Stihl 210C Manual

The Stihl 210C is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks, featuring a powerful engine, advanced safety systems, ergonomic design, and low-emission technology. This manual covers safety instructions, technical specifications, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and warranty information. Always read and understand this manual before operating the chainsaw.

Safety Instructions

Critical safety warnings to prevent injury or death. Always wear proper PPE: helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.

Hazard	Precaution
Kickback	Hold saw firmly with both hands; maintain proper chain tension and sharpness
Cutting hazards	Clear work area; plan escape path; never cut above shoulder height
Fuel handling	Use approved fuel containers; refuel only when engine is cool and outdoors
Exhaust fumes	Operate only in well-ventilated areas; never use indoors
Electrical hazards	Keep away from power lines; assume all wires are energized
Maintenance safety	Disconnect spark plug before servicing; use only Stihl-approved parts

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate when fatigued or under influence of medication/alcohol.

Technical Specifications

• Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder
• Displacement: 50.2 cc
• Power Output: 3.0 kW (4.0 hp)
• Fuel Capacity: 0.55 L (18.6 fl. oz.)
• Oil Capacity: 0.26 L (8.8 fl. oz.)
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" PMM3
• Bar Length Options: 16", 18", 20"
• Weight (powerhead): 5.9 kg (13.0 lbs)
• Sound Pressure Level: 112 dB(A)
• Vibration Level: 4.5 m/s²
• Emissions Compliance: EPA Phase III, EU Stage V

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack all components and inspect for damage. Assembly requires bar, chain, and chain catcher installation.

1. Attach guide bar: Place bar onto studs, align adjustment pin with bar hole.
2. Install chain: Place chain over sprocket and bar, ensure cutting teeth face forward on top.
3. Tension chain: Loosen nuts, turn adjustment screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
4. Final tightening: Hold bar tip up, tighten nuts to specification (9-11 Nm).
5. Fill fluids: Add Stihl MotoMix or 50:1 fuel/oil mixture to fuel tank; add Stihl chain oil to reservoir.

CAUTION! Always wear protective gloves when handling chain. Ensure chain brake is engaged during assembly.

Controls & Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before operation.

Component	Function
Front hand guard/chain brake	Activates chain brake when pushed forward; protects from kickback
Throttle trigger	Controls engine speed; includes interlock to prevent accidental activation
Master control lever	Combined choke/start/run control
Decompression valve	Reduces pulling force during starting
Chain catcher	Stops broken chain from striking operator
Right-hand guard	Protects from rear hand pinch
Muffler	Reduces noise and directs exhaust away
Oil filler cap	For chain oil reservoir
Fuel filler cap	For fuel tank with integrated filter

Starting & Operation

Follow proper starting procedure to ensure safe operation.

1. Cold start: Set master control to choke position (full down). Press decompression valve. Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires. Move control to half-throttle position. Pull again to start.
2. Warm start: Set control to run position (horizontal). Pull starter rope.
3. Chain brake: Disengage by pulling hand guard toward handle before cutting.
4. Cutting techniques: Use lower quadrant of bar for cutting; let chain do the work; avoid pinching.
5. Shutdown: Release throttle, engage chain brake, move master control to STOP position.

WARNING! Always start on ground or solid surface. Never drop-start or start in enclosed area.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication; inspect for loose fasteners
Every 5 hours	Clean air filter; check spark plug; clean cooling fins
Every 20 hours	Replace spark plug; clean fuel filter; check carburetor adjustment
Every 50 hours	Clean exhaust port and screen; replace fuel filter; inspect anti-vibration elements
Every 100 hours	Clean combustion chamber; check piston and cylinder; replace air filter
Annually	Professional inspection of all safety systems and components

Chain & Bar Care

Proper chain maintenance is critical for performance and safety.

1. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (5.5mm). Maintain 30° cutting angle, 10° top plate angle. File all cutters to equal length.
2. Tensioning: Chain should snap back when pulled from bar. Adjust when chain sags more than 2mm from bar.
3. Bar maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly; flip bar monthly for even wear; dress rails with flat file when burred.
4. Lubrication: Use only Stihl chain oil. Check oil flow by running at idle over light surface - should produce fine line of oil.

Tip: Keep chain sharp - a dull chain increases kickback risk and reduces cutting efficiency.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Engine won't start	No spark, flooded, stale fuel	Check spark plug; use fresh fuel; follow cold start procedure
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, clogged fuel filter	Clean/replace air filter; replace fuel filter
Chain doesn't turn	Brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket damaged	Disengage brake; inspect clutch and sprocket
Chain oils poorly	Clogged oil passages, wrong oil viscosity	Clean oil ports; use recommended oil
Excessive vibration	Loose components, damaged anti-vibration mounts	Tighten all fasteners; inspect mounts
Chain dulls quickly	Cutting dirty wood, improper filing, inadequate lubrication	Avoid ground contact; sharpen correctly; ensure oil flow

Storage & Transport

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. Short-term (under 30 days): Run carburetor dry; clean exterior; store in dry location.
2. Long-term: Drain all fuel; run until engine stops. Remove spark plug, add teaspoon of oil, pull starter slowly to coat cylinder. Store chain in oil.
3. Transport: Always engage chain brake. Use scabbard over bar. Secure in vehicle to prevent movement.
4. Fuel storage: Use approved containers; add fuel stabilizer if storing over 30 days.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank in enclosed space. Fuel vapors are explosive.

Warranty Information

Stihl 210C includes limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.

• Consumer Warranty: 1 year from date of purchase
• Commercial Warranty: 90 days from date of purchase
• Emission Control System: 2 years or 300 hours, whichever comes first
• What's Covered: Repair or replacement of defective components
• What's Not Covered: Normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance, unauthorized repairs
• Registration: Register within 10 days at www.stihlusa.com or by mail
• Service: Authorized Stihl dealers only for warranty work

For support: Contact Stihl Inc. at 1-800-467-8445 or visit www.stihlusa.com. Keep purchase receipt for warranty validation.