STIHL FS 260 C (01) PDF Document

The STIHL FS 260 C may be carried only in a horizontal position. You must grip the shaft in a manner that the machine is balanced horizontally, and keep the hot muffler away from your body.

The STIHL FS 260 C engine is certified to operate on an unleaded gasoline and two-stroke engine oil mixture at a ratio of 50:1. Use mid-grade unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89 ((R+M)/2) and no more than 10% ethanol content.

Only mix sufficient fuel for a few days of work, not to exceed 30 days of storage. Use approved fuel containers only. When mixing, pour the oil into the container first, then add the gasoline. Close the container and shake it vigorously by hand to ensure proper mixing of the oil with the fuel.

The following table provides the correct mixing ratios:

Gasoline: 1 US gal. | Oil (STIHL 50:1 or equivalent high-quality oils): 2.6 US fl.oz.

Gasoline: 2 1/2 US gal. | Oil (STIHL 50:1 or equivalent high-quality oils): 6.4 US fl.oz.

Gasoline: 5 US gal. | Oil (STIHL 50:1 or equivalent high-quality oils): 12.8 US fl.oz.

1. Press the manual fuel pump bulb at least five times, even if the bulb is already filled with fuel.

2. For a cold engine, press in the outer edge of the choke knob and then turn it to the cold start position.

3. Place the unit on the ground so that it rests securely on the engine’s guard plate and the deflector.

4. Ensure you have a firm footing. Hold the unit firmly on the ground with your left hand and press down, keeping your thumb under the fan housing.

5. Hold the starter grip with your right hand and pull the starter rope steadily. Do not pull the rope out all the way, and do not let the starter grip snap back; guide it slowly into the housing.

6. Continue cranking until the engine runs.

7. As soon as the engine runs, press down the throttle trigger lockout and open the throttle; the choke knob will move to the run position.

Depress the momentary contact stop switch. The engine will stop, and the switch will automatically spring back to the run position.

If the engine stops while idling, turn the idle speed screw (LA) slowly clockwise until the engine runs smoothly. If the cutting tool rotates when the engine is idling, turn the idle speed screw (LA) slowly counterclockwise until the cutting attachment stops moving.

Only replace the air filter if there is a noticeable loss of engine power. Set the choke lever to the cold start position, loosen the screws, and remove the filter cover. Clean away loose dirt from around the filter and inside the filter cover. Remove the filter element and replace it if it is dirty or damaged. Do not bend or twist the new filter during installation. Fit the filter in the housing and then fit the filter cover.

Remove the filter cover and clean away loose dirt from around the filter and inside the cover. Knock the filter out on the palm of your hand or blow it clear with compressed air from the inside outwards. In the case of stubborn dirt or sticky filter fabric, wash the filter in a clean, non-flammable solution such as warm soapy water, then allow it to dry.

If the engine is down on power, difficult to start, or runs poorly at idling speed, check the spark plug. Remove the spark plug and clean it if dirty. Check the electrode gap (A) and readjust if necessary. If the electrodes are badly eroded, fit a new spark plug after approximately 100 operating hours.

Use a sharpening file to sharpen dull cutting attachments. For more serious wear or nicks, resharpen with a grinder. Sharpen frequently, removing as little metal as possible; two or three strokes of the file are usually sufficient. Resharpen the teeth uniformly and do not alter the contour of the parent blade in any way.

With the engine running, hold the rotating mowing head above the grass surface. Tap it on the ground once; fresh line will be advanced, and the blade on the deflector will trim it to the correct length.

Depress the throttle trigger lockout and the throttle trigger as far as they will go and hold them in that position. Rotate the screw in the throttle trigger one-half turn counterclockwise. Release the throttle trigger and throttle trigger lockout. Start the engine and check the adjustment. If the engine speed increases or the cutting attachment rotates, shut down the engine and repeat the adjustment.

Drain and clean the fuel tank in a well-ventilated place. Run the engine until the carburetor is dry to prevent the carburetor diaphragms from sticking together. Remove, clean, and inspect the cutting attachment, treating metal attachments with protective oil. Thoroughly clean the machine, and store it in a dry and safe place, out of the reach of children and other unauthorized users.