Stihl BG 56 User manual
Contents
1 Guide to Using this Manual.........................2
2 Safety Precautions and Working Techni‐
ques............................................................ 2
3 Assembling the Blower............................... 7
4 Assembling the Vacuum Shredder............. 9
5 Fuel........................................................... 10
6 Fueling...................................................... 11
7 Starting / Stopping the Engine.................. 12
8 Cleaning the Air Filter............................... 14
9 Adjusting the Carburetor........................... 15
10 Spark Plug................................................ 15
11 Engine Running Behavior......................... 16
12 Storing the Machine.................................. 16
13 Maintenance and Care..............................17
14 Minimize Wear and Avoid Damage...........17
15 Main Parts.................................................18
16 Specifications............................................19
17 Maintenance and Repairs......................... 20
18 Disposal.................................................... 20
19 EC Declaration of Conformity................... 21
20 UKCA Declaration of Conformity.............. 21
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing a quality engineered
STIHL product.
It has been built using modern production techni‐
ques and comprehensive quality assurance.
Every effort has been made to ensure your satis‐
faction and trouble-free use of the product.
Please contact your dealer or our sales company
if you have any queries concerning this product.
Your
Dr. Nikolas Stihl
1 Guide to Using this Manual
1.1 Pictograms
The meanings of the pictograms attached to the
machine are explained in this manual.
Depending on the model concerned, the follow‐
ing pictograms may be attached to your
machine.
Fuel tank; fuel mixture of gasoline
and engine oil
Operate manual fuel pump
1.2 Symbols in text
WARNING
Warning where there is a risk of an accident or
personal injury or serious damage to property.
NOTICE
Caution where there is a risk of damaging the
machine or its individual components.
1.3 Engineering improvements
STIHL's philosophy is to continually improve all
of its products. For this reason we may modify
the design, engineering and appearance of our
products periodically.
Therefore, some changes, modifications and
improvements may not be covered in this man‐
ual.
2 Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques
Special safety precautions must be
observed when operating a power
tool.
It is important you read and under‐
stand the User Manual before com‐
missioning and keep it in a safe place
for future reference. Non-compliance
with the User Manual may cause seri‐
ous or even fatal injury.
Observe all applicable local safety regulations,
e.g. by trade organizations, social insurance
institutions, labor safety authorities etc.
If you have not used this machine before: Have
your dealer or other experienced user show you
how to handle your machine safely or attend a
specialist course.
Minors must never work with the machine –
except for young people over the age of 16 who
are being trained under supervision.
Children, animals and bystanders must not be
allowed near the machine.
When the machine is not in use, put it in a place
where it does not endanger others. Secure the
machine against unauthorized access.
The user is responsible for accidents or risks
involving third parties or their property.
The machine should only be provided or loaned
to people familiar with this model and its opera‐
English
2 0458-296-0121-F
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG 2021
0458-296-0121-F. VA0.H21.
Printed on chlorine-free paper
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
Original Instruction Manual
0000008456_006_GB
tion. The instruction manual should always be
handed over with the machine.
The use of noise emitting power tools may be
restricted to certain times by national or local
regulations.
Do not operate your machine if any of its compo‐
nents are damaged.
Do not use a high-pressure washer to clean the
power tool. The solid jet of water may damage
parts of the unit.
2.1 Accessories and replacement
parts
Only use parts and accessories that are explicitly
approved for this power tool by STIHL or are
technically identical. If you have any questions in
this respect, consult your dealer. Use only high
quality parts and accessories in order to avoid
the risk of accidents and damage to the unit.
STIHL recommends the use of original STIHL
parts and accessories. They are specifically
designed to match the product and meet your
performance requirements.
Never attempt to modify your power tool in any
way since this may increase the risk of personal
injury. STIHL excludes all liability for personal
injury and damage to property caused while
using unauthorized attachments.
2.2 Physical fitness
To operate the power tool you must be rested, in
good physical condition and mental health.
If you have any condition which may be aggrava‐
ted by strenuous work, check with your doctor
before operating a power tool.
If you have a pacemaker: The ignition system of
your machine produces an electromagnetic field
of very low intensity. This field may interfere with
some pacemakers. To reduce health risks,
STIHL recommends that persons with pacemak‐
ers consult their physician and the pacemaker
manufacturer before operating this tool.
Do not operate the power tool if you have con‐
sumed alcohol or taken medication, which may
impair responsiveness, or taken drugs.
