Starting procedure, shown on the FS 55 C-E

The working area has been made safe and checked and you are wearing full personal protective equipment. Before starting up your brushcutter please read the manual carefully and be sure to follow the safety instructions it contains. Then you can start using your brushcutter.

Step 1 of 14: Lay the brushcutter down on the ground

Lay the brushcutter down on the ground. Rest it on the support on the engine and the cutting tool guard. Make sure that the cutting tool is not in contact with the ground or any other object, as the tool may start to rotate when the engine is started. Do not allow anyone else to come within a 15 m radius of the machine. Ensure you have a secure footing.

Illustration of "Lay the brushcutter down on the ground."

Step 2 of 14: Move stop switch to the Operating position

Move the Stop switch on the multifunction handle to the Operating position (Position I).

Illustration of "Stop switch to Operating position"

Step 3 of 14: Engage the throttle trigger

Squeeze the throttle trigger interlock and continue to squeeze it. At the same time, squeeze the throttle trigger until the detent engages with the tab on the housing.

Illustration of "Engage the throttle trigger"

Step 4 of 14: Starting throttle position

Once the throttle trigger has engaged you can release the throttle trigger and the throttle trigger interlock, one after the other. The machine is now in the starting throttle position.

Illustration of "Starting throttle position"

Step 5 of 14: Press the fuel pump

Press the fuel pump at least 5 times, even if it is still full of fuel. This reduces the number of starting strokes and makes starting the machine easier.

Illustration of "Press the fuel pump"

Step 6 of 14: Move the choke shutter lever to the „Choke cold start“ position

If the engine is cold, the choke shutter must be closed. Move the choke lever to the appropriate position to close it. If the engine is hot, leave the choke off (bottom position)

Illustration of "Move the choke shutter lever to the Choke setting"

Step 7 of 14: Secure footing / Pressing the brushcutter firmly to the ground

Make sure you have a secure footing and check once again that the brushcutter is lying flat. Press the machine firmly to the ground so that it cannot tip while starting. Check that there are no obstacles in the way of the tool.

Illustration of "Secure footing / Pressing the brushcutter firmly into the ground"

Step 8 of 14: Pull the starter rope handle

With your right hand, pull the starter handle slowly until you feel it reach the first light stop. On machines without ErgoStart, now give it a fast, strong pull on the starter rope. On machines with ErgoStart, pull the starter rope gently, using even force. (Try to pull it up as straight as you can). Do not pull the rope all the way out.

Take care not to allow the starter handle to snap back rapidly. Guide it back slowly to allow the starter rope to rewind correctly.

Illustration of "Pull the starter rope"

Step 9 of 14: Engine starts briefly

When the engine does this or after the fifth pull on the starter rope, move the choke shutter lever to open the choke.

Illustration of "Engine fires briefly"

Step 10 of 14: Pull the starter rope handle again

Pull the starter rope handle again. The engine will start.

Note: If your brushcutter fails to start, refer to the manual and check that you have followed the correct procedure. If, contrary to expectation, the brushcutter still fails to start, please contact your STIHL dealer. He will advise and assist and he will be able to help you.

Illustration of "Pull the starter rope again"

Step 11 of 14: Squeeze the throttle trigger and release the detent

As soon as the engine is running, squeeze the throttle trigger to release the tab. The engine will now idle. The tool will stop turning.

Illustration of "Squeeze the throttle trigger and release the detent"

Step 12 of 14: Lifting the brushcutter from the ground

Slowly raise the brushcutter from from the ground and stand up. Avoid accidentally operating the throttle.

Illustration of "Raising the brushcutter from the ground"

Step 13 of 14: Off you go

The brushcutter is now ready for use.

Illustration of "Off you go"

Step 14 of 14: Shutting down

Move the Stop switch on the multifunction handle to the “STOP“ position (position O).

Illustration of "Stopping the machine"

Note:

If your brushcutter fails to start, refer to the manual and check that you have followed the correct procedure. If, contrary to expectation, the brushcutter still fails to start, please contact your STIHL dealer. He will advise and assist and he will be able to help you if any problems arise.