STIHL FC 44 Edger

Parts and Controls

The following components are essential for operating and maintaining your STIHL FC 44 edger:

1. Loop handle: For easy control of the machine during cutting work.
2. Stop slide: Switches the engine's ignition system off and stops the running engine.
3. Throttle trigger interlock: Must be depressed before the throttle trigger can be activated.
4. Starter grip: The grip of the pull starter, used to start the engine.
5. Spark plug terminal: Connects the spark plug to the ignition wire.
6. Fuel filler cap: For closing the fuel tank.
7. Machine support: For resting the machine on the ground.
8. Throttle cable / Stop switch lead: Connects the operator's control grip to the powerhead.
9. Control handle: For holding the machine during starting and cutting work.
10. Throttle trigger: Controls the speed of the engine.
11. Carburetor adjusting screws: Used for tuning the carburetor.
12. Fuel pump: Provides additional fuel feed for a cold start.
13. Choke lever / Air filter cover: Eases engine starting by enriching the mixture; covers the air filter element.
14. Muffler (with spark arresting screen): Attenuates exhaust noises and diverts exhaust gases away from the operator. The spark arresting screen reduces the risk of fire.
15. Clamp screw: Must be loosened to rotate the deflector to adjust the depth of cut.
16. Deflector: Designed to reduce the risk of injury from foreign objects flung backwards by the cutting tool.
17. Skirt: Designed to reduce the risk of injury from foreign objects flung backwards by the cutting tool.
18. Cutting blade: Metal cutting blade for cutting grass, weeds, and soft green plants.
19. Depth wheel: Rolls on the ground and keeps the edger's cutting blade at a preset height for the required depth of cut.

Safety Precautions

⚠️ Warning! Because an edger is a high-speed, fast-cutting power tool, special safety precautions must be observed to reduce the risk of personal injury. Read, fully understand, and observe all safety precautions and warnings.

Operator Physical Condition

You must be in good physical and mental condition, not under the influence of any substance (drugs, alcohol, etc.) that might impair vision, dexterity, or judgment. Do not operate an edger when fatigued. Be alert; if you get tired, take a break. Tiredness can lead to loss of control.

If you have a condition that might be aggravated by strenuous work, consult your doctor before operating an edger. Prolonged exposure to vibrations may produce whitefinger disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or carpal tunnel syndrome. Monitor your hands and fingers closely. Seek medical advice if symptoms appear.

Proper Clothing and Protection

⚠️ Warning! Edger operation can cause serious injury to eyes, ears, and person. Always wear appropriate protective gear.

• Eye Protection: Never operate an edger without wearing goggles or properly fitted safety glasses with adequate top and side protection complying with ANSI Z 87.1. A face shield or face screen over goggles/glasses is recommended for face protection.
• Hearing Protection: Wear sound barriers (ear plugs or ear mufflers) to protect your hearing.
• Hand Protection: Protect your hands with gloves when handling the edger and cutting tool. Heavy-duty, nonslip gloves improve grip and protection.
• Body Protection: Wear sturdy, snug-fitting clothing that allows complete freedom of movement. Avoid loose-fitting items like jackets, scarves, neckties, jewelry, flared or cuffed pants, or unconfined long hair that could catch on moving parts. Wear long pants made of heavy material. Do not wear shorts.
• Footwear: Good footing is essential. Wear sturdy boots with nonslip soles. Do not operate barefoot or in open sandals. Steel-toed safety boots are recommended.
• Head Protection: Wear an approved safety hard hat if there is a danger of head injuries.

General Operating Safety

⚠️ Warning! The use of any edger may be hazardous. The rotating cutting tool can cause severe injury upon contact. Contact with solid foreign objects can fling them or cause blade damage (cracks, chips, breaks). Thrown objects or damaged blades can cause injury.

• Minors should never use an edger.
• Keep bystanders, especially children, and animals away from the operating area.
• Never let the edger run unattended.
• Do not lend or rent your edger without the owner's manual. Ensure the user understands the manual's information.
• Safe use involves the operator, the edger, and proper use.

Fueling Safety

⚠️ Warning! Never attempt to fuel a running or hot engine. Gasoline vapor pressure can build up. Remove the fuel filler cap carefully to release pressure slowly. Never remove the fuel filler cap while the engine is running.