2.3 Intended Use
The blower is designed for blow-sweeping
leaves, grass, paper and similar materials, e.g. in
gardens, sports stadiums, car parks and drive‐
ways. It is also suitable for blow-sweeping forest
paths.
The vacuum shredder is designed for picking up
dry leaves and other lightweight, loose and non-
combustible materials.
Do not blow-sweep or vacuum hazardous materi‐
als.
Do not use the power tool for any other purpose
because of the increased risk of accidents and
damage to the power tool itself. The product
must not be modified in any way - this may also
lead to accidents or damage to the unit.
2.4 Clothing and equipment
Wear proper protective clothing and equipment.
Clothing must be sturdy but allow
complete freedom of movement.
Wear snug-fitting clothing, an overall
and jacket combination, do not wear
a work coat.
Avoid wearing any clothing, scarves,
neckties or jewelry which could get
into the air intake. Tie up and confine
long hair above your shoulders.
Wear sturdy shoes with non-slip soles.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of eye injuries,
wear close-fitting safety glasses in
accordance with European Standard
EN 166. Make sure the safety
glasses are a snug fit.
Wear "personal" sound protection, e.g. ear
defenders.
STIHL can supply a comprehensive range of per‐
sonal protective equipment.
2.5 Transporting the machine
Always stop the engine.
Transporting in a vehicle:
–Secure the machine against overturning, dam‐
age and fuel spillage
2.6 Refueling
Gasoline is extremely flammable –
keep it away from naked flames – do
not spill any fuel – no smoking.
Always shut off the engine before refueling.
Do not fuel a hot engine – fuel may spill and
cause a fire.
2 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques English
0458-296-0121-F 3
Open the fuel cap carefully to allow any pressure
build-up in the tank to release slowly and avoid
fuel spillage.
Only refuel the machine in a well ventilated
place. If you spill fuel, wipe the machine immedi‐
ately – if fuel gets on your clothing, change
immediately.
Check for fuel leakage! Never start
the engine if fuel has been spilled or
is leaking – Fatal burns may result!
After fueling, tighten down the screw-
type fuel cap as securely as possible.
This helps reduce the risk of unit vibrations caus‐
ing an incorrectly tightened fuel cap to loosen or
come off and spill quantities of fuel.
2.7 Before starting
Check that your machine is properly assembled
and in good condition – refer to appropriate
chapters in the instruction manual:
–Check the fuel system for leaks, especially the
visible parts, e. g., fuel cap, hose connections,
manual fuel pump (only in machines with a
manual fuel pump). In case of leakage and
damage, do not start the engine – risk of fire!
Have the machine serviced by a dealer before
using it
–Throttle trigger must move freely and spring
back by itself to the idle position
–Setting lever/switch must move easily to
STOP or 0
–Keep the handles dry and clean – free from oil
and dirt – this is important for safe control of
the machine
–The blower tubes must be properly assem‐
bled.
–Check that the spark plug boot is secure – a
loose boot may cause sparking that could
ignite combustible fumes and cause a fire!
–Check the condition of blower wheel and
blower housing.
Wear of the blower housing (cracks, nicks, chips)
may result in an increased risk of injury from
thrown foreign objects. If the blower housing is
damaged, consult your dealer – STIHL recom‐
mends you contact a STIHL servicing dealer.
Never attempt to modify the controls or safety
devices
To reduce the risk of accidents and personal
injury, do not operate your power tool if it is not
properly assembled and in good condition.
2.8 Starting the engine
Start the engine at least 3 meters from the fuel‐
ing spot, outdoors only.
Your power tool is designed to be operated by
one person only. Do not allow other persons in
the work area – even when starting.
Do not drop-start the power tool – start the
engine as described in the user manual.
Place the machine on level ground only, ensure
that you have a secure footing and hold the
machine securely.
As soon as the engine starts, the increasing air
flow may eject objects (e.g. stones).
2.9 While working
In the event of impending danger or in an emer‐
gency, switch off the engine immediately by mov‐
ing the setting lever / switch to STOP or 0.
Your power tool is designed to be operated by
one person only. Do not allow other persons in
the work area.
To reduce the risk of injury from
thrown objects, do not allow any other
persons within 5 meters of your own
position.
This distance must also be maintained in relation
to objects (vehicles, window panes) – risk of
property damage!
Do not direct the air blast towards
bystanders or animals since the air
flow can blow small objects at great
speed – risk of injury.
When blow-sweeping and vacuum shredding (in
open ground and gardens), watch out for small
animals to avoid harming them.
Never leave a running machine unattended.
