stihl fs 460 c manual

The STIHL FS 460 C is a professional-grade, high-power clearing saw and brushcutter designed for demanding vegetation management. It features a powerful 4.2 kW (5.7 hp) engine with STIHL M-Tronic engine management for automatic adjustment to operating conditions, a loop handle with vibration damping, a quick-release harness, and compatibility with a wide range of cutting attachments. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-performance 2-stroke engine with M-Tronic, Ergonomic loop handle, Anti-vibration system, Quick-release harness attachment points, Decompression valve, Combined choke/stop control, and a robust drive shaft.

Feature	Description
Engine	STIHL 2-stroke, 4.2 kW (5.7 hp) with M-Tronic engine management
Vibration Damping	Advanced anti-vibration system in handle and shaft
Handle System	Loop handle for two-handed operation with integrated controls
Harness System	Compatible with STIHL professional harnesses (e.g., HD 100)
Decompression Valve	Easier starting by reducing compression
Carburetor	Automatic adjustment via M-Tronic (no manual tuning)
Fuel Tank Capacity	Approx. 1.3 liters
Drive System	Solid drive shaft for high torque transmission
Cutting Attachments	Accepts brush knives, circular saw blades, grass blades, and trimmer heads
Weight (powerhead)	Approx. 7.9 kg (without cutting attachment)

Safety Information

Read and understand the manual before operation. Always wear appropriate PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety helmet with face shield/visor, hearing protection, protective gloves, leg protection (chaps), and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 meters away. Be aware of surroundings, especially uneven terrain and hidden objects.
3. Machine Handling: Always hold the unit firmly with both hands. Ensure the cutting attachment has stopped before moving or setting down.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped and cooled. Use only STIHL MotoMix or a 50:1 mixture of high-quality gasoline and STIHL HP Ultra 2-stroke oil.

WARNING! Improper use can cause serious or fatal injury. Never operate the machine with a damaged or missing guard.

Assembly & First Use

Assemble the powerhead, shaft, and cutting attachment. Prepare the fuel mixture.

1. Attach Handle/Shaft: Assemble according to instructions, ensuring all locking collars are securely tightened.
2. Install Cutting Attachment: Fit the chosen blade or trimmer head, securing it with the appropriate nut and washer. Ensure the guard is correctly installed.
3. Attach Harness: Connect the harness to the attachment points on the powerhead for balanced operation.
4. Fuel Preparation: Use STIHL MotoMix (pre-mixed) or mix 50:1 with 89+ octane gasoline and STIHL HP Ultra oil. Fill the tank.
5. Starting Procedure: Place unit on firm ground. Set master control lever to cold start position (choke). Pull starter rope until engine fires, then move lever to warm start/half-throttle and pull to start.

CAUTION! Ensure all parts are properly assembled and tightened before starting.

Specifications

• Engine Type: Single cylinder, 2-stroke, air-cooled.
• Displacement: 72.2 cm³.
• Power Output: 4.2 kW (5.7 hp).
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (using STIHL HP Ultra oil).
• Fuel Tank Volume: Approx. 1.3 L.
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm (M-Tronic controlled).
• Maximum Engine Speed: 9,500 rpm (with cutting attachment).
• Sound Pressure Level: Typically 99 dB(A) (powerhead).
• Vibration Level: Front handle: < 3.5 m/s²; Rear handle: < 5.5 m/s².
• Weight (Powerhead): Approx. 7.9 kg.
• Recommended Cutting Attachments: Brush knives, circular saw blades up to 300 mm, trimmer heads.

Controls and Components

Main controls located on the handle and powerhead.

Handle Controls: Throttle trigger with lockout, Master control lever (stop/choke/run), Throttle trigger interlock.

Powerhead Features: Decompression valve, Fuel tank cap, Muffler, Spark plug, Air filter cover, Starter grip.

Harness Attachment Points: D-rings for connecting the harness.

M-Tronic System: Automatically adjusts carburetor for altitude, temperature, and fuel quality. No manual adjustment needed. If issues arise, perform a reset by running at full throttle for 1 minute under load.

