Stihl MSE 141 C Instruction Manual
STIHL MSE 141 C
{
Instruction Manual
Manual de instrucciones
WARNING
Read Instruction Manual thoroughly before use and
follow all safety precautions – improper use can cause
serious or fatal injury.
ADVERTENCIA
Antes de usar la máquina lea y siga todas las precauciones
de seguridad dadas en el manual de instrucciones – el uso
incorrecto puede causar lesiones graves o mortales.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of kickback injury use
STIHL reduced kickback bar and STIHL low
kickback chain as specified in this manual or
other available low kickback components.
ADVERTENCIA
Para reducir el riesgo de lesionarse como
resultado de un culatazo, utilice la barra y la
cadena de contragolpe reducido de la forma
especificada en este manual o de otros
componentes reductores de contragolpe.
Instruction Manual
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Manual de instrucciones
53 - 109
Contents
English
1 Introduction
2 Guide to Using this Manual
2.1 Signal Words
2.2 Symbols in Text
3 Main Parts
3.1 Chain Saw
4 Safety Symbols on the Product
4.1 Chain Saw
Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper
5 General Power Tool Safety Warnings
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Work Area Safety
5.3 Electrical Safety
5.4 Personal Safety
5.5 Power Tool Use and Care
5.6 Service
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5.7 General Chain Saw Safety Warnings
5.8 Causes and Operator Prevention of Kickback
6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
6.1 Intended Use
6.2 Operator
6.3 Personal Protective Equipment
6.4 Chain Saw
6.5 Power Supply Cord and Extension Cord
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
6.6 Using the Chain Saw
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7 Kickback and Other Reactive Forces
7.1 Reactive Forces
7.2 Kickback
7.3 Pull-in
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7.4 Pushback
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8 Proper Techniques for Basic Bucking, Limbing,
Pruning and Felling
8.1 Intended Uses
8.2 Bucking
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8.3 Limbing
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8.4 Pruning
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8.5 Cutting Logs Under Tension
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8.6 Felling
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9 Maintenance, Repair and Storage
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9.1 Warnings and Instructions
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10 Before Starting Work
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10.1 Preparing the Chain Saw for Operation
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11 Assembling the Chain Saw
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11.1 The Cutting Attachment
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11.2 Mounting and Removing the Guide Bar and Saw
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Chain
11.3 Tensioning the Saw Chain
11.4 Lubricating the Saw Chain and Guide Bar
12 The Chain Brake
12.1 Engaging the Chain Brake
12.2 Disengaging the Chain Brake
12.3 Maintaining the Chain Brake
13 Overload Cutout
13.1 Resetting the Overload Cutout
14 Switching the Chain Saw On and Off
14.1 Switching On
14.2 Switching Off
15 Checking the Chain Saw
15.1 Checking the Operation of the Chain Brake
15.2 Testing the Controls
15.3 Testing Saw Chain Lubrication
16 After Finishing Work
16.1 Preparing for Transportation or Storage
17 Transporting
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17.1 Transporting the Chain Saw
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18 Storing
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18.1 Storing the Chain Saw
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{
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG 2017
0458-729-8621-A. VA1.J17.
0000007641_002_GB
0458-729-8621-A
This instruction manual is protected by copyright. All rights reserved, especially the rights to reproduce, translate and process
with electronic systems.
1
English
1 Introduction
19 Cleaning
19.1 Cleaning the Chain Saw
19.2 Cleaning the Guide Bar and Saw Chain
20 Inspection and Maintenance
20.1 Inspection and Maintenance Chart
20.2 Inspecting and Maintaining the Chain Saw
20.3 Inspecting and Maintaining the Chain Sprocket
20.4 Inspecting and Maintaining the Guide Bar
20.5 Inspecting, Maintaining and Sharpening the Saw
Chain
21 Troubleshooting Guide
21.1 Chain Saw
22 Specifications
22.1 STIHL MSE 141 C
22.2 Extension Cords
22.3 Chain Sprockets
22.4 Minimum Groove Depth of Guide Bars
22.5 Sharpening Angle of Saw Chains
22.6 Depth Gauge Setting
22.7 Symbols on the Chain Saw
23 Combinations of Guide Bars and Saw Chains
23.1 STIHL MSE 141 C
24 Replacement Parts and Equipment
24.1 Genuine STIHL Replacement Parts
25 Disposal
25.1 Disposal of the Chain Saw
26 Limited Warranty
26.1 STIHL Incorporated Limited Warranty Policy
27 Trademarks
27.1 Registered Trademarks
27.2 Common Law Trademarks
28 Addresses
28.1 STIHL Incorporated
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1 Introduction
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Thank you for your purchase. The information contained in
42
this manual will help you receive maximum performance and
42
satisfaction from your STIHL chain saw and, if followed,
42
reduce the risk of injury from its use.
43
SAVE THIS MANUAL!
43
Because a chain saw is a high-speed wood-
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Have your authorized STIHL servicing dealer show you how
48
to operate your power tool.
48
Do not lend or rent your chain saw without this instruction
48
manual. Allow only persons who fully understand the
50
information in this manual to operate the chain saw.
50
For further information, or if you do not understand any of
51
the instructions in this manual, please go to
51
www.stihlusa.com (for Canada: www.stihl.ca) or contact
your authorized STIHL servicing dealer.
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51
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2 Guide to Using this Manual
51
51
2.1 Signal Words
51
51
This manual contains safety information that requires your
special attention. Such information is introduced with the
52
following symbols and signal words:
52
cutting tool, special safety precautions must be
observed to reduce the risk of personal injury.
Read this instruction manual thoroughly before
use and periodically thereafter. Follow all safety
precautions. Careless or improper use of the
chain saw can cause serious or fatal injury.
DANGER
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
2
0458-729-8621-A
3 Main Parts
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16
0000-GXX-2119-A0
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9
5
1
6
3
13
14
8
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#
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English
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
Indicates a risk of property damage, including damage to the
machine or its individual components.
2.2 Symbols in Text
The following symbol is included to assist you with the use
of the manual:
Refers to a designated chapter or sub-chapter in this
instruction manual.
3 Main Parts
3.1 Chain Saw
0458-729-8621-A
1 Rear Hand Guard
Helps protect the operator's right hand in the event the
chain breaks or comes off the bar.
2 Chain Sprocket Cover
Covers the chain sprocket.
3
English
4 Safety Symbols on the Product
3 Chain Catcher
Helps contain the saw chain and reduce the risk of
operator contact in the event the chain breaks or comes
off the bar.
4Nut
Tightens the chain sprocket cover to the chain saw.
5 Chain Sprocket
Drives the saw chain.
6 Side Chain Tensioner
Permits precise adjustment of saw chain tension.
7 Reset Button for Overload Cutout
Resets the overload circuit breaker.
8 Front Hand Guard
Helps protect the operator's left hand from projecting
branches and contact with the saw chain. Serves as the
activation lever for the chain brake.
9Bumper Spike
Helps hold the saw steady against the tree, log or limb
during cutting.
10 Guide Bar
Supports and guides the saw chain.
11 Saw Chain
Toothed cutting tool consisting of cutters, tie straps and
drive links.
12 Front handle
Handle for the operator's left hand.
13 Oil Filler Cap
Closes and seals the bar and chain oil tank.
14 Trigger Switch Lockout
Prevents activation of the trigger switch until depressed.
15 Trigger Switch
Switches the motor on and off.
16 Rear Handle
Handle for the operator's right hand.
17 Oil Sight Glass
Shows the bar and chain oil level.
18 Power Supply Cord
Supplies the chain saw with electricity when connected
to a wall outlet (power supply).
19 Plug
Connects the power supply cord to an extension cord.
