FS 160, FS 220, FS 280, FS 290
English
57
The cutting attachment may catch and 
fling objects a great distance and cause 
injury - therefore, do not allow any other 
persons within a radius of 15 meters of 
your own position. To reduce the risk of 
damage to property, also maintain this 
distance from other objects (vehicles, 
windows). Even maintaining a distance 
of 15 meters or more cannot exclude the 
potential danger.
The correct engine idle speed is 
important to ensure that the cutting 
attachment stops rotating when you let 
go of the throttle trigger.
Check and correct the idle speed setting 
regularly. If the cutting attachment 
continues to rotate when the engine is 
idling, have the machine checked by 
your servicing dealer. STIHL 
recommends an authorized STIHL 
servicing dealer.
Take special care in slippery conditions 
(ice, wet ground, snow), on slopes or 
uneven ground.
Watch out for obstacles: Roots and tree 
stumps which could cause you to trip or 
stumble.
Always stand on the ground while 
working, never on a ladder, work 
platform or any other insecure support.
Be particularly alert and cautious when 
wearing hearing protection because 
your ability to hear warnings (shouts, 
alarms, etc.) is restricted.
To reduce the risk of accidents, take a 
break in good time to avoid tiredness or 
exhaustion.
Work calmly and carefully – in daylight 
conditions and only when visibility is 
good. Stay alert so as not to endanger 
others.
To reduce the risk of serious or fatal 
injury from breathing toxic fumes, 
ensure proper ventilation when working 
in trenches, hollows or other confined 
locations.
To reduce the risk of accidents, stop 
work immediately in the event of 
nausea, headache, visual disturbances 
(e.g. reduced field of vision), problems 
with hearing, dizziness, deterioration in 
ability to concentrate. Apart from other 
possibilities, these symptoms may be 
caused by an excessively high 
concentration of exhaust gases in the 
work area.
Operate your power tool so that it 
produces a minimum of noise and 
emissions – do not run the engine 
unnecessarily, accelerate the engine 
only when working.
To reduce the risk of fire, do not smoke 
while operating or standing near your 
power tool. Note that combustible fuel 
vapor may escape from the fuel system.
The dusts, vapor and smoke produced 
during operation may be dangerous to 
health. If the work area is very dusty or 
smoky, wear a respirator.
If your power tool is subjected to 
unusually high loads for which it was not 
designed (e.g. heavy impact or a fall), 
always check that it is in good condition 
before continuing work – see also 
"Before Starting".
Check the fuel system in particular for 
leaks and make sure the safety devices 
are working properly. Do not continue 
operating your power tool if it is 
damaged. In case of doubt, consult your 
servicing dealer.
Do not operate your power tool in the 
starting throttle position – engine speed 
cannot be controlled in this position.
Your power tool produces 
toxic exhaust fumes as 
soon as the engine is 
running. These fumes 
may be colorless and 
odorless and contain 
unburned hydrocarbons 
and benzol. Never run 
the engine indoors or in 
poorly ventilated loca-
tions, even if your model 
is equipped with a cata-
lytic converter.
To reduce the risk 
of injury from 
thrown objects, 
never operate the 
unit without the 
proper deflector for 
the type of cutting 
attachment being 
used.