STIHL Chainsaw Owners Manual Free

This manual provides essential information for the safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your STIHL chainsaw. It covers key sections including safety warnings, features, assembly, starting procedure, operation, maintenance, storage, and troubleshooting. Always read and understand this manual completely before using your chainsaw.

Safety Warnings & Symbols

Key safety symbols and their meanings found on the chainsaw and in the manual.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Features & Components

Key components of a typical STIHL chainsaw.

1. Engine: 2-stroke gasoline engine.
2. Guide Bar: Supports and guides the cutting chain.
3. Cutting Chain: The loop of cutters that performs the cutting.
4. Chain Brake/Hand Guard: Safety feature to stop the chain.
5. Throttle Trigger & Lockout: Controls engine speed; lockout prevents accidental activation.
6. Master Control Lever: Combines choke, stop control, and run positions.
7. Front & Rear Handles: Provide grip and control.
8. Chain Tensioner: Adjusts chain tension.
9. Muffler: Reduces engine noise and directs exhaust.

Assembly & Preparation

Steps to prepare your chainsaw for first use.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain onto bar (cutters facing forward on top), fit drive link into bar groove, install clutch cover and tighten nuts.
2. Adjust Chain Tension: Loosen nuts, turn tensioning screw until chain fits snug against bar (can be pulled by hand), retighten nuts.
3. Fill Fuel Tank: Use fresh, high-quality gasoline mixed with STIHL 2-stroke engine oil at the specified ratio (e.g., 50:1).
4. Fill Chain Oil Tank: Use STIHL chain oil or equivalent.
5. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, lockout, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Never operate a chainsaw without proper chain tension and lubrication.

Specifications

• Engine Type: Air-cooled, 2-stroke single cylinder.
• Displacement: Varies by model (e.g., 30.1 cc to 91.1 cc).
• Power Output: Varies by model (e.g., 1.5 kW to 6.4 kW).
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: Typically 50:1 (Gasoline:STIHL HP Ultra Oil).
• Guide Bar Lengths: Available in various lengths (e.g., 12" to 36").
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: Varies (e.g., 3/8" PM, .325", .063" gauge).
• Weight (powerhead only): Varies by model (e.g., 4.4 lbs to 16.5 lbs).
• Sound Pressure Level: Typically 100-115 dB(A). Hearing protection required.

Controls & Functions

Description of primary controls.

Master Control Lever: Choke position (cold start), run position, stop position.

Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Release to idle.

Throttle Trigger Lockout: Must be depressed before throttle trigger can be engaged.

Chain Brake: Can be activated manually (by hand) or automatically (by inertia). Stops the chain instantly.

Decompression Valve (if equipped): Reduces compression for easier starting.

Primer Bulb (if equipped): Pumps fuel into carburetor for easier starting.

Chain Tensioning Screw: For adjusting chain slack.

Starting Procedure

Safe starting method (on the ground).

1. Engage the chain brake by pushing the hand guard forward until it clicks.
2. Place saw on firm, flat ground. Ensure bar and chain are clear of obstacles.
3. Activate decompression valve if equipped.
4. Press primer bulb 5-10 times if equipped.
5. Set Master Control Lever to choke position (cold start) or run position (warm start).
6. Hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle guard.
7. Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires (1-5 pulls).
8. Move Master Control Lever to run position immediately.
9. Pull starter rope again to start engine.
10. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle. Chain brake should remain engaged.

WARNING! Never drop-start or start a chainsaw while holding it in the air.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Basic cutting principles.

1. Grip: Hold saw firmly with both hands, thumbs wrapped around handles.
2. Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, balanced.
3. Kickback Zone: Avoid contacting with the upper quarter of the bar tip.
4. Bucking (cutting felled logs): Support log properly. Cut from top. Use a wedge for logs under tension.
5. Felling: Notify others. Plan escape path. Make notch cut and felling back cut. Use wedges if needed.
6. Limbing: Stand uphill. Let chain do the work. Beware of spring poles.

Tip: Always cut at full throttle. Do not let the tip of the bar contact the ground or other objects.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance tasks.

Chain Sharpening & Bar Care

Maintaining the cutting system.

1. Sharpening: Use correct round file size for chain. Maintain proper filing angle (typically 30°). File all cutters to equal length. File depth gauges with a flat file and gauge.
2. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly. Flip bar periodically for even wear. File down any burrs on rails.
3. Chain Lubrication: Always run with oiler on. Check oil flow by pointing bar tip at a light surface and running at full throttle; a line of oil should appear.

CAUTION! A dull chain is dangerous and causes excessive wear. Always wear gloves when handling chain.

Storage Guidelines

Preparing your chainsaw for storage.

1. Drain all fuel from the tank and run the engine until it stops to clear the carburetor.
2. Remove spark plug, add a teaspoon of engine oil into cylinder, pull starter rope slowly to coat interior, reinstall plug.
3. Clean entire saw thoroughly, removing sawdust and resin.
4. Remove chain and bar, clean, and coat with oil.
5. Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

WARNING! Never store a chainsaw with fuel in the tank for more than 30 days. Fuel can degrade and damage the engine.

Troubleshooting

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

Support: For model-specific information, visit www.stihlusa.com or contact STIHL customer service.