HS 46, HS 46 C, HS 56 C
English
4
Always shut off the engine before 
refueling.
Do not fuel a hot engine – fuel may spill 
and cause a fire.
Open the fuel cap carefully to allow any 
pressure build-up in the tank to release 
slowly and avoid fuel spillage.
Fuel your power tool only in well-
ventilated areas. If you spill fuel, wipe 
the machine immediately – if fuel gets on 
your clothing, change immediately.
This reduces the risk of unit vibrations 
causing the fuel cap to loosen or come 
off and spill quantities of fuel.
To reduce the risk of serious or fatal 
burn injuries, check for fuel leakage. If 
fuel leakage is found, do not start or run 
the engine until leak is fixed.
Before Starting
Check that your power tool is properly 
assembled and in good condition – refer 
to appropriate chapters in the instruction 
manual.
– Master Control lever must move 
easily in direction of STOP or † and 
spring back to the normal run 
position F.
– Action of Master Control lever, 
throttle trigger lockout and throttle 
trigger must be smooth – the throttle 
trigger must return automatically to 
the idle position. The Master Control 
lever must spring back from the l 
and n positions to the normal run 
position F when the throttle trigger 
lockout and throttle trigger are 
squeezed.
– Check that the spark plug boot is 
secure – a loose boot may cause 
arcing that could ignite combustible 
fumes and cause a fire.
– Cutting blades securely mounted 
and in good condition (clean, move 
freely, not warped), properly 
sharpened and thoroughly sprayed 
with STIHL resin solvent (lubricant).
– Check cutter guard (if fitted) for 
damage.
– Never attempt to modify the controls 
or safety devices in any way.
– Keep the handles dry and clean – 
free from oil and dirt – for safe 
control of the power tool.
To reduce the risk of personal injury, do 
not operate your power tool if it is 
damaged or not properly assembled.
Starting the engine
Start the engine at least 3 meters from 
the fueling spot, outdoors only.
Place the power tool on firm ground in 
an open area. Make sure you have good 
balance and secure footing. Hold the 
power tool securely. The cutting blades 
must be clear of the ground and all other 
obstructions because they may begin to 
run when the engine starts.
Your power tool is designed to be 
operated by one person only. Do not 
allow other persons in the work area – 
even when starting.
To reduce the risk of injury, avoid 
contact with the cutting blades.
Do not drop start the power tool – start 
the engine as described in the 
instruction manual.
Note that the cutting blades continue to 
run for a short period after you let go of 
the throttle trigger – flywheel effect.
Check idle speed setting: The cutting 
blades must not move when the engine 
is idling with the throttle trigger released.
Holding and Controlling the Power Tool
Always hold the power tool firmly with 
both hands on the handles. Wrap your 
fingers and thumbs around the handles.
Insert the fuel cap with 
hinged grip (bayonet-type 
cap) correctly in the 
opening, turn it clockwise 
as far as stop and fold the 
grip down.