Stihl HS 56 C Manual

The Stihl HS 56 C is a professional-grade hedge trimmer featuring a powerful 25.4 cc 2-stroke engine, a 24-inch double-sided cutting blade, an anti-vibration system, a translucent fuel tank, an Easy2Start™ system, and a STIHL QuickStop® inertia chain brake. Designed for demanding trimming tasks, it offers excellent balance, low emissions, and ergonomic controls. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 25.4 cc 2-stroke engine, 24" double-sided blade, anti-vibration system, translucent fuel tank, Easy2Start™, QuickStop® inertia brake, ergonomic handle with controls.

Feature	Description
Engine	25.4 cc 2-stroke, air-cooled, single-cylinder
Cutting Blade	24-inch (60 cm) double-sided, laser-cut teeth
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces operator fatigue during extended use
Fuel Tank	Translucent for easy fuel level checking
Starting System	Easy2Start™ for reduced pulling effort
Safety Brake	STIHL QuickStop® inertia chain brake
Throttle Trigger	With lockout to prevent accidental acceleration
Handle	Ergonomic D-shaped with soft grip
Weight	Approximately 5.3 kg (11.7 lbs) without fuel
Emissions	Meets EPA Phase II and EU Stage II standards

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operation. Wear appropriate PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, long pants, and sturdy boots.
2. Clear Work Area: Remove obstacles, debris, and ensure no bystanders or pets are within 15 meters.
3. Inspect Tool: Check for damage, loose parts, and blade condition before each use.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, away from ignition sources. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
5. Operation: Hold trimmer firmly with both hands. Keep balance and secure footing.

WARNING! Risk of serious injury or death from blade contact or kickback. Never operate with one hand or above shoulder height.

Assembly & First Use

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble handle and blade guard.

1. Attach Handle: Secure D-handle to shaft using provided bolts and wrench.
2. Install Blade Guard: Slide guard onto blade before starting.
3. Fuel Mix: Use STIHL 2-stroke engine oil mixed with unleaded gasoline (50:1 ratio). Shake well.
4. Starting: Place on ground, engage brake, set choke, pull starter cord with Easy2Start™.
5. Warm-up: Allow engine to idle for 30 seconds before cutting.

CAUTION! Ensure all fasteners are tight. Do not force parts during assembly.

Specifications

• Model: HS 56 C
• Engine Type: 2-stroke, single-cylinder
• Displacement: 25.4 cc
• Power Output: 0.8 kW (1.1 hp)
• Fuel Capacity: 0.5 liters (16.9 fl oz)
• Cutting Blade Length: 60 cm (24 inches)
• Tooth Spacing: 20 mm
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm
• Max Engine Speed: 12,500 rpm
• Sound Pressure Level: 96 dB(A)
• Vibration Level: 4.5 m/s² (front handle)
• Warranty: 2 years commercial, 1 year residential

Controls and Operation

Master Control Lever: Combines stop switch, choke, and throttle lock. Throttle Trigger: With lockout. QuickStop® Lever: Engages inertia brake. Handle: D-shaped with vibration damping.

Starting Procedure: Press throttle lockout and trigger, set master lever to choke, pull starter. Stopping: Release throttle, move master lever to STOP. Brake Test: Before each use, check QuickStop® function by twisting handle sharply.

Cutting Technique: Use smooth, sweeping motions. Cut from bottom to top for vertical surfaces. Avoid forcing blade; let tool do the work.

Fuel & Lubrication

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

1. Mix fuel in approved container. Shake thoroughly.
2. Fill tank to 80% capacity to allow for expansion.
3. Lubricate blade before and during operation using STIHL blade grease or spray.
4. Never use automotive oil, dirty fuel, or fuel older than 30 days.

Tip: Use STIHL MotoMix® pre-mixed fuel for optimum performance and reduced maintenance.

Playing DVD Media

Supports DVD-Video, audio CDs.

1. Insert disc: Press OPEN/CLOSE, load DVD.
2. Play: Press PLAY; select title/chapter with numeric buttons or arrows.
3. Stop: Press STOP (twice for complete stop); eject with OPEN/CLOSE.
4. Skip: PREV/NEXT for chapters/tracks.
5. Random/shuffle: Press P.MODE during play.
6. Zoom: Press ZOOM to magnify/reduce.
7. Angle change: Use ANGLE button if multiple angles available.
8. Last memory: Resume play from stop point on power on.

WARNING! Do not force disc; eject properly. Keep fingers from slot.

Accessibility Features

Closed Captions: Enable in DVD setup (On/Off). Parental Controls: Block by movie/TV ratings in FEATURES menu (password 9999).

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning. Use dry cloth only; no liquids or aerosols.

CAUTION! Do not spray liquids; keep away from heat and moisture.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © 2006 Insignia; trademarks of Best Buy Enterprise Services, Inc. Macrovision: Incorporates copy protection technology. For support, visit www.insigniaproducts.com or contact 1-877-467-4289.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, choke	Check fuel mix; ensure spark plug clean; use correct starting procedure.
Engine runs poorly	Clogged air filter, old fuel	Clean/replace air filter; drain and refill with fresh fuel mix.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, damaged blade	Tighten all fasteners; inspect blade for damage or imbalance.
Blade jams frequently	Dull teeth, cutting too thick wood	Sharpen blade; avoid branches over 15 mm diameter.
QuickStop® not engaging	Mechanical fault	Stop use immediately; contact authorized STIHL service.

Reset: Menu > System > Reset if available.

Service: 1-877-467-4289; www.insigniaproducts.com