Skip to content
STOCK YOUR SHOP: Save Up to 50%. Shop Now >
Northern Tool Equipment Logo TextNorthern Tool Equipment Logo text link to Home.
Print

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

Item# 63933
358 of 1963 reviewers received a sample product or took part in a promotion
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

$249.99

  • Shipping: 

    Not available

  • In Store Only: 

    Sold only in stores - 6 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

1963 Reviews This action will navigate to reviews.

Questions

1–10 of 24 Questions  
Sort by:

  1. Does it use oil

    1 answer

    1. The FS 56 RC‑E runs a 2‑cycle engine that requires a 50:1 gas‑to‑oil premix with no separate oil reservoir.

      Helpful?

  2. Can you use attachments with this?

    1 answer

    1. The STIHL FS 56 RC‑E does not accept pole‑type attachments, as it is not a Kombi‑system powerhead and uses a flex‑shaft drive, but it does support STIHL trimmer heads and approved grass‑cutting blades that mount to its M10×1.0 LH arbor, like the GrassCut 230‑4 steel blade.

      Helpful?

  3. What is the rubberish tubing for that is black with ridges. Sits behind handle?

    1 answer

    1. The black ribbed tubing behind the FS 56 RC‑E loop handle is the factory throttle‑cable protective sheath, which routes and shields the throttle control cable along the shaft.

      Helpful?

  4. 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?

  5. 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?

  6. 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?

  7. 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?

  8. Is the guard removable?

    1 answer

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

      Helpful?

  9. 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?

  10. 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?

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

$9.99
Reg $12.99Save 23%

Order today to get this price.

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. 1963 reviews
358 of 1963 reviewers received a sample product or took part in a promotion

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

Item # 63933

$249.99