0458-725-8621-B
3
English 
1 Introduction
Thank you for your purchase. The information contained in 
this manual will help you receive maximum performance and 
satisfaction from your trimmer and, if followed, reduce the 
risk of injury from its use.
The terminology utilized in this manual when referring to the 
power tool reflects the type of cutting attachments that may 
be mounted on it. The term "trimmer" is used to designate an 
FS / FSA 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 STIHL FS / FSA models, including the FSA 130, 
may be used as either a trimmer or a brushcutter. Therefore, 
the power tool is referred in this manual as a "trimmer / 
brushcutter."
SAVE THIS MANUAL!
Have your authorized STIHL servicing dealer show you how 
to operate your power tool.
Do not lend or rent the power tool without this instruction 
manual. Allow only persons who fully understand the 
information in this manual to operate the trimmer / 
brushcutter.
For further information, or if you do not understand any of 
the instructions in this manual, please go to 
www.stihlusa.com or contact your authorized STIHL 
servicing dealer.
WARNING
As more fully explained later in this manual, to reduce the 
risk of personal injury, make sure your unit is equipped with 
the proper handle, harness and deflector for the type of 
cutting attachment you are using. Use only cutting 
attachments that are specifically authorized by STIHL for 
use with your FSA model. Always wear proper protective 
apparel and eye protection. Bystanders, especially children, 
and animals should not be allowed in the work area where 
the trimmer is in use.
WARNING
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, 
glass 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. Follow the safety 
precautions in this manual to reduce the risk of personal 
injury.
2.1 Signal Words
This manual contains safety information that requires your 
special attention. Such information is introduced with the 
following symbols and signal words:
DANGER
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will 
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could 
result in death or serious injury.
1Introduction
Because a trimmer / brushcutter is a high-speed 
cutting tool, special safety precautions must be 
observed to reduce the risk of personal injury.
Read this instruction manual thoroughly before 
use and periodically thereafter. Follow all safety 
precautions. Careless or improper use can 
cause serious or fatal injury.
2 Guide to Using this Manual