STIHL MS 280 Chainsaw Manual

The STIHL MS 280 is a professional-grade chainsaw featuring a powerful 2-stroke engine, STIHL Quickstop® inertia chain brake, Ematic™ lubrication system, anti-vibration system, side-access chain tensioner, 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 anti-vibration system.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear chainsaw chaps, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and sturdy boots.
2. Chain Brake Check: Test chain brake function before each use.
3. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip to avoid kickback.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area, engine off and cool. Use STIHL MotoMix® or proper fuel/oil mix.
5. Clear Work Area: Ensure no obstacles or persons within 15 feet.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Keep bystanders away.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach guide bar: Place bar onto studs, align chain tensioning pin.
2. Install chain: Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar.
3. Tension chain: Use side-access tensioner to adjust until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
4. Fill tanks: Add fuel mix to fuel tank and STIHL chain oil to oil tank.

CAUTION! Chain must be properly tensioned. Loose chain can derail; overtightened chain can damage bar or engine.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 3.4 cu in (55.5 cm³)
• Power Output: 3.0 bhp (2.2 kW)
• Weight (powerhead): 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg)
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (using STIHL HP Ultra oil)
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm
• Maximum Power Speed: 13,000 rpm
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration Level (front/rear handle): 4.5/2.5 m/s²
• Guide Bar Lengths: 16" – 20"
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" PMM / .050"

Controls and Components

Right Side: Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, rear handle. Left Side: Master control lever (stop/choke/throttle lock), chain brake lever, fuel cap, oil cap. Top: Decompression valve (if equipped), spark plug. Front: Muffler, guide bar, chain catcher.

Master Control Lever Positions: - STOP (0): Engine off. - CHOKE (⏫): For cold starting. - RUN (⏬): Normal operation, throttle unlocked.

Chain Brake: Engage manually by pushing handle forward; activates automatically by inertia if kickback occurs.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

1. Engage chain brake.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set master control to CHOKE (⏫).
4. Pull starter handle until engine fires (1-2 pulls).
5. Move master control to RUN (⏬).
6. Pull starter handle to start engine.
7. Briefly blip throttle to disengage fast idle.

Warm Start: Master control in RUN position, no choke.

Stopping: Move master control to STOP (0).

Emergency Stop: Activate chain brake or move master control to STOP.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Always hold saw firmly with both hands.

1. Basic Cut: Let chain do the work; avoid forcing.
2. Felling: Use proper notch and backcut techniques.
3. Limbing: Cut from top side of branch whenever possible.
4. Bucking: Support logs; avoid cutting into ground.
5. Kickback Prevention: Maintain firm grip, do not cut with bar tip.

Tip: Keep chain sharp and properly tensioned for efficient cutting and reduced operator fatigue.

Maintenance Schedule

Use only STIHL replacement parts and approved lubricants.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Sharpening: Use STIHL filing kit (round file, file guide, depth gauge tool).

1. Secure bar in vise.
2. File each cutter at 30° angle, maintaining original shape.
3. File depth gauges to proper clearance (0.025").
4. File all cutters to same length.

Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely. Adjust when chain sags from bottom of bar. Tension when cold; recheck after warming up.

CAUTION! Wear gloves when handling chain. Always tension chain with engine off.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days:

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
2. Remove spark plug, add 1 tsp of engine oil through spark plug hole, pull starter slowly 2-3 times, reinstall plug.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
4. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil; store bar and chain separately.
5. Store in dry, dust-free place, protected from children.

Troubleshooting

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

STIHL Customer Service: 1-800-467-8445 | www.stihlusa.com