Stihl 029 039

STIH)

Chainsaw Safety Manual

English / USA

Contents

Some Important Safety Precautions

for Chain Saw Users ........................ 2

Safety Precautions ........................... 4

Maintenance Chart ......................... 26

Main Parts of the Saw .................... 28

This manual contains the safety

precautions and recommended cutting

techniques outlined in STIHL chainsaw

Owner’s Manuals. Even if you are an

experienced chainsaw user, it is in your

own interests to familiarize yourself with

the latest rules and regulations

regarding safe use of your chainsaw.

Please note that the illustrations on

pages 28 and 29 show the chainsaws

STIHL MS 210, 230, 250.

Other chainsaw models may have

different parts and controls. You should

therefore always refer to the Owner’s

Manual of your particular saw model.

!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. Read and follow all safety

precautions in current Owner’s Manual

or Safety Manual. Always use two hands

to operate the chainsaw.

!Warning!

Avoid contact of bar tip with any object.

This can cause the guide bar to kick

suddenly up and back, which may result

in serious or fatal injury. To reduce the

risk of kickback injury STIHL recom-

mends the use of STIHL green labeled

reduced kickback bars and low kickback

chains and a STIHL Quickstop chain

brake. Contact your STIHL dealer or the

STIHL distributor for your area if you do

not understand any of the instructions in

this manual.

STIHl

Chainsaw Safety Manual

English / USA

Some Important Safety Precautions for Chain Saw Users

Do not rely exclusively upon the safety

devices built into your saw. As a

chainsaw user, you should 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.

A Summary of Warnings on

kickback and other Selected

Risks – Taken Primarily from

ANSI B 175.1 (See also “Safety

Precautions“ section of this

Owner’s Manual)

7. Only use replacement bars and

chains specified by the

manufacturer or the equivalent.

With a basic understanding of

kickback, you can reduce or

eliminate the element of surprise.

Sudden surprise contributes to

accidents.

8. Reduced kickback bars and low

kickback chains are designed to

reduce the risk of kickback injury.

Ask your STIHL dealer about these

devices.

Warning!

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.

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

running. Use a firm grip with thumbs

and fingers encircling the chainsaw

handles. A firm grip will help you

reduce kickback and maintain

Other Safety Precautions

!Warning!

1. Do not operate a chainsaw with one

hand! Serious injury to the operator,

helpers, bystanders, or any

control of the saw. Don't let go.

combination of these persons may

result from one-handed operation. A

chainsaw is intended to be used

with two hands.

Make sure the area in which you are

cutting is free from obstructions. Do

not let the nose of the guide bar

contact a log, branch, or any other

obstruction that could be hit while

you are operating the saw.

Section 5.11 of ANSI B 175.1-2000 sets

certain performance and design criteria

related to chainsaw kickback. STIHLhas

developed a color code system using

green and yellow to help you select a

powerhead, bar and chain combination

that complies with the kickback

2. Do not operate a chainsaw when

you are fatigued.

Cut at high engine speeds.

3. Use safety footwear; snug-fitting

clothing; protective gloves; and eye,

hearing, and head protection

devices.

Do not overreach or cut above

shoulder height.

requirements of the ANSI Standard.

See the sections entitled "Safety

Precautions" and "Specifications" of this

manual.

Chainsaw Safety Manual

English / USA

Use caution when handling fuel.

Move the chainsaw at least 10 feet

10. Do not operate a chainsaw that is

damaged, improperly adjusted, or

not completely and securely

17. All chainsaw service, other than the

items listed in the Owner's Manual

maintenanceinstructions, shouldbe

performed by competent chainsaw

service personnel.(For example, if

improper tools are used to remove

the flywheel or if an improper tool is

used to hold the flywheel in order to

remove the clutch, structural

(

3 m) from the fueling point before

starting the engine.

assembled. Be sure that the saw

chain stops moving when the

throttle trigger is released.

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.

Do not start cutting until you have a

clear work area, secure footing, and

a planned retreat path from the

falling tree.

Keep all parts of your body away

from the saw chain when the engine

is running.

Before you start the engine, make

sure that the saw chain is not

contacting anything.

11. Shut off the engine before setting

the chainsaw down.

2. Use extreme caution when cutting

damage to the flywheel could occur

and could subsequently cause the

flywheel to burst).

small size brush and saplings

because slender material may catch

the saw chain and be whipped

toward you or pull you off balance.

8. When transporting your chainsaw,

use the appropriate chain guard

13. When cutting a limb that is under

tension be alert for springback so

that you will not be struck when the

tension in the wood fibers is

released.

(scabbard).

Other important safety precautions are

contained in the body of the Owner's

Manual especially in the General Safety

Precautions.

14. Keep the handles dry, clean, and

free of oil or fuel mixture.

Note:

Carry the chainsaw with the engine

stopped, the guide bar and saw

chain to the rear, and the muffler

away from your body.

15. Operate the chainsaw only in well-

ventilated areas.

When using a chainsaw for logging

purposes, refer to the Code of Federal

Regulations, Parts 1910 and 1928.

6. Do not operate a chainsaw in a tree

unless you have been specifically

trained to do so.

Chainsaw Safety Manual

English / USA

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

the operator

the saw

sharp cutters. If the

cutters contact your flesh,

3. the use of the saw.

Warning!

they will cut you, even if

the chain is not moving. At full throttle,

the chain speed can reach 45 mph

Minors should never be allowed to use a

chainsaw. Bystanders, especially

children, and animals should not be

allowed in the area where a chainsaw is

in use. Never let the saw run

THE OPERATOR

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 judgement.

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.

(

20 m/s). It is important that you read,

fully understand and observe the

following safety precautions and

warnings. Read the Owner's Manual

and the Safety Precautions periodically.

unattended. Store it in a locked place

away from children and empty the fuel

tank before storing for longer than a few

days.

Pay special attention to the section on

reactive forces.

Do not lend or rent your

chainsaw without the

Warning!

Reactive forces, including kickback, can

be dangerous. Careless or improper use

of any chainsaw may cause serious or

fatal injury.

Owner`s Manual. Be sure

that anyone using your

saw reads and

understands the

information contained in this manual.

All safety precautions that are generally

observed when working with an axe or a

hand saw also apply to the operation of

chainsaws. However, because a

chainsaw 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.

Chainsaw Safety Manual

English / USA

These conditions reduce the hand's

ability to feel and regulate temperature,

produce numbness and burning

–

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

components or with damaged or

worn AV buffers will also tend to

have higher vibration levels.

Maintain a firm grip at all times, but

do not squeeze the handles with

constant, excessive pressures.

Take frequent breaks.

Proper Clothing

Warning!

sensations and may cause nerve and

circulation damage and tissue necrosis.

To reduce the risk of injury, the operator

should wear proper protective apparel.

All factors which contribute to

Clothing must be sturdy

and snug-fitting, but allow

whitefinger disease are not known, but

cold weather, smoking and diseases or

physical conditions that affect blood

vessels and blood transport, as well as

high vibration levels and long periods of

exposure to vibration are mentioned as

factors in the development of whitefinger

disease. In order to reduce the risk of

whitefinger disease and carpal tunnel

syndrome, please note the following:

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 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.

–

Many STIHL models are available

with an anti-vibration (AV) system

designed to reduce the

Protect your hands with

gloves when handling

saw and saw chain.

transmission of vibrations created

by the engine and cutting

Heavy-duty, nonslip

attachment to the operator's hands.

An AV system is recommended for

those persons using chainsaws on

a regular or sustained basis.

gloves improve your grip

and protect your hands.

Warning!

The ignition system of your unit

Good footing is most

important in chainsaw

work. Wear sturdy boots

with nonslip soles. Steel-

toed safety boots are

recommended.

produces an electromagnetic field of a

very low intensity. This field may inter-

fere with some pacemakers. To reduce

the risk of serious or fatal injury, persons

with pacemaker should consult their

physician and the pacemaker manu-

facturer before operating this tool.

–

Wear gloves and keep your hands

warm. Heated handles, which are

available on most STIHL power-

heads, are recommended for cold

weather use.

Never operate a chainsaw unless

wearing goggles or properly fitted safety

glasses with adequate top and side

protection complying with your national

standard.

Chainsaw Safety Manual

English / USA

Wear an approved safety

hard hat to protect your

head. Chainsaw noise

may damage your

THE USE OF THE SAW

Transporting the chainsaw

Warning!

hearing. Always wear

sound barriers (ear plugs

Always stop the engine before putting a

chainsaw down or carrying it. Carrying a

chainsaw with the engine running is

extremely dangerous.

or ear mufflers) to protect your hearing.

Continual and regular users should have

their hearing checked regularly.

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.

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.

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 or vehicle.

THE SAW

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 usable

with the STIHL powerhead, their use

may, in fact, be extremely dangerous.

Grip the front handle and place the

muffler away from the body.

