So You Own A.... Stihl FS 56 Trimmer

#stihl #trimmer #stihltrimmer
So you own a Stihl FS 56 Trimmer--now what? From changing the trimmer head to maintaining the engine, Josh at Carl’s Mower and Saw is here to give you the 4-1-1 on how to make sure your trimmer is always ready to go. You’ll find all of these tips (and more!) in this video.
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/ carlsmower

[@Carlsmower]

Thanks for watching! We're big advocates of shopping and supporting local if you're watching from a different area here's the dealer locator so you can support a local business too. www.stihlusa.com/locator/search/

[@mehrdadyektaparast1368]

I live in an area is full of rocks, can’t be mowed and long grass and weed up to 2 1/2”. Back yard is about an acre and have to pay someone couple of times a year to cut it for us. I want to start doing it myself now. Do I need to go with residential or professional series? Will Fs-56 do the job or should I go with fs91, 94,… please advise guys.

[@Carlsmower]

@@mehrdadyektaparast1368 for power, comfort, and life go FS91

[@mehrdadyektaparast1368]

@@Carlsmower thank you. On my way to Ace hardware. They have one. Just one with no box.

[@jessicagarrett6640]

😮

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Bought mine in 2015... been using it for 8 years; not a single issue. Great tool.

[@stevenbrown5210]

Bought mine this week, like it already! 😊

[@burtvhulberthyhbn7583]

Impeccable performance with mine.

[@dmitry92203]

Sweet. Bought one today. $199 at Rural King.

[@corporal2011]

Just bought the FS56 RC-E today. This guy does a great user video. Entertaining instead of like watching paint dry. Very good video.

[@michaelshone2465]

You definitely seem to enjoy your job and know what your talking about. Small engines and lawn equipment is almost a calling for you! Keep up the enthusiastic presentation and informative videos, you do a good job 👍🏼

[@stinzz3]

By far one of the best explanations on this trimmer. And by doing so I will be getting this model. Thank you very much!

[@consanna]

Thank you. I spent a half a day looking for the grease fitting. It has run flawlessly for eight years, and I wanted to make sure it was ready to go.

[@chrispepin7121]

bought this trimmer today as I had a customer with an overgrown farm to cut. I LOVED IT! it took the tall weeds with ease. I bought the blade head as well so thanks for letting me know its a cable the whole way, ill be sure to pay attention that I don't hit anything crazy and mess up the machine. I thought it had a factory issue when the choke kicked off so im glad to see thats how its supposed to be. keep up the awesome videos !

[@trashcan2064]

I’ve been using this commercially all season and after I threw away the spark arrester I’ve had no issues.

[@joey-mp3qc]

I have a bad habit of running low rpm. $60 for a new carb, gasket, fuel filter, air filter and spark plug.... and it was still bogging down. I cleaned the spark arrestor with carb cleaner and brush. Now it runs like a champ! Great video. Keep em coming!

[@LK-bz9sk]

I purchased this trimmer earlier today. To find and watch this video has been outstanding. So many good tips and probably saved my reading the entire owners manual. I actually picked up the 3.2 liter metal can of premixed gasoline to idiot proof that part for me. The dealer did sell me a metal disc but watching this has given me pause to use it. Thanks so much for this information.

[@Carlsmower]

Enjoy your new machine.

[@StanleyCullerEsq.]

Hey, thanks for posting this video. Josh, you're great at these demos.

[@deliverybryan1138]

I tell every sthil dealer that I visit about you . Good things ! I love your videos bud . Please keep those sthil videos coming !

[@ronbeeman357]

Great machine 5yrs old and still going strong💯💯

[@bibleranger]

I've purchased two of them. One in 2021 and a back up in 2022. I don't use the autocut C 26-2 heads for them but I've kept one for just in case. Instead, I use the ugly head hybrid trimmer head and use 1 foot strips of either 0.080 or 0.095 trimmer line. I also mix my own gas oil using ethanol free gas and stihl 2 cycle oil and I do the maintenance every season.

