Chainsaw Manual Stihl

The Stihl chainsaw is a professional-grade power tool designed for cutting, pruning, and felling trees. It features a high-performance engine, automatic chain oiling, anti-vibration system, chain brake, and easy-start technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, guide bar, cutting chain, chain brake, throttle trigger, choke control, fuel tank, oil tank.

Feature	Description
Engine	2-stroke gasoline engine with easy-start system
Guide Bar	Various lengths available (14" to 20")
Cutting Chain	Low-kickback chain with safety features
Chain Brake	Automatic inertia-activated brake for safety
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces operator fatigue during extended use
Automatic Oiling	Lubricates chain during operation
Fuel Tank	Capacity: 0.5 - 0.7 liters
Oil Tank	For chain lubrication oil
Throttle Trigger	Controls engine speed
Choke Control	For cold starting

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operation. Wear proper protective equipment.

1. Always wear: Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.
2. Clear work area of obstacles and ensure secure footing.
3. Never operate with one hand or above shoulder height.
4. Keep bystanders at least 15 feet away.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety procedures can result in serious injury or death. Always engage chain brake when not cutting.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach guide bar: Loosen nuts, position bar on studs, align chain tensioning pin.
2. Install chain: Place chain over bar with cutting teeth facing forward.
3. Tension chain: Adjust tension screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
4. Mix fuel: Use 50:1 gasoline to 2-stroke oil ratio (Stihl HP Ultra recommended).
5. Fill tanks: Add fuel mix to fuel tank and bar/chain oil to oil tank.

CAUTION! Use only recommended oils. Improper fuel mix can damage engine.

Specifications

• Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder
• Displacement: 45.6 cc - 59.0 cc (model dependent)
• Power Output: 2.5 kW - 3.5 kW
• Fuel Capacity: 0.5 - 0.7 liters
• Oil Capacity: 0.25 - 0.35 liters
• Guide Bar Length: 14" to 20" options
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" or 0.325"
• Weight: 4.6 kg - 6.2 kg (without bar and chain)
• Sound Pressure: 105 dB(A) typical
• Vibration Level: 4.5 m/s² front handle, 4.0 m/s² rear handle

Controls and Functions

Main controls located on top and rear handle.

Front Handle: Chain brake lever, throttle trigger lockout, hand guard.

Rear Handle: Throttle trigger, choke control, master control lever, decompression valve (on some models).

Master Control Lever: Single lever controls choke, start, and run positions.

Chain Brake: Manual activation via front hand guard; automatic inertia activation.

Throttle Trigger Lockout: Must be depressed before throttle can be engaged.

Starting the Chainsaw

Follow proper starting procedure to avoid damage.

1. Place on firm, level ground.
2. Engage chain brake by pushing hand guard forward.
3. Set master control lever to choke position (cold start).
4. Press decompression valve if equipped.
5. Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires.
6. Move master control to half-throttle position.
7. Pull starter rope again until engine starts.
8. Briefly blip throttle to disengage choke.
9. Release chain brake before cutting.

Tip: For warm starts, set master control to run position only.

Operating Procedures

Proper technique ensures safety and efficiency.

1. Grip firmly: Left hand on front handle, right hand on rear handle.
2. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, weight balanced.
3. Start cut at full throttle, letting chain do the work.
4. For felling: Use proper notch and back cut techniques.
5. For limbing: Work from trunk outward, keeping saw below waist.
6. For bucking: Support log properly, cut from top side.
7. Never cut with tip of bar (kickback zone).
8. Take breaks to avoid fatigue.

WARNING! Beware of kickback. Always maintain secure grip and stance.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

1. Daily: Clean air filter, check chain tension, inspect bar for wear.
2. Weekly: Clean cooling fins, check spark plug, clean fuel filter.
3. Monthly: Clean exhaust screen, check anti-vibration elements.
4. Seasonally: Replace fuel filter, inspect clutch and sprocket.

Cleaning: Use brush to remove sawdust from housing and vents. Never use water or pressure washer.

Chain Sharpening

Sharp chain cuts efficiently and safely.

1. Secure bar in vise or use filing guide.
2. File each cutter with round file matching chain size.
3. Maintain 30° filing angle on top plate.
4. File all cutters to same length.
5. File depth gauges with flat file to proper height.
6. Check chain tension after sharpening.

CAUTION! Wear gloves when handling chain. Dull chain increases kickback risk.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues.

1. Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer for long-term storage.
2. Run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
3. Remove chain, clean and oil it, store separately.
4. Clean entire saw thoroughly.
5. Store in dry, cool place away from ignition sources.
6. Cover to prevent dust accumulation.

Important: Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark, flooded, old fuel	Check spark plug, wait if flooded, use fresh fuel mix.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, air leak	Replace fuel filter, check fuel lines and carburetor.
Chain doesn't turn	Brake engaged, clutch worn	Disengage chain brake, inspect clutch assembly.
Chain oil not flowing	Empty tank, clogged port	Fill oil tank, clean oil ports on bar.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, worn AV mounts	Tighten all fasteners, replace anti-vibration elements.
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, wrong filing	Sharpen chain properly, check depth gauges.
Chain throws off bar	Loose chain, worn sprocket	Adjust tension, replace bar and sprocket if worn.

Service: For complex repairs, contact authorized Stihl dealer. Use only genuine Stihl parts.

Support: 1-800-467-8445; www.stihlusa.com