20 Chain Scabbard
Covers the guide bar and saw chain to reduce the risk of
injury from inadvertent contact during transportation and
storage.
# Rating Plate
Contains electrical information and the product's serial
number.
4 Safety Symbols on the Product
4.1 Chain Saw
The following safety symbols are found on the chain saw:
To reduce the risk of injury, follow the specified
safety precautions.
Read and follow all safety precautions in the
instruction manual. Improper use can lead to
serious or fatal personal injury or property
damage.
To reduce the risk of eye, ear and head injury,
always wear proper eye protection, hearing
protection and an approved protective helmet,
@ 6.3.
Avoid contact of the bar tip with any object. This
can cause the bar to kick suddenly up and back,
which may result in serious or fatal injury. Always
use two hands to operate the saw, @ 7.
4
0458-729-8621-A
5 General Power Tool Safety Warnings
English
To reduce the risk of injury or property damage,
immediately disconnect the chain saw from the
power supply if the power supply cord or the
extension cord is damaged, @ 6.6.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not
expose the chain saw to rain, water or excessive
moisture. Store it indoors. If it is exposed to rain
or very damp conditions, take it to your
authorized STIHL servicing dealer before further
operation, @ 6.4.
5 General Power Tool Safety Warnings
5.1 Introduction
This chapter contains the prescribed general safety
warnings and instructions for handheld, motor-operated
electric power tools and motor-operated electric chain saws.
Additional important warnings and instructions are provided
in subsequent chapters of this manual.
WARNING
￭ Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to
follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric
shock, fire and/or serious injury.
￭ Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
c) Keep children and bystanders away while operating a
power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
5.3 Electrical Safety
a)Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the
plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with
earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and
matching outlets will reduce the risk of electric shock.
b)Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces,
such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There
is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is
earthed or grounded.
c) Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water
entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric
shock.
d)Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying,
pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from
heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or
entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
e)When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension
cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for
outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
f) If operating a power tool in a damp location is
unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD)
protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk of
electric shock.
The term "power tool" in the warnings refers to your mainsoperated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless)
power tool.
5.2 Work Area Safety
a)Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas
invite accidents.
b)Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres,
such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or
dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust
or fumes.
0458-729-8621-A
5.4 Personal Safety
a)Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common
sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power
tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs,
alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while
operating power tools may result in serious personal
injury.
b)Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye
protection. Protective equipment such as dust mask, nonskid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for
appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
5
English
5 General Power Tool Safety Warnings
c) Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the
off-position before connecting to power source and/or
battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying
power tools with your finger on the switch or energizing
power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
d)Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the
power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating
part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
e)Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all
times. This enables better control of the power tool in
unexpected situations.
f) Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery.
Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving
parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught
in moving parts.
g)If devices are provided for the connection of dust
extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are
connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can
reduce dust-related hazards.
h)Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools
allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety
principles. A careless action can cause severe injury
within a fraction of a second.
5.5 Power Tool Use and Care
a)Do n ot force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for
your application. The correct power tool will do the job
better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
b)Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on
and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the
switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
c) Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or remove
the battery pack, if detachable, from the power tool before
making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing
power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the
risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
d)Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do
not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these
instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are
dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
e)Maintain power tools and accessories. Check for
misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of
parts and any other condition that may affect the power
tool's operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired
before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly
maintained power tools.
f) Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained
cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to
bind and are easier to control.
g)Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in
accordance with these instructions, taking into account
the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use
of the power tool for operations different from those
intended could result in a hazardous situation.
h)Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free
from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping
surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the
tool in unexpected situations.
5.6 Service
a)Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person
using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure
that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
5.7 General Chain Saw Safety Warnings
a)Keep all parts of the body away from the saw chain when
the chain saw is operating. Before you start the chain saw,
make sure the saw chain is not contacting anything. A
moment of inattention while operating chain saws may
cause entanglement of your clothing or body with the saw
chain.
b)Always hold the chain saw with your right hand on the rear
handle and your left hand on the front handle. Holding the
chain saw with the reversed hand configuration increases
the risk of personal injury and should never be done.
c) Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only,
because the saw chain may contact hidden wiring or its
own cord. Saw chains contacting a "live" wire may make
exposed metal parts of the power tool "live" and could give
the operator an electric shock.
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0458-729-8621-A
5 General Power Tool Safety Warnings
English
d)Wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Adequate
protective clothing will reduce personal injury by flying
debris or accidental contact with the saw chain.
e)Do not operate a chain saw in a tree, on a ladder, from a
rooftop, or any unstable support. Operation of a chain saw
in this manner could result in serious personal injury.
f) Always keep proper footing and operate the chain saw
only when standing on fixed, secure and level surface.
Slippery or unstable surfaces may cause a loss of balance
or control of the chain saw.
g)When cutting a limb that is under tension, be alert for
spring back. When the tension in the wood fibers is
released, the spring loaded limb may strike the operator
and/or throw the chain saw out of control.
h)Use extreme caution when cutting brush and saplings.
The slender material may catch the saw chain and be
whipped toward you or pull you off balance.
i) Carry the chain saw by the front handle with the chain saw
switched off and away from your body. When transporting
or storing the chain saw, always fit the guide bar cover.
Proper handling of the chain saw will reduce the likelihood
of accidental contact with the moving saw chain.
j) Follow instructions for lubricating, chain tensioning and
changing the bar and chain. Improperly tensioned or
lubricated chain may either break or increase the chance
for kickback.
k) Cut wood only. Do not use chain saw for purposes not
intended. For example: do not use chain saw for cutting
metal, plastic, masonry or non-wood building materials.
Use of the chain saw for operations different than intended
could result in a hazardous situation.
c)Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide bar may
push the guide bar rapidly back towards the operator.
d)Either of these reactions may cause you to lose control of
the saw which could result in serious personal injury. Do
not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into your
saw. As a chain saw user, you should take several steps
to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury.
e)Kickback is the result of chain saw misuse and/or incorrect
operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided by
taking proper precautions as given below:
1)Maintain a firm grip, with thumbs and fingers encircling
the chain saw handles, with both hands on the saw and
position your body and arm to allow you to resist
kickback forces. Kickback forces can be controlled by
the operator, if proper precautions are taken. Do not let
go of the chain saw.
2)Do not overreach and do not cut above shoulder height.
This helps prevent unintended tip contact and enables
better control of the chain saw in unexpected situations.
3)Only use replacement guide bars and saw chains
specified by the manufacturer. Incorrect replacement
guide bars and saw chains may cause chain breakage
and/or kickback.
4)Follow the manufacturer's sharpening and maintenance
instructions for the saw chain. Decreasing the depth
gauge height can lead to increased kickback.
5.8 Causes and Operator Prevention of Kickback
a)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.
b)Tip contact in some cases may cause a sudden reverse
reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back towards the
operator.
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6 IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
6.1 Intended Use
WARNING
￭ This chain saw is designed for cutting small diameter
trees, branches and limbs around the home. It is not
designed for felling large trees or cutting large diameter
logs. Use of the chain saw for operations different than
intended could result in serious injury or death.
– Cut wood only. For example, do not use chain saw
for cutting metal, plastic, masonry or any non-wood
building materials.
– Use this chain saw only for light-duty cutting tasks
around the home and garden.
– Do not use it for any other purposes. Misuse may
result in personal injury or property damage,
including damage to the chain saw.
– Read and follow the operating and use instructions
in this manual for approved applications and
recommended working techniques.
￭ Improper use could result in personal injury or property
damage.
– Use the chain saw only as described in this manual.
