Stihl MS 170 User manual

{
STIHL MSE 170 C, 210 C
WARNING To reduce the risk of
kickback injury use STIHL reduced kickback bar
and STIHL low kickback chain as specified in
this manual or other available low kickback
components.
ADVERTENCIA Para reducir el
riesgo de lesionarse como resultado de un
culatazo, utilice la barra y la cadena de
contragolpe reducido de la forma especificada
en este manual o de otros componentes
reductores de contragolpe.
Read Instruction Manual thoroughly before
use and follow all safety precautions –
improper use can cause serious or fatal injury.
Antes de usar la máquina lea y siga todas las precauciones
de seguridad dadas en el manual de instrucciones – el uso
incorrecto puede causar lesiones graves o mortales.
Instruction Manual
Manual de instrucciones

Instruction Manual
1 - 46
Manual de instrucciones
47 - 98

Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2016 0458-756-8621-B. VA1.J16. 0000006389_004_GB
MSE 170 C, MSE 210 C
English
1
{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
General Power Tool Safety
Warnings 22
Packing List 25
Cutting Attachment 25
Mounting the Bar and Chain (quick
chain tensioner) 26
Tensioning the Saw Chain (quick
chain tensioner) 28
Checking Chain Tension 28
Chain Lubricant 28
Filling Chain Oil Tank 29
Checking Chain Lubrication 31
Coasting Brake 31
Chain Brake 31
Connecting to Power Supply 32
Switching On 33
Switching Off 33
Overload Cutout 34
Operating Instructions 34
Taking Care of the Guide Bar 35
Motor Cooling 36
Storing the Machine 36
Checking and Replacing the Chain
Sprocket 36
Maintaining and Sharpening the
Saw Chain 37
Maintenance and Care 41
Main Parts 42
Specifications 43
Ordering Spare Parts 44
Maintenance and Repairs 45
Disposal 45
Trademarks 45
Addresses 46

MSE 170 C, MSE 210 C
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2
This instruction manual covers a STIHL
electric chain saw which is also referred
to as the saw, power tool or machine in
the descriptions.
Pictograms
The meanings of the pictograms
attached to or embossed on the
machine are explained in this manual.
Depending on the model concerned, the
following pictograms may be on your
machine.
Symbols in Text
Many operating and safety instructions
are supported by illustrations.
The individual steps or procedures
described in the manual may be marked
in different ways:
NA bullet marks a step or procedure.
A description of a step or procedure that
refers directly to an illustration may
contain item numbers that appear in the
illustration. Example:
NLoosen the screw (1).
NLever (2) ...
In addition to the operating instructions,
this manual may contain paragraphs
that require your special attention. Such
paragraphs are marked with the
symbols and signal words described
below:
DANGER
Indicates an imminent risk of severe or
fatal injury.
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in severe or
fatal injury.
NOTICE
Indicates a risk of property damage,
including damage to the machine or its
individual components.
Engineering Improvements
STIHL’s philosophy is to continually
improve all of its products. As a result,
engineering changes and improvements
are made from time to time. Therefore,
some changes, modifications and
improvements may not be covered in
this manual. If the operating
characteristics or the appearance of
your machine differs from those
described in this manual, please contact
your STIHL dealer or the STIHL
distributor for your area for assistance.
Guide to Using this Manual
Chain oil tank; chain oil
Direction of chain rotation
Tension the chain
Thermal overload cutout
Unlock
Lock

