Operation Manual
35MS 341, MS 361, MS 361 C
English / USA
Locking chain with chain brake
– in an emergency
– when starting
– at idling speed
The chain is stopped and locked when 
the hand guard is pushed toward the bar 
nose by the left hand –
or when brake is activated by inertia in 
certain kickback situations.
Releasing the chain brake
: Pull the hand guard back toward the 
front handle.
Always disengage chain brake 
before accelerating engine and 
before starting cutting work. The 
only exception to this rule is when 
you check operation of the chain 
brake.
High revs with the chain brake 
engaged (chain locked) will quickly 
damage the powerhead and chain 
drive (clutch, chain brake).
The chain brake is designed to be 
activated also by the inertia of the 
front hand guard
if the forces are sufficiently high. The 
hand guard is accelerated toward the 
bar nose - even if your left hand is not 
behind the hand guard, e.g. during a 
felling cut. The chain brake will operate 
only if it has been properly maintained 
and the hand guard has not been 
modified in any way.
Check operation of chain brake
Before starting work: 
Run engine at idle speed, engage the 
chain brake (push hand guard toward 
bar nose). Accelerate up to full throttle 
for no more than 3 seconds – the chain 
must not rotate. The hand guard must be 
free from dirt and move freely. 
Chain Brake
143BA011 KN
143BA012 KN










