Stihl 190T Manual

The Stihl 190T is a professional-grade top-handle chainsaw designed for arborists and tree care professionals. It features a lightweight design, powerful engine, advanced safety features, and ergonomic controls for precision cutting in elevated positions. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Lightweight magnesium crankcase, professional-grade engine, QuickStop® inertia chain brake, decompression valve, side-access chain tensioner, and ergonomic top handle design.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	2-stroke single cylinder engine
Displacement	30.1 cm³ (1.84 cu. in.)
Power Output	1.3 kW (1.8 bhp)
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.25 L (0.07 US gal)
Oil Tank Capacity	0.20 L (0.05 US gal)
Guide Bar Lengths	12" to 16" (30-40 cm)
Weight (without bar/chain)	2.9 kg (6.4 lbs)
Chain Pitch	3/8" PMM or 1/4" PMM
Safety Features	QuickStop® chain brake, throttle lockout, right-hand guard
Starting System	STIHL ElastoStart with decompression valve

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation. Always wear proper PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear chainsaw chaps, helmet with face shield, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toe boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Maintain secure footing, clear work area of obstacles, and ensure no persons within 15 feet.
3. Chain Brake: Test QuickStop® chain brake before each use by engaging with wrist.
4. Kickback Awareness: Avoid contact with bar nose; maintain firm grip with both hands.
5. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Use STIHL MotoMix or proper fuel/oil mixture.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate while tired or under influence of drugs/alcohol.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble with proper tools.

1. Attach Guide Bar: Place bar on studs, align chain with sprocket, adjust tension with side-access knob.
2. Install Chain: Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Adjust tension until chain snaps back when pulled.
3. Fill Fuel Tank: Use STIHL MotoMix (50:1) or mix 89+ octane gasoline with STIHL HP Ultra oil at 50:1 ratio.
4. Fill Chain Oil: Use STIHL chain oil or equivalent. Check oiler function before operation.
5. Check Controls: Verify throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Always wear protective gloves when handling chain. Ensure chain is properly tensioned before starting.

Specifications

• Model: STIHL 190T
• Engine Power: 1.3 kW (1.8 bhp) at 9,500 rpm
• Max Engine Speed: 13,500 rpm
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm
• Sound Pressure Level: 103 dB(A)
• Sound Power Level: 114 dB(A)
• Vibration Levels (front/rear): 4.5/3.5 m/s²
• Ignition System: Electronic, capacitor discharge
• Spark Plug: Bosch WSR6F or equivalent
• Carburetor: Walbro diaphragm carburetor with manual choke
• Warranty: 1 year commercial use, 2 year personal use

Controls and Operation

Master control lever combines choke, throttle lock, and stop functions.

Controls: Front Handle with throttle trigger, Throttle lockout, Master control lever, Chain brake lever, Decompression valve, Fuel primer bulb, Chain tensioner knob.

Starting Procedure: Engage chain brake. Set master control to choke (cold start) or run (warm). Press decompression valve. Place on ground with secure footing. Pull starter rope until engine fires. Move master control to run position. Pull starter rope to start. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Cutting Techniques: Use proper body position. Let saw do the work. Avoid bending at waist. Plan escape path. Never cut above shoulder height.

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

1. Chain Sharpening: File at 30° angle with round file. Maintain consistent depth gauge height.
2. Chain Tension: Check frequently when new. Proper tension: chain should snap back when pulled from bar.
3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly. Flip bar monthly for even wear. Replace if groove exceeds 1.0mm.
4. Sprocket Inspection: Check drive sprocket for wear. Replace if teeth are hooked or worn.
5. Lubrication: Ensure oiler is functioning. Adjust oil flow for cutting conditions.

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

Engine Maintenance

Follow maintenance schedule for reliable operation.

1. Air Filter: Clean weekly with compressed air. Replace when damaged or excessively dirty.
2. Spark Plug: Clean and gap (0.5mm) every 20 hours. Replace annually or if electrodes are worn.
3. Fuel Filter: Replace every 3 months or when fuel flow is restricted.
4. Cylinder Fins: Keep cooling fins clean for proper heat dissipation.
5. Carburetor Adjustment: Only by authorized STIHL dealer. Do not attempt to adjust limiter caps.
6. Muffler: Clean spark arrestor screen monthly. Replace if damaged.

WARNING! Never operate with damaged or missing safety features. Repair only with genuine STIHL parts.

Fuel & Lubrication

Use only high-quality fuels and lubricants.

Fuel Mixture: 50:1 ratio (2% oil). Use 89+ octane gasoline and STIHL HP Ultra oil. For pre-mixed fuel: STIHL MotoMix.

Chain Oil: STIHL chain oil or equivalent biodegradable oil. Do not use waste oil.

Storage: Empty fuel tank for storage over 30 days. Run engine dry. Add fuel stabilizer if storing with fuel.

CAUTION! Gasoline is highly flammable. Store in approved containers away from heat sources.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents damage and ensures ready operation.

1. Short-term (under 30 days): Add fuel stabilizer, run engine 2 minutes to circulate.
2. Long-term (over 30 days): Drain fuel tank and carburetor. Run engine until it stops.
3. Clean entire saw, especially air filter and cooling fins.
4. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil. Store bar flat to prevent warping.
5. Store in dry, secure location away from children.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank in enclosed spaces. Fuel vapors can ignite.

Regulatory Information

EPA Phase II compliant. Meets CARB emissions standards. Manufactured to ANSI B175.1 safety standards. Contains parts manufactured in USA, Germany, and Brazil. Copyright © STIHL Incorporated. All rights reserved. STIHL is a registered trademark. For technical support, contact authorized STIHL dealer or call 1-800-467-8445. Visit www.stihlusa.com for dealer locator and manuals.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark, fuel issues, flooded	Check spark plug, fuel quality, use decompression valve, follow starting procedure
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, carburetor issues	Replace fuel filter, clean carburetor, check fuel lines
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, improper tension	Sharpen chain, adjust tension, check bar groove
Chain won't stop when brake engaged	Worn brake band, improper adjustment	Replace brake band, check handle mechanism
Excessive vibration	Unbalanced chain, loose components	Sharven chain evenly, tighten all fasteners
Chain throws oil	Over-oiling, wrong oil viscosity	Adjust oiler, use proper chain oil
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, exhaust screen	Clean/replace air filter, clean spark arrestor

Service Intervals: Daily: Check chain tension, clean air filter. Weekly: Sharpen chain, clean saw. Monthly: Check spark plug, clean cooling fins.

Authorized Service: For major repairs, contact authorized STIHL dealer. Use only genuine STIHL parts.