The STIHL FS 230 is a brushcutter designed for mowing grass and weeds. It is a robust tool with a 40.2 cm³ engine, delivering 1.55 kW (2.1 hp) at 8500 rpm, and an idle speed of 2800 rpm. The maximum output shaft speed is 8,900 rpm. The brushcutter has a dry weight of 7.2 kg without the cutting attachment and deflector, and a total length of 1824 mm without the cutting tool. Its fuel tank capacity is 810 cm³ (0.81 I).
Function Description:
The brushcutter operates by means of a two-stroke engine that powers a rotating cutting attachment. The engine's ignition system uses a spark plug (Bosch WSR 6 F, with a 0.5 mm electrode gap) to ignite the fuel-air mixture. The choke lever assists in starting the engine, while the manual fuel pump primes the fuel system. The throttle trigger controls the engine speed, and the throttle trigger lockout ensures safe operation by preventing unintentional acceleration. The slide control is a multi-function switch used to start, operate, and stop the engine. The shaft connects the engine to the gear housing, which encloses the gearbox and drives the cutting attachment. The handlebar, connected to the shaft by a clamp, provides a comfortable grip and control over the brushcutter. A deflector for metal cutting attachments is included to protect the user from flying debris and contact with the cutting attachment. The grass cutting blade is the primary cutting attachment for grass and weeds.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Engine Type: Two-stroke engine
- Displacement: 40.2 cm³
- Engine Power: 1.55 kW (2.1 hp) at 8500 rpm
- Idle Speed: 2800 rpm
- Maximum Output Shaft Speed: 8,900 rpm
- Spark Plug: Bosch WSR 6 F
- Electrode Gap: 0.5 mm
- Dry Weight (without cutting attachment and deflector): 7.2 kg
- Length (without cutting tool): 1824 mm
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 810 cm³ (0.81 I)
- Recommended Fuel Mixture: Gasoline and two-stroke engine oil at a 1:50 ratio (STIHL MotoMix recommended).
- Approved Gasoline: Minimum 90 RON octane, ethanol content not more than 10% (27% for Brazil).
- Approved Two-Stroke Engine Oil: STIHL two-stroke engine oil or high-performance engine oil classified as JASO FB, JASO FC, JASO FD, ISO-L-EGB, ISO-L-EGC or ISO-L-EGD.
- Cutting Attachment: Grass cutting blade 305-2 (Ø 305 mm)
- Deflector: Universal deflector without skirt
- Carrying System: Shoulder strap or full harness with quick-release system
Usage Features:
The FS 230 is designed for user comfort and safety. It features a bike handle that can be adjusted to suit the user's height and reach, ensuring ergonomic operation. The carrying system, either a shoulder strap or a full harness, helps balance the trimmer, reducing user fatigue. The balance of the trimmer can be adjusted by moving the carrying ring on the drive tube until the cutting attachment rests lightly on the ground.
Starting the engine involves a specific procedure: priming the manual fuel pump, setting the choke lever, pressing the throttle trigger lockout and throttle trigger, and moving the slide control to the START position. For starting a warm engine, the preparation steps can be skipped. The brushcutter should always be started on a level surface, ensuring the cutting attachment does not touch the ground or other objects.
During operation, the user is advised to work calmly and methodically, keeping the cutting attachment close to the ground and watching out for obstacles. The recommended mowing technique involves using the left part of the metal cutting attachment and moving forward slowly in a controlled manner. The cutting height is determined by the distance of the cutting attachment from the ground.
Safety precautions are emphasized throughout the manual, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hat, safety boots, work gloves, long trousers, face protection) and maintaining a safe distance of 15 meters from bystanders, children, and animals. The user is warned about reactive forces (kickout) and advised to hold the trimmer firmly with both hands, avoid cutting with the black area of the cutting attachment, and use recommended working techniques.
Maintenance Features:
Regular maintenance is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of the FS 230. Key maintenance tasks include:
- Cleaning: The brushcutter, air filter, deflector, and cutting attachment should be cleaned after each use. A damp cloth or STIHL resin solvent can be used for general cleaning, and a soft brush for cooling air slots. The air filter can be washed with warm, soapy water, rinsed, dried, and then treated with 5 ml of two-stroke engine oil.
- Lubricating the Gearbox: Every 50 hours of operation, the gearbox should be lubricated with 5g of "STIHL gear grease" by removing the screw plug, applying the grease, and then running the engine for one minute at full throttle to distribute it evenly.
- Spark Plug Replacement: A new spark plug should be installed every 100 hours of operation. The spark plug should be cleaned and checked for corrosion regularly.
- Fuel System Maintenance: Monthly, the fuel tank and pickup body in the fuel tank should be cleaned by a STIHL servicing dealer. The pickup body should be replaced every 12 months.
- Carburetor Adjustment: The carburetor can be adjusted for operation at high altitude to ensure optimum engine power. There are also procedures for adjusting the idle speed and throttle cable.
- Sharpening and Balancing Cutting Attachment: STIHL recommends having metal cutting attachments resharpened and balanced by a STIHL servicing dealer due to the complexity of the task.
- Storage: For storage longer than 30 days, the cutting attachment should be removed, the fuel tank drained, and the manual fuel pump pressed several times. The engine should then be run until it stops. The brushcutter should be stored clean, dry, and out of reach of children, with the transport guard fitted if a metal cutting attachment is mounted.
The manual also provides troubleshooting steps for common issues like the engine not starting, erratic idling, or the engine stopping while idling, often pointing to fuel, carburetor, or spark plug issues.
To Next Page
General