[@arabiano16]

This guy does a good job explaining things … give him a raiseb

[@brendagordon5512]

Thanks! Your vid helped me figure out how to change heads

[@magnus845]

Best damn review of this trimmer I have seen!!! Thanks man.

[@manueljaramillo9017]

Thank you for you help 🙏🏻💯

[@makiessekukusa5270]

Thank you for the information

[@martintust2250]

Great video and advice. Subtitled too!

[@russwoodward8251]

Excellent. Thanks.

[@johngalv9288]

Good video! thanks. / I have the FS70r, is it an easy start also? I'm having trouble starting it lately.

[@just4kicks640]

You definitely want shoulder straps if using this weedeater more then hour at time.. Its on the heavier side and fairly long so you find yourself pulling&holding it up to get flat cut wich will wear your arms out.. And definitely want mesh screen shield for your face cause this weedeater is a BEAST!!! Will throw rocks half football field with ease.. Nice vid

[@RoadRunner-yu8cu]

yea i can't get it to fit around me...strap is too short and I have a large torso...any suggestions?

[@christopheryavorcik7475]

Great video, very informative.

[@carlsmowerandsaw]

Thank you. Did you purchase one?

[@miguellasa759]

I like the bang door in the backgroung😃

[@carlsmowerandsaw]

I know right 😂. Can’t believe I shoot these videos in a live working dealership.

[@iamdave47]

How do you change the line on the FS 56RC? Please.

[@hrmacdonald4471]

Excellent video!

[@Carlsmower]

Thanks. We try 🙃

[@righteousviking]

Well, everything but adding new line... which is what i needed.

[@kylereeve5282]

Hi, someone on marketplace is selling a Stihl FS52, how does that compare to the FS56?? Thanks for your videos!

[@Given2Fly7173]

So, how do you replace the string it do you just replace the entire head? Don’t think I was listening when it is you went over that?

[@Roccopaul73]

Question : you do not need to grease the gear box?

[@bettybellerive3076]

Great video! I just purchased this trimmer. Starts good, runs good. After running it hard for a couple hours the first day, when it idles it now intermittently makes a high squealing noise. Not an engine noise, but like something is rubbing or catching. Only when at an idle. Any thoughts? I do have a video of the noise, if needed. Thank you!

[@Carlsmower]

We have had some clutch bushing failure. They will need to replace that bushing under warranty. Your good to use it for a bit, once repaired you should never hear that again.

[@bettybellerive3076]

@@Carlsmower thank you muchly!

[@user-ou1ru6uy5o]

Hi, just bought a fs56 and i have a loud chatter on start up and at 1/2 throttle to full throttle. sound comes and goes sound like a marble in housing. could it possibly be the clutch . is this normal?contacted Ace hardware where i bought and said it needs broken in. LOL it sounds broken all right. any help or comments would be greatly appreciated. less than 4 hours on the unit.

[@cloudbase7799]

What are your thoughts on MotoMix for the last fill of the season, but running the trimmer dry for storage? Is it preferred to winterize with fuel in the tank, and if so, why and how much fuel?

[@Carlsmower]

There are different schools of thought on whether the machine should be stored With fuel or run dry. Personally I like to store them with a quarter tank of Motomix

[@quentinhathcock5848]

What can you do with left over fuel in fall.

[@davidc436]

On my 2nd season with my Stihl. 5 acres, full throttle for 5, 6, 7 hours straight. A beast. Killed 2 Ryobi's, 1 Craftsman and 1 POS Echo. The Stihl just goes and goes. Sold on Stihl FOREVER!

[@edwardpulley-mb1dd]

Well Josh I put my spacer on backwards and can't pin it how do I fix that

[@Troygehring]

Best trimmer!

[@tomkrzemecki5166]

Just bought one of these. My dealer said it came with a 1 yr warranty, but doubled if I bought the Ultra oil. Was he wrong???

[@George-on3zm]

That’s interesting never really went through how to change the string.

[@carlsmowerandsaw]

I have separate videos on that

[@jimbojohnny8247]

I accidentally bought 09 mm for my fs56 I hope it still fits???

[@garyr4211]

That tool at 6:25 that came with the machine I didn't get one with my FS 56 Trimmer. What is it called and where can I purchase it?

