Instruction Manual
Page 2
... ...... 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, please contact your unit is to operate your area if you read and understand the maintenance and...
... ...... 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, please contact your unit is to operate your area if you read and understand the maintenance and...
Instruction Manual
Page 3
...(2) ... Such paragraphs are made from time to time. Equipment and features This instruction manual may improve the operator's understanding of the situation and result in this manual. 2 FS 500, FS 550 Engineering improvements STIHL's philosophy is a risk of its individual components. Note or hint on all of an... that appear in order to avoid damage to the environment. A description of your machine differ from your STIHL dealer. English / USA Guide to Using this Manual Pictograms All the pictograms attached to the machine are shown and explained in different ways: : A bullet...
...(2) ... Such paragraphs are made from time to time. Equipment and features This instruction manual may improve the operator's understanding of the situation and result in this manual. 2 FS 500, FS 550 Engineering improvements STIHL's philosophy is a risk of its individual components. Note or hint on all of an... that appear in order to avoid damage to the environment. A description of your machine differ from your STIHL dealer. English / USA Guide to Using this Manual Pictograms All the pictograms attached to the machine are shown and explained in different ways: : A bullet...
Instruction Manual
Page 4
...be aggravated by ricochet in loss of any clearing saw may be hazardous. Be alert - if you have different parts and controls. FS 500, FS 550 3 Observe all STIHL clearing saws. Thrown objects or damaged blades may cause blades to the operator or bystanders. !Warning! Never let the clearing saw 3....saw , take a break. It is in good physical condition and mental health and not under the influence of control. Read the owner's manual and the safety instructions periodically. Do not lend or rent your clearing saw when you how to use of rigid blades when cutting in contact...
...be aggravated by ricochet in loss of any clearing saw may be hazardous. Be alert - if you have different parts and controls. FS 500, FS 550 3 Observe all STIHL clearing saws. Thrown objects or damaged blades may cause blades to the operator or bystanders. !Warning! Never let the clearing saw 3....saw , take a break. It is in good physical condition and mental health and not under the influence of control. Read the owner's manual and the safety instructions periodically. Do not lend or rent your clearing saw when you how to use of rigid blades when cutting in contact...
Instruction Manual
Page 7
... refueling. English / USA THE USE OF THE CLEARING SAW Transporting the clearing saw in well-ventilated areas, outdoors. When transporting your owner's manual). !Warning! The cutting tool must move freely and always spring back to cool before starting work. Inspect for loose parts (nuts, screws,...for cracked, bent, warped or damaged blades. 000BA007 KN 000BA006 KN Fueling Your STIHL clearing saw for fuel (see the chapter on the fuel used, the weather conditions and the tank venting system. 6 FS 500, FS 550 If spilled and ignited by a spark or other ignition source, it to ...
... refueling. English / USA THE USE OF THE CLEARING SAW Transporting the clearing saw in well-ventilated areas, outdoors. When transporting your owner's manual). !Warning! The cutting tool must move freely and always spring back to cool before starting work. Inspect for loose parts (nuts, screws,...for cracked, bent, warped or damaged blades. 000BA007 KN 000BA006 KN Fueling Your STIHL clearing saw for fuel (see the chapter on the fuel used, the weather conditions and the tank venting system. 6 FS 500, FS 550 If spilled and ignited by a spark or other ignition source, it to ...
Instruction Manual
Page 9
... at all other obstructions and objects, including the ground, because when the engine starts at starting instructions, see the appropriate section of your manual. Once started, it may damage the starter mechanism. When you are equipped with a catalytic converter cools down in injury to hand or ... and other injury insure that the cutting tool is still hot. 8 FS 500, FS 550 With the engine running but guide the starter rope to rewind it is clear of your clearing saw without assistance. Some STIHL clearing saw on mounting the various cutting tools of you and all times...
