Stihl MS 380 User Manual
Contents
English
Guide to Using this Manual .............. 2
Safety Precautions ........................... 3
Using the Saw .................................. 9
Mounting the Bar and Chain ........... 17
Tensioning the Saw Chain .............. 18
Checking Chain Tension ................. 18
Fuel ................................................ 19
BA_SE_153_002_01_06.fm Printed on chlorine-free paper.
Fueling ............................................ 20
Chain Lubricant .............................. 21
Filling Chain Oil Tank ...................... 22
Checking Chain Lubrication ........... 22
Chain Brake .................................... 23
Information Before You Start .......... 24
Starting / Stopping the Engine ........ 24
Operating Instructions .................... 27
Oil Quantity Control
Taking Care of Guide Bar ............... 29
Cleaning the Air Filter ..................... 29
Adjusting the Carburetor ................ 30
Checking the Spark Plug ................ 32
Spark Arresting Screen
in Muffler* ....................................... 33
Replacing Starter Rope
and Rewind Spring ......................... 34
Storing the Machine ........................ 36
Checking and Replacing
Printing inks contain vegetable oils; paper can be recycled.
Chain Sprocket ............................... 36
Maintaining and Sharpening
Saw Chain ...................................... 38
* ...................... 28
Maintenance Chart ......................... 42
Minimize Wear and
Avoid Damage ................................ 44
Main Parts and Controls ................. 45
Specifications ................................. 46
Special Accessories ....................... 46
Ordering Spare Parts ..................... 47
Maintenance and Repairs .............. 47
Manufacturer's declaration
of conformity ................................... 48
Quality Certification ........................ 48
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing a quality
engineered STIHL product.
This machine has been built using
modern production techniques and
comprehensive quality assurance.
Every effort has been made to ensure
your satisfaction and troublefree use
of the machine.
Please contact your dealer or our
sales company if you have any
queries concerning your machine.
Hans Peter Stihl
* see "Guide to Using this Manual"
STIHl
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2004
0458 215 0121. M3. E4. MET. Printed in Brazil
1MS 380
English
Guide to Using this Manual
Pictograms
All the pictograms attached to the
machine are shown and explained in
this manual.
The operating and handling instructions
are supported by illustrations.
Symbols in text
The individual steps or procedures
described in the manual may be marked
in different ways:
: A bullit marks a step or procedure
without direct reference to an
illustration.
A description of a step or procedure that
refers directly to an illustration may
contain item numbers that appear in the
illustration.
Example:
Loosen the screw (1)
Lever (2) ...
In addition to the operating instructions,
this manual may contain paragraphs
that require your special attention. Such
paragraphs are marked with the
symbols described below:
Warning where there is a risk of an
accident or personal injury or
serious damage to property.
Caution where there is a risk of
damaging the machine or its
individual components.
Note or hint which is not essential
for using the machine, but may
improve the operator’s understanding of the situation and result
in better use of the machine.
Note or hint on correct procedure in
order to avoid damage to the
environment.
Equipment and features
This instruction manual may refer to
several models with different
features. Components that are not
installed on all models and related
applications are marked with an
asterisk (*). Such components may
be available as special accessories
from your STIHL dealer.
Engineering improvements
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 machine differ from
those described in this manual, please
contact your STIHL dealer for
assistance.
Therefore some changes, modifications
and improvements may not be covered
in this manual.
2
MS 380
Safety Precautions
English
Because a chainsaw is a
high-speed wood-cutting
tool some special safety
precautions must be
observed in addition to
those that generally apply when working
with an axe or hand saw.
It is important that you
read and understand the
owner's manual before
using your chainsaw for
the first time. Non-
observance of the
following safety precautions may cause
serious or even fatal injury.
Always observe local safety regulations,
standards and ordinances.
If you have never used this chainsaw
model before:
Have your STIHL dealer or other
experienced user show you how to
operate your chainsaw or attend a
special course of training in chainsaw
operation.
Minors should never be allowed to use a
chainsaw.
Children, bystanders and animals
should not be allowed in the area where
a chainsaw is in use.
The chainsaw user is responsible for
accidents or risks involving third parties
or their property.
Do not lend or rent your chainsaw
without the owner's manual. Be sure that
anyone using your saw understands the
information contained in this manual.
You must be in good physical condition
and mental health and not under the
influence of any substance (drugs,
alcohol) which might impair vision,
dexterity or judgment.
If you have a pacemaker: The ignition
system of this power tool produces a
very weak electromagnetic field. It is not
possible to exclude the risk of it
interfering with some types of
pacemakers. To avoid health problems,
STIHL recommends that you ask your
doctor and the pacemaker manufacturer
for advice.
