Operation Manual
11Chainsaw Safety Manual
English / USA
The muffler and other parts of the engine 
(e.g. fins of the cylinder, spark plug) 
become hot during operation and remain 
hot for a while after stopping the engine. 
To reduce risk of burns do not touch the 
muffler and other parts while they are 
hot. Don't work alone. Keep within 
calling distance of others in case help is 
needed.
Your chainsaw is equipped with a chain 
catcher. It is designed to reduce the risk 
of personal injury in the event of a 
thrown or broken chain. From time to 
time the catcher may be damaged or 
removed. 
To reduce the risk of personal injury, do 
not operate a chainsaw with a damaged 
or missing catcher. 
Inspect buffers periodically. Replace 
damaged, broken or excessively worn 
buffers immediately, since they may 
result in loss of control of the saw.
A "sponginess" in the feel of the saw, 
increased vibration or increased 
"bottoming" during normal operation 
may indicate damage, breakage or 
excessive wear. Buffers should always 
be replaced in sets. If you have any 
questions as to whether the buffers 
should be replaced, consult your STIHL 
servicing dealer.
!Warning!
Take extreme care in wet and freezing 
weather (rain, snow, ice). Put off the 
work when the weather is windy, stormy 
or rainfall is heavy. 
!Warning!
Avoid stumbling on obstacles such as 
stumps, roots or rocks and watch out for 
holes or ditches. Clear the area where 
you are working. Be extremely cautious 
when working on slopes or uneven 
ground. There is increased danger of 
slipping on freshly debarked logs.
!Warning!
To reduce the risk 
of serious or fatal 
injury to the 
operator or 
bystanders, never 
use the saw with one hand.
You cannot control reactive forces and 
you may lose control of the saw, which 
can result in the skating or bouncing of 
the bar and chain along the limb or log.
Even for those compact saws designed 
for use in confined spaces, one-handed 
operation is dangerous because the 
operator may lose control.
Cutting Instructions
Grip: Always hold the saw firmly with 
both hands when the engine is running. 
Place your left hand on front handle bar 
and your right hand on rear handle and 
throttle trigger. Left-handers should 
follow these instructions too.
Wrap your fingers tightly around the 
handles, keeping the handles cradled 
between your thumb and forefinger. With 
your hands in this position, you can best 
oppose and absorb the push, pull and 
kickback forces of your saw without 
losing control (see section on reactive 
forces). Make sure your chainsaw 
handles and grip are in good condition 
and free of moisture, pitch, oil or grease.
!Warning!
Do not operate your chainsaw with the 
starting throttle lock engaged. Cutting 
with the starting throttle lock engaged 
does not permit the operator proper 
control of the saw or chain speed.
001BA087 LÄ










