Stihl HS 46 C Manual

The Stihl HS 46 C is a professional-grade hedge trimmer featuring a powerful 2-stroke engine, double-sided cutting blades, anti-vibration system, and ergonomic design for extended use. It is designed for trimming hedges, shrubs, and bushes with precision and efficiency. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2-stroke engine, Double-sided cutting blade, Anti-vibration system, Ergonomic handles, Throttle trigger lockout, Fuel tank, Oil tank.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	2-stroke, air-cooled
Cutting Blade Length	60 cm (24 inches)
Tooth Spacing	20 mm
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces operator fatigue
Throttle Trigger Lockout	Prevents accidental acceleration
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.55 liters
Oil Tank Capacity	0.26 liters
Weight (without cutter bar)	5.2 kg
Sound Power Level	106 dB(A)
Vibration Level	Left handle: 4.5 m/s², Right handle: 5.5 m/s²

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operation. Wear appropriate PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, sturdy footwear, and long pants.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 meters away. Ensure stable footing.
3. Machine Handling: Always hold the unit with both hands. Keep hands and feet away from cutting blades.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only, with engine stopped and cooled. Use approved fuel container.

WARNING! Risk of serious injury or death from blade contact, kickback, or improper use. Never operate without proper training.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble handle and cutter bar.

1. Attach handle: Secure with provided bolts and wrench.
2. Install cutter bar: Align with drive mechanism and secure.
3. Fuel mixture: Prepare 50:1 mix of unleaded gasoline (min. 89 octane) with STIHL 2-stroke oil.
4. Fill tanks: Add fuel mix to fuel tank and STIHL hedge trimmer oil to oil tank.
5. Check controls: Ensure throttle trigger, lockout, and stop switch function properly.

CAUTION! Use only STIHL-approved oils and fuels. Incorrect mixtures can cause engine damage.

Specifications

• Model: HS 46 C
• Engine Displacement: 27.2 cm³
• Power Output: 0.8 kW / 1.1 hp
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm
• Maximum Power Speed: 9,500 rpm
• Cutting Speed: 3,400 strokes per minute
• Fuel Consumption: Approx. 0.6 liters per hour at full throttle
• Recommended Fuel: Unleaded gasoline (min. 89 octane) with STIHL 2-stroke oil (50:1)
• Bar and Chain Oil: STIHL hedge trimmer oil or equivalent
• Warranty: Limited warranty, see dealer for details

Controls and Operation

Main controls: Throttle trigger, Throttle trigger lockout, Stop switch, Choke lever, Primer bulb.

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

1. Press fuel pump bulb at least 5 times.
2. Set choke lever to cold start position (full choke).
3. Press throttle trigger lockout and squeeze throttle trigger once to set starting throttle.
4. Place unit on firm ground, hold securely.
5. Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires.
6. Move choke lever to half-throttle position.
7. Pull starter rope again until engine starts.
8. Allow engine to warm up at idle for approx. 30 seconds.

Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle briefly, then press stop switch.

Fuel & Lubrication

Use fresh fuel mix (max. 30 days old). Lubricate blade before and during operation.

1. Fuel Mix: 50:1 ratio of unleaded gasoline to STIHL 2-stroke oil.
2. Blade Lubrication: Fill oil tank with STIHL hedge trimmer oil. The automatic oiler lubricates the blade during operation.
3. Manual Oiling: Press manual oiler button before starting and during cutting of dry material.

Tip: Always shake fuel container before refueling to ensure proper oil mixture.

Cutting Techniques

For best results and safety, follow proper cutting methods.

1. Basic Cutting: Hold trimmer with blade at a slight angle (5-10°). Use smooth, sweeping motions.
2. Top of Hedge: Cut from bottom to top in an arc shape.
3. Sides of Hedge: Work from bottom to top, keeping blade parallel to hedge side.
4. Trimming New Growth: Use tip of blade for precision work.
5. Avoiding Kickback: Do not let blade tip contact solid objects (fences, wires).

WARNING! Never use the unit above shoulder height or on a ladder. Maintain secure footing at all times.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check all fasteners, inspect blade for damage, check fuel and oil levels
After each use	Clean unit, especially air intake and cooling fins
Every 25 hours	Clean spark plug, check electrode gap (0.5 mm)
Every 50 hours	Clean air filter, replace if damaged
Every 100 hours	Have unit serviced by authorized STIHL dealer
As needed	Sharpen or replace cutting blade

Blade Sharpening: Use a flat file to sharpen at original angle. Maintain even tooth length.

Storage

Prepare unit for storage if not used for more than 30 days.

1. Clean unit thoroughly.
2. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to empty carburetor.
3. Remove spark plug, add a few drops of oil into cylinder, pull starter rope slowly, reinstall plug.
4. Store in dry, secure place, out of reach of children.
5. Protect cutting blade with blade cover or grease.

CAUTION! Storing with fuel in tank can cause carburetor damage and starting problems.

Regulatory Information

Complies with relevant safety and emissions standards. This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For support, contact your authorized STIHL dealer or visit www.stihlusa.com. Copyright © by ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine does not start	No fuel, flooded engine, spark plug	Check fuel level; wait if flooded; check/clean spark plug.
Engine runs poorly or stalls	Dirty air filter, old fuel, carburetor	Clean air filter; use fresh fuel mix; have dealer service carburetor.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, damaged blade	Tighten all fasteners; inspect blade for damage or imbalance.
Blade does not cut properly	Dull blade, insufficient lubrication	Sharpen or replace blade; check oil tank and oiler system.
Automatic oiler not working	Empty oil tank, clogged oil channel	Fill oil tank; clean oil channel and holes in blade.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized STIHL dealer.

Dealer Locator: 1-800-467-8445; www.stihlusa.com