Operation Manual

37MS 361 C
English / USA
Standard chain brake is activated
by front hand guard
: When the hand guard is pushed
toward the bar nose by the left hand
or by inertia in certain kickback
situations.
The chain is brought to a standstill and
locked in position.
Disengaging the chain brake
: Pull the hand guard 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 rear-handle-
activated chain brake
Before starting work:
Open the throttle fully and then release
the rear handle. The chain must stop
moving within less than a second.
Check operation of hand-guard-
activated chain brake
Before starting work: Run engine at idle
speed, engage the chain brake (push
hand guard toward bar nose). 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.
In case of any doubt about the above
functions, contact your STIHL dealer for
assistance.