Preparation for the use of the saw

Take off the chain guard and inspect for

safety in operation. For assembly, follow

the procedure described in the chapter

"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.

Before replacing any bar and chain, see

the sections on "Specifications",

Kickback" and the "ANSI B 175.1-2000

chainsaw kickback standard" in this

manual.

Chainsaw Safety Manual

English / USA

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!

!Warning!

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.

Different models may have different fuel

caps.

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

Fueling Instructions

Warning!

Fuel your chainsaw in well-ventilated

areas, outdoors only. Always shut off the

engine and allow it to cool before

tensioning the chain. Never start the saw

with the sprocket cover loose. Check

chain tension once more after having

tightened the nut(s) and thereafter at

regular intervals (whenever the saw is

shut off). If the chain becomes loose

while cutting, shut off the engine and

then tighten. Never try to adjust the

chain while the engine is running!

Cap with Grip

refueling. Gasoline vapor pressure may

build up inside the gas tank 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.

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.

!Warning!

In order to reduce the risk of fuel spillage

and fire from an improperly tightened

fuel cap, correctly position and tighten

the fuel cap in the fuel tank opening.

Fueling

To do this with this STIHL

cap, raise the grip on the

Your STIHL chainsaw uses an oil-gaso-

line mixture for fuel (see chapter "Fuel"

of your Owner's Manual).

top of the cap until it is

upright at a 90° angle.

Insert the cap in the fuel

Warning!

tank opening with the

Gasoline is an extremely flammablefuel.

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.

triangular marks on the grip of the cap

and on the fuel tank opening lining up.

Using the grip, turn the cap firmly

clockwise as far as it will go (approx. a

quarter turn).

Chainsaw Safety Manual

English / USA

Fold the grip flush with the

top of the cap. If the grip

does not lie completely

flush with the cap and the

detent on the grip does

not fit in the

corresponding recess in the filler neck,

the cap is not properly seated and

tightened and you must repeat the

above steps.

Starting

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.

The second recommended method for

starting your chainsaw allows you to

start the saw without placing it on the

ground. Make sure the chain brake is

engaged, grip the front handle of the

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.

The chain brake must be engaged when

starting the saw.

Slotted Cap

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.

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.

The screwdriver end of

the STIHL combination

wrench or other similar

tool can be used as an aid

in tightening slotted fuel

filler caps.

There are two recommended methods

for starting your chainsaw.

With the first recommended method,

the chainsaw is started on the ground.

Make sure the chain brake is engaged

See "Fueling" chapter in your Owner's

Manual.

(

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.

Chainsaw Safety Manual

English / USA

Important adjustments

Warning!

!Warning!

Since a muffler with a

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

engage the chain brake before starting.

Never attempt to start the chainsaw

when the guide bar is in a cut or kerf.

To reduce the risk of personal injury from

catalytic converter cools

down less rapidly than

conventional mufflers,

never set your chainsaw

down on or near dry

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. 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.

brush, grass, wood chips or other

combustible materials while it is still hot.

Let the engine cool down sitting on

concrete, metal, bare ground or solid

wood (e.g. the trunk of a felled tree)

away from any combustible substances.

!Warning!

To reduce the risk of fire or burn injury,

let the unit cool down before refueling

your chainsaw after use.

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

properly. Failure to follow this procedure

may result in injury to hand or fingers

and may damage the starter

Warning!

Catalytic converter

Never disassemble or modify your

muffler. The muffler could be damaged

and cause an increase in heat radiation

or sparks, thereby increasing the risk of

fire or burn injury. You may also

Warning!

Some STIHL chainsaw models are

equipped with a catalytic converter,

which is designed to reduce the exhaust

emissions of the engine by a chemical

process in the muffler. Due to this

process, the muffler does not cool down

as rapidly as conventional mufflers when

the engine returns to idle or is shut off.

To reduce the risk of fire and burn

injuries, specific safety precautions must

be observed.

permanently damage the engine. Have

your muffler serviced and repaired by

your STIHL Servicing Dealer only.

mechanism.

Chainsaw Safety Manual

English / USA

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

eliminated, the operator and any

Warning!

!Warning!

Your chainsaw produces

poisonous exhaust fumes

as soon as the

To reduce the risk of fire or burn injury,

keep the area around the muffler clean.

Remove all debris such as pine needles,

branches or leaves.

combustible engine is

running. These gases

bystanders should always wear a

respirator approved by NIOSH / MSHA

for the type substance at issue.

Warning!

