0478 403 9806 B - EN
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● Stop the engine and allow it to cool 
down
● Detach the spark plug 
socket.
Caution – risk of injury!
Keep the spark plug socket 
away from the spark plug; an inadvertent 
ignition spark can result in fires or electric 
shocks.
Inadvertent contact between the spark 
plug and the spark plug socket can result 
in unwanted starting of the engine.
Set the machine down on its back only for 
cleaning and maintenance work. If 
machine is set onto its side or front, this 
may cause damage to the engine and 
other machine parts, resulting in 
expensive repairs.
Allow the machine to cool down before 
performing maintenance operations on the 
gearbox, engine, exhaust manifold or 
muffler in particular. Temperatures of 
80° C and above can be reached. Danger 
of burns!
Direct contact with engine oil can be 
dangerous. Engine oil must not be spilled.
STIHL recommends leaving the task of 
topping up engine oil or performing engine 
oil changes to a STIHL specialist dealer.
Check the entire machine for wear or 
damage on a regular basis, particularly 
before extended periods when the 
machine is not in use (e.g. over winter). 
For safety reasons, worn or damaged 
parts must be replaced immediately to 
ensure that the machine is always in a safe 
operating condition.
Cleaning:
The complete machine must be cleaned 
thoroughly following use. (Ö 12.2)
Remove accumulated clipping deposits 
using a stick. Clean the underside of the 
machine with water and a brush.
Do not use aggressive cleaning agents. 
These can damage plastics and metals, 
impairing the safe operation of your STIHL 
machine.
The underside of the machine (everything 
below the guard plate) can be cleaned 
using a high-pressure cleaner or steam 
cleaner. Maintain a distance of at least 1 m 
and never direct the water jet directly at the 
bearing points or seals – especially the 
seal between the gearbox housing and 
guard plate.
In order to prevent fire hazards, keep the 
area around the air vents, cooling ribs and 
the area of the exhaust free from 
e.g. grass, straw, moss, leaves or 
escaping grease.
Maintenance operations:
Only maintenance operations described in 
this instruction manual may be carried out. 
Have all other work performed by a 
specialist dealer.
If you do not have the necessary expertise 
or auxiliary equipment, please always 
contact a specialist dealer.
STIHL recommends that you have 
maintenance operations and repairs 
performed exclusively by a STIHL 
specialist dealer.
STIHL specialist dealers regularly attend 
training courses and are provided with 
technical information. 
Only use tools, accessories or 
attachments approved for this machine by 
STIHL or technically identical parts. 
Otherwise, there may be a risk of 
accidents resulting in personal injury or 
damage to the machine. If you have any 
questions, please consult a specialist 
dealer.
The characteristics of original STIHL tools, 
accessories and spare parts are optimally 
adapted to the machine and the user's 
requirements. Genuine STIHL spare parts 
can be recognised by the STIHL spare 
parts number, by the STIHL lettering and, 
if present, by the STIHL spare parts 
symbol. On smaller parts, only the symbol 
may be present.
For safety reasons, fuel-carrying 
components (fuel line, fuel cock, fuel tank, 
tank cap, connections, etc.) must be 
checked regularly for damage and leaks 
and replaced by a technician if necessary 
(STIHL recommends STIHL specialist 
dealers).
Always keep warning and information 
stickers clean and readable. Damaged or 
missing stickers must be replaced by new, 
original plates from your STIHL specialist 
dealer. If a component is replaced with a 
new component, ensure that the new 
component is provided with the same 
stickers.
Ensure that all nuts, pins, bolts and screws 
are securely tightened, so that the 
machine is in a safe operating condition.
Never alter the basic setting of the engine 
or run at excessive engine speeds.
Components or guards that are removed 
for maintenance operations must be 
properly reinstalled immediately.
When replacing the work tools (hoes), 
ensure that the correct hoe type and hoe 
combination are installed – only those 
versions approved by STIHL are 
permitted.