fs 56 rc stihl manual

The STIHL FS 56 RC is a lightweight, professional-grade gasoline-powered string trimmer (brushcutter) featuring a 27.2 cc STIHL 2-MIX engine, Easy2Start™ system, a solid drive shaft, a bicycle-style handle (RC), and a tap-action cutting head (TapTronic™). It is designed for clearing grass, weeds, and light brush in residential and professional landscaping applications. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: STIHL 2-MIX engine, Easy2Start™ system, solid drive shaft, bicycle handle (RC), TapTronic™ cutting head, and a translucent fuel tank.

Feature	Description
Engine	27.2 cc STIHL 2-MIX engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption
Starting System	Easy2Start™ for easier pull starts
Drive Shaft	Solid shaft for efficient power transfer
Handle	RC (bicycle-style) handle for comfortable two-handed control
Cutting Head	TapTronic™ bump feed head for easy line advance
Fuel Tank	Translucent for easy fuel level inspection
Throttle Trigger	With throttle trigger lockout for safety
Stop Switch	Quickly stops the engine
Debris Shield	Protects operator from thrown debris
Spark Plug	Bosch or NGK with standard reach

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operation. Always wear appropriate PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear eye protection, hearing protection, sturdy gloves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes.
2. Clear Work Area: Remove stones, sticks, wire, and other debris that could be thrown.
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only, with engine stopped and cool. Use STIHL MotoMix® or 89+ octane gasoline mixed with STIHL 2-stroke oil (50:1).
4. Operation: Keep bystanders and pets at least 50 feet away. Hold unit firmly with both hands.

WARNING! Risk of severe injury or death from rotating cutting attachment, thrown objects, fire, or explosion. Operate with extreme caution.

Assembly & First Use

Assemble handle, cutting attachment, and debris shield. Prepare fuel mixture.

1. Attach Handle: Align handle halves on shaft and secure with supplied bolts.
2. Install Cutting Attachment: Fit the TapTronic™ head onto the drive shaft and secure with the retaining nut using the combination wrench.
3. Install Debris Shield: Attach shield to gearhead as per instructions.
4. Add Fuel: Fill tank with correct 50:1 fuel/oil mixture.
5. Starting: Place unit on clear ground. Set master control lever to cold start position (choke on). Pull starter rope until engine fires, then move lever to warm start and pull again.

CAUTION! Ensure all fasteners are tight before operation.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 27.2 cc.
• Engine Type: STIHL 2-MIX, single-cylinder, 2-stroke.
• Power Output: 0.9 kW (1.2 bhp).
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL 2-stroke oil).
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.53 liters (18 fl. oz.).
• Drive Shaft: Solid.
• Handle Type: RC (bicycle).
• Standard Cutting Attachment: TapTronic™ cutting head with 2.0 mm line.
• Weight (without cutting attachment): Approx. 5.2 kg (11.5 lbs).
• Sound Pressure Level: Approx. 96 dB(A).

Controls and Components

Master Control Lever: Combines stop switch, choke, and run positions. Throttle Trigger: With lockout to prevent accidental engagement. Throttle Trigger Lockout: Must be depressed before throttle can be engaged. Easy2Start™: Reduces pulling force required for starting. Fuel Tank Cap: Venting type. Primer Bulb: For easier starting (if equipped).

Operation: To start, set master control to cold start (choke). Pull starter cord. After engine fires, move lever to run position. Squeeze throttle trigger lockout and throttle to operate.

Fuel & Lubrication

Use fresh 89+ octane unleaded gasoline mixed with STIHL 2-stroke engine oil at a 50:1 ratio. STIHL MotoMix® pre-mixed fuel is recommended for optimal performance and shelf life.

1. Mix fuel in a clean, approved container. Add oil first, then gasoline. Shake well.
2. Refuel in a well-ventilated area with engine off and cool.
3. Clean area around fuel cap before opening to prevent contamination.
4. Lubricate the drive shaft splines with STIHL grease periodically.

Tip: Do not use fuel older than 30 days. Do not mix oil directly in the machine's fuel tank.

Operation

Designed for trimming grass and light weeds.

1. Starting: Follow cold/warm start procedure. Do not drop-start.
2. Trimming Technique: Use a smooth, sweeping motion from side to side, keeping the cutting head parallel to the ground.
3. Line Advance: Gently tap the cutting head on the ground (with engine at high speed) to advance fresh line (TapTronic™).
4. Slope Operation: Always stand across the slope, never up or down. Keep firm footing.
5. Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle briefly, then move master control lever to STOP.

WARNING! Never operate with a damaged shield or without proper PPE. Do not use for tasks it was not designed for (e.g., cutting woody brush without proper blade).

Cutting Attachments

Standard: TapTronic™ bump feed head with 2.0 mm diameter nylon line. Optional: STIHL PolyCut™ head, circular grass blades, or metal brush knives (require appropriate guard and experience).

Changing Line: Turn engine off and disconnect spark plug boot. Remove spool from head, wind new line following directional arrows, feed ends through eyelets, and reassemble.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Perform daily and periodic maintenance. Always disconnect spark plug boot before servicing.

Daily: Clean exterior, check for loose fasteners, inspect cutting attachment and shield for damage.

Periodic: Clean air filter (foam), check spark plug, clean cooling fins, inspect fuel filter, and lubricate drive shaft splines.

CAUTION! Use only STIHL replacement parts. Do not clean with water or pressure washers.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days, prepare the unit to prevent fuel system damage.

1. Drain fuel tank and run carburetor dry.
2. Remove spark plug, add a few drops of oil into cylinder, pull starter rope slowly to distribute, reinstall plug.
3. Clean entire unit thoroughly.
4. Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store unit with fuel in the tank indoors or in an enclosed space.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No fuel, flooded, bad spark, clogged air filter	Check fuel, set master control to run/warm start, check spark plug, clean air filter.
Engine runs poorly/dies	Dirty air/fuel filter, old fuel, clogged spark arrestor	Clean/replace filters, use fresh fuel, clean spark arrestor screen.
Line does not advance	Line too short, tangled spool, worn head	Tap head firmly on ground at high RPM, respool line, inspect head for wear.
Excessive vibration	Damaged cutting attachment, loose parts, bent shaft	Inspect attachment, tighten all bolts, check shaft for straightness.
Loss of power	Clogged muffler, worn piston/cylinder, carburetor issues	Clean muffler spark arrestor; for internal engine issues, see authorized STIHL dealer.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer.

Support: STIHL Incorporated, 1-800-467-8445; www.stihlusa.com