Stihl 017 018 Manual

STIHL 017 018  

Instruction Manual  

Owner’s Manual  

Assembling  

Safety Precautions  

Operating Instructions  

Maintenance  

Warning!  

To reduce risk of kickback injury use STIHL reduced kickback  

3 3  

bar and STIHL PMN ( ⁄8 ꢀ Picco) or PM 1 ( ⁄8 ꢀ Picco) chain depending  

Read and follow all safety precautions  

in Owner’s Manual – improper use  

can cause serious or fatal injury.  

on sprocket pitch or other available low kickback components.  

© Andreas Stihl 1993  

Important Safety Precautions for Chain Saw Users  

A. Kickback Safety Precautions  

Warning!  

take several steps to keep your  

cutting jobs free from accident or  

injury.  

6. Follow manufacturer’s  

sharpening and maintenance  

instructions for the saw chain.  

!

Kickback may occur when the nose  

or tip of the guide bar touches an  

object, or when the wood closes in  

and pinches the saw chain in the  

cut. Tip contact in some cases may  

cause a lightning fast reverse  

reaction, kicking the guide bar up  

and back towards the operator.  

Pinching the saw chain along the  

top of the guide bar may push the  

guide bar rapidly back towards the  

operator. Either of these reactions  

may cause you to lose control of the  

saw which could result in serious  

personal injury.  

1.  

With a basic understanding of  

kickback, you can reduce or eli-  

minate the element of surprise.  

Sudden surprise contributes to  

accidents.  

7. Only use replacement bars and  

chains specified by the manu-  

facturer or the equivalent.  

8. Reduced kickback bars and low  

kickback chains are designed  

to reduce the risk of kickback  

injury. Ask your STIHL dealer  

about these devices.  

2.  

Keep a good firm grip on the  

saw with both hands, the right  

hand on the rear handle,  

and the left hand on the front  

handle, when the engine is run-  

ning. Use a firm grip with  

thumbs and fingers encircling  

the chainsaw handles.  

B. Other Safety Precautions  

1. Do not operate a chainsaw with  

one hand! Serious injury to the  

operator, helpers, bystanders,  

or any combination of these  

persons may result from one-  

handed operation. A chainsaw  

is intended to be used with two  

hands.  

A firm grip will help you reduce  

kickback and maintain control  

of the saw.  

Section 5.12 of ANSI B 175.1-1991  

sets certain performance and  

design criteria related to chainsaw  

kickback. STIHL has developed a  

color code system using green and  

yellow to help you select a power-  

head, bar and chain combination  

that complies with the kickback  

requirements of the ANSI Standard.  

See the sections entitled "Safety  

Precautions" and "Specifications"  

of this manual.  

Don’t let go.  

3.  

Make sure the area in which you  

are cutting is free from obstruc-  

tions. Do not let the nose of the  

guide bar contact a log, branch,  

or any other obstruction while  

you are operating the saw.  

2. Do not operate a chainsaw when  

you are fatigued.  

3. Use safety footwear; snug-fitting  

clothing; protective gloves; and  

eye, hearing, and head protect-  

ion devices.  

4

.

.

Cut at high engine speeds.  

5

Do not overreach or cut above  

shoulder height.  

Do not rely exclusively upon the  

safety devices built into your saw.  

As a chainsaw user, you should  

continued on the back inside cover  

Contents  

Main Parts of the Saw  

Definitions  

2

3

During Operation  

37  

37  

38  

38  

39  

39  

40  

41  

41  

This manual contains operating and  

safety instructions for all STIHL 017, 018  

series chainsaws.  

After Finishing Work  

Cleaning Air Filter  

Safety Precautions  

4

-

-

-

-

The Operator  

4

Taking Care of Guide Bar  

Motormanagement  

Pay special attention to the safety  

precautions outlined on the inside cover  

and on pages 4 to 24.  

The Saw  

6

The Use of the Saw  

Maintenance, Repair and Storing  

6

Adjusting Carburetor  

Spark Arresting Screen in Muffler  

Checking Spark Plug  

Starter Rope  

21  

25  

Allow only persons who understand this  

Manual to operate your chainsaw.  

To receive maximum performance and  

satisfaction from your STIHL chainsaw,  

it is important that you read and under-  

stand the maintenance and safety  

precautions before using your saw.  

Contact your STIHL dealer or the  

STIHL distributor for your area if you do  

not understand any of the instructions in  

this Manual.  

Mounting the Bar and Chain:  

-

Models with Quick Chain Tensioner* 26  

Tensioning the Saw Chain  

Checking Chain Tension  

Fuel Mix  

28  

29  

29  

30  

31  

31  

31  

32  

31  

33  

37  

Checking and Replacing Chain  

Sprocket  

42  

42  

Storing the Machine  

Maintaining and Sharpening  

Saw Chain  

Fueling  

Chain Lubricant  

43  

46  

47  

48  

Filling Chain Oil Tank  

Checking Chain Lubrication  

Chain Brake  

Maintenance Chart  

Specifications  

Ordering Spare Parts  

Stihl Incorporated Limited Warranty  

Federal and California Emission  

Control Systems Utility Engines  

Information Before You Start  

Starting  

!

During Break-in Period  

49  

Warning!  

Because a chainsaw is a high-speed  

wood-cutting tool, some special safety  

precautions must be observed as with  

any other power saw to reduce the risk of  

personal injury. Careless or improper use  

may cause serious or even fatal injury.  

STIHL’s philosophy is to continually  

improve all of its products. As a result,  

engineering changes and improvements  

are made from time-to-time. If the opera-  

ting characteristics or the appearance of  

your saw differ from those described in  

this Manual, please contact your STIHL  

dealer for information and assistance.  

*

Special equipment  

Printed on chlorine-free paper  

2000 Andreas Stihl AG & Co., Waiblingen  

0

458 143 3021. M5. C0. PM. Printed in USA  

017, 018  

1

Main Parts of the Saw  

1

2

3

4

5

6

= Twist lock  

= Spark plug boot  

= Decompression valve *  

= Chain brake  

= Chain sprocket  

= Chain sprocket cover  

2

7 = Chain catcher  

3

8

9

= Chain tensioner  

= Adjusting wheel of quick tensioner *  

1

9

1

0 = Bumper spike  

10  

4

11 = Guide bar  

12 = Oilomatic saw chain  

11  

9

5

8

6

12  

7

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

3 = Oil filler cap  

4 = Muffler  

5 = Front hand guard  

6 = Front handle (handlebar)  

7 = Starter grip  

1

6

15  

8 = Fuel filler cap  

9 = Master Control lever  

0 = Throttle trigger  

1

7

21 = Throttle trigger interlock  

2

2 = Rear handle  

2

3 = Rear hand guard  

14  

21  

19  

22  

20  

13  

* Special accessory  

23  

18  

2

017, 018  

Definitions  

1

.

Carburetor Box Cover Twist Lock  

11. Guide Bar  

Supports and guides the saw chain.  

21. Throttle Trigger Interlock  

Must be depressed before the  

throttle trigger can be activated.  

Lock for carburetor box cover.  

2.  

Spark Plug Boot  

12. Oilomatic Saw Chain  

A loop consisting of cutters, tie  

straps and drive links.  

Connects the spark plug with the  

ignition wire.  

22. Rear Handle  

The support handle for the right  

hand, located at or toward the  

rear of the saw.  

3.  

Decompression Valve  

13. Oil Filler Cap  

Releases compression pressure to  

make starting easier.  

For closing the oil tank.  

23. Rear Hand Guard  

Gives added protection to  

operator’s right hand.  

14. Muffler  

Reduces engine exhaust noise and  

directs the exhaust gases.  

4.  

Chain Brake  

A device to stop the rotation of the  

chain if activated in a kickback  

situation by the operator’s hand or  

by inertia.  

Guide Bar Nose  

15. Front Hand Guard  

The exposed end of the guide bar.  

Provides protection against  

projecting branches and helps  

prevent left hand from touching the  

chain if it slips off the handle bar.  

It also serves as the lever for chain  

brake activitation  

(

not illustrated, see chapter  

5.  

Chain Sprocket  

“Tensioning the Saw Chain”).  

The toothed wheel that drives the  

saw chain.  

Clutch  

Couples engine to chain sprocket  

when engine is accelerated beyond  

idle speed.  

6.  

Chain Sprocket Cover  

Covers the clutch and the sprocket.  

1

6. Front Handle  

(not illustrated).  

Handle bar for the left hand at  

front of saw.  

7.  

Chain Catcher  

Helps to reduce the risk of operator  

contact by a chain when it breaks  

or comes off the bar.  

Anti-Vibration System  

The anti-vibration system includes  

a number of buffers designed to  

reduce the transmission of  

vibrations created by the engine and  

cutting attachment to the  

1

7. Starter Grip  

The grip of the starter, for starting  

the engine.  

8.  

Chain Tensioner  

Permits precise adjustment of chain  

tension.  

18. Fuel Filler Cap  

For closing the fuel tank.  

operator’s hands.  

(not illustrated).  

9

1

0

.

Adjusting Wheel  

19. Master Control Lever  

Lever for choke control,  

starting throttle, run and  

stop switch position.  

Permits precise adjustment of chain  

tension.  

0. Bumper Spike  

Toothed stop for holding saw steady  

against wood.  

20. Throttle Trigger  

Controls the speed of the engine.  

17, 018  

3

Safety Precautions  

The use of any chainsaw  

Have your STIHL dealer show you how  

to operate your chainsaw. Observe all  

applicable local safety regulations,  

standards and ordinances.  

Safe use of a chainsaw involves  

may be hazardous.  

The saw chain has many  

1. the operator  

2. the saw  

sharp cutters. If the  

cutters contact your flesh,  

3. the use of the saw.  

they will cut you, even if the chain is not  

moving. At full throttle, the chain speed  

can reach 45 mph (20 m/s). It is impor-  

tant that you read, fully understand  

and observe the following safety precau-  

tions and warnings. Read the Owner’s  

Manual and the safety instructions  

periodically.  

!

Warning!  

Minors should never be allowed to use a  

chainsaw. Bystanders, especially  

THE OPERATOR  

children, and animals should not be  

allowed in the area where a chainsaw is  

in use. Never let the saw run unattended.  

Store it in a locked place away from  

children and empty the fuel tank before  

storing for longer than a few days.  

Physical Condition  

You must be in good physical condition  

and mental health and not under the  

influence of any substance (drugs,  

alcohol) which might impair vision,  

dexterity or judgment.  

Pay special attention to the section on  

reactive forces.  

Do not lend or rent your  

chainsaw without the  

Do not operate a chainsaw when you are  

fatigued. Be alert – If you get tired while  

operating your chainsaw, take a break.  

Tiredness may result in loss of control.  

Working with any chainsaw can be  

strenuous. If you have any condition that  

might be aggravated by strenuous work,  

check with your doctor before operating  

a chainsaw.  

!

Warning!  

Owner‘s Manual. Be sure  

that anyone using your  

Reactive forces, including kickback, can  

be dangerous. Careless or improper use  

of any chainsaw may cause serious or  

fatal injury.  

saw reads and under-  

stands the information contained in this  

manual.  

All safety precautions that are generally  

observed when working with an ax or a  

hand saw also apply to the operation of  

chainsaws. However, 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.  

