STIHL Manuals Online

STIHL is a leading manufacturer of outdoor power equipment including chainsaws, trimmers, blowers, and hedge trimmers. This online manual portal provides access to user manuals, safety instructions, maintenance guides, and troubleshooting information for various STIHL products. Below are key sections covering product overviews, safety guidelines, operation instructions, maintenance procedures, and technical support.

Product Categories

STIHL offers a comprehensive range of outdoor power equipment designed for professional and residential use.

Category	Product Examples
Chainsaws	MS 170, MS 250, MS 362, MS 661
Trimmers & Brushcutters	FS 38, FS 56 RC-E, FS 131
Blowers & Vacuums	BG 50, BG 86, SH 86
Hedge Trimmers	HS 45, HS 82 T, HLA 65
Cut-off Machines	TS 410, TS 420, TS 500i
Power Tools	BGA 45, BGA 85, FSA 45
Protective Equipment	Helmets, gloves, chaps, hearing protection
Accessories	Chains, bars, spark plugs, filters

Safety Guidelines

Always read the manual before operating any STIHL equipment. Follow all safety instructions to prevent injury.

1. Wear appropriate PPE: Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, sturdy boots, and chainsaw chaps when applicable.
2. Inspect equipment before use: Check for loose parts, damaged components, and proper chain tension (chainsaws).
3. Clear work area: Remove obstacles and ensure no bystanders are within 15 feet.
4. Proper fueling: Use correct fuel/oil mix; refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool.
5. Safe starting: Place unit on ground, engage chain brake (chainsaws), follow starting procedure.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate equipment while fatigued or under the influence.

Operation Instructions

Proper operation ensures optimal performance and extends equipment life.

1. Starting procedure: Set master control lever to cold start position, prime (if equipped), pull starter cord smoothly.
2. Warm-up: Allow engine to idle for 30-60 seconds before applying load.
3. Operating techniques: Maintain firm grip, use proper stance, let tool do the work without forcing.
4. Shut-down: Allow engine to idle briefly, move master control to STOP position.
5. Transportation: Engage chain brake (chainsaws), ensure cutting attachment is secured.

CAUTION! Always operate with both hands. Keep all body parts away from cutting attachments during operation.

Maintenance Procedures

• Daily Maintenance: Clean air filter, check chain tension and sharpness, inspect for damage.
• Weekly Maintenance: Clean cooling fins, check spark plug, inspect fuel filter.
• Monthly Maintenance: Clean carburetor air intake, check anti-vibration elements, inspect starter.
• Seasonal Maintenance: Drain fuel system for storage, sharpen/replace chain, replace worn parts.
• Lubrication: Use STIHL chain oil or approved equivalent; check oiler function regularly.
• Cleaning: Remove debris from housing and cooling system; use compressed air carefully.
• Storage: Store in dry place, empty fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer, protect from dust.

Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions for STIHL equipment.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Empty fuel tank, flooded engine, spark plug issue	Check fuel level, wait 10 minutes if flooded, clean/replace spark plug.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, clogged fuel filter, carburetor adjustment	Clean/replace air filter, replace fuel filter, adjust carburetor.
Chain won't turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch issues, sprocket wear	Disengage chain brake, inspect clutch and sprocket, replace if worn.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, unbalanced cutting attachment, worn AV mounts	Tighten all fasteners, balance cutting attachment, replace AV mounts.
Overheating	Dirty cooling fins, improper fuel mix, carburetor issues	Clean cooling fins, use correct fuel mix (50:1), adjust carburetor.

Parts & Accessories

Genuine STIHL parts ensure optimal performance and safety.

1. Chainsaw chains: Choose correct pitch, gauge, and drive link count for your model.
2. Guide bars: Various lengths and types (laminated, solid, lightweight).
3. Air filters: Regular and HD (heavy duty) options for dusty conditions.
4. Spark plugs: Proper heat range for your operating conditions.
5. Fuel filters: Replace annually or when clogged.
6. Cutting attachments: Trimmer heads, blades, brush cutter blades.

Tip: Always use STIHL-approved parts and accessories to maintain warranty and ensure compatibility.

Warranty Information

STIHL offers limited warranties on products and emissions systems.

1. Residential warranty: Typically 1 year on powerheads, 90 days on cutting attachments.
2. Commercial warranty: Varies by product; some professional models have extended coverage.
3. Emissions warranty: Federally mandated coverage on emissions-related components.
4. Registration: Register your product online or at authorized dealer for warranty validation.
5. Claims: Contact authorized STIHL dealer with proof of purchase and product serial number.

WARNING! Warranty void if product used with non-STIHL parts, improper fuel, or commercial use of residential products.

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for common STIHL product categories.

Model	Engine Displacement	Power Output	Weight	Guide Bar Length
MS 170	30.1 cc	1.5 kW	5.5 lbs	12-16 in
MS 250	45.4 cc	2.3 kW	10.1 lbs	16-18 in
FS 56 RC-E	27.2 cc	0.8 kW	10.6 lbs	N/A
BG 86	27.2 cc	0.7 kW	8.6 lbs	N/A
HS 82 T	27.2 cc	0.7 kW	11.2 lbs	24 in blade

Environmental Guidelines

STIHL is committed to environmental responsibility.

1. Proper fuel mix: Use high-quality 2-stroke oil at 50:1 ratio (most models).
2. Spill prevention: Use fuel containers with spouts; clean spills immediately.
3. Noise reduction: Operate during appropriate hours; use hearing protection.
4. Emissions compliance: STIHL engines meet EPA and CARB standards.
5. Recycling: Recycle oil containers, metal parts, and packaging appropriately.

CAUTION! Never dispose of fuel or oil in drains, soil, or trash. Take to approved recycling centers.

Regulatory Compliance

STIHL products comply with applicable safety and environmental regulations.

• EPA Phase III: All STIHL engines meet EPA emissions requirements.
• CARB: California Air Resources Board certified where applicable.
• ANSI: Chainsaws meet ANSI B175.1 safety standards.
• OSHA: Equipment designed to help meet OSHA workplace safety requirements.
• EU Directives: CE marked products comply with European directives.
• ISO: Quality management systems certified to ISO 9001 standards.

Contact & Support

Support Type	Contact Method	Details
Customer Service	Phone	1-800-467-8445 (Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm EST)
Technical Support	Phone/Email	1-800-467-8445 or [email protected]
Dealer Locator	Website	www.stihlusa.com/dealer-locator
Online Manuals	Website	www.stihlusa.com/manuals
Parts Orders	Dealer/Online	Contact local dealer or www.stihlpartsdirect.com
Warranty Claims	Authorized Dealer	Visit with product and proof of purchase
Training	Website/Dealer	Online videos and dealer training sessions

Emergency: For immediate safety concerns, stop using equipment and contact dealer.

Website: www.stihlusa.com | Email: [email protected]