STIHL FE 55 Operating and Safety Instructions

 Contents
Main Parts and Controls
Definitions
Important Safety Instructions
Assembling the Trimmer
Mounting the Loop Handle
Mounting the Deflector
Mounting the Mowing Head
Starting
Adjusting Loop Handle
Connecting to Power Supply
Switching on/off
Adjusting Nylon Line
Mowing Head Maintenance
Replacing Nylon Line
Fitting Refilled Spool
Fitting the Harness
(Special Accessory) à
Specifications
Certificate of conformity
CE
Printed on chlorine-free paper.
© 1993 Andreas Stihl AG & Co, Waiblingen
0458 349 0121. M5. G9. PM. Printed in USA
FE 55
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16
This manual contains warnings,
operating and safety instructions for the
STIHL FE 55 trimmer.
Pay special attention to the safety
instructions outlined on pages 4 to 9.
Allow only persons who understand this
manual to operate your trimmer.
To receive maximum performance and
satisfaction from your STIHL trimmer,
it is important that you read and under-
stand the maintenance and safety
precautions before using your trimmer.
Contact your STIHL dealer or the STIHL
distributor for your area if you do not
understand any of the instructions in this
manual.
A Warning!
Because a trimmer is a high-speed
“cutting tool and because of the dangers
associated with electricity some special
safety precautions must be observed as
with any other trimmer to reduce the risk
of personal injury.
Careless or improper use may cause
serious or even fatal injury.
STIHL's philosophy is to continually
improve all of its products. As a result,
engineering changes and improvements
are made from time-to-time.
If the operating characteristics or the
appearance of your trimmer differs from
those described in this manual, please
contact your STIHL dealer for
information and assistance.
/\ Warning!
To reduce the risk of damage or personal
injury use only the identically delivered
STIHL mowing head provided with nylon
cutting lines of 2 mm (.08 in) dia.
(see "Replacement Parts ...").
/Л\ Warning!
To reduce the risk of personal injury to
the operator from blade contact, never
use metal blades on those FE models
with loop handle.
STIHL
Main Parts and Controls
349BA021 KN
349BA024 KN
OWN =
© oo ©
Power supply cord
Trigger switch
Throttle trigger interlock
Carrying loop
Loop handle
Mowing head
Line length limiter blade
Deflector
Strain relief flap
FE 55
1. Power supply cord.
Supplies electric to current motor.
2. Trigger switch.
To switch the machine "on" and "off".
3. Throttle trigger interlock
Must be depressed before the
trigger switch can be activated.
4. Carrying loop.
The device to connect the trimmer
to the harness.
5. Loop handle.
For easy control of the machine
during cutting work.
6. Mowing head.
The mowing head is intended
to supplement a lawn mower.
7. Line length limiter blade.
Metal piece in the deflector
for cutting off excess nylon line.
8. Deflector.
The deflector is designed to reduce
the risk of injury from foreign objects
flung backwards toward the operator
by the cutting tool and from contact
with the cutting tool.
9. Strain relief flap.
Supports extension cord and reduces
the likelihood of disconnection
of extension cord receptacles
and trimmer plug.
FE 55
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS -
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
/N Warning!
To reduce the risk of fire,
electric shock and
personal injury, special
safety precautions must
be observed.
It is important that you
read, fully understand
and observe the following
safety precautions
and warnings.
Read the owners manual and the safety
instructions periodically.
Careless or improper use of any electric
trimmer may cause serious or even fatal
injury.
Have your STIHL dealer show you how
to operate your trimmer.
Observe all applicable local safety
regulations, standards and ordinances.
A Warning!
The use of an electric trimmer may be
hazardous. If the rotating cutting tool
comes in contact with your body, it may
cut you. When it comes in contact with
solid foreign objects such as rocks or
bits of metal, it may fling them directly or
by ricochet in the direction of bystanders
or the operator. Thrown objects may
result in serious or fatal injury to the
operator or bystanders.
Keep hands and feet away from cutting
area
THE TRIMMER
For illustrations and definitions of the
trimmer parts see the chapter on Parts
and Controls!
