{
Chain Saw Safety Manual
English
Contents
This manual contains the safety
Safety Precautions and Working
Techniques
precautions and recommended cutting
techniques outlined in STIHL instruction
manuals for gasoline-powered chain
saws. Even if you are an experienced
chain saw user, it is in your own interest
to familiarize yourself with the latest
instructions and safety precautions
regarding your chain saw.
2
23
25
Maintenance and Care
Main Parts
Please note that the illustrations in the
chapter "Main Parts of the Saw" in this
manual show the chain saws STIHL
MS 171, 181, 211.
Other chain saw models may have
different parts and controls. You should
therefore always refer to the instruction
manual of your particular saw model.
Warning!
Avoid contact of bar tip with any object.
This can cause the guide bar to kick
suddenly up and back, which may result
in serious or fatal injury. To reduce the
risk of kickback injury STIHL recom-
mends the use of STIHL green labeled
reduced kickback bars and low kickback
chains and a STIHL Quickstop chain
brake.
Contact your STIHL dealer or the STIHL
distributor for your area if you do not
understand any of the instructions in this
manual.
{
Chain Saw Safety Manual
1
English
Most of these safety precautions and
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL
chain saws. Different models may have
different parts and controls. See the
appropriate section of your instruction
manual for a description of the controls
and the function of the parts of your
model.
Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques
Warning!
Do not lend or rent your power tool with-
out the instruction manual. Be sure that
anyone using it understands the infor-
mation contained in this manual.
Because a chain saw is a
high-speed, fast-cutting
power tool, special safety
precautions must be
observed to reduce the
risk of personal injury.
Warning!
Safe use of a chain saw involves
The use of this machine may be hazard-
ous.The saw chain has many sharp
cutters. If the cutters contact your flesh,
they will cut you, even if the chain is not
moving. At full throttle, the chain speed
can reach 67 mph (30 m/s).
1
2
3
the operator
the saw
It is important that you
read, fully understand
and observe the following
safety precautions and
warnings. Read the
instruction manual and
the safety instructions
periodically. Careless or
improper use may cause
serious or fatal injury.
the use of the saw.
THE OPERATOR
Use your chain saw only for cutting
wooden objects.
Physical Condition
You must be in good physical condition
and mental health and not under the
influence of any substance (drugs,
alcohol, etc.) which might impair vision,
dexterity or judgment. Do not operate
this machine when you are fatigued.
Warning!
Do not use it for other purposes, since
misuse may result in personal injury or
property damage, including damage to
the machine
Warning!
Reactive forces, including kickback, can
be dangerous. Pay special attention to
the section on reactive forces.
Have your STIHL dealer show you how
to operate your power tool. All safety
precautions that are generally observed
when working with an axe or a hand saw
also apply to the operation of chain
saws. Observe all applicable federal,
state and local safety regulations,
standards and ordinances. When using
a chain saw for logging purposes, for
instance, refer to the OSHA regulations
for "logging operations" at 29 Code of
Federal Regulations 1910.266.
Warning!
Warning!
Minors should never be allowed to use
this power tool. Bystanders, especially
children, and animals should not be
allowed in the area where it is in use.
Be alert – if you get tired, take a break.
Tiredness may result in loss of control.
Working with any power tool can be
strenuous. If you have any condition
that might be aggravated by strenuous
work, check with your doctor before
operating this machine.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury to bystand-
ers and damage to property, never let
your power tool run unattended. When it
is not in use (e.g. during a work break),
shut it off and make sure that unauthor-
ized persons do not use it.
Warning!
Prolonged use of a power tool (or other
machines) exposing the operator to
vibrations may produce whitefinger dis-
ease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or
carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Chain Saw Safety Manual
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Clothing must be sturdy
These conditions reduce the hand's
ability to feel and regulate temperature,
produce numbness and burning
sensations and may cause nerve and
circulation damage and tissue necrosis.
saw chain sharp. A dull chain will
increase cutting time, and pressing
a dull chain through wood will
increase the vibrations transmitted
to your hands.
and snug-fitting, but allow
complete freedom of
movement. Wear long
pants made of heavy
material to help protect
your legs from contact
with branches or brush.
To reduce the risk of cut
injuries, wear pants or
chaps that contain pads
of cut retardant material.
Avoid loose-fitting jack-
ets, scarfs, neckties,
jewelry, flared or cuffed
pants, unconfined long
hair or anything that
could become caught on
branches, brush or the
moving parts of the unit.
Secure hair so it is above
shoulder level.
All factors which contribute to white-
finger disease are not known, but cold
weather, smoking and diseases or
physical conditions that affect blood
vessels and blood transport, as well as
high vibration levels and long periods of
exposure to vibration are mentioned as
factors in the development of whitefinger
disease. In order to reduce the risk of
whitefinger disease and carpal tunnel
syndrome, please note the following:
–
Maintain a firm grip at all times, but
do not squeeze the handles with
constant, excessive pressure. Take
frequent breaks.
All the above-mentioned precautions do
not guarantee that you will not sustain
whitefinger disease or carpal tunnel
syndrome. Therefore, continual and
regular users should closely monitor the
condition of their hands and fingers. If
any of the above symptoms appear,
seek medical advice immediately.
–
Most STIHL power tools are
available with an anti-vibration
(
"AV") system designed to reduce
Warning!
the transmission of vibrations
created by the machine to the
operator's hands. An AV system is
recommended for those persons
using power tools on a regular or
sustained basis.
The ignition system of the STIHL unit
produces an electromagnetic field of a
very low intensity. This field may inter-
fere with some pacemakers. To reduce
the risk of serious or fatal injury, persons
with a pacemaker should consult their
physician and the pacemaker manufac-
turer before operating this tool.
Good footing is very
important. Wear sturdy
boots with nonslip soles.
Steel-toed safety boots
are recommended.
–
–
Wear gloves and keep your hands
warm. Heated handles, which are
available on some STIHL
powerheads, are recommended for
cold weather use.
Wear an approved safety
hard hat to reduce the
risk of injury to your head.
Chain saw noise may
damage your hearing.
Wear sound barriers (ear
plugs or ear mufflers) to
help protect your hearing.
Continual and regular
users should have their
hearing checked
Proper Clothing
Keep the AV system well
Warning!
maintained. A power tool with loose
components or with damaged or
worn AV elements will tend to have
higher vibration levels. Keep the
To reduce the risk of injury, the operator
should wear proper protective apparel.
regularly.
Chain Saw Safety Manual
3
English
Be particularly alert and cautious when
wearing hearing protection because
your ability to hear warnings (shouts,
alarms, etc.) is restricted.
horizontally. Keep the hot muffler away
from your body and the cutting
attachment behind you.