6.2 Operator
WARNING
￭ Working with the chain saw can be strenuous. The
operator must be in good physical condition and mental
health. To reduce the risk of personal injury from fatigue
and loss of control:
– Check with your doctor before using the chain saw if
you have any health condition that may be
aggravated by strenuous work.
– Do not operate the chain saw while under the
influence of any substance (drug, alcohol or
medication, etc.) that might impair vision, balance,
dexterity or judgment.
– Be alert. Do not operate the chain saw when you are
tired. Take a break if you become tired.
– Do not permit minors to use the chain saw.
￭ Prolonged use of a chain saw (or other power tools)
exposing the operator to vibrations may produce white
finger disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or carpal tunnel
syndrome. These conditions reduce the hand's ability to
feel and regulate temperature. They produce numbness
and burning sensations and may also cause nerve and
circulation damage as well as tissue necrosis.
￭ All factors which contribute to white finger disease are not
known. 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 white finger disease.
￭ To reduce the risk of white finger disease and carpal
tunnel syndrome:
– Wear gloves and keep your hands warm.
– Keep the chain saw well maintained. An improperly
maintained chain saw or one with loose components
will tend to have higher vibration levels.
– Keep the saw chain sharp. A dull saw chain will
increase cutting time, and pressing a dull saw chain
through wood will increase the vibrations transmitted
to your hands.
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– Maintain a firm grip at all times, but do not squeeze
the handles with constant, excessive pressure. Take
frequent breaks.
￭ These precautions do not guarantee that you will not
sustain white finger disease or carpal tunnel syndrome.
– Closely monitor the condition of your hands and
fingers if you are a regular user.
– Seek medical advice immediately if any of the above
symptoms appear.
￭ According to STIHL's current knowledge, the electric
motor of this chain saw should not interfere with a
pacemaker.
– However, persons with a pacemaker should consult
their physician and pacemaker manufacturer before
operating this chain saw.
6.3 Personal Protective Equipment
WARNING
￭ To reduce the risk of personal injury:
– Always wear proper clothing and protective apparel,
including proper eye protection.
￭ Loss of control and severe cut injuries may result if hair,
clothing or apparel make contact with the moving saw
chain or otherwise become entangled in the components
of the saw. To reduce the risk of severe personal injury:
– Wear sturdy and snug-fitting clothing that
also allows complete freedom of
movement.
– Wear the type of overalls, long pants or
chaps that contain pads of cut-retardant
material.
– Wear a long-sleeve shirt or jacket.
– Avoid loose-fitting jackets, scarves, neckties, flared
or cuffed pants, jewelry and any other apparel that
could be caught on branches, brush or the moving
saw chain.
– Secure hair above shoulder level before starting
work.
￭ To reduce the risk of eye injury:
– Always wear goggles or close-fitting
protective glasses with adequate side
protection that are impact-rated and
marked as complying with ANSI Z87 "+"
(for Canada: CSA Z94).
– To reduce the risk of injury to your face, STIHL
recommends that you also wear a face shield or face
screen over your goggles or protective glasses.
￭ To reduce the risk of head injury from falling branches or
other objects encountered during work:
– Wear an approved protective helmet.
￭ Chain saw noise may damage your hearing. To reduce the
risk of hearing damage:
– Wear sound barriers (ear plugs or ear
muffs).
– Regular operators should have their
hearing checked periodically.
– Be particularly alert and cautious when
using hearing protection. Your ability to
hear shouts, alarms or other audible
warnings is restricted.
￭ To help maintain a secure footing and reduce the risk of
injury while working:
– Wear sturdy boots with non-slip soles.
Steel-toed safety boots are
recommended. Do not wear sandals, flipflops, open-toed or similar footwear.
￭ To improve your grip and help protect your hands:
– Always wear heavy-duty work non-slip
gloves made of leather or another wearresistant material when handling the
chain saw or its chain.
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6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
6.4 Chain Saw
WARNING
￭ The chain saw's electric motor is not waterproof. To
reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury from electrocution
or electric shock:
– Do not expose the chain saw to rain,
water or excessive moisture.
– Store the chain saw indoors.
– Never use your chain saw if the casing around the
motor is cracked or damaged.
￭ The saw chain has many sharp cutters. If the cutters
contact you, it will result in serious cut injuries, even if the
chain is not moving. To reduce the risk of injuries:
– Keep hands, feet and other parts of your body away
from the saw chain.
– Wear heavy-duty work gloves when handling the
chain saw or its chain.
– Never touch a moving saw chain with your hand or
any other part of your body.
– Cover the guide bar with a chain scabbard before
transporting or storing the chain saw to reduce the
risk of injury from inadvertent contact.
￭ Reactive forces, including kickback, can be dangerous.
– Pay special attention to the section of this instruction
manual on "Kickback and Other Reactive Forces,"
@ 7.
￭ This electric chain saw is intended only for light-duty
garden and landscape maintenance around the home.
Use for other purposes may increase the risk of personal
injury and property damage.
– Do not use the chain saw for felling large trees or
cutting large diameter logs.
– Read and follow the operating instructions in this
manual for approved applications, @ 8.
￭ To reduce the risk of personal injury to the operator and
bystanders:
– Always release the trigger switch, engage the chain
brake by moving the front hand guard to and
disconnect the chain saw from the power supply
before assembling, transporting, adjusting,
inspecting, cleaning, servicing, maintaining or
storing the chain saw and any other time it is not in
use.
￭ Although certain unauthorized attachments may fit STIHL
chain saws, their use may be extremely dangerous. Only
attachments supplied by STIHL or expressly approved by
STIHL for use with this specific model are authorized.
– Use only attachments supplied or expressly
approved by STIHL.
– Never modify this chain saw in any way.
￭ If the chain saw is dropped or subjected to similar heavy
impacts:
– Check that it is undamaged, in good condition and
functioning properly before continuing work.
– Check that the controls and safety devices, including
the chain brake, are working properly.
– Check that the power supply cord has not been
damaged.
– Never work with a damaged or malfunctioning chain
saw. In case of doubt, have it checked by your
authorized STIHL servicing dealer.
￭ If the chain saw is damaged, not working properly, has
been left outdoors, exposed to rain or damp conditions or
dropped into water or other liquid, its components may no
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longer function properly and safety devices may be
inoperative. To reduce the risk of personal injury and
property damage:
– Take the chain saw to your authorized STIHL
servicing dealer to be checked before further
operation.
￭ Genuine STIHL replacement parts are specifically
designed to match your chain saw model and meet safety
and performance requirements. Use of parts that are not
authorized or approved by STIHL may cause serious or
fatal injury or property damage.
– STIHL recommends that only identical STIHL
replacement parts be used for repair or
maintenance.
6.5 Power Supply Cord and Extension Cord
WARNING
￭ Using a damaged power supply cord, plug, or extension
cord may result in fire, electric shock and other personal
injury or property damage. To reduce these risks:
– Check the chain saw’s power supply
cord, plug and your extension cord
regularly for damage. If it becomes
damaged, immediately disconnect the
chain saw from the power supply. Never
use a damaged power supply cord, plug
or extension cord.
– Do not abrade, crush, jerk, or otherwise abuse or
misuse the power supply cord and extension cord.
Protect them from heat, oil and sharp edges.
– If the power supply cord becomes damaged, have it
replaced by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer
before use. A damaged power supply cord must be
replaced with an identical STIHL replacement part.
– Unplug the power supply cord and extension cord
when the chain saw is not in use.
– Never yank or jerk the power supply cord or
extension cord to disconnect. To unplug, grasp the
plug, not the power supply cord or extension cord.
– Make sure the power supply cord and extension cord
are positioned and secured or marked so that they
will not be stepped on, tripped over, come in contact
with sharp objects, moving parts, or otherwise be
subjected to damage or stress.
