STIHL MS 271, 291 Instruction Manual
English © ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2020 0458-574-8321-D. VB0.K20. 0000006630_009_GB Printed on chlorine-free paper Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
English Intake air baffle: winter operation Guide to Using this Manual This Instruction Manual refers to a STIHL chain saw, also called a machine in this Instruction Manual. Intake air baffle: summer operation Pictograms Handle heating Pictograms that appear on the machine are explained in this Instruction Manual.
English Safety Precautions Special safety precautions must be observed to reduce the risk of personal injury when working with a chain saw because of the very high chain speed and very sharp cutters. It is important that you read the instruction manual before first use and keep it in a safe place for future reference. Nonobservance of the instruction manual may result in serious or even fatal injury. General Observe all applicable local safety regulations, standards and ordinances.
English Wear sturdy protective gloves made of a resistant material (e.g. leather). Clean the dust and dirt off the machine – do not use any grease solvents for this purpose. Open the fuel filler cap carefully so that any excess pressure is relieved gradually and fuel does not splash out. Clean the ventilation slots if necessary. The machine may only be refuelled in a well ventilated place. Clean the machine immediately if fuel is spilled.
English – Check operation of chain brake, front hand guard – Correctly mounted guide bar – Correctly tensioned chain – The trigger and trigger lockout must move freely and spring back to the idle position when they are released. – – Master Control lever must move easily to STOP, 0 or † Check that the spark plug boot is secure – a loose boot may cause arcing that could ignite combustible fumes and cause a fire. – Never attempt to modify the controls or safety devices in any way.
English Examine the saw chain periodically at short intervals and as soon as you note any tangible changes: a machine that is not in perfect working order. In case of doubt, have the unit checked by your servicing dealer. – Switch off the engine; wait until the saw chain is stationary – Check condition and secure fitting – Check sharpness Check for correct idling, so that the saw chain stops moving when the throttle trigger is released. Check the idle setting regularly and correct when possible.
English Maintenance and repairs Check ignition lead (insulation in good condition, secure connection). Always switch off the engine before any repair, cleaning or maintenance work and any work on the chain. Risk of injury if the engine starts inadvertently! Check that the muffler is in perfect working condition. Exception: adjustment of carburettor and idle speed. The machine must be serviced regularly. Do not attempt any maintenance or repair work not described in the Instruction Manual.
English Kickback occurs if, for example, The most common reactive forces are: kickback, pushback and pull-in. 001BA257 KN Dangers of kickback Kickback can result in fatal cuts. – – The saw chain in the area of the upper quarter of the guide bar nose unintentionally comes into contact with wood or a solid object – e. g.
English Dead wood (brittle, rotten or dead wood) poses a significant, highly unpredictable hazard. It is extremely difficult or even practically impossible to recognise the danger. Use aids such as winches or draglines. be drawn forward toward the log – to avoid this, engage the bumper spike firmly in the wood. Pushback (B) B 001BA038 KN When felling close to roads, rail lines, power lines, etc., work with particular care. If necessary, notify police, power companies or railway authorities.
English Note when reaching the end of a cut that the saw is no longer supported in the kerf. You have to take the full weight of the machine since it might otherwise go out of control. materials, dry plants or scrub. Always contact your local forest authority for information on a possible fire risk. 001BA082 KN When cutting small logs: – Use a sturdy and stable support – sawhorse. Position the saw so that your body is clear of the cutting attachment. – Never hold the log with your leg or foot.
English Ripping cut: 1 1/ 2 21/2 001BA088 LÄ 2 001BA151 KN 1 1 Maintain a distance of at least 2 1/2 tree lengths from the next felling site. 2 N Make relieving cut at the compression side (1) Make bucking cut at the tension side (2) Be wary of pushback when making bucking cut from the bottom upwards (underbuck). NOTICE Do not cut a lying log at a point where it is touching the ground because the saw chain will otherwise be damaged.
English Preparing work area at base of tree B – – 45° A Felling notch First clear the tree base and work area from interfering limbs and brush to provide a secure footing. Preparing the felling notch Carefully clear the base of the trunk (e.g., with an axe) – sand, stones and other foreign objects will blunt the saw chain C – Establish escape paths for each worker – approx.
English Determine direction of fall with gunning sight on cover and fan housing Checking the direction of fall felling notch to a depth of about 1/10 of trunk diameter. On large diameter trees, cut to no more than width of guide bar. Your chainsaw has a gunning sight on the cover and fan housing. Use this gunning sight. Making the felling notch When making a felling notch, align the chainsaw so that the notch lies at a right angle to the direction of fall.
