MS361 Stihl Manual

The Stihl MS361 is a professional-grade chainsaw featuring a 59.0 cc engine, electronic ignition, anti-vibration system, Quickstop® inertia chain brake, STIHL Ematic™ lubrication system, and side-access chain tensioner. Designed for demanding forestry and arborist work, it offers high power-to-weight ratio, ergonomic controls, and compatibility with various bar lengths. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine with electronic ignition, anti-vibration system, Quickstop® chain brake, STIHL Ematic™ oiling system, side-access chain tensioner, and ergonomic handle design.

Feature	Description
Engine Displacement	59.0 cc two-stroke engine
Ignition System	Electronic ignition (CDI)
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces operator fatigue during extended use
Chain Brake	Quickstop® inertia-activated chain brake
Lubrication System	STIHL Ematic™ automatic chain oiling
Chain Tensioning	Side-access tensioner for easy adjustment
Fuel System	Diaphragm carburetor with manual choke
Starter System	STIHL ErgoStart™ for easier pulling
Bar Length Range	16" to 25" guide bars
Weight (powerhead)	Approx. 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg)

Safety Instructions

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

1. Pre-Operation Check: Inspect chain tension, sharpness, bar condition, and all fasteners.
2. Fuel Safety: Use STIHL MotoMix® or mix 50:1 with high-quality 2-cycle oil and 89+ octane gasoline.
3. Operation Zone: Maintain 15 ft (5 m) clearance from others; never operate above shoulder height.
4. Kickback Awareness: Keep right hand on rear handle, left on front; avoid tip contact.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous; improper use can cause serious injury or death. Read manual thoroughly before use.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach Guide Bar: Remove bar cover nuts, position bar on studs, align chain with sprocket.
2. Install Chain: Place chain over bar, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top.
3. Tension Chain: Adjust side tensioner until chain snaps back when lifted from bar.
4. Fuel & Oil: Fill fuel tank with correct mix; fill oil tank with STIHL chain oil.
5. Final Check: Tighten all nuts; ensure chain brake disengages freely.

CAUTION! Always wear cut-resistant gloves when handling chain. Ensure chain is properly tensioned before starting.

Specifications

• Engine Type: 2-stroke single cylinder
• Displacement: 59.0 cc (3.6 cu. in.)
• Power Output: 4.0 bhp (3.0 kW)
• Fuel Capacity: 24.3 fl oz (720 ml)
• Oil Capacity: 11.8 fl oz (350 ml)
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm
• Max Engine Speed: 13,500 rpm
• Sound Pressure: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration Levels: Front handle 4.2 m/s², rear handle 2.8 m/s²
• Warranty: 1 year commercial, 2 year residential

Controls and Components

Main controls: Master Control Lever (combines choke, throttle lock, stop switch), throttle trigger, chain brake lever, decompression valve, and primer bulb.

Left Side: Chain brake lever, oil filler cap, chain tensioner. Right Side: Master Control Lever, throttle trigger, decompression valve. Rear: Fuel filler cap, primer bulb, spark plug access.

Master Control Positions: STOP (0), RUN (I), CHOKE (⏚), FAST IDLE (⏚+). Chain Brake: Push forward to engage manually; inertia activates during kickback.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure:

1. Engage chain brake by pushing lever forward.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set Master Control to CHOKE (⏚).
4. Press primer bulb 5-7 times until fuel is visible.
5. Place on ground, hold rear handle with right foot.
6. Pull starter cord slowly until resistance, then briskly 3-5 times.
7. Move Master Control to FAST IDLE (⏚+), pull until engine fires.
8. Immediately move to RUN (I), squeeze throttle to disengage fast idle.
9. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Stopping: Release throttle, move Master Control to STOP (0).

Operation Guidelines

Proper cutting techniques for felling, limbing, and bucking.

1. Felling: Plan escape path 45° from fall direction. Make notch cut 1/3 diameter, then back cut leaving hinge wood.
2. Limbing: Work from trunk outward; support limbs when possible.
3. Bucking: Support logs off ground; cut from top down for tension wood.
4. Kickback Prevention: Maintain firm grip; never cut with tip; use reduced-kickback chain.

Tip: Let chain do the work; avoid forcing saw. Keep chain sharp for best performance.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension/sharpness, bar condition, fasteners, air filter, fuel/oil levels.

Interval	Task
Every 10 hours	Clean air filter, check spark plug
Every 20 hours	Clean spark arrestor screen
Every 50 hours	Replace fuel filter, clean carburetor
Every 100 hours	Check piston/cylinder through exhaust port
Seasonally	Replace spark plug, check anti-vibration elements

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug before maintenance. Use only STIHL genuine parts.

Chain & Bar Care

Proper maintenance extends chain and bar life.

1. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 3/8" or .325"). Maintain 30° cutting angle, 10° top plate angle.
2. Depth Gauges: File to 0.025" (0.65 mm) below cutter with depth gauge tool.
3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar grooves weekly; flip bar monthly for even wear.
4. Lubrication: Always use STIHL chain oil; adjust oiler for conditions (more for hardwoods).

CAUTION! Dull chains cause kickback and excessive wear. Replace chain when stretched beyond adjuster range.

Storage Guidelines

Long-term storage preparation prevents fuel system issues.

1. Empty fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer and run for 2 minutes.
2. Run carburetor dry by disconnecting fuel line while running.
3. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil; clean bar grooves.
4. Store in dry place, cover to prevent dust accumulation.

WARNING! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, compression	Check fuel freshness, spark plug gap (0.020"), decompression valve
Engine runs poorly	Air filter, carburetor	Clean/replace air filter; adjust carburetor screws (L: 1 turn, H: 1 turn)
Chain doesn't oil	Oil tank, passages, pump	Check oil level, clean bar oil holes, test oiler output
Chain throws oil	Over-oiling	Adjust oiler screw counterclockwise to reduce flow
Excessive vibration	AV mounts, balance	Check anti-vibration mounts; ensure bar/chain are properly matched
Chain won't stay tight	Worn bar, stretched chain	Inspect bar rails; replace chain if stretched beyond adjuster

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

Support: 1-800-467-8445; www.stihlusa.com