Stihl HS56C Manual

The Stihl HS56C is a lightweight, professional-grade hedge trimmer featuring a powerful 26.1cc 2-stroke engine, double-sided 24-inch cutting blade with 0.75-inch tooth spacing, anti-vibration system, ErgoStart™ for easy starting, QuickStop® inertia chain brake, STIHL Easy2Start™ system, and a translucent fuel tank. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 26.1cc 2-stroke engine, 24-inch double-sided cutting blade, anti-vibration system, ErgoStart™, QuickStop® inertia chain brake, STIHL Easy2Start™, translucent fuel tank, and adjustable rear handle.

Feature	Description
Engine	26.1cc 2-stroke air-cooled engine
Cutting Length	24-inch double-sided blade
Tooth Spacing	0.75 inches
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces operator fatigue
Starting System	ErgoStart™ and STIHL Easy2Start™
Safety Feature	QuickStop® inertia chain brake
Fuel Tank	Translucent for easy fuel level check
Weight	Approximately 10.8 lbs (without cutting attachment)
Handle	Adjustable rear handle for comfort
Blade Material	Hardened steel with laser-cut teeth

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Wear appropriate PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, sturdy boots, and close-fitting clothing.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 50 feet away. Ensure stable footing.
3. Tool Inspection: Check for loose parts, damage, and fuel leaks before each use.
4. Fuel Safety: Use only STIHL MotoMix® or 89+ octane gasoline mixed with STIHL 2-stroke oil (50:1). Refuel outdoors, away from ignition sources.

WARNING! Risk of serious injury or death from blade contact, kickback, or fire. Never operate with damaged or missing safety devices.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble handle and cutting attachment.

1. Attach Handle: Align rear handle with mounting points; secure with provided bolts and wrench.
2. Install Cutting Blade: Ensure blade is properly seated and secured with blade bolt.
3. Fuel Mix: Prepare 50:1 fuel/oil mix (if not using MotoMix®). Fill tank to 80% capacity.
4. Check Controls: Verify throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and stop switch function properly.

CAUTION! Ensure all fasteners are tightened to specified torque. Do not force components during assembly.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 26.1 cc
• Engine Type: 2-stroke, air-cooled
• Power Output: 0.9 kW (1.2 hp)
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL 2-stroke oil)
• Cutting Length: 24 inches (61 cm)
• Tooth Spacing: 0.75 inches (19 mm)
• Weight (without cutting attachment): 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg)
• Sound Pressure Level: 94 dB(A)
• Vibration Level: Front handle: 4.2 m/s²; Rear handle: 6.5 m/s²
• Warranty: Limited 2-year consumer warranty

Controls and Functions

Main Controls: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, stop switch, master control lever, choke knob, primer bulb.

Master Control Lever: Combines stop switch, choke, and start positions. Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed to engage throttle. QuickStop® Chain Brake: Automatically stops blade in kickback event. Anti-Vibration System: Rubber mounts reduce vibration to handles. Adjustable Rear Handle: Rotates for optimal grip position.

Starting & Stopping

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

1. Place on flat, clear surface. Engage chain brake.
2. Set master control lever to choke position (✱).
3. Press primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
4. Pull starter rope slowly until resistance felt, then briskly.
5. After engine fires, move master control to half-throttle position (▲).
6. Allow to warm up, then disengage chain brake.

Stopping: Release throttle, move master control to STOP (0).

Tip: For warm restart, set master control to run position (○).

Operating Instructions

Proper cutting techniques for optimal performance and safety.

1. Grip: Hold front handle with left hand, rear handle with right. Thumb under rear handle.
2. Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, blade parallel to ground.
3. Cutting Motion: Use smooth, sweeping motions. Let blade do the work; avoid forcing.
4. Cutting Tips: Trim sides first, then top. For tall hedges, work from bottom to top.
5. Kickback Prevention: Keep blade away from wire, fences, and hard objects.
6. Blade Care: Periodically clean blade with STIHL resin solvent.

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

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and safe operation.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check fasteners, fuel system, controls, and blade condition
Every 10 hours	Clean air filter; check spark plug
Every 20 hours	Clean cooling fins; inspect fuel filter
Every 50 hours	Replace spark plug; clean carburetor air passage
Annually	Professional servicing recommended

Blade Sharpening: Use STIHL filing kit. Maintain original tooth angle. Replace if damaged.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system damage and corrosion.

1. Short-term (under 30 days): Add fuel stabilizer to tank and run for 2 minutes.
2. Long-term: Drain fuel tank and carburetor completely. Run engine until it stops.
3. Clean entire unit, especially cooling fins and air filter.
4. Store in dry, locked area away from children and ignition sources.
5. Remove spark plug and add 1 teaspoon of engine oil through spark plug hole. Pull starter slowly 2-3 times to distribute oil.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods. Fuel deterioration can damage carburetor.

Warranty Information

STIHL Limited Warranty: 2-year consumer warranty for residential use. 90-day commercial warranty. Proof of purchase required. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Does not cover normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance, or non-STIHL parts. For warranty service, contact authorized STIHL dealer. Keep purchase receipt and warranty certificate.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, flooded, spark plug	Check fuel level; move choke to run; clean/replace spark plug.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old fuel	Clean air filter; drain and replace with fresh fuel mix.
Excessive vibration	Loose fasteners, damaged blade	Tighten all fasteners; inspect blade for damage.
Blade doesn't move	Chain brake engaged, clutch issue	Disengage chain brake; check clutch assembly.
Overheating	Dirty cooling fins, lean mixture	Clean cooling fins; check carburetor adjustment.

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

Support: 1-800-467-8445; www.stihlusa.com