Operation Manual

9Chainsaw Safety Manual
English / USA
!Warning!
Be sure that the guide bar and chain are
clear of you and all other obstructions
and objects, including the ground. When
the engine is started, the engine speed
with the starting throttle lock engaged
will be fast enough for the clutch to
engage the sprocket and, if the chain
brake is not activated, turn the chain. If
the upper quadrant of the tip of the bar
touches any object, it may cause kick-
back to occur (see section on reactive
forces). To reduce this risk, always
engage the chain brake before starting.
Never attempt to start the chainsaw
when the guide bar is in a cut or kerf.
!Warning!
When you pull the starter grip, do not
wrap the starting rope around your
hands. Do not allow the grip to snap
back, but guide the starter rope slowly
back to permit the rope to rewind
properly. Failure to follow this procedure
may result in injury to hand or fingers
and may damage the starter
mechanism.
Important adjustments
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of personal injury from
loss of control or contact with the
running chain, do not use a saw with
incorrect idle adjustment. At correct idle
speed, the chain should not rotate. For
directions to adjust idle speed, see the
appropriate section of your Owner's
Manual. If you cannot set the correct idle
speed, have your STIHL dealer check
your saw and make proper adjustments
or repairs. After adjusting a chain, start
the saw, let the engine run for a while,
then switch engine off and recheck chain
tension. Proper chain tension is very
important at all times.
Catalytic converter
!Warning!
Some STIHL chainsaw models are
equipped with a catalytic converter,
which is designed to reduce the exhaust
emissions of the engine by a chemical
process in the muffler. Due to this
process, the muffler does not cool down
as rapidly as conventional mufflers when
the engine returns to idle or is shut off.
To reduce the risk of fire and burn
injuries, specific safety precautions must
be observed.
!Warning!
Since a muffler with a
catalytic converter cools
down less rapidly than
conventional mufflers,
never set your chainsaw
down on or near dry
brush, grass, wood chips or other
combustible materials while it is still hot.
Let the engine cool down sitting on
concrete, metal, bare ground or solid
wood (e.g. the trunk of a felled tree)
away from any combustible substances.
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of fire or burn injury,
let the unit cool down before refueling
your chainsaw after use.
!Warning!
Never disassemble or modify your
muffler. The muffler could be damaged
and cause an increase in heat radiation
or sparks, thereby increasing the risk of
fire or burn injury. You may also
permanently damage the engine. Have
your muffler serviced and repaired by
your STIHL Servicing Dealer only.