STIHL BG 50 Instruction Manual

1.1 Pictograms

The following pictograms are used in this manual and on the machine to convey important information:

• ⛽: Indicates fuel tank, fuel mixture of gasoline and engine oil.
• ⛽: Operate manual fuel pump.

1.2 Symbols in text

• ⚠️ WARNING: Indicates a risk of accident, personal injury, or serious damage to property.
• ℹ️ NOTICE: Indicates a risk of damage to the machine or its components.

1.3 Engineering improvements

STIHL is committed to continuously improving its products. Design, engineering, and appearance may be modified periodically. Some changes may not be reflected in this manual.

2.1 Accessories and spare parts

Only use parts and accessories explicitly approved by STIHL or technically identical ones. Consult your dealer if you have questions. Use only high-quality parts and accessories to prevent accidents and damage.

2.2 Physical fitness

Operate the tool only when rested, in good physical and mental condition. Consult a doctor if any condition could be aggravated by strenuous work. Persons with pacemakers should consult their physician and the manufacturer due to the machine's low-intensity electromagnetic field. Do not operate under the influence of alcohol, medication, or drugs.

2.3 Intended Use

The blower is designed for blow-sweeping leaves, grass, paper, and similar materials in gardens, sports stadiums, car parks, and driveways. It is also suitable for blow-sweeping forest paths. Do not use for any other purpose, as this poses an accident risk. Do not operate or store the machine at temperatures below -10°C, as extreme cold can damage components.

2.4 Personal Protective Equipment / Personal Protective Clothing

Wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment. Clothing should be sturdy but allow complete freedom of movement. Wear close-fitting clothes like a boiler suit, not loose jackets. Avoid clothing, scarves, neckties, or jewelry that could enter the air intake. Tie up long hair. Wear sturdy shoes with non-slip soles.

• ⚠️ To prevent eye injuries, wear close-fitting safety glasses compliant with EN 166. Ensure they fit snugly.
• ? Wear personal sound protection, such as ear defenders.

2.5 Transporting the machine

Always stop the engine before transporting. Secure the machine in a vehicle to prevent overturning, damage, and fuel spillage.

2.6 Refueling

Gasoline is highly flammable. Keep it away from open flames, do not spill fuel, and do not smoke. Always shut off the engine before refueling. Never refuel a hot engine, as spilled fuel can ignite. Open the fuel cap slowly to release pressure. Refuel only in a well-ventilated area. Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately. If fuel spills on clothing, change immediately. Never start the engine if there is a fuel leak, as this can cause severe burns. After fueling, tighten the fuel cap securely to prevent it from loosening due to vibrations.

2.7 Before starting

Ensure the power tool is properly assembled and in good condition, referring to relevant chapters. Check the fuel system for leaks, especially the fuel cap, hose connections, and manual fuel pump. Do not start the engine if leaks are present, as this is a fire risk. Have the machine serviced by a dealer before use. Check that the throttle trigger moves freely and springs back to idle. Ensure the stop switch moves easily to '0'. Verify the spark plug boot is secure; a loose boot can cause sparking and ignite fuel vapors. Inspect the blower wheel and housing for damage. Consult a STIHL servicing dealer if any parts are damaged. Never attempt to modify controls or safety devices. Operating the tool when not properly assembled or in good condition increases the risk of accidents and injury.

2.8 Starting the engine

Start the engine at least 3 meters from the fueling spot, outdoors. Operate the tool with one person only and keep others out of the work area. Do not drop-start; follow the manual's procedure. Place the machine on level ground with secure footing and hold it firmly. Be aware that airflow may eject objects like stones once the engine starts.