Fuel
Never operate your power tool unless
wearing goggles or properly fitted
Your STIHL power tool uses an oil-
gasoline mixture for fuel (see the
chapter on "Fuel" of your instruction
manual).
protective glasses with adequate top
and side protection complying with ANSI
Z 87.1 (or your applicable national
standard). To reduce the risk of injury to
your face STIHL recommends that you
also wear a face shield or face screen
over your goggles or protective glasses.
the fuel system is tight (no leaks) and
that the controls and safety devices are
working properly. Do not continue
operating this machine if it is damaged.
In case of doubt, have it checked by your
STIHL servicing dealer.
Warning!
Gasoline is an extremely
flammable fuel. If spilled
and ignited by a spark or
other ignition source, it
can cause fire and seri-
Always wear gloves
when handling the
machine and the cutting
tool. Heavy-duty, nonslip
gloves improve your grip
and help to protect your
hands.
THE USE OF THE POWER TOOL
ous burn injury or
property damage. Use extreme caution
when handling gasoline or fuel mix. Do
not smoke or bring any fire or flame near
the fuel or the power tool. Note that
combustible fuel vapor may escape
from the fuel system.
Transporting the Power Tool
Warning!
THE POWER TOOL
To reduce the risk of injury from saw
chain contact, never carry or transport
your power tool with the saw chain mov-
ing. Always engage the chain brake
when taking more than a few steps.
For illustrations and definitions of the
power tool parts see the chapter on
Fueling Instructions
"
Main Parts and Controls."
Warning!
Warning!
Fuel your power tool in well-ventilated
areas, outdoors. Always shut off the
engine and allow it to cool before refu-
eling. Gasoline vapor pressure may
build up inside the fuel tank depending
on the fuel used, the weather conditions
and the tank venting system.
Warning!
Never modify this power tool in any way.
Only attachments supplied by STIHL or
expressly approved by STIHL for use
with the specific STIHL model are
authorized. Although certain unauthor-
ized attachments are useable with
STIHL power tools, their use may, in
fact, be extremely dangerous.
Always switch off the engine, and fit the
chain guard (scabbard) over the chain
and guide bar before transporting the
power tool over longer distances. When
transporting it in a vehicle, properly
secure it to prevent turnover, fuel spill-
age and damage to the unit.
In order to reduce the risk of burns and
other personal injury from escaping gas
vapor and fumes, remove the fuel filler
cap on your power tool carefully so as to
allow any pressure build-up in the tank
to release slowly. Never remove the fuel
filler cap while the engine is running.
If this tool is subjected to unusually high
loads for which it was not designed (e.g.
heavy impact or a fall), always check
that it is in good condition before
It may be carried only in a horizontal
position. Grip the front handle in a
manner that the machine is balanced
continuing work. Check in particular that
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Chain Saw Safety Manual
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Select bare ground for fueling and move
at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling
spot before starting the engine. Wipe off
any spilled fuel before starting your
machine.
Fold the grip flush with
the top of the cap. If the
grip does not lie com-
pletely flush with the cap
and the detent on the grip
does not fit in the corre-
sponding recess in the
filler opening, the cap is
not properly seated and
tightened and you must
repeat the above steps.
Warning!
Always check your power tool for proper
condition and operation before starting,
particularly the throttle trigger, throttle
trigger lockout, stop switch and cutting
tool. The throttle trigger must move
freely and always spring back to the idle
position. Never attempt to modify the
controls or safety devices.
Warning!
Check for fuel leakage while refueling
and during operation. If fuel leakage is
found, do not start or run the engine until
the leak is fixed and any spilled fuel has
been wiped away. Take care not to get
fuel on your clothing. If this happens,
change your clothing immediately. Dif-
ferent models may be equipped with
different fuel caps.
Screw cap
Warning!
Never operate your power tool if it is
damaged, improperly adjusted or main-
tained, or not completely or securely
assembled.
Warning!
Unit vibrations can cause an improperly
tightened fuel filler cap to loosen or
come off and spill quantities of fuel. In
order to reduce the risk of fuel spillage
and fire, tighten the fuel filler cap by
hand as securely as possible.
Cap with grip
Warning!
Warning!
Check that the spark plug boot is
securely mounted on the spark plug – a
loose boot may cause arcing that could
ignite combustible fumes and cause a
fire.
In order to reduce the risk of fuel spill-
age and fire from an improperly
tightened fuel cap, correctly position
and tighten the fuel cap in the fuel tank
opening.
The screwdriver end of
the STIHL combination
wrench or other similar
tool can be used as an
aid in tightening slotted
fuel filler caps.
For proper assembly of the bar and
chain follow the procedure described in
the chapter "Mounting the Bar and
Chain" of your instruction manual.
STIHL Oilomatic chain, guide bar and
sprocket must match each other in
gauge and pitch. Before replacing any
bar and chain, see the chapter entitled
"Specifications" in the instruction
To do this with this STIHL
cap, raise the grip on the
top of the cap until it is
upright at a 90° angle.
Insert the cap in the fuel
tank opening with the tri-
angular marks on the grip
of the cap and on the fuel
tank opening lining up.
Using the grip, turn the
cap firmly clockwise as
far as it will go (approx. a
quarter turn).
See "Fueling" chapter in your instruction
manual.
Before Starting
Take off the chain guard (scabbard) and
inspect the saw for proper condition and
operation. (See the maintenance chart
near the end of the instruction manual.)
manual and the section "Kickback" and
the "ANSI B 175.1-2000 chain saw
chain saw kickback standard" below.
Chain Saw Safety Manual
5
English
Warning!
Warning!
Proper tension of the chain is extremely
important. In order to avoid improper
setting, the tensioning procedure must
be followed as described in your man-
ual. Always make sure the hexagonal
nut(s) for the sprocket cover is (are)
tightened securely after tensioning the
chain in order to secure the bar. Never
start the saw with the sprocket cover
loose. Check chain tension once more
after having tightened the nut(s) and
thereafter at regular intervals (whenever
the saw is shut off). If the chain
To reduce the risk of injury from chain
contact and/or reactive forces, the chain
brake must be engaged when starting
the saw.
Warning!
The second recommended method for
starting your chain saw allows you to
start the saw without placing it on the
ground. Make sure the chain brake is
engaged, grip the front handle of the
chain saw firmly with your left hand.
Keep your arm on the front handle in a
locked (straight) position. Hold the rear
handle of the saw tightly between your
legs just above the knees. Maintain
good balance and secure footing. Pull
the starting grip slowly with your right
hand until you feel a definite resistance
and then give it a brisk, strong pull.
Do not drop start. This method is very
dangerous because you may lose con-
trol of the saw.
There are two recommended methods
for starting your chain saw.
becomes loose while cutting, shut off
the engine and then tighten. Never try to
adjust the chain while the engine is
running!
Keep the handles clean and dry at all
times; it is particularly important to keep
them free of moisture, pitch, oil, fuel mix,
grease or resin in order for you to
maintain a firm grip and properly control
your power tool.
With the first recommended method,
the chain saw is started on the ground.
Make sure the chain brake is engaged
Warning!
