Maico490

If you look down on the top of the gearbox there will be a hole about 1/4" dia on the opposite side to the filler plug. Put a square ended rod of about the right size down this and rotate the head and you will feel it lock. Head will then unscrew but remember it is back thread. To put the blade on you need a nut and washer which the bloke from ebay won't have included with the strimmer. Edit: Got beaten to the draw. Now I'm dead.

Was until last year but hit 50 and it started to hurt too much. Chainsaws and firewood for recreation now.

How about this one. Full on scary on the second run! [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lmE17Dg23w]YouTube - ‪Fastest Vintage tractor in Rush‬‏[/ame]

My first post here after hanging around for a while so hello everyone. I've had quite a bit to do with Stihl 056 saws over the years and would disagree with some of the earlier posts. They mostly run 3/8 chain on 3003 mount bars but you can swap over to .404 if you want. As regards weight they aren't light but not that much heavier than a 064 or 066 and a Super will perform somewhere between the two with not quite the revs but plenty of torque.They come into their own with bars over 24". Below that you need an 8 tooth sprocket (or 9 if you can find one!) to keep up with a smaller new saw. Build quality is very high and they are one of the last all metal Stihl saws. Most of the parts are still available other than pistons and cylinders for the MagII which is rare over here. (93cc and 6.8hp, Super is 87cc and 6.1hp) The main weak point is the Bosch ignition but that can be swapped for a SEM from a TS350 Disc cutter provided you can find a 056 SEM flywheel. As regards value a really good one will make £250 to £300 but you see them for less if rough.The paint work is usually a good guide to how hard a life they have led. If you are only cutting big stuff occasionally they are a real alternative to the 064/066 or newer 660 with the advantage of no choked up exhausts or limited adjustment on the carbs. If you can get one for £100 in good nick with a decent length bar I would snap it up. You can't check the piston easily as the exhaust doesn't come off easily but try and check the compression. It should be over 150psi but I've got a non Super which is over 200psi that will pull a 36" bar no trouble. Hope this helps.