Stihl MS211C Manual

The Stihl MS211C is a lightweight, professional-grade chainsaw featuring a 35.2 cc STIHL engine, Easy2Start™ system, Ematic™ lubrication, STIHL Quickstop® inertia chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, and anti-vibration system. Designed for occasional users and professionals requiring a reliable, easy-to-handle saw for cutting firewood, pruning, and general property maintenance. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: STIHL 35.2 cc engine, guide bar, saw chain, Ematic™ lubrication system, side-access chain tensioner, master control lever, and anti-vibration handles.

Feature	Description
Engine	35.2 cc STIHL single-cylinder two-stroke engine
Easy2Start™	Reduces pulling force required for starting
Ematic™ System	Precision chain lubrication for reduced oil consumption
Quickstop® Inertia Brake	Automatically activates chain brake in kickback situations
Side-Access Tensioner	Allows chain adjustment without removing side cover
Master Control Lever	Combines choke, throttle lock, and stop switch functions
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces operator fatigue during extended use
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.53 US pt (0.25 l)
Oil Tank Capacity	0.42 US pt (0.20 l)
Recommended Bar Lengths	16" or 18" (varies by model)

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions 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 obstacles, ensure secure footing, keep bystanders at least 15 feet away.
3. Kickback Awareness: Understand kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip); never cut with this area.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area, engine off and cool. Use STIHL MotoMix® or 50:1 fuel/oil mix.
5. Chain Brake Test: Test function before each use by pulling front hand guard toward bar.

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

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble on a clean, flat surface.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Remove side cover. Place bar over studs, align chain with drive sprocket and bar groove. Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Replace side cover and hand-tighten nuts.
2. Tension Chain: Using side-access tensioner, turn clockwise until chain fits snugly against bar but can be pulled around by hand. Tighten side cover nuts securely.
3. Fill Fuel Tank: Use STIHL MotoMix® (pre-mixed) or mix STIHL 2-cycle oil with 89+ octane gasoline at 50:1 ratio. Shake gently before filling.
4. Fill Oil Tank: Use STIHL chainsaw bar & chain oil. Do not use waste or recycled oil.
5. Check Chain Lubrication: Start saw, hold tip over light-colored surface, and run at half throttle. A line of oil should appear.

CAUTION! Ensure chain brake is disengaged (pulled back toward operator) before starting.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 35.2 cc (2.15 cu. in.)
• Power Output: 1.8 kW (2.4 bhp)
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL 2-cycle oil)
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm
• Max. Engine Speed: 13,500 rpm
• Sound Pressure Level: 103 dB(A)
• Sound Power Level: 116 dB(A)
• Vibration Levels (Front/Rear): 3.5/2.5 m/s²
• Weight (without cutting equipment): 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg)
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" PMM / .050" (1.3 mm)

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Right Side: Rear handle with throttle trigger and throttle trigger lockout. Front hand guard (activates chain brake when pushed forward). Master Control Lever (choke, run, stop positions).

Left Side: Side-access chain tensioner. Chain oil filler cap. Muffler.

Top/Front: Fuel filler cap. Decompression valve (if equipped). Spark plug. Air filter cover.

Operation: Master Control Lever: Set to choke (up) for cold start, run (middle) for operation or warm start, stop (down) to stop engine. Throttle Trigger Lockout: Must be depressed before throttle trigger can be engaged. Chain Brake: Engage manually by pushing hand guard forward; disengage by pulling back toward operator.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

1. Place saw on firm ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set Master Control Lever to choke position (up).
4. Press throttle trigger lockout and squeeze throttle trigger once, then release.
5. Pull starter handle slowly until engaged, then pull briskly. Repeat until engine fires.
6. Immediately move Master Control Lever to run position (middle).
7. Pull starter handle again to start engine. Allow to idle briefly.
8. Disengage chain brake by pulling hand guard back.

Warm Start: Set Master Control Lever to run position (middle) and pull starter.

Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle. Set Master Control Lever to stop position (down).

Tip: Never drop-start or start above waist height.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Always maintain secure grip with both hands.

1. Basic Cutting Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward. Hold saw close to body.
2. Felling (Cutting Down a Tree): Plan escape path (45° angle to rear). Make notch cut (1/3 tree diameter) on felling side. Make felling cut from opposite side, leaving hinge wood.
3. Limbing: Stand uphill from log. Cut branches from bottom to top, using bar as a lever. Beware of spring-loaded branches.
4. Bucking (Cutting Log to Length): Support log off ground. Cut from top down for tension wood; from bottom up for compression wood.
5. Kickback Prevention: Keep saw at full throttle during cut. Do not let bar tip contact any object. Be aware of pinch points.

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

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check chain tension, sharpness, lubrication. Test chain brake. Inspect for loose fasteners.
Every 5 hours	Clean air filter. Check spark plug.
Every 20 hours	Clean spark arrestor screen (if equipped). Clean cooling fins.
Every 3 months	Clean fuel filter. Replace air filter if damaged.
Annually	Have saw inspected by authorized STIHL dealer.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Care

A sharp chain reduces effort and kickback risk.

1. Tools Needed: STIHL filing kit (round file, file guide, flat file, depth gauge tool).
2. Secure Saw: Clamp bar in vise. Ensure chain brake is engaged.
3. File Angle: Use 30° angle for top plate. Follow existing angle on cutter.
4. Filing Motion: Push file forward with light pressure; lift on return. Give each cutter the same number of strokes.
5. Depth Gauges: After several sharpenings, check depth gauges with tool. File down if above tool guide.
6. Check for Evenness: All cutters should be same length. Uneven cutters cause saw to pull to one side.

Tip: Sharpen chain at first sign of dullness (fine dust instead of chips).

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues.

1. Short-Term (under 30 days): Run carburetor dry or add fuel stabilizer to tank and run for 2 minutes.
2. Long-Term: Drain fuel tank completely. Run engine until it stops to empty carburetor. Remove chain and bar, clean and oil. Store in dry place.
3. Battery (if electric start model): Remove battery and store in cool, dry place. Charge every 6 months.

CAUTION! Never store saw with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer. Store out of reach of children.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No spark, flooded, old fuel	Check spark plug; set Master Control to run; use fresh fuel.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged air/fuel filter, vent	Clean/replace air filter; check fuel tank vent.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, clogged spark arrestor	Clean air filter and spark arrestor screen.
Chain does not turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch worn	Disengage chain brake; inspect clutch shoes.
Chain throws oil excessively	Oil pump setting too high	Adjust oil pump (see dealer).
Chain comes off bar	Loose chain, worn bar/chain	Tension chain properly; inspect for wear.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, unbalanced chain	Tighten all fasteners; sharpen chain evenly.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized STIHL dealer. Find a dealer at www.stihlusa.com or call 1-800-467-8445.