[@keithienmason4643]

You can buy pre mix gas any were you can think of

[@Carlsmower]

But there are definitely better quality ones

[@keithienmason4643]

I've never used moto mix before and it's to expensive to buy at big blue but it's worth it for your trimmers and will save your trimmer but I mix my own fuel with the Stihl 2cycle oil or I buy the true fuel 50t1 it's to expensive but so worth it for your trimmers but I mixed up my own fuel and oil use on other yards so won't haft to go back and forth to get some pre mixed gas that's why I mix my own fuel and oil 50to1only if I had to use 40to1i would work with it if I had no choice to use it

[@petezereeeah]

Ive had this trimmer since 2020. I regret it. Excellent trimmer, but its a beast. I never needed all this power and weight. Sometimes ,"Go big or go home" can be a pain in the ass.

[@carlsmowerandsaw]

What is your application?

[@MrJohnnyb42]

Thrust plate is important.

[@paulwood9043]

are there other attachments that one can put on it for cutting like little bushes besides grass?

[@Carlsmower]

The poly-cut or duro-cut head. They do make a blade kit but be careful.

[@frogtoesdynamite5741]

why are you not covering how to grease the gearbox? lots of newer model have removed the grease nipple, but it still needs to be done to prevent premature wear

[@heffptbo]

any idea if you can change out the coil shaft for a solid shaft? I like the fs 56; but i put the blade on it occasionally and it chatters at times. Curious is all. And yes, my father does have the 130 that i do use for brush.... but he takes it back from me here and there

[@Carlsmower]

The length of the drive cable is different than a drive shaft. So not really

[@MinecraftPlaystation]

Can you use a garden hose to wash off the trimming section?

[@Carlsmower]

Yes. I would recommend running it after word to “dry” it off.

[@evanstrellec174]

They actually recommend to fully drain the fuel before winter storage. But maybe he knows better

[@TeamTopKick]

Stihl warranty is a year with 2 year warranty with purchase of Stihl HP ultra. The large pack or two or 4 of those moto mix at time of purchase. You can run a blade on that just fine just let it rev up and gain blade speed. The moto mix is awesome. When I purchased mine my dealer filled it up and tested it but what ever crap fuel they out in it wasnt good and sounded like a a cold chainsaw at low rpm. That brrrp bro noise till it got rpm. Burned that crap out tank and ran it out of fuel then filled with moto mix. Alot more power, no more brrrp brrrp and revs higher. Also mine did not include the bar wrench. Safety glasses are a must and the included ones do the job just keep your mouth closed cause you will get stuff in your mouth and eyes. Your going to be covered in stuff. Within 10 minutes of using the trimmer its gonna be covered in green and so will you. The owners manual states priming the bulb as you stated before start up but I've never really had to, starts first pull regardless and didnt notice any difference priming or not. If your going to put the trimmer up I'd run the tank dry. Run moto mix in it then poor out remaining fuel or use it till it shuts down from no fuel and be good. I'd never put up a small engine with fuel in it even if it has stabilizer in it. If you feel alot of vibration then check that the trimmer line length is even. Sometimes bumping the head and letting it feed wont have the line come out even. I usually bump it enough to have enough line to let the cutting blade in the trimmers guard cut and shorten them evenly or you can press the bump head button and pull out the line by hand manually. If you have a good dealer they can have them tune the carb for a fair price for your altitude and fuel mix for max performance and quarantee the carb adjustment and retune afterwards if come out of tune for no extra charge. Stihl customer service is awesome and WILL make any issue right. I had a complaint about my chainsaws I had purchased. And they sent me some upgraded replacement parts free of charge. Stihl is the best.

[@tonyd1149]

Question, please: ¿Does that cutting head come standard on this model trimmer (FS56), kindly? (I like that cutting head, as it takes pre-cut pieced of nylon string). Thank you for making & posting this video.

[@Carlsmower]

Currently the FS56 comes with the AutoCut 26-2

[@tonyd1149]

@@Carlsmower Thank you very much for the kindness of a reply. God[Bible] Bless.

[@rodrogers6895]

How about instructions on greasing it?

