!
To reduce the risk 
of personal injury 
to the operator 
from blade or line 
contact and 
thrown objects, make sure your unit is 
equipped with the proper deflector, han-
dle and harness for the type of cutting 
attachment being used (see chart in the 
chapter on "Approved Combinations of 
Cutting Attachment, Deflector, Handle 
and Harness")
Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury from blade or 
line contact, be absolutely sure that the 
cutting attachment is clear of you and all 
other obstructions and objects, includ-
ing the ground, because when the 
engine starts at starting-throttle, engine 
speed will be fast enough for the clutch 
to engage and move the cutting 
attachment.
Warning!
Your power tool is a one-person 
machine. Do not allow other persons in 
the general work area, even when 
starting.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury from loss of 
control, do not attempt to "drop start" 
your power tool.