Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2015
0458-546-8621-D. VA2.M14. 
0000001050_017_GB
FS 40, FS 40 C, FS 50, FS 50 C
English
1
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This instruction manual is protected by copyright. All rights reserved, especially the rights to reproduce, translate and process 
with electronic systems.
Contents
Allow only persons who fully understand 
this manual to operate your trimmer.
To receive maximum performance and 
satisfaction from your STIHL trimmer, it 
is important that you read, understand 
and follow the safety precautions and 
the operating and maintenance 
instructions in chapter "Safety 
Precautions and Working Techniques" 
before using your trimmer. For further 
information you can go to 
www.stihlusa.com.
Contact your STIHL dealer or the STIHL 
distributor for your area if you do not 
understand any of the instructions in this 
manual.
WARNING
Because a trimmer is a high-speed 
cutting tool some special safety 
precautions must be observed to reduce 
the risk of personal injury. Careless or 
improper use may cause serious or even 
fatal injury.
Make sure your unit is equipped with the 
proper deflector, handle and harness for 
the type of cutting attachment being 
used. Always wear proper eye 
protection.
Guide to Using this Manual 2
Safety Precautions and Working 
Techniques 3
Approved Combinations of Cutting 
Attachment, Deflector, Handle and 
Harness 14
Mounting the Loop Handle 15
Mounting the Deflector 15
Mounting the Cutting Attachment 16
Fuel 19
Fueling 20
Starting / Stopping the Engine 22
Operating Instructions 24
Cleaning the Air Filter 25
Engine Management 25
Adjusting the Carburetor 26
Spark Plug 26
Engine Running Behavior 27
Rewind Starter 27
Storing the Machine 28
Maintaining the Mowing Head 28
Inspections and Maintenance by 
Dealer 32
Maintenance and Care 33
Main Parts 35
Specifications 36
Maintenance and Repairs 37
Disposal 38
STIHL Incorporated Federal 
Emission Control Warranty 
Statement 38
STIHL Incorporated California 
Exhaust and Evaporative 
Emissions Control Warranty 
Statement 40
Trademarks 42