Stihl 460 Manual

The Stihl 460 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and arborist work. It features a high-performance engine with advanced anti-vibration system, electronic ignition, quickstop chain brake, decompression valve for easier starting, and a professional-grade cutting system. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Professional engine with STIHL ElastoStart, Quickstop inertia-activated chain brake, decompression valve, side-access chain tensioner, and advanced anti-vibration system.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	2-stroke single cylinder engine
Displacement	76.5 cc
Power Output	4.6 kW / 6.3 hp
Fuel System	STIHL HD-12 carburetor
Ignition System	Electronic ignition (CDI)
Starting System	STIHL ElastoStart with decompression valve
Chain Brake	Quickstop inertia-activated
Anti-Vibration System	Advanced spring-damper system
Guide Bar Lengths	16" to 36" (standard 20")
Chain Type	STIHL Rapid Super (3/8" pitch)

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Always wear proper PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, ensure secure footing, identify escape routes.
3. Chain Brake: Test before each use by pushing front hand guard forward.
4. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with upper quadrant of guide bar tip.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Never operate when tired or under influence. Keep both hands on saw during operation.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble on clean, flat surface.

1. Attach guide bar: Remove side cover, align bar with tensioning pin, place chain over sprocket.
2. Install chain: 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. Fuel mixture: Use 50:1 mix of unleaded gasoline (min 89 octane) with STIHL HP Ultra oil.
5. Fill oil tank: Use STIHL chain oil or equivalent.

CAUTION! Never use automotive oil or mixed fuel older than 30 days. Ensure chain moves freely without binding.

Specifications

• Engine: 76.5 cc 2-stroke single cylinder
• Power: 4.6 kW / 6.3 hp
• Weight (powerhead): 6.2 kg (13.7 lbs)
• Fuel Capacity: 810 ml (27.4 fl oz)
• Oil Capacity: 410 ml (13.9 fl oz)
• Sound Pressure: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration Levels: Front handle 4.2 m/s², Rear handle 4.8 m/s²
• Max Recommended Bar Length: 36" (91 cm)
• Chain Pitch: 3/8"
• Chain Gauge: .063" (1.6 mm)

Controls and Functions

Master Control Lever: Combines choke, throttle lock, and stop functions. Front Hand Guard: Activates chain brake when pushed forward. Decompression Valve: Reduces compression for easier starting.

Controls: Throttle trigger, Throttle trigger lockout, Master Control Lever, Chain brake lever, Decompression valve, Fuel primer bulb, Choke knob.

Adjustments: Chain tension (side access), Carburetor adjustment screws (H, L, LA), Idle speed screw. Features: ElastoStart starter handle, Advanced anti-vibration, Quickstop chain brake, Side-mounted chain tensioner.

Starting Procedure

Cold Start: Place on firm ground. Engage chain brake. Set Master Control to choke position.

1. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
2. Press fuel primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel visible.
3. Pull starter rope slowly until resistance felt, then pull briskly.
4. After engine fires, move Master Control to half-throttle position.
5. Pull starter rope again until engine starts.
6. Briefly blip throttle to disengage fast idle.
7. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Warm Start: Master Control in run position. No choke needed.

Operation Guidelines

Proper cutting techniques maximize performance and safety.

1. Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut 1/3 of tree diameter. Make felling cut 2" above notch.
2. Limbing: Work from trunk outward. Keep saw between you and branch.
3. Bucking: Support logs properly. Cut from top down for tension wood, bottom up for compression.
4. Kickback Prevention: Maintain firm grip. Never cut with bar tip. Keep chain sharp.
5. Pinching: Use wedges if kerf begins to close.

Tip: Let saw do the work. Don't force. Maintain proper chain speed.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Clean air filter. Inspect guide bar.

Interval	Maintenance Task
Each Use	Clean saw, check chain brake function, inspect chain sharpness
10 Hours	Clean air filter, check spark plug, clean cooling fins
20 Hours	Replace fuel filter, clean spark arrestor screen
50 Hours	Replace spark plug, clean carburetor air passage
100 Hours	Check cylinder bolts, replace fuel lines if cracked
Annually	Professional servicing recommended

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance.

Chain & Bar Care

Proper maintenance extends life and improves performance.

1. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch. Maintain 30° cutting angle. File all cutters evenly.
2. Depth Gauges: File to 0.025" below cutter edge using depth gauge tool.
3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly. Flip bar monthly for even wear.
4. Lubrication: Ensure oil port clean. Adjust oil flow for conditions (higher in dirty/dusty conditions).
5. Sprocket: Replace when worn (teeth hook-shaped).

CAUTION! Wear gloves when handling chain. A sharp chain is safer than a dull one.

Storage Instructions

Prepare saw for storage to prevent fuel system issues.

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
2. Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
4. Store in dry place, protected from dust and moisture.
5. For long-term storage: Fog engine with storage oil through spark plug hole.

WARNING! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Fuel deteriorates and damages components.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark, flooded, stale fuel	Check spark plug, use fresh fuel mix, follow starting procedure
Engine runs then dies	Clogged fuel filter, carburetor issues	Replace fuel filter, clean carburetor, check fuel lines
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, improper filing	Sharpen chain correctly, check depth gauges
Chain won't stay tight	Worn bar, damaged chain	Inspect bar groove, replace if worn, check chain for damage
Excessive vibration	Loose components, unbalanced chain	Tighten all bolts, balance chain by filing all cutters evenly
Chain throws oil	Over-oiling, wrong oil viscosity	Adjust oil flow, use proper chain oil
Chain brake doesn't engage	Dirty mechanism, worn parts	Clean brake band and mechanism, replace if worn

Service: For technical support, contact STIHL at 1-800-467-8445 or visit www.stihlusa.com