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Technical Information · issue 39 of 1999

FS 55: New Model Brushcutter

Model Cutting tool Sound pressure Sound Vibration Vibration

IssueTI 39/1999

Full text

Page 1 of 8

TI 39/1999 page 1
Technical Information

                                                                                            39.1999
New Model FS 55 Brushcutter - Series 4140

Contents
1.   Technical Description
2.   Specifications

3.   Cutting Tools

4.   Special Accessories for Users
5.   Service Accessories
6.   Repairs

7.   Spare Parts

The new FS 55 lightweight brushcutter broadens         Model FS 55 has a straight drive tube. The cutting
the line of brushcutters and clearing saws.            tool mounting is the same as that of the FS 44. The
                                                       gearhead has been modified and now features only
The engine is accommodated in a compact housing
                                                       one clamp screw.
which is extended forwards to incorporate the multi-
function control handle.                               Recommended applications are the same as for the
                                                       FS 44.
Ergonomically designed controls and a favorable
power to weight ratio ensure easy handling and less
operator fatigue.

TI_39_1999_01_01.fm                                                                     englisch / english

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Page 2                                                                     Technical Information 39.1999

1.     Technical Description
Crankshaft
.    Five parts presed together to form torsionally
     rigid assembly.
.    Both ends supported in bearings.

Cylinder
.    Four port technology (better mixture control,
     clean combustion, lower emissions).

.    Large cooling area.

Carburetor

.    Only one adjusting screw (LD).
.    Balanced idle system with fixed idle jet*.

.    Fixed full-load jet

Air filter
.    Improved filter material with longer life
.    Large effective filter surface area

Exhaust muffler
.    Dual-chamber muffler

Easy start system

.    Manual fuel pump
.    ElastoStart (available as option)

Controls
.    Multi-function control handle

Clutch
.    Two clutch shoes without linings

Drive shaft

.    Drive tube with flexible shaft supported in a
     flexible liner

Gearhead
.    Construction as FS 44
.    Only one clamp screw

* Balanced idle system is described in detail in the “Carburetors” handbook dated November 1998 or later.

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Technical Information 39.1999                                                                      Page 3

2.    Specifications

2.1   Powerhead

2.1.1 Engine
Single cylinder two-stroke engine
Displacement:             27.2 cm3 (1.66 cu.in)
Bore:                     34 mm (1.34 in)
Stroke:                   30 mm (1.10 in)
Engine power to           0.75 kW (1 HP)

ISO 8893:                 at 7,000 rpm

Engine speeds:            see 2.1.2
Rewind starter:           Single pawl system
Starter rope:             3 mm (0.12 in) dia.,

                          800 mm (31.5 in) long
Clutch engages at:        3,800 rpm

 Model         Cutting tool      Sound pressure Sound              Vibration            Vibration
                                 level
                                 Lpeq
                                                power level
                                                Lweq
                                                            fo     measurement
                                                                   to ISO 7916
                                                                                        measurement
                                                                                        to ISO 7916
                                 ISO 7917 1)    ISO 108841)        Idle speed           Max. RPM
                                                                   (m/s2)               (m/s2)
                                                                   Handle               Handle

                                 dB (A)           dB (A)           right     left       right   left
 FS 55 2)      Nylon head        92               105              1.8       2.0        4.2     3.5
 FS 55 2)      Metal tool        93               104              1.8       2.0        6.0     6.0

 FS 55 R 3)    Nylon head        91               104              3.0       6.1        6.8     9.5

 FS 55 R 4)    Metal tool        91               103              3.0       6.0        8.2     8.4
1)
   Weighted equivalent level includes idling and racing with the same duration of exposure
2)
   Bike handle version, provisional data only

3)
   Loop handle version
4)
   Loop handle version with barrier bar

2.1.2 Fuel System
Carburetor: All position diaphragm carburetor with integral fuel pump

Idle speed screw LD (standard setting)                            Open 2 full turns (see 6.1)

Idle speed                                                        2,500 to 3,100 rpm
Cutoff speed range without cutting tool (electronic speed
governor)                                                         8,700 to 10,300 rpm

Fuel tank capacity:       0.3 L (0.63 US pt)
Fuel mix:                 Branded regular grade gasoline (leaded or unleaded) and brand-name two-stroke
                          engine oil
Mix ratio:                50:1 with STIHL 50:1 two-stroke engine oil
                          25:1 with other brand-name two-stroke engine oils

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Page 4                                                              Technical Information 39.1999

2.1.3 Ignition System

Ignition module:        with integral electronic speed
                        governor
Spark plug              Bosch WSR 6F,
(suppressed):           NGK BPMR 7 A or
                        Champion RCJ 6Y

2.2     Weight

Without cutting tool and deflector

FS 55:                                     4.9 kg
                                           (10.8 lb)

FS 55 R:                                   4.6 kg
                                           (10.1 lb)

3.      Cutting Tools
The following cutting tools are approved
1     STIHL Supercut 20-2            4002 710 2162
2     STIHL Autocut 21-2             4002 710 2113
3     STIHL Autocut 25-2             4002 710 2108                                  2
4     STIHL Trimcut 30-2             4002 710 2122
                                                                1

5     STIHL Polycut 20-3             4002 710 2130
6     Cutting blade 230-2*           4001 713 3805
7     Cutting blade 230-4*           4001 713 3801

8     Cutting blade 230-8*           4001 713 3803

                                                                3                   4
*     Not approved for loop
      handle version of FS 55
      without barrier bar