These safety precautions and warnings  

apply to the use of all STIHL chainsaws.  

Different models may have different  

parts and controls. See the appropriate  

section of your Owner’s Manual for a  

description of the controls and function  

of the parts of your model saw.  

!

Warning!  

Prolonged use of chainsaws (or other  

machines) exposing the operator to  

vibrations may produce whitefinger  

disease (Raynaud’s phenomenon) or  

carpal tunnel syndrome. These conditions  

4

reduce the hand’s ability to feel and  

regulate temperature, produce numb-  

ness and burning sensations and may  

cause nerve and circulation damage and  

tissue necrosis.  

–

–

Keep the saw chain sharp and the  

saw, including the AV system, well  

maintained. A dull chain will in-  

crease cutting time, and pressing a  

dull chain through wood will in-  

crease the vibrations transmitted to  

your hands. A saw with loose com-  

ponents or with damaged or worn  

AV buffers will also tend to have  

higher vibration levels.  

Clothing must be sturdy  

and snug-fitting, but allow  

complete freedom of  

movement. Avoid loose-  

fitting jackets, scarfs,  

neckties, jewelry, flared or cuffed pants,  

unconfined long hair or anything that  

could become entangled with the saw or  

brush. Wear overalls or jeans with a  

reinforced cut retardant insert or cut  

retardant chaps.  

All factors which contribute to whitefinger  

disease are not known, but cold weather,  

smoking and diseases or physical condi-  

tions 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 develop-  

ment 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 pressures.  

Take frequent breaks.  

Protect your hands with  

gloves when handling  

saw and saw chain.  

Heavyduty, nonslip  

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 monitor closely the  

condition of their hands and fingers.  

If any of the above symptoms appear,  

seek medical advice immediately.  

gloves improve your grip  

and protect your hands.  

–

Many STIHL models are available  

with an anti-vibration (“AV”) system  

designed to reduce the transmission  

of vibrations created by the engine  

and cutting attachment to the  

operator’s hands. An AV system is  

recommended for those persons  

using chainsaws on a regular or  

sustained basis.  

Good footing is most  

important in chainsaw  

work. Wear sturdy boots  

with nonslip soles.  

Steel-toed safety boots  

are recommended.  

Proper Clothing  

To reduce the risk of injury to your eyes  

never operate a chainsaw unless  

wearing goggles or properly fitted safety  

glasses with adequate top and side  

protection complying with your national  

standard.  

–

Wear gloves and keep your hands  

warm. Heated handles, which are  

available on most STIHL power-  

heads, are recommended for cold  

weather use.  

!

Warning!  

To reduce the risk of injury, the operator  

should wear proper protective apparel.  

5

Wear an approved safety  

hard hat to protect your  

THE USE OF THE SAW  

head. Chainsaw noise  

Transporting the chainsaw  

may damage your  

hearing. Always wear  

!

sound barriers (ear plugs  

Warning!  

or ear mufflers) to protect your hearing.  

Continual and regular users should have  

their hearing checked regularly.  

Always stop the engine before putting a  

chainsaw down or carrying it. Carrying a  

chainsaw with the engine running is  

extremely dangerous.  

THE SAW  

Accidental acceleration of the engine  

can cause the chain to rotate. During  

operation, the powerhead muffler and  

the material around it reach extremely  

high temperatures. Avoid touching the  

hot muffler, you could receive serious  

burns.  

Parts of the chainsaw; for illustrations  

and definitions of the parts see the  

chapter on “Main Parts of Saw”.  

!

Warning!  

Never modify a chainsaw in any way.  

Only attachments and parts supplied by  

STIHL or expressly approved by STIHL  

for use with the specific STIHL saw  

models are authorized. Although certain  

unauthorized attachments are useable  

with the STIHL powerhead, their use  

may, in fact, be extremely dangerous.  

By hand: When carrying your saw by  

hand, the engine must be stopped and  

the saw must be in the proper position.  

The chain guard (scabbard) should be  

over the chain and the guide bar, which  

should point backwards. When carrying  

your saw, the bar should be behind you.  

Grip the front handle and place the  

muffler away from the body.  

By vehicle: When transporting in a  

vehicle, keep chain and bar covered with  

the chain guard. Properly secure your  

saw to prevent turnover, fuel spillage  

and damage to the saw.  

6

Preparation for the use of the saw  

and thereafter at regular intervals (when-  

ever the saw is shut off). If the chain  

becomes loose while cutting, shut off the  

engine and then tighten. Never try to  

tighten the chain while the engine is  

running!  

Fueling Instructions  

Warning!  

Take off the chain guard and inspect for  

safety in operation. For assembly, follow  

the procedure described in the chapter  

!

Fuel your chainsaw in well-ventilated  

areas, outdoors only. Always shut off the  

engine and allow it to cool before refue-  

ling. Gasoline vapor pressure may build  

up inside the gas tank of a two cycle  

engine depending on the fuel used, the  

weather conditions, and the venting  

system of the tank. In order to reduce  

the risk of burns or other personal injury  

from escaping gas vapor and fumes,  

remove the fuel filler cap on the STIHL  

product carefully so as to allow any  

pressure build-up in the tank to release  

slowly. Never remove fuel filler cap while  

engine is running.  

“

Mounting the Bar and Chain” of your  

Owner’s Manual.  

STIHL Oilomatic chain, guide bar and  

sprocket must match each other in  

gauge and pitch.  

Fueling  

Your STIHL chainsaw uses an oil-gaso-  

line mixture for fuel (see chapter “Fuel”  

of your Owner’s Manual).  

Before replacing any bar and chain,  

see the sections on “Specifications”,  

"

Kickback" and the "ANSI B 175.1-1991  

!

chainsaw kickback standard" in this  

manual.  

Warning!  

Gasoline is an extremely flammable fuel.  

If spilled or ignited by a spark or other  

ignition source, it can cause fire and  

serious burn injury or property damage.  

Use extreme caution when handling  

gasoline or fuel mix.  

!

Warning!  

Select bare ground for fueling and move  

at least 10 feet (3 m) from fueling spot  

before starting the engine. Wipe off any  

spilled fuel before starting your saw, and  

check for leakage.  

Proper tension of the chain is extremely  

important. In order to avoid improper  

setting, the tensioning procedure must  

be followed as described in your manual.  

Always make sure the hexagonal nut(s)  

for the sprocket cover is (are) tightened  

securely after tensioning the chain.  

Do not smoke or bring  

any fire or flame near the  

fuel or the chainsaw.  

Note that combustible  

fuel vapors may be vented  

from the fuel system.  

!

Warning!  

Never start the saw with the sprocket  

cover loose. Check chain tension once  

more after having tightened the nut(s)  

Check for fuel leakage while refueling  

and during operation. If fuel or oil leakage  

is found, do not start or run the engine  

until leak is fixed and spilled fuel has  

been wiped away. Take care not to get  

fuel on your clothing. If this happens,  

change your clothing immediately.  

7

!

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 fuel filler cap by hand with as  

much force as possible.  

The screwdriver end of  

the STIHL combination  

wrench or other similar  

tool can be used as an aid  

in tightening slotted fuel  

filler caps.  

Starting  

The chain brake must be engaged when  

starting the saw.  

With the first method, the chainsaw is  

started on the ground. Make sure the  

chain brake is engaged (see “Chain  

Brake” chapter in your Owner’s Manual)  

and place the chainsaw on firm ground  

or other solid surface in an open area.  

Maintain good balance and secure  

footing.  

The second recommended method for  

starting your chainsaw allows you to start  

the saw without placing it on the  

!

Warning!  

Your chainsaw is a one-person saw.  

Do not allow other persons to be near  

the running chainsaw. Start and operate  

your saw without assistance. For specific  

starting instructions, see the appropriate  

section of the Owner’s Manual. Proper  

starting methods reduce the risk of injury.  

Do not drop start. This method is very  

dangerous because you may lose control  

of the saw.  

ground. Make sure the chain brake is  

engaged, grip the front handle of the  

chainsaw 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.  

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.  

There are two recommended methods  

for starting your chainsaw.  

8

Important adjustments  

!

Warning!  

To reduce the risk of personal injury from  

loss of control or contact with the  

running chain, do not use a saw with  

incorrect idle adjustment. At correct idle  

speed, the chain should not rotate. For  

directions to adjust idle speed, see the  

appropriate section of your Owner’s  

Manual. If you cannot set the correct idle  

speed, have your STIHL dealer check  

your saw and make proper adjustments  

or repairs.  

To reduce the risk of serious or fatal  

injury from breathing toxic fumes, never  

run the chainsaw indoors or in poorly  

ventilated locations. Ensure proper venti-  

lation when working in trenches or other  

confined areas.  

!

Warning!  

Be sure that the guide bar and chain are  

clear of you and all other obstructions  

and objects, 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  

!WWarning!  

Use of this product (including sharpen-  

ing the saw chain) can generate dust,  

mists and fumes containing chemicals  

known to cause respiratory disease, can-  

cer, birth defects, or other reproductive  

harm. If you are unfamiliar with the risks  

associated with the particular dust, mist  

or fume at issue, consult your employer,  

governmental agencies such as OSHA  

and NIOSH and other sources on hazar-  

dous materials. California and some  

other authorities, for instance, have pub-  

lished lists of substances known to cause  

cancer, reproductive toxicity, etc.  

engage the chain brake before starting.  

Never attempt to start the chainsaw  

when the guide bar is in a cut or kerf.  

After adjusting a chain, start the saw, let  

the engine run for a while, then switch  

engine off and recheck chain tension.  

Proper chain tension is very important at  

all times.  

!

Warning!  

When you pull the starter grip, do not  

wrap the starting rope around your  

hands. Do not allow the grip to snap  

back, but guide the starter rope slowly  

back to permit the rope to rewind  

Working Conditions  

Operate the chainsaw under good  

visibility and daylight conditions only.  

Control dust (such as sawdust), mists  

properly. Failure to follow this procedure  

may result in injury to hand or fingers  

and may damage the starter mechanism.  

(

such as oli mist from chain lubrication)  

!

Warning!  

and fumes at the source where possible.  

In this regard use good work practices  

and follow the recommendations of  

OSHA / NIOSH and occupational and  

trade associations. When the inhalation  

of toxic dust, mists and fumes cannot be  

Your chainsaw produces  

poisonous exhaust fumes  

as soon as the combusti-  

ble engine is running.  

These gases (e.g. carbon  

monoxide) may be colorless and odor-  

less.  

9

eliminated, the operator and any by-  

standers should always wear a respirator  

approved by NIOSH / MSHA for the type  

substance at issue.  

hot. Don’t work alone. Keep within calling  

distance of others in case help is  

needed.  

!

Warning!  

Avoid stumbling on obstacles such as  

stumps, roots or rocks and watch out for  

holes or ditches. Clear the area where  

you are working. Be extremely cautious  

when working on slopes or uneven  

ground. There is increased danger of  

slipping on freshly debarked logs.  

Your chainsaw 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 chainsaw with a  

!

Warning!  