[@Moncho68]

Very interesting...Greetings from SPAIN

[@carlsmowerandsaw]

Hope it helped

[@Moncho68]

@@carlsmowerandsaw Yes Sir

[@toddandangelbrowning2920]

I hate the auto cut. Seems like my line just runs out. Sometimes it feeds out and gets locked in the deflector fouling the head. Am I doing something wrong? Do y’all have a regular head like comes on the 55? I’ve got both, I like the 55 because I’m putting line every 10 minutes on the 56.

[@carlsmowerandsaw]

Easy swap to the OG head

[@JeffB1961]

we purchased a FS56 C-E (bicycle handle) 2 weeks ago . it's my first gas string trimmer . the stock string was junk , the .095 orange Husqvarna titanium was noticeably better but the .105 CF3 Pro line lays waste to brush and briars in the front ditch . and the bicycle handle with a strap is sooo much easier on my bad back , starts as easy as the videos on YT show it to be ... all good ..... but ..... the engine squeals when it's idled for 20 or so seconds till i pull the trigger/throttle . i use ethanol free gas with the stihl premium oil we got t double their warranty and we add two bottles to 2 gallons of gas . any idea what this could be ? should i return it ? take care , jeff

[@Carlsmower]

I agree with you on the trimmer line. As for the squeal, is the idle a bit high that the clutch is partially engaging?

[@MrJohnnyb42]

Advise. Get rid of the spark arrester

[@twbishop]

@3:46 does the gearbox (bearings) need occasional grease? other models use occasional grease.

[@Carlsmower]

FS56 has a non serviceable gearbox

[@eddienorris7067]

@@Carlsmower so the grease box NEVER needs any grease? That doesn't make a lick of sense. I'm definitely no mechanic but, wouldn't it need some new grease at some point?

[@LegitJoyRL]

Hi i live in barbados how can i get this ftom you. Do you ship internationally

[@MrGarcon98]

i have just what you showed and id like to know how to add line to it ? fs 56 is the only number on it ,,,,the book does not give a very good explantion on re stringing new line ! ok so i watched it and you did not cover installing a new line is there another vid some place that does that ? thank you

[@Carlsmower]

I did not cover the head rewinding because the FS 56 has come with a couple different hits over its lifetime but if you tell me what head you have I can do a video for you

[@wdonwelton]

So your thinking my 56 is ig heavy enough to run the chainsaw blade? I have a bunch of 1" alders to cut down and was thinking to purchase the chainsaw blade. Your opinion please

[@carlsmowerandsaw]

I would not recommend that.

[@ridenekked]

Do you know if there is any way to put a hedge trimmer onto this? I've done some searching but so far come up empty handed. I'm trying to avoid buying a whole other unit just to trim my bushes.

[@Carlsmower]

We have customers put gearbox attachments on, a bit of a hassle but take a look at the Kombi attachments. Many of those can be made to fit. You simply remove the string trimmer gearbox by loosening the screw and slide on the hedge trimmer gearbox

[@doobielawson702]

I've had nothing but issues with the head. The string constantly gets bound up. I even had the dealer load it and it still didn't work correctly. What head do you recommend? I use it lightly and would prefer something that I don't have to wind the string into.

[@Carlsmower]

Sorry to hear that. It works well for many but not all. You may be best served with the DuroCut 20-2. What trimmer do you have?

[@doobielawson702]

@@Carlsmower the FS 56 RC. I bought it brand new about seven years ago. It is still in great condition as I have a small lot so it doesn't get used a lot. It's been very frustrating though. I have to stop and fix the string almost every time I use it. If I had to use it to make a living I would have had to get rid of it long ago, it's just not an efficient way to trim the weeds.

[@Carlsmower]

Try fresh, round line and tap more often. One of the most overlooked things is not advancing the line often enough.

[@doobielawson702]

@@Carlsmower the line is brand new. I will try tapping more often though as that's something I don't do. Thank you for the info.

[@TXLoneStar_]

@@doobielawson702 Yep. Tapping every so often keeps it from tightening/binding inside the head. I use.105" trimmer line and only wrap 10'. Lasts longer than I do.

