Stihl FS 56 C Manual

The Stihl FS 56 C is a lightweight, professional-grade gasoline-powered brushcutter/string trimmer designed for demanding clearing and trimming tasks. It features a powerful 2-stroke engine with STIHL anti-vibration system, ErgoStart™ for easy starting, a loop handle for comfortable operation, a translucent fuel tank, and a QuickStop® inertia chain brake for enhanced safety. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2-stroke engine, ErgoStart™ system, anti-vibration handles, QuickStop® inertia chain brake, translucent fuel tank, and compatible with various STIHL cutting heads and blades.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	STIHL 2-MIX™, single-cylinder, 2-stroke
Displacement	27.2 cc
Power Output	0.9 kW / 1.2 hp
Starting System	STIHL ErgoStart™
Anti-Vibration	STIHL anti-vibration system
Safety Feature	QuickStop® inertia chain brake
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.53 liters
Weight (powerhead)	Approx. 5.2 kg
Handle Type	Loop handle (standard)
Cutting Attachment	Accepts STIHL PolyCut heads, circular blades

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all instructions before operation. Wear appropriate PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, long pants, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 meters away. Clear area of debris, wires, and stones.
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only, with engine stopped and cool. Use STIHL MotoMix® or proper fuel/oil mix.
4. Operation: Hold unit firmly with both hands. Be aware of kickback zone. Never operate with damaged parts.

WARNING! Risk of severe injury or death from rotating cutting attachment. Always engage the chain brake when not cutting or when moving between work areas.

Assembly & First Use

Assemble the brushcutter with the correct cutting attachment and handle.

1. Attach the handle: Secure the loop handle to the shaft using the provided bolts and wrench.
2. Install cutting attachment: Fit the chosen PolyCut head or blade, ensuring the guard is correctly positioned and secured.
3. Adjust the harness: Fit the STIHL harness, adjusting straps for balanced weight distribution.
4. Fuel mix: Prepare 50:1 fuel/oil mixture using STIHL HP Ultra oil and unleaded gasoline (min. 89 octane).

CAUTION! Ensure all fasteners are tightened to specified torque. Do not operate without the cutting attachment guard installed.

Technical Specifications

• Engine: STIHL 2-MIX™, 27.2 cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder.
• Powerhead Weight: Approx. 5.2 kg (without cutting attachment).
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL HP Ultra oil recommended).
• Sound Pressure Level: Typically 96 dB(A).
• Vibration Levels: Left/Right handle approx. 4.5/5.5 m/s².
• Ignition System: Electronic, capacitor discharge.
• Carburetor: Diaphragm type with manual choke.
• Recommended Cutting Tools: STIHL PolyCut 2-2, circular saw blades.
• Warranty: Limited warranty for professional/commercial use; see dealer for details.

Controls and Components

Main controls located on the handle and engine housing.

Handle Controls: Throttle trigger with lockout, stop switch, choke lever (on engine), and master control lever for starting functions.

Engine Housing: Fuel tank cap, air filter cover, spark plug, muffler, and decompression valve (if equipped).

Safety Features: QuickStop® inertia chain brake (activated by handle or inertia), throttle trigger lockout to prevent accidental acceleration, and rear handle guard.

Fuel & Lubrication

Use only high-quality unleaded gasoline (min. 89 octane) mixed with STIHL 2-stroke engine oil at 50:1 ratio.

1. Fuel Mix: Pour specified amount of STIHL HP Ultra oil into clean fuel can, then add gasoline. Shake well.
2. Refueling: Clean area around fuel cap. Fill tank to about 80% capacity to allow for expansion.
3. Gearbox Lubrication: Lubricate the gearbox at the cutting attachment with STIHL gear oil (check daily).

Tip: Use STIHL MotoMix® pre-mixed fuel for optimum performance and to avoid fuel-related issues.

Starting & Operation

Follow cold or warm starting procedure.

1. Cold Start: Set master control lever to choke position (✱). Press fuel pump bulb 5-10 times. Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires. Move lever to half-throttle position (⭘). Pull again to start.
2. Warm Start: Set lever to half-throttle position (⭘). Pull starter rope.
3. Operation: Allow engine to warm up at idle for 30 seconds. Squeeze throttle trigger lockout and throttle to increase RPM. Use swinging motion for cutting.
4. Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle briefly. Press stop switch to "0".

WARNING! Never start the engine unless the cutting attachment is properly installed and clear of obstructions.

Cutting Attachments

Supports various STIHL cutting heads and blades for different applications.

1. PolyCut Heads: For trimming grass and light weeds. Load with STIHL monofilament line.
2. Circular Blades: For clearing heavy brush, saplings, and thick weeds. Ensure correct blade and guard are used.
3. Installation: Lock the shaft. Fit attachment, secure with retaining nut using appropriate wrench.
4. Line Advance: Tap head on ground (bump feed) at high RPM to advance new line.

WARNING! Always stop engine and engage chain brake before changing cutting attachments. Wear heavy-duty gloves.

Maintenance & Storage

Regular maintenance ensures long service life and safe operation.

Daily: Clean exterior, check for loose fasteners, inspect cutting attachment and guard for damage.

Weekly/Monthly: Clean air filter, check spark plug, clean cooling fins, inspect fuel lines.

Storage: For long-term storage, drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops. Remove spark plug and add a few drops of oil into cylinder. Pull starter rope slowly to distribute oil. Store in dry place.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Warranty & Compliance

STIHL FS 56 C complies with relevant safety and emissions standards (EPA, CARB for markets where applicable). Limited warranty provided by STIHL Incorporated; terms vary by region and use (professional/commercial vs. private). For warranty service, contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. Keep purchase receipt. For support, visit www.stihlusa.com or contact STIHL customer service at 1-800-467-8445.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No fuel, flooded, spark plug	Check fuel level; set choke correctly; check/clean spark plug; ensure stop switch is on.
Engine runs poorly/dies	Clogged air filter, old fuel	Clean/replace air filter; drain and refill with fresh fuel mix; check fuel line.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, bent shaft	Tighten all fasteners; inspect cutting attachment for damage/balance; check shaft.
Cutting head does not advance line	Empty line spool, worn head	Reload with correct line; replace worn bump feed mechanism.
Loss of power	Clogged muffler, carburetor issues	Clean spark arrestor screen; have carburetor adjusted by dealer.

Dealer Service: For complex repairs (carburetor, ignition), contact authorized STIHL dealer.

Support: 1-800-467-8445; www.stihlusa.com