Skip to content
TOUGH JOBS DONE RIGHT: Serious Tools Up to 50% Off. Shop the Deals >
Northern Tool Equipment Logo TextNorthern Tool Equipment Logo text link to Home.

Free Gift Card on All Orders Over $100 See Details

Free Gift Card Details

$100 Order
$10
gift card
$250 Order
$25
gift card
$500 Order
$50
gift card
$1000 Order
$100
gift card
  • The promotion will be automatically applied on the Shopping Cart page.
  • To qualify for this offer, your order subtotal must equal $100 or more. Excludes gift cards, free item offers, warranties, Advantage memberships, tax and shipping.
  • Free gift cards will be issued in the form of e-gift cards only, not physical gift cards.
  • E-gift cards will be sent to the email address used in your billing address when your order ships or is picked up.
  • Free e-gift cards expire 10/01/26.
  • Promo code not valid on prior purchases or on Honda and STIHL products and cannot be combined with other promotional offers.
  • Valid online and in participating retail stores.
  • Limited-time offer. Subject to change without notice.
Print

STIHL Gas-Powered Straight Shaft String Trimmer, 27.2cc, 16-1/2in. Cutting Width, Model# FS 56 RC-E

Item# 63933
"Stihl Gas-Powered Straight Shaft String Trimmer, 27.2cc, 16 1/2in. Cutting Width, Model# FS 56 RC-E"
On Sale
STIHL Gas-Powered Straight Shaft String Trimmer, 27.2cc, 16-1/2in. Cutting Width, Model# FS 56 RC-E

This is a carousel with one large zoomable image and a track of thumbnails on the left. Select any of the thumbnail buttons to change the zoomable image on the right. If a thumbnail is a video or 360 degree image thumbnail, or the last thumbnail in the list, the button will open the product media modal.

STIHL Gas-Powered Straight Shaft String Trimmer, 27.2cc, 16-1/2in. Cutting Width, Model# FS 56 RC-E

Click or Tap image to Zoom

$229.99
Reg $259.99Save $30.00

Order today to get this price.

  • Shipping: 

    Not available

  • In Store Only: 

    Sold only in stores - 19 in stock at Fredericksburg VA

  • Easy2Start? system makes starting STIHL outdoor power tools almost effortless, eliminating the need for a strong pull of the starting cord
  • Easily adjustable front handle with 360 degree rotation for comfort
  • Shoulder strap/carrying system helps distribute the weight of the equipment for increased operator comfort and improved maneuverability
  • Support strap provides additional support while working
  • Fully-lined drive shaft provides smooth operation and less vibration

See full description

  • Description

  • Key Specs

  • Reviews

  • Q & A

  • Accessories

  • Warranty

  • Compare

Product Summary

This Stihl Gas-Powered Straight Shaft String Trimmer runs clean and smooth, providing about 5% more power than the Stihl model FS 55 R trimmer. The high-performance, fuel-efficient engine is teamed with an AutoCut® cutting head and effortless Easy2Start technology. Delivers exceptional comfort, performance and maneuverability to get the job done right.
This item may be purchased at select Northern Tool stores. Not available for online order at NorthernTool.com.

What's Included

    (1) Stihl Straight Shaft String Trimmer, Model# FS 56 RC-E

Features + Benefits

  • Easy2Start? system makes starting STIHL outdoor power tools almost effortless, eliminating the need for a strong pull of the starting cord
  • Easily adjustable front handle with 360 degree rotation for comfort
  • Shoulder strap/carrying system helps distribute the weight of the equipment for increased operator comfort and improved maneuverability
  • Support strap provides additional support while working
  • Fully-lined drive shaft provides smooth operation and less vibration
  • High tech polymer housing is lightweight, withstands greater impact and is corrosion-resistant
  • Start/Run/Stop controls are located on the handle for easy access and operation
  • Protected choke lever/knob helps prevent choke damage during operation
  • Throttle Trigger Interlock is a safety precaution that must be depressed before the trigger can be activated
  • Air Filter Cover can easily be removed for fast and simple filter cleaning or replacement
  • Protected or enclosed control cables eliminate dangling and loose wires
  • Heavy-duty steel-on-steel centrifugal clutch is designed to reduce slippage
  • Protected spark plug remains safe yet easy to change
  • Protected spark arrestor
  • Muffler has large baffles to help reduce noise level and contains a screen designed to reduce the emission of sparks
  • Upright translucent fuel tank allows operator to easily check fuel level before starting work
  • Upright position makes it easier to refill
  • Purge pump primer is activated by pressing the bulb to deliver fuel to the carburetor, reducing the number of starting pulls needed after an extended break between uses
  • Loop handle® design is ideal for trimming between bushes and shrubs and other areas where space is limited.
  • Cutting heads and blades selection chart provides the perfect help in selecting a cutting head or blade for your STIHL trimmer or brushcutter (Click here to view the Cutting Heads and Blades Selection Chart (PDF Format). Built in the U.S.A.

