Stihl FSA 86 R User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

J
James OwensAug 21, 2025
What to do if my Stihl Brush Cutter does not start?
- C
  Craig FosterAug 21, 2025
  If your Stihl Brush Cutter doesn't start, several factors could be the cause. First, the battery's charge might be too low; in this case, fully recharge the battery. The battery could also be too warm or too cold; remove it and allow it to cool down or warm up. There may be no electrical contact between the brushcutter and battery; remove the battery and clean the electrical contacts in the battery compartment, then reinsert the battery. The brushcutter or battery could be damp; allow them to dry. If the trimmer is too hot, remove the battery and allow the trimmer to cool down. If 3 LEDs continue to flash red, do not use your brushcutter and contact your STIHL dealer for assistance. If 4 LEDs continue to flash red, do not use the battery and contact your STIHL dealer for assistance.
J
Jim HortonAug 22, 2025
Why does my Stihl Lawn Mower brushcutter not start?
- R
  Richard HunterAug 23, 2025
  Your Stihl Lawn Mower brushcutter might not be starting due to several reasons. The battery charge could be too low, requiring a full recharge. Alternatively, the battery might be too warm or too cold; in this case, remove the battery and allow it to cool down or warm up. There may also be a malfunction. To solve this, remove the battery, clean the electrical contacts in the battery compartment, reinsert the battery, and then switch on the brushcutter.
D
David NelsonAug 26, 2025
Why is the runtime of my Stihl Brush Cutter so short?
- R
  reedtylerAug 26, 2025
  A short runtime of your Stihl Brush Cutter can be caused by a battery that is not fully charged. Recharge the battery fully. Alternatively, the battery life may have been exceeded, meaning it's time to replace the battery.
M
Mikayla HamiltonAug 27, 2025
What to do if my Stihl Brush Cutter cuts out during operation?
- K
  Kevin MccallAug 27, 2025
  If your Stihl Brush Cutter cuts out during operation, it could be due to the trimmer being too hot. Remove the battery and allow the trimmer to cool down. Another possible cause is an electrical fault. Remove the battery and reinsert it, then switch on the brushcutter.
C
Christian ReyesAug 29, 2025
What to do if my Stihl Lawn Mower brushcutter cuts out during operation?
- M
  Mark MaxwellAug 29, 2025
  If your Stihl Lawn Mower brushcutter cuts out during operation, it could be overheating. Remove the battery and allow the trimmer to cool down. It could also be due to an electrical or electromagnetic malfunction. Try removing the battery, reinserting it, and then switching the brushcutter back on.
G
Gary CampbellAug 31, 2025
Why is the runtime of my Stihl Trimmer too short?
- S
  smithjerryAug 31, 2025
  If the runtime of your Stihl Trimmer is too short, it could be because: * The battery is not fully charged. To fix this, recharge the battery fully as described in the User Manual for the STIHL AL 101, 300, 500 chargers. * The battery life has been exceeded. If this is the case, replace the battery.
M
mark18Sep 3, 2025
What to do if my Stihl Lawn and Garden Equipment brushcutter cuts out during operation?
- M
  Matthew MooneySep 3, 2025
  If your Stihl Lawn and Garden Equipment brushcutter cuts out during operation, it could be due to the trimmer overheating. To resolve this, remove the battery and allow the trimmer to cool down. Another potential cause is an electrical fault. Try removing the battery and reinserting it, then switch on the brushcutter.
X
xpadillaSep 5, 2025
How to unscrew the mowing head of my Stihl Brush Cutter when it's stuck?
- A
  Allen GonzalezSep 5, 2025
  If the mowing head of your Stihl Brush Cutter cannot be unscrewed by hand, it may be overtightened. To resolve this, block the fanwheel with the stop pin, unscrew the mowing head by hand, and then remove the stop pin.
K
karenleachSep 6, 2025
What to do if my Stihl Trimmer has a malfunction in the battery?

Stihl FSA 86 R Specifications

General

Type	String trimmer
Cordless	Yes
Head type	Nylon line
Handle type	D-loop handle
Product color	Black, Orange, White
Uncertainty K	2 m/s²
Sound power level	91 dB
Vibration emission	3.7 m/s²
Sound pressure level	77 dB
Cutting diameter (max)	350 mm
Power source	Battery
Battery voltage	36 V

Weight and Dimensions

Length	1720 mm
Weight	3200 g

Summary

Manual Navigation and Introduction

Signal Words and Symbols

Explains safety signal words and symbols used in the manual for effective understanding.

Trimmer Components Overview

Trimmer and Battery Components

Identifies and describes the main components of the trimmer and its battery.

Mowing Head and Attachments

Details the mowing head, cutting attachments, and deflector for the trimmer.