• Select bare ground for fueling and move at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling spot before starting the engine.
• Replace fuel filler cap securely and check for tightness.
• Wipe off any spilled fuel before starting and check for leakage. If fuel or oil leakage is found, do not start or run the engine until the leak is fixed and fuel is wiped away.
• Move at least 10 feet (3 m) from the leakage spot before starting.
• Take care not to get fuel on your clothing; change clothing immediately if this happens.

Starting Safety

Your edger is a one-person machine. Once started, it may fling foreign objects. Ensure bystanders are at least 50 feet (15 m) away. Stop the engine and cutting tool immediately if approached. Start and operate without assistance.

• Place the edger on firm ground or a solid surface in an open area. Maintain good balance and secure footing.
• Ensure the cutting tool is clear of you and all other obstructions and objects.
• When pulling the starter grip, do not wrap the starter rope around your hand. Guide the starter rope to rewind properly; do not let it snap back.

Transporting and Preparation

• Transporting: Always turn off the engine and ensure the cutting attachment has stopped before putting the edger down. When transporting in a vehicle, secure it properly to prevent turnover, fuel spillage, and damage.
• Preparation: Adjust carrying harness and hand grip to suit your size. Ensure the machine is properly balanced for control and less fatigue. Always check your edger for proper condition and operation before starting, particularly the throttle trigger, throttle trigger interlock, stop switch, cutting tool, deflector, and harness.

Fuel Mix and Handling

Your two-stroke engine requires a mixture of brand-name gasoline and quality two-stroke engine oil with TC classification. Use regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane number of 90 ROZ (U.S.A./Canada: pump octane min. 89!). Fuel with a lower octane number may result in preignition ("pinging") and increased engine temperature, risking piston seizure.

Use only STIHL two-stroke engine oil or equivalent TC-classified oils. The recommended mix ratio with STIHL oil is 50:1 (50 parts gasoline to 1 part oil). For other branded oils, use 25:1 (25 parts gasoline to 1 part oil). Do not use BIA or TCW (water-cooled) mix oils.

Handle gasoline with care. Avoid direct skin contact and inhaling fuel vapor. Keep canisters tightly closed. Mix only sufficient fuel for a few days' work, not exceeding 30 days of storage.

Operation Hazards

• Never operate an edger without a properly mounted deflector. Keep the skirt on the deflector adjusted properly.
• Do not overreach. Maintain proper footing and balance.
• Keep hands and feet away from the cutting area.
• This edger is normally used at ground level. Using it above ground level or with the cutting attachment parallel to the ground increases injury risk.
• Never use your edger as a hedge trimmer.
• When using near fences, buildings, tree trunks, or stones, be alert for kick-out or blade damage, and an increased risk of ricochets.
• If the edger strikes a foreign object: stop the engine, disconnect spark plug lead, inspect for damage, and repair before restarting.
• Do not use the starting throttle lock; it removes control of engine speed.
• If the cutting tool or deflector becomes clogged or stuck: turn off the engine, disconnect spark plug lead, and ensure the cutting tool has stopped before cleaning. Keep the lead away from the spark plug. Clean the cutting tool regularly.
• Check cutting tool tightness and condition regularly. If behavior changes, stop the engine and check.
• Replace cracked, bent, warped, damaged, excessively worn, or dull cutting tools immediately. Such tools may shatter at high speed, causing serious or fatal injury.
• A loose blade can cause vibration, cracking, breaking, or flying off. Ensure the blade is properly tightened. If it loosens, stop work immediately. Never use unauthorized parts. Consult your STIHL dealer if the blade continues to loosen.

Working Conditions

• Operate and start your edger only outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Do not operate indoors; exhaust fumes are dangerous.
• Operate under good visibility and daylight conditions only. Work carefully.
• Always hold the edger firmly with both hands, wrapping fingers tightly around the handles, cradled between thumb and forefinger, to maintain control. Ensure handles and grip are in good condition and free of moisture, pitch, oil, or grease.
• Never attempt to operate any edger with one hand; loss of control can result in serious or fatal injury.
• Take special care in slippery conditions (wet ground, snow) and in difficult, over-grown terrain. Watch for hidden obstacles like tree stumps, roots, and ditches to avoid stumbling.
• Stay alert for uneven sidewalks, holes, or similar conditions. Push slowly over rough ground. Do not abuse your edger.
• Before cutting, inspect and clear the area of stones, glass, pieces of metal, trash, or other solid objects.
• Do not use the edger on gravel surfaces.
• Never divert discharge of material toward bystanders, nor allow anyone near the area of operation. Use care in directing discharge to avoid glass enclosures, automobiles, and the like.