/N Warning!
Never modify an electric trimmer in any
way. Only attachments supplied by
STIHL or expressly approved by STIHL
for use with the specific STIHL trimmer
models are authorized.
To reduce the risk of damage or personal
injury use only the identically delivered
STIHL mowing head provided with nylon
cutting lines of 2 mm (.08 in) diameter.
Do not use metal-reinforced line.
(see ,Replacement Parts . . .”).
Although certain unauthorized
attachments are useable for the STIHL
trimmer, their use may, in fact, be
extremely dangerous.
Operating Instructions
/N Warning!
Your trimmer is a one-
person machine. Once switched on, it
may fling foreign objects for a great
distance.
To reduce the risk of eye and other
injury insure that bystanders are at
least 50 feet (15 > m) away away.
|
-4— 15m (50 fb)
349BA017
Stop the motor and stop the cutting tool
immediately if you are approached.
Operate your trimmer without
assistance.
Operate the trimmer under good visibility
and daylight conditions only.
Work carefully.
/N Warning!
Never attempt to use an electric trimmer
in locations where there is a potential for
explosive or flammable atmospheres.
Always hold the trimmer firmly with both
hands. Wrap your fingers tightly around
the handles, keeping the handles
cradled between your thumb and fore-
finger. Keep your hands in this position
FE 55
to have your trimmer under control at all
times. Make sure your trimmer handles
and grip are in good condition and free
of moisture, pitch, oil or grease.
A Warning!
Never attempt to operate any trimmer
with one hand. Loss of control of the
trimmer may result in personal injury.
7N Warning!
Special care must be taken in slippery
conditions and in difficult, over-grown
terrain. Watch for hidden obstacles such
as tree stumps, roots and ditches to
avoid stumbling.
Before cutting, inspect the area for
stones, glass, pieces of metal, trash or
other solid objects. The cutting attach-
ment could throw objects of this kind.
To reduce the risk of injury from thrown
objects never operate a trimmer without
a properly mounted deflector.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing
and balance at all times.
AN Warning!
This trimmer is normally to be used at
ground level with the cutting attachment
parallel to the ground.
Do not use a trimmer above ground
level. Such use may increase the risk of
injury, since the cutting attachment is
more fully exposed and the trimmer may
FE 55
be more difficult to control. Never use
your trimmer as a hedge trimmer.
/N Warning]!
If the cutting tool or deflector becomes
clogged or stuck, always switch off the
motor, unplug unit and make sure the
cutting tool has stopped before cleaning.
Grass, weeds, etc. should be cleaned off
the cutting tool at regular intervals.
A Warning!
During cutting, check the tightness and
the condition of the cutting tool at regular
intervals. If the behaviour of the tool
changes, switch off the motor imme-
diately, hold the trimmer very firmly and
brake the cutting tool to a standstill by
pressing it against the ground. Unplug
unit and check the nut securing the tool
for tightness and the cutting tool for
cracks and damage.
/N Warning!
Replace damaged cutting tools imme-
diately. Such tools may shatter at high
speed and cause serious or fatal injury.
/N Warning!
Never touch a rotating cutting tool with
your hand or any part of your body.
It continues to rotate for
a short period after the
switch is released
(flywheel effect).
7N Warning!
Do not cut any material other than grass.
The cutting tool may be used only for the
operations described in your manual.
Do not force your trimmer - it will do the
job better and with less likelihood of a
risk of injury at the rate for which it was
designed,
USING THE CUTTING TOOL
For an illustration of the cutting tool and
instruction on proper mounting see the
chapter on , Mounting the mowing head"
in your manual.
Using the mowing head
The identically delivered STIHL mowing
head is intended to supplement a lawn
mower. It produces a clean and tidy
finish.
AA Warning!
To reduce the risk of serious injury,
never use wire or metal-reinforced line
or other material in place of the nylon
cutting lines.
Pieces of wire could break off and be
thrown at high speed toward the
operator or bystanders. Always use
nylon line with a diameter of 2 mm
(.08in). Larger lines may cause engine
damage. Smaller lines may cause over-
running and increase the risk of injury
from thrown objects or fragmentation of
the cutting attachment.
