Stihl MS210 Chainsaw Manual

The Stihl MS210 is a lightweight, professional-grade gasoline chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a powerful engine with STIHL anti-vibration system, Quickstop® inertia chain brake, Ematic™ lubrication system, and easy-to-use controls. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine with decompression valve, anti-vibration handles, Quickstop® chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, Ematic™ lubrication system, and STIHL Oilomatic® saw chain.

Feature	Description
Engine Displacement	35.2 cc 2-stroke engine
Power Output	1.8 kW / 2.4 hp
Guide Bar Lengths	14" to 16" (35 cm to 40 cm)
Chain Pitch	3/8" PMM3
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.33 L (11.2 fl. oz)
Oil Tank Capacity	0.20 L (6.8 fl. oz)
Weight (without cutting attachment)	4.6 kg (10.1 lbs)
Anti-Vibration System	STIHL standard AV system
Chain Brake	Quickstop® inertia activated
Lubrication System	Ematic™ with automatic oiler

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Always wear proper PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of obstacles and bystanders; ensure secure footing.
3. Chain Brake: Test before each use by pushing front hand guard forward.
4. Fuel Safety: Mix fuel outdoors; use STIHL 2-stroke oil with unleaded gasoline (50:1 ratio).

WARNING! Kickback can occur without warning. Always hold saw firmly with both hands. Never operate above shoulder height.

Assembly & Preparation

Assemble saw before first use.

1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on studs, fit chain with cutters facing forward, tighten bar nuts finger-tight.
2. Tension chain: Use side-access adjuster until chain snaps back when lifted from bar.
3. Final tension: Tighten bar nuts securely after proper tension is set.
4. Fill tanks: Add fuel mix to fuel tank; add STIHL chain oil to oil tank.

CAUTION! Chain must move freely when pulled by hand. Do not overtighten.

Specifications

• Engine Type: Single cylinder 2-stroke with diaphragm carburetor.
• Ignition System: Electronic, capacitor discharge.
• Starter: STIHL ErgoStart™ for easier pulling.
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL 2-stroke oil with 89+ octane unleaded gasoline).
• Chain Oil: STIHL chain oil or equivalent.
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A).
• Vibration Levels: Front handle: 4.5 m/s²; Rear handle: 5.5 m/s².
• Warranty: Limited 1-year consumer warranty.

Controls and Components

Main controls located on top and rear handle.

Top Handle Area: Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, front hand guard/chain brake, decompression valve, choke control, stop switch.

Rear Handle Area: Master control lever (combines choke/run/start positions), rear handle with anti-vibration, fuel and oil tank caps.

Right Side: Side-access chain tensioner, bar nut covers, muffler.

Left Side: Spark plug, air filter cover, starter grip.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure:

1. Place saw on clear, level ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set master control lever to choke position (full up).
4. Press throttle trigger lockout and squeeze throttle trigger once.
5. Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires (1-3 pulls).
6. Move master control lever to half-throttle position.
7. Pull starter rope until engine starts.
8. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle; chain brake can be released.

Stopping: Release throttle; push stop switch to "0" position.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Basic cutting methods for felling and bucking.

1. Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 diameter) on fall side. Make felling cut from opposite side, leaving hinge wood.
2. Bucking: Support log off ground. Use top of bar for cutting; avoid contacting ground with chain.
3. Limbing: Work from trunk outward. Keep saw stable; be aware of spring-loaded branches.
4. Kickback Prevention: Maintain firm grip; do not cut with bar tip; keep chain sharp and properly tensioned.

Tip: Let saw do the work; avoid forcing the chain. Keep chain speed high during cuts.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Daily/Before Use	Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication; inspect for loose fasteners; clean air filter
Weekly	Clean cooling fins; check spark plug condition; clean guide bar groove
Monthly	Inspect fuel filter; clean spark arrestor screen (if equipped); check anti-vibration elements
Seasonally	Replace fuel filter; inspect clutch and sprocket; clean carburetor air passage
Annually	Professional servicing recommended

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain maintenance is critical for safety and performance.

1. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 4.0mm). Maintain 30° cutting angle and 10° top plate angle. File all cutters to equal length.
2. Depth Gauges: Check with depth gauge tool; file down if above recommended height (typically 0.025" / 0.65mm).
3. Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely. Re-tension when chain sags away from bar rail.
4. Lubrication: Ensure oiler is working; chain should show light oil spray when running at full throttle off wood.

WARNING! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Disconnect spark plug wire during maintenance.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues.

1. Short-term (under 30 days): Add fuel stabilizer to fuel mix; run engine 2 minutes to circulate treated fuel.
2. Long-term: Drain fuel tank completely. Run engine until it stops to clear carburetor. Remove chain; clean and oil bar and chain. Store in dry place.
3. Battery (if electric start): Maintain charge according to manufacturer instructions.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods without stabilizer. Store out of reach of children.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark/flooded/old fuel	Check spark plug; use fresh fuel mix; follow cold start procedure exactly.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged air filter/fuel filter	Clean or replace air filter; replace fuel filter.
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain/improper tension	Sharpen chain; adjust tension; check lubrication.
Chain throws oil excessively	Oil adjustment too high	Adjust oiler to lower setting (screw near oil tank).
Chain won't stop when brake engaged	Worn brake band/clutch	Have serviced by authorized STIHL dealer.
Excessive vibration	Loose components/unbalanced chain	Tighten all fasteners; sharpen chain evenly.

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

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