(

e.g. carbon monoxide)

An improperly mounted or damaged

may be colorless and odorless. 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

ventilation when working in trenches or

other confined areas.

cylinder housing or a damaged/

deformed muffler shell may interfere

with the cooling effect of the catalytic

converter. To reduce the risk of fire or

burn injury, do not continue work with a

damaged or improperly mounted

cylinder housing or a damaged/

!Warning!

Breathing asbestos dust is dangerous

and can cause severe or fatal injury,

respiratory illness or cancer. The use

and disposal of asbestos containing

products have been strictly regulated by

OSHA and the Environmental Protection

Agency. Do not cut or disturb asbestos,

asbestos containing products (e.g.

asbestos containing drywall or other

construction products), or products such

as pipes which are wrapped or covered

with asbestos insulation. If you have any

reason to believe that you might be

cutting asbestos, immediately contact

your employer or a local OSHA

Warning!

deformed muffler shell. Your catalytic

converter is furnished with screens

designed to reduce the risk of fire from

the emission of hot particles. Due to the

heat from the catalytic reaction, these

screens will normally stay clean and

need no service or maintenance. If you

experience loss of performance and you

suspect a clogged screen, have your

muffler maintained by a STIHL Servicing

Dealer.

Use of this product (including sharpen-

ing the saw chain) can generate dust,

mists and fumes containing chemicals

known to cause respiratory disease,

cancer, 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 hazardous

representative.

materials. California and some other

authorities, for instance, have published

lists of substances known to cause

cancer, reproductivetoxicity, etc. Control

dust (such as sawdust), mists (such as

oil mist from chain lubrication) and

fumes at the source where possible.

Working Conditions

Operate the chainsaw under good

visibility and daylight conditions only.

Chainsaw Safety Manual

English / USA

The muffler and other parts of the engine

e.g. fins of the cylinder, spark plug)

Warning!

(

become hot during operation and remain

hot for a while after stopping the engine.

To reduce risk of burns do not touch the

muffler and other parts while they are

hot. Don't work alone. Keep within

calling distance of others in case help is

needed.

Take extreme care in wet and freezing

weather (rain, snow, ice). Put off the

work when the weather is windy, stormy

or rainfall is heavy.

Warning!

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.

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.

To reduce the risk of personal injury, do

not operate a chainsaw with a damaged

or missing catcher.

Inspect buffers periodically. Replace

damaged, broken or excessively worn

buffers immediately, since they may

result in loss of control of the saw.

!Warning!

To reduce the risk

of serious or fatal

Wrap your fingers tightly around the

handles, keeping the handles cradled

betweenyour thumbandforefinger. 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

handles and grip are in good condition

and free of moisture, pitch, oil or grease.

injury to the

operator 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.

Even for those compact saws designed

for use in confined spaces, one-handed

operation is dangerous because the

operator may lose control.

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.

!Warning!

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.

Chainsaw Safety Manual

English / USA

Position the chainsaw in such a way that

your body is clear of the cutting

attachment whenever the engine is

running. Stand to the left of cut while

bucking.

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.

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.

Warning!

Do not cut any material other than wood

or wooden objects. Use your saw for

chainsawing 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. Such objects may be

flung off, damage the saw chain or

cause the saw to kickback.

Never work on a ladder, or on any other

insecure support. Never use the saw

above shoulder height.

Warning!

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

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.

Reactive forces including kickback

!Warning!

Reactive forces may occur any time the

chain is rotating. Reactive forces can be

dangerous! In any chainsaw,

Warning!

In order to keep control of your saw,

always maintain a firm foothold.

Chainsaw Safety Manual

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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.

The type of bar and saw chain you use

is an important factor in the occurrence

and force of the kickback reaction. Some

STIHL bar and chain types are designed

to reduce kickback forces. STIHL

the powerful force used to cut wood can

be reversed (and work against the

operator). If the rotating chain is

suddenly stopped by contact with any

solid object like a log or branch or is

pinched, there active 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 help you avoid loss

of control.

recommends the use of reduced

kickback bars and low kickback chains.

ANSI B 175.1-2000 chainsaw

kickback standard

Section 5.11 of ANSI standard

B 175.1-2000, sets certain performance

and design criteria related to chainsaw

kickback.

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.

To comply with section 5.11 of ANSI

B 175.1-2000:

Kickback may occur, for example,

when the chain near the upper quadrant

of the bar nose contacts the wood or is

pinched during limbing or when it is

incorrectly used to begin a plunge or

boring cut.