Operating Instructions

Your power edger is designed to produce sharp contoured borders around lawns and flower beds. It will cut grass, weeds, and green plants.

Preparations

• If soil is very dry, spray it with water before starting work. This softens the soil and reduces dust. Slightly damp green plants are easier to cut.
• Inspect the work area and clear away any foreign objects to avoid the risk of injury.
• Plan the best route for edging.
• Always hold and operate your edger at the right side of your body.

Starting the Engine

Cold Engine:

• Place the unit on the ground, resting securely on the engine support and depth wheel. Check that the cutting blade is not touching the ground or any other obstacles. Ensure firm footing.
• Move the stop slide (1) to the "I" (Run) position.
• Hold down the interlock lever (2), squeeze the throttle trigger (3), and engage the spring lock (4) in the notch on the throttle trigger retainer.
• Let go of the throttle trigger, spring lock, and interlock lever in that order. The trigger is now in the starting throttle position.
• Turn the filter cover (5) clockwise to "CHOKE".
• Press the transparent fuel pump bulb (8) at least five times until it is filled with fuel.
• Pull the starter grip slowly with your right hand until it engages, then give it a brisk strong pull. Do not pull out the starter rope more than 70 cm (27"). Guide the starter grip back slowly to rewind properly.
• Continue cranking until the engine runs.

Warm Engine:

• Move the stop slide (1) to the "I" (Run) position.
• Hold down the interlock lever (2) and blip the throttle trigger (3) to disengage the spring lock (4) so the engine can return to idle speed.
• Turn the filter cover (5) counter-clockwise to "RUN". Use this setting if the engine has been running but is still cold.
• Press the transparent fuel pump bulb (8) at least five times until it is filled with fuel.
• Continue cranking until the engine runs.

If the engine doesn't start:

• If the filter cover was not turned to "RUN" quickly enough after the engine began to fire, the combustion chamber may be flooded.
• Remove spark plug terminal (7). Unscrew and dry the spark plug. Move stop slide to "0" position. Hold down interlock lever and open throttle fully. Pull starter rope several times to clear the combustion chamber.

Edging Technique

• Start the engine.
• Start the cut at half throttle and continue cutting at full throttle.
• Hold and guide the unit so that the blade is vertical.
• Cut at a steady pace to avoid making several passes. Walk forward and cut at a rate that suits the blade's performance; do not apply force.
• Do not push the blade into the ground.
• 1 = Gunning sight for cutting blade.

Adjusting Depth of Cut

• Shut off the engine and wait for the cutting blade to come to a complete standstill.
• Loosen clamp screw (1) counter-clockwise.
• Rotate deflector (2): Clockwise to increase depth of cut (A), or counter-clockwise to reduce depth of cut (A).
• The depth of cut varies according to ground unevenness, your height, and how you hold the edger. Rotate the deflector so the cutting blade (3) just touches the top of the soil in the normal working position or breaks the surface no more than 5 mm (3/16") (A).
• Adjust the cutting blade guard so that the arrow on the open side faces away from you. This ensures cuttings and debris are diverted away from the machine and your position.

Stopping the Engine

Move the stop slide (1) to the "0" position.

Stop the engine whenever you leave the operating position.

Maintenance

Please note that the following maintenance intervals refer to normal operating conditions only. If your daily working time is longer than normal or cutting conditions are difficult, shorten the specified intervals accordingly.

The user of the power edger may carry out only the maintenance operations described in this manual. Other repair work may be performed only by an authorized STIHL service shop.

Warranty claims following repairs will be accepted only if the repair has been carried out by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer using original STIHL parts.

Original STIHL parts can be identified by the STIHL part number, the STIHL logo, and the STIHL parts symbol Ⓖ. The symbol may appear alone on small parts.

Assembly

Follow these steps to assemble your STIHL FC 44 edger:

Mounting the Loop Handle

1. Fit the loop handle (1) on the drive tube, 20 cm (8") (A) forward of the control handle (2).
2. Position the clamp (3) against the drive tube and slide it into the loop handle.
3. Fit the square nut (4) in the loop handle, insert the clamp screw (5) from the other side, and tighten down securely.

