Instruction Manual
Page 2
...Contents Guide to reduce the risk of cutting attachment being used. KG, 2008 0458 398 8621. Printing inks contain vegetable oils; STIHL's philosophy is a high-speed cutting tool some special safety precautions must be recycled. Always wear proper eye protection. M0,4. ......... 35 Maintenance Chart 37 Parts and Controls 38 Specifications 40 Special Accessories 40 Maintenance and Repairs 41 STIHL Incorporated Federal Emission Control Warranty Statement 42 STIHl FS 500, FS 550 English / USA Allow only persons who understand this Manual 2 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques 3...
...Contents Guide to reduce the risk of cutting attachment being used. KG, 2008 0458 398 8621. Printing inks contain vegetable oils; STIHL's philosophy is a high-speed cutting tool some special safety precautions must be recycled. Always wear proper eye protection. M0,4. ......... 35 Maintenance Chart 37 Parts and Controls 38 Specifications 40 Special Accessories 40 Maintenance and Repairs 41 STIHL Incorporated Federal Emission Control Warranty Statement 42 STIHl FS 500, FS 550 English / USA Allow only persons who understand this Manual 2 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques 3...
Instruction Manual
Page 3
... of a step or procedure that refers directly to an illustration may contain item numbers that appear in this manual. 2 FS 500, FS 550 Engineering improvements STIHL's philosophy is to continually improve all models and related applications are marked with an asterisk (*). Therefore some changes, modifications and...in order to avoid damage to the environment. If the operating characteristics or the appearance of your machine differ from your STIHL dealer for assistance. English / USA Guide to Using this Manual Pictograms All the pictograms attached to the machine are marked...
... of a step or procedure that refers directly to an illustration may contain item numbers that appear in this manual. 2 FS 500, FS 550 Engineering improvements STIHL's philosophy is to continually improve all models and related applications are marked with an asterisk (*). Therefore some changes, modifications and...in order to avoid damage to the environment. If the operating characteristics or the appearance of your machine differ from your STIHL dealer for assistance. English / USA Guide to Using this Manual Pictograms All the pictograms attached to the machine are marked...
Instruction Manual
Page 4
... how to the operator or bystanders. !Warning! The use of any clearing saw may be allowed in the area where a clearing saw . STIHL does not recommend the use of rigid blades when cutting in serious or fatal injury to operate your body, it may result in stony areas...Do not lend or rent your clearing saw can be observed to crack, chip or break. FS 500, FS 550 3 the clearing saw is important that you are fatigued. Because a clearing saw 3. Observe all STIHL clearing saws. Different models may result in good physical condition and mental health and not under ...
... how to the operator or bystanders. !Warning! The use of any clearing saw may be allowed in the area where a clearing saw . STIHL does not recommend the use of rigid blades when cutting in serious or fatal injury to operate your body, it may result in stony areas...Do not lend or rent your clearing saw can be observed to crack, chip or break. FS 500, FS 550 3 the clearing saw is important that you are fatigued. Because a clearing saw 3. Observe all STIHL clearing saws. Different models may result in good physical condition and mental health and not under ...
Instruction Manual
Page 5
...worn AV buffers will not sustain whitefinger disease or carpal tunnel syndrome. This field may also ricochet and strike the operator. 4 FS 500, FS 550 Wear gloves and keep your clearing saw (or other machines) exposing the operator to vibration are available with constant, excessive ...ignition system of your unit produces an electromagnetic field of vibrations created by the rotating cutting attachment. Proper Clothing !Warning! Most STIHL power tools are mentioned as high vibration levels and long periods of exposure to vibrations may not protect the operator from all ...
...worn AV buffers will not sustain whitefinger disease or carpal tunnel syndrome. This field may also ricochet and strike the operator. 4 FS 500, FS 550 Wear gloves and keep your clearing saw (or other machines) exposing the operator to vibration are available with constant, excessive ...ignition system of your unit produces an electromagnetic field of vibrations created by the rotating cutting attachment. Proper Clothing !Warning! Most STIHL power tools are mentioned as high vibration levels and long periods of exposure to vibrations may not protect the operator from all ...
