A brushcutter is one of the most spectacular gardening machines and has truly boosted the landscaping industry, enabling gardeners and homeowners alike to seamlessly whack through vegetation and spruce up any outdoor area. When it comes to choosing which brushcutter is best for you, and also a leading market contender, then look no further than Stihl brushcutters, with a range of differing power, use and aesthetic options. Stihl brushcutters, much like other machinery on the market, do have specific requirements that you should be aware of.

 

These requirements can all be met by following the very handy Stihl brushcutters guides, which give you all you need to know about the product. To make the process easier for you, we’ve compiled your one-stop printable guide with the necessities from the top Stihl brushcutters guides available. Give it a quick read, and print it out and stick it up in your garage or tool shed, ready for you to look at whenever you need to.

 

 

Stihl Brushcutters maintenance guide

 

Like most other gardening and landscaping machines, Stihl brushcutters will also require regular maintenance and upkeep. Cleaning and maintenance of the machine can fall into three separate but important sections; checking and cleaning, lubricating a flexible shaft and extended storage.

 

Checking and cleaning

 

• First remove any grass, dirt or debris that has gathered on the fan case cover or in the cylinder cover as this can cause the machine to overheat.
• Clean the muffler as well as the cylinder exhaust port, which can be done with a microfibre cloth or a duster.
• Scrape off any carbon from the spark plug gap (0.6mm-0.7mm).
• Inspect the fuel tank and check for leakage, as well as any oil leakage. If there is any oil or fuel leaking it could mean the fuel tank or engine is damaged and may need a service or repair job.
• After every 25 hours of use you should lubricate the gear case.
• Now check that all screws, nuts and bolts are tightly secure on the machine, and tighten any that have loosened.

 

Lubricating a flexible shaft

 

• If you are using Stihl brushcutters with a flexible shaft you should check the film of lubricant every 10 hours of operation.
• If it needs to be lubricated, remove the flexible shaft from the clutch case.
• Pull the shaft out of the protective tube and if it has turned blue in colour then you will need to fit a new one.
• Refit the new flexible shaft back into the protective tube and then turn it 180 degrees from where it was originally installed.
• Now put the flexible shaft back into the case, turning it back and forth at the same time.

 

 

Extended storage for your brushcutter

 

• Before packing the machine away for the off season you should clean each part meticulously and ensure that there is no dust, dirt or debris left on the machine.
• Inspect the machine for any damage or faults and replace or repair anything that is not functioning correctly.
• Empty out all fuel from the fuel tank, it will not be good for your machine if you let it sit in the tank.
• Start the engine for the last time this season, which will use up any fuel left behind in the fuel line or the carburetor.
• Remove the spark plug from the device and pour one teaspoon of clean motor oil into the hole and then replace the sparkplug.
• Now you are ready to store the machine for an extended period. Fold in the handle bars for smarter storage and hang the machine in a clean and dry area where it will not collect dust.

 

Stihl brushcutters starting guide

 

When using Stihl brushcutters you need to keep in mind that this device is not a toy and is a powerful piece of machinery which has the potential to be dangerous if you do not use it correctly. When it comes to starting the machine, there are aspects to bear in mind before starting and during use, as well as starting a warm and cold engine. Here is some important information for starting a brushcutter:

 

Before you start the machine:

 

-Ensure that the machine is correctly assembled and in good condition with no damage.

-Make sure the cutting tool is in the correct position and is not damaged.

-Make sure that the spark plug boot is secure because if it is loose it could cause arcing which in turn could lead to a fire!

-Assess the anti-vibration elements that are on the powerhead and if they are faulty have them replaced by your dealer.

-Make sure that the harness of the machine is the right height and is comfortable and secure for you to use.

-Ensure that the handlebars of the machine are clean and dry so that there is no chance for you to lose your grip.

 

The correct way to start:

 

Now that you’ve checked off everything on the “before you start” list, you need to know the correct way to start Stihl brushcutters. Firstly, make sure that you are standing on a flat outdoors surface and that you have a good footing and grip of the machine. Make sure that you are in an open area with no obstructions for the blades, and make sure that you are starting the machine at least 3 metres away from the spot where you will be refuelling the machine, and switch the machine on/start.

