Instruction manual
FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC
English
8
Continual and regular users should 
monitor closely the condition of their 
hands and fingers. If any of the above 
symptoms appear (e.g. tingling 
sensation in fingers), seek medical 
advice.
Maintenance and Repairs
Service the machine regularly. Do not 
attempt any maintenance or repair work 
not described in the instruction manual. 
Have all other work performed by a 
servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends that you have 
servicing and repair work carried out 
exclusively by an authorized STIHL 
servicing dealer. STIHL dealers are 
regularly given the opportunity to attend 
training courses and are supplied with 
the necessary technical information.
Only use high-quality replacement parts 
in order to avoid the risk of accidents 
and damage to the machine. If you have 
any questions in this respect, consult a 
servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends the use of original 
STIHL replacement parts. They are 
specifically designed to match your 
model and meet your performance 
requirements.
To reduce the risk of injury,always shut 
off the enginebefore carrying out any 
maintenance or repairs or cleaning the 
machine. – Exception: Carburetor and 
idle speed adjustments.
Do not turn the engine over on the 
starter with the spark plug boot or spark 
plug removed unless the slide control / 
stop switch is on STOP or 0 since there 
is otherwise a risk of fire from 
uncontained sparking.
To reduce the risk of fire, do not service 
or store your machine near open flames.
Check the fuel filler cap for leaks at 
regular intervals.
Use only a spark plug of the type 
approved by STIHL and make sure it is 
in good condition – see "Specifications".
Inspect the ignition lead (insulation in 
good condition, secure connection).
Check the condition of the muffler.
To reduce the risk of fire and damage 
to hearing, do not operate your 
machine if the muffler is damaged or 
missing. – 
Do not touch a hot muffler since burn 
injury will result.
Maintenance, replacement, or repair 
of the emission control devices and 
systems may be performed by any 
nonroad engine repair establishment 
or individual. However, if you make a 
warranty claim for a component 
which has not been serviced or 
maintained properly or if 
nonapproved replacement parts were 
used, STIHL may deny coverage.
For any maintenance please refer to the 
maintenance chart and to the warranty 
statement near the end of the instruction 
manual.
Symbols on Deflectors
An arrow on the deflector shows the 
correct direction of rotation of the cutting 
attachments.
Shoulder strap
N Use a shoulder strap.
N With the engine running, attach the 
machine to the shoulder strap.
Grass cutting blades must always be 
used in combination with a shoulder 
strap.
Use deflector in 
combination with 
mowing heads 
only. Do not use 
metal cutting 
attachments.