Be sure that the guide bar and chain are
clear of you and all other obstructions
andobjects, including the ground. When
the engine is started, the engine speed
with the starting throttle lock engaged
will be fast enough for the clutch to
engage the sprocket and, if the chain
brake is not activated, turn the chain. If
the upper quadrant of the tip of the bar
touches any object, it may cause kick-
back to occur (see section on reactive
forces). To reduce this risk, always
engage the chain brake before starting.
Never attempt to start the chain saw
when the guide bar is in a cut or kerf.
Starting
(
see "Chain Brake" chapter in your
instruction manual) and place the chain
saw on firm ground or other solid surface
in an open area. Maintain good balance
and secure footing.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of fire and burn inju-
ries, start the engine at least 10 feet
(
3 meters) from the fueling spot, out-
Grip the front handlebar of the saw firmly
with your left hand and press down. For
saws with a rear handle level with the
ground, put the toe of your right foot into
the rear handle and press down. With
your right hand pull out the starter grip
slowly until you feel a definite resistance
and then give it a brisk, strong pull.
doors only.
Start and operate your saw without
assistance. For specific starting
instructions, see the appropriate section
of the instruction manual. Proper starting
methods reduce the risk of injury.
6
Chain Saw Safety Manual
English
As soon as the engine is running,
immediately blip the throttle trigger,
which will disengage the starting throttle
lock and allow the engine to settle down
to idle.
Warning!
Keep proper footing and balance at all
times. Special care must be taken in
slippery conditions (wet ground, snow)
andin difficult, overgrownterrain. Watch
for hidden obstacles such as tree
stumps, roots, rocks, holes and ditches
to avoid stumbling. There is increased
danger of slipping on freshly debarked
logs. For better footing, clear away
fallen branches, scrub and cuttings. Be
extremely cautious when working on
slopes or uneven ground.
Warning!
When you pull the starter grip, do not
wrap the starter rope around your hand.
Do not let the grip snap back, but guide
the starter rope to rewind it properly.
Failure to follow this procedure may
result in injury to your hand or fingers
and may damage the starter
Your right hand should grip the rear
handle. This also applies to left-handers.
With your hands in this position, you can
best oppose and absorb the push, pull
and kickback forces of your saw without
losing control (see section on reactive
forces).
mechanism.
Warning!
Important Adjustments
Take extreme care in wet and freezing
weather (rain, snow, ice). Put off the
work when the weather is windy, stormy
or rainfall is heavy.
Warning!
Warning!
To reduce the risk
of serious or fatal
injury to the oper-
atororbystanders
from loss of con-
To reduce the risk of personal injury
from loss of control and/or contact with
the running cutting tool, do not use your
unit with incorrect idle adjustment. At
correct idle speed, the cutting tool
should not move. For directions on how
to adjust idle speed, see the appropriate
section of your instruction manual.
trol, never use the saw with one hand. It
is more difficult for you to control reac-
tive forces and to prevent the bar and
chain from skating or bouncing along
the limb or log. Even for those compact
saws designed for use in confined
spaces, one-handed operation is dan-
gerous because the operator may lose
control.
If you cannot set the correct idle speed,
have your STIHL dealer check your
power tool and make proper
adjustments and repairs.
During Operation
Warning!
Holding and controlling the power
tool
To reduce the risk of cut injuries, keep
hands and feet away from the cutting
tool. Never touch a moving cutting tool
with your hand or any other part of your
body.
Always hold the unit firmly with both
hands on the handles while you are
working. Wrap your fingers and thumbs
around the handles.
Chain Saw Safety Manual
7
English
Warning!
Even though bystanders should be kept
away from the running saw, never work
alone. Keep within calling distance of
others in case help is needed.
Warning!
Position the chain saw in such a way
that your body is clear of the cutting
attachment whenever the engine is
running. Stand to the left of cut while
bucking.
As soon as the engine is
running, this product
generates toxic exhaust
fumes containing chemi-
cals, such as unburned
hydrocarbons (including
Never put pressure on the saw when
reaching the end of a cut. The pressure
may cause the bar and rotating chain to
pop out of the cut or kerf, go out of
control and strike the operator or some
other object. If the rotating chain strikes
some other object, a reactive force may
cause the moving chain to strike the
operator.
benzene) and carbon monoxide, that
are known to cause respiratory prob-
lems, cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm. Some of the gases
(
e.g. carbon monoxide) may be color-
Warning!
less and odorless. To reduce the risk of
serious or fatal injury/illness from inhal-
ing toxic fumes, never run the machine
indoors or in poorly ventilated locations.
If exhaust fumes become concentrated
due to insufficient ventilation, clear
obstructions from work area to permit
proper ventilation before proceeding
and/or take frequent breaks to allow
fumes to dissipate before they become
concentrated.
To reduce the risk of injury from loss of
control, never work on a ladder or any
other insecure support. Never hold the
machine above shoulder height. Do not
overreach.
Working conditions
Operate and start your power tool only
outdoors in a well ventilated area.
Operate it under good visibility and
daylight conditions only. Work carefully.
Warning!
Never work in a tree unless you have
received specific, professional training
for such work, are properly secured
Warning!
Your chain saw is a one-person
machine. Do not allow other persons in
the general work area, even when start-
ing. Stop the engine immediately if you
are approached.
(such as tackle and harness system or a
lift bucket), have both hands free for
operating the chain saw in a cramped
environment and have taken proper pre-
cautions to avoid injury from falling
limbs or branches.
8
Chain Saw Safety Manual
English
housing components) – which can then
increase the risk of injury, e.g., from the
saw chain moving while the engine is
idling.
Warning!
Warning!
Inhalation of certain dusts, especially
organic dusts such as mold or pollen,
can cause susceptible persons to have
an allergic or asthmatic reaction. Sub-
stantial or repeated inhalation of dust
and other airborne contaminants, in par-
ticular those with a smaller particle size,
may cause respiratory or other ill-
Breathing asbestos dust is dangerous
and can cause severe or fatal injury,
respiratory illness or cancer. The use
and disposal of asbestos-containing
products have been strictly regulated by
OSHA and the Environmental Protec-
tion Agency. If you have any reason to
believe that you might be cutting asbes-
tos, immediately contact your employer
or a local OSHA representative.
Warning!
Your chain saw is equipped with a chain
catcher. It is designed to reduce the risk
of personal injury in the event of a
thrown or broken chain. From time to
time, the catcher may be damaged or
removed. To reduce the risk of personal
injury, do not operate a chain saw with a
damaged or missing chain catcher.
nesses. This includes wood dust,
especially from hardwoods, but also
from some softwoods such as Western
Red Cedar. Control dust at the source
where possible. Use good work prac-
tices, such as always cutting with a
properly sharpened chain (which pro-
duces wood chips rather than fine dust)
and operating the unit so that the wind
or operating process directs any dust
raised by the power tool away from the
operator. Follow the recommendations
of EPA/OSHA/NIOSH and occupational
and trade associations with respect to
dust ("particulate matter"). When the
inhalation of dust cannot be substan-
tially controlled, i.e., kept at or near the
ambient (background) level, the opera-
tor and any bystanders should wear a
respirator approved by NIOSH/MSHA
for the type of dust encountered.
