STIHL E 20 Owner's Manual

Important Safety Precautions for Chain Saw Users

A.
Kickback Safety Precautions

!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.

Section 5.12 of ANSI B 175.1-2000 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
powerhead, 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.

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.

1. With a basic understanding of
kickback, you can reduce or
eliminate the element of surprise.
Sudden surprise contributes to
accidents.

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
running. Use a firm grip with thumbs
and fingers encircling the chainsaw
handles. A firm grip will help you
reduce kickback and maintain
control of the saw. Don't let go.

3. 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 while you are operating
the saw.

4. Cut at high engine speeds.

5. Do not overreach or cut above
shoulder height.

6. Follow manufacturer's sharpening
and maintenance instructions for
the saw chain.

7. Only use replacement bars and
chains specified by the
manufacturer or the equivalent.

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.

2. Do not operate a chainsaw when
you are fatigued.

3. Use safety footwear; snug-fitting
clothing; protective gloves; and eye,
hearing, and head protection
devices.

4. 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.

continued on the back inside cover

Contents

Main Parts and Controls 2
Definitions 3
Safety Precautions 4
Mounting the Bar and Chain 23
Tensioning the Saw Chain 24
Checking Chain Tension 24
Chain Oil 24
Filling Chain Oil Tank 25
Chain Brake 25
Connecting Saw to Power Supply 26
Switching On 26
Switching Off 26
Overload Circuit Breaker 27
Checking Chain Lubrication 27
During Operation 28
After Finishing Work 28
Taking Care of Guide Bar 28
Checking and Replacing
the Chain Sprocket 29
Motor Cooling 30
Storing the Machine 30

Printed on chlorine-free paper

Maintaining and Sharpening
the Saw Chain 31
Maintenance Chart 34
Specifications 35
Ordering Spare Parts 36
Adresses 36

This manual contains operating and
safety instructions for all STIHL E 220
series chainsaws.
Pay special attention to the safety
precautions outlined on pages 4 to 20.
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 under­stand 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.



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 operating characteristics or the
appearance of your saw differ from
those described in this Manual,
please contact your STIHL dealer for
information and assistance.

Printing inks contain vegetable oils,
paper is recyclable

 2002 Andreas Stihl AG & Co., Waiblingen

0458 107 3021. M0,75. B2. Rei. Printed in Germany

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 Front handle
 Interlock button
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 Oil filler cap
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 Chain sprocket
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english / USA

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

The use of any chainsaw
may be hazardous. The
saw chain has many
sharp cutters. If the
cutters contact your flesh,

they will cut you, even if
the chain is not moving. At full throttle,
the chain speed can reach 45 mph
(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.

Pay special attention to the section on
reactive forces.

!Warning!

Reactive forces, including kickback, can
be dangerous. Careless or improper use
of any chainsaw may cause serious or
fatal injury.

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.

Have your STIHL dealer show you how
to operate your chainsaw. Observe all
applicable local safety regulations,
standards and ordinances.

!Warning!

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. Store it in a locked place away
from children. Do not let bystanders
contact chain saw or extension cord.

Do not lend or rent your
chainsaw without the
Owner`s Manual. Be sure
that anyone using your
saw reads and
understands the

information contained in this manual.

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.

Safe use of a chainsaw involves

1. the operator

2. the saw

3. the use of the saw.

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.

!Warning!

Prolonged use of chainsaws (or other
machines) exposing the operator to
vibrations may produce whitefinger
disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or
carpal tunnel syndrome.

4

english / USA

These conditions reduce the hand's
ability to feel and regulate temperature,
produce numbness and burning
sensations and may cause nerve and
circulation damage and tissue necrosis.

All factors which contribute to
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:

– Wear gloves and keep your hands

warm.

– Keep the saw chain sharp and the

saw well maintained. A dull chain
will increase cutting time, and
pressing a dull chain through wood
will increase the vibrations
transmitted to your hands. A saw
with loose components 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.

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.

!Warning!

According to STIHL's current
knowledge, the electric motor or this unit
should not interfere with a pacemaker.
When in doubt, however, consult their
physician and the pacemaker manu­facturer before operating this tool.

Proper Clothing

!Warning!

To reduce the risk of injury, the operator
should wear proper protective apparel.

Clothing must be sturdy
and snug-fitting, but allow
complete freedom of
movement. Avoid loose­fitting 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.

Protect your hands with
gloves when handling
saw and saw chain.
Heavy-duty, nonslip
gloves improve your grip
and protect your hands.

Good footing is most
important in chainsaw
work. Wear sturdy boots
with nonslip soles. Steel­toed safety boots are
recommended.

Never operate a chainsaw unless
wearing goggles or properly fitted safety
glasses with adequate top and side
protection complying with your national
standard.

Wear an approved safety
hard hat to protect your
head. Chainsaw noise
may damage your
hearing. Always wear

sound barriers (ear plugs
or ear mufflers) to protect your hearing.
Continual and regular users should have
their hearing checked regularly.

5

english / USA

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.

THE USE OF THE SAW

Transporting the chainsaw

!Warning!

Always fully release the trigger switch
and make sure the chain has stopped
moving before putting the saw down or
carrying it. When carrying the saw over
longer distances, disconnect the plug
and reposition the extension cord.

By hand: When carrying the chain saw
by hand, it must be switched off and the
saw held in the proper position, i.e. it
should be gripped by the front handle.
The chain guard must be fitted, even
when carrying the saw only a short
distance, and the guide bar must point
backwards, away from the direction in
which you are going.