 

 

 

Starting a cold engine:

 

-Follow the above starting guide and then move the stop switch to the start position if there is one on the machine.

-Now move the fuel cock to the on position and give it a few seconds to allow the fuel to reach the carburetor.

-Turn the throttle to the slow level of acceleration speed.

-If the machine is cold, pull the choke upwards to the fully closed position and then when the engine has warmed up move the choke lever downwards to the fully open position, where you are ready to start.

-Now pull the starter handle until you hear the engine begin to stutter and grumble.

-Pull the starter handle until the engine starts.

-Now give the machine a few minutes to warm up thoroughly before you begin using it.

 

Starting a warm engine:

 

-If the engine is still warm and the fuel tank has not yet run dry you should be able to pull the starter one to three times and the engine should start with ease.

-Reminder DO NOT use the choke if you are starting an already warm engine, the choke is only for cold engines.

-If your fuel tank has run dry you will need to refuel and repeat step one.

-Now pull the recoil starter in a swift movement and leave it to heat up further before using it.

 

Stopping the engine:

 

To stop your Stihl brushcutters make sure you are in an open area and move the switch to the stop position. Give the machine a few seconds before placing it on the ground and if you are done using it for the time being then you can give it a clean as well as a maintenance check and then pack the machine away following the safe storage guides.

 

Stihl brushcutters safety guide:

 

As we mentioned before, these machines do have the potential to be dangerous if you do not follow the correct safety guidelines, which have been set by Stihl to ensure the safety of yourself, others around you and also the longevity of the machine itself. It is also important to keep in mind that you should never let an inexperienced user use or borrow your brushcutter, and anyone using it needs to have comprehensive knowledge of the machine.

 

 

Safety attire:

 

-Wear protective goggles to protect your eyes from any debris being kicked up by the blades of the brushcutter.

-Wear sturdy and thick boots, preferably with a steel toe cap, to protect your feet from any debris as well as to make sure that you have a steady footing on the ground and won’t slip.

-Wear thick long trousers such as denim jeans or combat pants which will protect your legs from any stones that have been flung up by the blades.

-Wear gloves to protect your hands from damage and to ensure that you have a firm grip on the handlebars, which can be even stronger if you invest in a pair of thick gloves that come with a rubber or textured grip slip.

-The noise from brushcutters can be quite loud so if you have sensitive hearing then you may want to invest in a pair of earmuffs or ear plugs to protect you from the noise.

-Make sure that you are not wearing any loose-fitting clothing and that your hair is tied back, and any loose jewellery is taken off. This is to avoid anything getting caught in the blades or any other part of the machine.

 

Top brushcutter safety and use tips:

 

-Only use attachments and blades that are the correct size, as well as brand. Do not put other branded blades on your Stihl brushcutters as they will not last.

-Never smoke or use a lighter while you are refuelling the tank.

-Never take off the fuel tank cap while the engine is still running.

-Never start or use the machine inside of a closed room as the fumes generated by the exhaust contain carbon monoxide and can be harmful for both humans and pets.

-Always assess the designated cutting area for any obstructions or debris that could damage the blades of your machine, look out for rocks, stones or particularly dense shrubs and stumps that may not agree with your specific set of blades.

-Make sure there are no children or inexperienced users near you and never leave the machine unattended.

 

 

-Only ever use the machine on a flat surface and never from a height such as a ladder.

-Only cut appropriate materials that the blades can handle.

-Never use the machine if you are under the influence of any drugs or alcohol or if you are particularly tired.

-Turn off the machine and stop entirely before you make any engine adjustments and when you do this make sure the machine is lying on a flat and clear area.

-Never store the machine near an open flame, and always empty the fuel tank after use.

-Clean the machine after each use and do regular maintenance to make sure that it stays in perfect working order for as long as possible.

-Never refuel the fuel tank when the machine is still warm, always let it cool down thoroughly beforehand.

-Never ever touch the blades or cutting attachment while the machine is on and running, this is a sure way to lose a finger or two.