STIHL MS 280 Chainsaw Manual

The STIHL MS 280 is a professional-grade gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a powerful engine with STIHL's advanced engine management, an anti-vibration system, a Quickstop® inertia chain brake, an Ematic™ lubrication system, and a side-access chain tensioner. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine with decompression valve, anti-vibration system, Quickstop® inertia chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, Ematic™ lubrication system, and STIHL ElastoStart™ starter handle.

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operating. Always wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

1. PPE Required: Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of obstacles and bystanders. Ensure secure footing.
3. Fuel Safety: Mix fuel outdoors. Use STIHL MotoMix® or mix 50:1 with high-quality 2-stroke oil and 89+ octane gasoline. Store fuel in approved containers.
4. Chain Brake Check: Test function before each use by pulling the hand guard forward.
5. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of the kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip). Never cut with this area.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Keep hands and feet away from the cutting area. Never operate when fatigued or under the influence.

Assembly & Preparation

Assemble the chainsaw before first use.

1. Attach Guide Bar and Chain: Place bar on studs. Loop chain over sprocket and onto bar, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top. Install bar nut and cover, then tension chain.
2. Fill Fuel Tank: Use correct fuel/oil mixture. Clean area around cap before opening.
3. Fill Chain Oil Tank: Use STIHL chain oil or a quality substitute. Check oiler function.
4. Check Chain Tension: Chain should be snug against the bar but pull freely by hand. Re-tension when cold.

CAUTION! Ensure the chain brake is disengaged (hand guard pulled back) before starting.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 3.4 cu in (55.5 cm³)
• Power Output: 3.0 bhp (2.2 kW)
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL 2-Stroke Oil)
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm
• Maximum Power Speed: 13,000 rpm
• Ignition System: STIHL Electronic Ignition (CDI)
• Spark Plug: Bosch WSR 6 F or equivalent, gap 0.020" (0.5 mm)
• Sound Pressure Level: Approx. 106 dB(A)
• Vibration Level (front/rear handle): Approx. 4.5/2.5 m/s²
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" PM / .050" (1.3 mm)

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before operation.

Main Controls: Master Control Lever (combines stop switch, choke, and throttle interlock), Throttle Trigger, Throttle Trigger Lockout, Chain Brake Hand Guard, Decompression Valve, Fuel Pump (Primer), Chain Tensioner.

Components: Muffler, Spark Arrestor Screen, Air Filter Cover, Fuel Cap, Oil Cap, Front Hand Guard, Rear Handle, Fuel Tank, Oil Tank, Spark Plug, Starter Grip.

Operation: Master Control Lever settings: STOP (0), RUN (I), START/CHOKE (II). The throttle trigger lockout must be depressed before the throttle can be engaged.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure:

1. Engage chain brake by pushing hand guard forward.
2. Set Master Control Lever to START/CHOKE (II).
3. Press fuel pump (primer) bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
4. Place saw on firm ground. Hold rear handle with right foot, grip front handle with left hand.
5. Pull starter cord sharply until engine fires (usually 2-5 pulls).
6. Immediately move Master Control Lever to RUN (I).
7. Pull starter cord again until engine starts. Let idle for 10-15 seconds.
8. Disengage chain brake by pulling hand guard back towards you.

Warm Start: Set lever to RUN (I). No choke or priming needed.

Stopping: Release throttle. Set Master Control Lever to STOP (0).

Operating Instructions

Proper technique is critical for safety and efficiency.

1. Basic Cutting Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward. Hold saw firmly with both hands.
2. Starting a Cut: Apply light throttle, let chain touch wood, then increase to full throttle. Let the chain do the work; do not force.
3. Bucking (cutting felled logs): Support log off ground. Cut from top down. Beware of pinch points; use wedges for large logs.
4. Limbing: Cut branches from bottom of tree working towards top. Keep trunk between you and the saw.
5. Kickback Prevention: Maintain a firm grip. Do not cut with the tip. Be aware of wood tension and binding.

WARNING! Never operate the saw above shoulder height or with one hand. Always plan an escape path from falling wood.

Maintenance Schedule

Chain & Bar Care

1. Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 5/32" or 4.0mm). Maintain correct filing angle (typically 30°). File all cutters to equal length. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge.
2. Chain Tension: Check when cold. Correct tension: snug against bar, but can be pulled around by hand. Re-tension after first few minutes of new chain use.
3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly. Flip bar weekly for even wear. Dress bar rails with a flat file if burred.
4. 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 or poorly maintained chain increases kickback risk and operator fatigue.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days:

1. Drain fuel tank completely and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
2. Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of engine oil into cylinder, pull starter cord 2-3 times, reinstall plug.
3. Clean entire saw thoroughly.
4. Remove chain and bar, clean, and coat with oil.
5. Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

Tip: Use STIHL MotoMix® pre-mixed fuel to avoid fuel system issues from stale fuel.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. Use only genuine STIHL replacement parts.

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