Breathing asbestos dust is dangerous  

and can cause severe or fatal injury, re-  

spiratory illness or cancer. The use and  

disposal of asbestos containing products  

have been strictly regulated by OSHA  

and the Environmental Protection Agen-  

cy. Do not cut or disturb asbestos, asbe-  

stos containing products (e.g. asbestos  

containing drywall or other construction  

products), or products such as pipes  

which are wrapped or covered with asbe-  

stos insulation. If you have any reason  

to believe that you might be cutting asbe-  

stos, immediately contact your employer  

or a local OSHA representative.  

^!Warning!  

damaged or missing catcher.  

To reduce the risk  

of serious or fatal  

Inspect buffers periodically. Replace  

damaged, broken or excessively worn  

buffers immediately, since they may  

result in loss of control of the saw.  

injury to the opera-  

tor or bystanders,  

never use the saw  

with one hand.  

You cannot control reactive forces and  

you may lose control of the saw, which  

can result in the skating or bouncing of  

the bar and chain along the limb or log.  

A “sponginess” in the feel of the saw,  

increased vibration or increased  

“bottoming” during normal operation  

may indicate damage, breakage or  

excessive wear. Buffers should always  

be replaced in sets. If you have any  

questions as to whether the buffers  

should be replaced, consult your STIHL  

servicing dealer.  

Even for those compact saws designed  

for use in confined spaces, one-handed  

operation is dangerous because the  

operator may lose control.  

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  

!

Warning!  

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.  

10  

Cutting Instructions  

!

Grip: Always hold the saw firmly with  

both hands when the engine is running.  

Place your left hand on front handle bar  

and your right hand on rear handle and  

throttle trigger. Left-handers should  

follow these instructions too.  

Warning!  

Never touch a chain with your hand or  

any part of your body when the engine is  

running, even when the chain is not  

rotating. The chain continues to rotate  

for a short period after the throttle trigger  

is released.  

Wrap your fingers tightly around the  

handles, keeping the handles cradled  

between your thumb and forefinger.  

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). Make sure your chainsaw  

!

Warning!  

Do not cut any material other than wood  

or wooden objects.  

Never work on a ladder, or on any other  

insecure support. Never use the saw  

above shoulder height.  

Use your chainsaw for cutting only.  

It is not designed for prying or shoveling  

away limbs, roots or other objects.  

When sawing, make sure that the saw  

chain does not touch any foreign  

materials such as rocks, fences, nails  

and the like.  

!

Warning!  

handles and grip are in good condition  

and free of moisture, pitch, oil or grease.  

Never work in a tree unless you have  

received specific, professional training  

for such work, are properly secured  

(such as tackle and harness system or a  

!

Such objects may be flung off, damage  

the saw chain or cause the saw to  

kickback.  

Warning!  

lift bucket), have both hands free for  

operating the chainsaw in a cramped  

environment and have taken proper  

precautions to avoid injury from falling  

limbs or branches.  

Do not operate your chainsaw with the  

starting throttle lock engaged. Cutting  

with the starting throttle lock engaged  

does not permit the operator proper  

control of the saw or chain speed.  

!

Warning!  

In order to keep control of your saw,  

always maintain a firm foothold.  

11  

Position the chainsaw in such a way that  

your body is clear of the cutting attach-  

ment whenever the engine is running.  

Stand to the left of cut while bucking.  

powerful force used to cut wood can be  

reversed (and work against the opera-  

tor). If the rotating chain is suddenly  

stopped by contact with any solid object  

like a log or branch or is pinched, the  

reactive forces may occur instantly.  

These reactive forces may result in loss  

of control which may, in turn, cause  

serious or fatal injury. An understanding  

of the causes of these reactive forces  

may helpyou avoid loss of control.  

Don’t 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.  

The reaction of the cutting force of the  

chain causes a rotational force on the  

chainsaw in the direction opposite to the  

chain movement. This may fling the bar  

up and back 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.  

The most common reactive forces are  

– kickback,  

–

–

pushback,  

pull-in.  

Reactive forces including kickback  

Kickback:  

!

Warning!  

Kickback may occur when  

the moving saw chain  

Reactives forces may occur any time the  

chain is rotating. Reactives forces can  

be dangerous! In any chainsaw, the  

near the upper quadrant of  

the bar nose contacts a  

solid object or is pinched.  

Kickback may occur when the nose of  

the guide bar is pinched unexpectedly,  

unintentionally contacts solid material in  

the wood or is incorrectly used to begin  

a plunge or boring cut.  

12  

It may also occur during limbing.  

a) saws with a displacement of less than angles that may occur in real life cutting  

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.  

3.8 cubic inches  

situations. Compliance with § 5.12 of  

ANSI B 175.1-1991 does not automatic-  

ally mean that in a real life kickback the  

bar and chain will rotate at most 45°.  

–

must, in their original condition,  

meet a 45° computer derived  

kickback angle when equipped with  

certain cutting 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.  

–

!

Warning!  

In order for powerheads below 3.8 cubic  

inch displacement to comply with the  

computed kickback angle requirements  

of § 5.12 of ANSI B 175.1-1991 use only  

the following cutting attachments:  

The type of bar and saw chain you use  

is an important factor in the occurrence  

and force of the kickback reaction.  

b) saws with a displacement of 3.8 cubic  

inches and above  

–

bar and chain combinations listed as  

complying in the “Specifications”  

section of the Owner’s Manual or  

other replacement bar and chain  

combinations marked in accordance  

with the standard for use on the  

powerhead or  

Some STIHL bar and chain types are  

designed to reduce kickback forces.  

STIHL recommends the use of reduced  

kickback bars and low kickback chains.  

–

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.  

–

ANSI B 175.1-1991 chainsaw kickback  

standard  

The computer derived angles for saws  

below 3.8 cubic inch displacement are  

measured by applying a computer  

program to test results from a kickback  

test machine.  

–

replacement chain designated  

“low kickback saw chain’’.  

See the section on "Low kickback saw  

chain and reduced kickback bars"  

Section 5.12 of ANSI standard B 175.1–  

1

991, sets certain performance and  

design criteria related to chainsaw  

kickback.  

!

To comply with section 5.12 of ANSI B  

Warning!  

175.1-1991:  

The computer derived angles of § 5.12 of  

ANSI B 175.1-1991 may bear no rela-  

tionship to actual kickback bar rotation  

13  

Devices for reducing the risk of  

kickback injury  

!

Warning!  

Never operate your chainsaw without a  

front hand guard. In a kickback situation  

this guard helps protect your left hand or  

other parts of your body. In addition,  

removal of the hand guard on a saw  

equipped with a chain brake will deactivate  

the chain brake.  

STIHL recommends the use of the STIHL  

Quickstop chain brake on your power-  

head with green labeled reduced kick-  

back bars and low kickback chains.  

!

Warning!  

To reduce the risk of injury, stop using  

the saw immediately if the chain brake  

does not function properly. Take the saw  

to your local STIHL Service Centre! Do  

not use the saw until the problem has  

been rectified (see the section “Chain  

Brake”).  

!

Warning!  

No Quickstop or other chain brake  

device prevents kickback. These 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 entitled “Chain Brake” and  

“Maintenance, Repair and Storing” of  

your Owner’s Manual. 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.  

Quickstop chain brake  

When a kickback occurs, the guide bar  

may rotate around the front handle. If the  

cutting position is such that the 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 Quick-  

stop activating lever, this contact will  

activate the Quickstop. The chain brake  

on most new model STIHL chainsaws  

can also be activated by inertia. See the  

chapter entitled “Chain Brake” of your  

Owner’s Manual.  

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 is available as standard  

equipment on your STIHL chainsaw and  

is available for installation on most older  

STIHL saws. Ask your dealer to retrofit  

your older model saw with a chain brake.  

14  

reduce the risk of kickback injury. Other  

chains are designed to obtain higher cut-  

ting efficiency or sharpening ease but  

may result in higher kickback tendency.  

Please ask your STlHL dealer to properly  

match your powerhead with the appro-  

priate bar/chain combinations to reduce  

the risk of kickback injury. Green labeled  

bars and chains are recommended for all  

powerheads. See your “STIHL Bar and  

Chain Information” leaflet for details.  

!

Warning!  

An improperly maintained chain brake  

may increase the time needed to stop  

the chain after activation, or may not  

activate at all.  

STIHL has developed a color code  

system to help you identify the STIHL  

reduced kickback bars and low kick-  

back 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 3.8  

cubic inch displacement with green  

labeled bars and green labeled chains  

gives compliance with the computed  

kickback angle requirements of ANSI B  

!

Warning!  

Never run the chainsaw above idle  

speed for more than 3 seconds when  

the chain brake is engaged or the chain  

is pinched or otherwise caught in the cut.  

Clutch slippage can cause excessive  

heat, leading to severe damage of the  

motor housing, clutch and oiler compo-  

nent and may interfere with the operation  

of the chain brake. If clutch slippage in  

excess of 3 seconds has occured, allow  

the motor housing to cool before pro-  

ceeding and check the operation of your  

chain brake as described in the chapter  

entitled “Chain Brake”. Also make sure  

that the chain is not turning at idle speed  

!

Warning!  

Use of other, non-listed bar/chain combi-  

nations may increase kickback forces  

and increase the risk of kickback injury.  

New bar/chain combinations may be  

developed after publication of this litera-  

ture, which will, in combination with  

certain powerheads, comply with § 5.12  

of ANSI B 175.1-1991. Check with your  

STIHL dealer for such combinations.  

175.1-1991 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!  

Reduced kickback bars and low kickback  

chains do not prevent kickback, but they  

are designed to reduce the risk of kick-  

back injury. They are available from your  

STIHL dealer.  

(see above “Important Adjustments”).  

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 inexpe-  

rienced chainsaw users.  

Low kickback saw chain and reduced  

kickback bars"  

!

STIHL offers a variety of bars and  

Warning!  

chains. STIHL reduced kickback bars  

and low kickback chains are designed to  

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.  

15  

Low kickback chain  

kickback 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.  

To avoid kickback  

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.  

The best protection from personal injury  

that may result from kickback is to avoid  

kickback situations:  

1. Hold the chainsaw firmly with both  

hands and maintain a secure grip.  

2. Be aware of the location of the guide  

bar nose at all times.  

“

Low kickback saw chain” is a chain  

Reduced kickback bar  

which has met the kickback performance  

requirements of § 5.12.2.4 of  

STIHL green labeled reduced kickback  

bars are designed to reduce the risk of  

kickback injury when used with STIHL  

green labeled low kickback chains.  

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 when cutting  

small, tough limbs, small size brush  

and saplings which may easily catch  

the chain.  

ANSI B 175.1-1991 (Safety Require-  

ments for Gasoline-Powered Chain-  

Saws) when tested on a selected repre-  

sentative sample of chainsaws below  

3

.8 cubic inch displacement specified in  

!

ANSI B 175.1-1991.  

Warning!  

When used with other, more aggressive  

chains, these bars may be less effective  

in reducing kickback, and may result in  

higher kickback forces.  

4 Don’t overreach.  

5. Don’t cut above shoulder height.  

6. Begin cutting and continue at full  

throttle.  

!

Warning!  

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 § 5.12 of ANSI B 175.1-1991.  

7. Cut only one log at a time.  

8. Use extreme caution when reentering  

a previous cut.  

Bow Guides  

9. Do not attempt to plunge cut if you  

are not experienced with these  

cutting techniques.  

!

Warning!  

Some low kickback chains have not  

been tested with all powerhead and bar  

combinations.  

