KM 56 R, KM 56 RC
English
4
THE OPERATOR
Physical Condition
You must be in good physical condition 
and mental health and not under the 
influence of any substance (drugs, 
alcohol, etc.) which might impair vision, 
dexterity or judgment. Do not operate 
this machine when you are fatigued.
WARNING
Be alert – if you get tired, take a break. 
Tiredness may result in loss of control. 
Working with any power tool can be 
strenuous. If you have any condition that 
might be aggravated by strenuous work, 
check with your doctor before operating 
this machine.
WARNING
Prolonged use of a power tool (or other 
machines) exposing the operator to 
vibrations may produce whitefinger 
disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or 
carpal tunnel syndrome.
These conditions reduce the hand's 
ability to feel and regulate temperature, 
produce numbness and burning 
sensations and may cause nerve and 
circulation damage and tissue necrosis.
All factors which contribute to 
whitefinger disease are not known, but 
cold weather, smoking and diseases or 
physical conditions that affect blood 
vessels and blood transport, as well as 
high vibration levels and long periods of 
exposure to vibration are mentioned as 
factors in the development of whitefinger 
disease. In order to reduce the risk of 
whitefinger disease and carpal tunnel 
syndrome, please note the following:
– Most STIHL power tools are 
available with an anti-vibration 
("AV") system designed to reduce 
the transmission of vibrations 
created by the machine to the 
operator's hands. An AV system is 
recommended for those persons 
using power tools on a regular or 
sustained basis.
– Wear gloves – not while using 
KombiTool BG-KM – and keep your 
hands warm.
– Keep the AV system well 
maintained. A power tool with loose 
components or with damaged or 
worn AV elements will tend to have 
higher vibration levels.
– Maintain a firm grip at all times, but 
do not squeeze the handles with 
constant, excessive pressure. Take 
frequent breaks.
All the above-mentioned precautions do 
not guarantee that you will not sustain 
whitefinger disease or carpal tunnel 
syndrome. Therefore, continual and 
regular users should closely monitor the 
condition of their hands and fingers. If 
any of the above symptoms appear, 
seek medical advice immediately.
WARNING
The ignition system of the STIHL unit 
produces an electromagnetic field of a 
very low intensity. This field may 
interfere with some pacemakers. To 
reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury, 
persons with a pacemaker should 
consult their physician and the 
pacemaker manufacturer before 
operating this tool.
Proper Clothing
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury, the operator 
should wear proper protective apparel.
WARNING
Be particularly alert and cautious when 
wearing hearing protection because 
your ability to hear warnings (shouts, 
alarms, etc.) is restricted.
For further instructions on proper 
clothing see the safety precautions in 
the instruction manual of the KombiTool 
you are using.
THE POWER TOOL
For illustrations and definitions of the 
power tool parts see the chapter on 
"Main Parts."
Power tool noise may 
damage your hearing. 
Wear sound barriers (ear 
plugs or ear mufflers) to 
protect your hearing. 
Continual and regular 
users should have their 
hearing checked 
regularly.