Free Stihl MS361 Saw Manual

The Stihl MS361 is a professional-grade chainsaw featuring a 59.0 cc engine, electronic ignition, anti-vibration system, decompression valve, quickstop chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, and STIHL Ematic lubrication system. This manual provides essential information for safe operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications. Below are key sections covering safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, guide bar, chain, anti-vibration handles, chain brake, fuel and oil tanks, air filter, and spark plug.

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operation. Wear proper protective equipment.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Ensure secure footing.
3. Chain Brake: Test before each use. Engage when carrying or not cutting.
4. Fuel Safety: Mix fuel outdoors. Use STIHL 2-stroke oil and 89 octane gasoline. Store in approved container.

WARNING! Risk of severe injury or death from kickback, chain contact, or improper use. Never operate with one hand.

Assembly & Preparation

Assemble guide bar and chain, fill tanks, check controls.

1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket, align with tensioning pin, tighten nuts.
2. Tension chain: Use side-access tensioner to adjust until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
3. Fill fuel tank: Use 50:1 mix (STIHL 2-stroke oil with gasoline). Shake well before filling.
4. Fill oil tank: Use STIHL chain oil or equivalent.
5. Check chain brake: Pull front hand guard toward bar to engage; push back to disengage.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly tensioned—too loose may derail; too tight may damage bar or engine.

Specifications

• Engine: 59.0 cc single-cylinder two-stroke.
• Power Output: 3.6 kW (4.8 hp).
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL 2-stroke oil).
• Guide Bar Lengths: 16" to 25" (recommended 20").
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" or .325".
• Chain Gauge: 0.050" or 0.063".
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm.
• Maximum Power Speed: 13,500 rpm.
• Sound Pressure Level: Approx. 112 dB(A).
• Vibration Level: Front handle 4.2 m/s²; rear handle 3.8 m/s².

Controls and Components

Master Control Lever: Combines stop switch, choke, and throttle lock. Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed to operate throttle. Chain Brake Lever: Front hand guard activates brake. Decompression Valve: Reduces compression for easier starting. Fuel Cap: Venting type. Oil Cap: For chain oil tank.

Maintenance Points: Air filter, spark plug, chain catcher, muffler, sprocket, and anti-vibration elements.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start: Set master control to choke (full down). Pull starter rope until engine fires. Move lever to half-throttle position. Pull again to start. Warm Start: Set to half-throttle position. Pull to start.

1. Engage chain brake before starting.
2. Place saw on ground, hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle.
3. Pull starter rope briskly until engine starts.
4. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle.
5. To stop: Move master control to STOP position.

Tip: If flooded, move master control to STOP, hold throttle open, pull starter 5-6 times, then restart.

Operating Instructions

Proper cutting techniques to reduce kickback and improve efficiency.

1. Hold saw firmly with both hands, thumbs wrapped around handles.
2. Stand to left of cut, feet shoulder-width apart.
3. Let chain do the work—do not force.
4. For felling: Use notch and backcut techniques. Plan escape path.
5. For limbing/bucking: Support log; cut from top unless pinched.
6. Use lower quadrant of bar tip to avoid kickback.
7. Keep chain sharp; lubricate continuously during operation.

WARNING! Kickback can occur instantly. Always be prepared; never cut above shoulder height.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily: Check chain tension, sharpness, lubrication. Clean air filter. Check for loose fasteners. Weekly: Clean cooling fins, spark arrestor screen. Check spark plug. Monthly: Clean fuel filter. Check anti-vibration mounts. Replace spark plug annually. Grease sprocket tip (if equipped) every 5 tanks.

Chain & Bar Care

Sharpen chain regularly with round file and guide. Maintain correct filing angle (typically 30°). Depth gauges must be filed to proper height (0.025" below cutter). Rotate bar periodically to ensure even wear. Clean bar groove and oil holes. Store bar coated with oil to prevent rust.

CAUTION! Wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure chain brake is engaged during maintenance.

Storage Guidelines

Long-term storage: Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops. Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of oil through spark plug hole, pull starter slowly to distribute, reinstall plug. Clean entire saw. Remove chain and bar, clean and oil. Store in dry, cool place.

CAUTION! Fuel left in tank may degrade and damage carburetor. Always use fuel stabilizer if storing less than 30 days.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs, see authorized STIHL dealer. Use only STIHL replacement parts.

Support: Contact STIHL at 1-800-467-8445 or visit www.stihlusa.com.