MSE 170 C, MSE 210 C
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3
WARNING
The use of this chain saw may be
hazardous. The saw chain has many
sharp cutters. If the cutters contact your
flesh, they will cut you, even if the chain
is not moving.
WARNING
Reactive forces, including kickback, can
be dangerous. Pay special attention to
the section on reactive forces.
Have your STIHL dealer show you how
to operate your chain saw. All safety
precautions that are generally observed
when working with an axe or a hand saw
also apply to the operation of chain
saws. Observe all applicable federal,
state and local safety regulations,
standards and ordinances.
WARNING
Do not lend or rent your chain saw
without the instruction manual. Be sure
that anyone using it understands the
information contained in this manual.
The use of noise emitting chain saws
may be restricted to certain times by
national, state or local regulations.
Use your chain saw only for cutting
wooden objects.
WARNING
Working with an electric chain saw in the
woods – i.e. felling or limbing – is very
dangerous. The freedom of movement
necessary for this work is impaired by
the power cable! Electric chain saws are
intended for stationary use in yards,
buildings, etc.
WARNING
Do not use it for other purposes, since
misuse may result in personal injury or
property damage, including damage to
the chain saw.
WARNING
Minors should never be allowed to use
this chain saw. Bystanders, especially
children, and animals should not be
allowed in the area where it is in use.
Most of these safety precautions and
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL
chain saws. Different models may have
different parts and controls. See the
appropriate section of your instruction
manual for a description of the controls
and the function of the parts of your
model.
WARNING
Always switch off the motor, move front
hand guard to ƒ and disconnect the
plug from the power supply before
transporting, storing or carrying out any
work on the chain saw. This avoids the
risk of the motor starting unintentionally.
STIHL recommends the use of genuine
STIHL replacement parts. They are
specifically designed to match your
model and meet your performance
requirements.
Safe use of a chain saw involves
1the operator
2the chain saw
3the use of the chain saw.
THE OPERATOR
Physical Condition
You must be in good physical condition
and mental health and not under the
influence of any substance (drugs,
alcohol, etc.) which might impair vision,
dexterity or judgment. Do not operate
this chain saw when you are fatigued.
WARNING
Be alert – if you get tired, take a break.
Tiredness may result in loss of control.
Working with any power tool can be
strenuous. If you have any condition that
might be aggravated by strenuous work,
check with your doctor before operating
this chain saw.
Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques
Because a chain saw is a
high-speed, fast-cutting
power tool, special safety
precautions must be
observed to reduce the
risk of personal injury.
It is important that you
read, fully understand
and observe the following
safety precautions and
warnings. Read the
instruction manual and
the safety instructions
periodically. Careless or
improper use may cause
serious or fatal injury.
Save the instruction man-
ual for future reference.

MSE 170 C, MSE 210 C
English
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WARNING
Prolonged use of a chain saw (or other
power tools) exposing the operator to
vibrations may produce whitefinger
disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or
carpal tunnel syndrome.
These conditions reduce the hand's
ability to feel and regulate temperature,
produce numbness and burning
sensations and may cause nerve and
circulation damage and tissue necrosis.
All factors which contribute to white-
finger disease are not known, but cold
weather, smoking and diseases or
physical conditions that affect blood
vessels and blood transport, as well as
high vibration levels and long periods of
exposure to vibration are mentioned as
factors in the development of whitefinger
disease. In order to reduce the risk of
whitefinger disease and carpal tunnel
syndrome, please note the following:
–Wear gloves and keep your hands
warm.
–Keep the chain saw well
maintained. A chain saw with loose
components will tend to have higher
vibration levels.
–Keep the saw chain sharp and the
saw well maintained. A dull saw
chain will increase cutting time, and
pressing a dull saw chain through
wood will increase the vibrations
transmitted to your hands.
–Maintain a firm grip at all times, but
do not squeeze the handles with
constant, excessive pressure. Take
frequent breaks.
All the above-mentioned precautions do
not guarantee that you will not sustain
whitefinger disease or carpal tunnel
syndrome. Therefore, continual and
regular users should closely monitor the
condition of their hands and fingers. If
any of the above symptoms appear,
seek medical advice immediately.
WARNING
According to STIHL’s current
knowledge, the electric motor of this
chain saw should not interfere with a
pacemaker. When in doubt, however,
persons with a pacemaker should
consult their physician and the
pacemaker manufacturer before
operating this chain saw.
Proper Clothing
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury, the operator
should wear proper protective apparel.
Clothing must be sturdy
and snug-fitting, but allow
complete freedom of
movement.To reduce the
risk of cut injuries, wear
the type of overalls, long
pants or chaps that con-
tain pads of cut-retardant
material. Avoid loose-fit-
ting jackets, scarfs,
neckties, jewelry, flared
or cuffed pants, uncon-
fined long hair or
anything that could
become caught on
branches, brush or the
moving parts of the chain
saw. Secure hair so it is
above shoulder level..
Good footing is very
important. Wear sturdy
boots with nonslip soles.
Steel-toed safety boots
are recommended. Never
wear sandals, flip-flops or
go barefoot.
Always wear heavy-duty
work gloves (e.g. made of
leather or wear resistant
material) when handling
the chain saw and the
cutting tool. Heavy-duty,
nonslip gloves improve
your grip and help to pro-
tect your hands.