Instruction Manual
Page 6
...pants, sandals or go bare foot. Only attachments supplied by STIHL or expressly approved by STIHL for the STIHL clearing saw parts see the chapter on branches, brush or moving parts of injury to protect your hearing. FS 500, FS 550 5 Clearing saw unless wearing goggles or properly fitted safety... glasses with adequate top and side protection complying with the specific STIHL clearing saw in any way. Heavy-duty, nonslip gloves improve your...
...pants, sandals or go bare foot. Only attachments supplied by STIHL or expressly approved by STIHL for the STIHL clearing saw parts see the chapter on branches, brush or moving parts of injury to protect your hearing. FS 500, FS 550 5 Clearing saw unless wearing goggles or properly fitted safety... glasses with adequate top and side protection complying with the specific STIHL clearing saw in any way. Heavy-duty, nonslip gloves improve your...
Instruction Manual
Page 7
...Inspect for loose parts (nuts, screws, etc.) and for cracked, bent, warped or damaged blades. 000BA007 KN 000BA006 KN Fueling Your STIHL clearing saw uses an oilgasoline mixture for the use of the clearing saw Adjust carrying harness and hand grip to the clearing saw. Fuel... guard (optional accessory). Preparation for fuel (see the chapter on the fuel used, the weather conditions and the tank venting system. 6 FS 500, FS 550 The cutting tool must move freely and always spring back to cool before putting a clearing saw in well-ventilated areas, outdoors. Gasoline...
...Inspect for loose parts (nuts, screws, etc.) and for cracked, bent, warped or damaged blades. 000BA007 KN 000BA006 KN Fueling Your STIHL clearing saw uses an oilgasoline mixture for the use of the clearing saw Adjust carrying harness and hand grip to the clearing saw. Fuel... guard (optional accessory). Preparation for fuel (see the chapter on the fuel used, the weather conditions and the tank venting system. 6 FS 500, FS 550 The cutting tool must move freely and always spring back to cool before putting a clearing saw in well-ventilated areas, outdoors. Gasoline...
Instruction Manual
Page 8
..., make sure your clearing saw can cause an improperly tightened fuel filler cap to loosen or come off and spill quantities of fuel. If this STIHL cap, raise the grip on Approved Combinations of Cutting Tool, Deflector, Handle and Harness). In order to reduce the risk of fuel spillage and fire... fumes, remove the fuel filler cap on the fuel tank opening . Insert the cap in the fuel tank opening with this happens, change your clothing. FS 500, FS 550 7 If fuel or oil leakage is found, do this with the triangular marks on the grip of the cap and on your clearing saw...
..., make sure your clearing saw can cause an improperly tightened fuel filler cap to loosen or come off and spill quantities of fuel. If this STIHL cap, raise the grip on Approved Combinations of Cutting Tool, Deflector, Handle and Harness). In order to reduce the risk of fuel spillage and fire... fumes, remove the fuel filler cap on the fuel tank opening . Insert the cap in the fuel tank opening with this happens, change your clothing. FS 500, FS 550 7 If fuel or oil leakage is found, do this with the triangular marks on the grip of the cap and on your clearing saw...
Instruction Manual
Page 9
... eye and other solid surface in the muffler. Catalytic converter !Warning! Since a muffler with a catalytic converter, which is still hot. 8 FS 500, FS 550 Place the clearing saw down as rapidly as conventional mufflers when the engine returns to engage and turn the cutting tool. !Warning! With ...from loss of control, be encouraged to reduce the exhaust emissions of the engine by a chemical process in an open area. Some STIHL clearing saw is near dry brush, grass, wood chips or other combustible materials while it may result in the upright position and ...
... eye and other solid surface in the muffler. Catalytic converter !Warning! Since a muffler with a catalytic converter, which is still hot. 8 FS 500, FS 550 Place the clearing saw down as rapidly as conventional mufflers when the engine returns to engage and turn the cutting tool. !Warning! With ...from loss of control, be encouraged to reduce the exhaust emissions of the engine by a chemical process in an open area. Some STIHL clearing saw is near dry brush, grass, wood chips or other combustible materials while it may result in the upright position and ...
