FS 56 RC-E - $219.95 DSRP
A straight-shaft grass trimmer with a fuel-efficient engine and STIHL Easy2Start™.
Designed with a low-emission engine, the versatile straight
shaft FS 56 RC-E STIHL loop handled
trimmer is smooth running to help reduce operator fatigue.
With a simplified new starting procedure, and featuring a semiautomatic
choke that helps prevent flooding, you get a trimmer that’s ideal for homeowners with heavy grass to trim in hard-to-reach
places. Couple this with the Easy2Start™ syst...Read More

Model Features
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Adjustable front handle
The front handle is easily adjustable (360-degree rotation) for comfort.
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Shoulder Strap / Carrying System
Using a shoulder strap or carrying system helps distribute the weight of the equipment for increased operator comfort and improved maneuverability. -
Support strap (4130 007 1020)
Support strap provides additional support while working. -
Fully Lined Drive Shaft
Provides smooth operation and less vibration. -
High Tech Polymer Housing
Housings are lightweight, withstand greater impact and are corrosion-resistant. -
Start/Run/Stop Controls on Handle
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Protected Choke Lever/Knob
Helps prevent damage. -
Throttle Trigger Interlock
Must be depressed before the trigger can be activated. -
Air Filter Cover
Easily removed for fast and easy filter cleaning or replacement. -
Protected or Enclosed Control Cables
Eliminate dangling and loose wires. -
Heavy-Duty Steel-On-Steel Clutch
Centrifugal clutch is designed to reduce slippage. -
Protected Spark Plug
Protected yet easy to change. -
Protected Spark Arrestor Muffler
Has large baffles which 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
By pressing the bulb, this small fuel pump delivers fuel to the carburetor, reducing the number of starting pulls needed after an extended break between uses. -
Loop Handle (R)
Loop handle grass trimmers and brushcutters are ideal for trimming between bushes and shrubs and other areas where space is limited. -
Cutting Heads & Blades Selection Chart
Need help selecting a cutting head or blade for your STIHL trimmer or brushcutter?
Click here to view the Cutting Heads & Blades Selection Chart (PDF Format). -
Built in the USA
Indicates products that are built in the United States from domestic and foreign parts and components. -
Reduced-Emission Engine Technology - Caring for Nature
The STIHL Inc. “Caring for Nature” seal identifies its powered products that are more environmentally conscious, producing zero or low exhaust emissions. STIHL Inc. defines “low exhaust emissions” as being cleaner than EPA and/or CARB exhaust emission standards. -
STIHL Easy2Start™
The STIHL Easy2Start™ system makes starting STIHL outdoor power tools almost effortless, eliminating the need for a strong pull of the starting cord. This advanced starting system is designed to make starting STIHL products easier. The specific system may vary by model, but in each case, a quick pull overcomes the engine’s compression to minimize the strength and effort required to start. Available on selected products.
See it in action! -
Simplified Starting Procedure
To get started, simply pump the fuel primer, set the choke and pull the starter cord. The built-in stop switch allows the user to turn off the engine with a simple press of the button. When the engine is off, the throttle lock automatically returns to the “start” setting. Your power tool will be ready to be started when you’re ready to get back to work.
See it in action!
Standard Features
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Common Features for Trimmers
View the features common to many STIHL trimmers.
Important Information
WARNING! Improper use of any trimmer/brushcutter can cause serious or fatal injury. Read, understand and follow all safety instructions in your instruction manual. To reduce the risk of injury from blade contact, circular saw blades may be used on FS brushcutters that have a limitstop, a bicycle handle and double shoulder harness and not on FS brushcutters with a "J" handle or loop handle. Other rigid blades may be used on FS brushcutters having a bicycle handle, a "J" handle or a loop handle equipped with a barrier bar. To reduce the risk of eye injury always wear proper eye protection. Always use the appropriate deflector for the type of cutting attachment, as explained in your instruction manual.
Note: STIHL engine products with the Caring for Nature logo are cleaner than EPA Standards for exhaust emissions.