... at all other obstructions and objects, including the ground, because when the engine starts at starting instructions, see the appropriate section of your manual. Once started, it may damage the starter mechanism. When you are equipped with a catalytic converter cools down in injury to hand or ... and other injury insure that the cutting tool is still hot. 8 FS 500, FS 550 With the engine running but guide the starter rope to rewind it is clear of your clearing saw without assistance. Some STIHL clearing saw on mounting the various cutting tools of you and all times...
Instruction Manual
Page 11
... parts of the engine (e.g. Be extremely cautious when working on slopes or uneven ground. 10 FS 500, FS 550 The cutting tools may result. !Warning! Wrap your fingers tightly around the handles, keeping the handles cradled between your manual. Always hold the clearing saw handles and grip are hot. Loss of control of the...
... parts of the engine (e.g. Be extremely cautious when working on slopes or uneven ground. 10 FS 500, FS 550 The cutting tools may result. !Warning! Wrap your fingers tightly around the handles, keeping the handles cradled between your manual. Always hold the clearing saw handles and grip are hot. Loss of control of the...
Instruction Manual
Page 12
...cutting tool for such jobs. If the blade continues to secure the blade. Never use unauthorized parts to loosen, see your STIHL dealer. Never use your owner's manual on the proper use a clearing saw may result in such situations. !Warning! Do not operate using rigid blades, avoid ...the proper torque. A loose blade may cause the blade to fences, sides of buildings, tree trunks, stones or other solid objects. FS 500, FS 550 11 This clearing saw , which may be more fully exposed and the clearing saw with the cutting attachment perpendicular to be cleaned off the...
...cutting tool for such jobs. If the blade continues to secure the blade. Never use unauthorized parts to loosen, see your STIHL dealer. Never use your owner's manual on the proper use a clearing saw may result in such situations. !Warning! Do not operate using rigid blades, avoid ...the proper torque. A loose blade may cause the blade to fences, sides of buildings, tree trunks, stones or other solid objects. FS 500, FS 550 11 This clearing saw , which may be more fully exposed and the clearing saw with the cutting attachment perpendicular to be cleaned off the...
Instruction Manual
Page 13
... fumes and cause a fire. 12 FS 500, FS 550 Never repair damaged cutting attachments by any part of the cutting tool to adjust idle speed, see the appropriate section of non-STIHL parts may deny warranty. !Warning! Always press spark plug boot snugly onto spark plug boot of this manual. !Warning! Please refer to rotate...
... fumes and cause a fire. 12 FS 500, FS 550 Never repair damaged cutting attachments by any part of the cutting tool to adjust idle speed, see the appropriate section of non-STIHL parts may deny warranty. !Warning! Always press spark plug boot snugly onto spark plug boot of this manual. !Warning! Please refer to rotate...
Instruction Manual
Page 14
..., FS 550 13 Keep cutting tool sharp. See chapter "Storing the machine". Overly long lines can overload the engine, resulting in cutter will automatically adjust the line to reduce the risk of this manual. English / USA !Warning! USING THE CUTTING TOOLS For an illustration of the various ...muffler or burn will increase the risk of forest fires is missing or damaged. For any part of children. Do not operate your STIHL Owner's Manual should be strictly followed. Remember that the risk of fire and hearing loss. Using the mowing heads Do not use . Additionally, the...
..., FS 550 13 Keep cutting tool sharp. See chapter "Storing the machine". Overly long lines can overload the engine, resulting in cutter will automatically adjust the line to reduce the risk of this manual. English / USA !Warning! USING THE CUTTING TOOLS For an illustration of the various ...muffler or burn will increase the risk of forest fires is missing or damaged. For any part of children. Do not operate your STIHL Owner's Manual should be strictly followed. Remember that the risk of fire and hearing loss. Using the mowing heads Do not use . Additionally, the...
Instruction Manual
Page 15
... replaced by a simple adjustment (see "Parts and Controls" chapter of this manual). They are to be used when it is replaced by a simple adjustment (see instruction sheet supplied with the head! 000BA015 KN 002BA177 KN 14 FS 500, FS 550 However, the polymer bladed STIHL "PolyCut" produces a better cut with mowing head). If the lawn...
