FS200 STIHL Manual

The STIHL FS200 is a professional-grade string trimmer/brushcutter designed for demanding clearing, trimming, and cutting tasks. It features a powerful 2-stroke engine, anti-vibration system, ErgoStart™ for easy starting, a loop handle or bike handle for operator comfort, a straight shaft with gearhead, and compatibility with various STIHL cutting attachments. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2-stroke engine with electronic ignition, ErgoStart™ system, anti-vibration handles, straight drive shaft, gearhead, and quick-release attachment system.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	STIHL 2-MIX engine for reduced fuel consumption and emissions
Starting System	ErgoStart™ for reduced starting effort
Anti-Vibration	Integrated dampers in handle and shaft
Shaft	Straight, solid drive shaft
Gearhead	Heavy-duty gearbox for various attachments
Handle Options	Loop handle or bike handle (BK) version
Fuel Tank	Integrated, see-through for level check
Throttle Trigger	With throttle trigger lockout for safety
Stop Switch	Easy-access engine stop control
Attachment System	STIHL QuickStop™ or standard attachment

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety symbols and instructions before operation.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear eye protection, hearing protection, sturdy gloves, long pants, and boots.
2. Clear Work Area: Remove stones, nails, wire, and other debris that could be thrown.
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only, with engine off and cool. Use approved fuel containers.
4. Operation Zone: Keep bystanders and pets at least 50 feet (15 meters) away.
5. Hot Surfaces: Avoid contact with muffler and cylinder during/after operation.

WARNING! Improper use can cause serious or fatal injury. Never operate without proper training and PPE.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble handle, cutting attachment, and harness.

1. Attach handle: Align handle with shaft and tighten mounting bolts securely.
2. Install cutting attachment: Follow instructions for trimmer head, blade, or brush knife. Ensure guard is properly installed.
3. Adjust harness: Connect harness to machine and adjust for balanced, comfortable operation.
4. Fuel mix: Prepare STIHL MotoMix® or mix high-quality 2-stroke oil with unleaded gasoline (50:1 ratio).

CAUTION! Ensure all fasteners are tight before starting. Use only STIHL-approved attachments.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 31.8 cc (1.94 cu. in.)
• Power Output: 1.3 kW (1.7 hp)
• Fuel Tank Volume: 0.53 L (18 fl. oz.)
• Weight (Powerhead): Approximately 6.2 kg (13.7 lbs)
• Shaft Length: Straight shaft design
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm
• Maximum Power Speed: 9,500 rpm
• Sound Pressure Level: Approx. 96 dB(A)
• Vibration Level (Handle): Front: 4.5 m/s², Rear: 6.5 m/s²
• Warranty: Limited warranty for professional use (see manual).

Controls and Components

Main controls located on handle and engine housing.

Handle Area: Throttle trigger with lockout, stop switch, handle mounting bolts, harness connection point.

Engine Housing: Fuel tank cap, choke lever (if equipped), primer bulb, air filter cover, spark plug, muffler.

Drive Shaft/Gearhead: Shaft coupling, gearhead housing, attachment mounting stud/nut, guard mounting points.

Operation: Engage throttle trigger lockout before squeezing throttle. Release throttle for idle; press stop switch to stop engine.

Fuel & Lubrication

Use only fresh, unleaded gasoline with minimum 89 octane (RON) mixed with STIHL 2-stroke engine oil at 50:1 ratio.

1. Fuel mix: For pre-mixed fuel, use STIHL MotoMix®. For mixing: Use STIHL HP Ultra or equivalent. 50:1 = 2.6 fl. oz. oil per 1 gallon gas.
2. Refueling: Clean area around cap. Fill to mark. Tighten cap securely. Wipe spills.
3. Gear lubrication: Grease gearhead periodically with STIHL grease cartridge.
4. Air filter: Clean regularly with compressed air or soapy water (dry completely).

Tip: Never use fuel older than 90 days. Store fuel in approved container away from heat/sparks.

Starting & Operation

Starting procedure for cold and warm engine.

1. Place unit on clear, flat ground. Ensure cutting attachment is clear.
2. Cold start: Set choke lever to closed position (if equipped). Press primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
3. Engage throttle trigger lockout. Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires.
4. Move choke to open/half-throttle position. Pull starter again to start.
5. Warm start: No choke needed. Pull starter rope.
6. Operation: Allow 30-second warm-up. Use sweeping motions from right to left for trimming. Keep cutting attachment parallel to ground.
7. Stop: Release throttle, allow idle, press stop switch.

WARNING! Never start engine in enclosed area. Carbon monoxide can kill.

Cutting Attachments

Compatible with STIHL trimmer heads, blades, and brush knives.

• Trimmer Heads: AutoCut C 5-2, PolyCut heads for grass/weeds.
• Blades: Circular saw blades, grass blades, brush knives for heavy vegetation.
• Installation: Use correct guard for each attachment. Secure with mounting nut and washer (clockwise to tighten).
• Replacement: Replace trimmer line when worn. Ensure blade is sharp and balanced.

CAUTION! Always stop engine and disconnect spark plug before changing attachments.

Maintenance & Storage

Regular maintenance ensures long life and safe operation.

1. Daily: Clean exterior, check for loose fasteners, inspect cutting attachment.
2. Weekly: Clean air filter, check spark plug, inspect fuel lines.
3. Monthly: Grease gearhead, check drive shaft coupling, clean cooling fins.
4. Storage: For long-term storage, run engine dry of fuel or add fuel stabilizer. Store in dry, secure location.

CAUTION! Use only STIHL-approved replacement parts. Unauthorized parts may void warranty.

Warranty & Support

STIHL Limited Warranty for professional use. Warranty period varies by region. Proof of purchase required.

For technical support, parts, or service, contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. Find dealers at www.stihlusa.com or call 1-800-467-8445.

Copyright © STIHL Incorporated. All rights reserved. Specifications subject to change without notice.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No fuel, flooded, spark plug	Check fuel level; wait if flooded; check/replace spark plug.
Engine runs poorly/dies	Clogged air filter, old fuel	Clean/replace air filter; drain old fuel, refill with fresh mix.
Excessive vibration	Unbalanced blade, loose parts	Stop engine. Check blade balance; tighten all bolts/nuts.
Cutting attachment stops	Drive shaft, clutch, gearhead	Check for debris; inspect clutch springs; grease gearhead.
Overheating	Dirty cooling fins, lean mix	Clean cooling fins; ensure correct fuel/oil ratio.

Dealer Service: For complex issues, take to authorized STIHL dealer.

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