English The tree is felled with the felling cut (E). – Cut horizontally – 1/10 (at least 3 cm) of tree diameter higher than bottom of felling notch (C). The holding strap (F) or stabilizing strap (G) supports the tree and helps prevent it from falling prematurely. – Width of strip: approx. 1/10 to 1/5 of the trunk diameter – Do not cut into the strip during the felling cut – With rotten trunks, leave a wider strip 1.
English Felling cut with stabilizing strap (normal tree) – Do not cut into the stabilizing strap A) Thin trunks 1. Implement this felling cut when the trunk diameter is smaller than the cutting length of the chainsaw. 2. 3. 3. 5. 001BA263 KN 4. 1. 001BA273 KN 2. 001BA261 KN N Shout a warning before starting the felling cut. Set the felling wedge (3) Shout a second warning immediately before the tree falls.
English N Plunge cut the felling cut N Make the felling cut up to the hinge (4) – Do not cut into the hinge N Make the felling cut up to the stabilizing strap (5) 2. 001BA274 KN 6. N N Plunge cut the guide bar into the trunk until it exits on the other side Shout a second warning immediately before the tree falls.
English The felling cut must be continued on the opposite side of the trunk. B) Thick trunks Ensure that the second cut is at the same level as the first cut. 1. 2.
English Chain Scabbard Fitting Chain Scabbard Extension A cutting attachment consists of the saw chain, guide bar and chain sprocket. 1 1 – 3 001BA248 KN 2 a – 001BA244 KN The cutting attachment that comes standard is designed to exactly match the chain saw. The pitch (t) of the saw chain (1), chain sprocket and the nose sprocket of the Rollomatic guide bar must match. The drive link gauge (2) of the saw chain (1) must match the groove width of the guide bar (3).
English Mounting the Bar and Chain (side chain tensioner) Disengaging the chain brake. 3 Removing the chain sprocket cover N Pull the hand guarad towards the front handle until there is an audible click – the chain brake is disengaged. Fitting the chain N Fit the guide bar over the studs (1) – the cutting edges on the top of the bar must point to the right. N Engage the peg of the tensioner slide in the locating hole (2) –- place the chain over sprocket (3) at the same time.
English Mounting the Bar and Chain (quick chain tensioner) Fitting the tensioning gear 2 Remove the chain sprocket cover. N Remove the tensioning gear (1) and turn it over. 1 Screw the nut (2) on to the stud as far as stop by hand. Releasing the chain brake N Turn the wingnut (2) counterclockwise until it hangs loose N in the sprocket cover (3). N Removing the sprocket cover N Unscrew the nut (2).
English Fitting the chain 172BA015 KN 5 172BA012 KN 2 4 3 Fit the chain over the sprocket (2). N Fit guide bar in position – the collar screw (3) engages the hole in the tensioning gear. The heads of the two short collar screws locate in the guide bar slot. 172BA013 KN 172BA011 KN 1 N WARNING Wear work gloves to protect your hands from the sharp cutters. Fit the chain – start at the bar nose. Pay attention to the position of the tensioning gear and the cutting edges.
English Tensioning the Saw Chain (side chain tensioner) Tensioning the Saw Chain (quick chain tensioner) Checking Chain Tension Retensioning during cutting work: Retensioning during cutting work: 143BA007 KN 2 133BA024 KN 1 001BA112 KN 1 N Shut off the engine. N Shut off the engine. N Shut off the engine. N N Loosen the nuts. N N Hold the bar nose up. Pull out the hinged clip and loosen the wingnut. Wear work gloves to protect your hands.
English Fuel Your engine requires a mixture of gasoline and engine oil. WARNING For health reasons, avoid direct skin contact with gasoline and avoid inhaling gasoline vapor. STIHL MotoMix STIHL recommends the use of STIHL MotoMix. This ready-to-use fuel mix contains no benzol or lead, has a high octane rating and ensures that you always use the right mix ratio. STIHL MotoMix uses STIHL HP Ultra two-stroke engine oil for an extra long engine life. MotoMix is not available in all markets.
English Closing Preparing the machine N 001BA234 KN 001BA232 KN Fueling Turn the cap counterclockwise (about a quarter turn). Always position the machine so that the cap is facing upwards 001BA237 KN 001BA236 KN N Raise grip to vertical position. N While holding the cap depressed, turn it clockwise until it engages in position. Remove the tank cap. Filling Up with Fuel Take care not to spill fuel while fueling and do not overfill the tank.
English 001BA235 KN 1 N Fold the grip down. Left: 001BA241 KN Right: 001BA238 KN Chain Lubricant Bottom of cap is twisted – inner mark (1) in line with outer mark. Bottom of cap in correct position – inner mark is under the grip. It is not in line with the outer mark. Tank cap is locked. Bottom of cap is twisted in relation to top. N Remove the cap from the fuel tank and check it from above.
