Stihl HL 135 Manual

The Stihl HL 135 is a professional-grade long-reach hedge trimmer designed for extended reach trimming tasks. It features a powerful 2-stroke engine, a lightweight yet durable aluminum pole, adjustable cutting head, anti-vibration system, and STIHL QuickStop® inertia chain brake. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2-stroke engine, aluminum extension pole, adjustable cutting head, anti-vibration handles, STIHL QuickStop® chain brake, throttle trigger lockout.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	2-stroke, air-cooled, single cylinder
Powerhead	Detachable for use with other STIHL KombiSystem attachments
Cutting Length	24-inch double-sided reciprocating blades
Pole Length	Adjustable aluminum pole for extended reach
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces operator fatigue during extended use
QuickStop® Inertia Chain Brake	Stops cutting blade in milliseconds if kickback occurs
Throttle Trigger Lockout	Prevents accidental throttle engagement
Fuel Tank Capacity	Approx. 0.5 liters (16.9 fl. oz)
Oil Tank Capacity	Approx. 0.25 liters (8.5 fl. oz) for bar & chain oil
Weight (without cutter)	Approx. 6.2 kg (13.7 lbs)

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all components. Assemble on a clean, flat surface.

1. Attach extension pole: Align arrows on powerhead and pole, twist until locked.
2. Install cutting head: Slide onto pole end, secure with locking collar.
3. Connect drive shaft: Ensure proper engagement between powerhead and cutter.
4. Fill fuel tank: Use STIHL MotoMix® or 50:1 gasoline/oil mixture.
5. Fill oil tank: Use STIHL HP Ultra or equivalent bar & chain oil.

WARNING! Always wear protective gloves during assembly. Ensure all connections are secure before operation.

First-Time Operation

Before starting, read all safety instructions. Perform pre-operation check.

1. Check fuel and oil levels: Fill as needed with recommended products.
2. Inspect cutting blades: Ensure they are sharp and undamaged.
3. Prime engine: Press primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
4. Set choke: Move to cold start position for initial start.
5. Start engine: Place on ground, hold handle, pull starter cord briskly.
6. Warm up: Allow engine to run at idle for 30 seconds before cutting.

CAUTION! Never operate without proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

Specifications

• Model: HL 135
• Engine Displacement: 27.2 cc
• Power Output: 0.9 kW (1.2 hp)
• Maximum Reach: Up to 3.5 meters (11.5 feet)
• Cutting Speed: Up to 3,400 strokes per minute
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL MotoMix® recommended)
• Sound Power Level: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration Level (left/right): 4.5/5.5 m/s²
• Warranty: STIHL Limited Warranty - terms apply

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on powerhead handle. Cutting head angle adjustable up to 180°.

Powerhead Controls: Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, stop switch, choke lever, primer bulb, fuel tank cap, oil tank cap.

Cutting Head: Adjustable via locking collar (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180° positions). Blade lubrication: Automatic via adjustable oiler. Chain brake: Manual release lever after activation.

Fuel & Lubrication

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

1. Fuel mixture: 50 parts gasoline to 1 part STIHL 2-stroke oil.
2. Bar & chain oil: Use STIHL HP Ultra or equivalent for lubrication.
3. Storage: Use fuel stabilizer if storing over 30 days.

Tip: STIHL MotoMix® pre-mixed fuel eliminates mixing and stays fresh up to 2 years.

Cutting Techniques

Proper technique ensures clean cuts and reduces operator fatigue.

1. Starting position: Hold unit firmly with both hands, feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Cutting motion: Use smooth, sweeping motions from bottom to top.
3. Thick branches: Cut in stages from sides toward center.
4. Angle adjustment: Use appropriate head angle for cutting position.
5. Overhead cutting: Be aware of falling debris; wear head protection.
6. Kickback prevention: Keep cutting blades away from wires, fences.

WARNING! Never operate above shoulder height. Always maintain secure footing.

Safety Features

STIHL QuickStop® inertia chain brake: Automatically stops cutting blade within milliseconds if kickback occurs. Throttle trigger lockout: Must be depressed before throttle can be engaged. Anti-vibration system: Reduces vibration transmission to operator.

Maintenance & Storage

Clean after each use. Store in dry, secure location.

1. Daily: Clean air filter, check blade sharpness, inspect for damage.
2. Weekly: Clean cooling fins, check spark plug, lubricate joints.
3. Monthly: Check fuel lines, replace spark plug, sharpen blades.
4. Storage: Empty fuel tank, run engine dry, clean thoroughly.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance.

Regulatory Information

EPA and CARB compliant. Meets ANSI B175.3 safety standards. Contains parts manufactured in Germany, USA, and Brazil. Copyright © STIHL Incorporated. All trademarks owned by STIHL. For technical support, visit www.stihlusa.com or contact 1-800-467-8445.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, air flow	Check fuel mixture, spark plug, air filter; prime properly.
Engine runs poorly	Clogged filter, old fuel	Clean/replace air filter; use fresh fuel mixture.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, damaged blade	Tighten all connections; inspect/replace cutting blade.
Blade not cutting	Dull blade, improper lubrication	Sharpen blade; check oiler function and oil level.
Chain brake engaged	Kickback occurred or manual activation	Push brake handle forward to disengage; inspect for damage.

Service Intervals: Refer to maintenance schedule in manual.

Authorized Service: 1-800-467-8445; www.stihlusa.com