MAINTENANCE, CLEANING,
REPAIR AND STORING
/N Warning!
Always disconnect the plug from the
power supply before cleaning the unit,
replacing parts or performing any other
work on the unit. Always switch off the
motor and make sure that the cutting
tool is stopped before unplugging.
Only carry out the maintenance
operations and repairs described in this
manual. Other work should be per-
formed by your STIHL servicing dealer.
Maintain appliance with care.Only use
identical replacement parts for main-
tenance and repair. Use of parts manu-
factured by others may cause serious or
fatal injury. |
Only authorized personnel may replace
the power supply cord. A damaged
power supply cord must be replaced by
a identical STIHL replacement part.
Check cooling air inlets about every
ten hours of operation and clean if
necessary. Do not use any strong deter-
gents on the plastic housing or handle.
They can be attacked by certain house-
hold cleaners containing aromatic oils
such as pine or lemon, or by solvents
such as cerosene. Do not spray water at
the trimmer, moisture can cause an
electric shock hazard. Wipe the unit with
a cloth.
VAN Warning!
Never attempt to repair a damaged
cutting attachment. This may cause
parts of the cutting tool to come off and
result in serious or fatal injuries.
Check condition of cutting tool at regular
short intervals. If behaviour of tool
changes, check it immediately for
tightness and any signs of cracks in
particular. To reduce the risk of serious
injury, replace damaged cutting tools
immediately, even if they have only
superficial cracks.
Tighten all nuts, bolts and screws after
each use.
When not in use, the trimmer and the
extension cord should be stored indoors-
in a dry, high or locked location and out
of reach of children.
ELECTRICAL PRECAUTIONS
Special precautions for electric trimmers
must be observed to reduce the risk of
personal injury and property damage
from fire and electric shock.
/A Warning!
When servicing, use only identical
replacement parts.
Polarized plugs: To reduce the risk of
electric shock, this equipment has a po-
larized plug (one blade is wider than the
other) This plug will fit in a polarized out-
let one way. If the plug does not fit fully
in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still
does not fit, contact a qualified electrician
to install the proper outlet. Do not change
the plug in any way.
Never attempt unauthorized repairs nor
open powerhead. Only authorized
personnel may repair or replace
damaged cords.
AN Warning!
The electrical power voltage must agree
with the voltage specified on the
timmer's machine label.
Improper connection will damage the
trimmer and may cause personal injury.
A Warning!
To reduce the risk of fire or electrical
shock from arcing and of injury from
revolving cutting tool be sure switch is
off when plugging in.
/N Warning!
In order to reduce the risk
of serious injury from
electrocution, never use
your trimmer if the power
supply cord or plug is cut,
cracked, worn or damaged.
Disconnect the plug from the power
supply and have a dealer replace the
power supply cord.
/N Warning!
To avoid electric shock,
N
do not use the trimmer in
damp or wet locations.
Do not expose or use in
rain. To reduce the risk of
FE 55
electric shock, do not handle the plug or
the unit with wet hands.
Ground Foult Circuit interupter (GFCI)
protection should be provided on the
circuit(s) or outlet(s) to be used for the
gardening appliance. Receptacles are
available having built-in GFCI protection
and may be used for this measure of
safety.
A Warning!
When using the electric trimmer, always
keep the power supply cord behind you
and away from the cutting tool. Always
ensure that your power supply cord
does not become entangled with
obstacles or objects. Damaged cables
may cause electrocution. Always discon-
nect the plug from the power supply
when you take a break.
Cord Sets
/N Warning!
To reduce the risk of electric shock use
only extension cords that are intended
for outdoor use, Use only three-wire
extension cords that have three-prong
grounding plugs and grounding recep-
tacles that accept the appliance plug.
Do not use damaged extension cords.
Examine extension cord before using
and replace if damaged. When using an
extension cord, be sure to use one
heavy enough to carry the current your
trimmer will draw. An undersized
extension cord will cause a drop in line
FE 55
voltage resulting in loss of power and
overheating. Following table shows the
correct size to use depending on cord
length and machine label ampere rating.