Do not mount a bow guide on any  

STIHL chainsaw.  

10. Be alert for shifting of the log or other  

forces that may cause the cut to  

close and pinch the chain.  

Any chainsaw 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.  

!

Warning!  

11. Maintain saw chain properly. Cut with  

a correctly sharpened, properly  

tensioned chain at all times.  

12. Stand to the side of the cutting path  

of the chainsaw.  

A dull or improperly sharpened chain  

may reduce or negate the effects of the  

design features intended to reduce  

16  

Cutting Techniques  

Felling  

Felling is cutting down a tree.  

Before felling a tree, consider carefully all  

conditions which may affect the direction  

of fall, including:  

A = Pull-in:  

B = Pushback:  

The intended direction of the fall.  

The natural lean of the tree.  

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.  

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 drives the saw straight back  

toward the operator and may cause loss  

of saw control. Pushback frequently  

occurs when the top of the bar is used for  

cutting.  

Any unusually heavy limb structure.  

Surrounding trees and obstacles.  

The wind direction and speed.  

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.  

!

To avoid pushback  

Warning!  

Always observe the general condition of  

the tree. Inexperienced users should  

never attempt to cut trees which are  

decayed or rotted inside or which are  

leaning or otherwise under tension.  

1.  

Be alert to forces or situations that  

may cause material to pinch the top  

of the chain.  

!

Warning!  

Use extreme caution when cutting small  

size brush and saplings which may easily  

catch the chain and pull you off balance.  

2. Do not cut more than one log at a time. There is an increased risk that such trees  

could snap or split while being cut and  

3.  

Do not twist the saw when  

withdrawing the bar from a plunge  

cut or underbuck cut because the  

chain can pinch.  

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.  

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.  

2.  

Pull-in may also be prevented by using  

wedges to open the kerf or cut.  

17  

1

1

/

1

2 2  

/

2

1

Felling Instructions:  

When felling, maintain a distance of at  

1

least 2 /  

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.  

Escape path  

Buttress roots  

!

Warning!  

First clear the tree base and work area  

from interfering limbs and brush and  

clean its lower portion with an ax.  

If the tree has large buttress roots, cut  

into the largest buttress vertically first  

(horizontally next) and remove the  

resulting piece.  

The noise of your engine may drown any  

warning call.  

!

Warning!  

Then, establish two paths of escape (B)  

and remove all obstacles. These paths  

should be generally opposite to the plan-  

ned direction of the fall of the tree (A)  

and about at a 45° angle. Place all  

There are a number of factors that may  

affect and change the intended direction  

of fall, e.g. wind, lean of tree, sloping  

ground, one-sided limb structure, wood  

structure, decay, snow load, etc. To re-  

duce the risk of severe or fatal injury to  

yourself or others, look for these condi-  

tions prior to beginning the cut, and be  

alert for a change in direction during fall.  

tools and equipment a safe distance away  

from the tree, but not on the escape paths.  

18  

Gunning sight  

Conventional cut  

Open-face technique  

When making the felling notch, use the  

gunning sight on the shroud and housing  

to check the required direction of fall:  

A = felling notch - determines the  

A = felling notch - determines the  

direction of the fall  

direction of the fall  

For a conventional cut:  

For an open-face cut:  

Position the saw so that the  

•

gunning sight points exactly in the  

direction you want the tree to fall.  

Properly place felling notch  

Properly place felling notch  

•

•

perpendicular to the Iine of fall,  

close to the ground  

perpendicular to the Iine of falI,  

close to the ground  

Cut down at app. 45-degree angle  

Cut down at app. 50-degree angle  

•

•

to a depth of about 1/5 to 1/4 of the  

trunk diameter  

to a depth of app.1/5 to 1/4 of the  

trunk diameter  

Make second cut horizontal  

Make second cut from below at  

•

•

•

Remove resulting 45-degree piece  

app. 40 degree angle  

•

Remove resulting 90-degree piece  

19  

Making sapwood cuts  

B = Felling cut  

C = Hinge  

Helps control the falling tree  

•

Conventional and open-face technique:  

For medium sized or larger trees  

Begin 1 to 2 inches higher than  

Do not cut through the hinge -  

•

you could lose control of the  

direction of the fall  

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

make cuts at both sides of the trunk,  

center of felling notch  

at same height as subsequent  

Cut horizontalIy towards the felling  

felling cut.  

notch  

1

!

Warning!  

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 escape  

path. Watch out for falling limbs.  

Cut to no more than width of guide  

Leave approx. /10 of diameter uncut.  

bar.  

This is the hinge  

Do not cut through the hinge –  

This is especially important in soft  

wood in summer - it helps prevent  

sapwood splintering when the tree  

falls.  

you could lose control of the  

direction of the fall  

Drive wedges into the felling cut where  

necessary to control the fall.  

!

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.  

20  

Felling cut for large diameter trees:  

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.  

Warning!  

Felling a tree that has a diameter greater  

than the length of the guide bar requires  

use of either the sectioning felling 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 professionals should  

attempt these techniques.  

Plunge-cut method  

Felling cut for small diameter trees:  

simple fan cut  

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.  

Sectioning method  

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.  

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.  

21  

If you are inexperienced with a chainsaw,  

plunge-cutting should not be attempted.  

Seek the help of a professional.  

Limbing  

Limbing is removing the branches from  

a fallen tree.  

!

Warning!  

First, cut a large, wide felling notch.  

Make a plunge cut in the center of the  

notch.  

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 contacting the log or  

other limbs with the nose of the guide bar.  

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.  

Do not stand on a log while limbing it –  

you may slip or the log may roll.  

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.  

Bucking  

Bucking is cutting a log into sections.  

!

With the saw at full throttle, insert the  

guide bar in the trunk.  

Warnings!  

1. 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.  

Enlarge the plunge cut as shown in  

illustration.  

!

Warning!  

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.  

Watch out for rolling logs.  

!

Warning!  

There is an extreme danger of kickback  

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.  

22  

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 claim  

warranty for a component which has  

not been serviced or maintained pro-  

perly or if nonapproved replacement  

parts were used, STIHL may deny  

warranty.  

Never operate a chainsaw that is  

damaged, improperly adjusted or not  

completely or securely assembled.  

Follow the maintenance and repair  

instructions in the appropriate section of  

your Owner’s Manual, especially those  

in the chapters “Mounting the Bar and  

Chain”, “Maintaining and Sharpening”  

and “Chain Brake”.  

2

.

.

Cut only one log at a time.  

5. Logs under strain: Risk of pinching!  

Always start relieving cut (1) at  

compression side (A).  

3

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.  

Then make bucking cut (2) at  

tension side (B).  

!

If the saw pinches, stop the engine  

and remove it from the log.  

Warning!  

Use only STIHL replacement parts for  

maintenance and repair. Use of parts  

manufactured by others may cause  

serious or fatal injury.  

4.  

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.  

6. Only properly trained professionals  

should work in an area where the  

logs, limbs and roots are tangled.  

Working in blowdown areas is  

extremely hazardous.  

!

Warning!  

Always stop the engine and ensure that  

the chain is stopped before making any  

adjustments, maintenance or repair work,  

7.  

Drag the logs into a clear area before  

cutting. Pull out exposed and cleared  

logs first.  

23  

changing the saw chain or cleaning the  

saw. Do not attempt any maintenance or  

repair work not described in your  

result. If your muffler was equipped with  

a spark-arresting screen to reduce the  

risk of fire (e. g. in the USA, Canada and  

Australia), never operate your saw if the  

screen is missing or damaged. Remem-  

ber that the risk of forest fires is greater  

in hot or dry weather.  

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.  

Owner’s Manual. Have such work perfor-  

med at your STIHL service shop only.  

!

Warning!  

Never test the ignition system with  

Keep the chain, bar and sprocket clean;  

replace worn sprockets or chains.  

Keep the chain sharp.  

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:  

ignition wire terminal removed from spark  

plug or with unseated spark plug, since  

uncontained sparking may cause a fire.  

You can spot a dull chain when easy-to-  

cut wood becomes hard to cut and burn  

marks appear on the wood.  

!

Warning!  

To reduce the risk of fire and burn injury,  

use only spark plugs authorized by  

STIHL. 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  

attached.) A loose connection between  

spark plug terminal and ignition wire  

connector in the boot may create arcing  

that could ignite combustible fumes and  

cause a fire. Keep spark plug clean, and  

make sure ignition lead is in good  

condition.  

Keep the chain at proper tension. Tighten  

all nuts, bolts and screws except the  

carburetor adjustment screws after each  

use.  

Heavy usage - every three months,  

Moderate usage - twice a year,  

Occasional usage - annually.  

The chainsaw should also be returned  

immediately for maintenance whenever  

the brake system cannot be thoroughly  

cleaned or there is a change in its  

operating characteristics.  

!

Warning!  

In order for the chain brake on your  

STIHL chainsaw to properly perform its  

function of reducing the risk of kickback  

and other injuries, it must be properly  

maintained. Like an automobile brake,  

a chainsaw chain brake incurs wear  

each time it is engaged.  

For any maintenance please refer to the  

maintenance chart and to the warranty  

statement near the end of this manual.  

!

Warning!  

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 inoperable.  

Additionally, the daily maintenance  

schedule for your chainsaw set forth in  

your STIHL Owner’s Manual should be  

strictly followed.  

Do not operate your chainsaw if the  

muffler is damaged, missing or modified.  

An improperly maintained muffler will  

increase the risk of fire and hearing loss.  

Never touch a hot muffler or burn will  

Store chainsaw 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 this manual).  

24  

Mounting the Bar and Chain  

Models with Front Chain Tensioner  

6

4

4

3

7

5

1

2

Wear work gloves to protect hands  

Fit the chain - start at the bar nose -  

•

•

•

Fit the guide bar over the studs (4)  

so that the chain cutting edges on  

the top of the bar point toward the  

bar nose.  

You can run chains of different pitches  

on this chainsaw - depending on the  

chain sprocket (see “Specifications”)  

•

•

disengage the chain brake:  

Pull hand guard (3) toward  

the front handle.  

Engage the peg of the tensioner  

slide in locating hole (5) - place the  

chain over sprocket (6) at the  

same time.  

The chain pitch must match the guide  

bar. In addition, the drive link gauge  

must match the guide bar groove width.  

Now turn tensioning screw (7)  

clockwise until there is very little  

chain sag on the underside of the  

bar - and the drive link tangs are  

located in the bar groove.  

Unscrew nuts and take off cover.  

•

•

Turn tensioning screw (1) counter-  

clockwise until the tensioning nut (2)  

butts against left end of housing slot.  

Refit the sprocket cover - and  

screw on the nuts only fingertight.  

Now refer to chapter “Tensioning  

the Saw Chain”.  

•

•

017, 018  

25  

Mounting the Bar and Chain  

Models with Quick Chain Tensioner  

6

4

7

1

5

3

8

2

You can run chains of different pitches  

on this chainsaw - depending on the  

chain sprocket (see “Specifications”)  

Remove the tensioning gear (4)  

Position the tensioning gear (6)  

against the guide bar (7).  

•

•

•

•

and turn it over.  

Take out the screw (5).  

Fit and tighten down the screw (8).  

The chain pitch must match the guide  

bar. In addition, the drive link gauge  

must match the guide bar groove width.  

