TS 480i, TS 500i
English
3
WARNING
Careless or improper use of any cut-off 
machine may cause serious or fatal 
injury.
Have your STIHL dealer show you how 
to operate your cut-off machine. 
Observe all applicable national, state 
and local laws, safety regulations, 
standards and ordinances.
WARNING
Your cut-off machine is for professional 
use only. Do not lend or rent your cut-off 
machine without the instruction manual. 
Be sure that anyone using it 
understands the information contained 
in this manual.
A first-time operator should obtain 
practical instruction before using the 
machine. Employers should establish a 
training program for operators of 
gasoline-powered, hand-held, portable 
cut-off machines to assure safe 
operation of these machines and proper 
choice of cutting attachments.
WARNING
Use your cut-off machine only for 
authorized uses. For instance, it is not 
suitable for cutting wood or plastic or 
wooden or plastic objects. Unauthorized 
uses may result in death, serious 
personal injury or property damage, 
including damage to the machine.
WARNING
Minors should never be allowed to use a 
cut-off machine. Bystanders, especially 
children, and animals should not be 
allowed in the area where a cut-off 
machine is in use. Never let the cut-off 
machine run unattended.
See the appropriate section of your 
instruction manual for a description of 
the controls and function of the parts of 
your cut-off machine.
Safe use of a cut-off machine involves
1. the operator;
2. the power tool; and
3. the use of the power tool.
THE OPERATOR
Physical Condition
You must be in good physical condition 
and mental health and not under the 
influence of any substance (drugs, 
alcohol, or medications, etc.) which 
might impair vision, balance, dexterity or 
judgment. Do not operate a cut-off 
machine when you are fatigued. Be alert 
– if you get tired while operating your 
cut-off machine, take a break; fatigue 
may result in loss of control. Working 
with any cut-off machine can be 
strenuous. If you have any condition that 
might be aggravated by strenuous work, 
check with your physician before 
operating a cut-off machine.
WARNING
Prolonged use of cut-off machines (or 
other machines) exposing the operator 
to vibration 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 
can 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 
frequently cited as factors in the 
development of whitefinger disease. In 
order to reduce the risk of whitefinger 
disease and carpal tunnel syndrome, 
please observe the following 
precautions:
Safety Precautions and 
Working Techniques
The use of any cut-off 
machine may be hazard-
ous. Because this cut-off 
machine is a high-speed 
cutting tool that often cre-
ates sparks during the 
cutting process, special 
safety precautions must 
be observed to reduce 
the risk of personal injury 
and fire.
It is important that you 
read, fully understand 
and observe the following 
safety precautions and 
warnings. Read the 
instruction manual and 
the safety precautions 
periodically.