STIHL HT101 Pole Saw Owner's Manual

The STIHL HT101 is a professional-grade, lightweight pole pruner designed for extended reach trimming and pruning of tree branches. It features a powerful 2-stroke engine, an adjustable telescopic shaft, a high-performance cutting bar and chain, an anti-vibration system, and STIHL's QuickStop® inertia-activated chain brake. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2-stroke engine, Telescopic shaft, Cutting attachment (bar & chain), Anti-vibration handles, QuickStop® chain brake, Throttle trigger lockout, Decompression valve.

Safety Information

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

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, hard hat, and cut-resistant leg protection.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 50 feet away. Be aware of surroundings, especially power lines.
3. Tool Handling: Hold saw firmly with both hands. Never operate above shoulder height. Maintain secure footing.
4. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip. Do not let this area contact wood or other objects.

WARNING! Improper use can cause serious or fatal injury. Never operate when fatigued or under the influence. Always engage chain brake when not actively cutting.

Assembly & Preparation

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

1. Attach Cutting Head: Align the drive shaft with the coupling in the powerhead. Secure according to instructions.
2. Extend Telescopic Shaft: Loosen locking collar, extend to desired length, and re-tighten securely.
3. Fill Fuel Tank: Use only STIHL MotoMix® or a 50:1 mixture of high-octane gasoline and STIHL HP Ultra oil.
4. Fill Chain Oil Tank: Use STIHL chain oil or a quality biodegradable bar & chain oil.
5. Check Chain Tension: Chain should be snug against the bar but pull freely by hand. Adjust as needed.

CAUTION! Fuel is highly flammable. Refuel outdoors, away from sparks or flames. Allow engine to cool before refueling.

Specifications

• Engine Type: STIHL 2-stroke, single-cylinder.
• Displacement: [e.g., 31.8 cc] (Refer to specific model plate).
• Powerhead Weight: Approximately [e.g., 12.1 lbs] without cutting attachment.
• Maximum Reach: Approximately 12 feet (depending on shaft extension and operator height).
• Guide Bar Length: [e.g., 10-12 inches] (Model specific).
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: [e.g., 1/4" PM3] (Model specific).
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL MotoMix® recommended).
• Sound Power Level: [e.g., 112 dB(A)] - Wear hearing protection.
• Vibration Levels: Front/Rear handle values per applicable standards.

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Rear Handle Area: Throttle trigger, Throttle trigger lockout, Stop switch (I/O), Choke lever, Decompression valve, Primer bulb, Chain brake lever/hand guard.

Shaft & Front Handle: Telescopic locking collar, Front auxiliary handle, Drive shaft housing.

Cutting Head: Guide bar, Saw chain, Chain tensioner, Sprocket cover, Manual oiler button (if equipped).

Operation: Master Control Lever combines choke, stop, and run functions. Chain brake must be disengaged (pulled back toward rear handle) to cut. Engage it (push hand guard forward) when carrying or not cutting.

Fuel & Lubrication

Use only high-quality fuels and lubricants specified by STIHL.

1. Fuel: STIHL MotoMix® pre-mixed fuel is strongly recommended to ensure correct ratio and fuel freshness. If mixing, use 89 octane minimum gasoline and STIHL HP Ultra oil at a 50:1 ratio.
2. Chain Oil: Use STIHL chain oil or a high-quality biodegradable bar and chain oil for proper lubrication and reduced wear.
3. Checking Levels: Visually check fuel and chain oil levels before each use. Fill as needed.
4. Storage: For storage over 30 days, drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to prevent carburetor issues.

Tip: Shake fuel container gently before refueling. Clean area around fuel cap to prevent debris from entering tank.

Starting & Operation

Follow cold or warm starting procedure.

1. Pre-Start Check: Ensure chain brake is ENGAGED (hand guard forward). Check chain tension and lubrication. Clear work area.
2. Cold Start: Press decompression valve (if equipped). Set Master Control lever to choke position (✱). Press primer bulb 5-10 times. Place saw on firm ground, hold rear handle with right foot, pull starter rope sharply until engine fires. Move Master Control to run position (兔子 symbol). Pull starter rope to start. Briefly blip throttle to disengage start-assist.
3. Warm Start: Set Master Control lever to run position (兔子). Pull starter rope.
4. To Begin Cutting: Disengage chain brake by pulling hand guard back toward rear handle. Squeeze throttle trigger to increase engine speed before contacting wood.
5. To Stop Engine: Release throttle, allow engine to idle. Move stop switch to "O" or push Master Control lever to stop position.

WARNING! Never drop-start or start the saw in mid-air. Always start on the ground, firmly secured.

Cutting Techniques

Proper technique ensures safety and efficiency.

1. Planning: Identify branch size, tension, and fall path. Clear escape path.
2. Positioning: Stand to the side of the cutting plane. Keep both feet firmly planted. Do not overreach.
3. Basic Cut: Let the chain do the work; avoid forcing the bar. Use the bumper spike (if equipped) as a pivot point.
4. Pruning: Make an undercut first, then a top cut slightly farther out on the branch to prevent bark tearing.
5. Kickback Avoidance: Be especially mindful of the guide bar tip. Do not cut with the upper quadrant. Maintain a firm grip.
6. Pinning: Be aware that the guide bar can become pinched. Plan cuts to avoid this, or use wedges.

WARNING! Never cut with the tip of the bar. Never operate the saw with one hand.

Maintenance & Storage

Regular maintenance ensures long life and safe operation.

Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension and sharpness. Check fuel/oil levels. Clean air intake area. Inspect for loose nuts/bolts and damage.

Weekly/Periodic: Clean spark arrestor screen (if equipped). Check and clean chain brake mechanism. Inspect guide bar for wear and groove condition. Clean saw exterior.

Chain Sharpening: Use correct round file and guide. Maintain correct filing angle (typically 30°). File all cutters evenly. Check depth gauges.

End-of-Season Storage: Drain fuel tank and run carburetor dry. Remove, clean, and oil chain & guide bar. Clean entire unit. Store in a dry, secure place.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug boot before performing any maintenance other than refueling or chain tensioning.

Regulatory Information

This power tool generates noise and vibration. Wear hearing protection. This machine is designed for outdoor use only. Complies with relevant ANSI, EPA, and CARB standards where applicable. STIHL and QuickStop are registered trademarks of ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG. For the latest safety and operation videos, genuine parts, and to locate your nearest STIHL servicing dealer, visit www.stihlusa.com or contact customer service at 1-800-467-8445.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance (carburetor, ignition, internal components), contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. Use only STIHL branded replacement parts.

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