Kickback:

Kickback may occur when

the moving saw chain

near the upper quadrant

of the bar nose contacts a

solid object or is pinched.

Chainsaw Safety Manual

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a) saws with a displacement of less

than 3.8 cubic inches (62 cm³).

In addition, features designed to reduce

kickback injuries may lose some of their

effectiveness when they are no longer in

their original condition, especially if they

have been improperly maintained.

Devices for reducing the risk of

kickback injury

STIHL recommends the use of the

STIHL Quickstop chain brake on your

power-head with green labeled reduced

kickback bars and low kickback chains.

–

must, in their original condition,

meet a 45° computer derived

kickback angle when equipped with

certain cutting attachments.

Compliance with § 5.11 of ANSI B 175.1-

000 does not automatic-ally mean that

–

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.

in a real life kickback the bar and chain

will rotate at most 45°.

!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 Center! Do

not use the saw until the problem has

been rectified (see the section "Chain

Brake").

Warning!

In order for powerheads below 3.8 cubic

inch (62 cm³) displacement to comply

with the computed kickback angle

b) saws with a displacement of

.8 cubic inches (62 cm³) and above

requirements of § 5.11 of ANSI B 175.1-

000 use only the following cutting

–

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.

attachments:

–

bar and chain combinations listed

Quickstop chain brake

as complying in the "Specifications"

section of the Owner's Manual or

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

The computer derived angles for saws

–

other replacement bar and chain

below 3.8 cubic inch (62 cm³)

combinations marked in

displacement are measured by applying

a computer program to test results from

a kickback test machine.

accordance with the standard for

use on the powerhead or

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.

–

replacement chain designated

low kickback saw chain''.

Warning!

See the section on "Low kickback saw

The computer derived angles of § 5.11

of ANSI B 175.1-2000 may bear no

relationship to actual kickback bar

rotation angles that may occur in real life

cutting situations.

chain and reduced kickback bars"

Chainsaw Safety Manual

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Warning!

!Warning!

An improperly maintained chain brake

may increase the time needed to stop

the chain after activation, or may not

activate at all.

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

!Warning!

deactivate the chain brake.

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

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.

component and may interfere with the

operation of the chain brake. If clutch

slippage in excess of 3 seconds has

occurred, allow the motor housing to

cool before proceeding and check the

operation of your chain brake as

When a kickback occurs, the guide bar

may rotate around the front handle. If the

cutting position is such that the

described in the chapter entitled "Chain

Brake". Also make sure that the chain is

not turning at idle speed (see above

"Important Adjustments").

operator's left hand is gripping the front

handle behind the hand guard, and if the

left hand rotates around the front handle

and makes a sufficiently forceful contact

with the front hand guard, which is the

Quickstop activating lever, this contact

will activate the Quickstop. The chain

brake on most new model STIHL

Low kickback saw chain and reduced

kickback bars

STIHL offers a variety of bars and

chains. STIHL reduced kickback bars

and low kickback chains are designed to

chainsaws can also be activated by

inertia. See the chapter entitled "Chain

Brake" of your Owner's Manual.

Chainsaw Safety Manual

English / USA

reduce the risk of kickback injury. Other

chains are designed to obtain higher

cutting efficiency or sharpening ease but

may result in higher kickback tendency.

Please ask your STIHL dealer to

properly match your powerhead with the

appropriate bar/chain combinations to

reduce the risk of kickback injury. Green

labeled bars and chains are

Low kickback chain

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.

STIHL has developed a color

recommended for all powerheads. See

your "STIHL Bar and Chain Information"

leaflet for details.

codesystem to help you identify the

STIHL reduced kickback bars and low

kickback chains. Cutting attachments

with green warning decals or green

labels on the packaging are designed to

reduce the risk of kickback injury. The

matching of green decaled powerheads

under 3.8 cubic inch (62 cm³)

"Low kickback saw chain" is a chain

which has met the kickback

Warning!

performance requirements of § 5.11.2.4

of ANSI B 175.1-2000 (Safety

Use of other, non-listed bar/chain

combinations may increase kickback

forces and increase the risk of kickback

injury. New bar/chain combinations may

be developed after publication of this

literature, which will, in combination with

certain powerheads, comply with

Requirements for Gasoline-Powered

ChainSaws) when tested in its original

condition on a selected representative

sample of chainsaws below 3.8 cubic

inch (62 cm³) displacement specified in

ANSI B 175.1-2000.

displacement with green labeled bars

and green labeled chains gives

compliance with the computed kickback

angle requirements of ANSI

5.11 of ANSI B 175.1-2000. Check

B 175.1-2000 when the products are in

their original condition. Products with

yellow decals or labels are for users with

extraordinary cutting needs and

!Warning!

with your STIHL dealer for such

combinations.

