Stihl 38 User Guide

FS 38
English
9 where possible. Use good work 
practices, such as operating the unit so 
that the wind or operating process 
directs any dust raised by the power tool 
away from the operator. Follow the 
recommendations of EPA / OSHA / 
NIOSH and occupational and trade 
associations with respect to dust 
("particulate matter".) When the 
inhalation of dust cannot be 
substantially controlled, i.e., kept at or 
near the ambient (background) level, the 
operator and any bystanders should 
wear a...

FS 38
English
10
WARNING
If the head, blade or deflector becomes 
clogged or stuck, always shut off the 
engine and make sure the cutting 
attachment has stopped before 
cleaning. Grass, weeds, etc. should be 
cleaned off the blade or from around the 
head at regular intervals.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of unintentional 
rotation of the cutting attachment and 
injury, always shut off the engine and 
remove the spark plug boot before 
replacing the cutting attachment. To 
reduce the risk of injury,...

FS 38
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11
WARNING
To reduce the risk of severe or fatal 
injury from blade contact and / or loss of 
control, never attempt to use a metal 
blade on this trimmer.
Using the Mowing Heads
Do not use with mowing line longer than 
the intended length. With a properly 
mounted deflector, the built-in line-
limiting blade will automatically adjust 
the line to its proper length.
Using the unit with an overly long nylon 
cutting line increases the load on the 
engine and reduces its operating speed....

FS 38
English
12 similar solid objects. Check PolyCut 
blades for cracks at regular intervals. If a 
crack is found on one blade, always 
replace all blades.
STIHL FixCut mowing head
Uses pre-cut lengths of nylon line.
Observe wear indicators.
Do not continue using the mowing head 
if the raised moldings (1) on the base 
are missing or worn – see right 
illustration above. The mowing head 
may otherwise shatter and flying objects 
could result in injury to the operator or 
bystanders. Install a new...

FS 38
English
13 Do not clean your machine with a 
pressure washer. The solid jet of water 
may damage parts of the machine.
Store the power tool in a dry and high or 
locked location out of reach of children.
Before storing for longer than a few 
days, always empty the fuel tank. See 
chapter "Storing the Machine" in the 
instruction manual. 

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14
Approved Combinations
Select correct combination from the 
table according to the cutting 
attachment you intend to use.
WARNING
For safety reasons no other 
combinations are permitted – risk of 
accidents.
Cutting Attachments
Mowing heads
1STIHL AutoCut C 5-2
2STIHL AutoCut 5-2
3STIHL AutoCut C 6-2
4STIHL DuroCut 5-2
5STIHL PolyCut 6-3
Deflector
6Deflector with blade, for mowing 
heads
Handle
7Loop handle
Shoulder strap
8Shoulder strap may be used
WARNING
Based on the cutting attachment...

FS 38
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15 The loop handle comes in two different 
versions.
Version A
Mounting the loop handle
NFit the loop handle(1) on the drive 
tube at distance (A) of about 15 cm 
(6 in.) from the control handle (2).
NPlace the clamp (3) against the 
drive tube and push it into the loop 
handle.
NPlace the square nut (4) in the loop 
handle,
Ninsert the screw (5) from the other 
side and tighten it down firmly.Adjusting loop handle to most 
comfortable position
NLoosen the screw (5).
NMove the loop handle...

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16 NPush the deflector (1) over the 
clamp (2) as far as stop.
NI n s e r t  t h e  n u t ( 3 )  i n  t h e  h e x  r e c e s s  i n  
the deflector – make sure the holes 
line up.
NInsert the screw (4) and tighten it 
down firmly.
Placing power tool on the ground
NSwitch off the engine.
NLay your trimmer on its back with 
the loop handle and shroud pointing 
down and the output shaft facing up.
Thrust Plate
The thrust plate (1) is shipped with the 
DuroCut 5-2 and PolyCut 6-3. It is only...

FS 38
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17
Blocking the Shaft
NTo block the shaft, insert a suitable 
tool (5) through the holes (6) in the 
deflector and thrust plate – turn the 
thrust plate back and forth if 
necessary.
Fitting Mowing Head with Screw 
Mounting
Keep the instruction leaflet for the 
mowing head in a safe place.NScrew the mowing head 
counterclockwise on to the shaft (1) 
as far as stop.
NBlock the shaft.
NTighten down the mowing head 
firmly.
NOTICE
Remove the tool used to block the shaft.
Removing the Mowing...

FS 38
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18 NSlip the mowing head (2) over the 
shaft (5) and engage hex recess (7) 
on the external hexagon (6).
NFit the cap (8) on the mowing head 
– screw it clockwise on to the shaft 
as far as stop and tighten it down 
firmly.STIHL AutoCut C 5-2
NSlip the mowing head (2) on to the 
shaft – as AutoCut 5-2.
NTurn the spool (9) clockwise until 
the two arrow heads line up – 
secure the spool in this position.
NInsert the cap (8) in the spool, press 
it down as far as stop and turn it 
clockwise...