Stihl Fc 56 C Manual

							FC 56 C
English
9 with no further adjustments. To reduce 
the risk of injury, be particularly alert to 
keep children away from the unit.
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.
Your right hand should grip the rear 
handle. This also applies to left-handers.
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 
002BA054 KN
1HYHUDWWHPSWWRRSHUDWH
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KDQG/RVVRIFRQWURORI
WKHSRZHUWRROUHVXOWLQJLQ
VHULRXVRUIDWDOLQMXU\PD\
UHVXOW7RUHGXFHWKHULVN
RIFXWLQMXULHVNHHS
KDQGVDQGIHHWDZD\
IURPWKHFXWWLQJDWWDFK-
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. 
						

							FC 56 C
English
10 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 respirator approved by NIOSH / 
MSHA for the type of dust encountered.
Operating Instructions
WARNING
Do not operate your power tool using the 
starting throttle lock, as you do not have 
control of the engine speed.
In the event of an emergency, switch off 
the engine immediately – move the slide 
control / stop switch to 0 or STOP.
WARNING
The cutting attachment continues to 
rotate for a short period after the throttle 
trigger is released (flywheel effect.)
WARNING
The rotating cutting attachment may 
fling foreign objects directly or by 
ricochet a great distance.T o  r e d u c e  t h e  r i s k  o f  e y e  a n d  o t h e r  i n j u r y  
always wear proper eye protection (see 
the chapter on "Proper Clothing") and 
ensure that bystanders are at least 
15 m (50 feet) away. To reduce the risk 
of damage to property, also maintain this 
distance from such objects as vehicles 
or windows. Even maintaining a 
minimum distance of 15 meters cannot 
exclude the potential danger. Any 
coworkers who must be in the restricted 
area should also wear goggles or 
protective glasses. Stop the engine 
immediately if you are approached.
WARNING
WARNING
During cutting, check the tightness and 
the condition of the cutting attachment at 
regular short intervals with the engine 
and attachment stopped. If the behavior 
of the attachment changes during use, 
stop the engine immediately, wait until the cutting attachment stops, and check 
the nut securing the attachment for 
tightness and the blade for cracks, wear 
and damage.
WARNING
A loose blade may vibrate, crack, break 
or come off the edger, which may result 
in serious or fatal injury. Make sure that 
the cutting attachment is properly 
tightened. Use the wrench supplied or 
one of sufficient length to obtain the 
proper torque. If the blade loosens after 
being properly tightened, stop work 
immediately. The retaining nut may be 
worn or damaged and should be 
replaced. If the blade continues to 
loosen, see your STIHL dealer. Never 
use an edger with a loose cutting 
attachment.
WARNING
Replace a cracked, bent, warped, 
damaged, dull or worn out blade 
immediately, even if damage is limited to 
superficial cracks. Such attachments 
may shatter at high speed and cause 
serious or fatal injury.
WARNING
When using your edger, avoid cutting 
close to fences, sides of buildings, tree 
trunks, stones or other such objects that 
could cause the power tool to kick out or 
could cause damage to the blade.
WARNING
If a rotating metal blade strikes a rock or 
other hard object, sparks may be 
created, which can ignite flammable 
materials under certain circumstances.  Inspect the work area: To 
reduce the risk of injury, 
remove stones, pieces of 
metal and other solid 
objects which could be 
thrown 15 meters or more 
by the cutting attachment 
or damage the cutting 
attachment and property 
(e.g. parked vehicles, 
windows).
15m (50ft) 
						