Do not carry the machine by the power
cable. Carry the cable in your hand. If
the cable is dragged on a rough surface
(concrete etc.) the cable may become
damaged.

By vehicle: The chain guard must be
fitted on the guide bar when transporting
the saw in a vehicle. The saw should be
secured so that it cannot move and
become damaged, or cause damage.

Preparation for the use of the saw

Always disconnect the plug when the
saw is not in use. Take off the chain
guard and inspect for safety in
operation. Insure that the trigger switch
will not engage when the trigger
interlock is not pressed. 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

001BA069 LÄ

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.

6

english / USA

!Warning!

Proper tension of the chain is extremely
important. In order to avoid improper
setting, the tensioning procedure must
be followed as described in your
manual. Always make sure the
hexagonal nut(s) for the sprocket cover
is (are) tightened securely after
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 motor and then
tighten. Never try to adjust the chain
while the motor is running!

!Warning!

After adjusting a chain, start the saw, let
the motor run for a while, then switch
motor off and recheck chain tension.
Proper chain tension is very important at
all times.

Electric Precautions

Special precautions for electric saws
must be observed to reduce the risk of
personal injury and property damage
from fire and electric shock.

This electric chain saw is double
insulated.

!Warning!

To reduce risk of serious or fatal injury
from electrocution, never use your
machine if casing around motor is
cracked or damaged.

!Warning!

The electrical power voltage must agree
with the voltage specified on the saw's
name plate. Improper voltage may
cause the motor to overheat, which will
damage the saw and may cause
personal injury.

!Warning!

To reduce the risk of
electrocution never work
in rain or wet places - the
electric motor is not
waterproof! Do not leave

the chain saw outdoors in
the rain and do not operate it if it shows
any signs of dampness.

!Warning!

To reduce the risk of personal injury from
fire and explosion, do not use the saw in
the presence of flammable liquids or
gases. The sparks from an electric saw
may be a source of ignition!

!Warning!

Inspect the power cable
before and after each use
for signs of damage or
aging. In order to reduce
the risk of serious or fatal

injury from electrocution,
never use your machine if the power
cable is cut, cracked, worn or damaged.
Turn off power at saw, disconnect the
plug immediately and have dealer
replace such a cable.

Avoid damage to the power cable. Keep
it away from heat, oil and sharp edges.
Never jerk power cable to disconnect the
plug from the wall outlet. To unplug,
grasp the plug, not the cable.

Extension cords

!Warning!

To reduce the risk of electric shock, use
only extension cords that are intended
for outdoor use. These extension cords
are identified by a marking „Acceptable
for use with outdoor appliances; store
indoors while not in use.“

Do not use damaged extension cords.
Examine extension cord before using
and replace if damaged. Do not abuse
extension cord and do not yank on any
cord to disconnect. To unplug, grasp the
plug, not the cord. Keep cord away from
heat, oil and sharp edges.

7

english / USA

If you use an extension cord, be sure to
use one heavy enough to carry the
current your electric saw will draw. An
improper gauged extension cord will
cause a drop in wire voltage resulting in
loss of power and overheating. Use only
extension cords having an electrical
rating not less than the rating of the
product.
The following table shows the correct
size to use depending on cord length
and machine label ampere rating.

Minimum wire size for extension
cords for 120 Volt appliances:

Cord types: SJW-A or SJTW-A

Round jacketed cords.

Using not more than 12 amps
Cord length (ft) 50 100 150
Wire size (AWG) 14 12 10

Using not more than 15 amps
Cord length (ft) 50 100 150
Wire size (AWG) 10 * *

* not recommended

Listed by UL, W-A marking on cable
jacket indicates "use outdoors".
Appropriate extension cords are
available in stores spezializing in
electrical equipment.

To reduce the risk of electric shock, this
appliance has a polarized plug (one
blade is wider than the other).This plug
will fit in a polarized outlet only one way.
If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet,
reverse the plug. If it still does not fit,
contact a qualified electrician to install
the proper outlet. Do not change the
plug in any way.

!Warning!

Position the electric cable so that it will
not be damaged when using the electric
saw. Always keep the electric cable
behind the operator and away from the
bar and chain. Always be sure that your
cable does not become entangled with
obstacles or objects. Damaged cables
may cause electrocution. If you take a
break at your work, always disconnect
the cable.

Working Conditions

Operate the chainsaw under good
visibility and daylight conditions only.

!Warning !

Your saw is a one person saw. Do not
allow other persons to be near the
running chain saw. Operate your saw
without assistance.

!Warning !

Be sure that the guide bar and chain are
clear of you and all other obstructions
and objects, including the ground. If the
bar nose near the upper quadrant
touches an object, it may cause
kickback to occur (see section on
reactive forces). Never attempt to start
the chainsaw when the guide bar is in a
cut or kerf.

!Warning!

Use of this product (including sharpen­ing 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
materials. California and some other
authorities, for instance, have published
lists of substances known to cause
cancer, reproductive toxicity, etc. Control
dust (such as sawdust), mists (such as
oil mist from chain lubrication) and
fumes at the source where possible.

8

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
bystanders should always wear a
respirator approved by NIOSH / MSHA
for the type substance at issue.

!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
representative.

Don't work alone. Keep within calling
distance of others in case help is
needed.

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 damaged
or missing catcher.

!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.

!Warning!