Adjusting Loop Handle to Most Comfortable Position

1. Release clamp screw (5).
2. Move the loop handle along the drive tube as required.
3. Retighten the clamp screw.

Fitting the Blade

1. Place your power edger on a suitable support so that the blade mounting (1) is facing up.
2. Insert the Allen wrench (2) in the bore (3) and push it in as far as it stops.
3. Rotate the thrust washer (4) and the Allen wrench until the wrench engages and blocks the output shaft.
4. Fit the combination wrench (5) onto the mounting nut (6).
5. Release and unscrew the nut clockwise (left-hand thread).
6. Remove the thrust washer (4).
7. Position the blade (7) on the thrust plate (8).
8. Fit the thrust washer (4) on the output shaft (9).
9. Screw the mounting nut (6) onto the output shaft counter-clockwise and tighten it down securely.
10. If the spring washer (10) on the mounting nut (6) loses its resilience after prolonged use, fit a new nut.

Mounting Depth Wheel

Standard Depth Wheel (1): A = 127 mm (5") diameter, B = 32 mm (1 1/4") wide.

Option Depth Wheel (2): A = 76 mm (3") diameter, B = 50 mm (2") wide.

Removing the depth wheel: Apply combination wrench (3) to collar screw (4). Release and remove screw counterclockwise. Remove the collar screw, depth wheel, and two washers.

Fitting the depth wheel: There are two tapped holes on both sides of the deflector (5). Use tapped hole (6) for the 127 mm (5") diameter depth wheel (A), and tapped hole (7) for the 76 mm (3") diameter depth wheel (A).

Mounting Depth Wheel on Other Side of Deflector

1. Fit the washer (8), wheel (9), and washer (10) with inside diameter B = 10 mm (13/32") on the collar screw (4).
2. Fit the collar screw in the tapped hole, turn it clockwise as far as it stops, and tighten it down securely.

Removing the Skirt

1. Release and take out the screw (1).
2. Remove the washer (2).
3. Lift the skirt (3) off the lug (4) and pull it out of the deflector.

Fitting the Skirt

1. Note the correct position of the skirt (3) relative to the depth wheel (5).
2. Push the skirt into the slot in the deflector (6) until it can be engaged on the lug (4).
3. Fit the washer (2) on the screw (1).
4. Insert and tighten down the screw.

Fueling

Your STIHL edger uses an oil-gasoline mixture for fuel. Refer to the chapter on "Fuel" in your owner's manual for specific details.

⚠️ Warning! Gasoline is an extremely flammable fuel. Use extreme caution when handling gasoline or fuel mix. Do not smoke or bring any fire or flame near the fuel.

Fueling Instructions:

• Fuel your edger in well-ventilated areas, outdoors. Use a fuel container acceptable for the purpose.
• Before 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.
• Change the fuel pick up body every year.
• Before storing your machine for a long period, drain and clean the fuel tank and run the engine until the carburetor is dry.

Fuel Mix Ratios:

The table below shows the recommended mix ratios for gasoline and engine oil:

Notes on Operation

During Break-in Period

A factory-new machine should not be run at high revs (full throttle off load) for the first three tank fillings to avoid unnecessary high loads. As moving parts bed in, frictional resistances are greater during this period. The engine develops maximum power after about 5 to 15 tank fillings.

During Operation

After long periods of full-throttle operation, allow the engine to run at idling speed for a while so that heat can dissipate via cooling air. This protects engine-mounted components (ignition, carburetor) from thermal overload.

After Finishing Work

• Storing for short period: To avoid condensation, fill the fuel tank and keep the unit in a dry place until needed again.
• Storing for a long period: Drain and clean the fuel tank; run the engine until the carburetor is dry.
• Check tightness of nuts and screws (not adjusting screws) at regular intervals and retighten as necessary.

Maintenance and Adjustments

Carburetor Adjustment

The carburetor is factory-adjusted for optimum performance under various barometric pressures and climatic conditions.

Basic Setting (Starting Point for Fine Tuning):

• Check air filter and clean if necessary.
• Carefully screw the low speed adjusting screw (L) down onto its seat (clockwise).
• L: Open 1 full turn.
• H: Open 1 full turn. (This setting must not be changed in any way.)

