MS260 Stihl Chainsaw Manuals

The Stihl MS260 is a professional-grade chainsaw featuring a powerful engine, advanced anti-vibration system, quickstop chain brake, decompression valve for easy starting, side-access chain tensioner, and STIHL Ematic lubrication system. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine with decompression valve, anti-vibration system, Quickstop chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, STIHL Ematic oiling system, and ergonomic handles.

Safety Instructions

Always wear proper PPE: helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.

1. Inspect chainsaw before each use: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication.
2. Clear work area: Ensure no obstacles, bystanders, or animals within 15 feet.
3. Hold firmly: Use both hands with thumbs wrapped around handles.
4. Avoid kickback: Do not cut with tip of bar; maintain secure footing.

WARNING! Chainsaw can cause serious injury or death. Read manual completely before operation. Never operate when tired or under influence.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach guide bar: Place bar onto studs, align chain drive links with sprocket.
2. Install chain: Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar.
3. Tension chain: Use side-access tensioner to achieve proper tension (snug but pullable).
4. Fill fluids: Use STIHL HP Ultra 2-stroke oil mixed 50:1 with 89+ octane gasoline. Fill chain oil tank with STIHL chain oil.
5. Check controls: Verify throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function.

CAUTION! Use only STIHL-approved oils and fuels. Improper mix can cause engine damage.

Specifications

• Model: STIHL MS 260.
• Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled.
• Displacement: 50.2 cc.
• Power Output: 3.0 bhp at 9,000 rpm.
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm.
• Max Engine Speed: 13,500 rpm.
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL HP Ultra).
• Ignition System: Electronic, capacitor discharge.
• Carburetor: Diaphragm-type with manual choke.
• Standard Guide Bar: 16" (404-68 Drive Links).
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A).
• Vibration Levels: Front handle 4.2 m/s², rear handle 2.8 m/s².

Controls and Functions

Master Control Lever: Combines stop switch, choke, and fast idle. Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed to activate throttle. Chain Brake Lever: Manual activation; inertia-activated. Decompression Valve: Reduces cylinder pressure for starting. Side-Access Chain Tensioner: Adjusts chain tension without tools. Fuel & Oil Caps: For refilling. Primer Bulb: For cold starts (if equipped).

Hand Guards: Protect hands from debris. Anti-Vibration System: Rubber mounts isolate handles. Muffler: Reduces exhaust noise and directs gases away.

Starting Procedure

Cold Start: Place on clear, level ground. Engage chain brake.

1. Master Control: Move to choke position (full down).
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel visible (if equipped).
4. Hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle.
5. Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires (1-3 pulls).
6. Move Master Control to half-throttle position (mid-position).
7. Pull starter rope again until engine starts.
8. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle; release chain brake.

Warm Start: Master Control in run position; no choke needed.

Operation Guidelines

Proper cutting techniques reduce kickback risk and increase efficiency.

1. Plan cut: Check for tension in wood, escape path.
2. Use lower quadrant of bar: Avoid tip contact.
3. Let saw do work: Apply light feed pressure; don't force.
4. Bucking: Support log properly; cut from top side.
5. Limbing: Stand uphill; cut branches from bottom to top.
6. Refueling: Stop engine, allow to cool, clean area around cap.

Tip: Maintain sharp chain; dull chain increases effort and kickback risk.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, lubrication. Clean air intake, check for loose fasteners. Weekly: Clean spark arrestor screen (if equipped), check spark plug. Monthly: Clean cooling fins, check fuel filter, replace air filter if dirty. Annually: Have dealer check carburetion, ignition timing, compression.

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

Chain & Bar Care

Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (5/32" for 3/8" chain). Maintain 30° cutting angle, 10° top plate angle. File each cutter equally. Depth Gauges: File to 0.025" below cutter top plate. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly, flip bar monthly for even wear. Lubrication: Ensure oiler working; adjust flow if needed.

Storage Instructions

Long-term storage (over 30 days):

1. Drain fuel tank and run carburetor dry.
2. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins.
4. Store in dry, cool place, covered.
5. Remove spark plug, add teaspoon of oil, pull starter slowly to coat cylinder.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank; fuel deteriorates and damages carburetor.

Troubleshooting

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

Support: STIHL USA, 1-800-467-8445, www.stihlusa.com