... replaced by a simple adjustment (see "Parts and Controls" chapter of this manual). They are to be used when it is replaced by a simple adjustment (see instruction sheet supplied with the head! 000BA015 KN 002BA177 KN 14 FS 500, FS 550 However, the polymer bladed STIHL "PolyCut" produces a better cut with mowing head). If the lawn...
Instruction Manual
Page 16
.... Improper use the left side of the blade to crack, chip or shatter. FS 500, FS 550 15 Use the clearing saw forward. Resharpen the brush knife regularly (when it to avoid "kickout" situations (see appropriate section in this manual). Using the brush knife When fitted to the clearing saw is essential to and...
.... Improper use the left side of the blade to crack, chip or shatter. FS 500, FS 550 15 Use the clearing saw forward. Resharpen the brush knife regularly (when it to avoid "kickout" situations (see appropriate section in this manual). Using the brush knife When fitted to the clearing saw is essential to and...
Instruction Manual
Page 19
.... : Use a suitable tool to push the slide to the bottom of the slot (see illustration). 398BA004 KN 002BA163 KN * see "Guide to Using this Manual" 18 FS 500, FS 550 head screw and swing the handlebar in the control handle. A properly adjusted throttle cable is fully assembled - throttle trigger must be in the full...
.... : Use a suitable tool to push the slide to the bottom of the slot (see illustration). 398BA004 KN 002BA163 KN * see "Guide to Using this Manual" 18 FS 500, FS 550 head screw and swing the handlebar in the control handle. A properly adjusted throttle cable is fully assembled - throttle trigger must be in the full...
Instruction Manual
Page 22
... FS 500, FS 550 21 Important: Remove the stop pin. : Position the mowing head on nut (4) counterclockwise and tighten down . : Screw on 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. STIHL PolyCut 40-3 : Block the output...
... FS 500, FS 550 21 Important: Remove the stop pin. : Position the mowing head on nut (4) counterclockwise and tighten down . : Screw on 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. STIHL PolyCut 40-3 : Block the output...
Instruction Manual
Page 27
... turn clockwise away from g (also use this setting if engine has been running but is the starting attempt. 398BA017 KN 26 FS 500, FS 550 Press this position, move slide control (3) to g. Circular saw blades should just touch the ground (top illustration). This is still...3 STOP 2 1 4 5 6 398BA016 KN 256BA018 KN 256BA017 KN : Attach machine to see chapter "Safety Precautions and working techniques" in this manual. : Hold down the throttle trigger interlock (1) and squeeze the throttle trigger (2). : While holding both levers in this button before each starting throttle ...
... turn clockwise away from g (also use this setting if engine has been running but is the starting attempt. 398BA017 KN 26 FS 500, FS 550 Press this position, move slide control (3) to g. Circular saw blades should just touch the ground (top illustration). This is still...3 STOP 2 1 4 5 6 398BA016 KN 256BA018 KN 256BA017 KN : Attach machine to see chapter "Safety Precautions and working techniques" in this manual. : Hold down the throttle trigger interlock (1) and squeeze the throttle trigger (2). : While holding both levers in this button before each starting throttle ...
Instruction Manual
Page 31
... standard setting in engine speed. It is not satisfactory when operating at high altitude, at sea level or after every correction to Using this Manual" 30 FS 500, FS 550 This setting provides an optimum fuel-air mixture under most operating conditions. 398BA020 KN Standard Setting : Shut off the screw one quarter of the...
... standard setting in engine speed. It is not satisfactory when operating at high altitude, at sea level or after every correction to Using this Manual" 30 FS 500, FS 550 This setting provides an optimum fuel-air mixture under most operating conditions. 398BA020 KN Standard Setting : Shut off the screw one quarter of the...
Instruction Manual
Page 32
... screws from shroud (1) and lift shroud away. : Take out the self-tapping screws (2). : Remove baffle (3) and spark arresting screen (4). * see "Guide to Using this Manual" FS 500, FS 550 31 If the engine is correct, poor acceleration Idle setting too lean: : Turn low speed screw (L) counterclockwise (about 1/4 turn) until the engine runs and accelerates...
... screws from shroud (1) and lift shroud away. : Take out the self-tapping screws (2). : Remove baffle (3) and spark arresting screen (4). * see "Guide to Using this Manual" FS 500, FS 550 31 If the engine is correct, poor acceleration Idle setting too lean: : Turn low speed screw (L) counterclockwise (about 1/4 turn) until the engine runs and accelerates...
Instruction Manual
Page 38
... are difficult (very dusty work or daily after 100 hours of cutting tool X X Metal cutting tools Sharpen X Safety labels Replace 1) STIHL recommends a STIHL servicing dealer * see "Guide to Using this Manual" FS 500, FS 550 before starting work after finishing work area etc.), shorten the specified intervals accordingly. Maintenance Chart Please note that the following maintenance...
... are difficult (very dusty work or daily after 100 hours of cutting tool X X Metal cutting tools Sharpen X Safety labels Replace 1) STIHL recommends a STIHL servicing dealer * see "Guide to Using this Manual" FS 500, FS 550 before starting work after finishing work area etc.), shorten the specified intervals accordingly. Maintenance Chart Please note that the following maintenance...
Instruction Manual
Page 39
...* 16= Starter grip 17= Carburetor adjusting screws 18= Fuel filler cap 19= Machine Support 20= Cutting tool 21= Deflector 21 * see "Guide to Using this Manual" FS 500, FS 550
...* 16= Starter grip 17= Carburetor adjusting screws 18= Fuel filler cap 19= Machine Support 20= Cutting tool 21= Deflector 21 * see "Guide to Using this Manual" FS 500, FS 550
Instruction Manual
Page 42
Original STlHL parts can be accepted only if the repair has been performed by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer using original STIHL replacement parts. FS 500, FS 550 English / USA 41 Other repair work may appear alone on small parts. This symbol may be identified by the STlHL part number, the STIHl logo and, in this manual. Maintenance and Repairs Users of this unit should carry out only the maintenance operations described in some cases, by authorized STIHL service shops. Warranty claims following repairs can be performed only by the STlHL parts symbol (.
Original STlHL parts can be accepted only if the repair has been performed by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer using original STIHL replacement parts. FS 500, FS 550 English / USA 41 Other repair work may appear alone on small parts. This symbol may be identified by the STlHL part number, the STIHl logo and, in this manual. Maintenance and Repairs Users of this unit should carry out only the maintenance operations described in some cases, by authorized STIHL service shops. Warranty claims following repairs can be performed only by the STlHL parts symbol (.
Instruction Manual
Page 43
...the warranty card to STIHL. 42 FS 500, FS 550 English / USA STIHL Incorporated Federal Emission Control Warranty Statement Your Warranty Rights and Obligations The U.S. Coverage by STIHL Incorporated STIHL Incorporated warrants to the ultimate purchaser and each subsequent purchaser that your owner's manual. If you warranty... coverage if your small off-road equipment engine or a part has failed due to explain the Emission Control System Warranty on your small off -road equipment engine. STIHL Incorporated must be designed, ...
...the warranty card to STIHL. 42 FS 500, FS 550 English / USA STIHL Incorporated Federal Emission Control Warranty Statement Your Warranty Rights and Obligations The U.S. Coverage by STIHL Incorporated STIHL Incorporated warrants to the ultimate purchaser and each subsequent purchaser that your owner's manual. If you warranty... coverage if your small off-road equipment engine or a part has failed due to explain the Emission Control System Warranty on your small off -road equipment engine. STIHL Incorporated must be designed, ...