Stihl FS44 Weedeater Manual

The Stihl FS44 is a lightweight, easy-to-handle gasoline-powered string trimmer designed for residential lawn and garden maintenance. It features a curved shaft, a reliable 2-stroke engine with Easy2Start™ technology, a translucent fuel tank, a Tap-n-Go™ cutting head, a bicycle-style handlebar, and a debris-deflecting shield. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Preparation 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Fuel & Lubrication 8. Cutting Head & Line 9. Maintenance Schedule 10. Storage 11. Safety & Warnings 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2-stroke engine, curved shaft, Tap-n-Go™ cutting head, bicycle handle, Easy2Start™ system, translucent fuel tank, debris shield, throttle trigger lockout, and stop switch.

Feature	Description
Engine	27.2cc 2-stroke gasoline engine with Easy2Start™ for reduced pulling effort
Shaft	Curved shaft design for balanced handling and maneuverability
Cutting Head	Tap-n-Go™ semi-automatic bump head for easy line advance
Handle	Bicycle-style handlebar with adjustable D-grip for operator comfort
Fuel System	Translucent fuel tank for easy level checks; uses Stihl MotoMix® or 50:1 fuel/oil mix
Starter	Rewind starter with pre-tensioned spring
Throttle	Throttle trigger with lockout to prevent accidental acceleration
Stop Switch	Slide-type stop switch for immediate engine shutdown
Debris Shield	Protective shield to deflect debris away from operator
Weight	Approximately 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) without fuel

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack all parts and inspect for damage. Assembly requires basic tools (included).

Attach the handlebar: Slide onto shaft, align for comfortable grip, tighten clamping screws securely.
Install the debris shield: Align with mounting points on gearhead and secure with provided screws.
Install the cutting head: Remove protective cap from drive shaft, align Tap-n-Go™ head, and twist clockwise until it clicks into place.
Fill the fuel tank: Use only Stihl MotoMix® (pre-mixed) or a 50:1 mixture of 89+ octane gasoline and Stihl HP Ultra 2-stroke oil.
Check the gearbox grease: Ensure gearbox is filled with Stihl special grease (pre-greased at factory).

WARNING! Always wear protective equipment: safety glasses, hearing protection, long pants, sturdy shoes, and gloves. Never smoke near fuel.

First-Time Operation

Starting the engine for the first time.

Place the unit on a flat, clear surface.
Press the primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible in the clear line.
Set the master control lever to the cold start position (choke on).
Pull the starter rope slowly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly. Do not pull rope to full length.
Once engine fires, move master control to the warm start/half-throttle position.
Pull starter rope again to start. Allow engine to warm up at idle for 30 seconds.
To stop: Slide the stop switch to the STOP position.

CAUTION! Keep bystanders and pets at least 50 feet away during operation. Clear work area of stones, wire, and other debris.

Specifications

Engine Displacement: 27.2 cc
Engine Power: 0.9 kW (1.2 bhp)
Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (Stihl HP Ultra oil) or use Stihl MotoMix®
Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.9 fl. oz. (0.44 liters)
Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm
Maximum Powerhead Speed: 11,000 rpm
Cutting Swath: Approx. 16 inches (40 cm) with standard line
Shaft Type: Curved, solid drive shaft
Drive System: Flexible shaft drive to gearhead
Cutting Attachment: Tap-n-Go™ bump head, accepts 0.095" line
Weight (without fuel): 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg)
Sound Pressure Level: Approx. 96 dB(A)
Vibration Level: Left/Right: 4.2 m/s², Front/Rear: 2.5 m/s²

Controls and Settings

Master Control Lever: Combines choke, throttle, and stop functions. Throttle Trigger: Located on handle, regulates engine speed. Throttle Trigger Lockout: Must be depressed to allow throttle operation. Stop Switch: Slides to STOP position. Primer Bulb: Press to draw fuel into carburetor for easier starting. Fuel Tank Cap: Venting cap; turn to open/close.

Starting Positions: Cold Start (choke closed), Warm Start (half-throttle), Run (throttle idle).

Fuel & Lubrication

Fuel: Use 89 octane or higher unleaded gasoline. Mix with Stihl HP Ultra 2-stroke oil at a 50:1 ratio (2.6 oz oil per 1 gallon gas). For best results and storage, use Stihl MotoMix® pre-mixed fuel.

Lubrication: Gearhead is pre-greased. Check periodically and repack with Stihl special grease if necessary. Air filter: Clean regularly with soapy water, dry, and re-oil with Stihl filter oil.

Always mix fuel in a clean, approved container.
Shake container gently before refueling.
Never refuel a hot engine. Wait 5 minutes.
Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately.

Tip: Stihl MotoMix® is ethanol-free and stabilized for up to 2 years, preventing carburetor issues.

Cutting Head & Line

Tap-n-Go™ head allows easy line advance by tapping head on ground while engine is at high idle.

To reload line: Remove spool from head. Wind approx. 15 feet of 0.095" diameter Stihl trimmer line onto spool in direction of arrow.
Insert line ends through eyelets. Reinstall spool into head, ensuring it clicks into place.
To advance line during use: Hold trimmer head parallel to ground, tap firmly on bare ground or hard surface while engine is running at high idle. Do not tap on rocky surfaces.
For best cutting: Use a gentle swinging motion, cutting from right to left. Avoid forcing the line into thick vegetation.

WARNING! Never remove debris shield. Always stop engine before inspecting or servicing the cutting head.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check for loose fasteners, damaged parts, fuel leaks. Inspect cutting head and line.
Every 10 hours	Clean air filter. Check gearhead grease.
Every 50 hours	Replace spark plug (Stihl part #). Clean cooling fins. Check fuel filter.
Annually	Replace fuel filter. Clean carburetor (if needed). Inspect fuel lines.
As needed	Replace trimmer line. Clean exterior with damp cloth.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug boot before performing any maintenance.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days:

Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor by running engine until it stops.
Remove spark plug and add 1 teaspoon of 2-stroke oil into cylinder. Pull starter rope slowly to distribute oil, then reinstall plug.
Clean entire unit, especially cooling fins and air filter.
Store in a dry, locked place out of reach of children.

Tip: Using Stihl MotoMix® eliminates need to drain fuel for seasonal storage.

Safety & Warnings

Read manual completely before use. Always wear appropriate PPE. Never operate in enclosed spaces. Keep firm footing. Do not operate on ladders or unstable surfaces. Be aware of kickback zone (front tip of cutting head). Keep hands and feet away from cutting attachment. Stop engine before adjusting or transporting. Use only Stihl-approved parts and accessories.

DANGER! Gasoline is highly flammable. Carbon monoxide from engine exhaust is deadly. Never modify the unit's safety features.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No fuel, flooded, bad spark, clogged air filter	Check fuel; set master control to half-throttle and pull starter; check spark plug; clean air filter.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, dirty carburetor, vented fuel cap	Replace fuel filter; clean carburetor; ensure fuel cap is venting.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, old fuel, clogged spark arrestor	Clean/replace air filter; use fresh fuel; clean spark arrestor screen.
Line not advancing	Empty spool, tangled line, worn bump knob	Reload line; untangle spool; replace spool or bump knob.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, bent drive shaft, damaged cutting head	Tighten all fasteners; inspect shaft and head for damage.
Gearhead overheating	Low grease, line too long, working in heavy load	Repack with grease; trim line to proper length; take breaks in heavy brush.

Service: For repairs, contact an authorized Stihl servicing dealer. Use only genuine Stihl parts.

Support: Visit www.stihlusa.com or call 1-800-467-8445 for dealer locator and manuals.