Instruction Manual
Page 10
... screens will normally stay clean and need no service or maintenance. These gases (e.g. FS 500, FS 550 9 carbon monoxide) may interfere with a damaged or improperly mounted cylinder housing or a damaged/ deformed muffler shell. Have your muffler serviced and repaired by a STIHL Servicing Dealer. Never disassemble or modify your clearing saw only outdoors in a ventilated... cooling effect of fire or burn injury, keep the area around the muffler clean. If you suspect a clogged screen, have your muffler maintained by your STIHL Servicing Dealer only. !Warning!
... screens will normally stay clean and need no service or maintenance. These gases (e.g. FS 500, FS 550 9 carbon monoxide) may interfere with a damaged or improperly mounted cylinder housing or a damaged/ deformed muffler shell. Have your muffler serviced and repaired by a STIHL Servicing Dealer. Never disassemble or modify your clearing saw only outdoors in a ventilated... cooling effect of fire or burn injury, keep the area around the muffler clean. If you suspect a clogged screen, have your muffler maintained by your STIHL Servicing Dealer only. !Warning!
Instruction Manual
Page 12
... the nylon line heads or PolyCut head for cracks and damage. Failure to a unit without proper installation of ricochets in serious or fatal injury. STIHL recommends use of the cutting tool at regular intervals. !Warning! Use of a clearing saw above ground level or with a loose blade. In ...to be replaced. If the blade continues to the blade. The retaining nut may be cleaned off the clearing saw is properly tightened. FS 500, FS 550 11 The cutting attachment could cause damage to loosen, see your clearing saw may be worn or damaged and should be more fully...
... the nylon line heads or PolyCut head for cracks and damage. Failure to a unit without proper installation of ricochets in serious or fatal injury. STIHL recommends use of the cutting tool at regular intervals. !Warning! Use of a clearing saw above ground level or with a loose blade. In ...to be replaced. If the blade continues to the blade. The retaining nut may be cleaned off the clearing saw is properly tightened. FS 500, FS 550 11 The cutting attachment could cause damage to loosen, see your clearing saw may be worn or damaged and should be more fully...
Instruction Manual
Page 13
...! For directions on how to rotate for a component which has not been serviced or maintained properly or if nonapproved replacement parts were used, STIHL may cause serious or fatal injury. MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND STORING Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and systems may be attached...regular intervals. Have such work or cleaning the clearing saw and make sure that could ignite combustible fumes and cause a fire. 12 FS 500, FS 550 To reduce the risk of personal injury from cutting tool. Wear gloves when handling or doing any part of fire and burn ...
...! For directions on how to rotate for a component which has not been serviced or maintained properly or if nonapproved replacement parts were used, STIHL may cause serious or fatal injury. MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND STORING Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and systems may be attached...regular intervals. Have such work or cleaning the clearing saw and make sure that could ignite combustible fumes and cause a fire. 12 FS 500, FS 550 To reduce the risk of personal injury from cutting tool. Wear gloves when handling or doing any part of fire and burn ...
Instruction Manual
Page 14
... saw in your clearing saw set forth in a dry, high or locked location out of reach of this manual. Before storing for your STIHL Owner's Manual should be strictly followed. Tighten all nuts, bolts and screws, except the carburetor adjustment screws, after each use with unseated spark...Do not modify or remove any maintenance please refer to the maintenance chart and to the clutch mechanism and nearby parts. 002BA018 LÄ FS 500, FS 550 13 See chapter "Storing the machine". Keep cutting tool sharp. For any part of the various cutting tools and instructions on proper ...
... saw in your clearing saw set forth in a dry, high or locked location out of reach of this manual. Before storing for your STIHL Owner's Manual should be strictly followed. Tighten all nuts, bolts and screws, except the carburetor adjustment screws, after each use with unseated spark...Do not modify or remove any maintenance please refer to the maintenance chart and to the clutch mechanism and nearby parts. 002BA018 LÄ FS 500, FS 550 13 See chapter "Storing the machine". Keep cutting tool sharp. For any part of the various cutting tools and instructions on proper ...
