stihl ms290 manual download

The STIHL MS 290 is a robust and reliable mid-range chainsaw, part of the STIHL Farm Boss® series. It is designed for demanding property maintenance, firewood cutting, and general felling tasks. This manual covers essential safety instructions, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications. Always read and understand the entire manual before operating the saw.

1. Safety Instructions & Warnings 2. Features & Components 3. Assembly & Initial Setup 4. Technical Specifications 5. Controls & Operation 6. Fuel & Lubrication 7. Chain & Guide Bar Maintenance 8. Routine Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage Instructions 10. Troubleshooting Guide

Safety Instructions & Warnings

Operating a chainsaw is dangerous. Failure to follow safety rules can result in serious injury or death.

Hazard	Precaution
Kickback	Always hold saw firmly with both hands. Use a low-kickback chain. Do not let the bar nose contact any object.
Reactive Forces	Be prepared for push, pull, and pushback forces. Maintain secure footing and balance.
Hearing Damage	Wear approved hearing protection during operation.
Eye & Lung Injury	Always wear safety glasses, face shield, and a dust mask.
Fire & Explosion	Fuel is highly flammable. Refuel in a well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Wipe off spills.
Vibration	Take frequent breaks to avoid Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).

WARNING! Never operate a chainsaw when tired, ill, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Keep bystanders and pets at a safe distance.

Features & Components

The MS 290 features a powerful 56.5cc STIHL engine, anti-vibration system, quick-stop chain brake, and side-access chain tensioner.

Engine: 2-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled.
Ignition: Electronic, capacitor discharge (CDI).
Fuel System: Diaphragm carburetor with manual choke.
Starter: STIHL ElastoStart™ for reduced pulling effort.
Chain Brake: Inertia-activated for kickback protection.
Chain Oiling: Automatic and manual oiling system.
Decompression Valve: Eases starting.

Assembly & Initial Setup

Assembling your new MS 290 from the box.

Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain onto sprocket and bar groove. Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Tighten bar nuts.
Fill Oil Tank: Use STIHL or approved biodegradable chain oil. Check for leaks.
Mix Fuel: Use 89+ octane gasoline mixed with STIHL HP Ultra 2-stroke oil at a 50:1 ratio. Shake well.
Fill Fuel Tank: Add mixed fuel to tank.
Check Chain Tension: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand. Re-tension after initial run-in period.

CAUTION! Never run the saw without proper chain lubrication. Ensure all fasteners are tight before operation.

Technical Specifications

Engine Displacement: 56.5 cc (3.45 cu. in.)
Power Output: 3.4 bhp (2.5 kW)
Weight (powerhead): 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg)
Fuel Tank Volume: 16.9 fl. oz. (500 ml)
Oil Tank Volume: 11.1 fl. oz. (330 ml)
Guide Bar Lengths (recommended): 16", 18", 20"
Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" PM / .063" (1.6 mm)
Sound Pressure Level: 112 dB(A)
Vibration Levels (front/rear): 5.5/4.5 m/s²

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Main Controls: Master Control Lever (Choke/Start/Run/Stop), Throttle Trigger & Lockout, Chain Brake Lever, Decompression Valve, Primer Bulb, Choke Knob.

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

Engage Chain Brake (forward position).
Press decompression valve (if equipped).
Set Master Control to Choke (full down).
Press primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
Place saw on ground, hold firmly with foot in rear handle.
Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires (usually 2-5 pulls).
Immediately move Master Control to Half-Throttle position (mid-notch).
Pull starter rope again to start. Engine will run at fast idle.
Blip throttle to disengage fast idle. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

WARNING! Always start the saw on the ground, never drop-start.

Fuel & Lubrication

Proper fuel and oil are critical for performance and engine life.

Fuel Mix: Always use 50:1 gasoline to STIHL HP Ultra oil. Do not use automotive oil or fuel older than 60 days.
Chain Oil: Use STIHL chain oil or a high-quality biodegradable alternative. In cold weather, use winter-grade oil.
Checking Oil Flow: Run saw at full throttle, pointed at a light surface (like a stump). A line of oil should appear.
Manual Oiling: Press the manual oiler plunger before and during heavy cuts to ensure adequate lubrication.

Tip: Store fuel mix in an approved, labeled container.

Chain & Guide Bar Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal cutting and safety.

Sharpening: Use a round file and file guide matching your chain pitch (e.g., 5/32" for 3/8" PM). File all cutters to the same length at the recommended angle (typically 30°).
Depth Gauge Setting: Use a depth gauge tool to lower rakers (depth gauges) after several sharpenings.
Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly. Flip bar weekly for even wear. Dress bar rails with a flat file if burred.
Chain Tension: Check frequently when hot. Correct tension: snug against bar but pull freely by hand.
Sprocket: Inspect drive sprocket for wear; replace if teeth are hooked or worn.

WARNING! A dull or poorly maintained chain increases kickback risk and operator fatigue.

Routine Maintenance Schedule

Follow this schedule to keep your saw in top condition.

Interval	Task
Daily / Before Use	Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Check all fasteners for tightness. Inspect for damage.
Every 5 Hours	Clean air filter (tap out debris, wash in soapy water if foam). Check spark plug condition.
Every 20 Hours	Clean spark arrestor screen in muffler. Clean cooling fins. Check fuel filter.
Every 100 Hours	Replace fuel filter and air filter. Check anti-vibration elements. Have carburetor adjustments checked by a dealer.
Annually	Replace spark plug. Have dealer check piston/cylinder through exhaust port.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Long-Term Storage (over 30 days):
Run the engine until it stops to empty the carburetor.
Drain all fuel from the tank into an approved container.
Start the engine again and let it run until it stops to use up drained fuel.
Remove chain, clean it, and store it in oil.
Clean the entire saw, especially the cooling fins and air intake.
Store in a dry, dust-free place, away from children.

CAUTION! Never store a saw with fuel in the tank for extended periods. Old fuel will gum up the carburetor.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No spark, old fuel, flooded, clogged air filter, master control position	Check spark plug. Use fresh fuel. Set control to half-throttle and pull with throttle open. Clean air filter.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, dirty carburetor, faulty fuel line	Replace fuel filter. Have carburetor serviced. Inspect fuel lines.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, spark arrestor screen, improper fuel mix, dull chain	Clean air filter and spark arrestor. Use correct 50:1 mix. Sharpen chain.
Chain does not oil	Empty oil tank, clogged oil passages, worn oil pump	Fill tank. Clean bar groove and oil holes. Check oil pickup filter. Service oil pump.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, damaged anti-vibration mounts, unbalanced chain	Tighten all fasteners. Have mounts inspected. Sharpen chain evenly.
Chain runs at idle	Idle speed too high, clutch springs worn	Adjust idle speed screw (by dealer). Replace clutch springs.

Reset: For electronic issues, disconnect spark plug wire for 1 minute to reset ignition module.

Service: For major repairs, contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. Find one at www.stihlusa.com or call 1-800-467-8445.