Stihl MSE 230 C, MSE 210 C, MSE 190 C, MSE 170 C Instruction Manual

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STIHL MSE 170 C, 190 C, 210 C, 230 C

Instruction Manual

Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper

Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.

0458-756-8021-A. VA1.K16.

0000006380_012_GB

MSE 170 C, MSE 190 C, MSE 210 C, MSE 230 C

English

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Contents

Dear Customer,

Thank you for choosing a quality engineered STIHL product.

It 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 product.

Please contact your dealer or our sales company if you have any queries concerning this product.

Your

Dr. Nikolas Stihl

Guide to Using this Manual 2 Safety Precautions 2 Reactive Forces 7 Working Techniques 9 Packing List 17 Cutting Attachment 18 Mounting the Bar and Chain (side

chain tensioner) 18 Mounting the Bar and Chain (quick

chain tensioner) 19 Tensioning the Saw Chain (side

chain tensioner) 21 Tensioning the Saw Chain (quick

chain tensioner) 22 Checking Chain Tension 22 Chain Lubricant 22 Filling Chain Oil Tank 23 Checking Chain Lubrication 25 Coasting Brake 25 Chain Brake 25 Connecting to Power Supply 26 Switching On 27 Switching Off 27 Overload Cutout 28 Operating Instructions 29 Taking Care of the Guide Bar 30 Motor Cooling 30 Storing the Machine 31 Checking and Replacing the Chain

Sprocket 31 Maintaining and Sharpening the

Saw Chain 32

Maintenance and Care 36 Minimize Wear and Avoid Damage 37 Main Parts 38 Specifications 39 Ordering Spare Parts 41 Maintenance and Repairs 42 Disposal 42 EC Declaration of Conformity 42 General Power Tool Safety

Warnings 43

MSE 170 C, MSE 190 C, MSE 210 C, MSE 230 C

English

This instruction manual covers a STIHL electric chain saw which is also referred to as the saw, power tool or machine in the descriptions.

Pictograms

The meanings of the pictograms attached to the machine are explained in this manual.

Depending on the model concerned, the following pictograms may be attached to your machine.

Symbols in text

WARNING

Warning where there is a risk of an accident or personal injury or serious damage to property.

NOTICE

Caution where there is a risk of damaging the machine or its individual components.

Engineering improvements

STIHL's philosophy is to continually improve all of its products. For this reason we may modify the design, engineering and appearance of our products periodically.

Therefore, some changes, modifications and improvements may not be covered in this manual.

General

Observe all applicable local safety regulations, standards and ordinances.

The use of noise emitting power tools may be restricted to certain times by national or local regulations.

If you have not used this model before: Have your dealer or other experienced user show you how to operate your unit or attend a special course in its operation.

Minors should never be allowed to use a chain saw.

Keep bystanders, especially children, and animals away from the work area.

The user is responsible for avoiding injury to third parties or damage to their property.

Guide to Using this Manual

Chain oil tank; chain oil

Direction of chain rotation

Tension the chain

Thermal overload cutout

Unlock

Lock

Safety Precautions

Special safety precau

tions must be observed to reduce the risk of per

sonal injury when working with a chain saw because of the very high chain speed and very sharp cutters.

It is important that you read the instruction man

ual before first use and keep it in a safe place for future reference. Nonobservance of the instruction manual may result in serious or even fatal injury.

MSE 170 C, MSE 190 C, MSE 210 C, MSE 230 C

English

Do not lend or rent your chain saw without the instruction manual. Be sure that anyone using it understands the information contained in this manual.

Persons who are not able to operate the power tool safely due to limited physical, sensory or mental ability may work with it only under supervision or after instruction by a responsible person.

To operate a chain saw you must be rested, in good physical condition and mental health. If you have any condition that might be aggravated by strenuous work, check with your doctor before operating a chain saw.

Do not operate the chain saw if you are under the influence of any substance (drugs, alcohol) which might impair vision, dexterity or judgment.

To reduce the risk of accidents or injury, put off the work in poor weather conditions (rain, snow, ice, wind).

