Stihl MS211 Chainsaw Manual

The Stihl MS211 is a lightweight, easy-to-handle chainsaw designed for homeowners and occasional users. It features a powerful gasoline engine with STIHL's advanced engine technology for reduced emissions, an anti-vibration system for comfortable operation, a Quickstop® inertia chain brake for safety, tool-less fuel and oil caps, and a side-access chain tensioner. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & First Use 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Operation Guide 7. Chain & Bar Maintenance 8. Engine Maintenance 10. Storage 11. Warranty Information 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, Fuel Tank, Oil Tank, Chain Brake Handle, Throttle Trigger, Master Control Lever, Chain Tensioner, Muffler, Guide Bar, Saw Chain.

Feature	Description
Engine	STIHL 2-stroke gasoline engine with reduced emission technology
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces vibration for less user fatigue
Quickstop® Inertia Chain Brake	Stops chain instantly in kickback situations
Side-Access Chain Tensioner	Allows easy chain adjustment without tools
Tool-Less Fuel & Oil Caps	For quick and easy refueling and oiling
Master Control Lever	Single lever controls choke, start, and run positions
Emissions Compliance	Meets EPA and CARB Phase III emission standards
Decompression Valve	Easier starting by reducing compression
Chain Catcher	Helps reduce risk if chain breaks or derails
Fuel & Oil Level Windows	Visual check of fluid levels

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

PPE Required: Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, sturdy boots.
Pre-Operation Check: Inspect saw for damage, ensure chain is sharp and properly tensioned, check fluid levels.
Operating Zone: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 feet away.
Kickback Awareness: Understand kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip); never cut with this area.
Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area, engine off and cool. Use STIHL MotoMix® or 89+ octane gasoline with STIHL 2-stroke oil at 50:1 ratio.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous. Failure to follow safety rules can result in serious injury or death. The chain brake is a safety device; test it before each use.

Assembly & First Use

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket and onto bar groove, align tensioning pin.
Install Bar Nut: Hand-tighten bar nuts.
Tension Chain: Use side tensioner to adjust until chain fits snug against bar but can be pulled by hand. Retighten bar nuts.
Fill Fluids: Add fuel mix to fuel tank and STIHL chain oil to oil tank.
Start Engine: Place on firm ground, engage chain brake, set Master Control to cold start (choke) position, pull starter rope until engine fires, then set to run position and pull to start.

CAUTION! Ensure chain brake is engaged when starting. Keep hands away from chain.

Specifications

Engine Displacement: 35.2 cc (2.15 cu. in.)
Power Output: 1.8 kW (2.4 bhp)
Fuel Tank Volume: 0.37 US pt (0.18 l)
Oil Tank Volume: 0.26 US pt (0.125 l)
Guide Bar Lengths (Option): 16" or 18"
Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" PMM / .050" (1.3 mm)
Weight (Powerhead): 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg)
Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
Vibration Level (Front/Rear Handle): 4.5/3.5 m/s²
Warranty: Limited 1-year consumer warranty

Controls and Components

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger with throttle trigger lockout and Master Control Lever. Rear Handle: Contains start/stop switch. Right Side: Chain brake handle (front guard).

Master Control Lever Positions: - STOP (0): Engine off. - Cold Start (Choke Position): For starting cold engine. - Run Position (Normal Operation): After engine fires or for warm start.

Chain Brake: Engage manually by pushing front guard forward. Will engage automatically (inertia-activated) during kickback.

Chain Tensioner: Located on side; turn clockwise to tighten, counterclockwise to loosen.

Operation Guide

Starting, Cutting Techniques, Stopping.

Starting (Cold Engine): Engage chain brake. Set Master Control to choke. Press decompression valve (if equipped). Pull starter rope sharply until engine 'fires'. Move Master Control to run position. Pull starter rope to start.
Starting (Warm Engine): Set Master Control directly to run position and pull starter.
Basic Cutting: Use full throttle when cutting. Let chain do the work; don't force. Be aware of pinch points, especially when cutting logs under tension.
Kickback Prevention: Maintain secure grip, stand to side of cut line, never cut above shoulder height, never use bar tip.
Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle briefly, move Master Control to STOP (0).

Tip: Practice cutting on a sawhorse with small logs before tackling larger jobs.

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures performance and safety.

Chain Sharpening: Use round file and filing guide. Maintain correct filing angle (typically 30°). File all cutters evenly. Check depth gauges and lower if necessary.
Chain Tensioning: Check frequently when new. Chain should be snug but pull freely by hand. Adjust when cool using side tensioner. Retighten bar nuts.
Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly. Flip bar weekly for even wear. Check for wear (especially "rail" wear) and replace if grooved or uneven.
Lubrication: Always use STIHL chain oil. Check oiler output by running saw at full throttle near a light surface (like cardboard); a line of oil should appear.

WARNING! Always wear heavy gloves when handling chain. Ensure engine is off and cool.

Engine Maintenance

Air Filter, Spark Plug, Fuel System.

Air Filter: Clean regularly (tap out debris, wash in soapy water if very dirty). Replace if damaged.
Spark Plug: Check gap (0.020" / 0.5 mm). Clean electrodes or replace annually. Use recommended STIHL spark plug.
Fuel Filter: Replace annually or if clogged.
Muffler & Spark Arrestor Screen: Clean screen regularly to prevent carbon buildup (requires removal).
Cylinder Fins: Keep clean for proper cooling.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days, prepare engine to prevent fuel system issues.

Drain fuel tank completely and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
OR, add STIHL Fuel Stabilizer to a full tank of fresh fuel mix and run engine for 2 minutes.
Clean entire saw, remove chain and bar, clean and oil them separately.
Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank untreated; modern ethanol-blended fuel can damage fuel system components.

Warranty Information

STIHL MS211 includes a 1-year limited warranty for consumer use against defects in materials and workmanship when purchased from an authorized STIHL dealer. Warranty does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, improper maintenance, or use of non-STIHL parts/fuel/oil. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact your authorized STIHL servicing dealer.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No spark, flooded, stale fuel, Master Control position	Check spark plug, set Master Control to run, use fresh fuel mix, follow starting procedure.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter, carburetor adjustment	Replace fuel filter, clean air filter, see dealer for carb adjustment.
Chain does not turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch/drum sprocket worn, chain too tight	Disengage chain brake, inspect clutch/sprocket, loosen chain tension.
Chain turns at idle	Idle speed too high	Adjust idle speed screw (see dealer).
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, improper filing, low chain oil	Sharpen chain correctly, check oiler output, refill oil tank.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain, damaged bar	Tighten all nuts/bolts, check chain and bar, replace if damaged.

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

Support: www.stihlusa.com or call 1-800-467-8445