Take special care in slippery conditions – damp,
snow, ice, on slopes or uneven ground.
Watch out for obstacles: Be careful of refuse,
tree stumps, roots and ditches which could
cause you to trip or stumble.
Do not work on a ladder or in unstable locations.
Be particularly alert and cautious when wearing
hearing protection because your ability to hear
warnings (shouts, alarms, etc.) is restricted.
English 2 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques
4 0458-296-0121-F
Work calmly and carefully – in daylight conditions
and only when visibility is good. Proceed with
caution, do not put others in danger.
Take breaks when you start getting tired or feel‐
ing fatigue – risk of accidents!
Mufflers with catalytic converters can become
especially hot.
Your power tool produces toxic
exhaust fumes as soon as the engine
is running. These gases may be odor‐
less and invisible and may contain
unburned hydrocarbons and ben‐
zene. Never run the engine indoors or
in poorly ventilated locations, even if
your model is equipped with a cata‐
lytic converter.
To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury from
breathing toxic fumes, ensure proper ventilation
when working in trenches, hollows or other con‐
fined locations.
Stop work immediately if you start suffering from
nausea, headaches, impaired vision (e.g. your
field of vision gets smaller), impaired hearing,
dizziness, or impaired concentration – these
symptoms may possibly be the result of too-high
exhaust gas concentration – Risk of accidents!
To reduce the risk of fire, do not smoke while
operating or standing near your power tool. Com‐
bustible fuel vapor may escape from the fuel sys‐
tem.
Always wear a dust mask if dust is generated.
Operate your power tool so that it produces a
minimum of noise and emissions – do not run the
engine unnecessarily, accelerate the engine only
when working.
After work, place the machine on a level, non-
flammable surface. Do not place the machine
near easily flammable materials (e.g. wood
chips, bark, dry grass, fuel) – risk of fire!
Never attempt to insert objects into the impeller
housing through the intake screen or the nozzle.
They may be expelled at very high speed by the
blower – risk of injury.
If there is a noticeable change in running behav‐
ior (e.g. higher vibrations), stop work and rectify
the cause of the problem.
If the machine was exposed to a load for which it
was not designed (e.g. heavy impact or a fall),
always check that it is in good condition before
continuing work – see also "Before Starting".
Check in particular that the fuel system has no
leaks and the safety equipment is fully operative.
Do not continue operating your power tool if it is
damaged. In case of doubt, contact a dealer.
2.10 Using the blower
295BA052 KN
The blower is designed for one-handed opera‐
tion. The operator must carry the blower with his
right hand on the control handle.
Always hold the power tool firmly in your hand.
When blow-sweeping in open terrain and in gar‐
dens, look out for small animals.
Work only slowly, moving in a forwards direction
– always observe the discharge area of the
blower tube – do not move backwards – risk of
tripping!
WARNING
Operate the machine only with the blower tube
completely mounted – risk of injury!
The round nozzle is particularly suitable for use
on uneven surfaces (e.g. fields and lawns).
The flat nozzle (either included with unit or avail‐
able as special accessory) produces a broad and
powerful airstream at ground level. It can be
aimed and controlled very accurately. This noz‐
zle is highly effective for blow-sweeping sawdust,
leaves, grass cuttings, etc. on flat surfaces.
2.11 Using the Vacuum Attachment
For specific assembling instructions, see appro‐
priate chapter in this User Manual.
2 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques English
0458-296-0121-F 5
295BA053 KN
The vacuum attachment is designed for two-
handed operation. Hold and operate the unit with
your right hand on the control handle and your
left hand on the assist handle.
Wear the harness of the catcher bag hanging
from one shoulder. Practice setting down the unit
together with the catcher bag to remove the unit
quickly from your body in case of emergency –
risk of injury!
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury, operate your power
tool only with a properly mounted suction tube
and closed catcher bag.
NOTICE
Vacuuming abrasive material (such as grit, stone
chips, etc.) causes the impeller wheel and impel‐
ler housing to wear at a rapid rate. This results in
a considerable loss of suction power. In such a
case you should contact your dealer. STIHL rec‐
ommends you have this work done by a STIHL
servicing dealer.
Take particular care when vacuuming wet leaves
since they may block the blower wheel and
elbow.
To clear a blockage in the machine:
–Switch off the machine.
–Remove the elbow and suction tube – see
"Assembling the Vacuum Shredder".
–Clean the elbow and blower housing.
When vacuuming in open terrain and in gardens,
look out for small animals.