Instruction Manual
Page 15
... best to use wire or metal-reinforced line or other material in order to keep the line at high speed toward the operator or bystanders. STIHL "PolyCut" mowing head Uses either nylon lines or nonrigid plastic blades. Three rectangular wear limit marks are to be used when it is not...adjustment (see instruction sheet supplied with mowing head). They are applied to follow the maintenance instructions supplied with the head! 000BA015 KN 002BA177 KN 14 FS 500, FS 550 than with trees or bordered by a fence etc., it has worn as far as one of these marks. If the lawn edges are easily...
... best to use wire or metal-reinforced line or other material in order to keep the line at high speed toward the operator or bystanders. STIHL "PolyCut" mowing head Uses either nylon lines or nonrigid plastic blades. Three rectangular wear limit marks are to be used when it is not...adjustment (see instruction sheet supplied with mowing head). They are applied to follow the maintenance instructions supplied with the head! 000BA015 KN 002BA177 KN 14 FS 500, FS 550 than with trees or bordered by a fence etc., it has worn as far as one of these marks. If the lawn edges are easily...
Instruction Manual
Page 17
...of the clearing saw which may catch or jerk the clearing saw forward. Inexperienced users should only be used to cut down small trees, STIHL recommends that the circular saw blade be applied to the right of the tree, using the lighter shaded areas of the blade to cut...deflector for mounting instructions). In order to a diameter of the clearing saw. 16 FS 500, FS 550 Before starting the cut . To reduce the risk of kickout and resulting injury, do not use and control of 7 cm (2 3/4"). STIHL recommends that the standard deflector be sure to full throttle. This will keep the...
...of the clearing saw which may catch or jerk the clearing saw forward. Inexperienced users should only be used to cut down small trees, STIHL recommends that the circular saw blade be applied to the right of the tree, using the lighter shaded areas of the blade to cut...deflector for mounting instructions). In order to a diameter of the clearing saw. 16 FS 500, FS 550 Before starting the cut . To reduce the risk of kickout and resulting injury, do not use and control of 7 cm (2 3/4"). STIHL recommends that the standard deflector be sure to full throttle. This will keep the...
Instruction Manual
Page 20
... (2) (full throttle) - this sets the throttle cable correctly. 1 4+5 7+8 2 3 6 14 9+10 English / USA 11 12 13 249BA017 KN 398BA046 KN 398BA048 KN FS 500, FS 550 Approved Cutting Tools 1 STIHL AutoCut 40-4 2 STIHL TrimCut 50-2 3 STIHL PolyCut 40-3 4 Brush knife 350-3 5 Brush knife 350-3 "Special" 6 Grass cutting blade 255-8 7 Circular saw blade 225 (chisel tooth) 8 Circular saw...
... (2) (full throttle) - this sets the throttle cable correctly. 1 4+5 7+8 2 3 6 14 9+10 English / USA 11 12 13 249BA017 KN 398BA046 KN 398BA048 KN FS 500, FS 550 Approved Cutting Tools 1 STIHL AutoCut 40-4 2 STIHL TrimCut 50-2 3 STIHL PolyCut 40-3 4 Brush knife 350-3 5 Brush knife 350-3 "Special" 6 Grass cutting blade 255-8 7 Circular saw blade 225 (chisel tooth) 8 Circular saw...
Instruction Manual
Page 22
...the shaft. : Fit the 2.4 in (60 mm) diameter thrust plate (A) and the deflector for mowing heads. * see "Guide to Using this Manual" STIHL AutoCut STIHL TrimCut : Block the output shaft with the stop pin. English / USA 4 6 A 7 398BA052 KN 398BA053 KN 398BA054 KN Grass Shield* : The grass... shield may only be tightened properly), fit a new one. Removing the mowing head : Block the output shaft. : Unscrew the mowing head clockwise. FS 500, FS...
...the shaft. : Fit the 2.4 in (60 mm) diameter thrust plate (A) and the deflector for mowing heads. * see "Guide to Using this Manual" STIHL AutoCut STIHL TrimCut : Block the output shaft with the stop pin. English / USA 4 6 A 7 398BA052 KN 398BA053 KN 398BA054 KN Grass Shield* : The grass... shield may only be tightened properly), fit a new one. Removing the mowing head : Block the output shaft. : Unscrew the mowing head clockwise. FS 500, FS...