Intended Use

The chainsaw may be used for cutting wood and wooden objects only. It is particularly suitable for cutting firewood and other woodworking projects close to the house.

It must not be used for any other purpose because of the increased risk of accidents.

Never attempt to modify your saw in any way since this may increase the risk of personal injury. STIHL excludes all liability for personal injury and damage to property caused while using unauthorized attachments.

Clothing and Equipment

Wear proper protective clothing and equipment.

Avoid clothing that could get caught on branches or brush or moving parts of the saw. Do not wear a scarf, necktie or jewelry. Tie up and confine long hair (e.g. with a hair net, cap, hard hat, etc.).

WARNING

Wear a face shield and make sure it is a good fit. A face shield alone does not provide adequate eye protection.

Hearing protection is recommended if your daily working time is more than

2.5 hours.

Wear a safety hard hat with chin strap where there is a danger of head injuries from falling objects.

STIHL offers a comprehensive range of personal protective clothing and equipment.

Transporting

Always switch off the chainsaw before carrying it – even for short distances, disconnect the plug from the wall outlet, move the hand guard to ƒ and fit the chain scabbard. This avoids the risk of the motor starting unintentionally.

Carry your chainsaw by the front handle only with the guide bar behind you.

In vehicles: Properly secure your chainsaw to prevent turnover, chain oil spillage and damage.

Cleaning

Clean plastic surfaces with a cloth. Do not use aggressive detergents. They may damage the plastic.

Always clean dust and dirt off the chainsaw – do not use any grease solvents for this purpose.

Clean the cooling slots if necessary.

Do not use a pressure washer to clean the saw. The solid jet of water may damage parts of the saw.

Do not spray the chainsaw with water.

Clothing must be sturdy but allow complete free

dom of movement. Wear snug-fitting clothing with cut retardant inserts – do not wear a work coat.

Wear steel-toed safety boots with cut retardant inserts and non-slip soles.

To reduce the risk of eye injuries, wear snug-fitting safety glasses in accord

ance with European Standard EN 166. Make sure the safety glasses are a good fit.

Wear heavy-duty work gloves made of durable material (e.g. leather).

MSE 170 C, MSE 190 C, MSE 210 C, MSE 230 C

English

Accessories

Only use those tools, guide bars, chains, chain sprockets, accessories or technically equivalent components that have been approved by STIHL for this machine. If you have any questions in this respect, consult a servicing dealer. Use only high quality tools and accessories. Otherwise, there may be a risk of accidents and damage to the machine.

STIHL recommends the use of genuine STIHL tools, guide bars, chains, chain sprockets and accessories. They are specifically designed to match your model and meet your performance requirements.

Drive Gear

Electrical Connection.

The wall outlet must be equipped with a ground-fault circuit breaker or such a device must be installed between the wall outlet and the power tool – see "Connecting Saw to Power Supply".

Reduce the risk of electric shock:

– Voltage and frequency of the

machine (see rating plate) and the voltage and frequency of your power supply must be the same.

– Check the connecting cord, plug,

extension cord and safety devices for damage. Never use damaged cords, couplings and plugs or connecting cords that do not comply with regulations.

– Always connect the power tool to a

properly installed wall outlet.

– Check that the insulation of the

power cord, extension cord, plug and coupling is in good condition.

– Never jerk the connecting cord to

disconnect it from the wall outlet. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.

Position the connecting and extension cords correctly:

– Check minimum cross section of

wires (wire gauge) – see "Connecting to Power Supply".

– To reduce the risk of stumbling,

position and mark the connecting cord so that it cannot be damaged or endanger others.

– Using unsuitable extension cords

can be dangerous. Make sure the extension cord used complies with the regulations for the intended application.

– The plug and coupling of the

extension cord must be water-proof and must never be immersed in water.

– Do not chafe on edges, pointed or

sharp objects

– Do not squeeze through gaps in

doors or windows

– If cords are twisted – unplug the

power tool and straighten them out

– Always unwind the extension cord

completely from the cable drum to reduce the risk of fire from overheating.

– The extension cord must always be

behind you (i.e. the operator).