To reduce the risk
of serious or fatal
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.

001BA094 LA

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.
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
handles and grip are in good condition
and free of moisture, pitch, oil or grease.

9

english / USA

!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.

!Warning!

Do not cut any material other than wood
or wooden objects. Use your chain
sawing 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.

!Warning!

In order to keep control of your saw,
always maintain a firm foothold.

001BA018 LA

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.

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.

Don't put pressure on the saw when
reaching the end of a cut. The pressure
may cause the bar and rotating chain to

001BA031 KN

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.

Reactive forces including kickback

!Warning!

Reactive forces may occur any time the
chain is rotating. Reactive forces can be
dangerous! In any chainsaw,

001BA082 KN

10

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, 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 help you avoid loss
of control.

The most common reactive forces are

–kickback,

– pushback,

–pull-in.

Kickback:

Kickback may occur when
the moving saw chain
near the upper quadrant
of the bar nose contacts a
solid object or is pinched.

Ä

001BA093 L

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.

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.

english / USA

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
recommends the use of reduced
kickback bars and low kickback chains.

001BA035 KN

11

english / USA

ANSI B 175.1-2000 chainsaw
kickback standard

Section 5.12 of ANSI standard
B 175.1-2000, sets certain performance
and design criteria related to chainsaw
kickback, which has been adopted for
electric chain saws in UL 16 62 in
section 30.

To comply with kickback § 30 of
UL 16 62 electric chain saws:

– 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.

The computer derived angles for electric
saws are measured by applying a
computer program to test results from
the kickback test machine.

!Warning!

The computer derived angles of § 5.12
of ANSI B 175.1-2000 may bear no
relationship to actual kickback bar
rotation angles that may occur in real life
cutting situations. Compliance with §

5.12 of ANSI B 175.1-2000 does not
automatic-ally mean that in a real life
kickback the bar and chain will rotate at
most 45°.

!Warning!

In order for electric chainsaws to comply
with the computed kickback angle
requirements of § 30 of UL 16 62 / § 5.12
of ANSI B 175.1-2000 use only the
following cutting attachments:

– 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

– replacement chain designated

"low kickback saw chain''.

See the section on "Low kickback saw
chain and reduced kickback bars"

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.

!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").

Quickstop chain brake

STIHL has developed a chain stopping
system designed to reduce the risk of
injury in certain kickback situations. It is
called a Quickstop chain brake. The
Quickstop 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.

12

english / USA

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
Quickstop 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.

On this electric chainsaw model, as
soon as you release the trigger switch
completely, the coasting chain brake is
engaged and stops the chain. See the
chapter entitled "Chain Brake" in your
Owner's Manual.

!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.

Ä

!Warning!

No Quickstop or other chain brake

001BA075 L

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.

!Warning!

An improperly maintained chain brake
may increase the time needed to stop
the chain after activation, or may not
activate at all.

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
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.

STIHL has developed a color
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 electric
chainsaws with green labeled bars and
green labeled chains gives compliance
with the computed kickback angle
requirements of § 30 of UL 16 62 / ANSI
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
experience and specialized training for
dealing with kickback.

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
inexperienced chainsaw users.

13

english / USA

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
recommended for all powerheads. See
your "STIHL Bar and Chain Information"
leaflet for details.

!Warning!

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 electric chainsaws, comply with

§ 30 of UL 16 62 / § 5.12 of ANSI
B 175.1-2000. Check with your STIHL
dealer for such combinations.

!Warning!

Reduced kickback bars and low
kickback chains do not prevent
kickback, but they are designed to
reduce the risk of kickback injury. They
are available from your STIHL dealer.

!Warning!

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.

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.

"Low kickback saw chain" is a chain
which has met the kickback
performance requirements of § 5.12.2.4
of ANSI B 175.1-2000 (Safety
Requirements for Gasoline-Powered
ChainSaws) when tested on a selected
representative sample of chainsaws
below 3.8 cubic inch (62 cm³)
displacement specified in
ANSI B 175.1-2000.

!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 175.1-2000. Some low kickback
chains have not been tested with all
powerhead and bar combinations.

!Warning!

A dull or improperly sharpened chain
may reduce or negate the effects of the
design features intended to reduce

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.

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.

!Warning!

When used with other, more aggressive
chains, these bars may be less effective
in reducing kickback, and may result in
higher kickback forces.

Bow Guides

!Warning!

Do not mount a bow guide on any STIHL
chainsaw. Any chainsaw equipped with
a bowguide 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.

14

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.

2. Be aware of the location of the guide
bar nose at all times.

3. Never let the nose of the guide bar
contact any object. Do not cut limbs
with the nose of the guide bar. Be
especially careful when cutting
small, tough limbs, small size brush
and saplings which may easily catch
the chain.

4 Don't overreach.

5. Don't cut above shoulder height.

6. Begin cutting and continue at full
throttle.

7. Cut only one log at a time.

8. Use extreme caution when
reentering a previous cut.

9. Do not attempt to plunge cut if you
are not experienced with this cutting
technique.

10. Be alert for shifting of the log or
other forces that may cause the cut
to close and pinch the chain.

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

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!

Use extreme caution when cutting small
size brush and saplings which may
easily catch the chain and pull you off
balance.

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.

english / USA

001BA037 KN

B = Pushback:

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.

To avoid pushback

1. Be alert to forces or situations that
may cause material to pinch the top
of the chain.

2. Do not cut more than one log at a
time.

3. Do not twist the saw when
withdrawing the bar from a plunge
cut or underbuck cut because the
chain can pinch.

B

001BA038 KN

15

english / USA

!Warning!

