Operation Manual
1Rescue Saw
English / USA
BA_SE_132_001_01_09.fmPrinted on chlorine-free paper.
Printing inks contain vegetable oils; paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2008 
0458 179 8621. M0,75. C8. Rei. Printed in Germany 
STIHl
Contents
Guide to Using this Manual  .............. 2
Some Important Safety
Precautions for Chain Saw Users ..... 3
Safety Precautions  ........................... 5
Depth Limiter  .................................. 29
Mounting the Bar and Chain ........... 31
Tensioning the Saw Chain ..............  33
Checking Chain Tension ................. 33
Fuel ................................................ 34
Fueling ............................................ 35
Chain Lubricant  .............................. 36
Filling Chain Oil Tank ...................... 37
Checking Chain Lubrication ...........  37
Chain Brake .................................... 37
Winter Operation  ............................ 39
Information Before You Start .......... 39
Starting / Stopping the Engine  ........ 40
Operating Instructions  .................... 43
Oil Quantity Control  ........................ 44
Taking Care of Guide Bar  ............... 44
Air Filter System  ............................. 45
Removing the Air Filter ................... 46
Cleaning Standard Filter ................. 46
Cleaning HD Filter  .......................... 46
Motor Management  ........................ 47
Adjusting the Carburetor ................ 48
Spark Arresting Screen
in Muffler.......................................... 49
Checking the Spark Plug  ................ 50
Replacing Starter Rope 
and Rewind Spring  ......................... 51
Storing the Machine ........................ 53
Checking and Replacing
Chain Sprocket  ............................... 54
Maintaining and Sharpening
Saw Chain  ...................................... 55
Maintenance Chart  ......................... 61
Parts and Controls .......................... 63
Specifications .................................  66
Special Accessories  .......................  67
Ordering Spare Parts  .....................  67
Maintenance and Repairs  ..............  68
STIHL Incorporated Federal
Emission Control Warranty
Statement .......................................  69
Trademarks ....................................  71
The STIHL MS 460 Rescue Saw is 
specially designed for rescue 
operations. Only persons specifically 
trained for rescue operations who have 
read and understood this manual should 
use the STIHL MS 460 Rescue Saw. 
!Warning!
Because a rescue saw is a high-speed 
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.
Allow only persons who understand this 
manual to operate your rescue saw.
To receive maximum performance and 
satisfaction from your STIHL rescue 
saw, it is important that all operators 
read and understand especially 
the 
maintenance and safety precautions,
starting on page 3, before using this 
rescue saw.
Contact your STIHL dealer or the STIHL 
distributor for your area if there are any 
instructions in this manual that you do 
not understand.
STIHL's philosophy is to continually 
improve all of its products. As a result, 
engineering changes and improvements 
are made from time to time. If the 
operating characteristics or the 
appearance of your rescue saw differs 
from those described in this manual, 
please contact your STIHL dealer for 
information and assistance.










