STIHL FSE 60 Owners Manual

The STIHL FSE 60 is a professional-grade electric string trimmer designed for demanding trimming and edging tasks. It features a powerful electric motor, an adjustable telescopic shaft, a loop handle for comfortable two-handed operation, an automatic line feed system, and a robust cutting head. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Instructions 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Operation 7. Cutting Head & Line Feed 8. Maintenance & Storage 9. Troubleshooting 10. Warranty & Support

Features at a Glance

Key components: Electric motor unit, Telescopic shaft, Loop handle with controls, Cutting head with automatic line feed (AutoCut C5-2), Power cord with strain relief, and Shoulder strap.

Feature	Description
Motor	High-efficiency electric motor for consistent power
Shaft	Adjustable telescopic shaft to fit user height
Handle	Ergonomic loop handle with trigger and lock-off
Cutting Head	AutoCut C5-2 head with bump-feed line advance
Power Cord	Heavy-duty cord with connector and strain relief
Edging Function	Head rotates 90° for easy conversion to edger
Weight	Lightweight design for reduced user fatigue
Sound Level	Low noise operation compared to gas trimmers

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all instructions before use. Failure to follow warnings can result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury.

Electrical Safety: Use only with a properly grounded outlet. Do not use in wet conditions.
Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety glasses, long pants, sturdy shoes, and hearing protection.
Work Area: Keep work area clear of bystanders, pets, and obstacles. Clear area of stones, wire, and other debris.
Operation: Keep both hands on the handle. Never operate with damaged cord or housing. Do not carry the tool by the cord.
Children: Do not allow persons unfamiliar with the instructions to use the trimmer.

WARNING! The cutting line continues to rotate after the motor is switched off. Wait for complete stop before setting down.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack all parts and check for damage. Assembly requires no tools.

Attach Shaft: Insert the motor unit into the shaft tube and twist to lock.
Adjust Length: Loosen the locking collar, extend or retract the shaft to a comfortable length, and re-tighten.
Install Handle: Slide the loop handle onto the shaft and secure with the provided knob.
Install Cutting Head: Align the head with the drive shaft, push on firmly, and turn clockwise until it clicks into place.
Install Line Spool: Press the two tabs on the head, remove the cover, wind new line onto the spool following the arrow direction, feed ends through eyelets, and reassemble.
Attach Shoulder Strap: Hook the strap to the designated points on the shaft and motor housing.

CAUTION! Ensure the trimmer is unplugged during all assembly steps.

Specifications

Model: STIHL FSE 60
Power Source: Electric, 120V AC, 60Hz
Motor Power: 6.0 Amp
Cutting Swath: 16 inches
Line Diameter: 0.095 inch (2.4 mm) round line
Shaft: Telescopic, adjustable
Weight (without cord): Approximately 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)
Sound Pressure Level: < 85 dB(A)
Vibration Level: Low vibration design

Controls and Components

Main Handle: Contains the trigger switch, lock-off button, and handle grip.

Trigger Switch: Squeeze to start the motor. Release to stop.

Lock-Off Button: Must be depressed before the trigger can be squeezed. Prevents accidental start-up.

Head Release Button: Located on the cutting head. Press to convert from trimming to edging mode by rotating the head 90°.

Bump Feed: Tap the head lightly on the ground while the line is spinning to advance fresh cutting line.

Shoulder Strap Hook Points: D-rings on the shaft and motor housing for attaching the strap.

Operation

Pre-Operation Check: Inspect tool, cord, and cutting head for damage. Ensure line is properly installed and of correct length.
Power Connection: Plug the cord into a grounded outdoor outlet. Use an extension cord rated for outdoor use (min. 16 AWG, not exceeding 100 ft).
Starting: Place the strap over your shoulder. Hold the handle with both hands. Press the lock-off button, then squeeze the trigger.
Trimming Technique: Hold the head parallel to the ground, slightly above grass level. Use a slow, sweeping motion from side to side. Advance into uncut grass.
Edging Technique: Stop the motor. Press the head release button and rotate the head 90° so the line is vertical. Restart and guide along sidewalks or driveways.
Stopping: Release the trigger. Unplug the tool before performing any adjustments or maintenance.

Tip: For best results and longer line life, avoid forcing the trimmer into dense vegetation or against hard surfaces.

Cutting Head & Line Feed

The AutoCut C5-2 head uses a bump-feed mechanism to advance line as it wears.

Line Advance: While the motor is running at full speed, lightly tap the head on bare ground. This releases a short length of line.
Line Length: The ideal cutting length is when the line extends just beyond the cutting guard. Do not let line become too short or excessively long.
Replacing Line Spool: Unplug trimmer. Press the two tabs on the head to remove the cover. Remove the empty spool. Wind new line onto the new spool, following directional arrows. Feed line ends through the eyelets. Reinstall spool and cover until it clicks.
Head Conversion: To switch to edging, press the release button on the head and rotate to the vertical position.

WARNING! Always use genuine STIHL replacement line spools or line of the specified diameter. Incorrect line can damage the head.

Maintenance & Storage

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and long life.

After Each Use: Unplug and clean grass clippings and debris from the head, shaft, and air vents.
Inspection: Regularly check the power cord for cuts or abrasions. Inspect the housing for cracks.
Vent Cleaning: Keep motor cooling vents clear of debris to prevent overheating.
Storage: Store in a dry, locked place out of reach of children. Hang by the handle or lay flat. Do not store with weight on the cutting head.
Winter Storage: No special requirements for the electric motor.

CAUTION! All maintenance must be performed with the tool unplugged. Do not immerse any part of the tool in water or use solvents for cleaning.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Motor does not start	No power, locked trigger, faulty outlet	Check plug connection and outlet. Ensure lock-off button is pressed. Check circuit breaker.
Motor starts but line doesn't spin	Worn drive teeth, obstructed head	Unplug tool. Inspect head drive and shaft connection. Clear any tangled debris.
Line does not feed	Empty spool, tangled line, incorrect winding	Replace or rewind spool. Ensure line is wound in direction of arrow and feeds freely.
Excessive vibration	Damaged cutting head, loose components	Unplug. Check that head is securely attached. Inspect for cracks or damage.
Motor overheats	Blocked air vents, dull line, overloading	Clean cooling vents. Replace cutting line. Allow motor to cool. Do not overload.
Poor cutting performance	Dull or wrong line, low motor speed	Use correct diameter STIHL line. Tap head to advance fresh line. Ensure outlet provides adequate voltage.

Warranty & Support

STIHL products are backed by a limited warranty. Refer to the separate warranty document for specific terms and conditions.

For Technical Support, Parts, or Service:
Contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. To locate a dealer, visit www.stihlusa.com or call 1-800-467-8445.

Always provide your model number (FSE 60) and serial number when requesting service.

Note: Use only original STIHL replacement parts and accessories. The use of non-STIHL parts may void your warranty and compromise safety.