STIHL MS 280 Manual

The STIHL MS 280 is a professional-grade chainsaw featuring a powerful 2-stroke engine, STIHL Quickstop® inertia chain brake, anti-vibration system, Ematic™ lubrication system, side-access chain tensioner, and tool-free air filter cover. Designed for demanding cutting tasks, it requires proper handling, maintenance, and safety precautions. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, guide bar, saw chain, chain brake, throttle trigger, master control lever, fuel tank, oil tank, and anti-vibration system.

Feature	Description
Engine	STIHL 2-stroke, single-cylinder engine with electronic ignition
Guide Bar	STIHL Rollomatic® E guide bar, various lengths available
Saw Chain	STIHL Oilomatic® saw chain with safety features
Chain Brake	STIHL Quickstop® inertia-activated chain brake
Master Control Lever	Combines choke, throttle lock, and stop functions
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces operator fatigue during extended use
Ematic™ Lubrication	Efficient oil delivery system for chain and bar
Side-Access Chain Tensioner	Allows easy chain adjustment without tools
Decompression Valve	Eases starting by reducing cylinder pressure
Air Filter System	Tool-free cover for easy cleaning and replacement

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps/pants, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Ensure secure footing and no tripping hazards.
3. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip where kickback occurs. Never cut with this part of the bar.
4. Chain Brake: Test chain brake function before each use. Engage when carrying or moving short distances.
5. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area, engine off and cool. Use STIHL MotoMix® or proper fuel/oil mix.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate when tired, under influence, or in poor weather conditions.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble with care.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs, fit chain with cutting teeth facing forward on top of bar, adjust tension.
2. Fill Fuel Tank: Use STIHL 50:1 2-stroke engine oil mixed with unleaded gasoline (min. 89 octane) or STIHL MotoMix®.
3. Fill Chain Oil Tank: Use STIHL chain oil or equivalent for lubrication.
4. Check Chain Brake: Pull hand guard toward front handle to engage; push back to disengage.
5. Inspect Chain Sharpness: Ensure chain is sharp; replace or sharpen if dull.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly tensioned—should snap back when pulled from guide bar. Loose chain can derail; overtightened chain can damage saw.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 55.5 cc (3.4 cu. in.)
• Power Output: 3.0 bhp (2.2 kW)
• Weight (powerhead): 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg)
• Fuel Tank Volume: 16.9 fl. oz. (0.5 L)
• Oil Tank Volume: 11.8 fl. oz. (0.35 L)
• Guide Bar Lengths: 16" to 20" (recommended)
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" PM / .050" (1.3 mm)
• Ignition System: STIHL Electronic Ignition (CDI)
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration Levels: Front/Rear handle: 4.5/2.5 m/s²

Controls and Functions

Master Control Lever: Choke position (cold start), run position, stop position. Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed; includes throttle lockout. Chain Brake Hand Guard: Inertia-activated; manual engagement. Decompression Valve: Reduces compression for easier starting. Side-Access Chain Tensioner: Adjust chain tension via screwdriver slot.

Starting Sequence: Set master control to choke (cold) or run (warm), press decompression valve (if equipped), engage throttle lockout, pull starter handle.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

1. Engage chain brake by pulling hand guard forward.
2. Set master control lever to choke position (full up).
3. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
4. Pump primer bulb 5-7 times (if equipped).
5. Place saw on ground, hold front handle with left hand, place right foot through rear handle.
6. Pull starter handle sharply until engine fires (usually 3-5 pulls).
7. Move master control lever to run position (middle).
8. Pull starter handle again to start engine.
9. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle.

Warm Start: Set master control to run position, follow steps 5-9.

Stopping: Release throttle, let engine idle, move master control lever to stop position.

Cutting Techniques

Always use proper stance and grip.

1. Felling: Plan escape path (45° angle behind tree). Make notch cut (1/3 tree diameter), then felling cut (2" above notch). Use wedges if needed.
2. Limbing: Stand uphill, cut branches from trunk using pulling chain (bottom of bar). Watch for spring-loaded branches.
3. Bucking: Support log properly. Cut from top with pushing chain (top of bar) for most cuts. For pinned logs, cut from bottom to avoid pinch.
4. Kickback Prevention: Maintain firm grip, don't overreach, never cut above shoulder height, be aware of bar tip contact.

WARNING! Never cut with the upper quadrant of the bar tip. Always plan your cut and escape route when felling.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Daily/Before Use	Check chain tension, sharpness, brake function; clean air filter; inspect guide bar; fill fuel/oil
Weekly/10 Hours	Clean spark arrestor screen; check spark plug; clean cooling fins; inspect anti-vibration elements
Monthly/50 Hours	Replace air filter; clean fuel filter; check fuel lines; clean chain brake band
Annually/100 Hours	Replace spark plug; clean carburetor (professional); check cylinder/piston; replace fuel filter

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance. Use only STIHL-approved parts.

Chain & Bar Care

Proper maintenance extends life and improves performance.

1. Sharpening: Use STIHL filing kit (round file, file guide, depth gauge). Maintain correct filing angle (30°). File all cutters equally.
2. Tensioning: Chain should snap back when pulled from bar. Adjust when cold. Recheck after first few cuts when warm.
3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly. Flip bar monthly for even wear. Dress bar rails with flat file if burred.
4. Lubrication: Always use proper chain oil. Check oil flow by holding saw over light surface at high RPM—oil line should appear.

Storage

For storage over 30 days:

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until carburetor is dry.
2. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil. Store separately.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
4. Store in dry, cool place, protected from dust.
5. For winter storage, fog engine with 2-stroke oil through spark plug hole.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods—fuel deteriorates and can damage carburetor.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark, flooded, stale fuel	Check spark plug; use fresh fuel; follow correct starting procedure
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, clogged fuel filter	Clean/replace air filter; replace fuel filter
Chain doesn't turn	Brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket damaged	Disengage brake; inspect clutch/sprocket; replace if worn
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, damaged AV mounts	Tighten all fasteners; check anti-vibration elements
Chain throws oil	Over-oiling, wrong oil viscosity	Adjust oiler (if adjustable); use proper chain oil
Chain dulls quickly	Cutting dirty wood, improper filing	Avoid ground contact; sharpen correctly with proper tools

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

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