Stihl FS 360 Manual

The Stihl FS 360 is a professional-grade, straight-shaft grass trimmer/brushcutter designed for demanding clearing and maintenance work. It features a powerful 2-stroke engine with electronic ignition, a robust gearbox, an anti-vibration system, a harness attachment point, and compatibility with a wide range of cutting heads and blades. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Instructions 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Stopping the Engine 7. Operating Instructions 8. Cutting Attachments 9. Maintenance & Storage 10. Carburetor Adjustment 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Powerful 2-stroke engine, straight drive shaft, robust gearhead, anti-vibration system, throttle trigger with lockout, and harness attachment.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	2-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled
Ignition System	Electronic ignition (CDI)
Fuel System	Diaphragm carburetor
Drive System	Solid steel drive shaft
Gearbox	Heavy-duty, grease-lubricated
Anti-Vibration	Spring-mounted handles and dampers
Handle System	Loop handle or bicycle handles (optional)
Cutting Attachments	Accepts trimmer heads, circular blades, brush knives
Starter	Rewind starter with decompression valve
Weight (without attachment)	Approximately 6.8 kg (15.0 lbs)

Safety Instructions

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

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, sturdy gloves, long pants, and boots.
Clear Work Area: Remove stones, nails, wire, and other debris that could be thrown.
Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only, with engine stopped and cool. Use clean, fresh fuel mix (gasoline and 2-stroke oil).
Operation: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 meters away. Hold unit firmly with both hands.
Hot Surfaces: Avoid contact with muffler and cylinder during and immediately after operation.

WARNING! Improper use can cause serious or fatal injury. The cutting tool can throw objects at high speed. Never operate without proper guards in place.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble handles, cutting attachment, and harness.

Handle Assembly: Attach the loop handle or bicycle handles to the shaft as per instructions, ensuring all bolts are tight.
Cutting Attachment: Install the chosen trimmer head or blade onto the gearbox shaft, securing it with the appropriate nut and washer. Use the correct guard for the attachment.
Harness: Attach the carrying harness to the designated attachment points on the machine.
Fuel Mix: Prepare fuel mixture. Use STIHL 2-stroke engine oil mixed with unleaded gasoline at a 50:1 ratio (for oil labeled for 50:1). Pour into fuel tank.

CAUTION! Ensure all fasteners are securely tightened before starting the engine.

Specifications

Engine Displacement: 36.3 cc
Power Output: 1.6 kW (2.2 hp)
Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm
Maximum Powerhead Speed: 9,500 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.71 liters (24 fl. oz.)
Oil Tank Capacity (for AutoCut head): 0.14 liters (4.7 fl. oz.)
Shaft Type:Straight solid steel shaft

Sound Pressure Level: Typically 96 dB(A)

Vibration Level (left/right handle): Typically 4.5/5.5 m/s²

Warranty: Refer to your local STIHL warranty statement.

Controls and Components

Main controls located on the rear handle and engine housing.

Controls:

Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Squeeze to increase RPM.

Throttle Trigger Lockout: Must be depressed before throttle trigger can be engaged.

Stop Switch: Move to "I" (RUN) or "O" (STOP).

Choke Lever/Start Assist: Used for cold starting.

Decompression Valve: Button to reduce compression for easier starting.

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

Components: Air filter cover, Spark plug, Muffler, Fuel tank cap, Oil tank cap (for AutoCut), Rewind starter grip, Gearbox, Cutting attachment guard.

Starting & Stopping the Engine

Starting (Cold Engine):

Place unit on clear, firm ground. Engage the chain brake if a blade is mounted.

Press the fuel pump bulb (if equipped) at least 5 times.

Set the choke lever to full choke position (or move Master Control to cold start).

Press the decompression valve (if equipped).

Hold the unit securely with your left hand on the front handle and your right foot in the rear handle. Pull the starter rope briskly until the engine fires (usually 1-3 pulls).

Immediately move the choke lever to half-choke or run position.

Pull starter rope again to start engine. Allow to warm up at idle for ~30 seconds.

Starting (Warm Engine): Do not use choke. Follow steps 1, 2 (optional), 5, and 7.

Stopping: Release throttle trigger. Allow engine to return to idle. Move stop switch to "O" position.

Operating Instructions

Harness Adjustment: Adjust the harness so the cutting attachment is held just above the ground when you stand upright with your arms slightly bent.

Cutting Technique: Use a smooth, sweeping motion from right to left (for right-handed operators). Let the tool do the work; do not force it.

