Stihl FS 280 Brush Cutter Manual

The Stihl FS 280 is a professional-grade brush cutter designed for demanding clearing and maintenance tasks. It features a powerful 2-stroke engine, a robust drive shaft, a variety of cutting attachments (blades and trimmer heads), anti-vibration system, and easy-start technology. This manual covers essential safety instructions, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical specifications to ensure safe and efficient use.

1. Safety Instructions & Symbols 2. Components & Assembly 3. Fuel & Lubrication 4. Starting & Stopping the Engine 5. Operating Instructions 6. Cutting Attachments 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage 9. Troubleshooting 10. Technical Specifications 11. Warranty & Service

Safety Instructions & Symbols

Read and understand all instructions before use. Failure to follow warnings can result in serious injury or death.

Symbol/Area	Meaning/Precaution
General Warning	Indicates a potentially hazardous situation.
Hot Surfaces	Keep away from muffler and engine.
Rotating Cutting Tool	Keep hands and feet clear. Always wear protective gear.
Kickback Zone	Be aware of the danger zone to the right of the operator.
Hearing Protection	Always wear approved hearing protection.
Eye Protection	Always wear safety glasses or a face shield.
Leg Protection	Wear cut-resistant pants or chaps.
Fuel Handling	No smoking. Refuel in well-ventilated area, engine off and cool.

Components & Assembly

Unpack and inspect all parts against the packing list.

Handle Assembly: Attach the loop handle or bike handles to the shaft as per your preference. Secure all bolts firmly.
Cutting Attachment: Install the chosen trimmer head or cutting blade onto the drive shaft, ensuring the locking washer and nut are correctly fastened with the appropriate tool.
Harness: Adjust the carrying harness for a balanced and comfortable fit before starting work.
Fuel Mix: Prepare a fresh mixture of unleaded gasoline (min. 89 octane) and high-quality 2-stroke engine oil at a 50:1 ratio (for Stihl HP Ultra oil).

WARNING! Never assemble or adjust the machine while the engine is running. Ensure all guards are in place.

Fuel & Lubrication

Using the correct fuel and lubricants is critical for performance and engine life.

Fuel Mixture: Use only clean, unleaded gasoline (89 octane min.) mixed with a high-performance 2-stroke engine oil (e.g., Stihl HP Ultra) at a 50:1 ratio.
Mixing: Mix fuel in an approved container. Add oil to gasoline and shake thoroughly.
Refueling: Stop engine and allow to cool. Clean area around fuel cap. Fill tank, avoiding spillage. Tighten cap securely.
Gearbox Grease: Lubricate the gearbox at the cutting attachment with Stihl special grease periodically as per maintenance schedule.

CAUTION! Never use straight gasoline or automotive motor oil. Do not mix fuel in the machine's tank. Store fuel mix for a maximum of 30 days.

Starting & Stopping the Engine

Follow the correct procedure to avoid flooding and ensure easy starts.

Cold Start:

Place unit on clear, level ground. Engage the chain brake (if equipped with a blade).
Press the fuel pump bulb (primer) at least 5 times until fuel is visible.
Set the master control lever to the cold start position (choke).
Pull the starter rope briskly until the engine fires (usually 2-5 pulls).
Immediately move the master control lever to the half-throttle position (run).
Pull starter rope again to start. Allow engine to warm up at idle for ~30 seconds.

Warm Start: Master control lever in run position. No priming needed.

Stopping: Release throttle trigger. Move master control lever to STOP position.

Operating Instructions

Proper technique ensures safety and cutting efficiency.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear: safety glasses, hearing protection, heavy-duty gloves, long pants, sturdy boots, and cut-resistant leg protection.
Swing Technique: Use a smooth, sweeping motion from right to left (for right-handed operators), keeping the cutting attachment parallel to the ground.
Clear Area: Clear the work area of stones, wire, and other debris that could be thrown or damage the tool.
Terrain: Maintain secure footing. Operate on slopes with extreme caution. Do not work on steep inclines.
Kickback: Be aware of the "kickback zone" (tip of blade/line). Never swing the tool so the cutting attachment comes near your legs or feet.

Tip: Let the tool do the work. Avoid forcing it through dense material. Take frequent breaks.

Cutting Attachments

The FS 280 is compatible with a range of attachments for different tasks.

Attachment	Best Use	Precautions
PolyCut Head (Trimmer Line)	Grass, weeds, light brush.	Use correct line diameter. Avoid hard surfaces to prevent rapid wear.
Circular Metal Blade (e.g., 4-tooth)	Heavy brush, saplings, thick weeds.	Ensure blade is sharp, balanced, and securely fastened. Guard must be installed.
Circular Saw Blade (e.g., 80T)	Woody brush and small trees.	For experienced users only. High risk of kickback. Use extreme caution.

WARNING! Always stop the engine and ensure it is cool before changing attachments. Use only Stihl-approved cutting attachments.

Maintenance Schedule

Before Each Use: Check for loose fasteners, damaged parts, and fuel leaks. Inspect cutting attachment.
Daily (or after use): Clean exterior. Check air filter, clean if dirty.
Every 25 Hours: Clean spark plug, check electrode gap. Clean fuel filter.
Every 50 Hours: Clean cooling fins. Check/replace spark plug. Grease gearbox.
Every 100 Hours: Clean carburetor air passage. Check fuel lines for cracks.
Spark Plug: Gap 0.020" (0.5mm). Recommended type: BOSCH WSR6F or equivalent.

CAUTION! Perform maintenance in a clean area. Disconnect the spark plug boot before any service.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Short-Term (under 30 days): No special preparation required if using fuel stabilizer.
Long-Term:
- Run the engine until it stops to use up all fuel in the carburetor.
- Drain the fuel tank completely.
- Remove spark plug, add a teaspoon of engine oil into the cylinder, pull starter rope slowly to distribute oil, reinstall plug.
- Clean the entire unit thoroughly.
- Store in a dry, clean, and secure place, out of reach of children.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No fuel, flooded engine, dirty air filter, faulty spark plug	Check fuel, dry plug, clean filter, check/replace spark plug.
Engine starts but dies	Clogged fuel filter, dirty carburetor, faulty fuel line	Replace fuel filter, clean carburetor, inspect fuel lines.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, dirty spark arrestor screen, old fuel	Clean air filter and muffler screen. Use fresh fuel mix.
Excessive vibration	Damaged cutting attachment, loose bolts, bent drive shaft	Inspect blade/head for damage and balance. Tighten all fasteners.
Cutting attachment does not spin	Sheared drive shaft pin, disengaged clutch, gearbox failure	Check and replace shear pin. Inspect clutch springs and gearbox.

Technical Specifications

Engine Type: STIHL 2-stroke, single cylinder
Displacement: 2.4 cu. in. (40.2 cc)
Power Output: 2.0 hp (1.5 kW)
Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (with STIHL HP Ultra oil)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 24.3 fl. oz. (0.72 liters)
Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm
Max. Engine Speed: 12,500 rpm
Drive System: Solid drive shaft with anti-vibration
Sound Pressure Level: ~105 dB(A) (Wear hearing protection!)
Weight (powerhead): Approx. 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg)

Warranty & Service

STIHL Limited Warranty: Refer to the separate warranty card included with your purchase for specific terms and duration. Repairs should be performed by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer using genuine STIHL parts.

For Service & Support: Contact your local authorized STIHL dealer. To find a dealer or for more information, visit www.stihlusa.com.

Note: This manual is a summary. Always refer to the complete, original STIHL instruction manual for full safety and operational details.