KM 55 R, KM 55 RC
English
8
Operating Instructions
In the event of an emergency, switch off 
the engine immediately – move the slide 
control / stop switch to 0 or STOP.
Catalytic Converter
Your catalytic converter is furnished with 
screens designed to reduce the risk of 
fire from the emission of hot particles. 
Due to the heat from the catalytic 
reaction, these screens will normally 
Warning!
Inhalation of certain dusts, especially 
organic dusts such as mold or pollen, 
can cause susceptible persons to have 
an allergic or asthmatic reaction. Sub-
stantial or repeated inhalation of dust 
and other airborne contaminants, in par-
ticular those with a smaller particle size, 
may cause respiratory or other ill-
nesses. Control dust at the source 
where possible. Use good work prac-
tices, such as operating the unit so that 
the wind or operating process directs 
any dust raised by the power tool away 
from the operator. Follow the recom-
mendations of EPA/OSHA/NIOSH and 
occupational and trade associations 
with respect to dust ("particulate mat-
ter"). When the inhalation of dust cannot 
be substantially controlled, i.e., kept at 
or near the ambient (background) level, 
the operator and any bystanders should 
wear a respirator approved by 
NIOSH/MSHA for the type of dust 
encountered.
Warning!
Do not operate your power tool using 
the starting throttle lock, as you do not 
have control of the engine speed.
Warning!
The muffler and other parts of the 
engine (e.g. fins of the cylinder, spark 
plug) become hot during operation and 
remain hot for a while after stopping the 
engine. To reduce risk of burns do not 
touch the muffler and other parts while 
they are hot.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of fire and burn injury, 
keep the area around the muffler clean. 
Remove excess lubricant and all debris 
such as pine needles, branches or 
leaves. Let the engine cool down sitting 
on concrete, metal, bare ground or solid 
wood away from any combustible 
substances.
Warning!
Never modify your muffler. The muffler 
could be damaged and cause an 
increase in heat radiation or sparks, 
thereby increasing the risk of fire and 
burn injury. You may also permanently 
damage the engine. Have your muffler 
serviced and repaired by your STIHL 
servicing dealer only.
Warning!
Some STIHL power tools 
are equipped with a cata-
lytic converter, which is 
designed to reduce the 
exhaust emissions of the 
engine by a chemical 
process in the muffler. Due to this proc-
ess, the muffler does not cool down as 
rapidly as conventional mufflers when 
the engine returns to idle or is shut off. 
To reduce the risk of fire and burn inju-
ries, the following specific safety 
precautions must be observed.
Warning!
Since a muffler with a catalytic converter 
cools down less rapidly than conven-
tional mufflers, always set your power 
tool down in the upright position and 
never locate it where the muffler is near 
dry brush, grass, wood chips or other 
combustible materials while it is still hot.
Warning!
An improperly mounted or damaged cyl-
inder housing or a damaged/deformed 
muffler shell may interfere with the cool-
ing process of the catalytic converter. 
To reduce the risk of fire or burn injury, 
do not continue work with a damaged or 
improperly mounted cylinder housing or 
a damaged/deformed muffler shell.