For Grass/Weeds: Use a nylon line trimmer head. Maintain high engine speed for clean cutting.

For Brush/Saplings: Use a metal circular blade or brush knife. Use a slicing, pendulum-like motion.

Slope Operation: Always stand across the slope, never up or down. Be extra cautious of footing.

WARNING! Never operate the tool above waist height. Always be aware of the rotating cutting attachment.

Cutting Attachments

Compatible with a variety of STIHL attachments. Always use the correct guard.

Attachment Best Use Guard Required

STIHL AutoCut C 5-2 (Line Head) Grass, weeds around obstacles Deflector

Circular Grass Blade (e.g., 4-tooth) Tall grass, dense weeds Metal blade guard

Brush Knife (e.g., 80T) Heavy brush, brambles, saplings up to 2" Metal blade guard

Circular Saw Blade Woody brush, pruning Special saw blade guard

Installation/Removal: Secure shaft (use combination wrench). Remove retaining nut. Install attachment with correct washer orientation. Tighten nut securely.

Maintenance & Storage

Regular maintenance ensures long life and safe operation. Always disconnect spark plug boot before performing maintenance.

Daily/Air Filter: Clean air filter regularly. Replace if damaged.

Spark Plug: Check and clean electrode gap (0.5 mm / 0.020"). Replace annually or if worn.

Fuel Filter: Replace fuel filter in tank annually.

Gearbox Grease: Lubricate gearbox with STIHL special grease after every 25 hours of operation.

External Cleaning: Keep cooling fins and exterior clean of debris.

Storage: For long-term storage, run engine dry of fuel or add fuel stabilizer. Store in a dry, secure place.

CAUTION! Use only genuine STIHL replacement parts. Improper parts can cause damage or injury.

Carburetor Adjustment

The carburetor is preset at the factory. Adjustment may be needed due to altitude or temperature changes. Use a tachometer for accuracy.

LA (Low Speed): Adjusts idle mixture and speed. Turn clockwise to lean, counter-clockwise to enrich.

H (High Speed): Adjusts maximum RPM and power. Factory set. Only adjust if necessary, ensuring max RPM does not exceed specification.

Procedure: Start and warm up engine. Adjust idle speed screw (marked 'I' or 'T') to achieve a steady idle where the cutting tool does not rotate. Fine-tune 'LA' for smoothest acceleration from idle.

Note: Carburetor adjustment requires special tools and knowledge. If unsure, have adjustment performed by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer.

Troubleshooting

Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action

Engine will not start No fuel, flooded, spark plug faulty, switch off Check fuel, dry plug, check spark, ensure switch is on.

Engine starts then dies Clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter, carburetor adjustment Replace fuel filter, clean air filter, check carburetor settings.

Loss of power Dirty air filter, clogged spark arrestor, bad fuel Clean air filter, clean spark arrestor screen, use fresh fuel mix.

Excessive vibration Bent drive shaft, unbalanced/damaged blade, loose parts Inspect shaft and blade for damage. Tighten all bolts and nuts.

Cutting attachment does not turn Sheared drive shaft pin, clutch slipping Replace shear pin. Have clutch inspected by dealer.

Gearbox overheats Low grease, wrong attachment, overloaded Lubricate with special grease. Use correct attachment for material.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact your authorized STIHL servicing dealer. Find a dealer at www.stihlusa.com or consult your local directory.

Stihl FS 360 Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025

Attachment	Best Use	Guard Required
STIHL AutoCut C 5-2 (Line Head)	Grass, weeds around obstacles	Deflector
Circular Grass Blade (e.g., 4-tooth)	Tall grass, dense weeds	Metal blade guard
Brush Knife (e.g., 80T)	Heavy brush, brambles, saplings up to 2"	Metal blade guard
Circular Saw Blade	Woody brush, pruning	Special saw blade guard

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No fuel, flooded, spark plug faulty, switch off	Check fuel, dry plug, check spark, ensure switch is on.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter, carburetor adjustment	Replace fuel filter, clean air filter, check carburetor settings.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, clogged spark arrestor, bad fuel	Clean air filter, clean spark arrestor screen, use fresh fuel mix.
Excessive vibration	Bent drive shaft, unbalanced/damaged blade, loose parts	Inspect shaft and blade for damage. Tighten all bolts and nuts.
Cutting attachment does not turn	Sheared drive shaft pin, clutch slipping	Replace shear pin. Have clutch inspected by dealer.
Gearbox overheats	Low grease, wrong attachment, overloaded	Lubricate with special grease. Use correct attachment for material.