MS 280 STIHL Manual

The STIHL MS 280 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a powerful engine with advanced anti-vibration system, quick-stop chain brake, decompression valve for easy starting, side-access chain tensioner, and STIHL's Ematic lubrication system. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical specifications.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine with decompression valve, anti-vibration system, quick-stop chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, Ematic lubrication system, and fuel/oil caps with retaining chains.

Feature	Description
Engine displacement	55.5 cc professional engine
Power output	3.0 kW (4.1 hp)
Weight (powerhead)	5.9 kg (13.0 lbs)
Guide bar lengths	40 cm (16") to 50 cm (20")
Chain pitch	3/8" PM3 or .325"
Anti-vibration system	Reduced vibration handles
Quick-stop chain brake	Inertia-activated safety feature
Decompression valve	Reduces starting resistance
Ematic lubrication	Precision oil delivery system
Side-access chain tensioner	Easy chain adjustment

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation.

1. Always wear protective equipment: helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
2. Inspect chainsaw before each use: check chain tension, sharpness, lubrication, and all controls.
3. Maintain secure footing and clear work area of obstacles and bystanders.
4. Never operate with one hand; always use proper two-handed grip.
5. Be aware of kickback zone; never cut with tip of guide bar.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Always keep hands away from moving chain.

Assembly & Preparation

Assemble chainsaw following these steps.

1. Attach guide bar: Place bar on studs, align chain with sprocket, position chain on bar groove.
2. Install chain: Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar.
3. Tighten bar nuts: Hand-tighten only, then adjust chain tension.
4. Adjust chain tension: Use side-access tensioner until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
5. Final tighten: Tighten bar nuts securely after proper tension is set.
6. Fill fluids: Add STIHL MotoMix or 50:1 fuel mix to fuel tank; add STIHL chain oil to oil tank.

CAUTION! Chain must move freely when pulled by hand. Overtightening can damage bar and chain.

Technical Specifications

• Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled.
• Displacement: 55.5 cc.
• Power Output: 3.0 kW (4.1 hp) at 9,000 rpm.
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm.
• Maximum Power Speed: 9,000 rpm.
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 550 ml (18.6 fl oz).
• Oil Tank Capacity: 290 ml (9.8 fl oz).
• Weight (powerhead): 5.9 kg (13.0 lbs).
• Sound Pressure Level: 104 dB(A).
• Vibration Levels: Front handle 4.5 m/s², rear handle 4.0 m/s².
• Ignition System: Electronic, capacitor discharge.
• Spark Plug: Bosch WSR 6 F or equivalent.

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before operation.

Main Controls: Master control lever (combines choke, throttle interlock, stop switch), throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, chain brake lever, decompression valve, fuel/oil caps, chain tensioner.

Safety Features: Chain brake (manual and inertia-activated), right-hand guard, throttle trigger lockout, chain catcher, vibration damping system.

Maintenance Points: Air filter cover, spark plug, cylinder cover, chain lubrication adjustment, fuel filter, oil pump adjustment.

Starting & Stopping Procedure

Follow proper starting procedure to ensure safe operation.

1. Cold Start: Set master control lever to choke position (full down). Press decompression valve. Pull starter handle until engine fires. Move master control to half-throttle position. Pull starter handle again until engine starts. Briefly blip throttle to move master control to run position.
2. Warm Start: Set master control to half-throttle position. Pull starter handle until engine starts.
3. Stopping: Release throttle trigger. Push master control lever up to stop position.

Important: Always engage chain brake when starting. Never drop-start the chainsaw.

Operation Guidelines

Proper cutting techniques ensure safety and efficiency.

1. Basic Cutting: Use full throttle when cutting. Let chain do the work without forcing.
2. Felling Trees: Make notch cut first (1/3 of tree diameter), then back cut leaving hinge wood.
3. Limbing: Cut branches from bottom to top, standing on opposite side of tree.
4. Bucking: Support logs properly. Cut from top down, avoiding contact with ground.
5. Kickback Prevention: Maintain secure grip, never cut with bar tip, use reduced-kickback chain.

Tip: Keep chain sharp. A dull chain requires more force and increases kickback risk.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Maintenance Task
Before each use	Check chain tension, sharpness, lubrication; inspect all controls
After each use	Clean air filter, check for loose fasteners, clean saw body
Every 10 hours	Clean spark arrestor screen, check spark plug
Every 20 hours	Clean fuel filter, check fuel lines, clean cylinder fins
Every 50 hours	Replace spark plug, clean carburetor air passage, check anti-vibration elements
Annually	Professional inspection and servicing

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance.

Chain & Bar Care

Proper chain and bar maintenance ensures cutting efficiency.

1. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (5.5mm for 3/8" PM3). Maintain 30° filing angle. File all cutters to equal length.
2. Depth Gauge Setting: Check depth gauges regularly. File to 0.65mm (0.025") below cutter edge.
3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly. Flip bar monthly for even wear. Dress bar rails if burred.
4. Lubrication: Always use STIHL chain oil. Adjust oil flow for cutting conditions (more for hard/dry wood).

CAUTION! Wear gloves when handling chain. Sharp cutters can cause serious cuts.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. Empty fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer for long-term storage.
2. Run engine until it stops to clear carburetor of fuel.
3. Remove chain, clean and oil it, store separately.
4. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter area.
5. Store in dry place, protected from dust and moisture.
6. For storage over 30 days: Remove spark plug, add teaspoon of oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to distribute.

Important: Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark, flooded, fuel issues	Check spark plug, wait if flooded, fresh fuel mix, clean air filter
Engine starts then dies	Fuel filter clogged, vent blocked	Replace fuel filter, clean tank vent
Poor performance	Dirty air filter, exhaust blocked	Clean/replace air filter, clean spark arrestor
Chain won't turn	Brake engaged, clutch issues	Disengage chain brake, check clutch springs
Chain throws oil	Oil pump adjusted too high	Adjust oil pump to proper setting
Excessive vibration	Loose components, damaged AV mounts	Tighten all fasteners, check anti-vibration elements
Chain dulls quickly	Cutting dirty wood, improper filing	Avoid ground contact, sharpen correctly

Service: For complex repairs, contact authorized STIHL servicing dealer. Use only STIHL-approved replacement parts.

Support: STIHL Incorporated, 536 Viking Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. Customer Service: 1-800-467-8445. www.stihlusa.com