Working with an electric chain saw in the
woods - i.e. felling or limbing - is very
dangerous. The freedom of movement
necessary for this work is impaired by
the power cable! Electric saws are
intended for stationary use in yards,
buildings, etc.

Cutting Techniques

These general instructions apply to all
chain saws. As stated above, however,
STIHL recommends against use of your
electric saw in the woods.

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.

Any unusually heavy limb structure.

Surrounding trees and obstacles.

The wind direction and speed.

!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.

1

1 1

Felling Instructions:

When felling, maintain a distance of at
least 2 1/2 tree lengths from the nearest
person.

When felling in the vicinity of roads,
railways and power lines, etc., take extra
precautions. Inform the police, utility
company or railway authority before
beginning to cut.

/

2

1

/

2

2

!Warning!

The noise of your engine may drown any
warning call.

!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
conditions prior to beginning the cut, and
be alert for a change in direction while
the tree is falling.

Ä

001BA088 L

16

B

english / USA

45°

A

45°

B

Escape path

First clear the tree base and work area
from interfering limbs and brush and
clean its lower portion with an axe.

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
(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.

001BA040 KN

Buttress roots

If the tree has large buttress roots, cut
into the largest buttress vertically first
(horizontally next) and remove the
resulting piece.

A

001BA041 KN

Conventional cut

A = felling notch - determines the

direction of the fall

For a conventional cut:

: Properly place felling notch

perpendicular to the line of fall,
close to the ground

: Cut down at app. 45-degree angle

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

: Make second cut horizontal
: Remove resulting 45-degree piece

001BA052 KN

17

english / USA

B

Open-face technique

A = felling notch - determines the

direction of the fall

For an open-face cut:

: Properly place felling notch

perpendicular to the line of fall,
close to the ground

: Cut down at app. 50-degree angle

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

: Make second cut from below at app.

40 degree angle

: Remove resulting 90-degree piece

Ä

001BA042 L

Making sapwood cuts

: For medium sized or larger trees

make cuts at both sides of the trunk,

: at same height as subsequent

felling cut

: 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.

B

001BA043 KN

B = Felling cut

Conventional and open-face technique:

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

higher than centre of felling notch

: Cut horizontally towards the felling

notch

: Leave approx.1/10 of diameter

uncut. This is the hinge

: Do not cut through the hinge - 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.

001BA044 KN

18

C

C

english / USA

1

3

2

C = Hinge

: Helps control the falling tree
: Do not cut through the hinge -you

could lose control of the direction of
the fall

!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 motor and
walk away on the preplanned escape
path. Watch out for falling limbs.

001BA045 KN

!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.

Felling cut for small diameter trees:
simple fan cut

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.

001BA046 KN

Felling cut for large diameter trees:

!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.

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.

001BA047 KN

19

english / USA

If you are inexperienced with a
chainsaw, plunge-cutting should not be
attempted. Seek the help of a

3

professional.

Ä

Limbing

Limbing is removing the branches from a

001BA089 L

fallen tree.

2

1

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.

Plunge-cut method

Timber having a diameter more than
twice the length of the guide bar requires
the use of the plunge-cut method before
making the felling cut.

First, cut a large, wide felling notch.
Make a plunge cut in the center 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

001BA048 KN

as the width of the guide bar. Next, align
the saw in the direction in which the
recess is to be cut.

With the saw at full speed, insert the
guide bar in the trunk.

Enlarge the plunge cut as shown in the
illustration.

!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.

!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.

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 motor and remove the saw, by
lifting the limb.

!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.

20

english / USA

Bucking

Bucking is cutting a log into sections.

!Warning!

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. Watch out for
rolling logs.

Ä

001BA074 L

2. Cut only one log at a time.

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.

Ä

001BA077 L

5. 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 motor
and remove it from the log.

6. 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.

7. Drag the logs into a clear area
before cutting. Pull out exposed and
cleared logs first.

Ä

001BA050 L

21

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DSSOLDQFH

This electric chainsaw is double­insulated. In such an appliance, two
systems of insulation are provided
instead of grounding. No grounding
means are provided, nor should means
for grounding be added to the appliance.
Servicing a double-insulated appliance
requires extreme care and knowledge of
the system, and should be done only by
qualified service personnel.

Replacement parts for double-insulated
appliance must be identical to the parts
they replace.

Use only identical STIHL replacement
parts for maintenance and repair.
Use of parts manufactured by others
may cause serious or fatal injury.

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".



:DUQLQJ

Always stop the motor, disconnect the
plug from the power supply and ensure
that the chain is stopped before making
any adjustments, maintenance or repair
work, 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.

Keep the chain, bar and sprocket clean;
replace worn sprockets or chains.
Keep the chain sharp. You can spot a dull
chain when easy-to-cut wood becomes
hard to cut and burn marks appear on
the wood. Keep the chain at proper
tension. Tighten all nuts, bolts and
screws before each use.

Only authorized personnel may replace
the power supply cord. A damaged
power supply cord must be replaced by
an identical STIHL replacement part.



:DUQLQJ

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 (see chapter "Chain
Brake" 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. For proper and effective
operation of the chain brake, the brake
band and drum must be kept free of dirt,
grease and other foreign matter which
may reduce brake performance 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:

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.

