The Stihl FS 88 is a professional-grade, high-performance brushcutter/string trimmer designed for demanding clearing and trimming tasks. It features a powerful 2-stroke engine with electronic ignition, a robust gearbox, a straight shaft, an anti-vibration system, and a comprehensive set of safety features. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.
Key components: Powerful 2-stroke engine, straight drive shaft, robust gearbox, anti-vibration system, ErgoStart, QuickStop inertia chain brake, throttle trigger lockout, and harness attachment points.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled |
| Ignition System | Electronic ignition (CDI) |
| Drive Shaft | Straight, solid metal shaft |
| Gearbox | Heavy-duty, grease-lubricated |
| Anti-Vibration System | Integrated dampeners in handle and shaft |
| Starter System | ErgoStart for easier pulling |
| Safety Features | QuickStop inertia chain brake, throttle trigger lockout |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | Approx. 0.95 liters (1.0 US qt) |
| Cutting Attachment | Accepts trimmer heads, metal blades, and brush knives |
| Weight (without attachment) | Approx. 6.8 kg (15.0 lbs) |
Read and understand all instructions before operation. Always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. The cutting tool continues to rotate after the throttle is released.
Unpack all components. Assembly requires fitting the handle, cutting attachment, and harness.
CAUTION! Ensure all fasteners are tight before operation. Do not operate without a properly installed cutting attachment guard.
Master Control Lever: Controls choke (cold start), run, and stop positions.
Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Must be used with the throttle trigger lockout engaged.
Throttle Trigger Lockout: Must be depressed to allow throttle trigger movement. A primary safety.
QuickStop Inertia Chain Brake: Located on the handle. In the event of a sudden kickback, the brake engages to stop the cutting attachment within seconds. Manually engage/disable by moving the handle forward/backward.
Starter Grip: Pull to start engine. The ErgoStart system reduces pulling force.
Operation: Start the engine on clear ground. Allow to warm up at idle for 30 seconds. Use a smooth, sweeping motion when cutting. Avoid pushing the tool into material; let the cutting attachment work at its own pace.
The FS 88 is compatible with a range of STIHL cutting attachments.
WARNING! Always use the correct guard for the attachment. Never use a trimmer head guard with a metal blade. Ensure the attachment is correctly installed and tightened.
Fuel Mix: Use STIHL MotoMix (pre-mixed 50:1 fuel) or mix fresh unleaded gasoline (min. 89 RON, max. 10% ethanol) with STIHL HP Ultra 2-stroke oil at a 50:1 ratio. Shake well.
Gearbox Lubrication: The gearbox is filled with grease at the factory. Check periodically and re-grease using STIHL gearbox grease. Remove the grease plug, apply grease until it emerges from the vent, and replace plugs.
Air Filter: Clean regularly with compressed air or by tapping out debris. Replace if damaged or excessively dirty.
Spark Plug: Use recommended type (e.g., Bosch WSR 6 F). Check gap (0.5 mm / 0.020 in) and clean or replace as needed.
| Interval | Task |
|---|---|
| Before each use | Check for loose fasteners, damaged parts, fuel leaks. Inspect cutting attachment and guard. |
| Daily | Clean exterior, check air filter, clean cooling fins. |
| Every 25 hours | Clean spark plug, check electrode gap. |
| Every 50 hours | Clean fuel filter (in tank), check gearbox grease, inspect fuel lines. |
| Every 100 hours | Replace spark plug, clean combustion chamber (decarbonizing). |
| As needed | Replace air filter, fuel filter, worn cutting attachment components. |
CAUTION! Perform maintenance only when engine is cool and spark plug boot is disconnected.
Short-term (less than 30 days): Store in a dry, secure location.
Long-term (more than 30 days):
STIHL Limited Warranty for professional use. Coverage varies by region. Proof of purchase from an authorized STIHL dealer is required. Warranty does not cover damage from misuse, improper fuel, lack of maintenance, or normal wear. For warranty service, contact the authorized STIHL dealer where the unit was purchased.
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Engine will not start | No fuel, flooded engine, spark plug faulty, master control in wrong position | Check fuel level. Set master control to cold start (choke). If flooded, set to run position and pull starter with throttle open. Check/replace spark plug. |
| Engine starts but dies | Clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter, carburetor adjustment | Clean/replace fuel filter. Clean air filter. Have carburetor adjusted by authorized dealer. |
| Loss of power | Dirty air filter, clogged muffler/spark arrestor, old fuel | Clean air filter. Clean spark arrestor screen. Use fresh fuel mix. |
| Excessive vibration | Loose fasteners, bent drive shaft, unbalanced/damaged cutting attachment | Tighten all bolts and nuts. Inspect shaft and attachment for damage. Replace if bent. |
| Cutting attachment does not spin | Sheared drive shaft pin, damaged gearbox | Replace shear pin. If gearbox is damaged, seek service from authorized dealer. |
| Oil leak from gearbox | Damaged seals, over-greasing | Have gearbox seals inspected and replaced by authorized dealer. |
Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. Use only genuine STIHL replacement parts.