Stihl petrol trimmers: features, models, selection secrets and tips for use

The company producing quality Stihl petrol trimmers was founded in 1926 by Andreas Stihl. It was this German entrepreneur who made it his main goal to make the work of the woodworking industry workers as easy as possible. Now, in addition to Germany, various models of this brand are produced in Brazil, the United States, China and Austria.

When discussing the design features and performance of the products of the world-famous manufacturer, special attention should be paid to its main competitive advantages. The advantages of the Stihl petrol grass trimmers, in comparison with electric models, include:

• the dependence of the device's performance solely on the availability and amount of fuel;
• relatively low weight of the braid;
• maximum simplicity of the device and operation;
• adaptation of the power plant for mowing, including dense thickets;
• profitability;
• agility and functionality.

Naturally, there were some obvious shortcomings, the list of which includes:

• the need to prepare a fuel mixture in accordance with the recommended proportions;
• the risk of engine failure due to low-quality fuel;
• the need for regular maintenance;
• high noise level.

Among other things, when comparing petrol and electrified trimmers, one should take into account the presence of an electric motor in the latter. Such machines can only be operated with network connection points.

Petrol scythes are widely used for professional lawn care, as well as in agriculture. These examples of modern technology have proven their effectiveness in mowing weeds and making hay. In such conditions, special attention is paid to the correct choice of a representative of the model range, taking into account the design features and technical characteristics.

At the moment, the following models of Stihl brushcutters are offered to potential customers:

• lungs (FS-38, -45 C-E, -50 C-E, -55, -56);
• powerful (FS-70 C-E, -94 RC-E, -100, -120, -130, -250);
• knapsack;
• brush cutters.

To describe the main features of representatives of these categories, it is worth considering some samples of equipment. So, light brush brush FS-38 designed for simple landscaping, usually in home gardens. The weight of this tool is just over 4 kg. In this case, the working volume of the engine and its power are 27.2 cm3 and 0.65 kW, respectively.

The main advantages of representatives of this category include the following performance indicators:

• insignificant weight;
• maximum ease of use;
• minimum fuel consumption;
• power plant power;
• reliability and long service life;
• the minimum level of noise and vibration;
• modern design.

One of the popular models in the powerful trimmer segment is Stihl FS-130... The "heart" of this six-kilogram spit is an engine with a volume of 36.3 cubic centimeters and a power of 1.4 kW. The model is equipped with a tank with a volume of up to 0.5 liters. Powerful petrol cutters are usually classified as professional tools with the following advantages:

• increased power;
• maximum reliability and durability;
• the ability to process almost any surface, including dense bushes;
• convenience and ease of use;
• the presence of a "bicycle" handle-holder.

Today, many companies make gasoline trimmers. Taking into account the cost of such equipment, the choice of specific models should be approached with maximum attention. Now, almost all developers of specialized tools and small construction equipment are engaged in the production of gasoline braids. We are talking about both industry leaders and little-known companies.

The following brands are in the first positions of the current popularity ratings:

• Stihl;
• Husqvarna;
• Makita;
• Echo;
• Champion.

Naturally, it is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of which brand and model is better. This is due to the presence of a whole list of selection criteria. However, when buying a brushcutter in order to identify the competitive advantages of a particular brand, one should compare the performance indicators of representatives of different model lines.

Most often, Stihl products are compared to Echo, Husqvarna and Makita trimmers. Initially, it should be noted that these samples of equipment belong to the same class and have largely identical technical characteristics, with the exception of some nuances.

Every Stihl brushcutter is equipped with a quick start system. Among other things, these devices, like the models of the mentioned brands, have a harness that effectively reduces the load on the user's hands. According to the reviews of the owners, the most advantageous are the trimmers of the renowned Makita brand. We are talking here about an increased speed of rotation of the cutting elements, which ensures the appropriate performance.

In accordance with current statistics, it is gasoline mower models that are in greatest demand. This is largely due to their mobility and functionality. However, when choosing a specific model of equipment, it is necessary to take into account a number of other parameters. In situations like this, it is useful to compare brushcutters with other types of trimmers.

Electrical devices are connected to a household network with a voltage of 220 V. Such cars do not pollute the air due to the absence of exhaust gases. No less important points will be the minimum noise level and the relatively low weight. At the same time, the area to be treated is significantly limited by the length of the carriers used.

Cordless models are by far the least common grass trimmer. The electric motor of these mowers is powered not from the mains, but from the battery, which ensures maximum mobility. However, the operating time of the equipment is limited by the battery charge and averages 35-45 minutes. Another important point is the relatively high cost of battery models.

When choosing a specific model of a gasoline trimmer, it is necessary to take into account its technical characteristics. So, low-power devices are equipped with reels with fishing line. On more resourceful and powerful models, knives and cutters can be used as cutting elements.