Operating instructions
Warning!
Warning!
Do not operate your power tool using
the starting throttle lock, as you do not
have control of the engine speed.
Inspect antivibration elements periodi-
cally. Replace damaged, broken or
excessively worn antivibration elements
immediately, since they may result in
loss of control of the saw. A "spongi-
ness" in the feel of the saw, increased
vibration or increased "bottoming" dur-
ing normal operation may indicate
damage, breakage or excessive wear.
Antivibration elements should always
be replaced in sets. If you have any
questions as to whether the antivibra-
tion elements should be replaced,
consult your STIHL servicing dealer.
In the event of an emergency, switch off
the engine immediately – move the slide
control / stop switch to 0 or STOP.
Warning!
Always stop the engine before putting a
chain saw down.
Warning!
The saw chain continues to move for a
short period after the throttle trigger is
released (flywheel effect).
Warning!
Accelerating the engine while the saw
chain is blocked increases the load and
will cause the clutch to slip continuously.
This may occur if the throttle is
Your saw is not designed for prying or
shoveling away limbs, roots or other
objects. Such use could damage the
cutting attachment or AV system.
depressed for more than a few seconds
when the chain is pinched in the cut or
the chain brake is engaged. It can result
in overheating and damage to important
components (e.g. clutch, polymer
Chain Saw Safety Manual
9
English
Catalytic converter
Warning!
stay clean and need no service or
maintenance. If you experience loss of
performance and you suspect a clogged
screen, have your muffler maintained by
a STIHL servicing dealer.
Warning!
When sawing, make sure that the saw
chain does not touch any foreign mate-
rials such as rocks, fences, nails and the
like. Such objects may be flung off,
damage the saw chain or cause the saw
to kickback.
Some STIHL power tools
are equipped with a cata-
lytic converter, which is
designed to reduce the
exhaust emissions of the
Reactive forces including kickback
Warning!
engine by a chemical
Reactive forces may occur any time the
chain is rotating. Reactive forces can
cause serious personal injury.
process in the muffler. Due to this proc-
ess, the muffler does not cool down as
rapidly as conventional mufflers when
the engine returns to idle or is shut off.
To reduce the risk of fire and burn inju-
ries, the following specific safety
precautions must be observed.
Warning!
The muffler and other parts of the
engine (e.g. fins of the cylinder, spark
plug) become hot during operation and
remain hot for a while after stopping the
engine. To reduce risk of burns do not
touch the muffler and other parts while
they are hot.
Warning!
Since a muffler with a catalytic converter
cools down less rapidly than conven-
tional mufflers, always set your power
tool down in the upright position and
never locate it where the muffler is near
dry brush, grass, wood chips or other
combustible materials while it is still hot.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of fire and burn injury,
keep the area around the muffler clean.
Remove excess lubricant and all debris
such as pine needles, branches or
leaves. Let the engine cool down sitting
on concrete, metal, bare ground or solid
wood (e.g. the trunk of a felled tree)
away from any combustible substances.
The powerful force used to cut wood can
be reversed and work against the
operator. If the rotating chain is suddenly
stopped by contact with any solid object
such as a log or branch or is pinched, the
reactive forces may occur instantly.
These reactive forces may result in loss
of control, which, in turn, may cause
serious or fatal injury. An understanding
of the causes of these reactive forces
may help you avoid the element of
surprise and loss of control. Sudden
surprise contributes to accidents.
Warning!
An improperly mounted or damaged
shroud or a damaged/deformed muffler
shell may interfere with the cooling proc-
ess of the catalytic converter. To reduce
the risk of fire or burn injury, do not con-
tinue work with a damaged or
Warning!
Never modify your muffler. A modified or
damaged muffler could cause an
increase in heat radiation or sparks,
thereby increasing the risk of fire and
burn injury. You may also permanently
damage the engine. Have your muffler
serviced and repaired by your STIHL
servicing dealer only.
improperly mounted cylinder shroud or
a damaged/deformed muffler shell.
The most common reactive forces are:
Your catalytic converter is furnished with
screens designed to reduce the risk of
fire from the emission of hot particles.
Due to the heat from the catalytic
–
–
–
kickback,
pushback,
pull-in.
reaction, these screens will normally
1
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Chain Saw Safety Manual
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Kickback:
The greater the force of the kickback
reaction, the more difficult it becomes for
the operator to control the saw. Many
factors influence the occurrence and
force of the kickback reaction. These
include chain speed, the speed at which
the bar and chain contact the object, the
angle of contact, the condition of the
chain and other factors.
–
must be equipped with at least one
device designed to reduce the risk
of kickback injury, such as a chain
brake, low kickback chain, reduced
kickback bar, etc.
Kickback may occur
when the moving saw
chain near the upper
quadrant of the bar nose
contacts a solid object or
is pinched.
The computer derived angles for saws
below 3.8 cubic inches (62 cm³)
displacement are measured by applying
a computer program to test results from
a kickback test machine.
The type of bar and saw chain you use
is an important factor in the occurrence
and force of the kickback reaction. Some
STIHL bar and chain types are designed
to reduce kickback forces. STIHL
Warning!
The computer derived angles of § 5.11
of ANSI B 175.1-2000 may bear no rela-
tionship to actual kickback bar rotation
angles that may occur in real life cutting
situations.
recommends the use of reduced
kickback bars and low kickback chains.
ANSI B 175.1-2000 chain saw
kickback standard
In addition, features designed to reduce
kickback injuries may lose some of their
effectiveness when they are no longer in
their original condition, especially if they
have been improperly maintained.
Compliance with § 5.11 of ANSI
§
5.11 of ANSI standard B 175.1-2000,
sets certain performance and design
criteria related to chain saw kickback.
To comply with § 5.11 of ANSI
B 175.1-2000:
B 175.1-2000 does not automatically
mean that in a real life kickback the bar
and chain will rotate at most 45°.
a) Saws with a displacement of less
than 3.8 cubic inches (62 cm³)
The reaction of the cutting force of the
chain causes a rotational force on the
chain saw in the direction opposite to the
chain movement. This may fling the bar
up and back in a lightning fast reaction in
an uncontrolled arc mainly in the plane
of the bar. Under some cutting
circumstances the bar moves towards
the operator, who may suffer severe or
fatal injury.
–
–
must, in their original condition,
meet a 45° computer derived
kickback angle when equipped with
certain cutting attachments,
Warning!
