Stihl brushcutter grease

[newbury]

Since I'm now the proud owner of a Stihl FS55, FS85, and FS250 I know I'm going to have to grease them.
Any word on how "special" the Stihl brushcutter grease is? Can I pump in almost anything that I use on my tractor etc?
To me it's a royal pain to have to keep track of small special purpose greases.

 

[whistlepig]

I'm not big on keeping special grease's either but I do buy the small tubes of grease for my Stihl trimmers. I have a FS80 and bought a FS100RX last week.

 

[Branchchipper]

Greasing these things is not what you're envisioning.
In fact, forcing in too much grease will force some up the shaft (inside the tube) causing other problems. It doesn't take a lot of grease, and is not a daily task.

The Stihl grease is designed for the high temps and speeds encountered, AND the tube's spout fits nicely on the gearbox opening for a quick, no-pressure dosing.

I am just a long-time rural user, but I have an FS66 and FS250, used continuously on fence lines, blackberries and other nasty stuff.
Both spin string heads, but the 250 also runs big blades about half the time.

I've put countless hours on both since new- in fact, I bought the FS66 in the mid '80s. Neither has ever had any kind of drive train issue.
I think that qualifies as an endorsement of the Stihl grease.

 

[whistlepig]

If you put too much grease in them and water from cutting wet stuff gets up inside the gear casing the casing will freeze and bust. I've done that.

 

[Bird]

How much grease do you use? My FS 55 RC was 7 years old in March, I've been using Stihl's own tube of grease since it screws right into the machine and you don't waste any. And after 7 years, I just bought my second tube of grease.:laughing:

 

[newbury]

How much grease do you use? My FS 55 RC was 7 years old in March, I've been using Stihl's own tube of grease since it screws right into the machine and you don't waste any. And after 7 years, I just bought my second tube of grease.:laughing:

My local Stihl dealer was closed when I posted.
The manual says check every 25 hours of operation and apply up to 5 grams of grease. But looking it up on the web a tube (80 grams) should last me for 400 hours of operation. So I guess I should just go ahead and get a couple of tubes, because I know I'll lose one
One more specialty tool.

 

[whistlepig]

Seven years sounds about right for me too. A tube lasts a very long time. I'm always careful not to fill it all the way to the top of the bolt hole and leave an air gap. That's what the dealer told me to do after my gear case cracked.

 

[newbury]

Seven years sounds about right for me too. A tube lasts a very long time. I'm always careful not to fill it all the way to the top of the bolt hole and leave an air gap. That's what the dealer told me to do after my gear case cracked.

Thanks

Yes, that's what I read in the manual. I like to learn from the experiences of others.

I've had my FS55 for about 3 years and probably 40 hours max and there is stihl plenty of lube.

 

[FunnelWeb]

there is stihl plenty of lube.

Nice. ;-)

 

[oldballs]

Greasing these things is not what you're envisioning.
In fact, forcing in too much grease will force some up the shaft (inside the tube) causing other problems. It doesn't take a lot of grease, and is not a daily task.

The Stihl grease is designed for the high temps and speeds encountered, AND the tube's spout fits nicely on the gearbox opening for a quick, no-pressure dosing.

I am just a long-time rural user, but I have an FS66 and FS250, used continuously on fence lines, blackberries and other nasty stuff.
Both spin string heads, but the 250 also runs big blades about half the time.

I've put countless hours on both since new- in fact, I bought the FS66 in the mid '80s. Neither has ever had any kind of drive train issue.
I think that qualifies as an endorsement of the Stihl grease.

:thumbsup:
Wow....thanks for info on forcing grease up the shaft. I've been using the Stihl grease on my 1983 FS81 brush cutter and have never had a problem. Think I'm on the third tube now but will be more careful about overfill.

 

[V1Rotate]

How do you know if you need more grease? When I remove the plug and look into the gearcase I can see the drive gear, it looks like there is some grease on the teeth but there doesn't appear to be any extra grease surrounding it.
Do I need to put more grease in?

 

[Bird]

How do you know if you need more grease? When I remove the plug and look into the gearcase I can see the drive gear, it looks like there is some grease on the teeth but there doesn't appear to be any extra grease surrounding it.
Do I need to put more grease in?

I'm sure no expert, but if I could see the gears instead of just grease, I'd be adding some grease. Someone else might think differently though.

 

[V1Rotate]

Thanks Bird
I think I'll pick up a tube of grease.

 

[Chilly807]

I picked up a tube a couple of years ago, never did add any. My FS130 is about 6 years old, I probably should check it..

Sean

 

[newbury]

Well since this thread has gone far beyond me capitulating to the "Stihl Grease or Die" what about this scenario:
Saturday at noon - need to brush cut, check the cutter it's low on grease. No dealers open till MONDAY. Don't cut or put in a substitute?

 

[Bird]

Well since this thread has gone far beyond me capitulating to the "Stihl Grease or Die" what about this scenario:
Saturday at noon - need to brush cut, check the cutter it's low on grease. No dealers open till MONDAY. Don't cut or put in a substitute?

When I was repairing/rebuilding mechanics' air tools, the different air tool manufacturers recommended specific grease and/or oil for the different tools, but as I always said, ANY oil & grease is better than NO oil & grease.:laughing: Maybe in your case it depends on "how low"?

 

[whistlepig]

I check mine once in the spring. I fill it to the bottom of the bolt hole and no fuller. Mine seems to need a little grease every two years.

 

[rd_macgregor]

I guess maybe I should look over the manual again (if I can still find it)...I didn't realize these things could even BE greased!
BOB

 

[bigtiller]

I'll do it next time.

Well, my FS90R is 6 years old and next time finally came around thanks to this thread reminding me. I could see plenty of grease on the gears but I added some anyway.

It should be good until next time.

 

[newbury]

I guess maybe I should look over the manual again (if I can still find it)...I didn't realize these things could even BE greased!
BOB

One of the nice things about Stihl is that most of their manuals are on line.
/edit - and I picked up a tube of grease. It better last long!!