Strimmer Guides

How to Start a Grass Strimmer

Step-by-step guidance for starting your STIHL petrol grass trimmer safely and efficiently, across all common model families.

STIHL grass trimmer being started outdoors

Preparation: Before Starting

Preparing to use your grass trimmer means familiarising yourself with the operating instructions, checking your work area for hazards, and wearing suitable protective equipment.

Ensure your trimmer is in perfect working order, and make sure no one is within a 15m radius of your work area before starting.

Woman coming out of a shed holding a STIHL FS 56 R petrol grass trimmer

How to Start a STIHL FS 91 Grass Trimmer

This start-up sequence also applies to models such as FS 111 and FS 131.

Place the grass trimmer on level ground with the cutting guard and engine supports resting evenly. Ensure the cutting tool is clear of any obstacles.

Press the manual fuel pump bulb at least five times to reduce the number of starter pulls.
Set the choke lever: cold engine — top position (closed); warm engine — middle position (open halfway).
With your left hand, press down firmly on the machine to stabilise it. Pull the starter cord firmly until the engine fires.
Once started, press the throttle briefly to disengage the choke and allow idling.

If the engine stalls, set the choke to the warm position and restart.

View the STIHL FS 91 Petrol Brushcutter →

How to Start a STIHL FS 56 Grass Trimmer

This process also applies to the FS 40 and FS 50 models.

Place the trimmer on the ground with the guard and engine resting evenly.
Press the manual fuel pump bulb five times.
Set the choke lever depending on engine temperature.
Stabilise the machine with your left hand and pull the starter cord until the engine fires.
If equipped with ErgoStart, use a smooth, steady pull.
Press the throttle once to disengage the choke and begin idling.

If the trimmer fails to start, set the choke to warm and try again.

How to Start a STIHL FS 38 Grass Trimmer

This start-up sequence also applies to FS 55 models.

Move the stop switch to the "I" position.
Hold the throttle trigger lockout and squeeze the throttle trigger until it clicks into place.
Set the choke lever: cold engine — top position (closed); warm engine — middle position (open halfway).
Press the manual fuel pump bulb five times to prime.
Hold the trimmer firmly and pull the starter cord until it fires.
Open the choke and continue pulling until the engine runs smoothly.
Once the engine starts, press the throttle to allow the tool to idle safely.

If the trimmer still won't start, recheck your setup against the operating manual or contact your STIHL dealer.

Cold Start vs. Warm Start at a Glance

Step	Cold Start	Warm Start
Prime Fuel	Press the fuel pump bulb at least five times.	Press the fuel pump bulb three to five times.
Choke Lever	Set to closed (top position).	Set to warm start (middle position).
Throttle	Leave at idle; open briefly after ignition to disengage choke.	Leave at idle; choke disengages automatically.
Starter Cord	Pull firmly until engine fires (usually 2–5 pulls).	Pull steadily until engine starts (usually 1–3 pulls).
After Start	Press throttle to disengage choke; idle 10–15 sec.	Let engine idle 5–10 sec before starting work.

Video: Starting the STIHL FS 56 Grass Trimmer

Operating Instructions and Dealer Support

You can download official STIHL operating instructions for your trimmer at any time. For expert support, visit your nearest STIHL Approved Dealer for hands-on advice and maintenance services.

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