STIHL recommends only guide bars,
saw chains and chain sprockets
supplied by STIHL and explicitly
approved for your chainsaw model by
STIHL (see specifications and sales
documentation).
The characteristics of these components
are specifically designed to match your
chainsaw model and meet your
performance requirements (cutting
capacity, vibration, kickback behavior).
Only use attachments supplied by
STIHL or explicitly approved for your
chainsaw model by STIHL. Other
attachments must not be used because
of the increased risk of accidents and
negative effects on the chainsaw.
Never attempt to modify your chainsaw
in any way since this can be extremely
dangerous and result in serious or fatal
injury. STIHL cannot accept any liability
for personal injury or damage to property
caused by modifications to the
chainsaw, using attachments not
approved by STIHL or non-approved
guide bars and saw chains.
3MS 380
English
Clothing and Equipment
Wear proper protective clothing and
equipment.
Clothing must be sturdy
and snug-fitting, but allow
complete freedom of
movement. Wear overalls
with a cut-retardant inlay -
a STlHL safety coverall is
recommended.
Do not wear loose-fitting garments,
scarves, jewelry or anything that could
restrict movement or become entangled
with the saw, wood or brush. Confine
long hair (e.g. with a hair net).
Wear steel-toed safety
boots with non-slip soles.
Wear a safety hard hat
to protect your head.
Wear safety glasses and
sound barriers, i.e. ear
plugs or ear muffs.
Transporting the Chainsaw
Always engage the chain brake and fit
the chain guard (scabbard) before
carrying the saw short distances.
Also stop the engine before carrying the
saw longer distances (more than about
50 m).
Always carry the saw by the front handle
– with the hot muffler away from your
body – the guide bar must point to the
rear. To avoid serious burn injuries,
avoid touching hot parts of the machine,
especially the surface of the muffler.
Transporting by vehicle: When
transporting in a vehicle, properly secure
your saw to prevent turnover, fuel
spillage and damage.
When your saw is not in use, put it down
in a safe place so that it does not
endanger anybody.
Fueling
Gasoline is an
extremely flammable
fuel. Keep clear of naked
flames and fire. Do not
spill any fuel.
Stop the engine before refueling.
Do not refuel while the engine is still hot
since fuel may overflow and catch fire.
In order to reduce risk of burns or other
personal injury from escaping gas vapor
and fumes, unscrew the fuel cap
carefully to allow any pressure build-up
in the tank to release slowly.
Fuel your chainsaw in a well-ventilated
area, outdoors only. If you spill fuel, wipe
the saw immediately – if fuel gets on
your clothing, change immediately.
Wear heavy-duty, non-
slip gloves, preferably
made of chrome leather.
STIHL offers a comprehensive range of
personal protection equipment
4
MS 380
English
The saw comes standard with either a
screw-type or bayonet-type fuel filler
cap.
After fueling, tighten down
the screw-type fuel filler
cap as securely as
possible.
Insert the fuel filler cap
with hinged grip (bayonet
type) correctly in the
opening, turn it clockwise
as far as stop and fold the
grip down.
This helps reduce the risk of unit
vibrations causing an improperly
tightened fuel cap to loosen or come off
and spill quantities of fuel.
To reduce the risk of serious or fatal
burn injuries, check for fuel leakage. If
fuel leakage is found, do not start or run
the engine until leak is fixed.
Before Starting
Check that saw is properly assembled
and in good condition - refer to
appropriate chapters in the owner’s
manual:
– Check operation of chain brake.
– Correctly mounted guide bar.
– Correctly tensioned chain.
– Smooth action of throttle trigger and
throttle trigger interlock – throttle
trigger must return automatically to
idle position.
– Master control/stop switch must
move easily to STOP or $
– Check that spark plug boot is secure
– a loose boot may cause arcing
that could ignite combustible fumes
and cause a fire.
– Never attempt to modify the controls
or safety devices
– Keep the handles dry and clean –
free from oil and pitch – for safe
control.
To reduce risk of personal injury, do not
operate your saw if it is damaged or not
properly assembled.
Starting the Engine
Start the engine at least 3 meters from
the fueling spot, outdoors only.
Your chain saw is a one-person saw. Do
not allow other persons near the running
chainsaw. Start and operate your saw
without assistance.
To reduce risk of chain rotation and
personal injury, lock the chain with the
chain brake before starting.
Do not drop start the chainsaw.
