FS 38
English
13
Do not continue using the mowing head 
if the raised moldings (1) on the base 
are missing or worn – see right 
illustration above. The mowing head 
may otherwise shatter and flying objects 
could result in injury to the operator or 
bystanders. Install a new mowing head.
MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND 
STORING
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of 
the emission control devices and 
systems may be performed by any 
nonroad engine repair establishment or 
individual. However, if you make a 
warranty claim for a component which 
has not been serviced or maintained 
properly or if nonapproved replacement 
parts were used, STIHL may deny 
coverage.
WARNING
Use only identical STIHL replacement 
parts for maintenance and repair. Use of 
non-STIHL parts may cause serious or 
fatal injury.
Strictly follow the maintenance and 
repair instructions in the appropriate 
sections of your instruction manual.
WARNING
Always stop the engine and make sure 
that the cutting attachment is stopped 
before doing any maintenance or repair 
work or cleaning the power tool. Do not 
attempt any maintenance or repair work 
not described in your instruction manual. 
Have such work performed by your 
STIHL servicing dealer only.
WARNING
Use the specified spark plug, and make 
sure it and the ignition lead are always 
clean and in good condition. Always 
press the spark plug boot snugly onto 
the spark plug terminal of the proper 
size. (Note: If the terminal has a 
detachable SAE adapter nut, it must be 
securely attached.) A loose connection 
between the spark plug and the ignition 
wire connector in the boot may create 
arcing that could ignite combustible 
fumes and cause a fire.
WARNING
Never test the ignition system with the 
spark plug boot removed from the spark 
plug or with a removed spark plug, since 
uncontained sparking may cause a fire.
WARNING
Do not operate your power tool if the 
muffler is damaged, missing or modified. 
An improperly maintained muffler will 
increase the risk of fire and hearing loss. 
Your muffler is equipped with a spark-
arresting screen to reduce the risk of 
fire; never operate your power tool if the 
screen is missing, damaged or clogged. 
Remember that the risk of a brush or 
forest fire is greater in hot or dry 
weather.
In California, it is a violation of § 4442 or 
§ 4443 of the Public Resources Code to 
use or operate gasoline-powered tools 
on forest-covered, brush-covered or 
grass-covered land unless the engine’s 
exhaust system is equipped with a 
complying spark arrester that is 
maintained in effective working order. 
The owner/operator of this product is 
responsible for properly maintaining the 
spark arrester. Other states or 
governmental entities/agencies, such as 
the U.S. Forest Service, may have 
similar requirements. Contact your local 
fire agency or forest service for the laws 
or regulations relating to fire protection 
requirements.
WARNING
Never repair damaged or broken heads. 
This may cause parts of the cutting 
attachment to come off and result in 
serious or fatal injuries.
Tighten all nuts, bolts and screws, 
except the carburetor adjustment 
screws, after each use.
Do not clean your machine with a 
pressure washer. The solid jet of water 
may damage parts of the machine.
Store the power tool in a dry and high or 
locked location out of reach of children.
Before storing for longer than a few 
days, always empty the fuel tank. See 
chapter "Storing the Machine" in the 
instruction manual.