Instruction manual
FS 55, FS 55 C, FS 55 R, FS 55 RC
English
8
Keep the handles clean and dry at all 
times; it is particularly important to keep 
them free of moisture, pitch, oil, fuel mix, 
grease or resin in order for you to 
maintain a firm grip and properly control 
your power tool.
As can be seen in that chart, some 
cutting attachments may require you to 
change your deflector, handle and / or 
harness.
Keep the deflector (and the attached 
skirt where appropriate) adjusted 
properly at all times (see chapters on 
"Mounting the Deflector" and "Mounting 
the Cutting Attachment" of your 
instruction manual).
Arrows on the deflector (A) (as seen 
from the underside) show the correct 
direction of rotation of the cutting 
attachment. When viewed from above, 
however, the cutting attachment rotates 
counterclockwise.
Adjust carrying harness and hand grip to 
suit your size before starting work. The 
machine should be properly balanced as 
specified in your instruction manual for 
proper control and less fatigue in 
operation. To be better prepared in case 
of an emergency, practice releasing the 
unit from the harness as quickly as 
possible.
Starting
Start the engine at least 10 feet (3 m) 
from the fueling spot, outdoors only.
For specific starting instructions, see the 
appropriate section of your manual. 
Place the power tool on firm ground or 
other solid surface in an open area. 
Maintain good balance and secure 
footing.
Once the engine has started, 
immediately blip the throttle trigger, 
which should release the starting throttle 
and allow the engine to slow down to 
idle.
With the engine running only at idle, 
attach the power tool to the spring hook 
of your harness (see appropriate 
chapter of this manual).
Warning!
Do not attach any cutting attachment to 
a unit without proper installation of all 
required parts. Failure to use the proper 
parts may cause the blade or head to fly 
off and seriously injure the operator or 
bystanders.
Warning!
The cutting attachment must be prop-
erly tightened and in safe operating 
condition. Inspect for loose parts (nuts, 
screws, etc.) and for cracked or dam-
aged heads or cracked, bent, warped or 
damaged blades. Replace damaged 
heads or blades before using the power 
tool. Always keep blades sharp.
Warning!
Check that the spark plug boot is 
securely mounted on the spark plug – a 
loose boot may cause arcing that could 
ignite combustible fumes and cause a 
fire.
Warning!
To reduce the risk 
of personal injury 
to the operator 
from blade or line 
contact and 
thrown objects, make sure your unit is 
equipped with the proper deflector, han-
dle and harness for the type of cutting 
attachment being used (see chart in the 
chapter on "Approved Combinations of 
Cutting Attachment, Deflector, Handle 
and Harness").
A
000BA006 KN
Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury from blade or 
line contact, be absolutely sure that the 
cutting attachment is clear of you and all 
other obstructions and objects, includ-
ing the ground, because when the 
engine starts at starting-throttle, engine 
speed will be fast enough for the clutch 
to engage and move the cutting 
attachment.