(for cord set type see chapter entitled
,otarting”).
Minimum wire size for extension cords
for 120 Volt appliances using 0-6 amps
Cord length (it) 25 50 100 150
Wire size (AWG) 18 16 16 14
Appropriate extension cords are
available in special stores for electrical
equipment.
/N Warning!
To reduce the likelihood of disconnec-
tion and the risk of electric shock, al-
ways
retain the extension cord by means of
the retaining device on the trimmer
handle as shown in the chapter entitled
Starting” in your owners manual.
/A Warning!
Avoid damage to the power supply cord.
Keep cord away from heat, oil and sharp
edges. Never carry trimmer by power
cable or yank power cable to disconnect
the plug from the wall outlet.
To unplug, grasp the plug not the cord.
349BAD19 KN
PRE-OPERATIONAL
SAFETY WARNINGS
/N Warning!
Children should never be allowed to use
an electric trimmer.
Bystanders, especially children and
animals should not be allowed in the
area where an electric trimmer is in use .
Never let the trimmer run unattended.
Л\ Warning!
Do not lend or rent your trimmer without
the owner's manual. Be sure that
anyone using your trimmer understands
the information contained in this manual.
349BA020 KN
Most of these safety precautions and
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL
electric trimmers. Different models may
have different parts and controls.
See the appropriate section of your
owners manual for a description of the
controls and function of the parts of your
model trimmer.
Safe use of a trimmer involves
1. the operator
2. the trimmer
3. the use of the trimmer.
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 judgement. Do not operate
the trimmer when you are fatigued.
Working with any trimmer can be
strenuous. Be alert - if you get tired while
operating your trimmer, take a break.
Tiredness may result in loss of control.
If you have any condition that might
be aggravated by strenuous work,
check with your doctor before operating
a trimmer.
/N Warning!
Prolonged use of a trimmer (or other
machines) exposing the operator to
vibrations may produce White Finger
disease (Raynaud's Phenomenon)
or carpal tunnel syndrome.
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.
Therefore, continual and regular users
should monitor closely the condition of
their hands and fingers. If any of the
above symptoms appear, seek medical
advice immediately.
“5 9 F
OO0BAO17
Protective clothing
A Warning!
The deflector provided with your trimmer
may not protect the operator from all
foreign objects (gravel, glass, wire etc.)
thrown by the revolving cutting attach-
ment.
Thrown objects may also
ricochet and strike the
operator. Therefore, to
reduce the risk of injury to
your eyes, never operate a
trimmer unless wearing goggles or
properly fitted safety glasses with
adequate top and side protection
complying with ANSI Z 87.1 (or your
applicable national standard).
FE 55
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 safety glasses.
/N Warning!
Electric trimmer noise may damage your
hearing. Wear sound barriers (ear plugs
or ear mufflers) to reduce the risk of
hearing loss. Continual and regular
users should have their hearing checked
regularly.
To improve your grip and to reduce the
risk of injury from electric shock, use of
rubber gloves when handling the
trimmer is recommended.
Wear protective clothing.
Clothing must be sturdy and snug-fitting,
but allow complete freedom of move-
ment. Avoid loose-fitting jackets, scarfs,
neckties, jewelry, flared or cuffed pants
or anything that could become caught
on branches, brush or moving parts of
the unit,
Wear long pants made of heavy material
to protect your legs. Do not wear shorts.
Good footing is most important in
trimmer work. Wear sturdy boots with
non-slip soles. Steel-toed safety boots
are recommended.
Wear an approved safety hard hat
to protect your head when there is a
danger of head injuries.
FE 55
OPERATIONAL PRECAUTIONS
THE USE OF THE TRIMMER
/N Warning!
Use the right tool. Do not use your appli-
ance for any job except that for which it
is intended.
Do not use the trimmer for any job
except that for which it is intended.
Keep guards in place and in working
order. Keep hands and feet away from
cutting area.
Transporting the Trimmer
/N\ Warning!
Always switch off the motor and make
sure the cutting attachment has stopped
before putting a trimmer down.