There are potential powerhead and bar

combinations with which low kickback

saw chains can be used which have not

been specifically certified to comply with

the 45° computer derived kickback

angle of § 5.11 of ANSI B 175.1-2000.

Some low kickback chains have not

been tested with all powerhead and bar

combinations.

Warning!

experience and specialized training for

dealing with kickback.

Reduced kickback bars and low

kickback chains do not prevent

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

kickback, but they are designed to

reduce the risk of kickback injury. They

are available from your STIHL dealer.

!Warning!

inexperienced chainsaw users.

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.

A dull or improperly sharpened chain

may reduce or negate the effects of the

design features intended to reduce

Chainsaw Safety Manual

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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

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.

Be aware of the location of the guide

bar nose at all times.

Reduced kickback bar

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

andsaplings which may easily catch

the chain.

A = Pull-in:

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.

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.

Warning!

When used with other, more aggressive

chains, these bars may be less effective

in reducing kickback, and may result in

higher kickback forces.

Don't overreach.

Don't cut above shoulder height.

Begin cutting and continue at full

throttle.

Bow Guides

Cut only one log at a time.

Use extreme caution when

Warning!

reentering a previous cut.

Do not mount a bow guide on any STIHL

chainsaw. Any chainsaw equipped with

a bowguide is potentially very

!Warning!

Do not attempt to plunge cut if you

are not experienced with these

cutting techniques.

Use extreme caution when cutting small

size brush and saplings which may

easily catch the chain and pull you off

balance.

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.

10. Be alert for shifting of the log or

other forces that may cause the cut

to close and pinch the chain.

To avoid pull-in

1. Maintain saw chain properly. Cut

with a correctly sharpened, properly

tensioned chain at all times.

Always start a cut with the chain

rotating at full speed and the

bumper spike in contact with the

wood.

2. Stand to the side of the cutting path

of the chainsaw.

Pull-in may also be prevented by

using wedges to open the kerf or

cut.

Chainsaw Safety Manual

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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:

The intended direction of the fall.

The natural lean of the tree.

2 2

B = Pushback:

Felling Instructions:

When felling, maintain a distance of at

least 21/2 tree lengths from the nearest

person.

Any unusually heavy limb structure.

Surrounding trees and obstacles.

The wind direction and speed.

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.

When felling in the vicinity of roads,

railways and power lines, etc., take extra

precautions. Inform the police, utility

company or railway authority before

beginning to cut.

Warning!

Always observe the general condition of

the tree. Inexperienced users should

never attempt to cut trees which are

decayed or rotted inside or which are

leaning or otherwise under tension.

There is an increased risk that such

trees could snap or split while being cut

and cause serious or fatal injury to the

operator or bystanders. Also look for

broken or dead branches which could

vibrate loose and fall on the operator.

When felling on a slope, the operator

should stand on the uphill side if

possible.

Warning!

The noise of your engine may drown any

To avoid pushback

warning call.

Be alert to forces or situations that

may cause material to pinch the top

of the chain.

Warning!

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

reduce the risk of severe or fatal injury to

yourself or others, look for these

Do not cut more than one log at a

time.

Do not twist the saw when

withdrawing the bar from a plunge

cut or underbuck cut because the

chain can pinch.

conditions prior to beginning the cut, and

be alert for a change in direction while

the tree is falling.

Chainsaw Safety Manual

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45°

Escape path

Buttress roots

Gunning sight

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.

When making the felling notch, use the

gunning sight on the shroud and housing

to check the required direction of fall:

Then, establish two paths of escape (B)

and remove all obstacles. These paths

should be generally opposite to the

planned direction of the fall of the tree

Position the saw so that the gunning

sight points exactly in the direction

you want the tree to fall.

(

A) and about at a 45° angle. Place all

tools and equipment a safe distance

away from the tree, but not on the

escape paths.

Chainsaw Safety Manual

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Conventional cut

Open-face technique

Making sapwood cuts

A = felling notch - determines the

For medium sized or larger trees

make cuts at both sides of the trunk,

at same height as subsequent

felling cut.

direction of the fall

For a conventional cut:

For an open-face cut:

Properly place felling notch

perpendicular to the line of fall,

close to the ground

Properly place felling notch

perpendicular to the line of fall,

close to the ground

Cut to no more than width of guide

bar.