Key Specs

AttributeSpecification

item#

63933

Brand

Stihl

Manufacturer's Warranty

2 year limited warranty

Ship Weight

17.2 LB

Product Type

Trimmers

Primary Power Source

Gas

Max. Cutting Width

16.5 in

Cutting Width (in.)

16 1/2

Displacement (cc)

27.2
AttributeSpecification

Fuel Tank Capacity (qt.)

0.36

Engine Displacement

27.2 cc

Fuel Tank Capacity

0.36 qt

Cordless

Yes

Horsepower

1.07 HP

Line Diameter

0.095 in

Shaft Type

Straight

Tool Weight

10.6

Reviews

Questions & Answers

1934 Reviews This action will navigate to reviews.

Questions

1–10 of 21 Questions  
Sort by:

  1. Can you put a different head on this, one that uses the plastic cutter blades?

    1 answer

    1. The trimmer head with the plastic cutter blades, item #5954270 will work with this trimmer.

      Helpful?

  2. Is this product a commercial product 

    1 answer

    1. This trimmer is not considered to be a commercial-grade trimmer. It would be a high-end residential home owner trimmer.

      Helpful?

  3. What this weed eater FS 56 weigh

    1 answer

    1. The STIHL FS 56 RC-E weed eater weighs about 10.6 lb (4.8 kg) without fuel or cutting attachments.

      Helpful?

  4. How do you load the line on this model

    1 answer

    1. To load the line on this shaft string trimmer, align the arrows on the head, insert the line through the eyelets until even, then twist the spool cap clockwise to wind the line. The line should be wound until about 6 inches extends from each side.

      Helpful?

  5. Is the guard removable?

    1 answer

    1. The guard is removable by removing the screw that holds it on.

      Helpful?

  6. What other heads can I put on it

    1 answer

    1. The recommended head Northern Tool carries for this string trimmer would be item 64076.

      Helpful?

  7. What size cord do you use for the recoil start?

    1 answer

    1. The recoil cord size is 2.7 MM x 9.10 MM (0.1063" x 0.3937").

      Helpful?

  8. how to change the string

    1 answer

    1. To change the line on this trimmer, remove the spark plug for safety, then press the notches on the side of the trimmer head to pop it open. With the head open, feed approximately 20 to 22 feet of the trimmer line through the center eyelets until the ends are even. Then, wind the line by turning the spool clockwise until it's fully wound. The line is then ready for use.

      Helpful?

  9. can this trimmer add the edger attachment

    1 answer

    1. The FS 56 R-CE is not compatible with gear box attachments.

      Helpful?

  10. Is this abump feed string head

    1 answer

    1. The string trimmer would feature a bump and feed system.

      Helpful?

Accessories We Recommend

This is a carousel with auto-rotating slides. Activate any of the buttons to disable rotation. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots.

See All Ear Plugs + Dispensers
3M Reusable Corded Earplugs, NRR 25dB, Model# 90586-80000
3.8 out of 5 stars. 13 reviews

3M Reusable Corded Earplugs, NRR 25dB, Model# 90586-80000

Item # 174630

$2.99
See All Motor Oil + Transmission Fluids
Honda 5W-30 Motor Oil, 1 Quart, Model# 08207-5W30
4.8 out of 5 stars. 9 reviews

Honda 5W-30 Motor Oil, 1 Quart, Model# 08207-5W30

Item # 1707001

$12.99

Warranty

Manufacturer's Warranty

2 year limited warranty

Extend Your Warranty Coverage with a Northern Protection Plan (NPP)

Replacement Plan — 1 Year

A Northern Protection Plan is available after adding the product to your shopping cart.

Recently Viewed Items

This is a carousel with auto-rotating slides. Activate any of the buttons to disable rotation. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots.

STIHL Gas-Powered Straight Shaft String Trimmer, 27.2cc, 16-1/2in. Cutting Width, Model# FS 56 RC-E
4.5 out of 5 stars. 1934 reviews

STIHL Gas-Powered Straight Shaft String Trimmer, 27.2cc, 16-1/2in. Cutting Width, Model# FS 56 RC-E

Item # 63933

$229.99
Reg $259.99Save $30.00

Order today to get this price.