							FC 56 C
English
11 Flammable materials can include dry 
vegetation and brush, particularly when 
weather conditions are hot and dry. 
When there is a risk of fire or wildfire, do 
not use metal blades around flammable 
materials or around dry vegetation or 
brush. Contact your local fire authorities 
or the U.S. Forestry Service if you have 
any question about whether vegetation 
and weather conditions are suitable for 
the use of a metal blade.
WARNING
If the 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 at regular intervals.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of unintentional 
rotation of the cutting attachment and 
injury, always shut off the engine before 
replacing the cutting attachment.
WARNING
The gearbox becomes hot during 
operation. To reduce the risk of burn 
injury, do not touch the gear housing 
when it is hot.
WARNING
Never modify your muffler. Any 
modification could cause an increase in 
heat radiation, sparks or sound level, 
thereby increasing the risk of fire, burn 
injury or hearing loss. You may also 
permanently damage the engine. Have 
your muffler serviced and repaired by 
your STIHL servicing dealer only.
WARNING
The muffler and other parts of the engine 
(e.g. fins of the cylinder, spark plug) 
become hot during operation and remain 
hot for a while after stopping the engine. 
To reduce risk of burns, do not touch the 
muffler and other parts while they are 
hot. Keep the area around the muffler 
clean. Remove excess lubricant and all 
debris such as pine needles, branches 
or leaves. Let the engine cool down 
sitting on concrete, metal, bare ground 
or solid wood away from any 
combustible substances.
WARNING
An improperly mounted or damaged 
cylinder housing or a 
damaged/deformed muffler shell may 
interfere with the cooling process of the 
muffler. To reduce the risk of fire or burn 
injury, do not continue work with a 
damaged or improperly mounted 
cylinder housing or a 
damaged/deformed muffler shell.
Your muffler is furnished with a spark 
arresting screen designed to reduce the 
risk of fire from the emission of hot 
particles. Never operate your unit with a 
missing or damaged spark arresting 
screen. If your gas/oil mix ratio is correct 
(i.e., not too rich), this screen will 
normally stay clean as a result of the 
heat from the muffler and need no 
service or maintenance. If you 
experience loss of performance and you 
suspect a clogged screen, have your 
muffler maintained by a STIHL servicing 
dealer. Some state or federal laws or 
regulations may require a properly 
maintained spark arrestor for certain uses. See the "Maintenance, Repair and 
Storing" section of these Safety 
Precautions. Remember that the risk of 
a brush or forest fire is greater in hot or 
dry conditions.
WARNING
USING THE CUTTING ATTACHMENT
For an illustration of the cutting 
attachment and instructions on proper 
mounting see the chapter on "Replacing 
the Cutting Blade" in your instruction 
manual.Some STIHL power tools 
are equipped with a cata-
lytic converter, which is 
designed to reduce the 
exhaust emissions of the 
engine by a chemical pro-
cess in the muffler. Due 
to this process, the muf-
fler does not cool down 
as rapidly as conven-
tional mufflers when the 
engine returns to idle or 
is shut off. To reduce the 
risk of fire and burn inju-
ries when using a 
catalytic converter, 
always set your power 
tool down in the upright 
position and never locate 
it where the muffler is 
near dry brush, grass, 
wood chips or other com-
bustible materials while it 
is still hot.
      
        
          
             
						

