stihl chainsaw ms250 manual

The STIHL MS 250 is a lightweight, professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a powerful engine with STIHL anti-vibration system, QuickStop® inertia chain brake, Ematic™ lubrication system, and easy-to-use controls. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine with STIHL ElastoStart, anti-vibration system, QuickStop® chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, Ematic™ lubrication system, and tool-free fuel and oil caps.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Always wear protective equipment.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of obstacles and bystanders. Ensure secure footing.
3. Kickback Awareness: Hold saw firmly with both hands. Do not cut with tip of bar.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Use STIHL MotoMix® or equivalent.

WARNING! Chainsaw kickback can cause serious injury or death. Always use proper grip and cutting techniques.

Assembly & First Use

Assemble guide bar and chain. Fill with fuel and oil.

1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket, adjust tension with side knob.
2. Fill fuel tank: Use STIHL MotoMix® (50:1 premix) or mix 50:1 with 89+ octane gasoline and STIHL HP Ultra oil.
3. Fill chain oil tank: Use STIHL chain oil or equivalent.
4. Start engine: Set master control lever to cold start position, pull starter handle until engine fires.

CAUTION! Never start saw unless bar and chain are properly assembled and oiled.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 45.4 cc.
• Power Output: 2.6 kW (3.5 bhp).
• Fuel Tank Volume: 0.5 L (16.9 fl. oz).
• Oil Tank Volume: 0.26 L (8.8 fl. oz).
• Guide Bar Lengths: 16" or 18" (recommended).
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" PMM3.
• Weight (powerhead): 5.2 kg (11.5 lbs).
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A).
• Vibration Level: 4.5 m/s² (left/right handles).

Controls and Components

Master control lever: Combines stop switch, choke, and run positions. Throttle trigger with interlock. Chain brake lever. Fuel and oil caps. Chain tensioner knob.

Starting Procedure: Set master control to cold start (⛄), press decompression valve, pull starter handle. After engine fires, move lever to run (🐇) position.

Operation: Hold front handle with left hand, rear handle with right. Throttle trigger controls engine speed. Chain brake must be disengaged (pulled back toward front handle) for chain to rotate.

Operation Instructions

Basic cutting techniques for felling, limbing, and bucking.

1. Starting: Place saw on ground, secure with foot in handle, pull starter.
2. Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut, then felling cut. Use wedges if needed.
3. Limbing: Stand uphill. Cut branches from bottom to top, using bar as a lever.
4. Bucking: Support log. Cut from top, avoid cutting into ground.
5. Kickback Prevention: Keep saw at full throttle, grip firmly, do not cut with upper tip.

Tip: Let saw do the work; do not force it into cut. Keep chain sharp.

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

1. Chain Sharpening: Use round file and guide. Maintain correct filing angle (30°). File all cutters evenly.
2. Chain Tension: Adjust when chain sags from bar. Chain should snap back when pulled from bar.
3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove, flip bar regularly for even wear.
4. Sprocket Inspection: Replace if worn to prevent chain damage.
5. Lubrication: Check oil flow by running saw at throttle over light surface; look for oil line.

WARNING! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure engine is off and cool.

Engine Maintenance

Air filter: Clean regularly with compressed air or soapy water. Replace if damaged. Spark plug: Clean and regap to 0.5 mm (0.020 in). Replace annually. Fuel filter: Replace yearly or if clogged. Muffler: Clean spark arrestor screen periodically.

Storage

For storage over 30 days: Drain fuel tank and run engine dry. Remove chain and bar, clean and oil. Store in dry place.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for long periods; fuel can degrade and damage engine.

Warranty Information

STIHL MS 250 includes limited warranty for personal use. Contact authorized STIHL dealer for warranty service. Keep proof of purchase. Warranty does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, or non-STIHL parts. For support, visit www.stihlusa.com or contact 1-800-467-8445.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs, use authorized STIHL dealer only.

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