STIHL 211 Chainsaw Manual

The STIHL 211 is a lightweight, easy-to-handle chainsaw designed for homeowners and occasional users. It features a powerful 2-stroke engine, STIHL Quickstop® inertia chain brake, Ematic™ lubrication system, and STIHL ErgoStart™ for easier starting. 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, throttle trigger, master control lever, fuel tank, oil tank, and handle system.

Safety Information

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

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear chainsaw chaps or pants, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and sturdy boots.
2. Operating Area: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 feet away. Ensure secure footing.
3. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip. Avoid contact.
4. Chain Brake: Test function before each use. Engage when carrying or not cutting.
5. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area, engine off and cool. Use STIHL MotoMix® or proper fuel/oil mix.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. The chain brake is not a substitute for safe operating practices.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket and onto bar rails with cutters facing forward. Tighten bar nuts hand-tight.
2. Tension Chain: Lift bar tip, use scrench to adjust tensioning screw until chain fits snug against bar. Tighten bar nuts fully. Chain should pull smoothly around bar.
3. Fill Fuel Tank: Use STIHL MotoMix® (50:1 premix) or mix high-quality 2-cycle oil with 89 octane gasoline. Shake container before filling.
4. Fill Chain Oil Tank: Use STIHL chain oil or a quality biodegradable bar & chain oil.
5. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and master control lever move freely. Test chain brake activation.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling the chain. Ensure chain is properly tensioned before operation.

Specifications

• Model: STIHL MS 211.
• Engine Type: 2-stroke, single-cylinder.
• Displacement: 35.2 cm³.
• Power Output: 1.8 kW / 2.4 bhp.
• Maximum Engine Speed: 13,500 rpm.
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm.
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (if using STIHL 2-cycle oil).
• Ignition System: Electronic, capacitor discharge.
• Starting System: STIHL ErgoStart™.
• Chain Brake: STIHL Quickstop® inertia activated.
• Standard Guide Bar Lengths: 16" (40 cm), 18" (45 cm).
• Sound Pressure Level: Approx. 103 dB(A).
• Vibration Level (left/right): Approx. 3.5/4.0 m/s².

Controls and Components

Master Control Lever: Combines stop switch, choke, and run positions. Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed to engage throttle. Chain Brake Lever: Manual activation; inertia-activated. Decompression Valve: Reduces pulling force for starting. Fuel & Oil Caps: For respective tanks. Chain Tensioner: Adjusts chain slack.

Operation Positions: - STOP (0): Engine off. - START (Choke): For cold starting. - RUN (I): Normal operation. - WARM START (⭘): For restarting a warm engine.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

1. Engage chain brake. Place on firm ground.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set master control lever to START (choke).
4. Press throttle lockout and squeeze throttle trigger once, then release.
5. Pull starter handle until engine fires (usually 2-5 pulls).
6. Immediately move master control lever to WARM START (⭘).
7. Pull starter handle again. Engine should start. Let idle briefly.
8. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle. Disengage chain brake to cut.

Warm Start: Set master control lever directly to WARM START (⭘) and pull starter.

Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle. Move master control lever to STOP (0).

Tip: Always engage the chain brake when starting, carrying, or when the saw is not in your hands.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Use a firm, two-handed grip. Thumb wrapped under front handle.

1. Felling (Cutting down a tree): Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 tree diameter), then back cut. Use wedges if needed.
2. Limbing: Stand uphill. Cut branches from bottom to top, using the saw as a pivot.
3. Bucking (Cutting felled tree): Support log. Cut from top, avoid pinching. For logs on ground, cut 1/3 from top, roll, finish from bottom.
4. Kickback Prevention: Do not cut with bar tip. Maintain firm grip, high speed, and be aware of wood tension.

WARNING! Never operate above shoulder height. Be extremely cautious of kickback. Always plan an escape route when felling.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Perform daily and periodic maintenance for safe operation.

1. Daily: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Clean air intake and exterior. Check for loose fasteners.
2. Air Filter: Clean regularly. Remove, tap out debris, or wash in warm soapy water (if foam). Dry completely before reinstalling.
3. Spark Plug: Check gap (0.020" / 0.5 mm). Clean or replace if fouled.
4. Fuel Filter: Replace annually or if clogged.
5. Exhaust Port & Spark Arrestor Screen: Clean carbon deposits periodically.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance. Use only STIHL or approved replacement parts.

Chain & Bar Care

Proper care extends life and improves safety.

1. Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 5/32" or 4.0mm). Maintain correct filing angle (usually 30°). File all cutters evenly. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge.
2. Chain Tension: Check frequently when new. A properly tensioned chain should snap back against bar when pulled from middle link. Adjust when cool.
3. Bar Maintenance: Flip bar weekly for even wear. Clean bar groove and oil holes. Dress bar rails with a flat file if burred.
4. Lubrication: Ensure oiler is working. Chain should throw a fine line of oil. Adjust oil flow if adjustable.

Storage

Prepare saw for storage to prevent fuel system issues.

1. Run engine to use up fuel in carburetor, or add fuel stabilizer to tank and run for 2 minutes.
2. Clean entire saw, removing sawdust and resin.
3. Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil. Wipe bar clean and coat with oil.
4. Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

Long-Term Storage: For over 30 days, completely empty the fuel tank and run the engine until it stops.

Troubleshooting

Service: For major repairs or carburetor adjustment, contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer.

Support: Visit www.stihlusa.com or contact your local STIHL dealer.