Stihl 38 User Guide

							{
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 from your STIHL trimmer, it 
is important that you read, understand 
and follow the safety precautions and 
the operating and maintenance 
instructions in chapter "Safety 
Precautions and Working Techniques" 
before using your trimmer. For further 
information you can go to 
www.stihlusa.com.
Contact your STIHL dealer or the STIHL 
distributor for your area if you do not 
understand any of the instructions in this 
manual.
WARNING
Because a trimmer is a high-speed 
cutting tool some special safety 
precautions must be observed to reduce 
the risk of personal injury. Careless or 
improper use may cause serious or even 
fatal injury.
Make sure your unit is equipped with the 
proper deflector, handle and harness for 
the type of cutting attachment being 
used. Always wear proper eye 
protection. Guide to Using this Manual 2
Safety Precautions and Working 
Techniques 3
Approved Combinations of Cutting 
Attachment, Deflector, Handle and 
Harness 14
Mounting the Loop Handle 15
Mounting the Deflector 16
Mounting the Cutting Attachment 16
Fuel 19
Fueling 20
Starting / Stopping the Engine 21
Operating Instructions 23
Cleaning the Air Filter 23
Engine Management 24
Adjusting the Carburetor 24
Spark Plug 26
Engine Running Behavior 27
Storing the Machine 27
Maintaining the Mowing Head 27
Inspections and Maintenance by 
Dealer 31
Maintenance and Care 32
Main Parts 34
Specifications 35
Maintenance and Repairs 36
Disposal 36
Limited Warranty 37
STIHL Incorporated Federal 
Emission Control Warranty 
Statement 37STIHL Incorporated California 
Exhaust and Evaporative 
Emissions Control Warranty 
Statement 39
Trademarks 41 
						

							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 illustration may 
contain item numbers that appear in the 
illustration. Example:
NLoosen the screw (1).
NLever (2) ...
In addition to the operating instructions, 
this manual may contain paragraphs 
that require your special attention. Such 
paragraphs are marked with the 
symbols and signal words described 
below:
DANGER
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if 
not avoided, will result in death or 
serious injury.
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if 
not avoided, could result in death or 
serious injury.
NOTICE
Indicates a risk of property damage, 
including damage to the machine or its 
individual components.
Engineering Improvements
STIHL’s philosophy is to continually 
improve all of its products. As a result, 
engineering changes and improvements 
are made from time to time. Therefore, 
some changes, modifications and 
improvements may not be covered in 
this manual. If the operating 
characteristics or the appearance of 
your machine differs from those 
described in this manual, please contact 
your STIHL dealer or the STIHL 
distributor for your area for assistance.Guide to Using this Manual
Fuel tank for gasoline 
and engine oil mixture
Press to operate decom-
pression valve
Manual fuel pump
Press to operate manual 
fuel pump
Filler hole for gear 
lubricant
Air intake summer mode
Air intake winter mode
Handle heating 
						

