Stihl 38 User Guide

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STIHL FS 38
WARNING
Read Instruction Manual thoroughly 
before use and follow all safety 
precautions – improper use can 
cause serious or fatal injury.
ADVERTENCIA
Antes de usar la máquina lea y siga 
todas las precauciones de 
seguridad dadas en el manual de 
instrucciones – el uso incorrecto 
puede causar lesiones graves o 
mortales.
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Instruction Manual
1 - 42
Manual de instrucciones
43 - 88 

Original Instruction Manual Printed on chlorine-free paper
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled. © ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2017
0458-234-8621-D. VA4.J17. 
0000006367_016_GB
FS 38
English
1
{This instruction manual is protected by copyright. All rights reserved, especially the rights to reproduce, translate and process 
with electronic systems.
Contents
Allow only persons who fully understand 
this manual to operate your trimmer.
To receive maximum performance and 
satisfaction...

FS 38
English
2
Pictograms
The meanings of the pictograms 
attached to or embossed on the 
machine are explained in this manual.
Depending on the model concerned, the 
following pictograms may be on your 
machine.
Symbols in Text
Many operating and safety instructions 
are supported by illustrations.
The individual steps or procedures 
described in the manual may be marked 
in different ways:
NA bullet marks a step or procedure.
A description of a step or procedure that 
refers directly to an...

FS 38
English
3 The terminology utilized in this manual 
when referring to the power tool reflects 
the type of cutting attachments that may 
be mounted on it. The term "trimmer" is 
used to designate an FS unit that is 
equipped with a nylon line head or a 
head with flexible plastic blades (i.e., the 
PolyCut head.) FS models with an "R" 
on the nameplate were originally 
configured (at the time of distribution) as 
a trimmer with a loop handle.
WARNING
As more fully explained later in...

FS 38
English
4
WARNING
Be alert – if you get tired, take a break. 
Tiredness may result in loss of control. 
Working with any power tool can be 
strenuous. If you have any condition that 
might be aggravated by strenuous work, 
check with your doctor before operating 
this machine.
WARNING
Prolonged use of a power tool (or other 
machines) exposing the operator to 
vibrations may produce whitefinger 
disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or 
carpal tunnel syndrome.
These conditions reduce the hand's...

FS 38
English
5 Be particularly alert and cautious when 
wearing hearing protection because 
your ability to hear warnings (shouts, 
alarms, etc.) is restricted.
THE POWER TOOL
For illustrations and definitions of the 
power tool parts see the chapter on 
"Main Parts."
WARNING
Never modify this power tool in any way. 
Only attachments supplied by STIHL 
and expressly approved by STIHL for 
use with the specific STIHL model are 
authorized. Although certain 
unauthorized attachments are useable...

FS 38
English
6
WARNING
Fueling Instructions
WARNING
To reduce the risk of serious injury from 
burns, never attempt to refuel the unit 
until it has been completely removed 
from the operator.
WARNING
Fuel your power tool in well-ventilated 
areas, outdoors. Always shut off the 
engine and allow it to cool before 
refueling. Gasoline vapor pressure may 
build up inside the fuel tank depending 
on the fuel used, the weather conditions 
and the tank venting system.
In order to reduce the risk of burns and...

FS 38
English
7 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.
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
Keep the deflector (and the attached 
skirt where appropriate) adjusted 
properly at all...

FS 38
English
8 Important Adjustments
WARNING
To reduce the risk of personal injury 
from loss of control or contact with the 
running cutting attachment, do not use 
your unit with incorrect idle adjustment. 
At correct idle speed, the cutting 
attachment should not move. For 
directions on how to adjust idle speed, 
see the appropriate section of your 
instruction manual.
If you cannot set the correct idle speed, 
have your STIHL dealer check your 
power tool and make proper 
adjustments and repairs....