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 locked place
and away from children.
It should have the scabbard mounted or
be in a carrying case.

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3

1

2

You can run chains of different pitches
on this chainsaw - depending on the
chain sprocket (see Specifications).
The chain pitch must match the pitch of
the sprocket and guide bar. The drive
link gauge must match the guide bar
groove width.

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Unscrew nut and take off the cover.

•

Turn screw  counterclockwise

•

until tensioner slide  butts
against the left end of the housing
slot.

107BA001 KN

107BA002 KN

•

•

Disengage the chain brake:
Pull hand guard  toward the front
handle.

Wear work gloves to protect hands.
Fit the chain on the bar ­start at the bar nose.

107BA003 KN

•

•

143BA003 KN

•

•

•

6

4

7

4

5

8

Turn the guide bar so that the
chain cutting edges on the top of
the bar point toward the bar nose
(see illustration).
Fit the guide bar over the studs 
and the engage the peg of the ten­sioner slide in the locating hole  -
place the chain over the sprocket
 at the same time.

Now turn tensioning screw  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.

Refit the sprocket cover and screw
on the nut fingertight.

Arrow  indicates direction of
chain rotation.

Now refer to chapter "Tensioning
the Saw Chain"

107BA004 KN

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2

1

2

107BA005 KN

Retensioning during cutting work:

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•

SRZHUVXSSO\ 
Disengage the chain brake.

•

Slacken off the nut.

•

Hold the bar nose up and use

•

screwdriver to turn the tensioning
screw  clockwise until chain fits
snugly against the underside of the
bar. While still holding bar nose up,
tighten the nut ILUPO\.
Now refer to chapter

•

"Checking Chain Tension"

Arrows  show direction of rotation
of chain.

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1

'LVFRQQHFWVDZIURP

•

SRZHUVXSSO\

Wear work gloves.

•

Disengage the chain brake:

•

Pull hand guard  toward the front
handle.

The chain must fit snugly against the
underside of the bar and it must still be
possible to pull the chain along the bar
by hand.

If necessary, retension the chain.

•

1RWHA new chain has to be retensioned
more often than one that has been in
use for some time.
Check chain tension frequently ­see section "During Operation".

&KDLQ2LO

For automatic and reliable lubrication of
the chain and guide bar:

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,PSRUWDQW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

107BA006 KN

lubricant. It is therefore essential to use
only a specially formulated chain
lubricant.

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.

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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.
'RQRWXVH waste oil for any purpose,
and dispose of it only at authorized
disposal locations.

24 E 220

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1

2

OIL
min

Thorougly clean the filler cap 

•

and the area around it to ensure
that no dirt falls into the tank.
Fill up with chain oil.

•

Check oil level regularly during

•

operation.

Top up chain oil tank when

•

the "min" mark  is reached.

If the oil level does not drop, this may be
due to a fault in the oil supply system:
Check chain lubrication, clean the
oilways, contact your STIHL dealer for
assistance if necessary.

1

107BA007 KN

$FWLYDWLQJFKDLQEUDNHPDQXDOO\
LQDQHPHUJHQF\

The chain is stopped and locked

•

when the hand guard  is pushed
toward the bar nose by the left hand.

5HOHDVLQJWKHFKDLQEUDNH

Pull the hand guard  back toward

•

the front handle.

7KHFKDLQEUDNHLVDFWLYDWHGE\WKH
LQHUWLDRIWKHIURQWKDQGJXDUG

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.

2

during felling cut. The chain brake will
operate only if the hand guard has not
been modified in any way.

&KHFNRSHUDWLRQRIFKDLQEUDNH

Before starting work:
The hand guard must be free of dirt and
move freely.

Disengage the chain brake.

•

Switch on the saw.

•

Push hand guard in direction of bar

•

nose. The chain brake is working
properly if the chain comes to a
standstill within a few fractions of a
second.

&KDLQEUDNHPDLQWHQDQFH

The chain braking system is subject to

107BA008 KN

normal wear. 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
Semi-professional
(farm and construction
industry): every 6 months
Hobby and
occasional users: every 12 months

( 25

&RQQHFWLQJ6DZWR
3RZHU6XSSO\

6ZLWFKLQJ2Q

6ZLWFKLQJ2II

TheYROWDJHRI\RXUSRZHUVXSSO\and
the YROWDJHVSHFLILHGRQWKHVDZmust
be the same.

2XWGRRURSHUDWLRQ: Connect the saw
via a ground-fault circuit breaker.
Extension cord must be suitable for
outdoor use.

0DLQVSRZHURXWOHW: Must be equipped
with a fuse or automatic circuit breaker.
If the fuse or circuit breaker is tripped
when you switch on the saw, use an
extension cord (at least 10m/35 ft long)
that meets the specifications in the
following table.

([WHQVLRQFRUGV:
Minimum wire size for extension cords
for 120 Volt appliances:

cord types: SJW-A or SJTW-A
Round jacketed cords.
cord length (feet) 50 100 150
wire size (AWG) 14 12 10

Using not more than 15 amps:
cord length (feet) 50 100 150
wire size (AWG) 10 * *
* not recommended

Listed by UL, W-A marking on cable jak­ket indicates "use outdoor".Appro-priate
extension cords are available in special
stores for electrical equipment.

1

2

Make sure you have a firm footing.

•

Check that bystanders are well

•

clear of general work area of the
saw.
Hold the saw firmly with both hands.