￭ To reduce the risk of electric shock:
– Use only extension cords that are intended for
outdoor use, identified in the U.S. by the following
marking: "Suitable for use with outdoor appliances.
Store indoors while not in use."
– The chain saw must be connected to an electrical
outlet equipped with a Ground Fault Circuit
Interruptor (GFCI) or Residual Current Device (RCD)
with a maximum differential tripping current of
30 mA.
￭ This power tool has a polarized plug (one blade is wider
than the other). This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only
one way. To reduce the risk of electric shock:
– Do not change the plug in any 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.
￭ Overloading an extension cord can result in overheating
and fire. To reduce these risks:
– Be sure to use an extension cord heavy enough to
carry the current your electric saw will draw. Read
and follow the minimum wire size requirements for
120 Volt appliances set out in, @ 22.2.
– Use of an extension cord not meeting the minimum
wire size will cause a drop in wire voltage and result
in a loss of power and overheating.
– Never use an extension cord with a wattage or
electrical rating lower than the wattage or electrical
rating on your chain saw's rating plate.
– Never use an extension cord if the blades on its plug
are different from the blades on the power tool plug
in number, size or shape.
– Never connect more than one chain saw or other
device to a single extension cord.
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6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
– Do not link (chain) extension cords.
6.6 Using the Chain Saw
6.6.1 Before Operation
WARNING
￭ Misuse may result in personal injury and property
damage.
– Use the chain saw only as described in this
instruction manual.
￭ For proper assembly of the bar and chain:
– Read and follow the instructions on mounting the
guide bar and saw chain, @ 11.2.
￭ The saw chain, guide bar and sprocket must match each
other in gauge and pitch. Before mounting or replacing:
– Read the information on guide bar and saw chain
combinations, @ 23.
– Read and follow the instructions on kickback and
other reactive forces, @ 7.
– Select the shortest bar that will meet your cutting
needs. Longer bars add weight and may be more
difficult to control.
￭ Proper tension of the saw chain is extremely important to
maximize cutting performance and reduce the risk of
personal injury from chain breakage, derailment or
reactive forces:
– Read and follow the chain tensioning instructions,
@ 11.3.
– Always make sure the chain sprocket cover is
tightened securely after tensioning the saw chain in
order to secure the bar. Never start the chain saw
with the chain sprocket cover loose or missing.
– Check saw chain tension once more after tightening
the chain sprocket cover.
– After adjusting the saw chain, let the motor run for a
minute or two, then switch the motor off and engage
the chain brake. Disconnect the chain saw from the
power supply and recheck chain tension.
– Check saw chain tension periodically thereafter at
regular intervals (only after engaging the chain brake
and disconnecting the chain saw from the power
supply).
– Never cut with a loose chain. If the saw chain
becomes loose while cutting, switch off the motor,
engage the chain brake and disconnect the chain
saw from the power supply before tightening the
chain. Never attempt to adjust the saw chain while
the chain saw is connected to the power supply.
￭ Using a chain saw that is modified, damaged, improperly
adjusted or maintained, or not completely and securely
assembled can lead to a malfunction and increase the risk
of serious personal injury or death.
– Never operate a chain saw that is modified,
damaged, improperly maintained or not completely
and securely assembled.
– Always check your chain saw for proper condition
and operation before starting work, particularly the
trigger switch, trigger switch lockout, front hand
guard, chain brake and cutting attachment.
– Ensure that the trigger switch and trigger switch
lockout move freely and always spring back to the
locked position when released. The trigger switch
must not engage until the trigger switch lockout is
depressed.
– Never attempt to modify or override the controls or
safety devices in any way.
– If your saw or any part is damaged or does not
function properly, take it to your authorized STIHL
servicing dealer. Do not use the saw until the
problem has been corrected.
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￭ Before connecting the chain saw to the power supply:
– Read and follow the instructions on switching on the
chain saw, @ 14.1.
￭ To help reduce the risk of serious personal injury or death
from unintentional starting:
– Be sure the trigger switch and trigger switch lockout
are in the off position when connecting the chain saw
to the power supply.
– Never carry the chain saw with your finger on the
trigger switch.
– Release the trigger switch and trigger switch lockout
and engage the chain brake before disconnecting
the chain saw from the power supply.
– Engage the chain brake and disconnect the chain
saw from the power supply before assembling,
transporting, adjusting, inspecting, cleaning,
servicing, maintaining or storing the chain saw and
any other time it is not in use.
– Never leave the chain saw unattended when it is
connected to the power supply.
￭ Before disengaging the chain brake and switching on your
chain saw, take the following steps to reduce the risk of
personal injury from reactive forces, loss of control or
inadvertent contact:
– Be sure that the guide bar and saw chain are clear
of you and all other obstructions and objects,
including the ground.
– Never attempt to switch on the chain saw when the
guide bar is in a cut or kerf. Doing so could lead to
reactive forces and injury.
– Read and follow the instructions on switching on the
chain saw, @ 14.1.
6.6.2 Holding and Controlling the Chain Saw
WARNING
￭ To maintain a firm grip and properly control your chain
saw:
– Keep the handles clean and dry at all times. Keep
them free of moisture, pitch, oil, grease and resin.
￭ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries to the
operator or bystanders from loss of control:
– Avoid contacting any object with the
upper quadrant of the tip of the guide
bar. It may cause kickback to occur.
– Always hold the chain saw firmly with
both hands when you are working.
– Place your left hand on the front handle and your
right hand on the rear handle (see illustration
above). Left-handers must follow these instructions
too.
– Wrap your fingers tightly around the handles,
keeping the handles cradled between your thumb
and forefinger.
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6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
– Position the chain saw in such a way that all parts of
your body are clear of the cutting attachment
whenever the motor is running. Stand to the left of
the cut while bucking, outside of the cutting plane
(see illustration above).
– Position the power supply cord and extension cord
so that they will not be damaged while working with
the saw.
– Always keep the power supply cord and extension
cord behind the operator and away from the bar and
chain. Always be sure that your cable does not
become entangled with obstacles or objects.
￭ Operating the chain saw with one hand is extremely
dangerous. One-handed operation makes it difficult to
oppose and absorb reactive forces (pushback, pull-in,
kickback) without losing control of the chain saw. It also
makes it difficult to prevent the bar and chain from skating
or bouncing along a limb or log. To reduce the risk of
serious or fatal injury to the operator or bystanders from
loss of control:
– Never use the chain saw with one hand.
￭ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal cut injuries to the
operator or bystanders from loss of control, keep proper
footing and balance at all times:
– Do not work in wet grass or terrain.
– Take special care in overgrown terrain and always
watch for hidden obstacles such as tree stumps,
roots, rocks, holes and ditches to avoid stumbling or
falling.
– Know where the power supply cord and extension
cord are at all times to avoid tripping or stumbling.
– Be extremely cautious when working on slopes or
uneven ground.
– For better footing, always clear away fallen
branches, scrub and cuttings. Freshly debarked logs
and other material can increase the danger of
slipping, tripping or falling.
– Use extreme caution when cutting small-size brush,
branches and saplings because slender material
may catch the saw chain and spring toward you or
pull you off balance.
￭ To reduce the risk of injury from loss of control:
– Never work on a ladder, roof, in a tree or
while standing on any other insecure
support.
– Never operate the chain saw above
shoulder height.
– Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times.
– Never attempt to switch on the chain saw when the
guide bar is in a cut or kerf. Doing so could lead to
reactive forces and injury.