Safety Symbols on Products

Trimmer Safety Symbols

Explains safety symbols found on the trimmer for safe operation.

General Safety Instructions

Battery and Deflector Safety Symbols

Covers safety symbols for batteries and deflectors, and general safety warnings.

General Safety Warnings

Provides general safety warnings and instructions for handheld electric trimmers.

Safety Precautions and Intended Use

Intended Use and Operator Safety

Defines the trimmer's intended purpose and outlines operator safety precautions.

Operator Safety and Protective Gear

Operator Requirements

Details operator requirements and safety precautions for using the trimmer.

Personal Protective Equipment

Specifies the required personal protective equipment (PPE) for safe operation.

Trimmer Specific Safety Warnings

Electric Shock and Cutting Hazards

Addresses risks of electric shock, cutting injuries, and proper tool use.

Safe Operation and Attachments

Covers safe operation, attachment use, and maintenance for the trimmer.

Trimmer Safety and Pre-Operation Checks

Trimmer Damage and Part Safety

Discusses safety related to trimmer damage, parts, and replacement.

Before Operation Checks

Details essential checks and preparations before operating the trimmer.

Pre-Operation Assembly and Checks

Approved Attachment Combinations

Emphasizes using approved cutting attachments and deflectors for safety.

Trimmer Condition and Assembly Check

Ensures the trimmer's condition and assembly are secure before use.

Proper Trimmer Handling and Control

Proper Grip and Hand Position

Provides instructions on proper grip and hand placement for control.

Safe Cutting Angles and Body Positioning

Details safe cutting angles and body positioning to prevent injury.

Footing and Balance for Safety

Stresses the importance of good footing and balance for safe operation.

Safe Operating Environments

Visibility, Weather, and Dust Control

Specifies operating conditions, visibility, weather, and managing dust.

Bystander and Environmental Safety

Covers safety regarding bystanders and hazardous substances.

Operating Procedures and Safety

Emergency Procedures and Shutoff

Details emergency actions like switching off the motor and removing the battery.

Cutting Attachment and Deflector Safety

Emphasizes safety regarding the cutting attachment, deflectors, and approved combinations.

Preventing Unintentional Starting

Provides measures to prevent unintentional starting and contact with the cutting attachment.

Battery Safety Precautions

Battery Warnings and Handling

Provides critical safety warnings and instructions for handling STIHL batteries.

Electrocution Hazard

Warns about the risk of electrocution from wires or electrical current.

Battery Handling, Storage, and Fire Safety

Temperature and Damage Risks

Covers risks from extreme temperatures, damage, and improper use of batteries.

Short Circuit and Fire Prevention

Details measures to prevent short circuits, fire, and explosion from batteries.

Battery Leak and Fire Response

Addresses risks from battery leaks and safety procedures for battery fires.

Maintenance, Repair, Storage, and Pre-Operation

Maintenance and Repair Guidelines

Warns against unauthorized repairs and emphasizes following manual instructions.

Storage Safety and Preparation

Covers storage safety, short circuit prevention, and preparing for operation.

Battery Charging and Setup

Charger Setup and Safety

Explains how to correctly and safely set up the battery charger.

Charging Process and Precautions

Details the battery charging process and associated safety precautions.

Battery and Power Tool Diagnostics

AP Battery Status and Power Tool Indicators

Describes AP battery status LEDs and how they indicate power tool status.

AP Battery Charge Level

Details how to check the charge status of AP batteries using LEDs.

AR Backpack Battery Diagnostics

AR Backpack Battery Status

Explains the status indicators (LEDs and acoustic signals) for AR backpack batteries.

Trimmer Assembly Steps

Mounting Loop Handle and Bump Guard

Provides instructions for securely mounting the loop handle and bump guard.

Deflector Mounting and Removal

Mounting the Deflector

Explains how to mount the deflector correctly for safety and performance.

Removing a Deflector

Provides instructions for removing the deflector from the trimmer.

Mowing Head Installation Procedures

Mounting Mowing Heads

Details the process of mounting different mowing heads onto the trimmer.

Mowing Head Removal and Handle Adjustment

Removing Mowing Heads

Provides instructions for removing various mowing heads from the trimmer.

Adjusting the Loop Handle

Explains how to adjust the loop handle for operator comfort and control.

Battery Insertion and Removal Procedures

Inserting the Battery

Details the correct procedure for inserting the battery into the trimmer.

Removing the Battery

Provides instructions for safely removing the battery from the trimmer.

Switching the Trimmer On

Explains the steps to safely switch the trimmer on.

Trimmer Control Operations and Testing

Switching the Trimmer Off

Details the procedure for safely switching the trimmer off.

Testing Trimmer Controls

Outlines how to test the trimmer's controls for proper function before operation.

During Operation: Trimmer Use and Line Adjustment

Safe Trimmer Usage Techniques

Provides guidance on the correct technique for using the trimmer safely.