•

Disengage the chain brake by

•

pulling hand guard back toward the
front handle.
Check that the chain is not touching

•

any object or the ground.
Press in the trigger switch interlock

•

 with your thumb.
Squeeze the trigger switch  with

•

your index finger.
Start cutting with the chain running.

•

•

107BA009 KN

Release the trigger switch so that it
can return to the off position . It is
then locked in this position by the
trigger switch interlock.

&DEOHGUXP: Always unwind the cord
completely. It should be equipped with
thermal protection.

26 E 220

2YHUORDG&LUFXLW%UHDNHU &KHFNLQJ&KDLQ/XEULFDWLRQ

If the motor does not start when you
switch on, you can assume that the
overload circuit breaker has not cooled
down sufficiently. Wait a little longer and
then press the button again as far as
stop.

1

The overload circuit breaker cuts off the
power supply to the saw in the event of
mechanical overload due to, e.g.

excessive infeed force,

- "lugging down" the motor,

- pinching the saw chain
in the cut.

If the overload circuit breaker has cut off
the power supply:

Pull the guide bar out of the cut.

•

Wait for the overload circuit breaker

•

to cool down (about 20 seconds).
Disengage chain brake if

•

necessary.
Press in button  as far as stop.

•

When the motor starts again:

107BA018 LA

Run your saw for about 15 seconds

•

off-load.
This helps cool the motor and helps
prevent the overload circuit breaker
being tripped again.

The saw chain must always throw off
a small amount of oil.

Never operate your saw without

•

chain lubrication. If the chain is run
dry the whole cutting attachment
will be irretrievably damaged within
a very short time.
Always check chain lubrication and
oil level in tank before starting work.

Every new chain has to be broken

•

in for about 2 to 3 minutes.

After breaking in chain, check chain

•

tension and adjust if necessary ­see section "Checking Chain
Tension".

143BA024 KN

( 27

'XULQJ2SHUDWLRQ

$IWHU)LQLVKLQJ:RUN

7DNLQJ&DUHRI*XLGH%DU

Check level in chain oil tank.

•

Fill up with fresh chain oil when the

•

level reaches the "min" mark ­see "Filling Chain Oil Tank"

Begin cutting with the saw chain

•

running.

Always cut with a properly

•

sharpened chain and apply only
PRGHUDWHIHHGSUHVVXUH.
The sound and running behavior of
the saw must remain constant. The
motor speed may only drop a little
in the cut - WKHFKDLQPXVWQRWMHUN

RUVWRS

If the motor slows down suddenly

•

or the chain stops, reduce feed
pressure LPPHGLDWHO\ to avoid
overheating and possible damage
to the saw.

:KHQVDZLVFROG

Refer to chapter "Checking Chain

•

Tension".

6DZDWRSHUDWLQJWHPSHUDWXUH

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.

6ODFNHQRIIWKHFKDLQ

•

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 drive shaft and bearings.

2

1

7XUQWKHJXLGHEDURYHU±

•

every time you sharpen the chain ­and every time you replace the
chain - this helps avoid one-sided
wear, especiallly at the nose and
underside of the bar.

5HJXODU\FOHDQ:
 oil inlet hole
 oilway
 bar groove.

3

143BA026 KN

Retension the chain -

•

see section "Tensioning the Saw
Chain".
Disconnect saw from the power

•

supply

28 E 220

0HDVXUHJURRYHGHSWK

•

with scale on filing gauge* ­in area of nose on Duromatic bars ­or in area used most for cutting on
Rollomatic bars.

&KHFNLQJDQG5HSODFLQJWKH
&KDLQ6SURFNHW

a

1

2

Chain Chain Minimum
type pitch groove depth

Rapid 3/8" 6.0 mm (0.24")

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.

Replace the chain sprocket

- after using two Oilomatic chains.

- or even sooner if the wear marks D
on the sprocket are deeper than
approx. 0.5 mm (1/64") since this
would reduce the life of the chain.

You can use gauge* 0000 893 4101
to check the depth of the wear marks
on the sprocket.

1RWH It is best to use two chains in
rotation with one sprocket.

100BA025 KN

%HIRUHUHPRYLQJFKDLQVSURFNHW

Disconnect saw from power supply

•

Remove chain sprocket cover,

•

chain and guide bar.

Remove screw  from the shaft.

•

Remove the cup springs ,

•

washers  and sprocket .

Reverse the above sequence to

•

install the new sprocket.

,PSRUWDQW Always XVHDQHZVFUHZ


when installing the chain sprocket.

3
4
3

107BA012 KN

* Special accessory

Install all parts as shown in the
illustration.

* Special accessory

29

0RWRU&RROLQJ 6WRULQJWKH0DFKLQH

For periods of about 3 months or longer:

Remove the saw chain and guide

•

bar, clean them and protect
with corrosion inhibiting oil.
Thoroughly clean the machine

•

If you use a biological chain and

•

bar lubricant (e.g. STIHL Bioplus),
completely fill the chain oil tank.
Store the machine in a dry, high

•

or locked location - out of the
reach of children and other
unauthorized persons.

107BA017 LA

Cooling air flows to the motor through
the slots in the commutator cover.

Use a dry brush or similar tool to

•

clean the cooling slots at regular
intervals.

30

0DLQWDLQLQJDQG
6KDUSHQLQJ6DZ&KDLQ

&RUUHFWO\VKDUSHQHGFKDLQ

A properly sharpened chain slices
through wood effortlessly and requires
very little feed pressure.

A

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.

