Owner's Manual

Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2012 0458-773-8621-A. VA3.L12. 0000006215_002_GB
MS 461
English
1
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This instruction manual is protected by copyright. All rights reserved, especially the rights to reproduce, translate and process
with electronic systems.
Contents
Allow only persons who fully understand
this manual to operate your chain saw.
To receive maximum performance and
satisfaction from your STIHL chain saw,
it is important that you read, understand
and follow the safety precautions and
the operating and maintenance
instructions in chapter "Safety
Precautions and Working Techniques"
before using your chain saw. For further
information you can go to
www.stihlusa.com.
Contact your STIHL dealer or the STIHL
distributor for your area if you do not
understand any of the instructions in this
manual.
WARNING
Because a chain saw is a high-speed
wood-cutting tool, some special safety
precautions must be observed as with
any other power saw to reduce the risk
of personal injury. Careless or improper
use may cause serious or even fatal
injury.
Guide to Using this Manual 2
Safety Precautions and Working
Techniques 3
Cutting Attachment 23
Mounting the Bar and Chain 24
Tensioning the Chain 25
Checking Chain Tension 26
Fuel 26
Fueling 27
Chain Lubricant 29
Filling Chain Oil Tank 29
Checking Chain Lubrication 30
Chain Brake 30
Winter Operation 31
Electric Handle Heating 32
Starting / Stopping the Engine 33
Operating Instructions 36
Oil Quantity Control 37
Taking Care of the Guide Bar 38
Air Filter System 38
Remove air filter 39
Cleaning the Air Filter 39
Engine Management 40
Adjusting the Carburetor 40
Spark Arresting Screen in Muffler 41
Spark Plug 42
Replacing the Starter Rope and
Rewind Spring 43
Storing the Machine 45
Checking and Replacing the Chain
Sprocket 45
Maintaining and Sharpening the
Saw Chain 46
Maintenance and Care 50
Main Parts 52
Specifications 54
Special Accessories 56
Ordering Spare Parts 56
Maintenance and Repairs 56
Disposal 57
STIHL Incorporated Federal
Emission Control Warranty
Statement 57
Trademarks 59