This is especially important in

softwood in summer - it helps

prevent sapwood splintering when

the tree falls.

Cut down at app. 45-degree angle

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

trunk diameter

Cut down at app. 50-degree angle

to a depth of app.1/5 to 1/4 of the

trunk diameter

Make second cut horizontal

Remove resulting 45-degree piece

Make second cut from below at app.

40 degree angle

Remove resulting 90-degree piece

Chainsaw Safety Manual

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B = Felling cut

Conventional and open-face technique:

C = Hinge

Warning!

Helps control the falling tree

Do not cut through the hinge -you

could lose control of the direction of

the fall

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.

Begin 1 to 2 inches (2,5 to 5 cm)

higher than centre of felling notch

Cut horizontally towards the felling

notch

Warning!

Leave approx.1/10 of diameter

uncut. This is the hinge

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.

Do not cut through the hinge - you

could lose control of the direction of

the fall

Felling cut for small diameter trees:

simple fan cut

Drive wedges into the felling cut where

Engage the bumper spikes of the

chainsaw 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.

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.

Chainsaw Safety Manual

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First, cut a large, wide felling notch.

Make a plunge cut in the centre of the

notch.

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.

Felling cut for large diameter trees:

Warning!

Avoid repositioning the saw more than

necessary. When repositioning for the

next cut, keep the guide bar fully

With the saw at full throttle, insert the

guide bar in the trunk.

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.

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.

Enlarge the plunge cut as shown in the

illustration.

!Warning!

Plunge-cut method

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.

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

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.

Chainsaw Safety Manual

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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!

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.

Do not stand on a log while limbing it -

you may slip or the log may roll.

Bucking

2. Cut only one log at a time.

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.

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.

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.

Bucking is cutting a log into sections.

!Warning!

When bucking, do not stand on the

log. Make sure the log will not roll

downhill. If on a slope, stand on the

uphill side of the log. Watch out for

rolling logs.

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.

Chainsaw Safety Manual

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MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND

STORING

changing the saw chain or cleaning the

saw. Do not attempt any maintenance or

repair work not described in your

Owner's Manual. Have such work

performed at your STIHL service shop

only.

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

properly or if nonapproved

!Warning!

Never test the ignition system with

ignition wire terminal removed from

sparkplug or with unseated spark plug,

since uncontained sparking may cause

a fire.

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".

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.

Logs under strain: Risk of pinching!

Always start relieving cut (1) at

compression side (A).Then make

bucking cut (2) at tension side (B).

If the saw pinches, stop the engine

and remove it from the log.

Only properly trained professionals

should work in an area where the

logs, limbs and roots are tangled.

Working in blow down areas is

extremely hazardous.

Warning!

Use only STIHL replacement parts for

maintenance and repair. Use of parts

manufactured by others may cause

serious or fatal injury.

Warning!

!Warning!

Always stop the engine and ensure that

the chain is stopped before making any

adjustments, maintenance or repair

work,

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

Drag the logs into a clear area

before cutting. Pull out exposed and

cleared logs first.

Chainsaw Safety Manual

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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.

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.

For these reasons, each STIHL

chainsaw 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:

Remember that the risk of forest fires is

greater in hot or dry weather.

Keep the chain, bar and sprocket clean;

replace worn sprockets or chains. Keep

the chain sharp.

You can spot a dull chain when easy-to-

cut wood becomes hard to cut and burn

marks appear on the wood.

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.

Keep the chain at proper tension.

Tighten all nuts, bolts and screws except

the carburetor adjustment screws after

each use.

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.

Additionally, the daily maintenance

schedule for your chainsaw set forth in

your STIHL Owner's Manual should be

strictly followed.

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).

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.

Chainsaw Safety Manual

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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, resin-rich wood,

tropical wood etc.), shorten the specified intervals accordingly. If you only

use the saw occasionally, extend the intervals accordingly.

Visual inspection (condition, leaks)

Complete machine

Clean

Throttle trigger, trigger interlock, Master

Check operation

Control

Check operation

Chain brake

Check ¹⁾²⁾

Check

Pickup body/filter in fuel tank

Clean, replace filter element

Replace pickup body

Clean

Fuel tank

Chain oil tank

Chain lubrication

Clean

Check

Inspect, also check sharpness

Check chain tension

Sharpen

Saw chain

Check (wear, damage)

Clean and turn over

Deburr

Guide bar

Replace

Chain sprocket

Air filter

Check

Clean

Replace

Inspect

Replace ¹⁾

AV elements (rubber buffers, springs)

Cooling inlets

Cylinder fins

Clean

) STIHL dealer

) see "Chain brake"

Chainsaw Safety Manual

English / USA

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, resin-rich wood,

tropical wood etc.), shorten the specified intervals accordingly. If you only

use the saw occasionally, extend the intervals accordingly.