&OHDQDQGFKHFN\RXUFKDLQ

for cracks in the links and damaged
rivets ­replace any damaged or worn parts of
the chain and match the new parts to the
shape and size of the original parts.

,PSRUWDQW It is absolutely imperative to
comply with the angles and dimensions
specified below. If the VDZFKDLQLV
LQFRUUHFWO\VKDUSHQHG - and in
particular if the depth gauge is set too
low - there is a risk of increased
kickback of the chainsaw, with resulting

GDQJHURILQMXU\.

6HOHFWWKHDSSURSULDWHVKDUSHQLQJ
WRROVIRUWKHFKDLQSLWFK.

See "Technical Data" for the permitted
chain pitches.

The chain pitch (e.g. 3/8) is marked on
the depth gauge side of each cutter.

8VHRQO\ VSHFLDOVDZFKDLQILOHV

Other files have the wrong shape and
cut.

Select file diameter according to chain
pitch - see table at the end of this
chapter.

You must observe certain angles when
resharpening the chain cutters

B

689BA020 KN

$ Filing angle
% Side plate angle

Chain type Angle (°)

Rapid-Micro (RM) 30 85
Rapid-Super (RS) 30 60
Picco-Micro (PM/PMN) 30 85

Cutter shapes:
Micro = Semi-chisel
Super = Full chisel

6SHFLILHGDQJOHV$DQG%DUH
REWDLQHGDXWRPDWLFDOO\LIUHFRPPHQ
GHGILOHVRUVKDUSHQLQJWRROVDQG
FRUUHFWVHWWLQJVDUHXVHG

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.

689BA021 KN

AB

E 220 31

90°

Rotate the file at regular intervals

•

while filing ­this avoids one-sided wear.
Use a piece of hardwood to remove

•

burrs from cutting edge.
Check angles with the filing gauge.

•

As these requirements can be met only
after sufficient and constant practice:

8VHDILOHKROGHU

A file holder must be used for manual
resharpening of Super chain. The correct
filing angle is marked on the file holder.

90°

85°

)RUFKHFNLQJDQJOHV

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.

80°

70°

60°

35°

30°

0°

10°

689BA025 KN

)LOHFRUUHFWO\

•

•

•

•

•

689BA022 KN

•

•

•

•

'LVFRQQHFWVDZIURPSRZHU
VXSSO\

If you use a file holder or the FG 1:
Leave the chain on the bar.
Clamp the bar in a vise if necessary.
To pull the chain along the bar,
push the hand guard toward the
front handle to disengage the chain
brake. On E 140, 160 and E 180 C,
hold the hand guard in this position
to disengage the coasting brake.
Sharpen chain frequently, take
away as little metal as possible ­two or three strokes of the file are
usually enough
Always file from the inside to the
outside of the cutter.
The file only sharpens on the
forward stroke ­lift the file off the cutter on the back­stroke.
Hold the file KRUL]RQWDOO\ for all
chain types (at right angle to side of
guide bar) and file according to the
angles marked on the filing tool.
Avoid touching the tie straps and
drive links with the file.

689BA018 KN

$OOFXWWHUVPXVWEHWKHVDPHOHQJWK

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.

Find the shortest cutter and then file all
other cutters back to the same length.

best to have it done in the workshop on
an electric grinder.

* Special accessory

32 E 220

Chain Depth gauge
pitch distance "D"

a

Inch (mm) mm (Inch)

1/4 (6.35) 0.65 (0.026)
3/8-PM (9.32) 0.65 (0.018)
3/8-PMN (9.32) 0.45 (0.026)

0.325 (8.25) 0.65 (0.026)

689BA023 KN

3/8 (9.32) 0.65 (0.026)

'HSWKJDXJHVHWWLQJ

The depth gauge determines the height
at which the cutter enters the wood and
thus the thickness of the chip removed.

Distance between depth gauge and
cutting edge = D

This setting may be increased by 0.2 mm
(0.008") for cutting softwood in mild
weather season - no frost.

/RZHULQJGHSWKJDXJHV

The depth gauge setting is reduced
when the chain is sharpened. Use filing

Round off depth gauges parallel to the
stamped marking.

$IWHUVKDUSHQLQJ

Clean the chain thoroughly, remove
filings or grinding dust - lubricate the
chain by immersing it in an oil bath.

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.

%HIRUHORQJRXWRIVHUYLFHSHULRG
Clean the chain with a brush and
immerse it in an oil bath.

6KDUSHQLQJWRROV

Chain pitch Round file Ø Round file File holder Filing gauge Flat file Sharpening kit*
Inch (mm) mm (Inch) Part No. Part No. Part No. Part No. Part No.

1/4 (6.35) 4.0 (5/32) 5605 772 4006 5605 750 4327 1110 893 4000 0814 353 3356 5605 007 1027
3/8 PMN (9.32) 4.0 (5/32) 5605 772 4006 5605 750 4327 0000 893 4000 0814 353 3356 5605 007 1026
3/8 P (9.32) 4.0 (5/32) 5605 772 4006 5605 750 4327 1110 893 4000 0814 353 3356 5605 007 1027

0.325 (8.25) 4.8 (3/16) 5605 772 4806 5605 750 4328 1110 893 4000 0814 353 3356 5605 007 1028
3/8 (9.32) 5.2 (13/64) 5605 772 5206 5605 750 4329 1110 893 4000 0814 353 3356 5605 007 1029

689BA024 KN

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

E 220 33

0DLQWHQDQFH&KDUW

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, wood that produces a
lot of pitch, tropical wood etc.), shorten the specified intervals accordingly.