Pull out the hinged handle (1) of the  

•

wingnut so that it snaps into posi-  

tion.  

Turn the wingnut (2) counterclock-  

•

wise until it hangs loose in the chain  

sprocket cover (3).  

Remove the sprocket cover.  

•

26  

017, 018  

10  

12  

11  

9

Wear work gloves to protect hands.  

Fit the chain - start at the bar nose -  

pay attention to position of tensio-  

ning gear and the cutting edges.  

Disengage the chain brake:  

Pull hand guard (10) toward the  

front handle.  

Make sure the drive link tangs  

•

engage the bar groove (see arrow)  

and then rotate tensioning gear  

counterclockwise up to the stop.  

•

•

•

•

•

Turn the guide bar so that the  

tensioning gear is facing you.  

Turn tensioning gear (9) clockwise  

•

up to the stop.  

Fit the chain over the  

sprocket (11) and slip the guide bar  

over the stud (12) - the head of the  

rear collar stud must locate in the  

slot.  

017, 018  

27  

Tensioning the Saw Chain  

Tensioning the Saw Chain  

Models with Front Chain Tensioner  

Models with Quick Chain Tensioner  

1

1

2

Retensioning during cutting work:  

Turn off the engine  

1

3

•

Slacken the nuts.  

•

1

4

Hold the bar nose up -  

•

use screwdriver to turn the  

tensioning screw (1) clockwise  

until chain fits snugly against  

the underside of the bar.  

Place sprocket cover in position -  

engage guide lugs in recesses in  

engine housing and check that the  

teeth of the adjusting wheel and  

tensioning gear mesh.  

Tighten down the nuts firmly.  

Retensioning during cutting work:  

•

•

A new chain has to be retensioned  

more often than one that has been in  

use for some time -  

Turn off the engine  

•

Pull out the handle of the wingnut  

•

Slacken off the wingnut.  

Check chain tension frequently -  

see section “During Operation”.  

Turn adjusting wheel (1) clockwise  

•

•

•

•

If necessary, turn the adjusting  

wheel (13) slightly until the sprocket  

cover can be pushed flush against  

the engine housing.  

up to the stop.  

Tighten firmly down the wingnut (2)  

Now refer to chapter  

by hand.  

•

“Checking Chain Tension”  

Fold down the handle of the  

Pull out the hinged handle (14) of  

the wingnut so that it snaps into  

position.  

wingnut.  

Check chain tension.  

A new chain has to be retensioned  

more often than one that has been in  

use for some time -  

Engage wingnut and tighten it down  

moderately.  

•

•

Now refer to chapter  

Check chain tension frequently -  

see section “During Operation”.  

“

Tensioning the Saw Chain”  

Now refer to chapter  

•

“Checking Chain Tension”  

28  

017, 018  

Checking Chain Tension  

Fuel Mix  

All Versions  

This engine is certified to operate on  

unleaded gasoline and oil with the  

mix ratio 50:1.  

We recommend STIHL 50:1 two-stroke  

engine oil since it is specially formulated  

for use in STIHL engines.  

Do not use BIA or TCW (two-stroke  

water cooled) mix oils!  

Your two-stroke engine requires a  

mixture of brand-name gasoline and  

quality two-stroke engine oil with the  

classification TC.  

Take care when handling gasoline.  

Avoid direct contact with the skin and  

avoid inhaling fuel vapour  

Use regular branded unleaded gasoline  

with a minimum octane rating of  

(see “Safety Precautions”).  

Turn off the engine.  

•

Wear work gloves.  

90 ROZ (U.S.A./Canada: pump octane  

min. 89!). If the octane number of the  

regular grade gasoline in your area is  

lower, use premium unleaded fuel.  

Fuel with a lower octane rating may  

result in preignition (causing “pinging”)  

which is accompanied by an increase in  

engine temperature. This, in turn,  

increases the risk of piston seizure  

and damage to the engine.  

The canister should be kept tightly  

closed in order to avoid any moisture  

getting into the mixture.  

•

Chain must fit snugly against the  

underside of the bar - and, with the  

chain brake disengaged, it must still be  

possible to pull the chain along the bar  

by hand.  

The fuel tank and the canister in which  

fuel mix is stored should be cleaned  

from time to time.  

If necessary, retension the chain.  

Fuel mix ages:  

•

A new chain has to be retensioned  

more often than one that has been in  

use for some time -  

Only mix sufficient fuel for a few days  

work, not to exceed 3 months of storage.  

Store in approved safety fuel-canisters  

only. When mixing, pour oil into the  

canister first, and then add gasoline.  

The chemical composition of the fuel is  

also important. Some fuel additives not  

only detrimentally affect elastomers  

(carburetor diaphragms, oil seals, fuel  

lines etc.), but magnesium castings as  

well. This could cause running problems  

or even damage the engine. For this  

reason it is essential that you use only  

branded fuels!  

Check chain tension frequently -  

see section “During Operation”.  

Gaso-  

line  

Oil (STIHL 50:1 or  

equivalent branded TC oils)  

US gal.  

US fl.oz  

Use only STIHL two-stroke engine oil or  

equivalent branded two-stroke air-  

cooled engine oils with the classification  

TC for mixing.  

1

2.6  

6.4  

2

5

1/2  

12.8  

Dispose empty mixing-oil canisters only  

at authorized disposal locations.  

017, 018  

29  

Fueling  

Before fueling, clean the fuel filler cap  

and the area around it to ensure that no  

dirt falls into the tank.  

Change the fuel pick up body every year.  

Before storing your machine for a long  

period, drain and clean the fuel tank and  

run engine until carburetor is dry.  

Always thoroughly shake the mixture in  

the canister before fueling your machine.  

!

Warning!  

In order to reduce the risk of burns or  

other personal injury from escaping gas  

vapor and fumes, remove the fuel filler  

cap carefully so as to allow any pressure  

build-up in the tank to release slowly.  

!

Warning!  

After fueling, tighten fuel cap as  

securely as possible by hand.  

Use a suitable tool (e.g. screwdriver end  

of combination wrench) to tighten  

slotted fuel caps.  

30  

017, 018  

Chain Lubricant  

Filling Chain Oil  

Tank  

Checking Chain Lubrication  

For automatic and reliable lubrication of  

the chain and guide bar:  

Use only a quality, environmentally  

compatible chain and bar lubricant.  

STIHL chain lubricant with non-fling  

additive or the rapidly biodegradable  

STIHL Bioplus is recommended.  

Important: Biological chain oil must be  

resistant to aging (e.g. STIHL Bioplus)  

since it will otherwise quickly turn to  

resin. This results in hard deposits that  

are difficult to remove, especially in the  

area of the chain drive, clutch and chain.  

It may even cause the oil pump to seize.  

The service life of the chain and guide  

bar depends on the quality of the  

lubricant. It is therefore essential to use  

only a specially formulated chain  

lubricant.  

Thoroughly clean the oil filler cap  

The saw chain must always throw off  

a small amount of oil.  

•

and the area around it to ensure  

that no dirt falls into the tank.  

If special chain lubricant is not available,  

you may - in an emergency - use an HD  

single grade or multigrade engine oil  

with a viscosity that suits the prevailing  

outside temperature.  

Never operate your saw without  

•

Refill the chain oil tank every time  

chain lubrication. If the chain is run  

dry, the whole cutting attachment  

will be irretrievably damaged within  

a very short time.  

•

you refuel.  

There must still be a small amount of oil  

in the oil tank when the fuel tank is  

empty.  

Always check chain lubrication and  

oil level in tank before starting work.  

!

Warning!  

Medical studies have shown that  

renewed contact with waste oil can  

cause skin cancer. Avoid direct contact  

with waste oil. If waste oil does get on  

your skin, wash with soap and water.  

Do not use waste oil for any purpose,  

and dispose of it only at authorized  

disposal locations.  

If the oil tank is still partly full, the reason  

may be a problem in the oil supply  

system:  

Every new chain has to be broken  

•

in for about 2 to 3 minutes.  

Check chain lubrication, clean the  

oil passages, contact your STIHL dealer  

for assistance if necessary.  

After breaking in chain, check chain  

•

tension and adjust if necessary -  

see section “Checking Chain  

Tension”.  

017, 018  

31  

Chain Brake  

The chain brake is also activated by  

the inertia of the front hand guard  

if the kickback force of the saw is high  

enough:  

The hand guard is accelerated toward  

the bar nose - even if your left hand is  

not behind the hand guard, e.g. during  

felling cut.  

The chain brake will operate only if the  

hand guard has not been modified in  

any way.  

Check operation of chain brake  

Before starting work: Run engine at  

idle speed, engage the chain brake  

(

push hand guard toward bar nose).  

Accelerate up to full throttle for no more  

than 3 seconds - the chain must not  

rotate. The hand guard must be free of  

dirt and move freely.  

Locking chain with chain brake  

Releasing the chain brake  

-

-

-

in an emergency  

when starting  

Pull the hand guard back toward  

•

the front handle.  

at idling speed.  

Chain brake maintenance  

Note: Always disengage chain brake  

before accelerating engine and before  

starting cutting work. The only exception  

to this rule is when you check operation  

of the chain brake. High revs with the  

chain brake engaged (chain locked) will  

quickly damage the powerhead and  

chain drive (clutch, chain brake).  

The chain is stopped and locked  

when the hand guard is pushed  

toward the bar nose by the left hand -  

or when brake is activated by inertia  

in certain kickback situations.  

The chain brake is subject to normal  

wear and tear. It must therefore be  

checked and serviced regularly by  

trained personnel (e.g. STIHL dealer) at  

the following intervals:  

•

Full-time professional  

users:  

every 3 months  

every 6 months  

every 12 months  

Semi-professional  

users:  

Occasional  

users:  

32  

017, 018  

Information Before You Start  

don’t start yet -  

Starting  

-

As soon as engine begins to fire,  

move the Master Control lever to  

“

Warm Start” position n (2):  

Choke shutter is open -  

STOP  

throttle trigger is in starting-throttle  

position.  

If you leave the Master Control lever  

in the “cold start” position,  

the combustion chamber will flood  

and stall the engine.  

0

4

The Master Control lever must be in  

“warm start” position to start a  

warm engine. Also select this  

position if the engine has been  

running but is still cold.  

3

2

1

The Master Control lever is locked  

and can only be moved to the “run”  

position (3) after squeezing the  

throttle trigger.  

-

do not use force -  

The four positions of the  

Master Control lever  

Only machines with easy start  

system:  

In the “warm start” position,  

continue cranking after engine  

begins to fire.  

To start the engine, move the lever to  

Press in the button to open the  

•

the “cold start” position l (1) -  

As soon as the engine runs,  

immediately blip the throttle trigger  

so that the Master Control lever  

moves to the “run” position (3).  

decompression valve.  

-

do not use force.  

The valve closes automatically as  

soon as the engine begins to fire.  

If the Master Control lever is  

in the “run” position # (3):  

Press down the throttle  

To shut down the engine:  

Move the Master Control lever  

upward to “STOP” position  

$ b (4):  

For this reason the button should  

•

trigger interlock and move  

the Master Control downward.  

be pressed in before each starting  

attempt.  

“

Cold Start” position:  

Choke shutter is closed -  

throttle trigger is in starting-throttle  

position.  