To reduce the risk of personal injury
from fire, never attempt to pick up hot
or burning substances (e.g. smolder‐
ing ashes, glowing cigarettes).
To reduce the risk of fatal injury from
fire or explosion, never attempt to
pick up combustible fluids (e.g. gaso‐
line) or materials soaked in combusti‐
ble fluids.
Switch off the engine before opening
the intake screen. The shield must
always be closed and secured when
the suction tube is not mounted to
reduce the risk of injury from contact
with rotating components. This can
also result in damage to the engine.
2.12 Working Technique
To minimize blowing time, use a rake and broom
to loosen dirt particles before you start blowing.
–If necessary, dampen the surface to be
cleaned in order to avoid creating too much
dust.
–Do not blow particles in the direction of
bystanders, in particular in the direction of chil‐
dren, pets, open windows or freshly washed
vehicles. Take special care in such situations.
–Remove the blow-swept debris in rubbish bins
– do not blow it onto the neighbor's land.
English 2 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques
6 0458-296-0121-F
–Operate your power tool at reasonable times
only – not early in the morning, late at night or
during midday rest periods when people could
be disturbed. Observe local rest periods.
–Operate blowers at the lowest engine speed
necessary to accomplish the task.
–Check your blower before starting work. Pay
special attention to the muffler, air intakes and
air filter.
2.13 Vibrations
Prolonged use of the power tool may result in
vibration-induced circulation problems in the
hands (whitefinger disease).
No general recommendation can be given for the
length of usage because it depends on several
factors.
The period of usage is prolonged by:
–Keeping your hands warm
–Work breaks
The period of usage is shortened by:
–Any personal tendency to suffer from poor cir‐
culation (symptoms: frequently cold fingers,
itching).
–Low outside temperatures.
–Gripping force (a tight grip hinders circulation).
Continual and regular users should monitor
closely the condition of their hands and fingers. If
any of the above symptoms appear (e.g. tingling
sensation in fingers), seek medical advice.
2.14 Maintenance and Repairs
Service the machine regularly. Do not attempt
any maintenance or repair work not described in
the instruction manual. Have all other work per‐
formed by a servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends that you have servicing and
repair work carried out exclusively by an author‐
ized STIHL servicing dealer. STIHL dealers are
regularly given the opportunity to attend training
courses and are supplied with the necessary
technical information.
Only use high-quality replacement parts in order
to avoid the risk of accidents and damage to the
machine. If you have any questions in this
respect, consult a servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends the use of genuine STIHL
replacement parts. They are specifically
designed to match your model and meet your
performance requirements.
To reduce the risk of injury, always shut off the
engine before carrying out any maintenance or
repairs or cleaning the machine. – Exception:
Carburetor and idle speed adjustments.
Do not turn the engine over on the starter with
the spark plug boot or spark plug removed since
there is otherwise a risk of fire from uncontained
sparking.
Do not service or store your machine near open
flames.
Check the fuel filler cap for leaks at regular inter‐
vals.
Use only a spark plug of the type approved by
STIHL and make sure it is in good condition –
see "Specifications".
Inspect the ignition lead (insulation in good con‐
dition, secure connection).
Check the condition of the muffler.
To reduce the risk of fire and damage to hearing,
do not operate your machine if the muffler is
damaged or missing.
Do not touch a hot muffler since burn injury will
result.
Vibration behavior is influenced by the condition
of the AV elements – check the AV elements at
regular intervals.
Shut off the engine before rectifying problems.
3 Assembling the Blower
3.1 Mounting the Blower Tube
1
3
296BA016 KN
► Line up the arrows (1).
►Position the union nut so that the symbol ‚ is
in line with the arrows.
► Push the blower tube (2) into the fan housing
stub (3) as far as stop.
3 Assembling the Blower English
0458-296-0121-F 7
296BA033 KN
► Rotate union nut (5) in direction of arrow until
it snaps audibly into position.
► Continue turning the union nut in direction of
arrow and tighten it down firmly.
4.4 Removing the Elbow
► Shut down the engine.
296BA024 KN
► Insert a suitable tool through the opening in
the union nut to press down the tab.
► Rotate the union nut in the direction of the
arrow as far as the stop.
► Remove the elbow.
4.5 Removing the Suction Tube
► Shut down the engine.
296BA025 KN
► Rotate the union nut in the direction of the
arrow as far as the stop.
► Insert a suitable tool through the opening in
the union nut to press down the tab.
► Continue turning the union nut in the direction
of the arrow as far as the next stop.
► Remove the suction tube.
