MS210 Stihl Chainsaw Manual

The Stihl MS210 is a lightweight, professional-grade gasoline chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a powerful 2-stroke engine, anti-vibration system, Quickstop® inertia chain brake, STIHL Ematic™ lubrication system, 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, saw chain, chain brake lever, throttle trigger lockout, master control lever, fuel and oil caps.

Feature	Description
Engine	2-stroke, single-cylinder gasoline engine with electronic ignition
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces operator fatigue during extended use
Quickstop® Inertia Chain Brake	Stops chain rotation in kickback situations
STIHL Ematic™ Lubrication	Efficient oil delivery to bar and chain
Easy2Start™	Reduces pulling force required for starting
Master Control Lever	Combines choke, stop, and run functions
Decompression Valve	Eases starting by reducing cylinder pressure
Side-Access Chain Tensioner	Allows easy chain adjustment without tools
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.42 US pt (0.2 l)
Oil Tank Capacity	0.25 US pt (0.12 l)

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operation. Always wear proper PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of obstacles, ensure secure footing, keep bystanders away.
3. Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly with both hands, avoid contact with bar tip, use reduced-kickback chain.
4. Fuel Safety: Mix fuel outdoors, use approved gasoline and STIHL 2-stroke oil, store in approved container.

WARNING! Chainsaw kickback can cause severe injury or death. Always engage chain brake when not cutting.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach guide bar: Remove bar cover nuts, position bar on studs, align chain drive links with sprocket.
2. Install chain: Place chain on bar with cutters facing forward, ensure proper direction of rotation.
3. Tension chain: Use side-access tensioner to achieve proper tension (slight sag on underside).
4. Fuel mixture: Use 50:1 mix of unleaded gasoline (min. 89 octane) and STIHL 2-stroke oil.
5. Fill tanks: Add fuel to fuel tank, chain oil to oil tank. Wipe away spills immediately.

CAUTION! Never operate with loose chain or without proper lubrication.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 2.0 cu in (32.2 cm³)
• Power Output: 1.8 kW (2.4 bhp)
• Weight (without cutting attachment): 9.5 lb (4.3 kg)
• Recommended Guide Bar Lengths: 12" to 16" (30 cm to 40 cm)
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" PMM3
• Chain Gauge: 0.050" (1.3 mm)
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL 2-stroke oil)
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm
• Maximum Power Speed: 13,000 rpm
• Sound Pressure Level: 104 dB(A)
• Vibration Level (front/rear handle): 4.5/2.5 m/s²

Controls and Components

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger and throttle trigger lockout. Rear Handle: Contains master control lever.

Master Control Lever Positions: STOP (0), RUN (I), START/CHOKE (⏻).

Chain Brake: Manual engagement via front hand guard; inertia-activated during kickback. Decompression Valve: Press to reduce cylinder pressure before starting. Chain Catcher: Prevents broken chain from striking operator. Muffler: Reduces exhaust noise and directs gases away.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure:

1. Engage chain brake by pushing hand guard forward.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set master control lever to START/CHOKE position (⏻).
4. Press throttle trigger lockout and squeeze throttle trigger once to set fast idle.
5. Place saw on ground, hold rear handle with right foot, pull starter handle until engine fires.
6. Move master control lever to RUN (I) position.
7. Pull starter handle again until engine starts.
8. Briefly squeeze throttle to disengage fast idle.

Warm Start: Set master control lever to RUN (I) and pull starter.

Stopping: Set master control lever to STOP (0).

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Basic Cutting:

1. Check chain tension and lubrication before each use.
2. Disengage chain brake by pulling hand guard toward you.
3. Hold saw firmly: left hand on front handle, right hand on rear handle.
4. Start cut at full throttle, let chain do the work without forcing.
5. For felling: Use proper notch and backcut techniques.
6. For limbing/bucking: Support log properly, cut from top whenever possible.
7. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with upper quarter of bar tip.

Tip: Maintain sharp chain for efficient cutting and reduced operator fatigue.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication
Daily	Clean air filter, check bar and chain for wear
Weekly	Clean spark arrestor screen, check spark plug
Monthly	Clean cooling fins, check fuel filter
Seasonally	Replace spark plug, clean carburetor
As needed	Replace chain, guide bar, sprocket

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Sharpening:

1. Secure bar in vise or use filing guide.
2. Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 5/32" for 3/8" PMM3).
3. File at 30° angle, maintaining original cutter shape.
4. File all cutters to equal length.
5. File depth gauges with flat file and gauge tool.

Tensioning:

1. Loosen bar nuts with combination wrench.
2. Turn tensioning screw clockwise to tighten chain.
3. Proper tension: Chain should snap back when pulled from bar.
4. Retighten bar nuts to 7-9 Nm torque.

Storage

Long-term Storage (over 30 days):

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
2. Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of oil to cylinder, pull starter 2-3 times, reinstall plug.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
4. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil, store separately.
5. Store in dry, cool place away from ignition sources.

WARNING! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark, fuel issues, flooded	Check spark plug, fuel mixture, set control to RUN, pull with throttle open
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, carburetor issues	Replace fuel filter, clean carburetor, check fuel lines
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, improper tension	Sharpen chain, adjust tension, check lubrication
Chain won't turn	Brake engaged, clutch issues	Disengage chain brake, check clutch springs and drum
Excessive vibration	Loose components, unbalanced chain	Tighten all fasteners, balance chain by sharpening evenly
Chain throws oil	Over-oiling, wrong oil viscosity	Adjust oiler, use STIHL chain oil

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

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