Stihl FS 200 Questions & Answers

Rated for the 50:1 Many use Closer to 25:1 but you get this...You Must Manage your spark arrester. If it plugs up with waste oil, IT WILL NOT START. Spark Plug wrench and remove it. Dip it in gas and use a torch to burn it off. Brass wire brush and clean off. Daylight threw it...Good to Go and put it back in. Common to many machines and not starting correctly.

#1 Squeze hand throttle full and press the lock button on the side. #2 Set Choke full on and press priming bulb 3-5 #3 Ensure Whip or Blade clear of anything to hit. #4 Pull starter cord. #5 Once the engine fires and doesn't continue to run. ***Place Choke at Half. If you don't will flood the engine!!! #6 Repeat start and prepare to use hand thottle out of start mode and adjust choke.. Notes Priming bulb, too much and gas will drip out of bottom of maching. Priming bulb will age and does fail. IF machine fails to start. Check spark plug and if you have used it a lot, check the Spark Arrestor on the muffler. Easy to clean with a torch or flame. IF Plugged Up, the machine will not start!!! Cheers from Bali!!!

Prime 3 times. Make sure its on choke first, when it pulls and fires up you can then switch it from the choke.. Make sure oil mix is spot on

What is the oil/petrol mix for the FS200 engine?

Year 1998, USA, @ $385

I've used an FS 200 for 25 years and it is still strong. I gave it to my son and bought a new one last year for my daughter. It is 36cc with the FS 260, the replacement, the same. Both are beautiful brush cutters and will last a lifetime. I use my 260 on the farm for sedge etc as it is lighter than my 460.

If I was to buy another I'd get the 460 again. It is superb to use and incredibly comfortable and will handle anything up to 35mm with the blade. I use old manual corded heads that take .3 and .4mm cord for the 20 acreas I can't get to with the slasher or outfront mower due to rocks. At double the cost of the others it is a large investment but one you'll enjoy long after you've forgotten the large outlay.

The 200 will take down a 1 1/2 inch soft wood tree with a good saw blade in one pass. Don't know the power rating of the 260 to be certain what it will do. Mind you I don't do a cut like that all the time. I have bent the shaft twice over the years.

I think you'll be happy so long it's not made in China.