Strimmer Guides

Strimmer Maintenance

Regular care is crucial for ensuring your STIHL tool provides many years of reliable service. This guide outlines the most important maintenance procedures, detailing what is required and how to perform each task.

STIHL cordless grass strimmer maintenance

Before You Start: Important Points

Grass trimmers use a rotating mowing line to quickly cut long grass and get it under control; brushcutters function similarly and may use blades for tougher undergrowth. Always read the operating instructions to understand key maintenance tasks.

Only perform maintenance as advised in your operating instructions. For all other repairs, visit Gustharts.

A man wearing gloves cleans the cutting tool of a STIHL FS 131 brushcutter

Checking the Cutting Tool

Regularly check your mowing heads or blades as part of your maintenance routine:

  1. Line mowing heads: Ensure line is wound correctly, no crossover. Replace with genuine STIHL line if necessary.
  2. PolyCut blades: Inspect for cracks and replace all three blades together.
  3. Metal cutting tools: Sharpen if needed, replace if bent or broken.

Detailed Maintenance Checklist

Visual Examination

Check your grass trimmer carefully before every use and after filling the tank. Clean thoroughly after each use.

Control Handle

Check the control handle regularly. Ensure the off button works and that the throttle and lockout triggers move smoothly.

Air Filter

Clean the air filter as needed. Replace it if damaged or clogged to maintain optimal performance.

Pickup Body (Fuel Tank)

Replace the pickup body at least once a year. For issues, contact a trusted STIHL dealer for maintenance.

Fuel Tank

Clean the fuel tank as needed and ensure the tank lid is leak-tight.

Carburettor

Check the carburettor idle setting before starting work and after refilling. Ensure the cutting tool does not rotate at idle; adjust as per the operating instructions.

Spark Plug

Replace the spark plug after 100 hours of use as part of regular maintenance.

Cold Air Intake

Inspect the cold air intake and clean it as necessary after use.

Screws & Nuts

Check all accessible screws and nuts (except adjustment screws) and re-tighten as needed.

Anti-Vibration Elements

Inspect anti-vibration elements regularly. Replace any damaged components via a STIHL dealer.

Cutting Tool

Check the cutting tool before every use. Replace immediately if damaged.

Metal Cutting Tool

If using a metal cutting tool, ensure it is sharp before operation.

Gearbox Lubrication

Perform gearbox lubrication checks after 25 hours of use. Top up grease if necessary.

Safety Sticker

Replace any damaged safety stickers immediately to ensure user safety.

Why Won't My Brushcutter or Grass Trimmer Start?

Fuel older than 30 days can prevent starting. Replace the fuel if unsure of its age.

Grass Trimmers and Fuel Mixture →

Refuelling a STIHL brushcutter

Summary: Grass Trimmer Maintenance

  • Always read the operating instructions first.
  • Use the correct petrol mixture.
  • Check the cutting tool before starting work.
  • Clean the grass trimmer after finishing work.
  • Replace the fuel mixture as needed.

Shop Maintenance Products

Browse cleaning sprays, fuel and service kits for your STIHL strimmer.

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