In order for powerheads below 3.8 cubic
inches (62 cm³) displacement to comply
with the computed kickback angle
requirements of § 5.11 of ANSI
B 175.1-2000 use only the following cut-
ting attachments:
and must be equipped with at least
two devices to reduce the risk of
kickback injury, such as a chain
brake, low kickback chain, reduced
kickback bar, etc.
b) Saws with a displacement of
.8 cubic inches (62 cm³) and
above
Kickback may occur, for example, when
the chain near the upper quadrant of the
bar nose contacts the wood or is
pinched during limbing or when it is
incorrectly used to begin a plunge or
boring cut.
3
Chain Saw Safety Manual
11
English
–
bar and chain combinations listed
as complying in the "Specifications"
section of the instruction manual or
Warning!
Never operate your chain saw without a
front hand guard. In a kickback situation
this guard helps protect your left hand
and other parts of your body. In addition,
removal of the hand guard on a saw
equipped with a Quickstop chain brake
will deactivate the chain brake.
–
other replacement bar and chain
combinations marked in
accordance with the standard for
use on the powerhead or
–
replacement chain designated "low
kickback saw chain."
See the section on "Low kickback saw
chain and reduced kickback bars."
Warning!
No Quickstop or other chain brake
device prevents kickback. These
Devices for reducing the risk of
kickback injury
devices are designed to reduce the risk
of kickback injury, if activated, in certain
kickback situations. In order for the
Quickstop to reduce the risk of kickback
injury, it must be properly maintained
and in good working order. See the
chapter of your instruction manual enti-
tled "Chain Brake" and the section
STIHL recommends the use of the
STIHL Quickstop chain brake on your
powerhead with green labeled reduced
kickback bars and low kickback chains.
When a kickback occurs, the guide bar
may rotate around the front handle. If the
cutting position is such that the
Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury, never use a
saw if the chain brake does not function
properly. Take the saw to your local
STIHL servicing dealer. Do not use the
saw until the problem has been rectified.
operator's left hand is gripping the front
handle behind the hand guard, and if the
left hand rotates around the front handle
and makes a sufficiently forceful contact
with the front hand guard, which is the
Quickstop activating lever, this contact
will activate a properly maintained
Quickstop chain brake. The chain brake
on newer STIHL chain saws can also be
activated by inertia. If the kickback
forces are sufficiently high, the hand
guard is accelerated towards the bar
nose even without hand contact. See the
chapter entitled "Chain Brake" of your
instruction manual.
"
Maintenance, Repair and Storing" at
the end of these Safety Precautions. In
addition, there must be enough distance
between the bar and the operator to
ensure that the Quickstop has sufficient
time to activate and stop the chain
before potential contact with the
operator.
STIHL Quickstop chain brake
STIHL has developed a chain stopping
system designed to reduce the risk of
injury in certain kickback situations. It is
called a Quickstop chain brake. The
Quickstop chain brake is standard
equipment on your STIHL chain saw.
Warning!
An improperly maintained chain brake
may increase the time needed to stop
the chain after activation, or may not
activate at all.
1
2
Chain Saw Safety Manual
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when the products are in their original
condition. Products with yellow decals or
labels are for users with extraordinary
cutting needs and experience and
specialized training for dealing with
kickback.
Warning!
Warning!
Never run the chain saw above idle
speed for more than 3 seconds when
the chain brake is engaged or when the
chain is pinched or otherwise caught in
the cut. Clutch slippage can cause
excessive heat, leading to severe dam-
age of the motor housing, clutch and
oiler component and may interfere with
the operation of the chain brake. If
clutch slippage in excess of 3 seconds
has occurred, allow the motor housing
to cool before proceeding and check the
operation of your chain brake as
Even if your saw is equipped with a
Quickstop, a reduced kickback bar
and/or low kickback chain, this does not
eliminate the risk of injury by kickback.
Therefore, always observe all safety
precautions to avoid kickback
situations.
STIHL recommends the use of its
green labeled reduced kickback bars,
green labeled low kickback chains
and a STIHL Quickstop chain brake
for both experienced and
Low kickback chain
inexperienced chain saw users.
Some types of saw chain have specially
designed components to reduce the
force of nose contact kickback. STIHL
has developed low kickback chain for
your powerhead.
Please ask your STIHL dealer to
properly match your powerhead with the
appropriate bar/chain combination to
reduce the risk of kickback injury. Green
labeled bars and chains are
described in the chapter entitled "Chain
Brake" of your instruction manual. Also
make sure that the chain is not turning
at idle speed (see above at "Important
Adjustments").
"Low kickback saw chain" is a chain
which has met the kickback
recommended for all powerheads.
performance requirements of § 5.11.2.4
of ANSI B 175.1-2000 (Gasoline-
Powered Chain Saws–Safety
Requirements) when tested in its
original condition on a selected
representative sample of chain saws
below 3.8 cubic inches (62 cm³)
displacement specified in ANSI
B 175.1-2000.
Warning!
Low kickback saw chain and reduced
kickback bars
Use of other, non-listed bar/chain com-
binations may increase kickback forces
and the risk of kickback injury. New
bar/chain combinations may be devel-
oped after publication of this literature,
which will, in combination with certain
powerheads, comply with § 5.11 of
ANSI B 175.1-2000. Check with your
STIHL dealer for such combinations.
STIHL offers a variety of bars and
chains. STIHL reduced kickback bars
and low kickback chains are designed to
reduce the risk of kickback injury. Other
chains are designed to obtain higher
cutting efficiency or sharpening ease but
may result in higher kickback tendency.
Warning!
STIHL has developed a color code
system to help you identify the STIHL
reduced kickback bars and low kickback
chains. Cutting attachments with green
warning decals or green labels on the
packaging are designed to reduce the
risk of kickback injury. The matching of
green decaled powerheads under
There are potential powerhead and bar
combinations with which low kickback
saw chains can be used which have not
been specifically certified to comply with
the 45° computer derived kickback
angle of § 5.11 of ANSI B 175.1-2000.
Some low kickback chains have not
been tested with all powerhead and bar
combinations.
Warning!
Reduced kickback bars and low kick-
back chains do not prevent kickback,
but they are designed to reduce the risk
of kickback injury. They are available
from your STIHL dealer.
3
.8 cubic inches (62 cm³) displacement
with green labeled bars and green
labeled chains gives compliance with
the computed kickback angle
requirements of ANSI B 175.1-2000
Chain Saw Safety Manual
13
English
1.
Hold the chain saw firmly with both
hands and maintain a secure grip.
Don’t let go.
A = Pull-in
Warning!
A dull or improperly sharpened chain
may reduce or negate the effects of the
design features intended to reduce kick-
back energy. Improper lowering or
sharpening of the depth gauges or
shaping of the cutters may increase the
chance and the potential energy of a
kickback. Always cut with a properly
sharpened chain.
2
.
.
Be aware of the location of the guide
bar nose at all times.
3
Never let the nose of the guide bar
contact any object. Do not cut limbs
with the nose of the guide bar. Be
especially careful near wire fences
and when cutting small, tough
A
limbs, small size brush and saplings
which may easily catch the chain.