[@stevecole6772]

Ok … I forgot to put that piece you said “ not to forget “ before the spool, now what do I do to get the spool off HELP!

[@Carlsmower]

instagram.com/reel/CbkmXK3DSea/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

[@Carlsmower]

Trick to unlock stuck string trimmer bumphead kzbin.info/www/bejne/eH3Qp4mQidOmfNk

[@daveschidlmeier6425]

Take the plug out. Put a length of 1/8 " aviation cord in the cylinders to lock the piston up. Make sure it long enough so the end is still out. Turn the head clockwise to remove it. Good luck!

[@frasersmith4461]

Any tips to get jammed head off. I didn't put the plate on first before I put on the bump head.

[@Carlsmower]

There should be a video posting on that soon.

[@stevecole6772]

Me too

[@Carlsmower]

@@stevecole6772 not sure when it will hit. Let me see if I can find the "raw video"

[@mranalogman3525]

Thanks for the video but what's up with the closed captions? It's very distracting.

[@3hree6ix94]

I use myn for big hills all summer

[@Carlsmower]

Keep it cut

[@billymarkwell1105]

I just bought this model trimmer......can the gear head be greased?....some Sthil models have a bolt that can be removed for grease but I've not found one on the head of this model....

[@Carlsmower]

The FS56 do not have a grease port, it is considered a non serviceable gearbox. Enjoy the new machine, it’s great for the price.

[@andrei-danielagapie4024]

So you can use it as long as you want without greasing?

[@leogessner2355]

Can I change the head and put on a sweeper attachment? Thanks.

[@carlsmowerandsaw]

Yes/no. You can swap gearboxes but the cable drive is not fond of it.

[@leogessner2355]

@@carlsmowerandsaw Ok, thank you!

[@mattgehrke]

Is this a good trimmer for someone who is over 6ft? I do landscaping and currently use a curved shaft trimmer and at the end of the day my back is killing me from being hunched over for 8hrs

[@carlsmowerandsaw]

Much better than the curved shaft machine

[@mattgehrke]

@carlsmowerandsaw I ended up bitting the bullet and purchasing one. I was fortunate enough to find a second hand one for a good price. I love it much more comfortable when trimming for 6-7 hrs

[@joesee8079]

I'm also 6ft and it's too short. Back hurts. I just ordered a Darwin handle. Hopefully it helps. Really like this weed Wacker. Just put the guard/ adapter kit from stihl so I can put on metal blade on it. It's awesome!

[@FastEddy396]

What sizes of line can this model use?

[@Carlsmower]

With the bump head .095 is the way to go

[@cww180]

I did get the tool or glasses should I go back to the store??

[@carlsmowerandsaw]

Might be worth it. The tool can be useful for maintaining the machine

[@Dvdspecialfeatures]

What about replacing the line?

[@carlsmowerandsaw]

We do have a couple separate videos on the rewinding the head.

[@bounjamin]

Can you install a brush knife on the FS 56 RC?

[@carlsmowerandsaw]

Not recommended. Should really step up to an FS91

[@joesee8079]

Just did. Works great!!

[@jeremiahbrock1450]

Can you get hedgre trimmer attachment?

[@carlsmowerandsaw]

You can but the gearbox swap can be challenging

[@joeraptor1]

Is this model sufficient for about 3-4 hours of work per week or you better off jumping to a more commercial model like the FS70, FS94, or FS91?

[@Carlsmower]

That’s honestly a lot of work compared to most. I would step up to at minimum the FS70 but 91 would be where I would go.

[@joeraptor1]

Thanks for the feedback. I was thinking the same thing. I have been running my part time lawn care business for 30 years. In the past, I have tried the FS100 rx trimmer. Never liked it as you could not feather the trigger so at times it would have way too much power for delicate areas. I was wondering if the current generation of 4 mix trimmers have corrected the issues. I also like the 94r but have heard from end users that it lacks power. Do you have any feedback? Thanks and thank you for the great videos.

[@Carlsmower]

@@joeraptor1 the 91 is going to respond more like the 111RX, the FS70 is going to be a slower throttle response.