                                                                                    6
                                                                5

                                                                                                 233TI001 KN

                                                                7                  8

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Technical Information 39.1999                                                                       Page 5

4.    Special Accessories for Users

4.1   General

Part Name                           Part No.              Application
ElastoStart                         0000 190 3400         Rewind starter (grip with rope)

Starter rope                        0000 195 8200         Rewind starter, also for ElastoStart

STIHL gear lubricant for hedge                            Drive shaft in tube
trimmers

- 80 g tube                         0781 120 1109

- 225 g tube                        0781 120 1110

STIHL gear lubricant for                                  Gearhead

brushcutters
- 80 g tube                         0781 120 1117

- 225 g tube                        0781 120 1118

STIHL special oil                                         Rewind spring in starter,
- 100 ml bottle                     0781 417 1315
                                                          bearing bore in rope rotor
4.2   Nylon Line for Cutting Heads

Line diameter / color               Application

2.0 mm / green                      Autocut 21-2
2.4 mm / orange                     Supercut 20-2, Autocut 21-2, Autocut 25-2, Trimcut 30-2, Polycut 20-3
2.7 mm / red                        Polycut 20-3

5.    Service Accessories

5.1   Special Servicing Tools
Special servicing tools are listed in the service manuals for the series 4140 powerhead and

STIHL 4140 power tool components.

5.2   Servicing Aids

Part Name                           Part No.              Application
Carburetor parts kit                4227 007 1060         Zama C1Q S44

Set of gaskets                      4140 007 1050         Engine
Lubricating grease                  0781 120 1111         Oil seals
- 225 g tube
Dirko sealant                       0783 830 2120         Engine pan/cylinder sealing faces
Electrician’s repair kit            5910 007 1050         Electrical system
Standard commercial solvent-                              Cleaning crankshaft stub
based degreasant containing no
chorinated or hydrogenated
hydrocarbons

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6.      Repairs

If the unit is started up in the course of repairs or maintenance work, it is essential to strictly observe
all local and national safety regulations and the safety precautions outlined in the owner’s manual.

6.1     Carburetor Adjustment

Standard setting
.     Mount the cutting tool
.     Check air filter and fit a new one if necessary

.

      Carefully screw down the idle speed screw (LD) counterclockwise (left-hand thread)
      until it is against its seat, then open it two full turns clockwise.

Adjusting idle speed
.     Carry out standard setting

.     Start and warm up the engine

Engine stops while idling:
.     Turn the idle speed screw (LD) slowly clockwise until engine runs smoothly - the cutting tool must not rotate.

Cutting tool rotates while engine is idling:

.     Turn the idle speed screw (LD) counterclockwise until the cutting tool stops rotating and then turn the screw
      about another full turn in the same direction (counterclockwise).

Erratic idling bahavior, poor acceleration:

.     Turn the idle speed screw (LD) slowly counterclockwise no more than 1/2 turn until engine runs smoothly.

6.2     Tightening Torques

Special servicing tools are listed in the service manuals for the series 4140 powerhead and
STIHL 4140 power tool components.

6.3     Service Note
The service manuals for the STIHL series 4140 powerhead and

STIHL 4140 power tool components can be used for servicing and repair procedures on model FS 55.
These service manuals do not include the chapters "Servicing the Carburetor", "Troubleshooting" or any repairs
involving standard procedures. Such procedures are described in separate handbooks, i.e. “Carburetors” and
"Standard Repairs, Troubleshooting".

                                                                                                 TI_39_1999_01_01.fm

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Technical Information 39.1999                                                                       Page 7

6.4   Repair Times                                    .
The specified repair times assume that the work is            Repair procedure                    FS 45, 55
performed by trained personnel in a properly              1   Remove and refit engine               10
equipped service workshop.
                                                          2   Crankcase, pressure test*             55
                                                          3   Crankshaft, bearings, pressure        55
The repair times are given in minutes.                        test*
                                                       4      Sealing rings, pressure test*         55
                                                       5      Crankcase leakage test, test run      55
Note: This table for models FS 45, 55 can be added
                                                       6      Cylinder, piston, pressure test*      55
to the STIHL repair times table.
                                                       7      Ignition system, contact*             10

                                                       8      Fuel supply, tank vent, test run      10

                                                       9      Manifold or flange, pressure test      -
                                                      10      Carburetor, check*                    25
7.    Spare Parts

                                                      11      Handle and throttle control           10
An illustrated parts list is available for the new    12      Rewind starter, test run              15
model.                                                13      Clutch, test run                      20

                                                      14      Muffler                               10
                                                      15      Air filter                             5
                                                      16
                                                      17
                                                          fo  Stop switch, test run
                                                              Clutch housing
                                                                                                    20
                                                      18      Drive tube                            15
                                                      19      Replace gearhead or bearing            5
                                                              housing

                                                      20      Limit stop or deflector                5
                                                      21      Drive shaft                           10
                                                      22      Fuel tank                             10

                                                      23      Check compression pressure             -

                                                      24      Adjust valve clearance                 -
                                                      25      Replace crankcase, bottom half         -
                                                      26      Replace crankshaft                     -

                                                      27      Replace cylinder, piston               -
                                                      28      Oil supply                             -

                                                      29      Oil pump, test run                     -
                                                                                          ✂

                                                      * Test run under load

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Page 8                                                   Technical Information 39.1999

© 1999 Andreas STIHL AG & Co.            Technical Documentation
  Waiblingen                             D1/MTK-na                                6717

                                                                     TI_39_1999_01_01.fm

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