Stihl 362 Manual

The Stihl 362 is a professional-grade chainsaw featuring a powerful engine, advanced anti-vibration system, Ematic lubrication, and STIHL Quickstop inertia chain brake. Designed for demanding forestry and arborist work, it offers excellent power-to-weight ratio, easy starting, and durable construction. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine with decompression valve, anti-vibration system, Quickstop chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, Ematic lubrication system, and fuel/oil caps with retaining straps.

Feature	Description
Engine displacement	59.0 cc
Power output	3.6 kW / 4.9 hp
Fuel tank volume	0.55 L
Oil tank volume	0.26 L
Weight (powerhead)	5.9 kg
Guide bar lengths	40 cm to 50 cm (16" to 20")
Chain pitch	3/8" or .325"
Ignition system	Electronic, capacitor discharge
Anti-vibration	STIHL advanced damping system
Safety features	Quickstop inertia chain brake, throttle lockout

Safety Information

Read manual thoroughly before operation. Always wear protective equipment.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Chainsaw helmet with face shield, hearing protection, cut-resistant gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.
2. Work area safety: Clear area of obstacles; ensure secure footing; maintain safe distance from others.
3. Chain brake: Test before each use; engage when carrying or moving short distances.
4. Fuel safety: Mix fuel outdoors; use approved gasoline and STIHL 2-stroke oil; store in approved containers.

WARNING! Chainsaw kickback can cause severe injury. Always hold saw firmly with both hands; avoid contact with bar tip.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach guide bar: Remove side cover; position bar on studs; ensure chain tensioning pin engages bar hole.
2. Install chain: Place chain on bar sprocket; ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar.
3. Tension chain: Adjust with side tensioner until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
4. Fill fluids: Add mixed fuel to fuel tank; add STIHL chain oil to oil tank.
5. Check controls: Verify throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Chain must be properly tensioned—too loose may derail; too tight may damage bar or engine.

Technical Specifications

• Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled.
• Displacement: 59.0 cm³.
• Power Output: 3.6 kW (4.9 hp) at 9,500 rpm.
• Maximum Engine Speed: 13,500 rpm.
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm.
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL 2-stroke oil).
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A).
• Vibration Levels: Left/Right 3.2 m/s², Front/Rear 2.8 m/s².
• Ignition: STIHL Electronic Ignition (CDI).
• Carburetor: STIHL HD-12 with manual choke.

Controls and Components

Main controls located on rear handle and top of saw.

Right Side: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, master control lever (choke/start/run positions). Left Side: Chain brake handle, oil filler cap, decompression valve. Front: Muffler, spark arrestor screen, chain catcher. Top: Fuel filler cap, air filter cover, starter grip.

Master Control Lever Positions: STOP (0) - engine off; START (rabbit symbol) - choke for cold start; RUN (arrow) - normal operation. Chain Brake: Push forward manually to engage; inertia activates during kickback.

Starting & Stopping

Follow proper starting procedure to avoid damage.

1. Cold Start: Engage chain brake; set master control to START; press decompression valve (if equipped); pull starter cord until engine fires; move lever to RUN; pull again to start.
2. Warm Start: Set master control to RUN; pull starter cord.
3. Stopping: Release throttle; move master control to STOP.
4. Emergency Stop: Activate chain brake; move master control to STOP.

Tip: Always engage chain brake when starting. Never drop-start the saw.

Operation Guidelines

Proper technique ensures safety and efficiency.

1. Grip: Hold rear handle with right hand, front handle with left hand; thumbs wrapped underneath.
2. Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart; weight balanced.
3. Cutting: Let saw do the work; avoid forcing bar; use appropriate chain speed.
4. Bucking: Support log properly; cut from top; watch for binding.
5. Limbing: Stand on left side of trunk; cut downward branches first.
6. Felling: Plan escape path; make notch cut first; then back cut; use wedges if needed.

WARNING! Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip). Never cut with this area.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and safety.

Interval	Task
Daily	Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication; clean air filter; inspect bar for wear.
Weekly	Clean spark arrestor screen; check fuel filter; inspect anti-vibration elements.
Monthly	Clean cooling fins; check spark plug; inspect clutch and sprocket.
Seasonally	Replace fuel filter; clean carburetor; check all screws and fasteners.

CAUTION! Perform maintenance only when saw is cool and spark plug wire disconnected.

Chain & Bar Care

Proper chain maintenance is critical for performance.

1. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch; maintain correct filing angle (typically 30°); file all cutters evenly.
2. Depth gauges: Check with depth gauge tool; file down if above specification.
3. Bar maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly; flip bar weekly for even wear; dress rails with flat file if burred.
4. Lubrication: Always use STIHL chain oil; adjust oil flow rate via screw (if equipped) for conditions.

Tip: A sharp chain reduces effort, improves safety, and extends bar life.

Storage Guidelines

Prepare saw properly for short or long-term storage.

1. Short-term (under 30 days): Drain fuel tank; run engine until it stops to clear carburetor; clean saw thoroughly.
2. Long-term: Remove spark plug; add teaspoon of oil to cylinder; pull starter slowly to distribute; store chain and bar separately in oil.
3. Storage location: Cool, dry place; away from ignition sources; out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store saw with fuel in tank for extended periods—fuel may degrade and damage components.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark/flooded/old fuel	Check spark plug; dry cylinder; use fresh fuel mix.
Engine runs poorly	Clogged air filter/carb issues	Clean/replace air filter; adjust carburetor.
Chain doesn't turn	Brake engaged/clutch worn	Disengage chain brake; inspect clutch springs/shoes.
Excessive vibration	Loose components/worn AV mounts	Tighten all fasteners; replace anti-vibration elements.
Poor chain lubrication	Clogged oil passages/empty tank	Clean oil ports; fill oil tank; check pump function.

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

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