0458-725-8621-B
12
English 
5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
– Never work with a damaged or malfunctioning power 
tool or battery. In case of doubt, have the power tool 
and battery checked by your authorized STIHL 
servicing dealer.
■ If the power tool or battery is damaged, not working 
properly, has been left outdoors or dropped into water or 
other liquid, its components may no longer function 
properly and safety devices may be inoperative. To 
reduce the risk of personal injury and property damage:
– Take the power tool and battery to your authorized 
STIHL servicing dealer to be checked before further 
operation.
■ Genuine STIHL replacement parts are specifically 
designed to match your power tool and meet safety and 
performance requirements. Use of parts that are not 
authorized or approved by STIHL may cause serious or 
fatal injury or property damage.
– STIHL recommends that only identical STIHL 
replacement parts be used.
5.7 Using the Trimmer / Brushcutter
5.7.1 Before Operation
WARNING
■ Misuse or unauthorized use may result in personal injury 
and property damage.
– Use the trimmer / brushcutter only as described in 
this instruction manual.
■ The cutting attachment and deflector must be an 
approved combination.
– Read and follow the instructions on selecting the 
proper cutting attachment and deflector, @ 25.
■ The cutting attachment must be properly installed and 
tightened before starting work. Failure to use the proper 
parts to mount the cutting attachment may cause the 
blade or mowing head to fly off and seriously injure the 
operator or bystanders.
– Read and follow the instructions on mounting the 
cutting attachment, deflector and handle, @ 11.
– Never mount a cutting attachment to the trimmer / 
brushcutter without the proper installation of all 
required parts (e.g., nuts, screws, thrust washer, 
thrust plate, etc.).
– Before starting work, inspect for loose parts (nuts, 
screws, etc.) and for a cracked or damaged head or 
a cracked, bent, warped or damaged blade.
– Replace damaged heads or blades before using the 
power tool.
– Always keep metal cutting attachments sharp.
■ Using only an approved combination of cutting attachment 
and deflector is extremely important to maximize cutting 
performance and reduce the risk of personal injury from 
thrown objects or contact with the cutting attachment:
– To reduce the risk of serious injury, never use wire 
or metal-reinforced line or other material in place of 
the recommended nylon cutting line. Pieces of wire 
could break off and be thrown at high speed toward 
the operator or bystanders.
■ Using a trimmer / brushcutter that is modified, damaged, 
improperly adjusted or maintained, or not completely and 
securely assembled can lead to a malfunction and 
increase the risk of serious personal injury or death.
– Never operate a trimmer / brushcutter that is 
modified, damaged, improperly maintained or not 
completely and securely assembled.
– Always check your unit for proper condition and 
operation before starting work, particularly the 
retaining latch, trigger switch lockout, trigger switch, 
deflector, harness and cutting attachment.
– Ensure that the retaining latch, trigger switch lockout 
and trigger switch move freely and always spring 
back to the stop position when released. The trigger 
– Do not use circular saw blades on this 
trimmer / brushcutter.