Complete machine
Switch Check operation
Chain brake, coast down brake
Chain oil tank Clean

Chain lubrication Check

Saw chain

Guide bar

Chain sprocket Check
Cooling inlets Clean
All accessible screws and nuts Retighten
Chain catcher on chain sprocket

cover

Power cord

Visual inspection (condition, leaks)
Clean

Check operation
Have cleaned by STIHL dealer

Inspect, also check sharpness
Check chain tension
Sharpen
Check (wear, damage)
Clean and turn over
Deburr
Replace

Check
Replace chain sprocket cover
Check
Have replaced by STIHL dealer

before

starting work

after finishing

work or daily

weekly

monthly

if faulty

if damaged

as required

see page:

x

x
x24
x23

x23

x
x25
x29
x22

x29

x26

xx 26

x

xx27

x27

x28

x

x

x

x

x

34 E 220

Specifications

Motor

Rated voltage:
Frequency:
Rating:
Fuse (slow blowing):
Enclosure:
Insulation:
Amp-Rating

Sound pressure level L

p (1 m)

to prEN 50144-2-131):

Sound power level L

w

to prEN 50144-2-131):

Vibration

to prEN 50144-2-13

2)

Handle, left:
Handle, right:

1) without load

2)

with load

Chain lubrication:
Oil tank capacity:

Weight without bar and chain
E 220:

120 V
60 Hz

1.8 kW
15 A
IP 20
Type II
15 A

97 dB (A)

110 dB (A)

2

4.1 m/s

12.0 m/s

2

Fully automatic, speed controlled

0.20 l (0.42 US pt)

5.0 kg (11.0 lb)

Cutting Attachment

Recommended cutting attachments
for compliance with § 30 of UL 1662 /

§ 5.12 of ANSI Standard B 175.1-2000

STIHL reduced kickback bar
(with green label): for 3/8" pitch
Rollomatic with sprocket nose
37, 40, 45 or 50 cm (15, 16, 18 or 20 in)
STIHL low kickback chain (with green label):

9.32 mm (3/8") Rapid Micro 2
(33 RM 2, 36 RM 2)
Chain sprocket: 8-tooth for 3/8" pitch

Since new bar/chain combinations may be
developed after publication of this Manual,
ask your STIHL dealer for the latest STIHL
recommendations.
Other cutting attachments available for this
powerhead are:
Rollomatic "S" with sprocket nose
37, 40, 45, or 50 cm (15, 16, 18 or 20 in)
Duromatic with stellite tipped nose
37, 40, 45, or 50 cm (15, 16, 18 or 20 in)
STIHL yellow-labeled chain:
with 3/8" pitch: Rapide-Micro (33/36 RM)
and Rapid-Super (33/36 RS)
In order to comply with the kickback
performance requirements of § 30 of UL
1662 / § 5.12 of ANSI Standard
B 175.1-2000, do not use replacement saw
chain unless it has been designated as
meeting the § 30 of UL 1662/ANSI § 5.12
requirements on this specific powerhead,
or has been designated as "low kickback"
saw chain* in accordance with the
ANSI B 175.1-2000 standard.
* See definition of "low kickback chain"
on page 14 of this Manual.

STIHL yellow-labeled bar:

E 220 35

Ordering Spare Parts

Addresses

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 on this
page.

This will make re-ordering simpler.

The guide bar, saw chain and chain
sprocket are subject to normal wear and
tear.

When purchasing these parts, always
quote the saw model, the part numbers
and names of the parts.

Model

Machine number

Guide bar part number

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.

Original STIHL parts can be identified by
the STlHL part number,
the logo T
and the STIHL parts symbol 

The symbol may appear alone on small
parts.

STIHL Inc.

536 Viking Drive
P.O. Box 2015
Virginia Beach
VA 23452-2015

Chain part number

Sprocket part number

For recommended STIHL reduced
kickback cutting attachments
see section "Specifications"
of this Owner’s Manual.

36 E 220

5. Do not start cutting until you have a
clear work area, secure footing, and
a planned retreat path from the
falling tree.

6. Keep all parts of your body away
from the saw chain when the engine
is running.

7. Before you switch on the motor,
make sure that the saw chain is not
contacting anything.

8. Carry the chainsaw with the motor
stopped, the guide bar and saw
chain to the rear.

9. Do not operate a chainsaw that is
damaged, improperly adjusted, or
not completely and securely
assembled.

10. Shut off the motor before setting the
chainsaw down.

11. Use extreme caution when cutting
small size brush and saplings
because slender material may catch
the saw chain and be whipped
toward you or pull you off balance.

12. 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.

13. Keep the handles dry, clean, and
free of oil.

14. Do not operate a chainsaw in a tree
unless you have been specifically
trained to do so.

15. All chainsaw service, other than the
items listed in the Owner's Manual
maintenance instructions, should be
performed by competent chainsaw
service personnel.

16. When transporting your chainsaw,
use the appropriate chain guard
(scabbard).

17. Reduced kickback bars and low
kickback chains are designed to
reduce the risk of kickback injury.
Ask your STIHL dealer about these
devices.

Other important safety precautions are
contained in the body of the Owner's
Manual.

Note:

When using a chainsaw for logging
purposes, refer to the Code of Federal
Regulations, Parts 1910 and 1928.