The stop contact should engage  

the contact spring -  

this cuts off the ignition system.  

This position is used to start a cold  

engine.  

017, 018  

33  

STOP  

0

1

2

All versions  

Place your saw on the ground -  

make sure you have a firm footing -  

check that chain is not touching any  

object or the ground -  

Alternative method of starting:  

Hold the rear handle tightly  

between your legs, just above the  

knees.  

•

Observe safety precautions -  

•

•

•

see section “Safety Precautions”.  

Push hand guard forward (1):  

The chain is now locked.  

bystanders must be well clear of  

general work area of the saw -  

Grip the front handle firmly with  

your left hand -  

Press down the interlock lever (2)  

and squeeze the throttle trigger at  

the same time and set the Master  

Control lever to:  

•

your thumb should be under the  

handle.  

Hold the saw firmly on the ground  

with your left hand on the  

front handle -  

•

•

For cold start l  

For warm start n  

your thumb should be under  

the handle.  

Put your right foot into the rear  

handle and press down.  

(

even if engine has been running  

but is still cold)  

34  

017, 018  

STOP  

0

5

3

4

Pull the starter grip slowly with your  

right hand until you feel it engage -  

then give the grip a brisk strong pull  

and push down the front handle  

at the same time.  

When engine begins to fire:  

Move Master Control lever (3)  

to n  

Pull the hand guard back toward  

•

the front handle: =  

The chain brake is now  

disengaged -  

•

•

and continue cranking -  

as soon as engine runs,  

immediately blip the throttle trigger  

(4) -  

your saw is ready for operation.  

Do not pull out starter rope more  

than 70 cm (about 28 in) -  

•

•

Always disengage chain brake before  

accelerating engine and before starting  

cutting work. High revs with the chain  

brake engaged (chain locked) will  

quickly damage the powerhead and  

chain drive (clutch, chain brake).  

it might otherwise break.  

the Master Control lever (3) will  

move to the “run” position (5) #  

and the engine settles down to  

idling speed.  

Do not let the starter grip snap back  

-

guide it slowly into the housing  

so that the starter rope can  

rewind properly.  

If engine is new, pull starter grip  

several times to prime the fuel line.  

As the chain brake is still engaged, the  

engine must be returned to idling speed  

immediately to avoid damage to the  

engine and chain drive (clutch).  

•

Observe safety precautions  

•

Always check operation of chain  

•

lubrication before starting work.  

Shut down engine:  

Move Master Control lever to b  

•

017, 018  

35  

At very low outside temperatures:  

Allow engine to warm up  

As soon as the engine runs:  

Blip the throttle trigger  

•

to disengage it from starting throttle  

position -  

Master Control lever will move  

to normal operating position -  

engine settles down to idling speed.  

Disengage chain brake: Pull hand  

Pull off the spark plug boot.  

•

•

•

•

guard toward front handle -  

as shown in illustration -  

Unscrew and dry off the spark plug.  

Set the Master Control lever to b  

Open throttle slightly -  

•

warm up engine for short period.  

Crank the engine several times with  

the starter to clear the combustion  

chamber.  

•

Refit the spark plug and connect  

the spark plug boot -  

•

reassemble all other parts  

Set Master Control lever to  

If engine doesn’t start:  

•

•

“warm start” even if engine is cold.  

Now start the engine.  

If you did not move the Master Control  

lever to the “warm start” position n  

quickly enough after the engine began to  

fire,  

Fuel tank run until dry and then refueled  

the combustion chamber is flooded.  

Pull starter rope several times  

•

until fuel line is primed.  

Press down the interlock lever and  

•

set the Master Control lever to  

“cold start”  

Turn the twist lock above the rear  

handle 90° counterclockwise and lift  

off the shroud vertically.  

•

36  

017, 018  

During Break-in Period  

During Operation  

After Finishing Work  

A factory new machine should not be  

run at high revs (full throttle off load) for  

the first three tank fillings. This avoids  

unnecessary high loads during the  

break-in period.  

Check chain tension frequently.  

A new chain has to be retensioned more  

often than one that has been in use for  

some time.  

Slacken off the chain  

if you have retensioned it at operating  

temperature during cutting work. The  

chain contracts as it cools down. If it is  

not slackened off, it could damage the  

crankshaft and bearings.  

Cold chain:  

As all moving parts have to bed in during  

the break-in period, the frictional  

resistances in the engine are greater  

during this period. The engine develops  

its maximum power after about 5 to 15  

tank fillings.  

Tension is correct when chain fits snugly  

against the underside of the bar and can  

still be pulled along the bar by hand.  

Retension if necessary -  

Before storing your saw  

for a long period -  

see chapter “Tensioning the Saw Chain”.  

Drain and clean the fuel tank.  

•

Run engine until carburetor is dry.  

•

Chain at operating temperature:  

The chain stretches and begins to sag.  

The drive links on the underside of the  

bar must not come out of the bar groove  

- the chain may otherwise jump off the  

bar.  

Important:  

Always disengage the chain brake  

before opening the throttle. Running the  

engine at higher revs with the chain  

brake engaged (saw chain at a standstill)  

will quickly damage the engine and chain  

drive (clutch, chain brake).  

Retension the chain -  

see chapter “Tensioning the Saw Chain”.  

Always slacken off the chain again after  

finishing work.  

The chain contracts as it cools down.  

If it is not slackened off, it may damage  

the crankshaft and bearings.  

After a long period of full-throttle  

operation  

Allow engine to run for a short while at  

idling speed so that engine heat can be  

dissipated by the flow of cooling air.  

This helps protect engine-mounted  

components (ignition, carburetor) from  

thermal overload.  

017, 018  

37  

Cleaning Air Filter  

Taking Care of Guide Bar  

2

3

1

Lift filter off vertically.  

Turn the bar over -  

•

•

•

Wash filter element in a clean,  

non-flammable cleaning solution  

every time you sharpen the chain -  

and every time you replace  

the chain - this avoids one-sided  

wear, especiallly at nose and under-  

side of the bar.  

(

e.g. warm soapy water) and then  

dry.  

Always replace a damaged filter  

element.  

Regulary clean  

1 = oil inlet hole  

2 = oilway  

3 = bar groove.  

Measure groove depth -  

•

Reinstall the filter.  

•

Dirty air filters reduce engine power,  

increase fuel consumption and make  

starting more difficult.  

with scale on filing gauge*-  

or in area used most for cutting on  

Rollomatic bars -  

Clean the air filter when there is a  

noticeable loss of engine power.  

Chain  

type  

Chain  

pitch  

Minimum  

groove depth  

Press down the interlock lever and  

•

set Master Control lever to  

Picco-Mini  

3/8"  

5.0 mm (0.20")  

“Cold Start” l  

Turn the twist lock above the rear  

handle 90° counterclockwise  

Lift off the shroud vertically.  

•

•

If groove depth is less than specified:  

Replace the guide bar.  

•

The drive link tangs will otherwise scrape  

along the bottom of the groove - the  

cutters and tie straps will not ride on the  

rails.  

*

Special accessory  

38  

017, 018  

Adjusting Carburetor  

L LA  

with two adjusting screws  

Motor Management  

Engine stops while idling:  

L’ screw must be one turn open.  

’

Exhaust emissions are controlled by the  

design of the fundamental engine  

parameters and components  

Turn the idle speed screw (LA) clockwise  

until chain begins to run -  

(

e.g. carburetion, ignition, timing and  

then back off the screw one quarter  

of a turn.  

valve or port timing) without the addition  

of any major hardware.  

L

The carburetor does not have a high  

speed adjusting screw (H screw) but is  

designed to provide an optimum fuel-air  

mixture under all operating conditions.  

Chain runs when engine is idling  

’

L’ screw must be one turn open.  

Turn the idle speed screw (LA)  

counterclockwise until chain  

stops running -  

The maximum engine speed specified  

for machines with a conventional  

LA  

then turn screw another quarter turn in  

the same direction.  

carburetor does not apply to this version.  

No provision is made for adjustment of  

maximum engine speed. On these  

machines it is only possible to correct  

the idling speed within narrow limits.  

Erratic idling behaviour,  

poor acceleration  

Check the air filter and clean it if  

necessary.  

•

(even though ’L’ screw in one turn  

open)  

Carefully screw the low speed screw (L)  

down onto its seat.  

Idle setting is too lean.  

Now open it one turn counterclockwise  

Turn the low speed screw (L) counter-  

clockwise until engine runs and  

accelerates smoothly.  

(

standard setting, L = 1)  

Warm up the engine.  

•

It is usually necessary to change the  

setting of the idle speed screw (LA) after  

every correction to the low speed screw  

(L).  

Turn screws only very slightly and  

carefully - even minor changes have a  

noticeable effect on the engine’s running  

behavior.  

017, 018  

39  

Adjusting Carburetor  

LD  

Spark Arresting Screen in  

Muffler  

with one adjusting screw  

Carefully screw down the idle speed  

screw (LD) counterclockwise (left-hand  

thread) until it is firmly seated.  

Then back off the screw two full turns  

clockwise (standard setting LD = 2)  

1

1

Start and warm up the engine.  

•

•

Use idle speed screw (LD) to adjust  

idle speed correctly:  

chain must not rotate  

3

Engine idle speed is too low:  

2

Turn the idle speed screw (LD)  

•

4

clockwise until chain begins to run -  

then back off the screw half a turn.  

The carburetor is set at the factory to  

provide an optimum fuel-air mixture  

under all operating conditions.  

Chain runs when engine is idling:  

If the engine is low on power, check the  

spark arresting screen inside the muffler.  

Turn the idle speed screw (LD)  

•

counterclockwise until chain stops  

running - then turn the screw about  

another half turn in the same  

direction.  

Take out the screws (1) and remove the  

shroud (2).  

Adjusting idle speed  

Remove the spark arresting screen (3)  

from the muffler (4).  

Check air filter and fit a new one if  

•

•

necessary.  

Check spark arresting screen and  

Clean spark arresting screen if  

•

•

•

clean or replace as necessary.  

necessary.  

If screen is damaged or coked up,  

fit a new one.  

Refit the spark arresting screen,  

place the shroud in position and  

secure with the screws.  

40  

017, 018  

Checking Spark Plug  

Starter Rope  

The starter rope is subject to normal  

wear and tear. To prolong its service  

life, please observe the following  

points:  

Do not pull out the rope more than  

•

7

0 cm (about 28 in) -  

A

it might otherwise break.  

Do not let the starter grip snap back  

•

-

guide it slowly and vertically into  

Wrong fuel mix (too much engine oil in  

the gasoline), a dirty air filter and  

the housing so that the starter rope  

can rewind properly.  

unfavorable running conditions (mostly  

at part throttle etc.) affect the condition of  

the spark plug. These factors cause  

deposits to form on the insulator nose  

which may result in trouble in operation.  

Do not hold it sideways so that it  

rubs against the guide bush.  

1

Always replace a damaged starter  

rope in good time or have it replaced  

by your STIHL dealer.  

If engine is down on power, difficult to  

start or runs poorly at idling speed,  

first check the spark plug.  

Fit a new spark plug after  

Replacing Starter Rope/Rewind  

Spring  

•

approx. 100 operating hours -  

or earlier if the electrodes are  

badly eroded.  

