Stihl 211 Chainsaw Manual

The Stihl MS 211 is a lightweight, easy-to-start gasoline chainsaw designed for homeowners and occasional users. It features a powerful 35.2 cc engine with STIHL's innovative Easy2Start™ system, Ematic™ lubrication, Quickstop® inertia chain brake, and a low-emission engine. This manual covers safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure safe and efficient use.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Stopping 7. Operating Instructions 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 10. Storage 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, guide bar, saw chain, chain brake, throttle trigger, master control lever, fuel and oil caps.

Feature	Description
Easy2Start™	Reduces pulling force required for starting by up to 30%
Ematic™ Lubrication	Directs bar and chain oil precisely, reducing consumption
Quickstop® Inertia Chain Brake	Stops the chain instantly in case of kickback
Side Access Chain Tensioner	Allows easy chain adjustment without tools
Master Control Lever	Combines choke, throttle lock, and stop functions
Decompression Valve	Reduces compression for easier starting
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces vibration for user comfort
Fuel & Oil Caps	Easy-open caps with retaining chains
Chain Catcher	Prevents broken chain from striking the operator
Spark Arrestor Muffler	Reduces exhaust emissions and spark risk

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps/pants, and sturdy boots.
Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 feet away. Ensure secure footing and clear escape path.
Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip. Use reduced-kickback chain.
Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area, with engine off and cool. Use STIHL MotoMix® or 89+ octane gasoline mixed with STIHL HP Ultra oil (50:1).
Chain Brake Test: Test function before each use by pulling hand guard forward toward bar.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate a chainsaw while tired, under the influence, or in poor weather.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble on a clean, stable surface.

Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs. Fit chain with cutters facing forward on top of bar. Install sprocket cover and tighten nuts.
Fill Fuel Tank: Use fresh fuel/oil mix. Do not overfill.
Fill Chain Oil Tank: Use STIHL chain oil or equivalent. Check flow by holding saw over light surface and running at high idle.
Check Chain Tension: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand. Adjust via side access wheel.

CAUTION! Ensure chain brake is disengaged (pulled back) before starting.

Specifications

Engine Displacement: 35.2 cc
Power Output: 1.8 kW / 2.4 hp
Fuel/Oil Mix Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL HP Ultra)
Guide Bar Lengths: 16" or 18" (standard)
Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" PMM / .050"
Weight (powerhead): 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg)
Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
Vibration Levels: Front/Rear Handle: 4.5/3.5 m/s²
Warranty: Limited 1-year consumer warranty

Controls and Components

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger and throttle trigger lockout. Rear Handle: Contains master control lever and start/stop switch.

Master Control Lever Positions: - STOP (0): Engine off. - CHOKE (⏫): For cold starting. - FAST IDLE (⏫ with dot): For warm starting or after flooding. - RUN (↓): Normal operation.

Other Controls: Chain brake hand guard, side chain tensioner, decompression valve, fuel primer bulb (if equipped).

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start: 1. Engage chain brake by pushing hand guard forward. 2. Set master control lever to CHOKE (⏫). 3. Press decompression valve (if equipped). 4. Place saw on ground, hold rear handle with right foot. 5. Pull starter handle slowly until engaged, then briskly. Repeat until engine fires. 6. Move lever to FAST IDLE (⏫ dot). Pull starter to start. 7. Briefly blip throttle to return to idle.

Warm Start: Start from FAST IDLE position.

Stopping: Move master control lever to STOP (0).

Tip: Always start with chain brake engaged.

Operating Instructions

Supports felling, limbing, bucking, and pruning.

Grip: Hold front handle with left hand, rear handle with right. Thumb under front handle.
Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward.
Cutting: Use full throttle in cut. Let chain do the work; don't force. Beware of pinch points.
Kickback Prevention: Maintain secure grip. Do not cut with bar tip. Keep chain sharp and tensioned.
Refueling: Stop engine and allow to cool. Clean area around caps. Refill both fuel and chain oil.

WARNING! Never operate chainsaw above shoulder height or with one hand.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check chain tension, sharpness, brake function, fuel/oil levels
Every 5 hours	Clean air filter, check spark plug
Every 20 hours	Clean spark arrestor screen, check fuel filter
Every season	Replace fuel filter, clean cooling fins, check all nuts/bolts
As needed	Sharpen chain, replace worn bar, replace chain

CAUTION! Perform maintenance only when engine is off and cool. Disconnect spark plug wire for major work.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Sharpening: Use STIHL 2-in-1 file or round file (5/32") with file guide. Maintain 30° top plate angle and 10° down angle. File all cutters to equal length.

Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Turn side tensioning wheel clockwise until chain is snug against bar bottom but can be pulled around by hand. Retighten bar nuts. Re-check tension when chain is cold.

Tip: A sharp chain reduces effort, kickback risk, and wear on the saw.

Storage

For storage over 30 days:

Drain fuel tank and run carburetor dry.
Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil.
Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods. Old fuel can damage engine.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, flooded, bad spark, master control position	Check fuel, use FAST IDLE if flooded, check spark plug, ensure lever in correct start position.
Engine runs then dies	Clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter, vent issue	Replace fuel filter, clean air filter, check tank vent.
Chain doesn't turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket worn	Disengage chain brake, inspect clutch and sprocket.
Chain throws oil	Oil hole clogged, wrong oil viscosity	Clean oil passage in bar, use correct chain oil.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain, damaged AV mounts	Tighten all nuts/bolts, balance chain, check anti-vibration mounts.

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

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