FS 40 C-E - $159.99 DSRP SAVE $10.00 on select models
A lightweight, reliable grass trimmer, featuring STIHL Easy2Start™ technology, a low exhaust emission engine and lightweight curved shaft.
Powered by an advanced low-emission engine, the lightweight curved shaft FS 40 C-E STIHL trimmer features Easy2Start™ and a new starting system designed to help prevent flooding — so you can get started with fewer steps. High fuel efficiency, along with excellent balance, makes this trimmer comfortable on the wallet and in the yard.
20% More Fuel-efficient than Previous Model
20% More Fuel-efficient than Previous Model

Model Features
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Adjustable front handle
The front handle is easily adjustable (360-degree rotation) for comfort.
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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! -
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. -
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!
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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STIHL® Pro Mark™ Hearing Protector
Padded stainless steel spring wire headband maintains constant pressure. Easy to adjust. Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): 29. Meets ANSI S3.19-1974 standard.
Colors available: Camouflage, Orange and Grey
FS 40 C-E is rated out of 5 by 372.
Rated 5 out of 5 by mark1 from power there is plenty of power so it takes less time and less work and less fuel and more time to play.
Date published: 2018-04-23
Rated 1 out of 5 by HeadGroundskeeper from I would be ashamed to put my name on a machine with this bump head. I bought this trimmer for my personal use at home. String trimmers should do a few things well. 1. Start, This machine starts and runs excellent. No problems here. 2. Be easy and comfortable to use, I find the ergonomics of this trimmer to also be excellent. 3. Cut and trim plant material with minimal effort, major fail. The trim head on this machine is horrendous. Can't believe a quality company like Stihl puts this junk on their products String will not advance by tapping ground, you must manually advance the line feed. I have purchased several Stihl trimmers through my place of employment and never had a problem with any of them until this model. How bad is it? My recommendation is to keep shopping for a different brand of string trimmer. It's a deal breaker for me. If I could return it, I would, but Stihl doesn't allow returns. Or buy this model and when you are as dissatisfied as I am with your purchase, you'll remember reading this review and saying, that guy tried to warn me.
Date published: 2018-04-20
Rated 5 out of 5 by Johnboy01 from great tool I usually buy throw away weed-eaters every season from Walmart. I decided to invest a little more money for the name brand. Glad I did. easy to start and lightweight. have used 4 times so far this season with out any trouble. my wife loves it and can operate without any help. hope to have reliable service for years to come as I have with the Stihl brand chainsaw(MS290) Ive had for 10 years now.
Date published: 2018-04-19
Rated 3 out of 5 by Lionel207 from A good trimmer Only issue is ease of cold start. It takes me 8-10 pulls to get unit going.
Date published: 2018-04-17
Rated 5 out of 5 by Dale59 from Outstanding trimmer!!!! My FS 40 CE Starts easy and is easy to operate. I bought the Duro Cut Line head and changing out trimmer line is a snap. Very light and easy to handle. Would totally recommend this unit to anyone!!!
Date published: 2018-04-17
Rated 3 out of 5 by Ctcycle from Good power but... I was happy with my purchase at the beginning. After the second time using it the fuel line would rattle off the tank spilling gas everywhere. No big deal at first but then it happen again and again. Every time I go to use it the tank is empty and the trimmer is covered in the fuel mixture.
Date published: 2018-03-27
Rated 5 out of 5 by WestPalmTom from FS 40 C-E This is a great trimmer from an awesome company. My family has been buying commercial STIHL lawn equipment for years (trimmers, edgers, backpack blowers) for the lawn maintenance business. STIHL products seem to always run strong for many years. Take care of your carburetors by not leaving old gas in the machine and it will last a long time. Also use a good quality 2-stroke oil, like the ones from STIHL for good engine protection. I use this trimmer at home in thick St. Augustine (FLORATAM) grass, and it powers through really well... I would buy again.
Date published: 2018-03-26
Rated 3 out of 5 by gltaylor74 from NIce trimmer, issues with auto feed Like many others, I really like the trimmer. This is my first stihl product so was very excited to give it a try. It's powerful and lightweight and does a great job. But like the others I spend much of the time manually advancing the line as the bump and feed just doesn't work well. Me and several others brought trimmered our church field, and I was only one that had to continually stop and manually pull out line. Wanted to really like the product but am disappointed in this one aspect.
Date published: 2018-03-05