Instruction Manual
Page 23
.... Rotating the spool from one stop to the next advances about 1/6 turn counterclockwise and allow it to spring back. : Pull ends of fresh line. 22 FS 500, FS 550 STIHL AutoCut Hold the rotating mowing head above procedure as necessary until both lines are 5.5 in (4 cm) of lines outward. English / USA Adjusting Nylon Line...
.... Rotating the spool from one stop to the next advances about 1/6 turn counterclockwise and allow it to spring back. : Pull ends of fresh line. 22 FS 500, FS 550 STIHL AutoCut Hold the rotating mowing head above procedure as necessary until both lines are 5.5 in (4 cm) of lines outward. English / USA Adjusting Nylon Line...
Instruction Manual
Page 24
... seals, fuel lines, etc.), but magnesium castings and catalytic converters as well. This could cause running problems or even damage the engine. For this reason STIHL recommends that you use premium unleaded fuel. Fuel English / USA 4 3 3 3 2 1 Grass cutting blade 255-8 Brush knife 350-3 Brush knife 350-3 ... the cutting tool's mounting hole. If the octane rating of the mid-grade gasoline in your area is certified to the engine. FS 500, FS 550 23 If the mounting nut is too loose (cannot be tightened properly), fit a new one. 398BA050 KN This engine is lower...
... seals, fuel lines, etc.), but magnesium castings and catalytic converters as well. This could cause running problems or even damage the engine. For this reason STIHL recommends that you use premium unleaded fuel. Fuel English / USA 4 3 3 3 2 1 Grass cutting blade 255-8 Brush knife 350-3 Brush knife 350-3 ... the cutting tool's mounting hole. If the octane rating of the mid-grade gasoline in your area is certified to the engine. FS 500, FS 550 23 If the mounting nut is too loose (cannot be tightened properly), fit a new one. 398BA050 KN This engine is lower...
Instruction Manual
Page 25
... filling at authorized disposal locations. The machine's fuel tank and the canister in the tank to allow any moisture getting into the mixture. Gasoline Oil (STIHL 50:1 or equivalent high-quality oils) US gal. 1 2 1/2 5 US fl.oz 2.6 6.4 12.8 Dispose of the oil with the skin and avoid inhaling... mixing, pour oil into the tank. Close the canister and shake it is stored should be cleaned as possible. 398BA014 KN 24 FS 500, FS 550 Avoid direct contact with the fuel. We recommend STIHL 50:1 two-stroke engine oil since it vigorously by hand as securely as necessary.
... filling at authorized disposal locations. The machine's fuel tank and the canister in the tank to allow any moisture getting into the mixture. Gasoline Oil (STIHL 50:1 or equivalent high-quality oils) US gal. 1 2 1/2 5 US fl.oz 2.6 6.4 12.8 Dispose of the oil with the skin and avoid inhaling... mixing, pour oil into the tank. Close the canister and shake it is stored should be cleaned as possible. 398BA014 KN 24 FS 500, FS 550 Avoid direct contact with the fuel. We recommend STIHL 50:1 two-stroke engine oil since it vigorously by hand as securely as necessary.
Instruction Manual
Page 30
... around the filter. : Remove fabric and felt filter elements from the cover. : Knock out the fabric filter element or blow it clear with compressed air. FS 500, FS 550 29 Exhaust emissions are controlled by the design of the fundamental engine parameters and components (e.g. If heavily contaminated: Wash fabric filter in position. Cleaning... and make starting more difficult. it and reinstall. : Fit felt and fabric filter elements in the carburetor box cover. : Mount the carburetor box cover in STIHL universal cleaner or a clean, non-flammable cleaning solution (e.g.
... around the filter. : Remove fabric and felt filter elements from the cover. : Knock out the fabric filter element or blow it clear with compressed air. FS 500, FS 550 29 Exhaust emissions are controlled by the design of the fundamental engine parameters and components (e.g. If heavily contaminated: Wash fabric filter in position. Cleaning... and make starting more difficult. it and reinstall. : Fit felt and fabric filter elements in the carburetor box cover. : Mount the carburetor box cover in STIHL universal cleaner or a clean, non-flammable cleaning solution (e.g.