English If the oil level in the tank does not go down, the reason may be a fault in the oil supply system: Check chain lubrication, clean the oilways, contact your dealer for assistance if necessary STIHL recommends that you have servicing and repair work carried out exclusively by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. Filling Chain Oil Tank N Thoroughly clean the oil filler cap and the area around it to ensure that no dirt falls into the tank.
English The chain brake will operate only if the hand guard has not been modified in any way. Releasing the chain brake Chain Brake Check operation of the chain brake Before starting work: Run engine at idle speed, engage the chain brake (push hand guard toward bar nose) and open the throttle wide for no more than 3 seconds – the chain must not rotate. The hand guard must be free from dirt and move freely.
English N Winter Operation Fit the shroud – see "Shroud" Heated air is now drawn in from around the cylinder and circulates around the carburetor – this helps prevent carburetor icing.
English Adjusting the master control lever Manual fuel pump To adjust the master control lever from run F to cold start l, press and hold down the throttle trigger lockout and throttle trigger simultaneously – set master control lever. Press the manual fuel pump several times – even if the bulb is still full of fuel: To set the master control lever to warm start n, first set it to cold start l, then push the master control lever into the warm start n position.
English Between the knees or thighs Versions with ErgoStart Starting WARNING Standard versions This machine is extremely simple and easy to start, even for children – risk of accident! Make absolutely certain that children or other unauthorized persons cannot attempt to start the machine: N Grip the handlebar firmly with the left hand – thumb wrapped around the handlebar 0001BA019 KN Clamp the rear handle between the knees or thighs N With the right hand, pull the starter grip slowly until you fee
English When the engine has turned over for the first time For all versions Starting the chain saw WARNING There must not be anyone within the swivel range of the chain saw.
English 001BA186 KN If the engine does not start The master control lever was not returned from the position cold start l to warm start n in time, the engine may be flooded. Operating Instructions During the break-in period N Move the master control lever to the stop position 0 Pull the hand guard toward the handlebar N Remove the spark plug - see "Spark plug" The chain brake is released - the chain saw is ready for use.
English Tension is correct when the chain fits snugly against the underside of the bar but can still be pulled along the bar by hand. Retension if necessary – see "Tensioning the Saw Chain". Chain at operating temperature The chain stretches and begins to sag. The drive links must not come out of the bar groove on the underside of the bar – the chain may otherwise jump off the bar. Retension the chain – see "Tensioning the Saw Chain".
English Picco Rapid Rapid 3/8“ P 5.0 mm 3/8“; 0.325“ 6.0 mm 0.404“ 7.0 mm If the groove is not at least this deep: N Shroud The air filter system can be adapted to suit different operating conditions by installing different filters. Changing the filter is quick and simple. Remove shroud Replace guide bar Otherwise the drive links will grind against the base of the groove – the bottoms of the cutters and the tie straps will not lie against the bar.
English If there is a noticeable loss of engine power. N Remove the shroud – see "Shroud". N Removing the air filter N Clean away loose dirt from around the filter. NOTICE To avoid damaging the filter, do not use tools for removing and installing the air filter. Wash the filter in STIHL special cleaner (special accessory) or a clean, non-flammable solution (e.g. warm soapy water). Rinse the filter from the inside outwards under a jet of water – do not use a pressure washer.
English Setting the idle speed Adjusting the Carburetor Basic information N Make standard setting N Start engine and let it warm up N Whenever the low speed adjusting screw (L) has been adjusted, it is usually also necessary to readjust the idle speed adjusting screw (LA). The carburetor has been adjusted for optimum performance and fuel efficiency in all operating states.
English Spark Plug N If engine performance deteriorates, check the spark arresting screen in the muffler N If the engine is down on power, difficult to start or runs poorly at idle speed, first check the spark plug. N Let the muffler cool down N Fit a new spark plug after about 100 operating hours – or sooner if the electrodes are badly eroded. Install only suppressed spark plugs of the type approved by STIHL – see "Specifications".
English Storing the Machine 000BA045 KN For periods of 3 months or longer WARNING Arcing may occur if the adapter nut (1) is loose or missing. Working in an easily combustible or explosive atmosphere may cause a fire or an explosion. This can result result in serious injuries or damage to property. N Use resistor type spark plugs with a properly tightened adapter nut. Installing the spark plug N N 5902BA016 KN Insert the spark plug through the grommet and screw it in by hand.
