STIHL MS 461 Manual

The STIHL MS 461 is a professional-grade chainsaw featuring a powerful 76.5 cc engine, advanced anti-vibration system, STIHL Quickstop® inertia chain brake, Ematic™ lubrication system, decompression valve for easy starting, side-access chain tensioner, and a range of safety and performance features. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 76.5 cc engine, STIHL Quickstop® inertia chain brake, Ematic™ lubrication system, decompression valve, side-access chain tensioner, anti-vibration system, and advanced air filtration.

Feature	Description
Engine Displacement	76.5 cc professional engine
Powerhead Weight	Approx. 7.5 kg (without cutting equipment)
Guide Bar Lengths	Recommended 50 cm (20") to 75 cm (30")
Fuel Tank Capacity	825 ml
Oil Tank Capacity	410 ml
Ignition System	STIHL Electronic Ignition (CDI)
Chain Brake	STIHL Quickstop® inertia activated
Anti-Vibration System	Advanced damping elements
Decompression Valve	Reduces starting resistance
Air Filtration	HD2 filter with pre-separation

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Wear proper protective equipment.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety helmet, hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, chainsaw protective pants, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of obstacles; ensure secure footing; keep bystanders at safe distance.
3. Chain Brake: Test chain brake before each use by engaging manually.
4. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of kickback zone; use reduced-kickback chain; maintain proper chain sharpness.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate when fatigued or under influence of substances.

Assembly & Preparation

Assemble chainsaw with proper guide bar and chain.

1. Mount Guide Bar: Remove bar cover nuts; position bar on studs; ensure tensioning pin engages in bar hole.
2. Install Chain: Place chain on bar with cutting teeth facing forward; ensure drive links engage in bar groove.
3. Tension Chain: Use side-access tensioner to adjust until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
4. Fill Fluids: Use STIHL MotoMix® or 50:1 fuel/oil mixture; fill chain oil reservoir with STIHL chain oil.

CAUTION! Use only STIHL-approved guide bars, chains, and lubricants. Incorrect assembly can cause chain derailment or damage.

Specifications

• Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder.
• Displacement: 76.5 cc.
• Power Output: 4.4 kW / 6.0 hp.
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm.
• Max Engine Speed: 13,500 rpm.
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL MotoMix® recommended).
• Spark Plug: Bosch WSR6F or equivalent.
• Sound Pressure Level: Approx. 106 dB(A).
• Vibration Levels: Front handle: 3.5 m/s²; rear handle: 4.5 m/s².
• Warranty: 12 months commercial use; 24 months private use.

Controls and Components

Master Control Lever: Combines choke, throttle lock, and stop functions. Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed to operate throttle. Chain Brake Lever: Manual engagement; inertia activation. Decompression Valve: Reduces cylinder pressure for easier starting. Side-Access Chain Tensioner: Allows adjustment without tools.

Main Components: Fuel tank cap, Oil tank cap, Air filter cover, Spark plug, Muffler, Chain catcher, Front handle, Rear handle, Anti-vibration elements.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure:

1. Engage chain brake.
2. Set Master Control Lever to choke position (full down).
3. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
4. Place saw on firm ground; hold rear handle with right foot.
5. Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires.
6. Move Master Control Lever to half-throttle position.
7. Pull starter rope again until engine starts.
8. Briefly blip throttle to disengage fast idle.

Stopping: Release throttle; push Master Control Lever up to STOP position.

Operation Guidelines

Proper cutting techniques ensure safety and efficiency.

1. Felling: Plan escape path; make notch cut; make felling cut leaving hinge wood.
2. Limbing: Work from trunk outward; keep saw stable; avoid cutting with tip.
3. Bucking: Support log properly; cut from top down; avoid pinching chain.
4. Kickback Prevention: Maintain firm grip; don't cut with upper tip; use reduced-kickback chain.

Tip: Keep chain sharp and properly tensioned. Let saw do the work; don't force it.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication; test chain brake; check all fasteners. Weekly: Clean air filter; check spark plug; clean cooling fins. Monthly: Clean fuel filter; replace spark plug if needed; check anti-vibration elements. As Needed: Replace chain, bar, sprocket; clean exhaust system.

Chain & Bar Care

Proper maintenance extends equipment life.

1. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch; maintain proper filing angle (typically 30°).
2. Depth Gauges: File depth gauges to proper height (0.65 mm below cutter).
3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove; flip bar regularly; dress rails with flat file.
4. Lubrication: Ensure oiler is working; adjust flow as needed for conditions.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. A sharp chain is safer than a dull one.

Storage Guidelines

Long-term storage preparation:

1. Empty fuel tank and run carburetor dry.
2. Remove chain; clean and oil all metal parts.
3. Clean entire saw; check for damage.
4. Store in dry place, protected from dust and moisture.
5. For storage over 30 days: Add fuel stabilizer or use STIHL MotoMix® which contains stabilizer.

WARNING! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods. Fuel deterioration can damage carburetor.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark/flooded/old fuel	Check spark plug; use fresh fuel; follow cold start procedure.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter/clogged fuel filter	Clean/replace air filter; replace fuel filter.
Chain doesn't turn	Brake engaged/chain too tight	Disengage chain brake; adjust chain tension.
Excessive vibration	Loose components/worn AV elements	Tighten all fasteners; check anti-vibration system.
Chain oil not flowing	Empty tank/clogged oil passages	Fill oil tank; clean oil passages; check oil pump.
Overheating	Dirty cooling fins/lean mixture	Clean cooling fins; check carburetor adjustment.

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

Support: STIHL USA, 536 Viking Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. Phone: 1-800-GO-STIHL. Website: www.stihlusa.com