Check idle adjustment – chain must not rotate

Carburetor

Readjust idle

Spark plug

Readjust electrode gap

All accessible screws and nuts

not adjusting screws)

Retighten

(

Inspect

Spark arresting screen* in muffler

Chain catcher

Clean or replace

Check

Replace

) Firmly tighten cylinder base screws

of professional saws (3.4 kW or

more) after 10 to 20 hours of

operation

see “Guide to Using this Manual“

Chainsaw Safety Manual

English / USA

Main Parts of the Saw

Twist lock

Carburetor adjusting screws

3 Fuel pump (easy start*)

Decompression valve*

5 Chain brake

Muffler

7 Chain sprocket

8 Chain sprocket cover

Chain catcher

0 Chain tensioner (side)

1 Chain tensioner (front)

12 Guide bar

13 Oilomatic saw chain

4 Adjusting wheel of quick

tensioner*

5 Handle of wingnut*

(

quick chain tensioner)

see "Guide to Using this Manual"

Chainsaw Safety Manual

English / USA

6 Oil filler cap

7 Bumper spike

18 Front hand guard

9 Front handle (handelbar)

0 Starter grip

21 Spark plug boot

2 Master Control lever

3 Fuel filler cap

24 Throttle trigger

5 Throttle trigger interlock

6 Rear handle

27 Rear hand guard

Serial number

Chainsaw Safety Manual

English / USA

Definitions

Chain Catcher

18 Front Hand Guard

Twist Lock

Helps to reduce the risk of operator

contact by a chain if it breaks or

comes off the bar.

Provides protection against

projecting branches and helps

prevent left hand from touching the

chain if it slips off the handlebar. It

also serves as the lever for chain

brake activation.

Lock for carburetor box cover.

Carburetor Adjusting Screws

For fine tuning the carburetor.

10 Chain Tensioner

Permits precise adjustment of chain

tension.

Fuel Pump

Fills carburetor with fuel to simplify

starting.

9 Front Handle (Handlebar)

Handlebar for the left hand at the

front of the saw.

11 Chain Tensioner

Permits precise adjustment of chain

tension.

Decompression Valve

Releases compression pressure to

make starting easier.

0 Starter Grip

12 Guide Bar

Chain Brake

The grip of the starter, for starting

the engine.

Supports and guides the saw chain.

A device to stop the rotation of the

chain if activated in a kickback

situation by the operator's hand or

by inertia.

13 Oilomatic Saw Chain

A loop consisting of cutters, tie

straps and drive links.

1 Spark Plug Boot

Connects the spark plug with the

ignition wire.

14 Adjusting Wheel

Permits precise adjustment of chain

tension.

Muffler

2 Master Control Lever

Reduces engine exhaust noise and

directs the exhaust gases.

Lever for choke control, starting

throttle, run and stop positions.

15 Handle of Wingnut

Chain Sprocket

3 Fuel Filler Cap

Must be released to allow chain to

be tensioned with adjusting wheel.

The toothed wheel that drives the

saw chain.

For closing the fuel tank.

4 Throttle Trigger

16 Oil Filler Cap

Chain Sprocket Cover

Controls the speed of the engine.

For closing the oil tank.

Covers the clutch and the sprocket.

5 Throttle Trigger Interlock

Must be depressed before the

throttle trigger can be activated.

17 Bumper Spike

Toothed stop for holding saw steady

against wood.

Chainsaw Safety Manual

English / USA

6 Rear Handle

The support handle for the right

hand, located at the rear of the saw.

7 Rear Hand Guard

Gives added protection to

operator's right hand.

Guide Bar Nose

The exposed end of the guide bar.

(

not illustrated, see chapter

Tensioning the Saw Chain")

Clutch

Couples engine to chain sprocket

when engine is accelerated beyond

idle speed (not illustrated).

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

operator's hands (not illustrated).

Chainsaw Safety Manual

English / USA

Chainsaw Safety Manual

WARNING!

The engine exhaust from this product

contains chemicals known to the State

of California to cause cancer, birth

defects or other reproductive harm.

457 184 3021

englisch / English USA