FS 260 C, FS 360 C
English
3
The terminology utilized in this manual 
when referring to the power tool reflects 
the fact that different types of cutting 
attachments may be mounted on it. The 
term "trimmer" is used to designate an 
FS unit that is equipped with a nylon line 
head or a head with flexible plastic 
blades (i.e., the PolyCut head). A 
"brushcutter" designates a unit 
equipped with a rigid metal blade. Many 
FS models may be used as either a 
trimmer or a brushcutter – therefore, the 
power tool is referred in this manual as a 
"trimmer / brushcutter." Some smaller 
and / or lightweight FS models may only 
be used as a trimmer, i.e., they may not 
be used with metal blades.
The term "clearing saw" indicates a 
high-powered trimmer / brushcutter that 
is particularly suited for use with a 
circular saw blade to clear saplings or 
small trees.
WARNING
As more fully explained later in these 
Safety Precautions, to reduce the risk of 
personal injury, make sure your unit is 
equipped with the proper deflector, limit 
stop and harness for the type of cutting 
attachment you are using. Use only 
cutting attachments that are specifically 
authorized by STIHL for use on your FS 
model.
Have your STIHL dealer show you how 
to operate your power tool. Observe all 
applicable local safety regulations, 
standards and ordinances.
WARNING
Do not lend or rent your power tool 
without the instruction manual. Be sure 
that anyone using it understands the 
information contained in this manual.
WARNING
The use of this machine may be 
hazardous. If the rotating line or blade 
comes in contact with your body, it will 
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. Striking such objects 
could damage the cutting attachment 
and may cause blades to crack, chip or 
break. Thrown objects, including broken 
heads or blades, may result in serious or 
fatal injury to the operator or bystanders. 
STIHL does not recommend the use of 
rigid blades when cutting in stony areas.
Use your clearing saw equipped with the 
appropriate cutting attachment only for 
cutting grass, brush, wood and similar 
material.
WARNING
Do not use it for other purposes, since 
misuse may result in personal injury or 
property damage, including damage to 
the machine.
WARNING
Minors should never be allowed to use 
this power tool. Bystanders, especially 
children, and animals should not be 
allowed in the area where it is in use.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury to bystanders 
and damage to property, never let your 
power tool run unattended. When it is 
not in use (e.g. during a work break), 
shut it off and make sure that 
unauthorized persons do not use it.
Most of these safety precautions and 
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL 
clearing saws. Different models may 
have different parts and controls. See 
the appropriate section of your 
instruction manual for a description of 
the controls and the function of the parts 
of your model.
Safe use of a clearing saw involves
1. the operator
2. the power tool
3. the use of the power tool.
Safety Precautions and 
Working Techniques
Because a clearing saw 
is a high-speed, fast-cut-
ting power tool 
sometimes equipped with 
sharp cutting blades, 
special safety precau-
tions must be observed to 
reduce the risk of per-
sonal injury.
It is important that you 
read, fully understand 
and observe the following 
safety precautions and 
warnings. Read the 
instruction manual and 
the safety precautions 
periodically. Careless or 
improper use may cause 
serious or fatal injury.