Arguably a brand that produces some of the best leaf blowers available, Stihl is a top choice for a powerful leaf blower. Here, we take you through how to start a Stihl leaf blower, from prepping your machine to getting it up and running for the first time.
Gas or electric: How does your Stihl leaf blower run?
Stihl produces leaf blowers that run on two main fuel sources: gas and electric power. For gas-powered Stihl leaf blowers, ensure you top up your fuel before you start. For two-stroke engines (the dominant type of engine for leaf blowers), you’ll need a combination of gasoline and engine oil.
Before you consider how to start a Stihl leaf blower, check your manufacturer's user manual to confirm the correct ratio to use. It's usually one part 2-stroke engine oil to 50 parts gasoline.
For electrically powered Stihl leaf blowers, ensure your battery has been charged before use or the power cord is plugged in.
Learn how to handle a Stihl leaf blower
One of the most crucial things to know about starting a Stihl leaf blower is handling the machine properly. A leaf blower is a seriously powerful piece of equipment. Ensure that you strap a backpack leaf blower to you securely. For handheld Stihl leaf blowers, make sure you grip it securely by the handle when using it.
How to start a Stihl leaf blower
Now you are ready to start up your machine. As our gardening expert, Adam tells us, keep the machine pointed down as you start the leaf blower up for the first time so that you don't allow stones or dust to fly up at random and hit people, pets, or property. Instructions for how to start a Stihl leaf blower:
Professional gardener, Adam Whale, gives his advice on the proper handling of a leaf blower: “Remember, it's a powerful tool. Always point it down and away from you and always carry it by its handle. Keep it simple and it will be a valuable tool.”
1. Start it up
Turn your power switch on and put the master control in the cold-start position. Make sure the throttle interlock is engaged if your model has one.
2. Hold tight
Hold the blower nozzle tightly, pointing it down, and pull the starter handle with the other.
3. Engage the engine
Pull the starter handle sharply, feeling the resistance as you do so. Repeat this motion until you feel and hear the engine engaging. At this point switch the master control to run position.
4. Start the blower
Keep pulling the starter handle until the blower starts.
5. Stabilize the speed
Squeeze the throttle, release the throttle lock and return to idle speed.
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