– Make sure that it cannot become

entangled with branches during cutting.

– Position the connecting cord so that

it cannot come into contact with the rotating chain.

Do not drive over, squash or jerk the connecting cord. Protect it from heat, oil and sharp edges.

Before Starting Work

Disconnect the plug from the wall outlet:

– before carrying out tests and

adjustments or cleaning work

– when working on the cutting

attachment

– before leaving your chainsaw

unattended

– before transporting

– before storing

– before performing repairs and

maintenance work

– in the event of danger or in an

emergency

If the connecting cord is damaged, immediately disconnect the plug from the power supply to avoid the risk of electric shock.

MSE 170 C, MSE 190 C, MSE 210 C, MSE 230 C

English

Check that your saw is properly assembled and in good condition – refer to appropriate chapters in the instruction manual.

– Check operation of chain brake,

front hand guard

– Correctly mounted guide bar

– Correctly tensioned chain

– The trigger and trigger lockout must

move freely and spring back to the idle position when they are released.

– Trigger is locked in position when

trigger lockout is not depressed.

– Never attempt to modify the controls

or safety devices in any way.

– Keep the handles dry and clean –

free from oil and dirt – for safe control of the saw.

– Make sure there is sufficient chain

oil in the tank.

To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not operate your saw if it is damaged or not properly assembled.

Switching On the Saw

Start the saw on level ground only. Make sure you have a firm footing. Hold the saw firmly – check that the cutting attachment is not touching any object or the ground.

The chainsaw is a one-person saw. Do not allow other persons in the work area – even when starting.

Do not attempt to switch on the saw when the saw chain is in a cut.

Switch on as described in the instruction manual.

During Operation

Make sure you always have good balance and secure footing. To avoid slipping, take special care when the bark is wet.

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.

In case of imminent danger or in an emergency, switch off the chainsaw immediately, move hand guard to ƒ and disconnect the plug from the wall outlet.

Do not leave you power tool out in the rain and do not operate it as long as it is damp.

Take special care in slippery conditions – damp, snow, ice, on slopes, uneven ground and freshly debarked logs.

Watch out for obstacles such as tree stumps, roots and ditches which could cause you to trip or stumble.

Do not work alone – keep within calling distance of other persons trained in first aid who can provide assistance in an emergency. Helpers at the cutting site must also wear protective clothing (hard hat) and stand well clear of the branches being cut.

Be particularly alert and cautious when wearing hearing protection because your ability to hear warnings (shouts, alarms, etc.) is restricted.

To reduce the risk of accidents, take a break in good time to avoid tiredness or exhaustion.

The dusts (e.g. sawdust), vapor and smoke produced during operation may be dangerous to health. If dust levels are very high, wear a suitable respirator.

Check the saw chain at regular short intervals during operation or immediately if there is a noticeable change in cutting behavior:

– Switch off the motor, wait for the

chain to come to a standstill, disconnect the plug from the wall outlet.

– Check condition and proper

mounting.

– Check sharpness.

Do not touch the chain while the chainsaw is switched on. If the chain becomes jammed by an obstacle, switch off the motor immediately and

The drive motor is not waterproof. Never work with the power tool in the rain or in wet or very damp locations.

9931BA042 KN

MSE 170 C, MSE 190 C, MSE 210 C, MSE 230 C

English

disconnect the plug from the power supply before attempting to free the obstruction – risk of injury.

Before leaving your saw, switch it off, move the hand guard to ƒ and disconnect the plug from the wall outlet to reduce the risk of the motor starting unintentionally.

To replace the saw chain, switch off the chainsaw, move hand guard to ƒ and disconnect the plug from the wall outlet. This avoids the risk of injury from the motor starting unintentionally.

Your power tool is equipped with a system designed to quickly stop the saw chain – it comes to an immediate standstill as soon as you release the trigger switch – see "Coasting Brake".

Check this function at regular short intervals. Do not operate your chainsaw if the chain continues to run after you release the trigger switch – see "Coasting Brake" – risk of injury. Contact your servicing dealer.

