Owners Manual for a Stihl BG50 Leaf Blower

The STIHL BG50 is a lightweight, handheld gasoline-powered leaf blower designed for residential yard cleanup. It features a powerful 2-stroke engine, a variable-speed throttle trigger, a purge bulb for easy starting, a translucent fuel tank, an adjustable air nozzle, a shoulder strap for comfort, and a spark arrestor muffler. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2-stroke engine, Air nozzle, Throttle trigger, Purge bulb (primer), Fuel tank, Shoulder strap attachment points, Muffler with spark arrestor, Choke lever, Stop switch.

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operation. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

1. PPE: Always wear eye protection, hearing protection, long pants, sturdy gloves, and non-slip boots.
2. Operation Area: Keep bystanders, children, and pets at least 50 feet away. Be aware of debris being blown.
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, with engine off and cool. Use approved fuel container. Wipe up spills.
4. Hot Surfaces: Avoid contact with muffler and cylinder during/after operation.

WARNING! Gasoline is extremely flammable. Risk of fire and explosion. Do not smoke or have any ignition sources nearby when handling fuel.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble the blower and prepare the fuel mixture.

1. Attach Air Nozzle: Align the nozzle with the blower tube and twist to lock into place.
2. Attach Shoulder Strap: Connect the strap hooks to the designated attachment points on the blower body.
3. Prepare Fuel: Mix high-quality 2-cycle engine oil with unleaded gasoline (minimum 89 octane) at a 50:1 ratio (2.6 oz oil per 1 gallon gas). Use STIHL HP Ultra oil or equivalent. Shake well.
4. Fill Fuel Tank: Clean area around cap. Fill tank with the fresh fuel/oil mixture. Do not overfill.

CAUTION! Never use straight gasoline or motor oil. This will cause severe engine damage and void the warranty.

Specifications

• Model: STIHL BG50.
• Engine Type: Single cylinder, 2-stroke, air-cooled.
• Displacement: 1.2 cu in (19.9 cc).
• Power Output: 0.8 kW (1.1 bhp).
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1.
• Fuel Tank Volume: 13.5 fl oz (0.4 liters).
• Sound Pressure Level: Approx. 94 dB(A).
• Vibration Level: Approx. 5.5 m/s².
• Dry Weight: 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg).
• Warranty: Limited warranty for residential use.

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Main Controls: Stop Switch (I/O), Choke Lever (Run, Half Choke, Full Choke), Throttle Trigger with Lockout, Throttle Lock Button, Purge Bulb.

Operation: The lockout must be depressed before the throttle trigger can be squeezed. The throttle lock button can be engaged to maintain a constant speed. The choke lever is used for cold starts only.

Fuel & Lubrication

Use only fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89 (AKI).

1. Fuel Mixture: Always use a 50:1 mix of gasoline and a high-quality 2-cycle engine oil designed for air-cooled engines.
2. Storage: Do not store fuel mixture for more than 30 days. Stale fuel can cause starting and performance problems.
3. Gearbox Lubrication: The gearbox is filled with grease at the factory and requires no routine lubrication under normal use.

Tip: Mark your fuel can with the mix date. Use a fuel stabilizer if storing for more than a few weeks.

Starting & Operating

Follow these steps for safe and reliable starting.

1. Cold Start: Place blower on clear, level ground. Move stop switch to "I" (ON). Set choke lever to Full Choke. Press purge bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible. Pull starter rope briskly until engine 'fires' (usually 1-3 pulls). Immediately move choke lever to Half Choke. Pull starter rope again to start. Let engine run briefly, then move choke to Run.
2. Warm Start: Stop switch ON. Choke lever in Run position. Pull starter rope. No priming is usually necessary.
3. Blowing Technique: Put on shoulder strap. Start with nozzle at a low angle, sweeping side-to-side. Use a steady, sweeping motion to gather debris into piles.
4. Stopping: Release throttle trigger. Move stop switch to "O" (OFF).

WARNING! Never run the engine indoors or in an enclosed area. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a deadly poison.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and optimal performance.

CAUTION! Always disconnect the spark plug boot before performing any maintenance.

Storage

Prepare the blower properly for storage to prevent fuel system damage.

1. Drain the fuel tank completely by running the engine until it stops from fuel starvation.
2. Start the engine again to burn any residual fuel in the carburetor.
3. Let the engine cool. Remove the spark plug and add a few drops of 2-cycle oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter rope slowly 2-3 times to coat the cylinder, then reinstall the plug.
4. Clean the entire unit. Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

Regulatory Information

This engine meets U.S. EPA Phase 2 and CARB Tier II emission standards for handheld engines. The spark arrestor muffler meets USDA Forest Service requirements. STIHL is a registered trademark of Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG. For the latest information, genuine parts, and service, contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer or visit www.stihlusa.com.

Troubleshooting

Dealer Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, take your STIHL BG50 to an authorized STIHL servicing dealer.

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