Remove spark plug -  

•

see chapter “Starting”:  

•

Remove the shroud.  

Clean dirty spark plug.  

•

Unscrew the oil tank filler cap and  

•

Check electrode gap -  

drain the tank.  

•

!Warning!  

it should be 0.5mm/0.02" (A) -  

•

•

•

Unscrew the fuel tank filler cap and  

To reduce the risk of fire and burn injury,  

use only spark plugs authorized by  

STIHL (see “Specifications”). Always  

press spark plug boot (2) snugly onto  

spark plug terminal (1) of the proper  

size. (Note: If terminal has detachable  

SAE adapter nut, it must be attached.)  

A loose connection between spark plug  

terminal and ignition wire connector in  

the boot may create arcing that could  

ignite combustible fumes and cause a  

fire.  

readjust if necessary.  

drain the tank.  

Use only resistor type spark plugs  

Always keep chain oil and fuel mix  

•

of the approved range.  

in approved safety-type canisters.  

Remove the screws from the fan  

Rectify problems which have caused  

fouling of spark plug:  

housing and hand guard.  

Lift away the fan housing.  

•

Incorrect carburetor setting, too much oil  

in fuel mix, dirty air filter,  

•

Tension the starter rope or rewind  

spring or replace as necessary.  

unfavorable running conditions, e.g.  

operating at part load.  

017, 018  

41  

Checking and Replacing  

Chain Sprocket  

Storing the Machine  

For periods of about 3 months or longer:  

Drain and clean the fuel tank in a  

•

•

well ventilated area.  

Run engine until carburetor is dry -  

this helps prevent the carburetor  

diaphragms sticking together.  

Remove the saw chain and guide  

•

bar, clean them and protect  

with corrosion inhibiting oil.  

Replace the chain sprocket  

Before removing chain sprocket  

Thoroughly clean the machine -  

•

after using two Oilomatic chains  

pay special attention to the  

cylinder fins and air filter.  

Remove chain sprocket cover,  

chain and guide bar.  

-

or even sooner if the wear marks  

If you use a biological chain and  

•

on the sprocket are deeper than approx.  

Disengage the chain brake:  

Pull hand guard toward front handle.  

bar lubricant, e.g. STIHL Bioplus,  

completely fill the chain oil tank.  

1

0

.5 mm ( /64") since this would reduce  

the life of the chain.  

Store the machine in a dry and high  

•

Use a screwdriver to remove the  

or locked location - out of the  

reach of children and other  

unauthorized persons.  

•

•

Check wear marks:  

E-clip.  

-

on teeth of spur sprockets.  

Pull washer, spur sprocket and  

needle cage off the crankshaft.  

Clean the crankshaft stub and  

needle cage, and lubricate with  

STIHL grease (tube 0781 120  

You can use gauge * 0000 893 4101  

to check the depth of the wear marks  

on spur and rim sprockets.  

1111).  

It is best to use two chains in rotation  

with one sprocket.  

Reassemble with new spur  

sprocket -  

•

After fitting the clutch drum, rotate it  

about one half turn to engage oil  

pump drive.  

Refit washer and E-clip on the  

crankshaft.  

Use only original STIHL chain  

sprockets to ensure correct  

operation of the chain brake.  

*

Special accessory  

42  

017, 018  

Maintaining and  

Sharpening Saw Chain  

Correctly sharpened chain  

A

B

A properly sharpened chain slices  

through wood effortlessly and requires  

very little feed pressure.  

3

/8  

Do not work with a dull or damaged  

chain as it will increase the physical  

effort required, produce unsatisfactory  

results and a higher rate of wear.  

The chain pitch (e.g. 3/8) is marked on  

the depth gauge side of each cutter.  

A = Filing angle  

Clean and check your chain  

for cracks in the links and damaged  

rivets -  

B = Side plate angle  

Use only special saw chain files  

Chain type  

Angle (°)  

replace any damaged or worn parts of  

the chain and match the new parts to the  

shape and size of the original parts.  

A

B

Other files have the wrong shape and  

cut.  

Rapid-Micro (RM)  

Rapid-Super (RS)  

Picco-Micro (PM/PMN)  

30  

30  

30  

85  

60  

85  

Important: It is absolutely imperative to  

comply with the angles and dimensions  

specified below. If the saw chain is  

incorrectly sharpened - and in  

particular if the depth gauge is set too  

low - there is a risk of increased  

kickback of the chainsaw, with resulting  

danger of injury.  

Select file diameter according to chain  

pitch - see table at the end of this  

chapter.  

Cutter shapes:  

Micro = Semi-chisel  

Super = Full chisel  

You must observe certain angles when  

resharpening the chain cutters  

Specified angles A and B are  

obtained automatically if recommen-  

ded files or sharpening tools and  

correct settings are used.  

Select the appropriate sharpening  

tools for the chain pitch.  

See “Technical Data” for the permitted  

chain pitches.  

Furthermore, the angles must be the  

same on all cutters.  

If angles are uneven:  

Chain will run roughly, not in a straight  

line, wear quickly and finally break.  

4

3

Avoid touching the tie straps and  

drive links with the file.  

•

•

Rotate the file at regular intervals  

while filing -  

this avoids one-sided wear.  

Use a piece of hardwood to remove  

burrs from cutting edge.  

90°  

•

•

Check angles with the filing gauge.  

As these requirements can be met only  

after sufficient and constant practice:  

File correctly  

All cutters must be the same length  

If you use a file holder or the FG 1:  

Leave the chain on the bar.  

Clamp the bar in a vise if necessary.  

Lock the chain - push hand guard  

forward  

If the cutters are not the same length,  

they will have different heights. This  

makes the chain run roughly and can  

cause it to break.  

•

Use a file holder.*  

•

A file holder must be used for manual  

resharpening of Super chain. The correct  

filing angle is marked on the file holder.  

•

To rotate the chain - pull hand  

guard against front handle  

Sharpen chain frequently, take  

away as little metal as possible -  

two or three strokes of the file are  

usually enough  

Find the shortest cutter and then file all  

other cutters back to the same length.  

This can be very time consuming - it is  

best to have it done in the workshop on  

an electric grinder.  

•

•

90°  

8

5° 70° 60°  

80°  

Always file from the inside to the  

outside of the cutter.  

•

•

30°  

35°  

10°  

0°  

The file only sharpens on the  

forward stroke -  

lift the file off the cutter on the back-  

stroke.  

For checking angles  

Hold the file horizontally for all  

chain types (at right angle to side of  

guide bar) and file according to the  

angles marked on the filing tool.  

•

STlHL filing gauge* (see table)  

A universal tool for checking the filing  

and side plate angles, depth gauge  

setting and cutter length. Also cleans the  

guide bar groove and oil inlet hole.  

*

Special accessory  

44  

Chain  

pitch  

Depth gauge  

distance “a”  

a

Inch  

(mm)  

mm  

(Inch)  

1

3

3

0

3

0

/4  

(6.35)  

(9.32)  

0.65  

0.65  

0.45  

0.65  

0.65  

0.80  

(0.026)  

(0.018)  

(0.026)  

(0.026)  

(0.026)  

(0.031)  

/8-PM  

/8-PMN (9.32)  

.325  

/8  

(8.25)  

(9.32)  

(10.26)  

.404  

Depth gauge setting  

Round off depth gauges parallel to the  

stamped marking.  

This setting may be increased by 0.2 mm  

The depth gauge determines the height  

at which the cutter enters the wood and  

thus the thickness of the chip removed.  

(

0.008") for cutting softwood in mild  

weather season - no frost.  

After sharpening  

Clean the chain thoroughly, remove  

filings or grinding dust - lubricate the  

chain by immersing it in an oil bath.  

Lowering depth gauges  

Distance between depth gauge and  

cutting edge = a:  

The depth gauge setting is reduced  

when the chain is sharpened. Use filing  

gauge to check the setting every time  

you sharpen the chain and, if necessary,  

lower the depth gauge with a flat or  

triangular file so that it is level with the  

filing gauge.  

Before long out-of-service period  

Clean the chain with a brush and  

immerse it in an oil bath.  

Sharpening tools  

Chain pitch  

Inch (mm)  

Round file Ø Round file  

mm (Inch) Part No.  

File holder  

Part No.  

Filing gauge  

Part No.  

Flat file  

Sharpening kit*  

Part No.  

Part No.  

1

3

3

0

3

0

/4  

(6.35)  

4.0 (5/32) 5605 772 4006  

4.0 (5/32) 5605 772 4006  

4.0 (5/32) 5605 772 4006  

4.8 (3/16) 5605 772 4806  

5.2 (13/64) 5605 772 5206  

5605 750 4327  

5605 750 4327  

5605 750 4327  

5605 750 4328  

5605 750 4329  

5605 750 4330  

1110 893 4000  

0000 893 4000  

1110 893 4000  

1110 893 4000  

1110 893 4000  

1106 893 4000  

0814 353 3356  

0814 353 3356  

0814 353 3356  

0814 353 3356  

0814 353 3356  

0814 353 3356  

5605 007 1027  

5605 007 1026  

5605 007 1027  

5605 007 1028  

5605 007 1029  

5605 007 1030  

/8 PMN (9.32)  

/8 P  

.325  

/8  

(9.32)  

(8.25)  

(9.32)  

.404  

(10.26) 5.5 (7/32) 5605 772 5506  

*

consisting of file holder with round file, flat file and filing gauge.  

4

5

Maintenance Chart  

Please note that the following maintenance intervals apply for normal operating  

conditions only. If your daily working time is longer than normal or cutting conditions are difficult  

(very dusty work area, tropical wood, etc.) shorten the specified intervals accordingly.  

Visual inspection (condition, leaks)  

Clean  

Check operation  

x

x

Complete machine  

x

Throttle trigger, interlock lever,  

Master Control, depending on model  

x

x

x

x

Check operation  

32  

32  

30  

Chain brake  

Have cleaned by STIHL dealer  

x

Check  

x

Filter in fuel tank  

Clean, replace filter element  

x

Fuel tank  

Clean  

x

x

30  

31  

Chain oil tank  

Chain lubrication  

Clean  

Check  

x

x

x

Inspect, also check sharpness  

x

x

Saw chain  

Check chain tension  

26  

43  

38  

Sharpen  

x

x

Check (wear, damage)  

x

Clean and turn over  

x

x

x

x

Guide bar  

Deburr  

Replace  

x

x

Chain sprocket  

Air filter  

Check  

x

42  

38  

Clean  

x

x

Replace  

Cooling inlets  

Cylinder fins  

Clean  

x

Clean  

x

x

Check idle adjustment – chain must not turn  

Readjust idle  

x

39/40  

41  

Carburetor  

x

x

Spark plug  

Readjust electrode gap  

x

x

All accessible screws and nuts  

Retighten  

(

not adjusting screws)  

Rubber vibration buffers  

Have replaced by STIHL dealer  

Inspect  

x

x

Spark arresting screen in muffler  

Clean or replace  

Check  

x

40  

x

Chain catcher  

Replace  

x

46  

017, 018  

Specifications  

Engine  

Fuel/Oil System  

Cutting Attachment  

Recommended cutting attachments  

for compliance with § 5.12 of ANSI  

Standard B 175.1-1991  

STIHL single cylinder two-stroke engine  

Carburetor:  

All position diaphragm carburetor  

with integral fuel pump  

Air filter:  

017  

(see page 12 of this Manual):  

3

Displacement:  

Bore:  

30.1 cm (1.89 cu. in)  

STIHL reduced kickback bar  

37 mm (1.46 in)  

28 mm (1.10 in)  

Felt mat  

(

with green label)  

Stroke:  

Fuel tank capacity:  

for 3/8" Picco pitch:  

0

.25 l (0.53 US pt)  

-

-

Picco Micro Mini gauge (1.1 mm)  

Picco Micro gauge (1.3 mm)  

Fuel mix:  

018  

See chapter “Fuel Mix”  

Chain lubrication:  

3

Rollomatic with sprocket nose  

Displacement:  

Bore:  

31.8 cm (1.91 cu. in)  

3

0 or 35 cm (12 or 14 in)  

38 mm (1.50 in)  

28 mm (1.10 in)  

Fully automatic speed-controlled  

rotary piston oil pump.  