Never operate your saw without proper chain lubrication – check oil level regularly during operation. Stop work immediately if the oil level is too low and refill the oil tank – see also chapters on "Filling Chain Oil Tank" and "Checking Chain Lubrication".

If your saw 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 work – see also "Before Starting Work". Make sure the safety devices are working properly. Do not continue operating your saw if it is damaged. In case of doubt, consult your servicing dealer.

After Finishing Work

Switch off the saw, move the hand guard to ƒ, disconnect the plug from the wall outlet and fit the chain scabbard.

Storing

When the chainsaw is not in use, store it so that it does not endanger others. Secure it against unauthorized use.

Store your chainsaw in a dry location with the hand guard on ƒ and the plug disconnected from the wall outlet.

Vibrations

Prolonged use of the power tool 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)

– Work breaks

The period of usage is shortened by:

– Any personal tendency to suffer

from poor circulation (symptoms: frequently cold fingers, tingling sensations).

– Low outside temperatures.

– The force with which the handles

are held (a tight grip restricts circulation).

Continual and regular users should monitor closely the condition of their hands and fingers. If any of the above symptoms appear (e.g. tingling sensation in fingers), seek medical advice.

Maintenance and Repairs

Before carrying out any repairs, cleaning or maintenance work or work on the cutting attachment, always switch off the chainsaw, move the hand guard to ƒ and disconnect the plug from the wall outlet. This avoids the risk of injury from the chain starting unintentionally.

Service the chainsaw regularly. Do not attempt any maintenance or repair work not described in the instruction manual. Have all other work performed by a servicing dealer.

STIHL recommends that you have servicing and repair work carried out exclusively by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. STIHL dealers are regularly given the opportunity to attend training courses and are supplied with the necessary technical information.

Only use high-quality replacement parts in order to avoid the risk of accidents and damage to the saw. If you have any questions in this respect, consult a servicing dealer.

Never attempt to modify your saw in any way since this may increase the risk of personal injury.

Regularly check the electrical contacts and ensure that the insulation of the connecting cord and plug shows no sign of aging (brittleness).

MSE 170 C, MSE 190 C, MSE 210 C, MSE 230 C

English

Electrical components, e.g. power cord, may only be repaired or replaced by a qualified electrician.

Check the chain catcher and replace it if damaged.

Observe sharpening instructions – keep the chain and guide bar in good condition at all times for safe and correct handling of the machine. The chain must be properly sharpened, tensioned and well lubricated.

Always change the chain, guide bar and sprocket in good time.

Store chain lubricant in properly labeled, safety-type canisters only. Store in a dry, cool and safe location protected from light and the sun.

If there is a problem with the chain brake, switch off the saw immediately, move the hand guard to ƒ and disconnect the plug from the wall outlet – risk of injury. Contact your servicing dealer – do not use your saw until the problem has been rectified (see "Chain Brake").

The most common reactive forces are: kickback, pushback and pull-in.

Dangers of kickback

Kickback occurs when the saw is suddenly thrown up and back in an uncontrolled arc towards the operator.

Kickback occurs if, for example,

– The saw chain in the area of the

upper quarter of the guide bar nose unintentionally comes into contact with wood or a solid object – e. g., unintentionally touches another limb during limbing

– The saw chain at the nose of the

guide bar is briefly 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 second – refer to chapter "Chain brake" in this Instruction Manual.

Reducing the risk of kickback

– Work cautiously and methodically

– Hold the chain saw firmly with both

hands and maintain a secure grip

– Always cut at full throttle

– Be aware of the location of the guide

bar nose

– Do not cut with the guide bar nose

Reactive Forces

Kickback can result in fatal cuts.