￭ The bumper spike is designed to provide greater control
of the chain saw while cutting. If you work without the
bumper spike, the chain saw may pull you forward
suddenly. This could cause loss of control or, if the tip
strikes an object, kickback.
– Always work with the bumper spike to maintain
better control of the saw.
￭ Applying pressure to the chain saw when reaching the end
of a cut may cause the bar and rotating saw chain to
accelerate out of the kerf, go out of control and strike the
operator or some other object. To reduce the risk of injury:
– Use caution when approaching the end of a cut.
– Never put pressure on the chain saw when reaching
the end of a cut.
– STIHL recommends that first-time chain saw users
cut logs on a sawhorse.
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6.6.3 Working Conditions
WARNING
￭ Operate your chain saw only under good visibility during
favorable daylight conditions.
– Postpone the work if the weather is windy, foggy,
rainy or inclement.
– Never cut near power lines.
￭ Your chain saw is a one-person machine.
– Do not allow other persons in the general work area.
– Switch off the motor immediately if you are
approached.
￭ To reduce the risk of injury to bystanders and
unauthorized users:
– Never leave the chain saw unattended when it is
connected to the power supply.
– Switch off the chain saw, engage the chain brake
and disconnect from the power supply during work
breaks and any other time the chain saw is not in
use.
￭ Sparks generated from the operation of the chain saw may
be capable of igniting combustible gases, liquids, vapors,
dusts or other combustible materials and substances. To
reduce the risk of fire and explosion:
– Never operate the chain saw in a location where
combustible gases, liquids, vapors, dusts or other
combustible materials and substances are present.
– Read and follow recommendations issued by
government authorities (e.g., OSHA; for Canada:
CCOHS) for identifying and avoiding the hazards of
combustible gases, liquids, vapors, dusts or other
combustible materials and substances.
￭ If a rotating saw chain strikes a rock or other hard object,
sparks may be created, which can ignite flammable
materials under certain circumstances. Flammable
materials can include dry vegetation and brush,
particularly when weather conditions are hot and dry.
– When there is a risk of fire or wildfire, do not use your
chain saw around flammable materials or around dry
vegetation or brush.
– Contact your local fire authorities or the U.S. Forest
Service (for Canada: Canadian Forest Service) if
you have any question about whether vegetation
and weather conditions are suitable for the use of a
chain saw.
￭ Use of this chain saw (including sharpening the saw
chain) can generate dust, oil mist and other substances
containing chemicals known to cause respiratory
problems, cancer, birth defects and other reproductive
harm.
– Consult governmental agencies such as EPA,
OSHA, CARB and NIOSH (for Canada: ECCC,
CCOHS and PHAC) and other authoritative sources
on hazardous materials if you are unfamiliar with the
risks associated with the particular substances you
are cutting or with which you are working.
￭ Inhalation of certain dusts, especially organic dusts such
as mold or pollen, can cause susceptible persons to have
an allergic or asthmatic reaction. Substantial or repeated
inhalation of dust or other airborne contaminants,
especially those with a smaller particle size, may cause
respiratory or other illnesses. This includes wood dust,
especially from hardwoods, but also from some softwoods
such as Western Red Cedar.
– Control dust (such as saw dust) and mists (such as
oil mist from chain lubrication) at the source where
possible.
– Always work with a properly sharpened saw chain,
which produces wood chips rather than fine dust.
– To the extent possible, operate the chain saw so that
the wind or operating process directs any dust, mist
or other particulate matter raised by the chain saw
away from the operator.
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6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
– When respirable dust or other particulate matter
cannot be kept at or near background levels, always
wear an approved and properly rated respirator and
follow the recommendations of governmental
authorities (e.g., OSHA/NIOSH/MSHA; for Canada:
CCOHS/PHAC/MSHA) and occupational and trade
associations.
￭ If the vegetation being cut or the surrounding ground is
coated with a chemical substance, such as pesticide or
herbicide:
– Read and follow the instructions and warnings that
accompanied the substance coating the vegetation
or surrounding ground.
￭ Breathing asbestos dust is dangerous and can cause
severe or fatal injury, respiratory illness or cancer,
including mesothelioma. The use and disposal of
asbestos-containing products is strictly regulated by
OSHA and the EPA (for Canada: CCOHS and ECCC).
– Do not use your chain saw to cut or disturb asbestos
or asbestos-containing products.
– Stop work immediately and contact the relevant
state and local authorities and/or EPA (for Canada:
ECCC), your employer or local OSHA (for Canada:
CCOHS) representative if you have reason to
believe that you might be disturbing asbestos.
￭ Repeated contact with waste oil can cause skin cancer
and its use is harmful to the environment.
– Do not use waste oil to lubricate the bar and chain of
your STIHL chain saw.
6.6.4 Operating Instructions
WARNING
￭ To reduce the risk of severe personal injuries from
unintentional starting:
– Never touch a saw chain with your hand or any part
of your body when the chain saw is connected to the
power supply, even when the chain is not rotating.
￭ The saw chain continues to move for a short period after
the trigger switch is fully released.
– Wait for the chain to stop and engage the chain
brake before putting the chain saw down.
￭ In the event of an emergency:
– Switch off the motor immediately, engage the chain
brake and disconnect the chain saw from the power
supply.
￭ Your chain saw is equipped with a chain catcher. It is
designed to reduce the risk of personal injury in the event
of a thrown or broken chain.
– Never operate the chain saw with a damaged or
missing chain catcher.
￭ Contacting foreign objects while sawing might cause the
chain to break or be thrown, or cause the chain saw to
propel dangerous debris or kick back in the direction of the
operator. To reduce the risk of severe or fatal personal
injury caused by contact with foreign objects:
– Inspect the tree, log or branch before cutting.
– Remove any foreign objects to ensure that the wood
is free of materials such as nails, spikes, cables, or
wires.
– Before starting a cut, ensure that it can be completed
without contacting surrounding objects or structures
such as fencing or stonework.
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￭ If the rotating saw chain strikes a rock or other hard object,
sparks may be created, which can ignite flammable
materials under certain circumstances. Flammable
materials can include dry vegetation and brush,
particularly when weather conditions are hot and dry.
– Do not use your chain saw around flammable
materials or around vegetation or brush when there
is a risk of fire or wildfire.
– Contact your local fire authorities or the U.S. Forest
Service if you have any question about whether
vegetation and weather conditions are suitable for
the use of a chain saw.
￭ Check the saw chain and guide bar at regular short
intervals during operation, or immediately if there is a
change in cutting behavior:
– Switch off the motor, activate the chain brake and
disconnect the chain saw from the power supply.
– Check the condition and tension of the saw chain.
Look for damage to the chain or guide bar.
– If the condition persists, stop work immediately and
take your chain saw to an authorized STIHL
servicing dealer for inspection, repair or
maintenance.
DANGER
￭ To reduce the risk of electrocution:
– Never operate this chain saw in the
vicinity of any wires or cables that may
be carrying electric current.
– Never cut near power lines.
– Do not rely on the chain saw's insulation
against electric shock.
– Never use your chain saw if the casing
around the motor is cracked or damaged.
– Always use care to avoid contacting the
power supply cord and extension cord
with the saw chain.
7 Kickback and Other Reactive Forces
7.1 Reactive Forces
WARNING
￭ Reactive forces may occur any time the chain is rotating.
Reactive forces can cause serious or fatal personal injury.
￭ The powerful forces used to cut wood can be reversed and
work against the operator. If the rotating saw chain is
suddenly and significantly slowed or stopped by contact
with any solid object such as a log or branch or is pinched,
the reactive forces may occur instantly.
￭ These reactive forces may result in loss of control, which,
in turn, may cause serious or fatal injury.