Adjusting Idle Speed

Start the engine and adjust idling speed with the idle speed adjusting screw (LA) so the cutting blade must not rotate. This is the optimum setting for maximum power, fuel efficiency, and reliable operation.

It is usually necessary to change the setting of the idle speed adjusting screw (LA) after every correction to the low speed adjusting screw (L).

Engine Stops While Idling

Turn the idle speed adjusting screw (LA) clockwise until the engine runs smoothly, ensuring the cutting blade does not rotate.

Carburetor Adjustment Issues

• Cutting blade rotates when engine is idling: Turn the idle speed adjusting screw (LA) counterclockwise until the cutting blade stops rotating, then back off the screw about another half turn.
• Erratic idling behavior, poor acceleration: Idle setting is too lean. Turn the low speed adjusting screw (L) counterclockwise until the engine runs and accelerates smoothly.
• Exhaust smokes at idle speed: Idle setting is too rich. Turn the low speed adjusting screw (L) clockwise until engine speed drops. Then turn the screw back one quarter turn and check that the engine still accelerates smoothly when the throttle is opened.

Checking the Spark Plug

If the engine is down on power, difficult to start, or runs poorly at idling speed, first check the spark plug.

• Remove spark plug (see chapter "Starting").
• Clean dirty spark plug.
• Check electrode gap (A). It should be 0.7 - 0.8 mm (about 0.03"). Readjust as necessary.
• Use only suppressed spark plugs of the approved type.

Rectify faults causing spark plug fouling: Incorrect carburetor setting, too much oil in fuel mix, dirty air filter, unfavorable running conditions (e.g., operating at part load).

Install a new spark plug after approximately 50 operating hours, or earlier if the electrodes are badly eroded.

Lubricating Flexible Shaft

• Check film of lubricant at regular intervals – about every 50 hours of operation for daily users, or once a year for occasional users.
• Use a pencil to mark the position of the gear head on the drive tube.
• Release the clamp screw (1).
• Pull the gear head (2) off the drive tube.
• Pull the flexible shaft (3) out of the drive tube.
• Use STIHL multipurpose grease 0781 120 1109 to coat dry areas of the shaft. Do not apply too much grease; never pump grease into the drive tube.
• If the shaft has turned blue, fit a new one.
• Push shaft (3) into the drive tube – turn it back and forth until distance A is less than 20 mm (3/4").
• Slide the drive tube into the gear head – turn the blade (4) back and forth until the mark is reached.
• Line up the gear head.
• Tighten down the clamp screw.

Gearbox Lubrication

• Check grease level regularly – about every 50 hours of operation.
• Unscrew the filler plug (1). If no grease can be seen on the inside of the filler plug: Screw the tube (2) of STIHL gear lubricant 0781 120 1117 into the filler hole.
• Squeeze grease into the gear housing – about 5 - 10 g (1/4 oz). Do not completely fill the gear housing with grease.
• Refit the filler plug and tighten it down firmly.

Replacing the Cutting Blade

• Never straighten or weld a bent or cracked cutting blade – it might shatter and cause serious or fatal injury. Do not resharpen the blade.
• Replace the blade (1) - Part No. 4133 713 4101 - when its length (A) is no longer sufficient to obtain the required depth of cut (C) and maintain the necessary ground clearance (B).
• To avoid out-of-balance, check the cutting blade on a STIHL balancer 5910 850 2600.

Spark Arresting Screen in Muffler

If the engine is down on power, check the spark arresting screen inside the muffler.

• Slacken off but do not remove the screws (1).
• Pull out the spark arresting screen (2) from underneath the cover (3) in the direction of the arrow.
• Clean the spark arresting screen if necessary. If the screen is damaged or coked up, fit a new one.
• Refit the spark arresting screen. Assemble in the reverse sequence.

Cleaning the Air Filter

If there is a noticeable loss of engine power:

• Turn filter cover (1) to "CHOKE" to prevent dirt falling into the carburetor.
• Take out the screw (2) and pull off the filter cover without turning it.
• Take the foam filter element (3) out of the filter housing.
• Wash the element in fresh, non-flammable cleaning solution (e.g., warm soapy water) and dry it off. Always replace a damaged filter element.
• Install foam filter element (3).
• Fit the filter cover with the choke lever (4) in the closed position, i.e., the choke lever must engage the filter cover.
• Line up the choke mark on the filter cover with "K" of "CHOKE" on the housing.
• Secure the cover with screw (2).