English N 5 6 2 1 N 4 N Refit the rim sprocket – cavities toward the outside Refit washer and E-clip on the crankshaft Maintaining and Sharpening the Saw Chain Sawing effortlessly with a properly sharpened saw chain A properly sharpened saw chain cuts through wood effortlessly even with very little pushing. Never use a dull or damaged saw chain – this leads to increased physical strain, increased vibration load, unsatisfactory cutting results and increased wear.
English Chain pitch Sharpening and side plate angles File holder A Marking (a) 7 1 or 1/4 6, P or PM 2 or 325 3 or 3/8 4 or 404 Chain pitch Inches mm 1/4 P 6.35 1/4 6.35 3/8 P 9.32 0.325 8.25 3/8 9.32 0.404 10.26 The diameter of file to be used depends on the chain pitch – see table "Sharpening tools". The angles of the cutter must be maintained during resharpening. A Sharpening angle STIHL saw chains are sharpened with a 30° sharpening angle.
English markings on the file holder – rest the file holder on the tooth head and the depth gauge Proper sharpening Select sharpening tools in accordance with chain pitch N File only from the inside outward N Clamp guide bar if necessary N N Block saw chain – push the hand guard forward The file only sharpens on the forward stroke – lift the file on the backstroke N To advance the saw chain, pull the hand guard toward the handlebar: The chain brake is disengaged.
English WARNING The rest of the humped drive link must not be filed; otherwise, this could increase the tendency of the chain saw to kick back.
English Complete machine Visual inspection (condition, leaks) Manual fuel pump (if present) Fuel pick-up body / filter in fuel tank X Clean Function test X X X X X Have checked by dealer check X Have repaired by a specialist dealer1) X check X Clean, replace filter insert X X X Fuel tank Clean X Lubricating oil tank Clean X Chain lubrication check X Check, pay attention to sharpness X X Checking the chain tension X X X sharpen Check (wear, damage) Guide bar X X X repla
Anti-vibration elements check X Clean X Check idle adjustment – saw chain must not rotate X Chain catcher Safety information label As required If damaged If faulty X X X X Set the idle speed; if required have the chainsaw repaired by a specialist dealer1) X Adjust electrode gap X Replace after 100 hours of operation Tighten2) X Have checked by dealer1) Spark arresting screen in muffler Annually X Clean Accessible screws and nuts (except adjusting screws) Monthly X Cylinder fins S
English Main Parts 1 2 3 4 13 7 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 3 2 1 # 4 5 10 6 11 9 7 12 8 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 # 18 17 19 1 16 20 1 22 24 23 15 21 26 2710BA002 KN 25 1) MS 271, MS 271 C, MS 291, MS 291 C Shroud twist lock Carburetor adjusting screws Manual fuel pump 1) Shutter (summer operation and winter operation) Chain brake Chain sprocket Chain sprocket cover Chain catcher Side access chain tensioner 1) Bumper spike Guide bar Oilomatic saw chain Adjusting wheel 1)
English Fuel tank capacity: Specifications 500 cc (0.5 l) Chain Lubrication Engine STIHL single cylinder two-stroke engine Oil tank capacity: MS 271 Displacement: Bore: Stroke: Engine power to ISO 7293: Idle speed:1) 50.2 cc 44.7 mm 32 mm 2.6 kW (3.5 bhp) at 9,500 rpm 2,800 rpm MS 291, MS 291 C Displacement: Bore: Stroke: Engine power to ISO 7293: Idle speed:1 1) Fully automatic, speed-controlled oil pump with rotary piston 55.5 cc 47.0 mm 32 mm 2.8 kW (3.
English Chain sprocket 7-tooth for 3/8" Max. chain speed according to ISO 11681: Chain speed at maximum power output: 7-tooth for .325" Max. chain speed according to ISO 11681: Chain speed at maximum power output: 27.5 m/s 21.7 m/s 24.4 m/s 19.3 m/s Noise and Vibration Data For further details on compliance with Vibration Directive 2002/44/EC visit www.stihl.com/vib.
English Users of this machine may only carry out the maintenance and service work described in this user manual. All other repairs must be carried out by a servicing dealer. STIHL recommends that you have servicing and repair work carried out exclusively by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. STIHL dealers are regularly given the opportunity to attend training courses and are supplied with the necessary technical information.
English Measured sound power level all MS 271: all MS 291: 115 dB(A) 116 dB(A) Guaranteed sound power level all MS 271: all MS 291: 117 dB(A) 118 dB(A) The EC type examination was carried out by DPLF Deutsche Prüf- und Zertifizierungsstelle für Land- und Forsttechnik GbR (NB 0363) Spremberger Straße 1 D-64823 Groß-Umstadt Certification No. all MS 271: all MS 291: K-EG -2009/5469 K-EG -2009/5471 Technical documents deposited at: ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co.
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