001BA036 KN

001BA257 KN

MSE 170 C, MSE 190 C, MSE 210 C, MSE 230 C

English

– Be especially careful with small,

tough limbs, undergrowth and offshoots – the saw chain may become caught in them

– Never cut several limbs at once

– Do not lean too far forward

– Do not cut above shoulder height

– Use extreme caution when re-

entering a previous cut

– Do not attempt plunge cuts if you

are not experienced in this cutting technique

– Be alert for shifting of the log or

other forces that may cause the cut to close and pinch the chain

– Always cut with a correctly

sharpened, properly tensioned saw chain – the depth gauge setting must not be too large

– Use low-kickback saw chains as

well as narrow-radius guide bars

Pull-in (A)

When the chain on the bottom of the bar – overbucking – is suddenly pinched, caught or encounters a foreign object in the wood, the chain saw may suddenly

be drawn forward toward the log – to avoid this, engage the bumper spike firmly in the wood.

Pushback (B)

When the chain on the top of the bar – underbucking – is suddenly pinched, caught or encounters a foreign object in the wood, the chain saw may suddenly be driven straight back toward the operator – to avoid this:

– Do not allow the top of the guide bar

to become jammed

– Do not twist the guide bar in the cut

Be very careful

– With freely hanging limbs

– With trunks that are under tension

between other trees because they fell unfavourably

– When working in windbreaks

In these cases, do not use a chain saw – use a hoist, winch or dragline instead.

Pull out trunks that are lying about and have been cut free. Whenever possible, deal with them in open areas.

Dead wood (brittle, rotten or dead wood) poses a significant, highly unpredictable hazard. It is extremely difficult or even practically impossible to recognise the danger. Use aids such as winches or draglines.

When felling close to roads, rail lines, power lines, etc., work with particular care. If necessary, notify police, power companies or railway authorities.

001BA037 KN

001BA038 KN

MSE 170 C, MSE 190 C, MSE 210 C, MSE 230 C

English

Only specially trained persons may perform cutting and felling operations and all other associated work (plunge cutting, limbing, etc.). To reduce the risk of accidents and injury, do not attempt felling or limbing if you are not an experienced chainsaw user.

Gasoline chain saws are more suitable than electric saws for felling and limbing. The freedom of movement necessary for this work is restricted by the connecting cord.

Your electric chain saw is unsuitable for cutting in blowdown areas and must not be used for such work.

However, if a tree is to be felled and limbed with an electric saw against this recommendation, it is essential to observe country-specific regulations on felling techniques.

Sawing

Work calmly and carefully – in daylight conditions and only when visibility is good. Do not endanger others – stay alert at all times.

It is advisable for first-time users to practice cutting logs on a sawbuck – see "Sawing thin wood".

Use the shortest possible guide bar: The chain, guide bar and chain sprocket must match each other and your saw.

Make certain that all parts of your body are well clear of the extended range of travel of the saw chain.

Always pull the saw out of the cut with the saw chain running.

Use the chain saw only for sawing – not for prying or shovelling away limbs or roots.

Do not underbuck freely hanging limbs.

Be careful when cutting scrub and young trees. Thin shoots can be scooped up by the chain saw and hurled towards the user.

Be careful when cutting shattered wood – risk of injury from slivers being caught and thrown in your direction!

Make sure your saw does not touch any foreign materials: Stones, nails, etc. may be flung off and damage the saw chain. The chain saw may kick back unexpectedly – risk of accident!

If a rotating saw chain hits a stone or another hard object, there may be sparks, which under certain conditions can cause easily combustible materials to catch fire. Even dry plants and scrub are easily combustible, especially in hot, dry weather conditions. If there is a risk of fire, do not use the chain saw in the vicinity of easily combustible materials,

dry plants or scrub. Always check with the relevant forestry commission if there is a risk of fire.

On slopes, always stand above or to the side of the trunk or felled tree. Watch out for rolling trunks.

When working at heights:

– Always use a lift bucket

– Never work on a ladder or in a tree

– Never use the machine in unsteady

locations

– Never cut above shoulder height

– Never use the machine with one

hand

Begin cutting with the saw at full throttle and engage the bumper spike – then saw.

Working Techniques

001BA082 KN

001BA033 KN

MSE 170 C, MSE 190 C, MSE 210 C, MSE 230 C

English

Never use the chain saw without the bumper spike, the saw may pull you forward suddenly. Always engage the bumper spike securely.