							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 these 
Safety Precautions, to reduce the risk of 
personal injury, make sure your unit is 
equipped with the proper handle, 
harness and deflector for the type of 
cutting attachment you are using. Use 
only cutting attachments that are 
specifically authorized by STIHL for use 
on your FS model. 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.
Have your STIHL dealer show you how 
to operate your power tool. Observe all 
applicable local safety regulations, 
standards and ordinances.
WARNING
Do not lend or rent your power tool 
without the instruction manual. Be sure 
that anyone using it understands the 
information contained in this manual.
WARNING
The use of this machine may be 
hazardous. If the rotating line or blade 
comes in contact with your body, it will 
cut you. When it comes in contact with 
solid foreign objects such as rocks or 
bits of metal, it may fling them directly or 
by ricochet in the direction of bystanders 
or the operator. Striking such objects 
could damage the cutting attachment. 
Thrown objects, including broken heads 
or polymer blades, may result in serious 
or fatal injury to the operator or 
bystanders.
Use your trimmer equipped with the 
appropriate cutting attachment only for 
cutting grass and similar material.
WARNING
Do not use it for other purposes, since 
misuse may result in personal injury or 
property damage, including damage to 
the machine.
WARNING
Minors should never be allowed to use 
this power tool. Bystanders, especially 
children, and animals should not be 
allowed in the area where it is in use.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury to bystanders 
and damage to property, never let your 
power tool run unattended. When it is 
not in use (e.g. during a work break), 
shut it off and make sure that 
unauthorized persons do not use it.
Most of these safety precautions and 
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL 
trimmers. Different models may have 
different parts and controls. See the 
appropriate section of your instruction 
manual for a description of the controls 
and the function of the parts of your 
model.
Safe use of a trimmer involves
1.the operator
2.the power tool
3.the use of the power tool
THE OPERATOR
Physical Condition
You must be in good physical condition 
and mental health and not under the 
influence of any substance (drugs, 
alcohol, etc.) which might impair vision, 
dexterity or judgment. Do not operate 
this machine when you are fatigued.
Safety Precautions and 
Working Techniques
Because a trimmer is a 
high-speed, fast-cutting 
power tool, special safety 
precautions must be 
observed to reduce the 
risk of personal injury.
It is important that you 
read, fully understand 
and observe the following 
safety precautions and 
warnings. Read the 
instruction manual and 
the safety precautions 
periodically. Careless or 
improper use may cause 
serious or fatal injury. 
						

							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 
ability to feel and regulate temperature, 
produce numbness and burning 
sensations and may cause nerve and 
circulation damage and tissue necrosis.
All factors which contribute to 
whitefinger disease are not known, but 
cold weather, smoking and diseases or 
physical conditions that affect blood 
vessels and blood transport, as well as 
high vibration levels and long periods of 
exposure to vibration are mentioned as 
factors in the development of whitefinger 
disease. In order to reduce the risk of 
whitefinger disease and carpal tunnel 
syndrome, please note the following:Most STIHL power tools are available 
with an anti-vibration ("AV") system 
designed to reduce the transmission of 
vibrations created by the machine to the 
operator's hands. An AV system is 
recommended for those persons using 
power tools on a regular or sustained 
basis.
–Wear gloves and keep your hands 
warm.
–Keep the AV system well 
maintained. A power tool with loose 
components or with damaged or 
worn AV elements will tend to have 
higher vibration levels.
–Maintain a firm grip at all times, but 
do not squeeze the handles with 
constant, excessive pressure. Take 
frequent breaks.
All the above-mentioned precautions do 
not guarantee that you will not sustain 
whitefinger disease or carpal tunnel 
syndrome. Therefore, continual and 
regular users should closely monitor the 
condition of their hands and fingers. If 
any of the above symptoms appear, 
seek medical advice immediately.
WARNING
The ignition system of the STIHL unit 
produces an electromagnetic field of a 
very low intensity. This field may 
interfere with some pacemakers. To 
reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury, 
persons with a pacemaker should 
consult their physician and the 
pacemaker manufacturer before 
operating this tool.Proper Clothing
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury, the operator 
should wear proper protective apparel.
WARNING
The deflector provided with your power 
tool will not protect the operator from all 
foreign objects (gravel, glass, wire, etc.) 
thrown back by the rotating cutting 
attachment. Thrown objects may also 
ricochet and strike the operator.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of 
injury to your eyes never 
operate your power tool 
unless wearing goggles 
or properly fitted protec-
tive glasses with 
adequate top and side 
protection complying with 
ANSI Z87 "+" (or your 
applicable national stand-
ard.) To reduce the risk of 
injury to your face STIHL 
recommends that you 
also wear a face shield or 
face screen over your 
goggles or protective 
glasses.
Power tool noise may 
damage your hearing. 
Wear sound barriers (ear 
plugs or ear mufflers) to 
protect your hearing. 
Continual and regular 
users should have their 
hearing checked 
regularly. 
						

