Stihl MSE 140 C Electric Chainsaw Manual

The Stihl MSE 140 C is a lightweight, powerful electric chainsaw designed for domestic use, featuring a 1400W motor, 14-inch guide bar, STIHL Quickstop® inertia chain brake, Ematic™ lubrication system, tool-free chain tensioning, and low-noise operation. Ideal for pruning, cutting firewood, and general garden maintenance. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Instructions 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Operation 7. Chain Maintenance 8. Lubrication System 9. Storage & Transport 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Electric motor, guide bar, saw chain, chain brake, oil tank, tensioning wheel, and front hand guard.

FeatureDescription
Motor Power1400W electric motor for consistent power
Guide Bar Length14 inches (35 cm)
Chain BrakeSTIHL Quickstop® inertia-activated chain brake
LubricationEmatic™ system for efficient oil delivery
Chain TensioningTool-free side adjustment wheel
WeightApprox. 4.2 kg (9.3 lbs) without cable
Sound Power LevelLow noise design for residential use
Power CordIntegrated cable strain relief
Hand GuardFront hand guard for operator protection
Safety SwitchTwo-handed operation required

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before use. Wear protective equipment.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw protective trousers.
  2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 10m away. Ensure stable footing.
  3. Electrical Safety: Use RCD-protected outlet. Check power cord for damage before use.
  4. Chain Brake Test: Test chain brake function before each use.
  5. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of kickback zone; never cut with tip of bar.

WARNING! Risk of serious injury or death. Never operate chainsaw with one hand. Keep both hands on handles during use.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

  1. Attach Guide Bar: Remove bar cover, position bar on studs, align chain with sprocket.
  2. Install Chain: Place chain on bar, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top.
  3. Tension Chain: Use side wheel to adjust tension until chain snaps back when pulled.
  4. Fill Oil Tank: Use STIHL chain oil only. Fill to MAX mark.
  5. Power Connection: Plug into RCD-protected 230V outlet. Ensure cord is untangled.

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

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with hand guard, rear handle with trigger, chain brake lever, tensioning wheel, oil filler cap.

Controls: On/Off switch (rear handle), Chain brake lever (front), Chain tensioning wheel (side), Oil pump adjustment screw (optional).

Operation: Press safety switch (rear handle) while squeezing trigger. Chain brake activates automatically via inertia or manually by pushing hand guard forward. Tensioning: Rotate side wheel clockwise to tighten, counter-clockwise to loosen.

Operation

Starting and cutting techniques.

  1. Pre-Start Check: Verify chain tension, oil level, chain brake function, and clear work area.
  2. Starting: Place on ground, ensure chain not touching anything. Press safety switch and trigger.
  3. Basic Cutting: Use full length of bar. Let chain do the work; avoid forcing.
  4. Pruning: Cut branches from underside first to prevent splitting.
  5. Kickback Prevention: Never cut with upper tip of bar. Maintain firm grip.
  6. Stopping: Release trigger. Engage chain brake when not cutting.

Tip: Regularly check oil flow by pointing bar at light surface; look for oil line.

Chain Maintenance

Sharpening and tensioning procedures.

  1. Chain Sharpening: Use round file (4.0 mm) at 30° angle. File all cutters evenly.
  2. Depth Gauge Setting: Use flat file to maintain 0.65 mm depth gauge clearance.
  3. Chain Tensioning: Adjust when chain sags from bar. Proper tension: chain snaps back when pulled.
  4. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly. Flip bar monthly for even wear.
  5. Chain Replacement: Replace when cutters are worn below 4 mm or damaged.

WARNING! Always disconnect power before maintaining chain. Wear protective gloves.

Lubrication System

Ematic™ system reduces oil consumption.

Oil Type: Use only STIHL chain oil or equivalent biodegradable oil. Check oil level before each use. Oil Flow Adjustment: Standard setting is sufficient for most conditions. For very cold conditions, turn adjustment screw clockwise slightly. Oil Flow Test: Run saw at full throttle against light background; visible oil line should appear.

Storage & Transport

Store in dry place, out of reach of children.

  1. Cleaning: Remove sawdust and resin from housing and bar.
  2. Chain Protection: Apply oil to chain and bar to prevent rust.
  3. Storage: Store in original case or cover. Keep away from moisture.
  4. Transport: Always fit scabbard over bar. Disconnect from power.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel mixture. Electric models only require chain oil storage precautions.

Regulatory Information

CE certified. Complies with EU directives for machinery, electromagnetic compatibility, and low voltage. Noise emission: 94 dB(A). Vibration values declared according to EN 60745. Disposal: Do not dispose with household waste. Take to authorized STIHL dealer for recycling. For support, visit www.stihl.com or contact your local STIHL service center.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Chain does not moveChain brake engagedPull back hand guard to disengage brake
Poor cutting performanceDull chainSharpen or replace chain
Chain comes off barLoose tensionAdjust tension; check bar wear
No oil on barEmpty tank or clogged outletFill oil tank; clean oil holes
Motor hums but no rotationJammed chainClear jam; check for foreign objects
OverheatingDull chain or insufficient oilSharpen chain; check oil flow
Power cord gets hotExtension cord too long/thinUse shorter/heavier gauge extension cord

Service: For electrical or mechanical issues, contact authorized STIHL service center. Do not attempt repairs yourself.

Warranty: 2-year domestic use warranty when registered online.

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