At the end of the cut, the chain saw is no longer supported by the cutting attachment in the cut. The chain saw's weight must be borne by the user – risk of loss of control!

Sawing thin wood:

– Use a sturdy, stable fixture –

sawhorse

– Do not hold the wood in place with

your foot

– Other persons must neither be

allowed to hold the wood nor help in any other way

Limbing:

– Use a low-kickback saw chain

– Support the chain saw as much as

possible

– Do not stand on the trunk when

limbing

– Do not cut with the guide bar nose

– Watch out for limbs that are under

tension

– Never cut several limbs at once

Lying or standing logs under tension:

Always make the cuts in the correct order (first compression side (1), then tension side (2)), otherwise the cutting attachment may stick in the cut or kick back – risk of injury!

N Make relieving cut in the

compression side (1)

N Make bucking cut in the tension

side (2)

If the bucking cut is made from the bottom upwards (underbuck) – risk of pushback!

NOTICE

Lying logs must not touch the ground at the point where the cut is made – otherwise the chain will be damaged.

Ripping:

Sawing technique without use of the spiked bumper – risk of pull-in – position the guide bar at as shallow an angle as possible – be especially careful – increased risk of kickback!

Preparing for felling

Only persons who are engaged in felling may be present in the felling area.

Make certain that no one is endangered by the falling tree – engine noise can drown out shouting.

001BA151 KN

001BA152 KN

001BA189 KN

MSE 170 C, MSE 190 C, MSE 210 C, MSE 230 C

English

The distance to the next worksite must be at least 2 1/2 tree lengths.

Specify the direction of fall and escape paths

Select a gap in the timber stand into which the tree can be felled.

Pay special attention to the following points:

– The natural inclination of the tree

– Unusually heavy limb structure,

asymmetrical growth, damage to tree

– Wind direction and speed – do not

fell trees in high winds

– Direction of slope

– Neighboring trees

– Snow load

– Take the general condition of the

tree into account – be especially careful with trunk damage or deadwood (brittle, rotten or dead wood)

A Direction of fall B Escape path (escape routes)

– Establish escape paths for each

worker – approx. 45° diagonally opposite to the direction of fall

– Clear escape paths, eliminate

obstacles

– Put down tools and equipment at a

safe distance – but not on the escape paths

– When felling, stand only to the side

of the falling trunk and only move back laterally onto the escape path

– Plan escape paths on slopes

parallel to the slope

– When getting out of the way, watch

out for falling branches and the crown area

Preparing the work area at the trunk

– Clear the work area at the trunk of

branches, brush and other obstacles – secure footing for all workers

– Carefully clear the base of the trunk

(e.g., with an axe) – sand, stones and other foreign objects will blunt the saw chain

– Remove large buttresses: remove

the largest buttress first – saw first vertically, then horizontally – only if the tree is in sound condition

001BA088 LÄ

1 1

001BA040 KN

45°

001BA146 KN

MSE 170 C, MSE 190 C, MSE 210 C, MSE 230 C

English

Felling notch

Preparing the felling notch

The felling notch (C) determines the direction of fall.

Important:

– Make a felling notch at right angle to

direction of fall

– Saw as close to the ground as

possible

– Cut to a depth of approx. 1/5 to 1/3

of the diameter of the trunk

Specify the direction of fall – without the gunning sight on the shroud and fan housing

If the chain saw is designed without the gunning sight on the shroud and fan housing, the direction of fall can be determined or controlled using a meter stick:

N Snap the meter stick in the middle

and create an isosceles triangle

N Position both ends of the meter stick

in the front trunk area (1/5 to max. 1/3 of the trunk diameter) – align the tip of the meter stick in the defined direction of fall

N Mark the trunk at both ends of the

meter stick to limit the felling notch

Making a felling notch

When making a felling notch, align the machine so that the notch lies at a right angle to the direction of fall.

During the procedure various sequences are permitted for making a felling notch with a bottom (horizontal) cut and top (angled) cut – comply with national legislation regarding felling technique.