Pull-in occurs when the chain on the
bottom of the bar is suddenly stopped
when it is pinched, caught or encounters
a foreign object in the wood. The
reaction of the chain pulls the saw
forward and may cause the operator to
lose control.
Reduced kickback bars
STIHL green labeled reduced kickback
bars are designed to reduce the risk of
kickback injury when used with STIHL
green labeled low kickback chains.
4. Don't overreach.
5
.
.
Don't cut above shoulder height.
6
Begin cutting and continue at full
throttle.
Pull-in frequently occurs when the
bumper spike of the saw is not held
securely against the tree or limb and
when the chain is not rotating at full
speed before it contacts the wood.
7
.
.
Cut only one log at a time.
Warning!
8
Use extreme caution when
reentering a previous cut.
When used with other, more aggressive
chains, these bars may be less effective
in reducing kickback.
9. Do not attempt to plunge cut if you
are not experienced with these
cutting techniques.
Bow Guides
Warning!
1
0. Be alert for shifting of the log or
other forces that may cause the cut
to close and pinch the chain.
Use extreme caution when cutting small
size brush and saplings which may eas-
ily catch the chain, be whipped towards
you or pull you off balance.
Warning!
Do not mount a bow guide on any
STIHL chain saw. Any chain saw
equipped with a bow guide is potentially
very dangerous. The risk of kickback is
increased with a bow guide because of
the increased kickback contact area.
Low kickback chain will not significantly
reduce the risk of kickback injury when
used on a bow guide.
11. Maintain saw chain properly. Cut
with a correctly sharpened, properly
tensioned chain at all times.
To avoid pull-in
1
.
Always start a cut with the chain
rotating at full speed and the
bumper spike in contact with the
wood.
12. Stand to the side of the cutting path
of the chain saw.
2
.
The risk of pull-in may also be
reduced by using wedges to open
the kerf or cut.
To avoid kickback
The best protection from personal injury
that may result from kickback is to avoid
kickback situations:
1
4
Chain Saw Safety Manual
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B = Pushback
Felling Instructions
Warning!
There are a number of factors that may
affect and change the intended direction
of fall, e.g. wind direction and speed,
lean of tree, surrounding trees and
obstacles, sloping ground, one-sided
limb structure, wood structure, decay,
snow load, etc. To reduce the risk of
severe or fatal injury to yourself or oth-
ers, look for these conditions prior to
beginning the cut, and be alert for a
change in direction while the tree is
falling.
1
1
/
2
1
1
B
2
/
2
Pushback occurs when the chain on the
top of the bar is suddenly stopped when
it is pinched, caught or encounters a
foreign object in the wood. The reaction
of the chain may drive the saw rapidly
straight back toward the operator and
may cause loss of saw control.
When felling, maintain a distance of at
least 2 1/2 tree lengths from the nearest
person.
When felling in the vicinity of roads,
railways and power lines, etc., take extra
precautions. Inform the police, utility
company or railway authority before
beginning to cut.
Warning!
Always observe the general condition of
the tree. Inexperienced users should
never attempt to cut trees that are
decayed or rotted inside or that are
leaning or otherwise under tension.
There is an increased risk that such
trees could snap or split while being cut
and cause serious or fatal injury to the
operator or bystanders. Also look for
broken or dead branches which could
vibrate loose and fall on the operator.
When felling on a slope, the operator
should stand on the uphill side if
possible.
Pushback frequently occurs when the
top of the bar is used for cutting.
To avoid pushback
Warning!
1
.
Be alert to forces or situations that
may cause material to pinch the top
of the chain.
The noise of your engine may drown
any warning call.
2
3
.
.
Do not cut more than one log at a
time.
Do not twist the saw when
withdrawing the bar from a plunge
cut or underbuck cut because the
chain can pinch.
Cutting Techniques
Felling
Felling is cutting down a tree.
Before felling a tree, consider carefully
all conditions which may affect the
direction of fall.
Chain Saw Safety Manual
15
English
Escape path
Buttress roots
Conventional cut
C
4
5°
5°
A
If the tree has large buttress roots, cut
into the largest buttress vertically first
4
(
horizontally next) and remove the
resulting piece.
C
Gunning sight
First clear the tree base and work area
from interfering limbs and brush and
clean its lower portion with an ax.
Felling notch (C) – determines the
direction of the fall
For a conventional cut:
Then, establish two paths of escape (B)
and remove all obstacles. These paths
should be generally opposite to the
planned direction of the fall of the tree
N
N
Properly place felling notch
perpendicular to the line of fall,
close to the ground.
When making the felling notch, use the
gunning sight on the shroud and housing
to check the desired direction of fall:
Cut down at approx. 45° angle to a
depth of about 1/5 to 1/4 of the trunk
diameter.
(
A) and about at a 45° angle. Place all
tools and equipment a safe distance
away from the tree, but not on the
escape paths.
Position the saw so that the gunning
sight points exactly in the direction you
want the tree to fall.
N
N
Make second cut horizontal.
Remove resulting 45° piece.
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Chain Saw Safety Manual
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Open-face technique
Making sapwood cuts
D =Felling cut
D
D
Felling notch (C) – determines the
direction of the fall
N
N
For medium sized or larger trees
make cuts at both sides of the trunk,
at same height as subsequent
felling cut.
Conventional and open-face technique:
N
N
N
N
Begin 1 to 2 inches (2,5 to 5 cm)
higher than center of felling notch.
For an open-face cut:
N
N
Properly place felling notch
perpendicular to the line of fall,
close to the ground.
Cut horizontally towards the felling
notch.
Cut to no more than width of guide
bar.
Leave approx.1/10 of diameter
uncut. This is the hinge.
This is especially important in softwood
in summer – it helps prevent sapwood
splintering when the tree falls.
Cut down at approx. 50° angle to a
depth of approx.1/5 to 1/4 of the
trunk diameter.
Do not cut through the hinge – you
could lose control of the direction of
the fall.
N
N
Make second cut from below at
approx. 40 degree angle.
Drive wedges into the felling cut where
necessary to control the fall.
Remove resulting 90° piece.
Warning!
If the tip of the bar contacts a wedge, it
may cause kickback. Wedges should be
of wood or plastic – never steel, which
can damage the chain.
Chain Saw Safety Manual
17
English
E = Hinge
Felling cut for small diameter trees:
simple fan cut
Felling cut for large diameter trees
E
E
1
N
N
Helps control the falling tree.
Engage the bumper spikes of the chain
saw directly behind the location of the
intended hinge and pivot the saw around
this point only as far as the hinge. The
bumper spike rolls against the trunk.
Warning!
Do not cut through the hinge – you
could lose control of the direction of
the fall.
Felling a tree that has a diameter
greater than the length of the guide bar
requires use of either the sectioning fell-
ing cut or plunge-cut method. These
methods are extremely dangerous
because they involve the use of the
nose of the guide bar and can result in
kickback. Only properly trained profes-
sionals should attempt these
techniques.