– An understanding of the causes of these reactive
forces may help you avoid the element of surprise
and loss of control. Surprise contributes to
accidents.
The most common reactive forces are:
– Kickback
– Pull-in
– Pushback
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7.2 Kickback
7.2.1 Kickback
WARNING
Kickback may occur when the moving saw chain
near the upper quadrant of the bar nose contacts
a solid object or is pinched.
￭ When this occurs, the energy driving the saw chain can
create a force that moves the chain saw in a direction
opposite to the saw chain movement at the point where
the saw chain is slowed or stopped. This may fling the bar
up and back in a lightning fast reaction mainly in the plane
of the bar and can cause severe or fatal injury to the
operator.
￭ Kickback may occur, for example, when the saw 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.
￭ The greater the force of the kickback reaction, the more
difficult it becomes for the operator to control the chain
saw. Many factors influence the occurrence and force of
the kickback reaction. These include saw chain speed, the
speed at which the bar and saw chain contact the object,
the location and angle of contact, the condition of the saw
chain, and how quickly the chain is slowed or stopped,
among 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.
7.2.2 Chain Saw Kickback Standards
The following standards apply with respect to kickback:
– § 19.108 of UL 60745-2-13
– § 5.11 of ANSI/OPEI B175.1
– for Canada: CSA Z62.3
These standards, referred to as "the chain saw kickback
standards" in this chapter, set certain performance and
design criteria related to chain saw kickback.
To comply with the chain saw kickback standards, 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 chain saws are
measured by applying a computer program to test results
from a kickback test machine.
WARNING
￭ Compliance with the chain saw kickback standards does
not mean that the bar and saw chain will rotate at most 45°
in a real life kickback. The computer-derived angles of the
chain saw standards may bear no relationship to actual
kickback bar rotation angles that may occur in a real life
cutting situation. Devices designed to reduce the risk of
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kickback injuries may lose some of their effectiveness
when they are no longer in their original condition,
especially if they have been improperly maintained.
– Read and follow the safety precautions and
instructions in this manual.
– When working, always position the chain saw such
that your body is clear of the cutting attachment and
outside of the cutting plane.
– Follow the maintenance and service instructions in
this manual.
￭ For the chain saw to meet the chain saw kickback
standards, use only the following cutting attachments:
– Compliant bar and chain combinations listed in
"Combinations of Guide Bars and Saw Chains,"
@ 23;
– Other replacement bar and saw chain combinations
marked in accordance with the standards for use on
the chain saw; or
– Replacement saw chain designated "low kickback
saw chain."
7.2.3 Devices for Reducing the Risk of Kickback Injury
The STIHL Quickstop chain brake and STIHL's greenlabeled, reduced kickback bars and green-labeled, low
kickback saw chains are designed to reduce the risk of
kickback injury.
1. STIHL Quickstop Chain Brake
English
There are two mechanisms for activating the chain brake if
it is in a properly maintained condition:
– Manual Activation: If a kickback occurs, the chain saw
moves upwards toward the user in a rotating motion
around the front handle. The brake is designed to engage
if the left hand contacts the front hand guard, which is the
activation lever for the brake, and pushes it forward.
– Inertia Activation: All STIHL chain saws are equipped with
an inertia Quickstop chain brake. If the kickback impulse
is strong enough, this alone is sufficient to engage the
brake even without contacting the front hand guard.
WARNING
￭ To reduce the risk of kickback injury:
– Never use a saw if the chain brake does not function
properly.
– When in doubt, take the saw to an authorized STIHL
servicing dealer for inspection and/or repair.
– Do not use the saw until the problem has been
corrected.
￭ In a kickback situation, the front hand guard helps protect
your left hand from contacting the saw chain. Removal of
the front hand guard on a chain saw equipped with a
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7 Kickback and Other Reactive Forces
Quickstop chain brake will reduce this protection and also
disable the chain brake, increasing the risk of kickback
injury.
– Never operate your chain saw without a properly
functioning front hand guard.
– Never attempt to remove, modify or disable the front
hand guard or any other component of the chain
brake.
￭ No Quickstop or other chain brake device prevents
kickback. These devices are designed to reduce the risk
of injury, if activated, in certain kickback situations. To
reduce the risk of severe personal injury or death from
kickback:
– Always follow the instructions in this manual and
follow good working technique. For example,
position your body clear of the cutting attachment
whenever the motor is running. Stand to the left of
the cut while bucking, outside of the cutting plane,
see chapter "Holding and Controlling the Chain
Saw", @ 6.6.2.
– Maintain as much distance as possible, and never
less than 45 degrees, between the bar and your
body to ensure that the Quickstop has sufficient time
to activate and stop the saw chain before reaching
any part of your body.
– Follow the other precautions provided in chapter
@ 8.
￭ An improperly maintained chain brake may increase the
time needed to stop the saw chain after activation, or may
not activate at all. For the Quickstop to reduce the risk of
kickback injury, it must be properly maintained and in
good working order.
– Read and follow the instructions on engaging and
disengaging the chain brake, @ 12, and
maintaining and repairing it, @ 12.3.
or sharpening ease, but are more prone to kickback and may
kick back with more energy, making it more difficult to
control the chain saw.
STIHL has developed a color code system to help you
identify the STIHL reduced kickback bars and low kickback
saw chains.
– Cutting attachments with green labels on the packaging
are designed to reduce the risk of kickback injury.
– Matching green-marked or labeled chain saws with green-
labeled bars and green-labeled saw chains provides
compliance with the computed kickback angle
requirements of the chain saw standards when the
products are in their original condition.
– Products with yellow labels are for users with
extraordinary cutting needs, having experience and
specialized training for dealing with kickback.
STIHL recommends the use of its green-labeled reduced
kickback bars, green-labeled low kickback saw chains and a
chain saw equipped with a STIHL Quickstop chain brake for
both experienced and inexperienced chain saw users.
STIHL recommends green-labeled bars and chains for all
chain saws. See your "STIHL Bar and Chain Information"
leaflet for details.
New bar and chain combinations may be developed after
publication of this literature, which will, in combination with
certain electric chain saws, comply with the chain saw
standards as well.
WARNING
￭ Use of bar and saw chain combinations not listed in the
STIHL Bar and Chain Information leaflet (or other
combinations that do not comply with the chain saw
2. Low Kickback Saw Chain and Reduced Kickback Bars
STIHL offers a variety of guide bars and saw chains. STIHL
reduced kickback bars and low kickback saw chains are
designed to reduce the risk of kickback injury. Other saw
chains are designed to achieve higher cutting performance
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English
standards) may increase kickback forces as well as the
propensity for kickback and increase the risk of kickback
injury.
– Please ask your authorized STIHL servicing dealer
to properly match your chain saw with the
appropriate bar and saw chain combination to
reduce the risk of kickback injury.
￭ Reduced kickback bars and low kickback saw chains do
not prevent kickback, but they are designed to reduce the
risk of kickback injury.
– STIHL recommends green-labeled bars and green-
labeled saw chains for all chain saws and all users.
￭ Even if your saw is equipped with Quickstop, a reduced
kickback bar and/or low kickback saw chain, this does not
eliminate the risk of injury from kickback.
– Observe all safety precautions discussed in this
manual to avoid kickback situations.
a. Low Kickback Saw Chain
Some types of saw chain have specially designed
components to reduce the propensity for kickback and the
force of kickback if it occurs. STIHL has developed low
kickback saw chain for your chain saw.
A "low kickback saw chain" is a saw chain that has met the
kickback performance requirements of ANSI/OPEI B175.1
(for Canada: CSA Z62.3) when tested according to the
provisions specified in ANSI/OPEI B175.1 (for Canada:
CSA Z62.3).