Oil tank capacity:  

STIHL low kickback chain*  

Stroke:  

(

with green label) for 3/8" Picco pitch:  

9

.32 mm (3/8") Picco Micro Mini (61PMN)  

.32 mm (3/8") Picco-Micro1 (63 PM1)  

0.15 l (0.32 US pt)  

9

Ignition System  

Chain sprocket:  

6

- tooth for 3/8" Picco pitch  

Electronic magneto ignition  

Spark plug (suppressed):  

BOSCH WSR 6 F  

Weight  

Since new bar/chain combinations may be  

developed after publication of this Manual,  

ask your STIHL dealer for the latest STIHL  

recommendations.  

NGK BPMR 7 A or  

without bar and chain  

Champion RCJ 6 Y  

0

17:  

3.9 kg (8.60 lbs)  

3.9 kg (8.60 lbs)  

Heat range 200  

018:  

In order to comply with the kickback  

performance requirements of § 5.12  

of ANSI Standard B 175.1-1991,  

Electrode gap 0.5 mm (0.02 in)  

Spark plug thread M 14x1.25,  

9.5 mm (0.37 in) long  

do not use replacement saw chain  

unless it has been designated as  

meeting the ANSI § 5.12 requirements  

on this specific powerhead, or has been  

designated as “low kickback” saw chain*  

in accordance with the ANSI B 175.1-  

1

991 standard.  

*

See definition of “low kickback chain”  

on page 12 of this Manual.  

017, 018  

47  

Ordering Spare Parts  

Please enter your saw model, machine  

number as well as the part numbers of  

the guide bar, saw chain and chain  

sprocket in the spaces provided.  

Warranty claims following repairs  

can be accepted only if the repair  

has been performed by an authorized  

STIHL servicing dealer using original  

STlHL spare parts.  

This will make re-ordering simpler.  

The guide bar, saw chain and chain  

sprocket are subject to normal wear  

and tear.  

Original STIHL parts can be identified by  

the STlHL part number,  

the logo STIHL  

and the STIHL parts symbol (  

When purchasing these parts, always  

quote the saw model, the part numbers  

and names of the parts.  

The symbol may appear alone on small  

parts.  

Model  

Machine number  

Guide bar part number  

Chain part number  

Sprocket part number  

For recommended STIHL reduced  

kickback cutting attachments  

see section “Specifications”  

of this Owner’s Manual.  

48  

017, 018  

STIHL Incorporated Limited Warranty Federal and  

California Emission Control Systems Utility Engines  

Your Warranty Rights  

and Obligations  

Owner’s Warranty Responsibilities:  

A. Warranty Commencement Date  

The warranty period begins on the date  

the engine or equipment is delivered to  

you and you have signed and sent back  

the warranty card to Stihl.  

As the utility equipment engine owner,  

you are responsible for the performance  

of the required maintenance listed in  

your owner’s manual. Andreas Stihl  

recommends that you retain all receipts  

covering maintenance on your utility  

equipment engine, but Andreas Stihl  

cannot deny warranty solely for the lack  

of receipts or for your failure to ensure  

the performance of all scheduled  

maintenance.  

The California Air Resources Board and  

Andreas Stihl are pleased to explain the  

emission control system warranty on  

your 1995 and later utility equipment  

engine. In California, new utility and lawn  

and garden equipment engines must be  

designed, built and equipped to meet the  

State’s stringent anti-smog standards.  

Andreas Stihl must warrant the emission  

control system on your utility equipment  

engine for the periods of time listed  

below provided there has been no  

abuse, neglect or improper maintenance  

of your lawn and garden equipment  

engine.  

B. Length of Coverage  

The engine manufacturer warrants to  

the initial owner and each subsequent  

purchaser that the engine is free from  

defects in materials and workmanship  

which cause the failure of a warranted  

part for a period of two years.  

As the utility equipment engine owner,  

you should be aware, however, that  

Andreas Stihl may deny you warranty  

coverage if your utility equipment engine  

or a part has failed due to abuse, ne-  

glect, improper maintenance or  

C. What is Covered:  

1. Repair or Replacement of Parts  

Repair or replacement of any warranted  

part will be performed at no charge to  

the owner at an authorized Stihl  

servicing dealer. To obtain information  

about the authorized servicing dealer  

nearest you, call 1-800-467-8445 or you  

can write to  

Your emission control system includes  

parts such as the carburetor and the  

ignition system.  

unapproved modifications.  

You are responsible for presenting your  

utility equipment engine to a Stihl  

service centre as soon as a problem  

exists. The warranty repairs will be  

completed in a reasonable amount of  

time, not to exceed 30 days.  

Where a warrantable condition exists,  

Andreas Stihl will repair your lawn and  

garden equipment engine at no cost to  

you including diagnosis, parts and labor.  

Stihl Inc.,  

536 Viking Drive, P.O. Box 2015,  

Virginia Beach, VA 23450-2015.  

Manufacturer’s Warranty Coverage:  

If you have any questions regarding  

your warranty rights and responsibilities,  

please contact a Stihl customer service  

representative at 1-800-467-8445 or you  

can write to  

The 1995 and later utility equipment  

engines are warranted for two years.  

If any emission-related part on your  

engine is defective, the part will be  

repaired or replaced by Andreas Stihl.  

Stihl Inc.,  

5

36 Viking Drive, P.O. Box 2015,  

Virginia Beach, VA 23450-2015.  

017, 018  

49  

2

.

Warranty Period  

The use of add-on or modified parts can  

be grounds for disallowing a warranty  

claim. The engine manufacturer is not  

liable to cover failures of warranted parts  

caused by the use of add-on or modified  

parts.  

Carburetor  

Any warranted part which is not  

Ignition system (ignition module)  

scheduled for replacement as required  

maintenance, or which is scheduled only  

for regular inspection to the effect of  

Spark plug  

Airfilter  

Manifold  

Fasteners  

"repair or replace as necessary" will be  

warranted for the warranty period. Any  

warranted part which is scheduled for  

replacement as required maintenance  

will be warranted for the period of time  

up to the first scheduled replacement  

point for that part.  

E. How to File a Claim  

This warranty gives you specific legal  

rights, and you may have other rights  

which vary from state to state.  

Bring the product to any authorized Stihl  

servicing dealer and present the signed  

warranty card.  

I. Maintenance Statements  

You, as the owner, are responsible for  

the performance of the required  

maintenance especially of those parts  

listed above, as defined in the relevant  

instructions of this manual.  

3

.

Diagnosis  

F. Where to get Warranty Service  

Warranty services or repairs will be  

provided at all authorized Stihl servicing  

dealers.  

You, as the owner, shall not be charged  

for diagnostic labor which leads to the  

determination that a warranted part is  

defective. However, if you claim warranty  

for a component and the machine is  

tested as non-defective, Stihl will charge  

you for the cost of the emission test.  

Mechanical diagnostic work is performed  

at an authorized Stihl servicing dealer.  

Emission test may be performed either  

at Stihl or at any independent test  

laboratory.  

G. Maintenance;  

Replacement and Repair  

These instructions are based on the  

application of the recommended  

of Emission-related Parts  

Any Stihl-approved replacement part  

may be used in the performance of any  

warranty maintenance or repairs on  

emission-related parts, and will be  

provided without charge to the owner if  

the part is still under warranty.  

2-stroke mixture (see also instruction  

"Fuel"). Discrepancies regarding quality  

and mixing ratio of fuel and oil may  

require shorter maintenance intervals.  

4.  

Consequential Damages  

Stihl is liable for damages to other  

engine components caused by the  

failure of a warranted part still under  

warranty.  

H. Emission Control Warranty  

Parts List  

The following parts are covered by this  

warranty if the maintenance procedures  

according to the instructions in this  

owners manual are carried out:  

D. What is not Covered  

1

.

Failures caused by abuse,  

neglect, or improper maintenance.  

Add-on or modified parts  

2.  

(non-genuine parts).  

50  

017, 018  

Continuation of Important Safety Precautions  

4

. Use caution when handling fuel.  

Move the chainsaw at least  

10. Do not operate a chainsaw that  

is damaged, improperly  

Manual maintenance instruc-  

tions, should be performed by  

competent chainsaw service  

personnel.  

1

0 feet (3 m) from the fueling  

adjusted, or not completely and  

securely assembled. Be sure  

that the saw chain stops  

point before starting the engine.  

(For example, if improper tools  

are used to remove the  

5

. Do not allow other persons to  

be near the chainsaw when  

starting or cutting with the  

chainsaw. Keep bystanders  

and animals out of the work  

area.  

moving when the throttle trigger  

is released.  

flywheel or if an improper tool  

is used to hold the flywheel in  

order to remove the clutch,  

structural damage to the  

flywheel could occur and could  

be subsequently cause the  

flywheel to burst).  

11. Shut off the engine before  

setting the chainsaw down.  

1

2. Use extreme caution when  

cutting small size brush and  

saplings because slender mate-  

rial may catch the saw chain  

and be whipped toward you or  

pull you off balance.  

6

. Do not start cutting until you  

have a clear work area, secure  

footing, and a planned retreat  

path from the falling tree.  

18. When transporting your chain-  

saw, use the appropriate chain  

guard (scabbard).  

7

8

9

. Keep all parts of your body  

away from the saw chain when  

the engine is running.  

13. When cutting a limb that is  

under tension be alert for  

Other important safety precautions  

are contained in the body of the  

Owner’s Manual.  

springback so that you will not  

be struck when the tension in  

the wood fibers is released.  

. Before you start the engine,  

make sure that the saw chain  

is not contacting anything.  

Note:  

1

4. Keep the handles dry, clean,  

. Carry the chainsaw with the  

engine stopped, the guide bar  

and saw chain to the rear, and  

the muffler away from your  

body.  

and free of oil or fuel mixture.  

When using a chainsaw for logging  

purposes, refer to the Code of  

Federal Regulations, Parts 1910  

and 1928.  

15. Operate the chainsaw only in  

well-ventilated areas.  

1

6. Do not operate a chainsaw in a  

tree unless you have been  

specifically trained to do so.  

17. All chainsaw service, other than  

the items listed in the Owner’s  

ä WARNING!  

The engine exhaust from this product  

contains chemicals known to the State  

of California to cause cancer, birth  

defects or other reproductive harm.  

englisch / english / USA / CARB / EPA