Operation

Proper technique is essential for safety and efficiency.

1. Starting: Engage harness. Place unit on ground, hold handle down with foot. Set master control to cold start. Pull starter cord until engine fires, then move lever to run position and pull again to start.
2. Operation with Harness: Adjust harness for balance. The machine should hang comfortably with the cutting attachment clear of the ground.
3. Cutting Technique: Use a sweeping motion from right to left (for right-handed users). Let the weight of the machine and sharpness of the blade do the work. Avoid pushing or forcing.
4. Stopping: Release throttle trigger. Allow engine to return to idle. Move master control lever to STOP position.

Tip: Always operate at full throttle when cutting. Do not "lug" the engine.

Fuel & Lubrication

Use only high-quality fuels and lubricants.

1. Fuel: Use 89+ octane unleaded gasoline. For manual mixing, use a 50:1 ratio with STIHL HP Ultra 2-stroke oil. Shake container well before refueling. STIHL MotoMix is recommended for optimal performance and reduced carburetor issues.
2. Gearbox Lubrication: The gearhead at the end of the shaft must be greased regularly. Use STIHL special grease cartridge. Remove the grease plug, apply grease until it emerges from the vent, and replace the plug.
3. Drive Shaft: The splines at both ends of the shaft should be lightly coated with STIHL special grease during assembly.

WARNING! Never use fuel older than 30 days. Do not mix oil directly in the machine's fuel tank.

Maintenance & Cleaning

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

Daily/Before Use: Check for loose nuts/bolts, damage to guards/handles. Inspect cutting attachment for damage and sharpness. Clean air filter if dirty.

Weekly/After Use: Clean exterior with a soft brush or cloth. Check spark plug condition and gap (0.5 mm). Clean cooling fins on cylinder.

Periodic: Replace fuel filter in tank (annually or as needed). Check and grease gearbox. Replace spark plug annually. Have the machine serviced by an authorized STIHL dealer annually for a thorough check.

CAUTION! Use only STIHL replacement parts. Never clean with water or pressure washers.

Storage

Prepare the machine for storage if not used for more than 30 days.

1. Drain the fuel tank and run the carburetor dry.
2. Remove the spark plug, add a teaspoon of engine oil into the cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to distribute, then reinstall plug.
3. Clean the entire machine thoroughly.
4. Store in a dry, clean, and secure place, out of reach of children.
5. Protect the cutting attachment from corrosion with a light oil coating.

Attachments & Accessories

The FS 460 C is compatible with a wide range of STIHL attachments.

Attachment	Use Case
Brush Knife (e.g., 8-tooth)	Clearing heavy brush, saplings, and thick vegetation.
Circular Saw Blade (up to 300mm)	Cutting small trees, logs, and dense woody material.
PolyCut Head 3-2	For trimming grass and light weeds with plastic blades.
STIHL AutoCut C 5-2	Bump-feed trimmer head for nylon line.
Harness HD 100	Professional harness for optimal weight distribution.
Carrying Case	For transport and storage.

Always use the correct guard for the chosen attachment.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No fuel, flooded, spark plug faulty, master control position	Check fuel; set control to cold start; check spark plug; perform M-Tronic reset (full throttle under load for 1 min).
Engine starts but dies	Clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter, carburetor issue	Replace fuel filter; clean air filter; perform M-Tronic reset.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, dirty spark arrestor screen, old fuel	Clean/replace air filter; clean spark arrestor screen; use fresh fuel.
Excessive vibration	Bent drive shaft, unbalanced/damaged blade, loose parts	Inspect shaft and blade for damage; tighten all nuts and bolts.
Cutting attachment stops under load	Dull blade, slipping clutch, damaged gearbox	Sharpen or replace blade; have clutch and gearbox inspected by dealer.
M-Tronic not adjusting	System needs reset	Run engine at full throttle under cutting load for 1 minute to allow recalibration.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. Use only genuine STIHL parts.

Support: Visit www.stihl.com for dealer locator and more information.