WARNING
￭ Some low kickback saw chains have not been tested with
all chain saw and bar combinations. There are potential
chain saw 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 the chain saw standards.
– STIHL recommends green-labeled bars and green-
labeled saw chains for all chain saws and all users.
– Please see your STIHL Bar and Chain Information
leaflet for the appropriate bar/saw chain
combination.
– Please ask your authorized STIHL servicing dealer
to properly match your chain saw with the
appropriate bar and saw chain combination to
reduce the risk of kickback injury.
￭ A blunt or incorrectly sharpened saw chain may reduce or
negate the effectiveness of design features intended to
reduce the propensity for kickback and kickback energies.
Improper lowering or sharpening of the depth gauges or
changing the shape of the cutters may increase the risk
and the energy of kickback.
– Always cut with a properly sharpened chain.
– Read and follow the instructions on sharpening a
saw chain, @ 20.5.
￭ Any chain saw mounted with a bow guide is potentially
very dangerous. The risk of kickback is increased with a
bow guide because of the increased kickback contact area
and because the design of bow guides places the upper
portion of the bar closer to the operator's body. Low
kickback saw chain will not significantly reduce the risk of
kickback injury when used on a bow guide.
– Never mount a bow guide on any STIHL chain saw.
b. Reduced Kickback Bars
STIHL green-labeled reduced kickback bars are designed to
reduce the risk of kickback injury when used with STIHL
green-labeled low kickback saw chains.
WARNING
￭ When used with other, more aggressive saw chains,
green-labeled reduced kickback bars may be less
effective in reducing kickback.
– STIHL recommends green-labeled bars and green-
labeled saw chains for all chain saws and all users.
￭ For proper balance and in order to comply with the chain
saw standards:
– Use only bar lengths listed in this manual, @ 23.
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7.2.4 To Avoid Kickback
The best protection from personal injury that may result from
kickback is to avoid kickback situations:
1)Hold the chain saw firmly and with both hands and
maintain a secure grip, with your right hand on the rear
handle and left hand on the front handle. Maintain a
secure grip with thumbs and fingers encircling the chain
saw handles. Don't let go.
2)Make sure the area in which you are cutting is free from
obstructions.
3)Be aware of the location of the guide bar nose at all times.
Never let the nose of the guide bar unintentionally contact
any object. Do not cut limbs with the nose of the guide bar.
Be especially careful near wire fences and when cutting
small, tough limbs, small size brush and saplings which
may easily catch the saw chain.
4)Do not overreach.
5)Do not cut above shoulder height.
6)Begin cutting and continue at full speed.
7)Cut only one log at a time.
8)Use extreme caution when re-entering 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 saw chain.
11)Maintain saw chain properly. Cut with a correctly
sharpened, properly tensioned saw chain at all times.
12)Stand to the side of the cutting path of the chain saw.
13)Use only replacement bars and chains specified by
STIHL, or the equivalent.
7.3 Pull-in
WARNING
￭ Pull-in occurs when the saw chain on the bottom of the bar
is suddenly stopped or significantly slowed when it is
pinched, caught or encounters a foreign object in the
wood. The reaction of the saw chain pulls the chain saw
forward and may cause the operator to lose control,
which, in turn, may cause serious or fatal injury. If the tip
contacts an object, kickback may occur.
￭ Pull-in usually occurs when the bumper spike of the chain
saw is not held securely against the tree or limb and when
the saw chain is not rotating at full speed before it contacts
the wood.
￭ To reduce the risk of pull-in:
– Cut with a sharp, properly tensioned chain.
– Always start a cut with the saw chain rotating at full
speed and with the bumper spike in contact with the
wood.
– Use wedges to open the kerf or cut, where possible.
– Use extreme caution when cutting small-size brush
and saplings which may easily catch the saw chain,
spring towards you or pull you off balance.
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7.4 Pushback
WARNING
￭ Pushback occurs when the saw chain on the top of the bar
is suddenly stopped or significantly slowed when it is
pinched, caught or encounters a foreign object in the
wood. The reaction of the saw chain may drive the chain
saw rapidly straight back toward the operator, causing
loss of control which, in turn, may cause serious or fatal
injury.
￭ Pushback usually occurs when the top of the bar is used
for cutting.
￭ To reduce the risk of pushback:
– Be alert to forces or situations that may cause
material to pinch or bind the top of the saw chain.
– Do not cut more than one log at a time.
– Do not twist the chain saw when withdrawing the bar
from an underbuck cut because the saw chain can
pinch or bind.
– Cut with a sharp, properly tensioned chain.
8 Proper Techniques for Basic Bucking,
Limbing, Pruning and Felling
8.1 Intended Uses
WARNING
￭ This chain saw is not designed for felling large trees or
cutting large diameter logs.
￭ Position the chain saw in such a way that your body is
clear of the cutting attachment and the extension cord
whenever the motor is running. Stand to the left of the cut
while bucking, outside of the cutting plane.
8.2 Bucking
Bucking is cutting a log into sections.
WARNING
￭ Be aware of rolling logs. Rolling logs can cause serious or
fatal personal injury. To prevent a log from rolling while
bucking:
– Make sure the log is secure and will not roll downhill
before starting your cut. If necessary, use sturdy
wedges, shims or chocks.
– If on a slope, always stand on the uphill side of the
log.
– Never stand on the log.
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8 Proper Techniques for Basic Bucking, Limbing, Pruning and Felling
￭ To reduce the risk of kickback caused by contacting the
nose of the guide bar with other logs or limbs:
– Cut only one log at a time.
– Do not cut logs in a pile.
￭ When cutting shattered wood, sharp slivers of wood may
be caught and flung in the direction of the operator of the
saw or bystanders.
– Use caution when cutting shattered wood and
always wear appropriate apparel and personal
protective equipment, including eye protection.
– Keep bystanders out of the work area.
￭ When cutting smaller logs, make sure the log is properly
supported to reduce the risk of personal injury from loss of
control of the chain saw or movement of the log. Small
logs can move when contacted by the teeth of the saw
chain:
– Place logs through "V-shaped" supports on top of a
sawhorse whenever possible.
– Never permit another person to hold the log.
– Never stabilize the log with your leg or foot.
￭ Failing to control the saw at the bottom of a bucking cut
can cause severe personal injury or death.
– Prepare the saw to exit the bottom of the cut by
reducing the feed force you exert on the saw.
– Cushion the weight of the chain saw so that the bar
and chain are not thrust downward into your lower
body and legs as the bar/chain exits the cut.
When bucking:
► Position the bumper spike of the saw against the log and
use it as a fulcrum.
► Continually repositioning the bumper spike while pushing
the guide bar completely through the log.
8.3 Limbing
Limbing is removing the branches from a fallen tree.
WARNING
￭ To prevent a log from rolling while limbing:
– Start limbing by leaving the limbs on the lower,
downhill side of the log to hold the log off the ground.
– Stabilize the log with sturdy wedges, shims or
chocks, if necessary.
– Never stand on a log while limbing it.
￭ There is an increased danger of kickback during limbing
operations, as limbs, leaves, stems and other material can
entangle (bind) the cutters of the chain in the upper
quadrant of the bar nose, causing the chain to slow or stop
suddenly.
– Do not use the nose of the bar to cut limbs.
– Be extremely cautious and avoid contacting the log,
the ground, other limbs and any leafy materials with
the nose of the guide bar.
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￭ When underbucking freely hanging limbs, a pinch may
result or the limb may fall, hitting the operator or the chain
saw and causing loss of control.
– If a pinch occurs that traps or holds the bar or chain,
switch off the motor, activate the chain brake and
disconnect the saw from the power supply before
attempting to remove the saw from the cut,
exercising caution that the limb does not suddenly
snap or release.