							FC 56 C
English
12
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 an FC model for which it is not 
authorized.
MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND 
STORING
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of 
the emission control devices and 
systems may be performed by any 
nonroad engine repair establishment or 
individual. However, if you make a 
warranty claim for a component which 
has not been serviced or maintained 
properly or if nonapproved replacement 
parts were used, STIHL may deny 
coverage.
WARNING
Use only identical STIHL replacement 
parts for maintenance and repair. Use of 
non-STIHL parts may cause serious or 
fatal injury.
Strictly follow the maintenance and 
repair instructions in the appropriate 
sections of your instruction manual.
WARNING
Always stop the engine and make sure 
that the cutting attachment is stopped 
before doing any maintenance or repair 
work or cleaning the power tool. Do not 
attempt any maintenance or repair work 
not described in your instruction manual. 
Have such work performed by your 
STIHL servicing dealer only.Wear gloves when handling or 
performing maintenance on blades.
WARNING
Use the specified spark plug, and make 
sure it and the ignition lead are always 
clean and in good condition. Always 
press the spark plug boot snugly onto 
the spark plug terminal of the proper 
size. (Note: If the terminal has a 
detachable SAE adapter nut, it must be 
securely attached.) A loose connection 
between the spark plug and the ignition 
wire connector in the boot may create 
arcing that could ignite combustible 
fumes and cause a fire.
WARNING
Never test the ignition system with the 
spark plug boot removed from the spark 
plug or with a removed spark plug, since 
uncontained sparking may cause a fire.
WARNING
Do not operate your power tool if the 
muffler is damaged, missing or modified. 
An improperly maintained muffler will 
increase the risk of fire and hearing loss. 
Your muffler is equipped with a spark-
arresting screen to reduce the risk of 
fire; never operate your power tool if the 
screen is missing, damaged or clogged. 
Remember that the risk of a brush or 
forest fire is greater in hot or dry 
weather.
In California, it is a violation of § 4442 or 
§ 4443 of the Public Resources Code to 
use or operate gasoline-powered tools 
on forest-covered, brush-covered or 
grass-covered land unless the engine’s 
exhaust system is equipped with a complying spark arrester that is 
maintained in effective working order. 
The owner/operator of this product is 
responsible for properly maintaining the 
spark arrester. Other states or 
governmental entities/agencies, such as 
the U.S. Forest Service, may have 
similar requirements. Contact your local 
fire agency or forest service for the laws 
or regulations relating to fire protection 
requirements.
WARNING
Never repair damaged cutting 
attachments by welding, straightening or 
modifying the shape. This may cause 
parts of the cutting attachment to come 
off and result in serious or fatal injuries.
Tighten all nuts, bolts and screws, 
except the carburetor adjustment 
screws, after each use.
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. 
						

							FC 56 C
English
13 The edger is suitable for sharp-
contoured edging of lawns. It will cut 
almost all types of grass, weeds and soft 
green plants.
Preparations
If the soil is very dry, spray it with a little 
water before you start work: this softens 
the soil a little and also reduces the 
amount of dust created. – Slightly damp 
green plants are easier to cut.
WARNING
Remove all obstacles and objects from 
the working area.NPlan the best route for edging – 
always hold and operate the 
machine on the right-hand side of 
the body
Adjust the depth of cut
NShut off the engine – risk of 
accident!
NLoosen wingnut (1) 
counterclockwise
NAdjust wheel (2): upwards – depth 
of cut (A) increases; downwards – 
depth of cut (A) decreasesAdjust correctly
The depth of cut is influenced by uneven 
ground as well as height and working 
position of the operator. For this reason,
Nadjust the wheel (2) so that the 
blade (3) barely touches the ground 
when the machine is held in a 
normal working posture or 
penetrates the ground at most to a 
depth (B) of 5 mm.
Using the Unit
239BA015 KN
2
1
A
239BA012 KN
2
B
3
239BA013 KN 
						

							FC 56 C
English
14 NTighten wingnut clockwise
NStanding in the normal working 
position, check the depth of cut 
again – correct it if necessary
WARNING
Do not adjust the deflector.
The deflector has been set by the 
manufacturer so that the arrow on the 
deflector and the open side point away 
from the operator. This ensures that 
cuttings and other debris will be directed 
away from the machine and operator.
Edging
NStart the engine
NStart the cut at at least half throttle 
and continue cutting at full throttle
NHold and guide the unit so that the 
blade is vertical
NCut steadily so that the engine 
speed does not decline to any major 
extent – do not apply force
NCut at a normal walking pace
NDo not push the blade into the 
ground
NAlways walk forwards when cutting, 
do not pull the unit towards you
NCut at a steady pace – this avoids 
having to make several passesNUse the gunning sight (1) for the 
cutting blade to align the blade to 
the edge
239BA014 KN
239BA015 KN
239BA016 KN
1
239BA017 KN 
						