Note: STIHL recommends use of fuel with no more than 10% Ethanol content. Using fuel with greater than 10% Ethanol content may cause damage to your equipment and may void your STIHL warranty. Learn More…
WARNING! Improper use of any power tool may cause serious
or fatal injury. Read, understand and follow carefully the operating
and safety instructions in your instruction manual before using such products.
STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL Dealers are for distribution in the United States only.
Click to view the STIHL Limited Warranty Time Periods
STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL Dealers are for distribution in the United States only.
We Also Suggest
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HP Ultra 2-Cycle Engine Oil
HP Ultra is a fully synthetic 2-cycle engine oil specially suited for high performance chainsaws and power tools. This oil has outstanding engine cleaning characteristics, plus “ultra” superior lubricating qualities in comparison to other 2-cycle engine oils. It is ideal for use in STIHL 4-MIX® engines. This oil is biodegradable, degrading by 80% in 21 days.•2.6 oz. bottle makes 1 gallon mix
•5.2 oz. bottle makes 2 gallon mix
•6.4 oz. bottle makes 2 1/2 gallon mix
•12.8 oz. bottle makes 5 gallon mix
STIHL recommends a mix of 50:1 high-quality 89 octane or higher unleaded gasoline to STIHL engine oil. This same mix ratio should be used during break-in.
For Your Safety
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Sleek Line Glasses
A lightweight frame made of nylon offers the ideal combination of durability and comfort. Rubber temple tips and nosepiece offer a pressure-free fit behind the ears and protection from slippage on the nose bridge area. Protective lenses filter 99% of harmful UV rays. -
Tune Up
Hearing protectors with AM/FM tuner and MP3 capable. -
STIHL Landscaper Series™ Gloves
Exclusive deerhide leather provides fantastic wear properties and excellent sense of touch and feel. Naturally soft leather provides all-day working comfort. Sizes available S, M, L, XL.
FS 56 RC-E is rated out of 5 by 722.
Rated 5 out of 5 by Joebobhortonhearsawho from Great trimmer Runs good. Love Stihl products Would buy anything Stihl
Date published: 2018-04-09
Rated 4 out of 5 by 13Rick from Plenty of Power/feeder head needs to reworked Trimmer has great power and starts right up, only issue I’ve had is string and feeder head. I looked at reviews before my purchase and knew this was an issue so I also purchased the heavier string. I used the factory string that was already in trimmer and had the normal not feeding issues non stop. Then I switched to the heavier string and that eased the issue with the string not feeding, but it still stopped feeding and I had to take the head apart several times to re feed the line. I think once I get the line on the head a little straighter it may feed better. I’ve used it on both normal yard grass edging and thorns around the permitted of my 5 acres in some heavy thorns and brush. This trimmer is strong and works great just need a different type of feeder head. Overall it’s a good string trimmer.
Date published: 2018-04-09
Rated 4 out of 5 by Lisa1 from Very good product, but. . . The motor is the best thing about this trimmer. It starts and runs like a charm. I had trouble with the string feed. The trimmer came with really thick line and tightened around itself in the head. So frustrating! I changed out the line to a smaller gauge and it works much better.
Date published: 2018-04-09
Rated 5 out of 5 by Williamp from Great trimmer Best trimmer I've ever owned it sat up for 5 months i took it out the shed gased it up n it started on first pull
Date published: 2018-04-09
Rated 5 out of 5 by bowedleggs from Stihl This does an excellent job and very easy to start and use
Date published: 2018-04-03
Rated 5 out of 5 by Sher from quick start Great product. Easy to use. Weight is not too heavy.
Date published: 2018-04-03
Rated 1 out of 5 by marlowe60 from This trimmer will not release cutting line. Have used this trimmer only one afternoon and had to take the cutter head off to fix the cutting line. (Many times) . The cutting line would not release or would jam together in the cutter head. Extremely disappointed in this trimmer. Would like to take it back.
Date published: 2018-04-03
Rated 5 out of 5 by Yarddog89 from great Machine Have had this machine 2 seasons now still starts up like the day I bought it
Date published: 2018-04-02