Sectioning method
For the sectioning method make the first
part of the felling cut with the guide bar
fanning in toward the hinge. Then, using
the bumper spike as a pivot, reposition
the saw for the next cut.
1
8
Chain Saw Safety Manual
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If you are inexperienced with a chain
saw, plunge-cutting should not be
attempted. Seek the help of a
professional.
Warning!
2
In order to reduce the risk of personal
injury, never stand directly behind the
tree when it is about to fall, since part of
the trunk may split and come back
towards the operator (barber-chairing),
or the tree may jump backwards off the
stump. Always keep to the side of the
falling tree. When the tree starts to fall,
withdraw the bar, shut off the engine
and walk away on the preplanned
4
The plunge cut is made with the guide
bar nose. Begin the plunge cut by
applying the lower portion of the guide
bar nose to the tree at an angle. Cut until
the depth of the kerf is about the same
as the width of the guide bar. Next, align
the saw in the direction in which the
recess is to be cut.
escape path. Watch out for falling limbs.
With the saw at full throttle, insert the
guide bar in the trunk.
Avoid repositioning the saw more than
necessary. When repositioning for the
next cut, keep the guide bar fully
engaged in the kerf to keep the felling
cut straight. If the saw begins to pinch,
insert a wedge to open the cut. On the
last cut, do not cut the hinge.
Warning!
Be extremely careful with partially fallen
trees which are poorly supported. When
the tree hangs or for some other reason
does not fall completely, set the saw
aside and pull the tree down with a
cable winch, block and tackle or tractor.
If you try to cut it down with your saw,
you may be injured.
Plunge-cut method
Timber having a diameter more than
twice the length of the guide bar requires
the use of the plunge-cut method before
making the felling cut.
Limbing
Enlarge the plunge cut as shown in the
illustration.
Limbing is removing the branches from a
fallen tree.
First, cut a large, wide felling notch.
Make a plunge cut in the center of the
notch.
Warning!
There is an extreme danger of kick-
back at this point. Extra caution must
be taken to maintain control of the
saw. To make the felling cut, follow
the sectioning method described
previously.
Warning!
There is an extreme danger of kickback
during the limbing operation. Do not
work with the nose of the bar. Be
extremely cautious and avoid contact-
ing the log or other limbs with the nose
of the guide bar.
Chain Saw Safety Manual
19
English
Do not stand on a log while limbing it –
you may slip or the log may roll.
Warning!
1
2
Start limbing by leaving the lower limbs
to support the log off the ground. When
underbucking freely hanging limbs, a
pinch may result or the limb may fall,
causing loss of control. If a pinch occurs,
stop the engine and remove the saw by
lifting the limb.
When bucking, do not stand on the log.
Make sure the log will not roll downhill. If
on a slope, stand on the uphill side of
the log. Watch out for rolling logs.
Cut only one log at a time.
Shattered wood should be cut very
carefully. Sharp slivers of wood may be
caught and flung in the direction of the
operator of the saw.
Warning!
2
Be extremely cautious when cutting
limbs or logs under tension (spring
poles). The limbs or logs could spring
back toward the operator and cause
loss of control of the saw and severe or
fatal injury to the operator.
1
Logs under strain:
Bucking
Risk of pinching! Always start relieving
cut (1) at compression side.Then make
bucking cut (2) at tension side. If the saw
pinches, stop the engine and remove it
from the log.
Only properly trained professionals
should work in an area where the logs,
limbs and roots are tangled. Working in
"
blow down" areas is extremely
hazardous. Drag the logs into a clear
area before cutting. Pull out exposed
and cleared logs first.
When cutting small logs, place log
through "V" – shaped supports on top of
a sawhorse. Never permit another
person to hold the log. Never hold the
log with your leg or foot.
MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND
STORING
Maintenance, replacement, or repair
of the emission control devices and
systems may be performed by any
nonroad engine repair establishment
or individual. However, if you make a
warranty claim for a component
which has not been serviced or
Bucking is cutting a log into sections.
2
0
Chain Saw Safety Manual
English
maintained properly or if
nonapproved replacement parts were
used, STIHL may deny coverage.
Tighten all nuts, bolts and screws except
the carburetor adjustment screws after
each use.
Warning!
Use the specified spark plug and make
sure it and the ignition lead are always
clean and in good condition. Always
press spark plug boot snugly onto spark
plug terminal of the proper size. (Note: If
terminal has detachable SAE adapter
nut, it must be securely attached.) A
loose connection between spark plug
terminal and the ignition wire connector
in the boot may create arcing that could
ignite combustible fumes and cause a
fire.
Warning!
Warning!
Use only identical STIHL replacement
parts for maintenance and repair. Use of
non-STIHL parts may cause serious or
fatal injury.
In order for the chain brake on your
STIHL chain saw to properly perform its
function of reducing the risk of kickback
and other injuries, it must be properly
maintained. Like an automobile brake, a
chain saw chain brake incurs wear each
time it is engaged.
Strictly follow the maintenance and
repair instructions in the appropriate
section of your instruction manual.
Please refer to the maintenance chart in
this manual.
The amount of wear will vary depending
upon usage, conditions under which the
saw is used and other factors. Excessive
wear will reduce the effectiveness of the
chain brake and can render it
Warning!
Warning!
Never test the ignition system with the
spark plug boot removed from the spark
plug or with a removed spark plug, since
uncontained sparking may cause a fire.
Always stop the engine and make sure
that the cutting tool is stopped before
doing any maintenance or repair work or
cleaning the power tool.
inoperable.
For the proper and effective operation of
the chain brake, the brake band and
clutch drum must be kept free of dirt,
grease and other foreign matter which
may reduce friction of the band on the
drum.
Warning!
Warning!
Do not operate your chain saw if the
muffler is damaged, missing or modi-
fied. An improperly maintained muffler
will increase the risk of fire and hearing
loss.
Do not attempt any maintenance or
repair work not described in your
instruction manual. Have such work per-
formed by your STIHL servicing dealer
only. For example, if improper tools are
used to remove the flywheel or if an
improper tool is used to hold the fly-
wheel in order to remove the clutch,
structural damage to the flywheel could
occur andcouldsubsequently causethe
flywheel to burst.
For these reasons, each STIHL chain
saw should be returned to trained
personnel such as your STIHL servicing
dealer for periodic inspection and
servicing of the brake system according
to the following schedule:
If your muffler was equipped with a
spark-arresting screen to reduce the risk
of fire, never operate your saw if the
screen is missing or damaged.
Remember that the risk of forest fires is
greater in hot or dry weather.
Heavy usage - every three months,
Moderate usage - twice a year,
Occasional usage - annually.
The chain saw should also be returned
immediately for maintenance whenever
the brake system cannot be thoroughly
cleaned or there is a change in its
operating characteristics.