N Make the bottom cut (horizontal cut)

– until the guide bar reaches both markings

N Make the top (angled) cut

approx. 45°- 60° to the bottom cut

Checking the direction of fall

The bottom cut and top cut must meet in a continuous straight sink chord.

N Position the meter stick at the pivot

point of the sink chord – the tip of the meter stick must point in the direction of the specified direction of fall – where necessary, correct the direction of fall by cutting the felling notch accordingly

001BA271 KN

001BA246 KN

001BA247 KN

001BA243 KN

MSE 170 C, MSE 190 C, MSE 210 C, MSE 230 C

English

Sapwood cuts

With long-fibered wood, sapwood cuts prevent the sapwood from splintering when felling the trunk – saw both sides of the trunk at the level of the felling notch base to approx. 1/10 of the diameter of the trunk – with thicker trunks, not more than the width of the guide bar.

Do not use sapwood cuts on diseased trees.

Backcutting principles

Basic dimensions

The felling notch (C) determines the direction of fall.

The hinge (D) functions like a real hinge to guide the tree to the ground.

– Width of hinge: approx. 1/10 of the

trunk diameter

– Never saw through the hinge while

felling – otherwise the tree will fall in a direction other than the one planned – risk of accident!

– With rotten trunks, leave a wider

hinge

The tree is felled with the backcut (E).

– Exactly horizontal

– 1/10 (min. 3 cm) of the width of the

hinge (D) across the bottom of the felling notch (C)

The holding wood (F) or safety strip (G) supports the tree and secures it against premature falling.

– Width of strip: approx. 1/10 to 1/5 of

the trunk diameter

– Do not cut into the strip during the

backcut

– With rotten trunks, leave a wider

strip

Plunge cutting

– For relieving cuts during bucking

– For wood carving

N Use a low kickback chain and be

especially cautious

1. Begin the cut by applying the lower portion of the guide bar tip – do not use the upper portion – risk of kickback! Cut at full strength until the depth of the kerf is twice the width of the guide bar

001BA150 KN

001BA259 KN

1/10

001BA269 KN

MSE 170 C, MSE 190 C, MSE 210 C, MSE 230 C

English

2. Swing the machine slowly into the plunge cutting position – risk of kickback and pushback!

3. Make the plunge cut very carefully – danger of pushback!

Where possible, use a plunge blade. The plunge blade and the upper/lower side of the guide bar are parallel.

During plunge cutting, the plunge bar helps to keep the hinge parallel in form, i.e. the same thickness at all points. To do this, guide the plunge bar parallel to the sink chord.

Felling wedges

Insert the felling wedge as soon as possible, i.e. as soon as saw control cannot be hindered. Position the felling wedge in the backcut and drive in with suitable tools.

Only use aluminium or plastic wedges – do not use steel wedges. Steel wedges can seriously damage the saw chain and cause dangerous kickback.

Select suitable felling wedges dependent on the trunk diameter and the width of the kerf (analogue to backcut (E)).

Contact the STIHL servicing dealer for the selection of the felling wedge (suitable length, width and height).

Select the appropriate backcut

The selection of the appropriate backcut is dependent on the same tree characteristics that must be noted when determining the direction of fall and the escape paths.

There are various different features of these characteristics. This Instruction Manual will only describe the two most commonly occurring variants:

Back cut with safety strip (normal tree)

(A) Thin trunks

Implement this backcut when the trunk diameter is smaller than the cutting length of the machine.

Give a warning cry of "timber!" before making the backcut.

N Plunge cut the backcut (E) – plunge

the guide bar fully in

N Engage the bumper spike behind

the hinge and use this as the rotation point – reposition the machine as little as possible

N Make the backcut up to the

hinge (1)

– Do not cut into the hinge N Make the backcut up to the safety

strip (2)

– Do not cut into the safety strip

001BA270 KN

Left: Normal tree – vertically

upright tree with uniform crown

Right: Leaner tree - Crown pointing

in direction of fall

001BA260 KN

001BA261 KN

+ 36 hidden pages

Stihl MSE 230 C, MSE 210 C, MSE 190 C, MSE 170 C Instruction Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual