Stihl BR 380 Blower Manual

The Stihl BR 380 is a professional-grade backpack blower designed for demanding commercial and residential applications. It features a powerful 2-stroke engine, ergonomic harness system, variable throttle control, anti-vibration system, and a range of nozzles for different tasks. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Fuel & Oil Mixture 7. Starting & Stopping Procedure 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2-stroke engine, backpack frame with harness, throttle trigger, master control lever, air filter, spark plug, fuel tank, and blower tube with adjustable nozzle.

FeatureDescription
Engine Type2-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled
Displacement56.5 cc
Power Output2.4 kW (3.3 bhp)
Air VolumeUp to 900 m³/h
Air SpeedUp to 300 km/h
Fuel Tank Capacity1.3 liters
Weight (dry)Approx. 9.5 kg
Harness SystemPadded, adjustable backpack harness
Anti-VibrationIntegrated dampeners in handles and frame
Noise LevelApprox. 104 dB(A) at operator's ear

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operation. Wear appropriate PPE.

  1. Always wear eye protection, hearing protection, long pants, and sturdy shoes.
  2. Operate in well-ventilated areas only; exhaust gases are hazardous.
  3. Keep bystanders, children, and pets at least 15 meters away.
  4. Never operate the blower in wet conditions or near flammable materials.
  5. Stop the engine before adjusting, cleaning, or transporting.

WARNING! Risk of fire, explosion, hearing damage, and projectile injury. Follow all safety symbols on the unit.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack all components and inspect for damage.

  1. Attach the blower tube: Align arrows on tube and engine housing, push and twist clockwise until it clicks.
  2. Install the nozzle: Slide the desired nozzle onto the tube end and secure with the locking collar.
  3. Adjust the harness: Loosen straps, put on like a backpack, and tighten for snug, balanced fit.
  4. Fuel mixture: Prepare 50:1 gasoline to 2-stroke oil mixture (see Section 6).

CAUTION! Ensure all connections are secure before starting. Do not force components.

Specifications

Controls and Operation

Master Control Lever: Choke/Start/Run positions. Throttle Trigger: Variable speed control. Cruise Control: Lock for constant speed. Stop Switch: Emergency engine stop.

Operation: Start on flat, clear ground. Wear harness. Use steady sweeping motions. Avoid pointing tube at people, animals, or loose debris.

Adjusting Airflow: Use the nozzle to concentrate or widen the air stream. For wet leaves, use the flat nozzle. For sidewalks, use the round concentrator nozzle.

Fuel & Oil Mixture

Use fresh unleaded gasoline (min. 89 octane) and Stihl 2-stroke engine oil.

  1. Mix at 50:1 ratio: 2.6 oz (77 ml) of oil per 1 gallon (3.8 L) of gasoline.
  2. Use a clean, approved fuel container. Mix thoroughly.
  3. Fill fuel tank to 80% capacity to allow for expansion.
  4. Never use straight gasoline or motor oil; this will cause severe engine damage.

Tip: Use Stihl MotoMix pre-mixed fuel for optimal performance and reduced maintenance.

Starting & Stopping Procedure

Starting (Cold Engine):

  1. Place unit on flat ground. Engage harness.
  2. Set master control lever to choke position (full left).
  3. Press decompression valve (if equipped) 3-5 times.
  4. Pump primer bulb 5-7 times until fuel is visible.
  5. Pull starter cord briskly until engine fires (1-3 pulls).
  6. Move master control to half-throttle position (middle).
  7. Pull starter cord again until engine runs.
  8. Allow 30-second warm-up before applying full throttle.

Stopping: Release throttle, let engine idle for 30 seconds, move stop switch to "0" or "STOP".

WARNING! Never drop-start or pull starter cord with throttle engaged.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily: Check air filter, clean if dirty. Check fuel lines for leaks. Inspect harness and tubes.

Weekly: Clean spark arrestor screen. Check spark plug gap (0.5 mm / 0.020 in).

Monthly: Clean cooling fins. Check all bolts and fasteners for tightness.

Annually: Replace fuel filter. Have carburetor adjusted by authorized dealer if needed.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Storage Guidelines

For storage over 30 days:

  1. Drain fuel tank completely or add fuel stabilizer.
  2. Run engine for 2 minutes to circulate treated fuel through carburetor.
  3. Stop engine and let cool.
  4. Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of oil through spark plug hole, pull starter cord slowly 2-3 times to coat cylinder, reinstall plug.
  5. Clean entire unit, store in dry, cool place away from ignition sources.

Warranty Information

Stihl Limited Warranty: 1 year for commercial use, 2 years for residential use from date of purchase. Covers defects in materials and workmanship. Does not cover normal wear, misuse, improper fuel, or lack of maintenance. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact an authorized Stihl servicing dealer. For support, visit www.stihlusa.com or call 1-800-467-8445.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo fuel, flooded, spark plugCheck fuel level; move choke to run; dry spark plug; check for spark.
Engine starts then diesClogged air/fuel filter, carburetorClean air filter; replace fuel filter; have carburetor serviced.
Loss of powerDirty spark arrestor, fouled plugClean spark arrestor screen; clean or replace spark plug.
Excessive vibrationLoose parts, damaged tubeTighten all fasteners; inspect blower tube for cracks.
Airflow is weakClogged tube or nozzleStop engine, disconnect tube, and remove debris.

Service: For repairs, use only genuine Stihl parts. Authorized dealer locator: www.stihlusa.com.

Emergency: In case of fire or major leak, move away, use Class B fire extinguisher.

Stihl BR 380 Blower Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025