Keep the chain, bar and sprocket clean;
replace worn sprockets or chains. Keep
the chain sharp. You can spot a dull
chain when easy-to-cut wood becomes
hard to cut and burn marks appear on
the wood. Keep the chain at proper
tension.
Wear gloves when handling or
performing maintenance on saw chains.
Chain Saw Safety Manual
21
English
For any maintenance of the emission
control system please refer to the
maintenance chart and to the limited
warranty statement near the end of the
instruction manual.
Store chain saw in a dry place and away
from children. Before storing for longer
than a few days, always empty the fuel
tank (see chapter "Storing the Machine"
in the instruction manual).
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Chain Saw Safety Manual
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Maintenance and Care
The following maintenance intervals apply for normal operating conditions only. If your daily working
time is longer or operating conditions are difficult (very dusty work area, resin-rich wood, tropical
wood, etc.), shorten the specified intervals accordingly. If you only use the saw occasionally, extend
the intervals accordingly.
Visual inspection (condition, leaks)
X
X
Complete machine
Clean
X
Throttle trigger, trigger interlock, choke lever, stop
switch, Master Control lever (depending on
version)
Check operation
X
X
X
X
Check operation
Have checked by dealer1)
Check
Chain brake
X
X
X
Pickup body/filter in fuel tank
Clean, replace filter element
Replace
X
X
X
X
Fuel tank
Clean
X
X
Chain oil tank
Chain Lubrication
Clean
Check
X
X
X
Inspect, also check sharpness
Check chain tension
Sharpen
X
X
Saw chain
X
X
X
X
Check (wear, damage)
Clean and turn over
Deburr
X
Guide bar
X
X
Replace
X
Chain sprocket
Air filter
Check
Clean
X
X
Replace
X
X
Check
X
Anti-vibration elements
Have replaced by dealer1)
Chain Saw Safety Manual
23
English
The following maintenance intervals apply for normal operating conditions only. If your daily working
time is longer or operating conditions are difficult (very dusty work area, resin-rich wood, tropical
wood, etc.), shorten the specified intervals accordingly. If you only use the saw occasionally, extend
the intervals accordingly.
Cooling inlets
Cylinder fins
Clean
X
X
Clean
X
Check idle adjustment – chain must not rotate
Adjusting Idle Speed
X
X
Carburetor
X
X
Readjust electrode gap
Replace after 100 hours of operation
X
X
Spark plug
All accessible screws and nuts (not adjusting
2
)
Retighten
screws)
Check1)
Spark arresting screen in muffler (not all markets)
Clean, replace if necessary1)
X
Check
X
Chain catcher
Safety labels
Replace
Replace
X
X
1
2
)
STIHL recommends a STIHL servicing dealer.
Firmly tighten down the cylinder base screws of professional saws (3.4 kW or more) after 10 to 20 hours of operation.
)
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Chain Saw Safety Manual
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Main Parts
1
2
3
4
Shroud Twist Lock
Carburetor Adjusting Screws
1
)
Fuel Pump (Easy Start )
13
Shutter (Summer and Winter
Position, only MS 211)
7
5
6
7
8
9
1
1
1
Chain Brake
14
4
Chain Sprocket
1
Chain Sprocket Cover
Chain Catcher
3
8
2
Chain Tensioner (lateral)
0 Bumper Spike
1 Guide Bar
5
10
6
11
2 Oilomatic Saw Chain
9
7
13 Adjusting Wheel for Quick Chain
1)
Tensioner
12
1
4 Handle of Wingnut (Quick Chain
8
1)
Tensioner )
1
1
1
1
5 Oil Filler Cap
6 Muffler
7 Front Hand Guard
8 Front Handle (Handlebar)
17
18
19
19 Spark Plug Boot
2
2
0 Starter Grip
1 Fuel Filler Cap
16
20
22 Master Control Lever
2
2
3 Throttle Trigger
24
4 Throttle Trigger Lockout
15
22
25 Rear Handle
25
2
#
6 Rear Hand Guard
23
Serial Number
26
#
21
1
)
Depending on Model
Chain Saw Safety Manual
25
English
Definitions
12 Oilomatic Saw Chain
22 Master Control Lever
A loop consisting of cutters, tie
straps and drive links.
Lever for choke control, starting
throttle, run and stop switch
position.
1
2
3
Shroud Twist Lock
Lock for shroud.
13 Adjusting Wheel for Quick Chain
Tensioner
23 Throttle Trigger
Carburetor Adjusting Screws
Permits precise adjustment of chain
tension.
Controls the speed of the engine.
For tuning the carburetor.
2
2
4 Throttle Trigger Lockout
Fuel Pump
1
4 Handle of Wingnut (Quick Chain
Must be depressed before the
throttle trigger can be activated.
Provides additional fuel feed for a
cold start.
Tensioner)
Must be released to allow chain to
be tensioned with adjusting wheel.
5 Rear Handle
4
5
Shutter
The support handle for the right
hand, located at the rear of the saw.
With summer and winter positions.
Carburetor is heated in winter
position.
1
5 Oil Filler Cap
For closing the oil tank.
26 Rear Hand Guard
1
6 Muffler
Gives added protection to
operator's right hand.
Chain Brake
Reduces engine exhaust noise and
diverts exhaust gases away from
operator.
A device to stop the rotation of the
chain. Is activated in a kickback
situation by the operator's hand or
by inertia.
Guide Bar Nose
The exposed end of the guide bar.
(not illustrated, see chapter
17 Front Hand Guard
Provides protection against
projecting branches and helps
prevent left hand from touching the
chain if it slips off the handlebar. It
also serves as the lever for chain
brake activation.
"Tensioning the Saw Chain")
6
7
8
Chain Sprocket
The toothed wheel that drives the
saw chain.
Clutch
Couples engine to chain sprocket
when engine is accelerated beyond
idle speed. (not illustrated)
Chain Sprocket Cover
Covers the clutch and chain
sprocket.
Anti-Vibration System
1
1
2
2
8 Front Handle (Handlebar)
The anti-vibration system includes a
number of anti-vibration elements
designed to reduce the
transmission of vibrations created
by the engine and cutting
Chain Catcher
Handlebar for the left hand at the
front of the saw.
Helps to reduce the risk of operator
contact by a chain if it breaks or
comes off the bar.
9 Spark Plug Boot
Connects the spark plug with the
ignition lead.
9
1
1
Chain Tensioner (lateral)
attachment to the operator's hands.
(
not illustrated)
Permits precise adjustment of chain
tension.
0 Starter Grip
The grip of the pull starter, for
starting the engine.
0 Bumper Spike
Toothed stop for holding saw steady
against wood.
1 Fuel Filler Cap
For closing the fuel tank.
1 Guide Bar
Supports and guides the saw chain.
2
6
Chain Saw Safety Manual
English
Chain Saw Safety Manual
27
English
2
8
Chain Saw Safety Manual
!
WARNING!
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
0
457-184-3021
englisch USA
U
www.stihl.com
*
04571843021*
0457-184-3021