							FC 56 C
English
15 Your new power tool comes with the 
loop handle mounted on the drive tube, 
but it must be turned and lined up to suit 
your requirements.
Adjusting loop handle with star knob 
screw
NLoosen the star knob screw (1).
NTurn the handle to the vertical 
position.The loop handle can be adjusted to suit 
the height and reach of the operator and 
the application by changing 
distance (A).
Recommendation: distance (A): 
about 6 in (15 cm)
NSlide the handle to the required 
position.
NTighten down the star knob so that 
the handle cannot be rotated on the 
shaft.
Adjusting loop handle without star knob 
screw  
NUse the combination wrench to 
loosen the screw (1).NTurn the handle to the vertical 
position.
The loop handle can be adjusted to suit 
the height and reach of the operator and 
the application by changing 
distance (A).
Recommendation: distance (A): 
about 6 in (15 cm)
NSlide the handle to the required 
position.
NTighten down the screw with the 
combination wrench so that the 
handle cannot be rotated on the 
drive tube.
Mounting the Loop Handle
1
546BA010 KN
545BA004 KN
546BA011 KN
A
1
239BA008 KN
545BA004 KN
A
0000-GXX-1562-A0  
						

							FC 56 C
English
16 NPlace the edger so that the blade 
mounting (1) faces upwards
NInsert the locking pin (2) as far as 
possible into the bore (3), push 
lightly and rotate back and forth a 
little together with the thrust washer 
(4) until the shaft is blocked.
NFit Allen wrench (5) onto nut (6).NTurn nut clockwise (left-hand 
thread) and remove it.
NRemove the thrust washer.
NPosition the blade (7) on the thrust 
plate (8).
WARNING
The collar (arrow) must engage the hole 
in the blade.
NFit the thrust washer (4) on the shaft 
(9) and block the shaft.
NScrew nut (6) counterclockwise 
onto shaft and tighten.
WARNING
If the cup spring (10) on the nut (6) 
becomes fatigued, then the nut must be 
replaced!This engine is certified to operate on 
unleaded gasoline and the STIHL two-
stroke engine oil at a mix ratio of 50:1.
Your engine requires a mixture of high-
quality gasoline and two-stroke air 
cooled engine oil.
Use mid-grade unleaded gasoline with a 
minimum octane rating of 89 ((R+M)/2) 
and no more than 10% ethanol content.
NOTICE
Fuel with an octane rating below 89 may 
increase engine temperatures. This, in 
turn, increases the risk of piston seizure 
and damage to the engine.
The chemical composition of the fuel is 
also important. Some fuel additives not 
only detrimentally affect elastomers 
(carburetor diaphragms, oil seals, fuel 
lines, etc.), but magnesium castings and 
catalytic converters as well. This could 
cause running problems or damage the 
engine. For this reason STIHL 
recommends that you use only quality 
unleaded gasoline!
NOTICE
Gasoline with an ethanol content of 
more than 10% can cause running 
problems and major damage in engines 
and should not be used.
For further details, see 
www.STIHLusa.com/ethanol
The ethanol content in gasoline affects 
engine speed – it may be necessary to 
readjust the carburetor if you use fuels 
with various ethanol contents.
Mounting the Cutting Blade
239BA020 KN
6
239BA021 KN
3
24
5
4
10
9
7
7
239BA022 KN
6
8
)XHO 
						