Particular attention should be paid to how to correctly carry out the first start-up and running-in of a gasoline mower. Competent actions will maximize the life of the trimmer and reduce the cost of its maintenance and repair. Before starting the device for the first time, you will need to carry out several preparatory steps. Their list includes a visual assessment of the condition of the gearbox and the preparation of a high-quality fuel mixture, taking into account what kind of oil should be filled in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations.

It is on the composition of the fuel that experts and experienced owners of gasoline trimmers recommend focusing attention. In situations with two-stroke engines, as opposed to four-stroke engines, the components will be gasoline and oil. The proportions are indicated in the appropriate instructions attached to the technique, or on the labels of fuels and lubricants. Among other things, the annotations indicate the type of fuel and engine oil recommended by the developers.

After the inspection of all trimmer assemblies has been made and the fuel has been properly prepared, you can proceed directly to its start-up and subsequent running-in of the internal combustion engine. This process includes the following steps:

• the petrol cutter must be placed in a horizontal plane on the most flat surface;
• the lever controlling the air damper is moved to the closed position;
• using a primer, fuel is pumped to the carburetor (a few movements are enough);
• the ignition is switched on with the appropriate switch;
• the starting cord should be pulled as smoothly as possible until resistance is felt;
• the device is launched with several sharp jerks of the cord;
• after the engine has started, open the air supply.

In some situations, the trimmer may not start or stall right after starting. In such cases, it is necessary to slightly open the air supply to the carburetor and try again. After a positive result, let the motor run for at least 5 minutes in idle mode.

Using the lever, the air supply should be set so that the line spool or the knives remain stationary. After the engine has completely warmed up, the throttle is opened by moving the said lever to the position marked with the ON icon, and the gas regulator is pressed halfway for 20-30 seconds. In the next step, the trigger is released and the trimmer will idle for approximately 40 seconds. Such manipulations are repeated for 10-15 minutes, after which it is necessary to take a 20-minute break.

By repeating the above steps, further running-in of the internal combustion engine of a gasoline mower is carried out. The next stage is the gearbox running in, for which you will need to select the appropriate area with soft grass. The latter is mowed for 5-10 minutes with periodic podgazovki (1/2 - 2/3 of the maximum speed). This cycle is repeated several times at intervals of 20-25 minutes.

Sooner or later, trimmer owners have to deal with the need to change the line. This is an integral part of the operation of such equipment. There are several ways to update the cutter in question. The simplest option provides for the following manipulations:

• remove the head from the trimmer and clean it thoroughly;
• unwind the required length of the fishing line (2-3 meters is recommended) and bite it off with pliers;
• bend the line so that one end is 15 cm longer than the other;
• put the bend on the spike located between the grooves of the coil;
• wind the fishing line simultaneously in two directions, temporarily fixing it in the grooves (the direction of winding is indicated by the arrow);
• thread the ends through special holes in the lid;
• insert the spool of new line into place and snap into place.

Often, during the operation of Stihl petrol cutters, it may be necessary to adjust the carburetor.If you have the appropriate knowledge and skills, you can do it yourself. At the preparatory stage, you will need to thoroughly rinse the air filter. It should be noted that it is highly recommended to do this every ten hours of mower operation.

Adjustment is carried out by three screws, one of which is responsible for the fuel supply. It is twisted until the internal combustion engine starts to stall. Then the screw should be unscrewed by a quarter of a turn (if the motor stalled, then by 1/2). After starting the trimmer, continue to unscrew the same screw until the internal combustion engine starts to work stably at increased speeds.

Unfortunately, even competent and careful operation of high-quality gasoline lawn mowers does not completely eliminate the risk of breakdowns. Let's take a look at the most common problems.

• The engine will not start. The spark plug may be out of order, or fuel is not being supplied to the carburetor.
• Unstable operation of the internal combustion engine at idle. One of the most common causes in these situations is an incorrect carburetor setting.
• The trimmer does not develop revs and does not provide sufficient power. Such phenomena are associated with the need to clean or replace the air filter, spark plug, as well as adjust the carburetor and remove carbon deposits in the muffler.
• Overheating of the engine, which can be caused by the use of a poor-quality fuel mixture.

Quite often, owners of gasoline mowers have to deal with situations where they stall when they press the gas. The most common reason in this case is the improper operation of the carburetor, which requires adjustment. Most often this happens after long-term storage of the device or as a result of its operation in difficult conditions.

A clogged fuel valve may cause the engine to stall when gas is added, which will need to be slightly loosened to resume normal gas supply. Often you have to deal with a clogged breather, that is, a check valve located in the fuel tank. Among other things, the reasons that the internal combustion engine of the trimmer stalls can be the sagging of the cable in the carburetor and the stretching of the fuel hose.

In the next video, you will find a detailed review and test of the STIHL FS55 petrol brush.