1FS 500, FS 550
English / USA
BA_SE_082_004_01_06.fmPrinted on chlorine-free paper.
Printing inks contain vegetable oils; paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2005 
0458 398 3021. M0,25. H5. Rei. Printed in Germany 
STIHl
Contents
Guide to Using this Manual  .............. 2
Safety Precautions and 
Working Techniques  ......................... 3
Mounting the Bike Handle  .............. 17
Adjusting the Throttle Cable* .......... 18
Approved Combinations of 
Cutting Tool and Deflector  .............. 19
Mounting the Cutting Tools ............. 20
Fuel ................................................ 23
Fueling ............................................ 24
Fitting the Harness  ......................... 25
Balancing the Machine  ................... 26
Starting / Stopping the Engine  ........ 26
Operating Instructions  .................... 28
Cleaning the Air Filter ..................... 29
Motor Management  ........................ 29
Adjusting the Carburetor  ................ 30
Spark Arresting Screen*
in Muffler ......................................... 31
Winter Operation  ............................ 32
Checking the Spark Plug  ................ 32
Replacing the Starter Rope 
and Rewind Spring  ......................... 33
Storing the Machine ........................ 35
Sharpening Metal Cutting Tools ...... 35
Maintenance Chart  ......................... 37
Parts and Controls ..........................  38
Specifications ................................. 40
Special Accessories  ....................... 40
Maintenance and Repairs ............... 41
STIHL Incorporated Federal 
and California Emission Control 
Warranty Statement ........................ 42
* see "Guide to Using this Manual"
Allow only persons who understand this 
manual to operate your clearing saw. 
To receive maximum performance and 
satisfaction from your STIHL brush-
cutter, it is important that you read and 
understand the maintenance and safety 
precautions, starting on page 3, before 
using your clearing saw. 
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 clearing saw is a high-speed 
cutting tool some special safety pre-
cautions 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.
STIHL's philosophy is to continually 
improve all of its products. As a result, 
engineering changes and improve-
ments are made from time to time. If  the 
operating characteristics or the appear-
ance of your clearing saw differs from 
those described in this manual, please 
contact your STIHL dealer for informa-
tion and assistance.