Farm Boss STIHL Manual

The Farm Boss STIHL is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for heavy-duty forestry, farm, and ranch work. It features a powerful engine, advanced anti-vibration system, QuickStop® inertia chain brake, STIHL Ematic™ lubrication system, and easy-start technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine with decompression valve, anti-vibration handles, QuickStop® chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, STIHL Ematic™ lubrication, and tool-free air filter cover.

Feature	Description
Engine Power	High-performance 2-stroke engine with decompression valve
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces operator fatigue during extended use
QuickStop® Inertia Chain Brake	Stops chain instantly in kickback situations
STIHL Ematic™ Lubrication	Efficient oil delivery to bar and chain
Side-Access Chain Tensioner	Allows adjustment without removing cover
Easy-Start System	Reduces pulling force for starting
Tool-Free Air Filter	Quick access for cleaning without tools
Fuel and Oil Caps	Large openings for easy filling
Chain Catcher	Prevents broken chain from striking operator
Throttle Interlock	Prevents accidental throttle activation

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Always wear proper PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Ensure secure footing.
3. Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly with both hands. Do not cut with tip. Keep chain sharp.
4. Fuel Safety: Mix fuel outdoors. Use approved gasoline and STIHL 2-stroke oil. Store in approved container.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous. Failure to follow safety rules can result in serious injury or death. Never operate when tired or under influence.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble bar and chain.

1. Attach Guide Bar and Chain: Place bar on studs. Fit chain over sprocket and onto bar. Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top.
2. Install Bar Nut Cover: Place cover over studs and tighten nuts finger-tight.
3. Tension Chain: Use side tensioner to adjust until chain snaps back when pulled from bar. Tighten bar nuts securely.
4. Fill Fluids: Add mixed fuel to fuel tank. Fill bar and chain oil reservoir with STIHL chain oil.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly tensioned—too loose can derail; too tight can damage saw.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: Varies by model (e.g., 3.5 cu. in. / 57.2 cc).
• Power Output: High torque for demanding cutting.
• Guide Bar Lengths: 16" to 20" options.
• Fuel Capacity: Approx. 16.9 fl. oz. (500 ml).
• Oil Capacity: Approx. 11.8 fl. oz. (350 ml).
• Weight (powerhead): Approx. 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg).
• Ignition System: Electronic, capacitor discharge.
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: .325" pitch, .063" gauge typical.
• Sound Power Level: Meets applicable noise regulations.
• Vibration Levels: Reduced via anti-vibration system.

Controls and Functions

Main controls located on handle assembly. Front Handle: Throttle trigger, throttle interlock, choke control. Rear Handle: Master control lever (stop switch), decompression valve (if equipped).

Additional Features: Chain brake lever, chain catcher, side tensioner, fuel and oil caps, air filter cover, spark plug cover.

Master Control Lever Positions: Start (choke), run, stop. Throttle Interlock: Must be depressed to engage throttle. Chain Brake: Manual engagement via hand guard; automatic via inertia.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure:

1. Place saw on clear, level ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set master control to choke position (full left).
4. Press throttle interlock and pull starter cord slowly until resistance felt, then pull briskly.
5. After engine fires, move master control to run position (center).
6. Pull starter cord again to start. Let idle briefly.
7. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Stopping: Release throttle, allow idle, move master control to stop position. For emergency stop: activate chain brake and move to stop.

Operating Instructions

Proper cutting techniques ensure efficiency and safety.

1. Felling Trees: Plan escape path. Make notch cut on falling side, then back cut. Use wedges if needed.
2. Limbing: Stand uphill. Cut branches from bottom to top. Beware of spring poles.
3. Bucking: Support log. Cut from top down. Avoid pinching chain.
4. Kickback Avoidance: Hold saw firmly. Do not cut with upper tip. Maintain sharp chain.
5. Using Chain Brake: Test manually before each use. Inertia brake activates automatically.

Tip: Let saw do the work; do not force. Keep chain lubricated during operation.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and safety.

1. Daily: Clean air filter, check chain tension, inspect chain sharpness, check bar for wear.
2. Weekly: Clean cooling fins, check spark plug, clean fuel filter, inspect anti-vibration elements.
3. Monthly: Clean carburetor air passage, check all nuts and bolts, inspect clutch and sprocket.
4. As Needed: Replace worn bar, chain, sprocket, and spark plug.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance. Use only STIHL replacement parts.

Chain Sharpening

A sharp chain reduces effort and kickback risk.

1. Secure bar in vise. Identify cutters needing filing.
2. Use correct round file size (typically 5/32" for .325" chain).
3. File at 30° angle, maintaining original cutter angle.
4. File from inside to outside, applying even pressure.
5. File each cutter the same number of strokes.
6. Check depth gauges with flat file and gauge tool.
7. Lubricate chain after sharpening.

WARNING! Wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure file is clean and sharp.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel degradation and corrosion.

1. Long-Term Storage: Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops. Drain carburetor if possible.
2. Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil. Clean bar groove and oil holes.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
4. Store in dry, secure location, away from children.
5. For winter storage, use fuel stabilizer if not draining.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Fuel can degrade and damage carburetor.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark, flooded, old fuel	Check spark plug; use fresh fuel; follow cold start procedure.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, clogged fuel filter	Clean/replace air filter; replace fuel filter.
Chain doesn't turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch worn	Disengage brake; inspect clutch and sprocket.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, worn AV mounts	Tighten all nuts/bolts; replace anti-vibration elements.
Chain throws oil	Overfilled oil tank, wrong oil	Use correct STIHL oil; fill to proper level.
Chain dulls quickly	Cutting dirty wood, improper filing	Avoid ground contact; sharpen correctly.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized STIHL servicing dealer.

Support: Visit www.stihlusa.com or call 1-800-467-8445 for dealer locator and manuals.