To reduce the risk of unintentional
starting, never carry a plugged in unit
with your finger on the switch. Be sure
the switch is off when plugging in.
Preparation for the use of the trimmer
Adjust hand grip to suit your size before
starting work.
Always check your trimmer for proper
condition and operation before starting.
Particularly important items are the
power supply cord, plug, switch, cutting
tool and deflector.
/N Warning!
Inspect the power supply cord and plug
before and after each use for signs of
damage or aging.
The cutting tool must be properly
tightened and in safe operating
condition. Inspect for loose parts
(nuts, screws, etc.).
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS!
Assembling the Trimmer
3
— A =!
Nh
“=
349BA015
сл
4
|
349BA002 | |
349BA003
‚ 349BA001
Mounting the loop handle
Place the loop handle (1)
on the drive tube (2).
Distance (A) should be approx.
30 cm (12 in).
Fit clamp (3) against drive tube
Insert the square nut (4).
Fit the clamp screw
and tighten down firmly.
10
and slide it into the loop handle.
Mounting the deflector e Push deflector with clamp
onto the
e Slip the clamp (5) bearing housing (7) as far as it will
over the go.
deflector (6). e Tighten down the clamp.
FE 55
349BA004
349BADO5
349BA006
Mounting the mowing head
Slip the spool housing (8)
- hexagon socket must point down -
over the drive shaft (9) as
far as it will go.
® Turn the spool housing back and
forth to engage the hexagon nut
on the shaft.
FE 55
e Place screw cap (10)
on the drive shaft.
Hold the spool housing steady.
Press the screw cap down
and tighten it firmly in the clockwise
direction.
Nylon lines should be 10...14 cm long
(4...5.5 in).
If the nylon lines are too short :
Press down the screw cap and pull
the ends of the lines firmly outward.
Overlong lines
are automatically trimmed to length
by the line length limiter blade
on the deflector.
11
Starting
с
O
0
349BA016
, 349BA014
349BA023 KN
Adjusting loop handle
Slacken the screw (1) and
slide the loop handle (2)
along the drive tube to the
required position.
O Retigten the screw.
Connecting to power supply
Make sure that your electricity supply
voltage agrees with the trimmer’s
rated voltage.
Use an extension cord which is specifi-
cally approved for outdoor applications.
12
Wires of extension cord must have the
following minimum cross sectional area:
e from 2 m length: 1,5 mm“,
under model HO7 RN-F
120 V version:
Type SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A,
SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-A,
or SITOW-A,
up to 100 ft 16 AWG
100 to 150 ft 14 AWG
e Connect trimmers plug (1)
to extension cord coupling (2).
Swing the flap (3) outward.
Push extension cord into the recess.
Let go off the flap.
Switching on
e Make sure you have a secure
footing.
® Hold the trimmer with both hands -
@ one hand on the rear handle -
and the other on the loop handle.
e Stand upright -
hold trimmer in a relaxed position.
e Do not rest the mowing head
on the ground.
Press down the starting lockout (1)
and hold it there.
@ Squeeze the trigger switch (2).
e To switch off, release the trigger
switch (2) and starting lockout (1).
FE 55
Mowing Head
Maintenance
|
121
|
| | о
Е | ©
2 :
= et -
zz,
1
НИ 3 3 :
3 % 3
Adjusting nylon line я Replacing nylon line O Push the ends of the lines into the
openings (4).
When cutting performance deteriorates, Hold the spool housing (1) steady e Wind the lines firmly around the
hold the running trimmer and unscrew the spool one after another” - the lower
above a patch of grass. screw cap (2) counterclockwise. line first - in the direction of the
® Bump the mowing head on the Take the spool (3) out of the arrow until about 10 to 14 cm
ground. housing - (4 - 5.5 in) of line is left.
Note that bump line feed will work only remove remaining line from the O Engage ends of lines in the slots (5).
if both lines are at least 2.5 cm (1 in) spool. Wind the two lines firmly around the
long. ® Clean the spool housing, drive shaft spool so that they are next to one
If the lines are shorter: and spool. another and do not cross over.