2.9 While working

• Do not direct the air blast at bystanders or animals, as the machine can eject small objects at high speed, posing an injury risk.
• In case of danger or emergency, switch off the engine immediately by moving the stop switch to '0'.
• Keep other persons at least 5 meters away to reduce the risk of injury from thrown objects.
• Never leave a running machine unattended.
• Exercise caution in slippery, wet, icy, or sloped conditions to prevent slipping.
• Watch for obstacles like tree stumps, roots, and ditches that could cause tripping.
• Do not work on a ladder or in unstable locations.
• Be especially alert when wearing hearing protection, as it can impair your ability to hear warnings.
• Take breaks when feeling tired or fatigued to prevent accidents.
• Work calmly and carefully in daylight with good visibility. Do not endanger others.
• When blow-sweeping outdoors, watch for small animals.
• After use, place the machine on a level, non-flammable surface away from flammable materials (wood chips, bark, dry grass, fuel) to prevent fire.
• The engine produces toxic exhaust fumes (odorless, invisible, may contain unburned hydrocarbons and benzene). Never run the engine indoors or in poorly ventilated locations, even with a catalytic converter.
• Ensure proper ventilation when working in trenches or confined spaces to avoid serious or fatal injury from toxic fumes.
• Stop work immediately if you experience nausea, headaches, impaired vision, hearing, dizziness, or concentration issues, as these could indicate excessive exhaust gas exposure.
• Inhaled dust can be harmful; wear a dust mask if dust is generated.
• Do not smoke while operating or standing near the power tool, as combustible fuel vapor may escape.
• If the machine has been subjected to heavy impact or a fall, check its condition before continuing work, paying particular attention to the fuel system for leaks and the safety equipment for proper function.
• Do not continue operating a damaged machine; contact a dealer if in doubt.

2.10 Using the blower

The blower is designed for one-handed operation. The operator must hold the control handle with their right hand and grip the tool firmly. When blow-sweeping, be mindful of small animals. Work slowly and move forward, always observing the discharge area of the blower tube. Do not move backward, as this can cause tripping. ⚠️ Operate the machine only with the blower tube fully mounted to prevent injury.

2.11 Working Technique

• To minimize blowing time, use a rake and broom to loosen dirt particles first.
• If necessary, dampen the surface to reduce dust.
• Do not blow particles towards bystanders, children, pets, or open windows. Exercise caution in these situations.
• Dispose of blow-swept debris in rubbish bins; do not blow it onto neighboring properties.
• Operate the blower at reasonable times, avoiding early mornings, late nights, or midday rest periods when people might be disturbed. Observe local quiet hours.
• Operate at the lowest engine speed necessary for the task.
• Check the blower before starting, paying attention to the muffler, air intakes, and air filter.

2.12 Vibrations

Prolonged use may lead to circulation problems in the hands (whitefinger disease). Usage duration depends on factors like hand protection, work breaks, personal circulation tendencies, outside temperature, and grip force. Monitor hand and finger condition; seek medical advice if symptoms like tingling sensations appear.

2.13 Maintenance and Repairs

Service the machine regularly. Only perform maintenance described in this manual; other repairs must be done by a servicing dealer. STIHL recommends authorized STIHL servicing dealers for all service and repair work. Use only high-quality or original STIHL replacement parts designed for your model to avoid accidents and damage. Always shut off the engine before maintenance or cleaning, except for carburetor and idle speed adjustments. Do not turn the engine over with the spark plug removed unless the stop switch is in the 'STOP' or '0' position to prevent fire from uncontained sparking.

3.1 Mounting the Blower Tube

Diagram shows parts 1 (blower tube), 2 (lug), and 3 (fan housing stub). Push the blower tube (1) with lug (2) into the fan housing stub (3) and rotate it in the direction of the arrow to lock it in position.

3.2 Removing the Blower Tube

Diagram shows parts 3 (fan housing stub) and 6 (tab). Use a suitable tool to lift the tab (6) on the fan housing stub (3). Rotate the blower tube in the direction of the arrow and pull it out.

4.1 STIHL MotoMix

STIHL recommends STIHL MotoMix, a pre-blended fuel free of benzene and lead, with a high octane rating, ensuring the correct mixing ratio. It uses STIHL HP Ultra two-stroke engine oil for optimal engine life. MotoMix is not available in all markets.

4.2 Mixing fuel

ℹ️ NOTICE: Unsuitable fuels or incorrect mixing ratios can cause severe engine damage. Low-quality gasoline or engine oil can damage the engine, seals, fuel lines, and fuel tank.

5 Fueling

6 Starting / Stopping the Engine

7 Cleaning the Air Filter

8 Adjusting the Carburetor