							FC 56 C
English
17
WARNING
To reduce the risk of personal injury 
from loss of control and/or contact with 
the running cutting tool, do not use your 
unit with an incorrect idle adjustment. At 
correct idle speed, the cutting tool 
should not move.
If your machine’s idle speed is 
incorrectly adjusted, have your 
authorized STIHL servicing dealer 
check your machine and make the 
proper adjustments and repairs.
The idle speed and maximum speed of 
the engine change if you switch from a 
fuel with a certain ethanol content to a 
fuel with a much higher or lower ethanol 
content.
This problem can be avoided by always 
using fuel with the same ethanol 
content.
To ensure the maximum performance of 
your STIHL engine, use a high quality 2-
cycle engine oil. To help your engine run 
cleaner and reduce harmful carbon 
deposits, STIHL recommends using 
STIHL HP Ultra 2-cycle engine oil or ask 
your dealer for an equivalent fully 
synthetic 2-cycle engine oil. 
To meet the requirements of EPA and 
CARB we recommend to use STIHL HP 
Ultra oil.
STIHL MotoMix
STIHL recommends the use of STIHL 
MotoMix. STIHL MotoMix has a high 
octane rating and ensures that you 
always use the right gasoline/oil mix 
ratio.STIHL MotoMix uses STIHL HP Ultra 
two-stroke engine oil suited for high 
performance engines.
For further details, see 
www.STIHLusa.com/ethanol
If not using MotoMix, use only STIHL 
two-stroke engine oil or equivalent high-
quality two-stroke engine oils that are 
designed for use in air cooled two-cycle 
engines.
The use of non-seasonal gasoline 
blends may increase the potential for 
pressure to build in the fuel tank during 
operation. For example, using a winder 
blend during the summer will increase 
pressure in the fuel tank. Always use 
gasoline blends appropriate to the 
season, altitude and other 
environmental factors.
Do not use BIA or TCW rated (two-
stroke water cooled) mix oils or other 
mix oils that state they are for use in both 
water cooled and air cooled engines 
(e.g., outboard motors, snowmobiles, 
chain saws, mopeds, etc.).
WARNING
Take care when handling gasoline. 
Avoid direct contact with the skin and 
avoid inhaling fuel vapor. When filling at 
the pump, first remove the container 
from your vehicle and place the 
container on the ground before filling. To 
reduce the risk of sparks from static 
discharge and resulting fire and/or 
explosion, do not fill fuel containers that 
are sitting in or on a vehicle or trailer.
The container should be kept tightly 
closed in order to limit the amount of 
moisture that gets into the mixture.The machine‘s fuel tank should be 
cleaned as necessary.
Fuel mix ages
If not using MotoMix, only mix sufficient 
fuel for a few days of work, not to exceed 
30 days of storage. Store in approved 
fuel-containers only. When mixing, pour 
oil into the container first, and then add 
gasoline. Close the container and shake 
it vigorously by hand to ensure proper 
mix of oil and gasoline.
Dispose of empty mixing-oil containers 
only at authorized disposal locations. Gaso-
lineOil (STIHL 50:1 or equiva-
lent high-quality oils)
US gal. US fl.oz.
12.6
2 1/2 6.4
5 12.8 
						

							FC 56 C
English
18
Preparations
NBefore fueling, clean the filler cap 
and the area around it to ensure that 
no dirt falls into the tank.
Always thoroughly shake the mixture in 
the canister before fueling your 
machine.
NPosition the machine so that the 
filler cap is facing up.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire and personal 
injuries due to escaping fuel and vapor, 
remove the fuel filler cap carefully so 
that any excess pressure in the tank can 
escape slowly. Use the proper seasonal 
gasoline blend, i.e., winter blend in 
winter, summer blend in summer.
One of two different filler caps is 
installed as standard at the factory.Toolless filler cap (with folding grip)
Threaded filler cap
Opening the toolless filler cap
NRaise the grip into an upright 
position.NTurn the cap counterclockwise 
(approx. 1/4 turn).
NRemove fuel filler cap.Refueling
Take care not to spill fuel while fueling 
and do not overfill the tank.
Closing the toolless filler cap
With grip in an upright position:
Fueling
547BA045 KN
002BA418 KN
002BA419 KN
001BA218 KN
001BA219 KN
001BA224 KN
001BA220 KN