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3
FS 80, FS 80 R, FS 85, FS 85 R
English / USA
Because a trimmer/
brushcutter is a high-
speed, fast-cutting power
tool sometimes equipped
with sharp cutting blades,
special safety precautions
must be observed to reduce the risk of
personal injury.
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.
Careless or improper use may cause
serious or fatal injury.
The terminology utilized in this manual
when referring to the power tool reflects
the fact that different types of cutting
attachments may be mounted on it. The
term "trimmer" is used to designate an
FS unit that is equipped with a nylon line
head or a head with flexible plastic
blades (i.e., the PolyCut head). A
"brushcutter" designates a unit
equipped with a rigid metal blade. Many
FS models may be used as either a
trimmer or a brushcutter - therefore, the
power tool is referred in this manual as a
"trimmer/brushcutter." Some smaller
and/or lightweight FS models may only
be used as a trimmer, i.e., they may not
be used with metal blades.
The term "clearing saw" indicates a
high-powered trimmer/brushcutter that
is particularly suited for use with a
circular saw blade to clear saplings or
small trees. FS models with an "R" on
the nameplate were originally
configured (at the time of distribution) as
a trimmer with a loop handle.
!
Warning
As more fully explained later in these
Safety Precautions, to reduce the risk of
personal injury, make sure your unit is
equipped with the proper handle,
harness and deflector for the type of
cutting attachment you are using. Use
only cutting attachments that are
specifically authorized by STIHL for use
on your FS model.
Have your STIHL dealer show you how
to operate your power tool. Observe all
applicable local safety regulations,
standards and ordinances.
!
Warning!
Do not lend or rent your power tool
without the instruction manual. Be sure
that anyone using it understands the
information contained in this manual.
!
Warning!
The use of this machine may be
hazardous. If the rotating line or blade
comes in contact with your body, it will
cut you. When it comes in contact with
solid foreign objects such as rocks or
bits of metal, it may fling them directly or
by ricochet in the direction of bystanders
or the operator. Striking such objects
could damage the cutting attachment
and may cause blades to crack, chip or
break. Thrown objects, including broken
heads or blades, may result in serious or
fatal injury to the operator or bystanders.
STIHL does not recommend the use of
rigid blades when cutting in stony areas.
Use your trimmer/brushcutter equipped
with the appropriate cutting attachment
only for cutting grass, brush, wood and
similar material. It must not be used for
any other purposes, since such misuse
may result in an accident or damage to
the machine.
!
Warning!
Minors should never be allowed to use
this power tool. Bystanders, especially
children, and animals should not be
allowed in the area where it is in use.
Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques