Stihl FS 40 CE Trimmer Manual

The Stihl FS 40 CE is a lightweight, professional-grade gasoline-powered grass trimmer/brushcutter. It features a 27.2cc 2-stroke engine with Easy2Start technology, a loop handle for comfortable operation, a PolyCut head for efficient cutting, a semi-automatic tapeless line advance system, and a CE-compliant design for the European market. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2-stroke engine, Easy2Start system, loop handle, PolyCut cutting head, adjustable harness, spark plug, air filter, and fuel tank.

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before use. Wear appropriate PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, sturdy gloves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes.
2. Operating Area: Keep bystanders, children, and pets at least 15 meters away. Clear area of stones, wire, and debris.
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only, with engine stopped and cool. Use STIHL MotoMix or 50:1 2-stroke oil mix. No smoking.
4. Transport & Storage: Secure unit during transport. Store fuel in approved container, out of reach of children.

WARNING! Risk of severe injury from rotating cutting line or blade. Never operate without proper guard installed.

Assembly & First Use

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble according to diagrams.

1. Attach Handle: Align loop handle on shaft, secure with provided bolts.
2. Install Cutting Attachment: Fit PolyCut head onto drive shaft, tighten counter-clockwise.
3. Adjust Harness: Attach harness to unit and adjust for comfortable, balanced operation.
4. Fuel Mix: Use STIHL MotoMix (pre-mixed) or mix high-quality 2-stroke oil with unleaded gasoline (50:1 ratio).
5. Starting Procedure: Set stop switch to "I", press primer bulb 5 times, set choke lever to cold start position, pull starter rope until engine fires, move choke to run position, pull again to start.

CAUTION! Ensure all fasteners are tight before operation. Run engine at idle for 1-2 minutes to warm up.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 27.2 cm³
• Power Output: 0.9 kW / 1.2 hp
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm
• Maximum Power Speed: 9,500 rpm
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (with STIHL 2-stroke oil)
• Cutting Swath: Approx. 42 cm (with standard line)
• Drive Shaft: Flexible steel
• Recommended Line Diameter: 2.0 mm or 2.4 mm
• Warranty: 2 years commercial, 2 years private use (regional variations apply)

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Throttle trigger with lockout, stop switch, choke lever, primer bulb.

Components: Fuel tank cap, air filter cover, spark plug, muffler, deflector guard, harness attachment points.

Operation: Squeeze throttle trigger lockout and throttle to increase engine speed. Release to idle. Use stop switch to stop engine. Choke lever for cold starts. Primer bulb to draw fuel into carburetor.

Fuel & Lubrication

Use unleaded gasoline with minimum 90 octane. Mix with STIHL 2-stroke oil at 50:1 ratio (20 ml oil per 1 liter gasoline).

1. Fueling: Clean area around cap. Use funnel. Fill to 80% capacity to allow for expansion.
2. Lubrication: Gearbox is grease-lubricated from factory. Check periodically for leaks.
3. Air Filter: Clean foam filter every 10 operating hours or more often in dusty conditions.

Tip: STIHL MotoMix is a pre-mixed, stabilized fuel that eliminates mixing errors and extends shelf life.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Designed for trimming grass, weeds, and light brush.

1. Starting: Follow cold/hot start procedure. Never drop-start or throw starter rope.
2. Basic Trimming: Use a smooth, sweeping motion from side to side, keeping cutting head parallel to ground.
3. Line Advance: Tap cutting head on ground (at operating speed) to advance fresh line. Do not press bump knob while engine is running.
4. Slope Operation: Always stand across slope, never up or down. Use harness for stability.
5. Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle for 30 seconds, then move stop switch to "0".

WARNING! Never operate above shoulder height. Always cut from right to left for optimal debris deflection.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Storage

Prepare unit for storage if not used for more than 30 days.

1. Empty fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer and run engine for 2 minutes.
2. Clean exterior, remove debris from cooling fins and guard.
3. Store in a dry, locked place, out of reach of children.
4. Protect from dust with a breathable cover.

CAUTION! Never store unit with fuel in tank indoors or in enclosed spaces due to fire and fume hazards.

Warranty & Compliance

STIHL Limited Warranty: Covers defects in materials and workmanship. Proof of purchase required. The FS 40 CE complies with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, and Noise Emission Directive 2000/14/EC. For genuine parts and service, contact an authorized STIHL dealer. Serial number located on engine housing.

Troubleshooting

Dealer Service: For complex repairs, contact your authorized STIHL dealer.

Support: www.stihl.com - Find your local dealer for parts and service.