							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 
with STIHL power tools, their use may, 
in fact, be extremely dangerous. For the 
cutting attachments authorized by 
STIHL for your unit, see the chapter 
"Approved Combinations of Cutting 
Attachment, Deflector, Handle and 
Harness" in the instruction manual or the 
STIHL "Cutting Attachments, Parts & 
Accessories" catalog.
If this tool is subjected to unusually high 
loads for which it was not designed (e.g. 
heavy impact or a fall), always check 
that it is in good condition before 
continuing work. Check in particular that 
the fuel system is tight (no leaks) and 
that the controls and safety devices are 
working properly. Do not continue 
operating this machine if it is damaged. 
In case of doubt, have it checked by your 
STIHL servicing dealer.
THE USE OF THE POWER TOOL
Transporting the Power Tool
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury from loss of 
control and line contact, never carry or 
transport your power tool with the cutting 
attachment moving.
It may be carried only in a horizontal 
position. Grip the shaft in a manner that 
the machine is balanced horizontally. 
Keep the hot muffler away from your 
body and the cutting attachment behind 
you.
WARNING
Always shut off the engine and make 
sure the cutting attachment has stopped 
before putting a trimmer down. When 
transporting it in a vehicle, properly 
secure it to prevent turnover, fuel 
spillage and damage to the unit.
Fuel
Your STIHL power tool uses an oil- 
gasoline mixture for fuel (see the 
chapter on "Fuel" of your instruction 
manual.) Always wear heavy duty 
work gloves (e.g. made of 
leather or other wear 
resistant material) when 
handling the machine 
and metal blades. Heavy-
duty, nonslip gloves 
improve your grip and 
help to protect your 
hands.
Clothing must be sturdy 
and snug-fitting, but allow 
complete freedom of 
movement. Wear long 
pants made of heavy 
material to help protect 
your legs. Do not wear 
shorts, sandals or go 
barefoot.
Avoid loose-fitting jack-
ets, scarfs, neckties, 
jewelry, flared or cuffed 
pants, unconfined long 
hair or anything that 
could become caught on 
branches, brush or the 
moving parts of the unit. 
Secure hair so it is above 
shoulder level.
Good footing is very 
important. Wear sturdy 
boots with nonslip soles. 
Steel-toed safety boots 
are recommended.
234BA016 KN 
						

							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 
other personal injury from escaping gas 
vapor and fumes, remove the fuel filler 
cap on your power tool carefully so as to 
allow any pressure build-up in the tank 
to release slowly. Never remove the fuel 
filler cap while the engine is running.Select bare ground for fueling and move 
at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling 
spot before starting the engine. Wipe off 
any spilled fuel before starting your 
machine.
WARNING
WARNING
In order to reduce the risk of fuel spillage 
and fire from an improperly tightened 
fuel cap, correctly position and tighten 
the fuel cap in the fuel tank opening.
WARNING
See also the "Fueling" chapter in your 
Instruction Manual for additional 
information.Before Starting
WARNING
Always check your power tool for proper 
condition and operation before starting, 
particularly the throttle trigger, throttle 
trigger lockout, stop switch, cutting 
attachment, deflector and harness. The 
throttle trigger must move freely and 
always spring back to the idle position. 
Never attempt to modify the controls or 
safety devices. Never use a power tool 
that is damaged or not properly 
maintained.
WARNING
Check fuel system for leaks, especially 
the visible parts, e.g., filler cap, hose 
connections, manual fuel pump (only for 
power tools equipped with a manual fuel 
pump). Do not start the engine if there 
are leaks or damage – risk of fire! Have 
the machine repaired by a servicing 
dealer before using it.
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 properly 
tightened and in safe operating 
condition. Inspect for loose parts (nuts, 
screws, etc.) Replace damaged heads 
before using the power tool. Gasoline is an extremely 
flammable fuel. If spilled 
and ignited by a spark or 
other ignition source, it 
can cause fire and seri-
ous burn injury or 
property damage. Use 
extreme caution when 
handling gasoline or fuel 
mix. Do not smoke or 
bring any fire or flame 
near the fuel or the power 
tool. Note that combus-
tible fuel vapor may 
escape from the fuel 
system.
Check for fuel leakage 
while refueling and during 
operation. If fuel leakage 
is found, do not start or 
run the engine until the 
leak is fixed and any 
spilled fuel has been 
wiped away. Take care 
not to get fuel on your 
clothing. If this happens, 
change your clothing 
immediately.
Unit vibrations can cause 
an improperly tightened 
fuel filler cap to loosen or 
come off and spill quanti-
ties of fuel. In order to 
reduce the risk of fuel 
spillage and fire, tighten 
the fuel filler cap by hand 
as securely as possible. 
						