O Switch off the trimmer. O Cuttwo 3.75 m (12 1/2 ft) lengths of
® Disconnect plug from power supply. line from the 15.2 m (50 ft) reel.
@ Press down the screw cap Use only identical STIHL replacement
and pull the ends of the lines firmly reel of nylon line of 2 mm (.08 in) dia.
outward. (see "Replacement Parts ...").
If ends of nylon line are not visible - Always clean the inner spool, outer
see section "Mowing head maintenance". spool, and shaft before reassembling “On spools without partition:
the Mowing head.
FE 55 13
|||#|||
ЕЕ
Il = \
x
T
349BA011
Fitting refilled spool
Hold the freshly wound
14
Spool (3) —
type designation facing upward —
above the
spool housing (1).
Thread ends of the line outward
Through the sleeves (6)
and push the spool into the
spool housing at the same time.
Place the screw cap (2)
on the drive shaft —
tighten it down clockwise.
Pull the ends of the nylon line
firmly outward
Fitting the Harness
(Special Accessory)
A harness is available as special
accessory.
Wear the harness over your left shoul-
der and adjust its length so that the
spring hook lies against your right hip.
The open side of the hook should face
away from your body. Attach the spring
hook to the carrying loop.
FE 55
Specifications
Motor
Rating:
Rating current:
Voltage:
Frequency:
Speed at 350 mm
(14 in) cutting width:
Maximum speed
(w/out nylon line):
Fuse:
Insulation:
Radio interference
suppression:
EEC only
Equivalent sound
pressure level Lp
to ISO 7917: 83 dB (A)
Equivalent sound
power level Lw
to 84/538/EEC: 95 dB (A)
Vibrationacceleration dea
to ISO 7916
Idle speed:
Handle left 8,5 (m/s?)
Handle right 3,0 (m/s*)
USA only
Bystander sound level
(at 50 ft): 60 dB (A)
FE 55
600 W 650 W 660 W
2.6 A 2.7 A 55A
230 V 240 V 120 \/
50 Hz 50 Hz 60 Hz
6,900 rpm 6,800 rpm 7,100 rpm
13,500 rpm 13,500 rpm 13,000 rpm
10 A 10 A 15 A
Class || VDE 0700 Double Insulated
This trimmer conforms to EEC
directive 76/899 and DIN 57 875
Cutting Tool
Mowing head
with two nylon line
Line dia.: : 2 mm (0.080 in)
Width of cut: 350 mm (14 in)
Nylon line
in spool: 2x3.75m
(2 x 12.3 ft)
Line feed: semi-automatic
Weight
Complete with deflector
and mowing head: 3.85 kg (8.5 Ib)
Dimensions
Length: 1490 mm (58.7 in)
Replacement Parts and
Special Accessories
Reel nylon line
(15.2 m/50 ft) 0000 930 2515
Harness 4130 710 9000
Goggles”
Replacement spool
with nylon line 4004 710 4304
* Standard equipment in some markets
15
Certificate of conformity
This Certificate of Conformity applies only
in the countries of the European Union.
Certificate of Conformity (Clause 8 of Directive 89/392/EEC)
|, the undersigned
Andreas Stihl AG & Co
Badstr. 115
D-71336 Waiblingen
certify that the new machine described below
Category: Electric Lawn Trimmer
Make: STIHL
Model: FE 55
Serial identification: 4803
Motor | Make: Mamco Corporation
Model: ES 29
(STIHL No. 4803 600 0206)
Test speed: 8,070 rom
conforms to the specifications of Directive a 7
89/392/EEC., 73/23/EEC., 89/336/EEC and 84/538/EEC
The product has been developed and manufactured in compliance with the following
standard: EN 292, EN 786, EN 60335, EN 55014, EN 55104,
EN 61000
Guaranteed sound power level: 95 dB (A)
- Type of cutting attachment: Nylon line
- Cutting width: 35 cm
- Cutting attachment speed: 8,070 rpm
Done at Waiblingen,
February, 1999
ANDREAS STIHL
(o. hoc
Steinhauser
Director Group Product Management
16
FE 55