Stihl 400 Concrete Saw Manual

The Stihl 400 Concrete Saw is a professional-grade, high-performance power tool designed for cutting concrete, asphalt, masonry, and other hard materials. It features a powerful gasoline engine, diamond cutting blades, water feed system for dust suppression, ergonomic handles, safety features including a blade guard and throttle lock, and is built for durability on demanding job sites. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Instructions 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Operation Guide 7. Cutting Techniques 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage & Transport 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-torque 2-stroke engine, Diamond cutting blade, Blade guard, Water connection port, Throttle lever with lockout, Ergonomic front and rear handles, Anti-vibration system.

FeatureDescription
EngineHigh-performance 2-stroke gasoline engine for demanding cuts
Cutting BladeDiamond-tipped blade for concrete and masonry
Blade GuardProtective housing around blade for operator safety
Water Feed SystemConnection for water hose to suppress dust and cool blade
Throttle LockSafety feature to prevent accidental throttle engagement
Ergonomic HandlesVibration-dampened front and rear handles for control
Depth AdjustmentMechanism to set precise cutting depth
Fuel TankIntegrated tank for gasoline/oil mixture
StarterPull-start recoil mechanism
Cutting GuideNotch or line for aligning cuts

Safety Instructions

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

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, dust mask, and steel-toe boots.
  2. Work Area Safety: Ensure stable footing, clear area of tripping hazards, and keep bystanders away.
  3. Tool Inspection: Check for damage before each use; do not operate if damaged.
  4. Blade Safety: Ensure blade guard is in place and blade is sharp, undamaged, and properly installed.
  5. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of potential kickback; always hold saw firmly with both hands.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable. Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. No smoking.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack all components. Assemble on a clean, flat surface.

  1. Attach Handle: Secure front and rear handles using provided bolts and wrench.
  2. Install Blade: Ensure engine is off. Remove blade guard bolt, place blade on spindle, reinstall bolt and tighten securely with wrench.
  3. Attach Blade Guard: Position guard over blade and secure with fasteners.
  4. Connect Water Hose: Attach garden hose to water inlet port; ensure connection is tight to prevent leaks.
  5. Fuel Mix: Prepare correct gasoline/oil mixture as specified in manual. Fill fuel tank.

CAUTION! Blade is sharp. Wear cut-resistant gloves during installation.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Main Controls: Throttle Lever (with lockout), Stop Switch (ON/OFF), Choke Lever (for cold starts), Starter Grip, Depth Adjustment Knob/Lever.

Components: Engine Housing, Blade Spindle, Blade Guard, Water Inlet, Fuel Tank Cap, Air Filter Cover, Muffler, Cutting Guide Notch.

Operation: Engage throttle lockout before squeezing throttle. Use choke for cold starts. Adjust cutting depth before beginning cut.

Operation Guide

Starting, running, and stopping the concrete saw.

  1. Pre-Start Check: Verify fuel, blade tightness, guard security, and water connection.
  2. Starting (Cold): Set stop switch to ON. Engage choke. Pull starter cord briskly until engine fires. Disengage choke. Pull again to start.
  3. Starting (Warm): Choke not needed. Pull starter cord.
  4. Running: Allow engine to warm up at idle. Squeeze throttle to increase RPM for cutting.
  5. Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle briefly, set stop switch to OFF.

Tip: Always let the saw reach full operating speed before beginning a cut.

Cutting Techniques

For straight, plunge, and bevel cuts in concrete.

  1. Mark Cut Line: Use chalk line or marker on work surface.
  2. Set Depth: Adjust depth knob to desired cutting depth (not exceeding blade radius).
  3. Position Saw: Align cutting guide with mark. Hold saw firmly with both hands.
  4. Start Cut: Start engine, bring to full speed. Lower blade gently into material at start of line.
  5. Guide Saw: Move saw forward steadily along line. Let blade do the work; do not force.
  6. Plunge Cuts: For interior cuts, tilt saw forward, lower blade into material at an angle until full depth, then straighten.
  7. Water Use: Ensure water is flowing over blade throughout cut to control dust and prolong blade life.

WARNING! Never cut without water dust suppression unless using a specialized vacuum system. Avoid twisting blade in cut.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

IntervalTask
Before Each UseCheck fuel, inspect blade and guard, test throttle and stop switch, check for loose fasteners.
After Each UseClean exterior, flush water system, check blade for wear/damage.
Every 25 HoursClean air filter, check spark plug.
Every 50 HoursClean fuel filter, check all bolts and nuts for tightness.
Every 100 HoursReplace spark plug, clean cooling fins, check/replace fuel lines if cracked.
Seasonal/StorageDrain fuel or add stabilizer, perform complete cleaning.

CAUTION! Perform maintenance only when engine is off and cool. Disconnect spark plug wire for safety.

Storage & Transport

Store and transport saw safely to prevent damage and accidents.

  1. Cleaning: Clean saw thoroughly of concrete slurry and dirt.
  2. Fuel: For long-term storage, run engine until fuel tank is empty OR add fuel stabilizer to full tank and run for 2 minutes.
  3. Blade: Remove, clean, and store separately in a safe place.
  4. Location: Store in a dry, locked place out of reach of children.
  5. Transport: Secure saw in vehicle to prevent movement. Use blade guard or a separate blade case.

Warranty Information

Stihl 400 Concrete Saw includes a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for a specified period from date of retail purchase. Warranty is valid only for the original purchaser with proof of purchase from an authorized Stihl dealer. Warranty does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, improper maintenance, normal wear, or use of non-Stihl parts. For warranty service, contact the authorized Stihl dealer where the product was purchased. For product support and dealer locator, visit www.stihlusa.com or contact Stihl Incorporated at 1-800-467-8445.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo fuel, flooded engine, spark plug fault, choke positionCheck fuel level; wait if flooded; check/replace spark plug; ensure correct choke setting.
Engine starts then stallsClogged air/fuel filter, old fuel, carburetor issueClean/replace air filter; drain old fuel; consult dealer for carb adjustment.
Loss of power during cutDull blade, forcing cut, clogged water sprayReplace or sharpen blade; cut at steady pace; clear water nozzle.
Excessive vibrationLoose blade, damaged blade, worn engine mountsStop engine, check and tighten blade; inspect blade for damage; check mounts.
Water not flowingKinked hose, clogged inlet/outlet, low water pressureStraighten hose; clear debris from ports; check water source pressure.
Blade not cutting straightWorn blade segments, bent blade, user forcingReplace blade; inspect for straightness; use even forward pressure.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized Stihl service dealer.

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

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