Stihl HS 85 Manual

The Stihl HS 85 is a professional-grade hedge trimmer designed for demanding trimming tasks. It features a powerful engine, double-sided cutting blades, anti-vibration system, and ergonomic handles for extended use. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Powerful 2-stroke engine, Double-sided cutting blade, Anti-vibration system, Ergonomic front and rear handles, Quick-stop chain brake, Tool-free blade change system.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	2-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled
Displacement	27.2 cm³
Power Output	0.9 kW / 1.2 hp
Cutting Length	60 cm (24 inches)
Tooth Spacing	20 mm
Weight (without cutter bar)	5.2 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.55 liters
Oil Tank Capacity	0.26 liters
Sound Pressure Level	94 dB(A)
Vibration Level (front/rear handle)	5.2/2.5 m/s²

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operation. Wear appropriate PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, sturdy boots, and close-fitting clothing.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 meters away. Operate only in good light and visibility.
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only, with engine stopped and cooled. Wipe up spills immediately.
4. Transport & Storage: Secure unit during transport. Store fuel in approved container, away from sparks and heat.

WARNING! Risk of severe injury from cutting blades. Keep hands and feet away from cutting area. Never operate with damaged or missing guards.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble handles and cutting attachment.

1. Attach cutting blade: Align blade with drive tangs and secure with retaining bolts (tool-free system).
2. Install handle: Attach rear handle to shaft and tighten securely.
3. Fuel mixture: Use STIHL 2-stroke engine oil mixed with unleaded gasoline (50:1 ratio). Shake well before refueling.
4. Chain oil: Fill oil tank with STIHL chain and bar oil or equivalent.
5. Starting procedure: Place unit on firm ground. Set master control lever to cold start position. Pull starter rope until engine fires.

CAUTION! Ensure all fasteners are tight before operation. Use only STIHL-approved accessories.

Specifications

• Model: HS 85
• Engine: STIHL 2-MIX engine technology
• Guide Bar Length: 60 cm
• Drive System: Direct drive via flexible shaft
• Ignition System: Electronic, capacitor discharge
• Carburetor: Diaphragm carburetor with fuel pump
• Starter: Rewind starter with decompression valve
• Anti-Vibration: Spring-mounted handles
• Safety Features: Quick-stop chain brake, throttle trigger lockout
• Emissions: Meets EPA Phase II and EU Stage II standards

Controls and Operation

Front Handle: Throttle trigger with lockout, Quick-stop chain brake lever. Rear Handle: Master control lever (stop, cold start, run), Choke lever, Fuel primer bulb.

Starting: Set master control to cold start. Press fuel primer 5 times. Pull starter rope until engine fires. Move master control to run position. Pull starter rope to start.

Operation: Hold unit firmly with both hands. Squeeze throttle trigger lockout and throttle trigger simultaneously to engage blade. Release throttle trigger to idle.

Stopping: Release throttle trigger. Move master control lever to STOP position.

Fuel & Lubrication

Fuel mixture: 50:1 (2% oil). Use 89 octane unleaded gasoline and STIHL 2-stroke oil.

1. Clean area around fuel cap before opening.
2. Fill fuel tank to 80% capacity to allow for expansion.
3. Fill chain oil tank with approved bar and chain oil.
4. Check oil flow: Run unit at full throttle and hold over light surface. Oil should appear as fine line.

Tip: Use fresh fuel (less than 30 days old). Stale fuel causes starting and performance issues.

Cutting Techniques

For optimal results and safety.

1. Base cut: Start trimming from bottom, working upward in sweeping motions.
2. Top cut: Use smooth, level strokes across top of hedge.
3. Side cut: Hold trimmer at slight angle to create tapered shape.
4. Thick branches: Use sawing motion or cut in stages.
5. Maintain balance: Keep firm footing and proper body position.
6. Avoid overhead cutting: Never operate above shoulder height.

WARNING! Watch for hidden wires or obstacles in hedge. Keep cutting blade away from hard objects.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily: Clean air filter, check for loose fasteners, inspect cutting blade for damage. Weekly: Clean spark arrestor screen, check spark plug. Monthly: Clean cooling fins, inspect fuel filter, check anti-vibration elements. As needed: Sharpen or replace cutting blade, replace spark plug, clean carburetor.

Storage

Long-term storage (over 30 days): Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops. Remove spark plug and add 1 teaspoon of oil through spark plug hole. Pull starter rope slowly to distribute oil. Store in dry, secure location.

CAUTION! Never store unit with fuel in tank indoors. Fuel vapors can ignite.

Regulatory Information

Complies with ANSI B175.3 safety standards. EPA certified for emissions. Manufactured by STIHL Incorporated. For technical support, contact STIHL customer service at 1-800-467-8445 or visit www.stihlusa.com. Serial number located on engine housing.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, flooded, spark plug	Check fuel level; wait if flooded; clean/replace spark plug.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, stale fuel	Clean air filter; replace with fresh fuel mixture.
Excessive vibration	Loose fasteners, damaged blade	Tighten all fasteners; inspect and replace damaged blade.
Blade doesn't move	Drive tangs worn, clutch issue	Inspect drive tangs; have dealer check clutch assembly.
Chain oil not flowing	Empty tank, clogged oil passage	Fill oil tank; clean oil outlet holes in blade.

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

Warranty: Limited warranty for 1 year residential use, 90 days commercial use.