stihl 510 chainsaw manual

The STIHL 510 chainsaw is a professional-grade gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a high-performance engine, advanced anti-vibration system, Ematic lubrication, QuickStop inertia chain brake, and STIHL ErgoStart for easy starting. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-performance 2-stroke engine, Guide bar, Saw chain, Anti-vibration system, QuickStop inertia chain brake, ErgoStart system, Ematic chain lubrication, Side-access chain tensioner.

FeatureDescription
Engine Type2-stroke single cylinder gasoline engine
Displacement50.1 cc (3.06 cu. in.)
Power Output2.6 kW (3.5 bhp)
Fuel Tank Capacity550 ml (18.6 fl. oz.)
Oil Tank Capacity260 ml (8.8 fl. oz.)
Guide Bar Lengths16" to 20" (40 cm to 50 cm)
Chain Pitch3/8" or .325"
Weight (without cutting equipment)5.4 kg (11.9 lbs)
Ignition SystemElectronic, capacitor discharge (CDI)
Starting SystemSTIHL ErgoStart

Safety Information

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

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear chainsaw chaps or pants, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toed boots.
  2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 feet away. Ensure secure footing.
  3. Chain Brake: Test the QuickStop inertia chain brake before each use.
  4. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip to avoid kickback.

WARNING! Improper use can cause serious injury or death. Do not operate if tired or under the influence. Never operate above shoulder height.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assemble on a clean, flat surface.

  1. Attach Guide Bar and Chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket and bar, adjust tension with side-access knob.
  2. Fill Fuel Tank: Use fresh, high-quality gasoline mixed with STIHL HP Ultra 2-stroke oil at a 50:1 ratio.
  3. Fill Chain Oil Tank: Use STIHL chain oil or a quality biodegradable bar & chain oil.
  4. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, and chain brake function correctly.

CAUTION! Fuel is highly flammable. Mix and fill in a well-ventilated area away from sparks or flames.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Master Control Lever: Combines stop switch, choke, and fast idle functions. Front Handle: Includes throttle trigger and lockout. Rear Handle: Contains Master Control Lever and decompression valve.

Main Components: Chain brake lever, Chain catcher, Muffler, Spark plug, Fuel and oil tank caps, Chain tensioner, Oil pump adjuster.

Operation: Use Master Control Lever for starting sequence (choke, fast idle). Throttle trigger controls engine speed. Chain brake lever (front hand guard) activates manually or by inertia.

Fuel & Lubrication

Fuel: Mix 50:1. Use clean, fresh gasoline and STIHL HP Ultra oil. Lubrication: Fill chain oil tank before each use. Adjust oil flow via screw next to oil tank (clockwise to decrease, counterclockwise to increase).

  1. Always shake fuel mix before refueling.
  2. Check oil flow by running saw at high speed over light-colored surface; look for oil line.
  3. Clean oil tank breather periodically.

Tip: Never use straight gasoline or motor oil. Never use waste oil for chain lubrication.

Starting & Operation

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

  1. Engage chain brake by pushing hand guard forward.
  2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
  3. Set Master Control Lever to choke position (full down).
  4. Press primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
  5. Place saw on ground, hold rear handle with right foot, pull starter handle until engine fires.
  6. Move Master Control Lever to fast idle position (half up).
  7. Pull starter handle again to start engine.
  8. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle; chain brake can be disengaged.

WARNING! Always engage chain brake when starting or carrying the saw. Keep both hands on handles during operation.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Clean air filter, check for loose parts. Weekly: Clean spark arrestor screen, check fuel filter, clean cooling fins. Monthly: Check spark plug gap, clean carburetor air passage, inspect anti-vibration elements.

Chain Sharpening

Use STIHL filing kit or round file matching chain pitch (e.g., 5/32" for 3/8" chain).

  1. Secure bar in vise.
  2. File cutters at 30° angle, maintaining original top plate angle.
  3. File all cutters on one side, then turn saw around.
  4. File depth gauges with flat file and gauge tool.

CAUTION! Wear gloves. File in one direction only, away from body. Keep file level.

Storage

Long-term Storage (over 30 days):

  1. Drain fuel tank and run carburetor dry.
  2. Remove chain and bar, clean and coat with oil.
  3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
  4. Store in a dry, dust-free place, away from children.

CAUTION! Fuel left in carburetor can cause varnish and starting problems.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo fuel, flooded, bad sparkCheck fuel, move control to half-throttle, check spark plug.
Engine runs but diesClogged filter, fuel line, carb adjustmentClean/replace fuel filter, check fuel line, adjust carburetor.
Chain does not turnBrake engaged, clutch/sprocket wornDisengage chain brake, inspect clutch drum and sprocket.
Excessive vibrationLoose parts, unbalanced chainTighten all fasteners, check chain sharpening and tension.
Poor cutting performanceDull chain, low chain speedSharpen chain, check engine power and chain lubrication.

Service: For major repairs, contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer.

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

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