[@bl9531]

I don’t want anything in the tank over the winter … but what do I know

[@carlsmowerandsaw]

Everyone has their preferences

[@larryholder5796]

Why do you not show how to grease the gearbox since you have to take the gearbox off to grease it

[@carlsmowerandsaw]

The FS56 uses a sealed non serviceable gearbox

[@MrJohnnyb42]

Moto Mix is good but VERY expensive.

[@Bluebird-qd2rx]

Can the head of a FS 55 RC be put on the FS 56?

[@Carlsmower]

Absolutely

[@daveschidlmeier6425]

Good news. I have both models. My 55 is about 7 years old. Wore the head out last year. Easy replacement. I just picked up a used 56 at a yard sale, With that short plastic coated wire head on it for $50. It looks clean. I'll change the plug and air filter, a good back up.. Also I could switch heads if need be. Good find !!!

[@ronniegibson8577]

This trimmer is the unsung hero of the stihl line-up

[@Carlsmower]

Great machine for the price.

[@MrJohnnyb42]

Do use your door for target practice? LOL!!

[@alfredoghost2306]

How can the gearbox require no maintenance?

[@Carlsmower]

The FS56 has a non greasable gearbox. That would qualify as no maintenance.

[@alfredoghost2306]

@@Carlsmower so is it considered disposable at that point if it's not serviceable? Is there a disassembly process if I wanted to try and grease it anyway?

[@Carlsmower]

@@alfredoghost2306 Stihl expects 500 hours plus. Greasing would require disassembly/removal of bearings. You could rebuild if and when bearings fail or replace the gearbox.

[@alfredoghost2306]

@@Carlsmower ah, I see. I assume that's their garuntee. Right on thanks

[@Carlsmower]

@@alfredoghost2306 most purchases or the FS56 won’t exceed 500 hours. But there are some.

[@paulasmith9368]

Too bad you didnt shoe how to feed the line in correctly. The 1 problem i needed an answer to

[@dmitry92203]

Take the screen off of the exhaust if you're only trimming a small yard in a clean, non wooded area.

[@justinRoo88]

Wow I just bought this and didn't get any of that. No tool, no glasses and a 1 year warranty and a 2 year with purchase of oil. I feel like I got a raw deal now 🤣

[@Carlsmower]

I’m sure you’ll get the 4 year. As long as your dealer registers it. Hopefully they can get it better next time.

[@RoadRunner-yu8cu]

@@Carlsmower i purchased mine on 9/28 and did the product registration for the warranty on their Kiosk in the store...Never got the email confirmation, went back to the store again today and explained, did it again and still nothing...I'm confused how to get this thing registered properly

[@youngcho1150]

The Weight is little heavy!

[@leslieperkins6493]

Can a hedge trimmer attachment be placed on this weed eater

[@Carlsmower]

Kind of yes. The cable drive will spin it. The gearbox does not always like to slide off of the FS56 easily

[@michaels9657]

Ethanol free gas isn't in anybody vocabulary in my part of the woods

[@Carlsmower]

Stay tuned! The problems will come.

[@kyleBlittle]

​@@Carlsmoweris stihl extra sensitive to ethanol? I have ran Echo for 15 years and they don't give me any issue.

[@Anonymous_9037]

Echo speed feed is better

[@Carlsmower]

What do you like most about the Speed Feed?

[@maxprado9030]

cant find one video thats actually my model . im taking mine back and hiring mexicans

[@Carlsmower]

What model do you have.

[@RoadRunner-yu8cu]

😂😂😂

[@victormejia3590]

You funny

[@JUDGEME5150]

This thing is a piece of crap. It literally sprays you with grass like the guard isn’t long enough. My featerlite didn’t even do that. I use to wear shorts and do Yardwork. Now I’m forced to wear pants.

[@RoadRunner-yu8cu]

yea i noticed that today too...and i put clean denim on and in 5 minutes they're green...lol

[@TheRapidDescent]

Waste of time. Dude rambles about B.S.

[@Carlsmower]

I guess I was born a ramblin man 🤣 kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2SoiXSfftJ9kKs