Stihl Chainsaw MS260 Manual

The Stihl MS260 is a professional-grade chainsaw featuring a powerful 50.2cc engine, advanced anti-vibration system, Quickstop® inertia chain brake, Ematic™ lubrication system, and STIHL ErgoStart™ for easier starting. Designed for demanding forestry, tree care, and firewood cutting applications. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 50.2cc engine, anti-vibration system, Quickstop® chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, Ematic™ lubrication, STIHL ErgoStart™, and decompression valve.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear chainsaw chaps, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toe boots.
2. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with the upper quarter of the guide bar tip.
3. Pre-Operation Check: Inspect chain tension, sharpness, lubrication, and all controls before each use.
4. Working Area: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 feet away.
5. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area, engine off and cool. Use STIHL MotoMix® or 50:1 mix with high-quality 2-stroke oil.

WARNING! Kickback can cause severe injury or death. Always grip saw firmly with both hands, thumbs wrapped. Never operate above shoulder height or with one hand.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach guide bar: Remove side cover, place bar over studs, align chain drive links with bar sprocket.
2. Install chain: Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Fit chain over sprocket and into bar groove.
3. Tension chain: Use side-access tensioning screw to achieve proper tension (snug but pullable by hand).
4. Fill oil tank: Use STIHL chain oil or equivalent. Check oiler function.
5. Fuel mix: Use 89 octane minimum gasoline mixed with STIHL 2-stroke oil at 50:1 ratio (or MotoMix®).

CAUTION! Chain must be properly tensioned. Loose chain can derail; overtightened chain can damage bar and engine.

Specifications

• Model: MS 260
• Engine Type: Single cylinder, 2-stroke, air-cooled
• Displacement: 50.2 cm³ (3.06 cu in)
• Power Output: 3.0 bhp (2.2 kW) at 13,000 rpm
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm
• Max Engine Speed: 13,500 rpm
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL 2-stroke oil)
• Fuel Tank Volume: 0.53 US pt (0.25 l)
• Oil Tank Volume: 0.32 US pt (0.15 l)
• Weight (powerhead): 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg)
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration Levels (front/rear): 4.2/2.5 m/s²

Controls and Components

Master Control Lever: Combines stop switch, choke, and throttle lock. Front Handle: With throttle trigger and throttle lockout. Rear Handle: With master control lever. Chain Brake Lever: Front hand guard activates Quickstop®. Decompression Valve: Button to reduce starting pressure. Side-Access Chain Tensioner: For easy adjustment.

Operation Controls: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, master control lever (stop/run/choke), chain brake, decompression valve.

Maintenance Points: Air filter cover, spark plug, cylinder cover, chain tensioner, oil filler cap, fuel filler cap.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure:

1. Place saw on firm ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set master control lever to choke position (full up).
4. Pull starter handle until engine fires (usually 2-5 pulls).
5. Immediately move master control to half-throttle position.
6. Pull starter again; engine should start and run.
7. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle.
8. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Warm Start: Master control in run position (horizontal). No choke needed.

Stopping: Release throttle, move master control lever down to STOP position.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Always use proper stance: feet shoulder-width apart, firm grip with both hands.

1. Felling: Plan escape path (45° behind). Make notch cut (1/3 diameter), then felling cut. Use wedges if needed.
2. Limbing: Work from trunk outward. Support limb if possible. Beware of springback.
3. Bucking: Support log off ground. Cut from top side. For tensioned wood, release tension gradually.
4. Kickback Prevention: Maintain firm grip, avoid tip contact, do not overreach. Let chain do the work.
5. Chain Lubrication: Check oil flow regularly. Adjust oiler if needed (screw near oil cap).

WARNING! Never cut with the upper quarter of the bar tip. This is the primary kickback danger zone.

Maintenance Schedule

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (usually 5/32" or 3/16"). Maintain 30° top plate angle. File each cutter evenly. Depth gauges must be filed to maintain 0.025" below cutter top plate.

Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pullable by hand. Re-tension when chain feels loose (every 15-30 minutes of cutting). Always tension with engine off and cool.

1. Loosen bar nuts.
2. Turn tensioning screw clockwise until chain is snug.
3. Lift bar tip up, tighten bar nuts (snug, not over-tightened).
4. Check tension; chain should snap back when pulled from bar.

Storage

For storage over 30 days:

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
2. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil. Clean bar groove and oil holes.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
4. Store in dry, dust-free location, away from children.
5. For long-term storage, fog engine through spark plug hole with 2-stroke oil.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Fuel breakdown can damage carburetor.

Troubleshooting

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

Support: STIHL Incorporated, 536 Viking Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. Customer Service: 1-800-467-8445. www.stihlusa.com