Stihl FS 130 Instruction Manual

The Stihl FS 130 is a professional-grade straight-shaft brushcutter/trimmer designed for demanding clearing and trimming tasks. It features a powerful 2-stroke engine with electronic ignition, a robust gearbox, a straight shaft for use with various cutting attachments, an anti-vibration system, and a comfortable harness system. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Stopping the Engine 7. Operation & Cutting Techniques 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage 10. Warranty & Support 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Powerful 2-stroke engine, Straight drive shaft, Ergonomic handlebar, Anti-vibration system, Quick-stop inertia chain brake (if equipped with cutting blade), Tool-free attachment system for cutting heads.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	2-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled
Ignition System	Electronic ignition (CDI)
Shaft Type	Straight solid drive shaft
Anti-Vibration	Integrated damping elements in handlebar and shaft
Throttle Trigger	With throttle trigger lockout for safety
Starter	Rewind starter with decompression valve
Fuel Tank	Integrated, see-through polycarbonate
Cutting Attachments	Compatible with trimmer heads, circular blades, and brush knives
Harness	Comfortable backpack or hip harness system (sold separately)
Weight (without attachment)	Approximately 6.8 kg (15.0 lbs)

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before use. Always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

PPE Requirements: Safety glasses, hearing protection, sturdy gloves, leg protection (chaps), and sturdy boots.
Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children and pets. Be aware of thrown object hazards.
Fuel Safety: Refuel in a well-ventilated area with engine stopped and cool. Use only STIHL MotoMix or equivalent 50:1 pre-mixed fuel/oil. Do not smoke.
Operation Safety: Hold unit firmly with both hands. Do not operate on unstable surfaces. Be aware of kickback zone with cutting blades.
Transport & Storage: Secure unit during transport. Store fuel separately in approved container.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. The cutting tool continues to rotate after the throttle is released.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack all parts. Assembly requires attaching the handlebar, cutting attachment, and harness.

Handlebar Attachment: Position handlebar on shaft at desired height. Align mounting holes and secure with provided bolts and nuts. Tighten securely.
Cutting Attachment: Ensure engine is off. For trimmer head: Insert drive shaft into gearbox, align splines, and secure with retaining nut using appropriate wrench. For blades: Use appropriate blade carrier and mounting hardware. Ensure guard is correctly installed.
Harness Attachment: Connect harness hooks to the suspension rings on the unit. Adjust straps for a snug, balanced fit.
Fuel Mix: Fill tank with STIHL MotoMix or a 50:1 mixture of high-octane gasoline and STIHL 2-stroke engine oil.

CAUTION! Ensure all fasteners are tight before operation. Do not force attachments.

Specifications

Engine Displacement: Approximately 36.3 cm³ (2.2 cu. in.)
Power Output: 1.8 kW (2.4 hp)
Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (Using STIHL 2-stroke oil)
Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm
Maximum Engine Speed: 12,500 rpm
Sound Pressure Level: Typically 99 dB(A)
Vibration Level (left/right): Typically 4.5/6.5 m/s²
Drive System: Solid steel drive shaft with bevel gearbox
Cutting Attachment Options: Trimmer head, circular saw blades, brush knives
Recommended Harness: STIHL ErgoStart or Professional Harness

Controls and Components

Main controls located on the handlebar and engine housing.

Handlebar: Throttle trigger with lockout, Stop switch (I/O), Throttle latch (for starting), Handlebar mounting clamp.

Engine Housing: Starter grip, Decompression valve button, Choke lever (if equipped), Air filter cover, Muffler, Fuel tank cap.

Shaft/Gearbox: Shaft connection point, Gearbox housing, Cutting attachment mounting flange, Guard mounting points.

Master Control Lever (if equipped): Combines choke, stop, and run functions.

Starting & Stopping the Engine

Place unit on clear, flat ground. Ensure cutting attachment is clear of obstacles.

Cold Start: Press fuel primer bulb 5-10 times. Set choke lever to full choke (or position I on Master Control). Engage throttle trigger lockout. Pull starter rope sharply until engine 'fires' (usually 1-3 pulls). Move choke to half-choke/open (or position II). Pull starter rope again to start. Allow to idle briefly.
Warm Start: Choke should be open (position II or 0). Follow steps above without priming.
Stopping: Release throttle trigger. Allow engine to return to idle. Press and hold the stop switch (I/O) to "O" until engine stops.

Tip: Do not drop-start or "throw" the starter. Use smooth, full pulls.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Always operate with proper harness for balance and control.

Basic Stance: Stand firmly with feet shoulder-width apart. Hold handlebar with left hand, shaft with right hand (for right-hand operation).
Trimming (Line Head): Use a sweeping motion from side to side, cutting with the tip of the line. Avoid forcing the head into the ground.
Brush Cutting (Blade): Use a slow, deliberate swinging arc from right to left (for right-hand operation). Let the blade do the work; do not push. Be extremely aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of blade rotation).
Slope Operation: Always stand across the slope, never up or down. Be extra cautious of footing.
Maintaining RPM: Operate at full throttle during cutting for best performance and cleaner cut.

WARNING! Never operate the unit above waist height. Always be prepared for unexpected reactions like kickback.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and safe operation. Perform with engine off and cool.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check for loose fasteners, damaged parts, and fuel leaks. Inspect cutting attachment.
Daily	Clean air filter (more often in dusty conditions). Check spark plug condition.
Every 25 hours	Clean spark arrestor screen in muffler (if equipped). Check gearbox grease level.
Every 50 hours	Replace spark plug. Clean fuel filter in tank. Inspect drive shaft and gearbox for wear.
Annually or 100 hrs	Have unit serviced by an authorized STIHL dealer for carburetor adjustment and full inspection.

CAUTION! Use only genuine STIHL replacement parts. Improper maintenance can void warranty.

Storage

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

Drain the fuel tank completely and run the engine until it stops to empty the carburetor.
Remove spark plug, add a teaspoon of engine oil into the cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat internals, reinstall plug.
Thoroughly clean the entire unit, especially the cooling fins and air filter area.
Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children. Store cutting attachments separately.

CAUTION! Never store unit with fuel in the tank for extended periods. Old fuel can damage engine components.

Warranty & Support

STIHL FS 130 includes a limited warranty for personal or professional use. Warranty details are provided by your selling dealer. For technical support, genuine parts, and service, contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. You can locate your nearest dealer at www.stihlusa.com. Always provide the model name (FS 130) and serial number when seeking support.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No fuel, flooded engine, spark plug faulty, choke setting wrong	Check fuel level. Wait if flooded; start with throttle open. Check/clean/replace spark plug. Verify choke procedure.
Engine starts but dies	Clogged air filter, dirty fuel filter, carburetor adjustment	Clean/replace air filter. Clean fuel filter in tank. See dealer for carb adjustment.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, dirty spark arrestor, old fuel	Clean air filter and spark arrestor screen. Use fresh, properly mixed fuel.
Excessive vibration	Loose fasteners, bent cutting blade, damaged drive shaft	Tighten all nuts/bolts. Inspect blade for damage/balance. Inspect shaft for damage.
Cutting attachment does not spin	Sheared drive pin (trim head), damaged clutch, gearbox failure	Replace shear pin or clutch springs. Have gearbox inspected by dealer.

Dealer Service: For complex issues like carburetor adjustment, ignition problems, or gearbox repair, contact your authorized STIHL dealer.

Support: www.stihlusa.com | Find your local dealer for service.