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Only operate the machine at walking 
speed – never run when working with the 
machine. Working quickly with the 
machine increases the risk of injury due to 
stumbling, slipping, etc.
Only guide the machine using the 
handlebar – never use the levers to move 
the lawn mower. ( 12.1)
Be particularly careful when turning the 
machine around or pulling it towards you.
Risk of stumbling!
Use the machine with great care when 
working near slopes, terraces, ditches and 
embankments. In particular, ensure that 
you maintain sufficient distance to such 
danger areas.
Objects hidden in the turf (lawn sprinkler 
systems, posts, water valves, foundations, 
electrical wires, etc.) must be avoided. 
Never run over any such foreign objects.
Beware of the cutting tool 
running on for several seconds 
before coming to a standstill.
Switch off the engine, allow the 
work tool to come to a complete 
standstill, detach the spark plug socket 
and additionally remove the battery (with 
RM 650 VE),
– before leaving the machine unattended,
– before re-filling the tank. Allow the 
engine to cool down before filling the 
tank.
Fire hazard!
– before remedying blockages, including 
those in the discharge chute,
– before lifting or carrying the machine,
– before transporting the machine,
– before carrying out any work on the 
mowing blade,
– before checking or cleaning the 
machine or before carrying out any 
other work (e.g. folding down the 
handlebar, installing and removing the 
mulching key) on it,
– after hitting a foreign object or if the 
lawn mower begins to vibrate 
excessively. In these cases check the 
machine, in particular the cutting unit 
(blade, blade shaft, blade fastening) for 
damage and carry out the necessary 
repairs before restarting and working 
with the machine.
Stop the engine and disengage the 
mowing blade:
– When pushing the machine to and from 
the area to be worked.
– Before pushing the machine onto an 
area not covered with grass.
– Before opening the discharge flap or 
removing the grass catcher box.
– When the machine has to be tilted for 
transportation.
– Before adjusting the cutting height.
5.8 Maintenance and repairs
Before beginning cleaning, adjustment, 
repair and maintenance operations:
● Park the machine on firm and level 
ground
● 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 may result in fires or electric 
shocks.
Inadvertent contact between the spark 
plug and the spark plug socket may result 
in unwanted starting of the engine.
RM 650 VE: Additionally remove the 
battery.
Allow the machine to cool down before 
working on or around the 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.
Cleaning:
The complete machine must be cleaned 
thoroughly following use. ( 14.2)
Risk of injury!
Strong vibration is normally an 
indication of a fault.
In particular, the lawn mower must 
not be operated with a damaged or 
bent crankshaft or mowing blade.
If you do not have the appropriate 
expertise, have the necessary 
repairs carried out by a specialist 
dealer (STIHL recommends STIHL 
specialist dealers).
Risk of injury due to the mowing 
blade!
Pulling the recoil starter rope starts 
the work tool rotating. Always 
ensure sufficient distance between 
the mowing blade and your body, 
particularly your hands and feet, 
when you pull the recoil starter 
rope.