The correct starting procedure is
described in your owner's manual.
During Operation
In the event of impending danger or in
an emergency, switch off the engine
immediately by moving the Master
Control/stop switch to $ or d.
When the engine is running:
Note that the chain continues to rotate
for a short period after your let go of the
throttle trigger.
5MS 380
English
Take special care in slippery conditions
– damp, snow, ice, on slopes, uneven
ground and freshly debarked logs.
Avoid stumbling on stumps, roots, rocks
or in ditches.
Take special care to maintain good
footing at all times.
Do not work alone – keep within calling
distance of others in case help is
needed.
Be particularly alert and cautious when
wearing hearing protection because
your ability to hear warnings (shouts,
alarms, etc.) is restricted.
If you get tired, take a break in good
time.
To reduce risk of fire, keep hot exhaust
gases and hot muffler away from easily
combustible materials (e.g. wood chips,
bark, dry grass, fuel).
Your chainsaw produces
toxic exhaust fumes as
soon as the engine is
running. These fumes
may be colorless and
odorless. Never run the
engine indoors or in poorly ventilated
locations, even if your model is equipped
with a catalytic converter.
To reduce the risk of serious or fatal
injury from breathing toxic fumes,
ensure proper ventilation when working
in trenches, hollows or other confined
locations.
The dusts (e.g. sawdust) produced
during cutting may be dangerous to
health. If the work area is very dusty,
wear a respirator.
To reduce risk of fire, do
not smoke while
operating or standing
near your chainsaw. Note
that combustible fuel
vapor may escape from
the fuel system.
If your chainsaw is subjected to
unusually high loads for which it was not
designed (e.g. heavy impact or a fall),
always check that it is in good condition
before continuing cutting work.
Check the fuel system for leaks and
make sure the safety devices are
working properly. Do not continue
operating your saw if it is damaged. In
case of doubt, have the saw checked by
your STIHL servicing dealer.
Make sure the chain does not rotate
while the engine is idling. If necessary,
adjust idle speed properly. If the chain
still rotates, have the saw checked by
your STIHL dealer.
6
MS 380
English
Dangers of kickback
Kickback can result
in serious or fatal
injury.
Kickback causes the the saw to be
suddenly thrown up and back in an
uncontrolled arc towards the operator.
Kickback may occur in the following
situations
– when the upper quadrant of the bar
nose unintentionally contacts wood
or another solid object, e.g. another
limb during limbing,
– when the chain at the nose of the
guide bar is pinched in the cut.
Quickstop chain brake
This device reduces the risk of injury in
certain situations – it cannot prevent
kickback. If activated, the brake stops
the saw chain within a fraction of a
001BA036 KN
second – for a description of this device
refer to "Chain Brake" chapter in this
manual.
To reduce the risk of kickback
– Work cautiously using proper
cutting techniques.
– Hold the chainsaw firmly with both
hands and maintain a secure grip.
– Always cut at full throttle.
– Be aware of the location of the guide
bar nose at all times.
– Do not cut with the bar nose.
001BA093 LÄ
– Take special care with small, tough
limbs, they may catch the chain.
– Never cut several limbs at once.
– Do not overreach.
– Never cut above shoulder height.
7MS 380
English
– Do not attempt plunge cuts if you
are not experience in this cutting
technique.
– Be wary of position of log and forces
that may cause the cut to close and
pinch the chain.
– Always cut with a correctly
sharpened, properly tensioned
chain – the depth gauge setting
must not be too large.
Use reduced kickback chain and a guide
bar with a narrow radius nose.
Vibrations
Prolonged use of the unit may result in
vibration-induced circulation problems in
the hands (whitefinger disease).
No general recommendation can be
given for the length of usage because it
depends on several factors.
The period of usage is prolonged by:
– Hand protection (wearing warm
gloves)
–breaks
The period of usage is shortened by:
– Any personal tendency to suffer
from poor circulation (symptoms:
frequently cold fingers, itching).
– Low outside temperatures.
– Gripping force (a tight grip hinders
circulation).
Continual and regular users should
monitor closely the condition of their
hands and fingers. If any of the above
symptoms appear, seek medical advice.
Maintenance and Repairs
Service the machine regularly. Do not
attempt any maintenance or repair work
not described in your owner's manual.
Have all other worked performed by your
STIHL dealer. Only use genuine STlHL
replacement parts. Never modify your
machine in any way as this could result
in serious injury.
Always shut off the engine
– before checking chain tension.
– before retensioning the chain.
– before replacing the chain.
– before rectifying problems.
Check the chain catcher –
and replace it if damaged.