► Close the intake screen and lock it in position.
5 Fuel
Your engine requires a mixture of gasoline and
engine oil.
WARNING
For health reasons, avoid direct skin contact with
gasoline and avoid inhaling gasoline vapor.
5.1 STIHL MotoMix
STIHL recommends the use of STIHL MotoMix.
This ready-to-use fuel mix contains no benzol or
lead, has a high octane rating and ensures that
you always use the right mix ratio.
STIHL MotoMix uses STIHL HP Ultra two-stroke
engine oil for an extra long engine life.
MotoMix is not available in all markets.
5.2 Mixing Fuel
NOTICE
Unsuitable fuels or lubricants or mix ratios other
than those specified may result in serious dam‐
age to the engine. Poor quality gasoline or
engine oil may damage the engine, sealing rings,
hoses and the fuel tank.
5.2.1 Gasoline
Use only high-quality brand-name gasoline with
a minimum octane rating of 90 – leaded or unlea‐
ded.
Gasoline with an ethanol content of more than
10% can cause running problems in engines with
a manually adjustable carburetor and should not
be used in such engines.
Engines equipped with M-Tronic deliver full
power when run on gasoline with an ethanol con‐
tent of up to 25% (E25).
5.2.2 Engine Oil
If you mix the fuel yourself, use only STIHL two-
stroke engine oil or another high-performance
engine oil in accordance with JASO FB, JASO
FC, JASO FD, ISO-L-EGB, ISO-L-EGC or ISO-L-
EGD.
STIHL specifies STIHL HP Ultra two-stroke
engine oil or an equivalent high-performance
engine oil in order to maintain emission limits
over the machine’s service life.
English 5 Fuel
10 0458-296-0121-F
5.2.3 Mix Ratio
STIHL 50:1 two-stroke engine oil: 50 parts gaso‐
line to 1 part oil
5.2.4 Examples
Gasoline STIHL engine oil 50:1
Liters Liters (ml)
1 0.02 (20)
5 0.10 (100)
10 0.20 (200)
15 0.30 (300)
20 0.40 (400)
25 0.50 (500)
► Use a canister approved for storing fuel. Pour
oil into canister first, then add gasoline and
mix thoroughly.
5.3 Storing Fuel
Store fuel only in approved safety-type fuel can‐
isters in a dry, cool and safe location protected
from light and the sun.
Fuel mix ages – only mix sufficient fuel for a few
weeks work. Do not store fuel mix for longer than
30 days. Exposure to light, the sun, low or high
temperatures can quickly make the fuel mix
unusable.
STIHL MotoMix may be stored for up to 2 years
without any problems.
► Thoroughly shake the mixture in the canister
before fueling your machine.
WARNING
Pressure may build up in the canister – open it
carefully.
► Clean the fuel tank and canister from time to
time.
Dispose of remaining fuel and cleaning fluid
properly in accordance with local regulations and
environmental requirements.
6 Fueling
6.1 Preparations
295BA064 KN
► Before fueling, clean the filler cap and the area
around it to ensure that no dirt falls into the
tank.
► Position the machine so that the filler cap is
facing up.
STIHL recommends you use the STIHL filler noz‐
zle for fuel (special accessory).
6.2 Fill up with fuel
Take care not to spill fuel while fueling and do
not overfill the tank.
► Open the filler cap.
► Fill up with fuel
► Closing the cap
6 Fueling English
0458-296-0121-F 11
WARNING
After fueling, tighten down the filler cap as
securely as possible.
6.3 Changing the fuel pickup body
295BA065 KN
Change the fuel pick up body every year.
► Drain the fuel tank.
► Use a hook to pull the fuel pickup body out of
the tank and take it off the hose.
► Push the new pickup body into the hose.
► Place the pickup body in the tank.
7 Starting / Stopping the
Engine
7.1 Starting the Engine
► Observe safety precautions.
1
296BA009 KN
► Press the manual fuel pump bulb (1) at least
five times – even if the bulb is filled with fuel.
7.1.1 Adjusting the setting lever
Only on BG 66 C, BG 86, SH 86
295BA069 KN
► To start, move the setting lever to the run posi‐
tion F
296BA007 KN
3
The setting lever (2) allows the throttle trigger (3)
to be locked in any required position during oper‐
ation.
7.1.2 Adjusting the choke knob
If the engine is cold
295BA067 KN
►Turn the choke knob to g
English 7 Starting / Stopping the Engine
12 0458-296-0121-F
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Table of contents
Other Stihl Blower manuals