							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 times (see chapters on 
"Mounting the Deflector" and "Mounting 
the Cutting Attachment" of your 
instruction manual.)Arrows on the deflector (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 the hand grip and harness (if you 
are wearing one) 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, 
practise 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.
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, including 
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.
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 if you are using one (see 
appropriate chapter of the instruction 
manual.)
WARNING
Your power tool is a one-person 
machine. Do not allow other persons in 
the general work area, even when 
starting.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury from loss of 
control, do not attempt to "drop start" 
your power tool.
WARNING
When you pull the starter grip, do not 
wrap the starter rope around your hand. 
Do not let the grip snap back, but guide 
the starter rope to rewind it properly. 
Failure to follow this procedure may 
result in injury to your hand or fingers 
and may damage the starter 
mechanism. 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, handle 
and harness for 
the type of cutting 
attachment being 
used (see chart in 
the chapter on 
"Approved Combi-
nations of Cutting 
Attachment, 
Deflector, Handle 
and Harness".) 
						

							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.
During Operation
Holding and Controlling the Power Tool
Always hold the unit firmly with both 
hands on the handles while you are 
working. Wrap your fingers and thumbs 
around the handles, keeping the 
handles cradled between your thumb 
and forefinger. Keep your hands in this 
position to have your power tool under 
control at all times. Make sure your 
trimmer handles and grips are in good 
condition and free of moisture, pitch, oil, 
fuel mix or grease.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury from loss of 
control, never work on a ladder or on any 
other insecure support. Never hold the 
cutting attachment above waist height.
WARNING
WARNING
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing 
and balance at all times. Special care 
must be taken in slippery conditions (wet 
ground, snow) and in difficult, overgrown 
terrain. Watch for hidden obstacles such 
as tree stumps, roots and ditches to 
avoid stumbling. For better footing, clear 
away scrub and cuttings. Be extremely 
cautious when working on slopes or 
uneven ground.
Working Conditions
Operate and start your power tool only 
outdoors in a well ventilated area. 
Operate it under good visibility and 
daylight conditions only. Work carefully.
WARNING
WARNING
If the vegetation being cut or the 
surrounding ground is coated with a 
chemical substance (such as an active 
pesticide or herbicide), read and follow 
the instructions and warnings that 
accompanied the substance at issue.
WARNING
Inhalation of certain dusts, especially 
organic dusts such as mold or pollen, 
can cause susceptible persons to have 
an allergic or asthmatic reaction. 
Substantial or repeated inhalation of 
dust and other airborne contaminants, in 
particular those with a smaller particle 
size, may cause respiratory or other 
illnesses. Control dust at the source 
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ment. Never touch a 
moving cutting attach-
ment with your hand or 
any other part of your 
body.
As soon as the engine is 
running, this product gen-
erates toxic exhaust 
fumes containing chemi-
cals, such as unburned 
hydrocarbons (including 
benzene) and carbon 
monoxide, that are 
known to cause respira-
tory problems, cancer, 
birth defects, or other 
reproductive harm. Some 
of the gases (e.g. carbon 
monoxide) may be color-
less and odorless. To 
reduce the risk of serious 
or fatal injury / illness 
from inhaling toxic fumes, 
never run the machine 
indoors or in poorly venti-
lated locations.