Adjusting the Nylon Line

Explains how to add or adjust the nylon line on the mowing head.

Post-Operation and Transportation

Preparing for Transportation or Storage

Details steps to prepare the trimmer for transport or storage after use.

Safe Trimmer and Battery Transport

Provides safety instructions for transporting the trimmer and battery.

Storage and Cleaning Guidelines

Storing the Trimmer Safely

Gives instructions for storing the trimmer safely indoors.

Storing the Battery Safely

Provides detailed instructions for storing the battery safely.

Cleaning the Trimmer and Battery

Explains how to clean the trimmer and battery safely.

Trimmer Inspection and Maintenance

Inspecting and Maintaining the Trimmer

Covers essential inspection and maintenance tasks for the trimmer.

Troubleshooting Guide: Trimmer and Battery

Trimmer and Battery Troubleshooting

Lists common problems, causes, and remedies for the trimmer and battery.

Troubleshooting Common Operational Issues

Operational and Charging Problem Solutions

Continues troubleshooting for operational and battery charging problems.

Technical Specifications and Symbols

STIHL FSA 86 R Specifications

Lists technical specifications for the STIHL FSA 86 R trimmer.

Trimmer and Battery Symbols Explained

Explains various symbols used on the trimmer and battery.

Engineering Improvements

Mentions STIHL's commitment to product improvement and manual updates.

EMC Compliance Statement

Provides the EMC compliance statement for the power tool and charger.

Approved Deflector and Cutting Attachment Combinations

FSA 86 R Deflector and Cutting Attachments

Details approved combinations of deflectors and cutting attachments for the FSA 86 R.

Parts, Equipment, and Disposal Information

Genuine STIHL Replacement Parts

Recommends using genuine STIHL parts and how to identify them.

Power Tool and Accessory Disposal

Provides instructions for the proper disposal of the power tool and accessories.

Battery Recycling Guidelines

Explains the safe handling and recycling of depleted lithium-ion batteries.

Battery Recycling Information and Resources

RBRC Recycling Partnership

Details STIHL's partnership with RBRC for battery recycling and user options.

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Stihl FSA 86 R User Manual

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers:

Stihl FSA 86 R Specifications

Summary

Manual Navigation and Introduction

Signal Words and Symbols

Trimmer Components Overview

Trimmer and Battery Components

Mowing Head and Attachments

Safety Symbols on Products

Trimmer Safety Symbols

General Safety Instructions

Battery and Deflector Safety Symbols

General Safety Warnings

Safety Precautions and Intended Use

Intended Use and Operator Safety

Operator Safety and Protective Gear

Operator Requirements

Personal Protective Equipment

Trimmer Specific Safety Warnings

Electric Shock and Cutting Hazards

Safe Operation and Attachments

Trimmer Safety and Pre-Operation Checks

Trimmer Damage and Part Safety

Before Operation Checks

Pre-Operation Assembly and Checks

Approved Attachment Combinations

Trimmer Condition and Assembly Check

Proper Trimmer Handling and Control

Proper Grip and Hand Position

Safe Cutting Angles and Body Positioning

Footing and Balance for Safety

Safe Operating Environments

Visibility, Weather, and Dust Control

Bystander and Environmental Safety

Operating Procedures and Safety

Emergency Procedures and Shutoff

Cutting Attachment and Deflector Safety

Preventing Unintentional Starting

Battery Safety Precautions

Battery Warnings and Handling

Electrocution Hazard

Battery Handling, Storage, and Fire Safety

Temperature and Damage Risks

Short Circuit and Fire Prevention

Battery Leak and Fire Response

Maintenance, Repair, Storage, and Pre-Operation

Maintenance and Repair Guidelines

Storage Safety and Preparation

Battery Charging and Setup

Charger Setup and Safety

Charging Process and Precautions

Battery and Power Tool Diagnostics

AP Battery Status and Power Tool Indicators

AP Battery Charge Level

AR Backpack Battery Diagnostics

AR Backpack Battery Status

Trimmer Assembly Steps

Mounting Loop Handle and Bump Guard

Deflector Mounting and Removal

Mounting the Deflector

Removing a Deflector

Mowing Head Installation Procedures

Mounting Mowing Heads

Mowing Head Removal and Handle Adjustment

Removing Mowing Heads

Adjusting the Loop Handle

Battery Insertion and Removal Procedures

Inserting the Battery

Removing the Battery

Switching the Trimmer On

Switching the Trimmer On

Trimmer Control Operations and Testing

Switching the Trimmer Off

Testing Trimmer Controls

During Operation: Trimmer Use and Line Adjustment

Safe Trimmer Usage Techniques

Adjusting the Nylon Line

Post-Operation and Transportation