￭ Limbs or logs under tension (spring poles) can spring back
toward you with great force, striking you or causing you to
lose control of the saw, resulting in severe or fatal injury.
– Be extremely cautious when cutting limbs or logs
that may be under tension.
– Read and follow the warnings and instructions on
cutting logs under tension, @ 8.5.
When limbing:
8.4 Pruning
Pruning is selectively removing branches from a standing
tree.
WARNING
￭ To reduce the risk of injury from loss of control:
– Do not use the chain saw one-handed.
– Never work on a ladder, on a roof, in a tree or while
standing on any other insecure support.
– Never operate the chain saw above shoulder height
or cut overhead.
– Do not overreach.
￭ To reduce the risk of injury:
– Never stand directly underneath the branch you are
cutting.
– Watch for falling branches. As soon as the branch
starts to fall, step aside and keep a sufficient
distance away from the falling wood. A branch may
spring back at you after it hits the ground.
– Prior to beginning work, clear the work area of limbs
and brush to reduce the risk of tripping and losing
control of the chain saw.
To cut branches from a standing tree:
► Rest the chain saw on the log.
► Stand on the side of the log opposite the limb to be cut if
it can be done safely.
► Push the guide bar at full throttle with a hinge motion
against the branch.
► Cut the branch with the top or the bottom side of the guide
bar, keeping the tip of the bar free of the log, the ground,
other limbs and any leafy materials.
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8 Proper Techniques for Basic Bucking, Limbing, Pruning and Felling
► Make the first cut (1) on the underside of the branch,
approximately 2 in. (5 cm) from the trunk. Cut through
approximately 1/4 of the diameter of the branch. This will
help prevent the branch from splintering after it is cut.
► Make the second cut (2) on the top side of the branch,
approximately 2 in. (5 cm) from the first cut.
► As soon as the branch starts to fall, withdraw the chain
saw and let the branch fall to the ground.
8.5 Cutting Logs Under Tension
WARNING
￭ There is an increased danger of pinching the chain saw
when bucking logs under tension. The tension in wood can
also release suddenly and with great force, propelling the
log, limb or chain saw into the saw operator, causing injury
or loss of control. To reduce the risk of severe or fatal
personal injury from reactive forces, including kickback, or
loss of control when cutting wood under tension:
– Always start with a relieving cut (1) at the
compression side of the log, and then make a
bucking cut (2) at the tension side.
– If a pinch occurs that traps the bar/chain, switch off
the motor, activate the chain brake and disconnect
the saw from the power supply before attempting to
remove the saw from the log, exercising caution that
the limb does not suddenly snap or release.
￭ Working in areas where logs, limbs and roots are tangled
("blow down" areas) is extremely dangerous.
– Drag the logs, limbs and other material to be cut into
a clear area before cutting. Pull out exposed and
cleared logs first. Do not cut where the tip of the bar
may come into contact with other logs, limbs or leafy
material.
8.6 Felling
8.6.1 Felling Conditions Felling is cutting down a tree. Before felling a tree, carefully
consider all of the conditions that may affect the direction of
fall.
WARNING
￭ This chain saw is not designed for felling large trees, and
using it to cut large trees could result in an inability to
control the fall of the tree or limb, and can lead to serious
or fatal personal injury.
￭ There are a number of factors that may affect and change
the intended direction of fall, e.g. wind direction and
speed, lean of tree, surrounding trees and obstacles,
sloping ground, one-sided limb or foliage structure, wood
structure, decay, snow load, etc.
– To reduce the risk of severe or fatal injury to yourself
or others, look for, analyze and plan for these
conditions prior to beginning the cut, and be alert for
a change in direction while the tree is falling.
￭ Felling a tree that has a diameter greater than twice the
effective cutting length of the guide bar requires use of
either the sectioning felling cut or plunge-cut method.
Neither of these cutting techniques is recommended for
this model chain saw. These methods can be 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. If you are
inexperienced with a chain saw, plunge-cutting should not
be attempted. Seek the help of a qualified professional.
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￭ Never attempt to cut a large diameter tree with a chain
saw that lacks sufficient size, power or run-time to
complete the task efficiently.
￭ There is an increased risk that trees that are split,
decayed or rotted inside or that are leaning or otherwise
under tension could snap or split while being cut, causing
serious or fatal injury to the operator or bystanders.
– Always observe and be aware of the general
condition of the tree.
– Inexperienced users should never attempt to cut
such trees.
– Also look for broken or dead branches which could
vibrate loose and fall on the operator during the
felling operation. Certain types of trees are more
susceptible to this condition, such as Douglas firs.
You should check with a reputable tree service if you
have questions about the stability of the trees you
will be cutting.
– When felling on a slope, the operator should stand
on the uphill side if possible.
When felling:
8.6.2 Escape Path
Before making your first cut, prepare an escape path:
B
B
► First clear limbs and brush from the area around the base
of the tree. Remove vegetation from the lower portion of
the tree with an axe.
► Next, establish at least two clear paths of escape (B) and
remove any obstacles, such as brush, small trees and
other vegetation. These paths should lead away from the
planned direction of the tree's fall (A) at a 45° angle from
the expected fall line. Place all tools and equipment a safe
distance away from the tree, but not on the escape paths.
8.6.3 Conventional Notch
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► Maintain a distance of at least 2 1/2 tree lengths from the
nearest person.
► Take extra precautions in the vicinity of roads, railways
and power lines. Inform the police, utility company or
railway authority before beginning to cut.
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For a conventional notch:
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► The felling notch determines the direction of the tree's fall.
Make the felling notch perpendicular to the line of fall you
have determined, close to the ground.
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8 Proper Techniques for Basic Bucking, Limbing, Pruning and Felling
► Be aware of conditions such as wind, limb and foliage
structure, tree lean, the slope of the terrain and other
factors that could alter the direction of fall.
► Cut down at a 45° angle to a depth of approximately 1/5 to
1/4 of the trunk diameter.
► Make a horizontal cut that meets the bottom of the first cut.
► Remove the resulting 45° piece. The size of the wedge will
vary by tree size. The larger the tree, the larger the wedge.
This model chain saw is not intended for felling large
diameter trees.
8.6.4 Open-faced Notch
For an open-faced notch:
► The felling notch determines the direction of the tree's fall.
Make the felling notch perpendicular to the line of fall you
have determined, close to the ground.
► Be aware of conditions such as wind, limb and foliage
structure, tree lean, slope of the terrain and other factors
that could alter the direction of fall.
► Cut down at a 50° angle to a depth of approximately 1/5 to
1/4 of the trunk diameter.
► Make a second cut that meets the bottom of the first cut
from below at a 40° angle.
► Remove the resulting 90° piece. The size of the wedge will
vary by tree size. The larger the tree, the larger the wedge.
This model chain saw is not intended for felling large
diameter trees.
8.6.5 Sapwood Cuts
Sapwood cuts help prevent soft woods in summer from
splintering when they fall:
► Make cuts at both sides of the trunk, at the same height as
the subsequent felling cut. Make sure the saw you are
using has sufficient size, power and run time to complete
the felling operation efficiently. This model chain saw is
not intended for felling large diameter trees.
► Cut no deeper than the width of guide bar.
8.6.6 Felling Back Cut
WARNING
￭ If the tip of the bar contacts a wedge that has been used
to help keep the kerf or cut open, it may cause kickback.
Wedges should be of wood or plastic and never steel,
which can damage the chain.
￭ 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, release the trigger switch,
engage the chain brake and walk away briskly on the preplanned escape path.
￭ Watch out for limbs falling from the felled tree.
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