Stihl 38 User Guide

FS 38
English
29 Assembling the mowing head
NFit the empty spool in the mowing 
head.
If the spring (4) has popped out:
Npush it into the spool (2) until it 
engages in position with an audible 
click.
NMount the mowing head – see 
"Mounting the Mowing Head".Winding line onto spool
NUse green-coded nylon line with a 
diameter of 2.0 mm (0.08 in).
NCut two 2 m (6ft 6in) lengths of 
nylon line from the reel (special 
accessory).
NRotate the spool (2) 
counterclockwise until the two arrow 
points...

FS 38
English
30
STIHL AutoCut 5-2
Removing remaining nylon line
NOpen the mowing head – hold it 
steady with one hand and turn the 
cap (1) counterclockwise.
NDisengage the spool (2), take it out 
of the mowing head and remove the 
remaining line.
Winding line onto spool
A prewound spool (special accessory) 
may be used as an alternative to the 
following procedure.NUse green-coded nylon line with a 
diameter of 2.0 mm (0.08 in).
NCut two 3 m (9ft 9in) lengths of 
nylon line from the reel (special...

FS 38
English
31 NThread the ends of the lines (6) 
through the sleeves (7) and push 
the spool (2) into the head so that it 
snaps into position.
The nylon lines must disengage from the 
notches (5) as the spool is pushed into 
position.
NPull out the ends of the lines as far 
as stop.
NMount the mowing head on the 
machine.
Replacing Cutting Blades
STIHL PolyCut
Always check the mowing head for signs 
of wear before installing new cutting 
blades.
WARNING
If there are signs of serious wear, 
replace...

FS 38
English
32
Maintenance and Care
The following intervals apply to normal operating conditions only. If your daily work-
ing time is longer or operating conditions are difficult (very dusty work area, etc.), 
shorten the specified intervals accordingly.
before starting work
after finishing work or daily
after each refueling stop
weekly
monthly
every 12 months
if problem
if damaged
as required
Complete machineVisual inspection (condition, leaks)XX
CleanX
Replace any damaged partsX
Control handle Check...

FS 38
English
33
All accessible screws and nuts (not adjust-
ing screws)RetightenX
Cutting attachmentVisual inspectionXX
ReplaceX
Check tightnessXX
Safety labels ReplaceX
1)STIHL recommends an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. The following intervals apply to normal operating conditions only. If your daily work-
ing time is longer or operating conditions are difficult (very dusty work area, etc.), 
shorten the specified intervals accordingly.
before starting work
after finishing work or daily
after each...

FS 38
English
341Loop Handle
2Sleeve
3Stop Switch
4Throttle Trigger Lockout
5Throttle Trigger
6Choke Lever
7Air Filter Cover
8Fuel Filler Cap
9Fuel Tank
10Machine Support
11Manual Fuel Pump
12Carburetor Adjusting Screws
13Starter Grip
14Spark Plug Boot
15Muffler (with Spark Arresting 
Screen)
16Spacer
17Line Limiting Blade
18Deflector
19Mowing Head
20Drive Tube
#Serial Number
Main Parts
2
18
6
5
437
9
10#
1311
1512
14
234BA020 KN
17
18
19
20
16
1 

FS 38
English
35
Definitions
1 Loop Handle
For easy control of machine during 
cutting work.
2Sleeve
Maintains minimum clearance 
between control handle and loop 
handle.
3 Stop Switch
Switches the engine's ignition off 
and stops the engine.
4 Throttle Trigger Lockout
Must be depressed before the 
throttle trigger can be activated.
5 Throttle Trigger
Controls the speed of the engine.
6 Choke Lever
Eases engine starting by enriching 
mixture.
7 Air Filter Cover
Covers and protects the air filter...

FS 38
English
36
Ignition System
Electronic magneto ignition
Fuel System
All position diaphragm carburetor with 
integral fuel pump
WeightUsers of this unit should carry out only 
the maintenance operations described 
in this manual. STIHL recommends that 
other repair work be performed only by 
authorized STIHL servicing dealers 
using genuine STIHL replacement parts.
Genuine STIHL parts can be identified 
by the STIHL part number, the 
{ logo and, in some cases, by 
the STIHL parts symbol K. The...

FS 38
English
37 STIHL Incorporated Limited Warranty 
Policy
This product is sold subject to the STIHL 
Incorporated Limited Warranty Policy, 
available at 
http://www.stihlusa.com/warranty.html.
It can also be obtained from your 
authorized STIHL dealer or by calling 
1-800-GO-STIHL (1-800-467-8445).Not for California
Your Warranty Rights and Obligations
The U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency (EPA) and STIHL Incorporated 
are pleased to explain the Emission 
Control System Warranty on your 
equipment...

FS 38
English
38 If you have any questions regarding your 
warranty rights and responsibilities, 
please contact a STIHL customer 
service representative at 1-800-467-
8445 or you can write to
STIHL Inc.,
536 Viking Drive, P.O. Box 2015,
Virginia Beach, VA 23450-2015
www.stihlusa.com
Coverage by STIHL Incorporated
STIHL Incorporated warrants to the 
ultimate purchaser and each 
subsequent purchaser that your small 
off-road equipment engine will be 
designed, built and equipped, at the time 
of sale, to...