Observe sharpening instructions
for safe and correct handling of saw
chain and guide bar.
Keep the chain in good condition at all
times. It must be properly sharpened,
tensioned and well lubricated.
8
MS 380
Using the Saw
English
Always change the chain, guide bar and
sprocket in good time.
Check condition of clutch drum
periodically.
Check the fuel tank for leaks at short
regular intervals.
Do not touch a hot muffler. Check
condition of muffler at regular intervals to
reduce the risk of fires and damage to
hearing. Do not operate your machine if
the muffler is damaged or missing.
Use only a spark plug of the type
approved by STIHL and make sure it is
in good condition (see chapter
“Specifications”). Inspect ignition lead
(insulation in good condition, secure
connection).
To reduce the risk of fire and burn injury
as a result of sparking outside the
cylinder, move the stop switch to STOP
before turning the engine over on the
starter with the spark plug boot removed
or the spark plug unscrewed.
Store fuel and chain lubricant in properly
labelled, safety-type canisters only. Take
care when handling gasoline. Avoid
direct contact with the skin and avoid
inhaling fuel vapour.
To reduce the risk of injury, shut down
your chainsaw immediately in the event
of a chain brake malfunction.
Take the saw to your STIHL dealer. Do
not use your chainsaw until the fault has
been fixed (see chapter “Chain Brake”).
Cutting
Use your saw for cutting wood or
wooden objects only.
Do not operate your chainsaw with the
starting throttle lock engaged. Engine
speed cannot be controlled with the
throttle trigger in this position.
Work calmly and carefully – in daylight
conditions and only when visibility is
good – ensure you do not endanger
others – stay alert at all times.
Use the shortest possible guide bar: The
chain, guide bar and chain sprocket
must match each other and your saw.
001BA087 LÄ
Always hold your saw firmly with both
hands - right hand on the rear handle,
even if you are left-handed. To ensure
safe control, wrap your fingers tightly
around the front handle and control
handle.
9MS 380
English
Run the engine at full throttle, engage
the spiked bumper firmly in the wood
and then start cutting.
Never work without the spiked bumper –
the saw may pull you forwards and off
balance.
Position the saw so that your body is
clear of the cutting attachment.
Always pull the saw out of the cut with
the chain running.
Use your saw for cutting only. It is not
designed for prying or shoveling away
limbs, roots or other objects.
Do not underbuck freely hanging limbs.
Take special care when cutting
shattered wood – sharp slivers of wood
may be caught and flung in your
direction.
Make sure your saw does not touch any
foreign materials:
Stones, nails, etc. may be flung off,
damage the saw chain or cause the saw
to kick back unexpectedly.
001BA082 KN
If on a slope, stand on the uphill side or
to one side of the log. Watch out for
rolling logs.
When working at heights:
– Always use a lift bucket.
– Never work on a ladder.
– Never work in a tree.
– Never work on any insecure
support.
– Do not work above shoulder height.
– Never operate the saw with one
hand.
A = Pull-in
001BA033 KN
Pull-in occurs when the chain on the
bottom of the bar is suddenly pinched,
caught or encounters a foreign object in
the wood. The reaction of the chain pulls
the saw forward. Always hold the
spiked bumper securely against the
tree or limb.
A
001BA037 KN
10
MS 380
English
B = Pushback
B
Pushback occurs when the chain on the
top of the bar is suddenly pinched,
caught or encounters a foreign object in
the wood. The reaction of the chain
drives the saw straight back toward the
operator.
Felling and limbing
Do not attempt felling or limbing unless
you have been trained in the necessary
techniques.
Observe local regulations on felling
techniques.
Bystanders must not be allowed in the
felling area – other than helpers.
001BA038 KN
Make sure no-one is endangered by the
falling tree – the noise of your engine
may drown any warning calls.
1
1 1
Maintain a distance of at least 21/2 tree
lengths from next felling site.
/
2
1
/
2
2
Determine direction of fall and
escape paths
Select a clearing into which the tree can
fall.
Pay special attention to the following
points:
– The natural lean of the tree.
– Any unusually heavy limb structure,
damage to tree.
– The wind direction and speed – do
not fell in high winds.
– Direction of slope.
– Neighboring trees.
– Snow load.
– Check the general condition of the
tree. Take particular care with dry or
damaged trees (decayed or rotted).
001BA088 LÄ
11MS 380
English
B
45°
A
45°
B
A = Direction of fall
B = Escape paths
– Establish paths of escape for
everyone concerned – opposite to
direction of fall at about 45°.
