MS441C STIHL Chainsaw Manual

The STIHL MS 441 C is a professional-grade chainsaw featuring STIHL M-Tronic engine management for automatic adjustment to fuel quality and operating conditions, an anti-vibration system, a decompression valve for easier starting, a Quickstop® Plus chain brake, an Ematic™ lubrication system, and a side-access chain tensioner. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: M-Tronic engine control unit, anti-vibration system, Quickstop® Plus chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, Ematic™ lubrication system, and decompression valve.

Feature	Description
M-Tronic Engine Management	Automatically adjusts engine to fuel, altitude, and temperature
Quickstop® Plus Chain Brake	Inertia-activated chain brake for enhanced safety
Ematic™ Lubrication System	Reduces chain oil consumption by directing oil to critical points
Decompression Valve	Reduces compression for easier starting
Side-Access Chain Tensioner	Allows easy chain adjustment from the side
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces vibration for operator comfort
Fuel and Oil Caps	Large openings for easy filling
Chain Catchment	Helps contain a broken or derailed chain
Ergonomic Handle	Designed for comfort and control during operation
Spark Arrestor Muffler	Reduces exhaust emissions and spark risk

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before use. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

1. Always wear: Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
2. Inspect chainsaw before each use: Check for loose parts, chain sharpness, and proper lubrication.
3. Clear work area: Ensure no obstructions, bystanders, or animals are within at least 15 feet.
4. Maintain secure footing: Operate only when standing on stable, level ground.

WARNING! Kickback can occur without warning. Keep saw chain sharp and maintain proper chain tension. Never operate with one hand.

Assembly & Preparation

Assemble guide bar and chain, fill with fuel and oil.

1. Mount guide bar and chain: Loosen bar nuts, position bar, fit chain with cutters facing forward, adjust tension.
2. Fill fuel tank: Use STIHL MotoMix® or a 50:1 mixture of unleaded gasoline (min. 89 octane) and STIHL HP Ultra oil.
3. Fill chain oil tank: Use STIHL chain oil or a quality biodegradable oil.
4. Check chain brake: Ensure it functions by pushing handle forward.

CAUTION! Fuel is highly flammable. Refuel in a well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Wipe off spills immediately.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 70.7 cc (4.31 cu. in.)
• Power Output: 4.4 kW (6.0 bhp)
• Weight (Powerhead): 6.6 kg (14.6 lbs)
• Fuel Tank Volume: 0.71 L (24 fl. oz.)
• Oil Tank Volume: 0.33 L (11.2 fl. oz.)
• Guide Bar Lengths (Recommended): 16" to 28"
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" P / .063" (1.6 mm) or .050" (1.3 mm)
• Ignition System: STIHL Electronic Ignition (CDI)
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm
• Maximum Power Speed: 13,000 rpm

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Master Control Lever (combines stop switch, choke, and start throttle positions), Throttle Trigger, Throttle Trigger Lockout, Chain Brake Lever, Decompression Valve Button.

Components: Front Hand Guard, Rear Handle, Muffler, Spark Plug, Air Filter Cover, Fuel and Oil Caps, Chain Tensioner, Chain Catcher.

Operation: Master Control positions: STOP (0), RUN (I), START/CHOKE (II). Chain brake engaged by pushing front hand guard forward. Decompression valve reduces cylinder pressure for starting.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure (with Decompression Valve):

1. Engage chain brake by pushing hand guard forward.
2. Press decompression valve button.
3. Set Master Control lever to START/CHOKE (II).
4. Press purge bulb (if equipped) 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
5. Place saw on ground, hold rear handle with right foot.
6. Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires (usually 2-3 pulls).
7. Move Master Control lever to RUN (I).
8. Pull starter rope again to start engine.
9. Briefly blip throttle to disengage start throttle position.

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

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Basic Cutting: Use full throttle when cutting. Let chain do the work; do not force.

1. Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut, then felling cut. Use wedges if needed.
2. Limbing: Stand uphill. Cut from top of log, supporting limbs when possible.
3. Bucking: Support log. Cut from top, avoid cutting into ground. Use pivot technique for pinched logs.
4. Kickback Prevention: Keep nose of bar away from objects. Maintain firm grip. Use reduced-kickback chain.

Tip: Keep chain sharp. A dull chain increases effort and risk of kickback.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Check for loose fasteners. Clean air filter. Check fuel and oil levels.

Weekly/Every 10 Hours: Clean cooling fins and cylinder area. Check spark plug condition and gap (0.020" / 0.5 mm). Clean spark arrestor screen.

Monthly/Every 50 Hours: Clean fuel filter. Check anti-vibration elements. Inspect guide bar for wear and damage.

Annually/Every 100 Hours: Have servicing performed by an authorized STIHL dealer: Check carburetor adjustment (M-Tronic self-adjusts), check clutch and sprocket, inspect ignition system.

Chain & Bar Care

Chain Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 5/32" or 4.0 mm). Maintain correct filing angle (typically 30°). File all cutters to equal length. Check depth gauges regularly and lower as needed.

Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly. Flip bar weekly for even wear. Dress bar rails with a flat file if burred. Ensure oil holes are clear.

Chain Tension: Correct when snug against bar but can be pulled around by hand. Re-tighten when chain sags from bottom of bar. Always check tension when cold.

CAUTION! Always wear heavy gloves when handling chain. A sharp chain is safer than a dull one.

Storage

Long-Term Storage (over 30 days):

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
2. Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil. Clean guide bar and coat with oil.
3. Remove spark plug, add a teaspoon of engine oil into cylinder, pull starter slowly to distribute, reinstall plug.
4. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins.
5. Store in a dry, dust-free place, away from children.

WARNING! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods. Fuel can degrade and damage engine components.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No fuel, flooded, spark plug faulty, Master Control position wrong	Check fuel, set control to RUN, pull with throttle open if flooded, check spark plug.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter, faulty spark arrestor	Replace fuel filter, clean air filter, clean spark arrestor screen.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, clogged fuel filter, dull chain, carbon buildup	Clean/replace filters, sharpen chain, clean muffler/spark arrestor.
Chain does not turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket worn, chain too tight	Disengage brake, check clutch/sprocket, adjust chain tension.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, unbalanced chain, worn anti-vibration buffers	Tighten all fasteners, sharpen chain evenly, replace buffers.
Chain throws oil	Overfilled oil tank, wrong oil viscosity, clogged oil passages	Use correct STIHL oil, clean oil holes in bar, check oil pump output.

Reset M-Tronic: Start and run at full throttle for 1 minute (no load) to allow recalibration.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized STIHL dealer. Find a dealer at www.stihlusa.com or call 1-800-467-8445.