– Remove all obstacles from escape
paths.
– Place all tools and equipment a safe
distance away from the tree, but not
on the escape paths.
– 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.
– On steep slopes, prepare escape
paths parallel to the slope.
– Watch out for falling limbs and pay
attention to crown.
Preparing work area at base of tree
– First clear the tree base and work
area from interfering limbs and
brush – safe footing for all persons
concerned.
– Clean lower portion of tree base
with an axe. Sand, stones and other
foreign objects will dull the saw
chain.
001BA040 KN
– Remove large buttress roots: Make
vertical cut first, then horizontal –
but only if tree is in sound condition.
Making felling notch
When making the felling notch, make
use of the gunning sight on the shroud
and fan housing to check the planned
direction of fall.
Position your saw so that the gunning
sight points in exactly in the direction
you want the tree to fall.
There are several permissible ways of
making the horizontal and angled cuts –
observe country-specific regulations on
felling techniques.
001BA146 KN
STIHL recommends the following
sequence:
001BA153 KN
12
MS 380
English
C
C
C = Felling notch determines the
direction of fall
: Make the horizontal cut – check the
direction of fall with the gunning
sight.
: Make top cut at an angle of about
45°.
: Check the felling notch and correct it
if necessary.
Important points:
– Felling notch at a right angle to
planned direction of fall.
– As close as possible to the ground.
1
– Cut to a depth of about
the trunk diameter.
/5 to 1/3 of
001BA143 KN
Sapwood cuts
Sapwood cuts help prevent long-fibered
wood splintering when the tree falls.
Apply the cuts at both sides of the trunk
at the same height as the bottom of the
felling notch, to a depth of about
the trunk diameter. On large diameter
trees, cut to no more than the width of
the guide bar.
Do not use sapwood cuts on diseased
trees.
1
/10 of
D
001BA150 KN
Felling cut
Shout a warning before starting the
felling cut.
– Make the felling cut (D) slightly
higher than bottom of felling notch.
– Cut horizontally.
– Leave approx.
uncut. This is the hinge.
1
/10 of tree diameter
D
001BA144 KN
13MS 380
English
E
1
E
Drive wedges into the felling cut in good
time – use only wooden, aluminum or
plastic wedges – never steel, which can
damage the chain and cause kickback.
– The hinge (E) helps control the
falling tree.
– Do not cut through the hinge – you
could lose control of the direction of
fall – this could result in an accident.
14
001BA145 KN
– If the trunk is rotten, leave a wider
hinge.
Shout a warning immediately before the
tree falls.
Small diameter trees:
simple fan cut
Apply the spiked bumper behind the
hinge – pivot the saw around this point –
only as far as the hinge. The spiked
bumper rolls against the trunk.
001BA147 KN
Large diameter trees:
sectioning method
If the diameter is greater than the length
of the guide bar, use the sectioning
method.
Use the spiked bumper as a pivot –
avoid repositioning the saw more than
necessary.
First cut (1):
Nose of guide bar should enter wood
just behind the hinge – hold the saw
horizontally and swing it as far as
possible.
001BA148 KN
MS 380
English
2
3
When repositioning for the next cut (2),
keep the guide bar fully engaged in the
kerf to keep felling cut straight – apply
the spiked bumper.
Last cut (3):
Apply the spiked bumper as for the
simple fan cut.
Do not cut through the hinge!
Plunge-cutting
Do not attempt plunge-cutting unless
you are experienced in this cutting
technique.
– Use a low kickback chain and be
extremely cautious.
– For heartwood cut.
– For felling leaners.
– For relieving cuts during bucking.
– For DIY projects.
001BA149 KN
5
4
Begin cut by applying lower portion of
the guide bar nose (4) – do not use
upper portion because of risk of
kickback. Cut until depth of kerf is twice
the width of the guide bar.
Swing saw slowly (5) into plunge-cutting
position. Take care because of the risk
of kickback or pushback.
Heartwood cut
Perform heartwood cut
– if tree diameter is more than twice
the length of the guide bar.
– if a large portion of heartwood
remains uncut on large diameter
trees.
– on trees that are difficult to fell (oak,
beech), to prevent heartwood
splintering and maintain planned
direction of fall.
6
– on soft deciduous trees to relieve
tension in lying log and prevent
slivers in the center of the hinge
being torn out of the log.
001BA154 KN
001BA089 LÄ
: Begin plunge cut by inserting the
bar in the felling notch and then
enlarge the cut to both sides.
Make the plunge cut (6) very carefully.
Danger of pushback.
15MS 380
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