MSE 170 C, MSE 210 C
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5
Be particularly alert and cautious when
wearing hearing protection because
your ability to hear warnings (shouts,
alarms, etc.) is restricted.
THE CHAIN SAW
For illustrations and definitions of the
chain saw parts see the chapter on
"Main Parts."
WARNING
Never modify this chain saw in any way.
Only attachments supplied by STIHL or
expressly approved by STIHL for use
with the specific STIHL model are
authorized. Although certain
unauthorized attachments are useable
with STIHL chain saws, their use may, in
fact, be extremely dangerous.
WARNING
Never operate your chain saw if it is
damaged, improperly adjusted or
maintained, or not completely or
securely assembled.
If this chain saw is subjected to
unusually high loads for which it was not
designed (e.g. heavy impact or a fall),
always check that it is in good condition
before continuing work. Check in
particular that the controls and safety
devices are working properly. Do not
continue operating this machine if it is
damaged. In case of doubt, have it
checked by your STIHL servicing dealer.
THE USE OF THE CHAIN SAW
Transporting the Chain Saw
WARNING
Always switch off the motor, move front
hand guard to ƒ before putting the
chain saw down. Carrying a chain saw
with the motor running may be extremely
dangerous.
Accidental acceleration of the motor can
cause the saw chain to rotate. Always
engage the chain brake by moving the
front hand guard to ƒ when taking more
than a few steps.
By hand: When transporting your chain
saw by hand, the motor must be
switched off and the chain saw must be
in the proper position, i.e., grip the top
handle; the chain guard (scabbard)
should be over the chain and guide bar,
which should point backwards, away
from the direction in which you are
walking.
WARNING
Do not carry the chain saw by the power
cable. Carry the cable in your hand. If
the cable is dragged on a rough surface
(concrete etc.) the cable may become
damaged.
To reduce the risk of
injury to your eyes never
operate your power tool
unless wearing goggles
or properly fitted protec-
tive glasses with
adequate top and side
protection complying with
ANSI Z87 "+" (or your
applicable national stand-
ard). If there is a risk of
injury to your face, STIHL
recommends that you
also wear a face shield or
face screen over your
goggles or protective
glasses.
Wear an approved safety
hard hat to reduce the
risk of injury to your head.
Chain saw noise may
damage your hearing.
Wear sound barriers (ear
plugs or ear mufflers) to
help protect your hearing.
Continual and regular
users should have their
hearing checked
regularly.
001BA069 LÄ

MSE 170 C, MSE 210 C
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6
By vehicle: When transporting in a
vehicle, keep saw chain and bar covered
with the chain guard (scabbard).
Properly secure your chain saw to
prevent turnover and damage to the
chain saw.
Before Operation
Take off the chain guard (scabbard) and
inspect the chain saw for proper
condition and operation. (See the
maintenance chart near the end of the
instruction manual.)
WARNING
Always check your chain saw for proper
condition and operation before starting,
particularly the trigger switch, trigger
switch lockout, front handle guard and
cutting attachment. The trigger switch
and the trigger switch lockout must
move freely and always spring back to
the idle position. Ensure that the trigger
switch will not engage when the trigger
switch lockout is not pressed. Never
attempt to modify the controls or safety
devices.
For proper assembly of the bar and
chain follow the procedure described in
the chapter "Mounting the Bar and
Chain" of your instruction manual.
STIHL Oilomatic saw chain, guide bar
and sprocket must match each other in
gauge and pitch. Before replacing any
bar and chain, see the chapter entitled
"Specifications" in the instruction
manual and the chapter "Reactive
Forces including Kickback".
Since longer bars add weight and may
be more difficult to control, select the
shortest bar that will meet your cutting
needs.
WARNING
Proper tension of the saw chain is
extremely important. In order to avoid
improper setting, the tensioning
procedure must be followed as
described in your manual. Always make
sure the hexagonal nut(s) for the
sprocket cover is (are) tightened
securely after tensioning the saw chain
in order to secure the bar. Never start
the chain saw with the sprocket cover
loose. Check saw chain tension once
more after having tightened the nut(s)
and thereafter at regular intervals
(whenever the saw is shut off). If the saw
chain becomes loose while cutting,
switch off the motor, disconnect the
chain saw from the power supply and
then tighten. Never try to adjust the saw
chain while the motor is running!
WARNING
After adjusting a saw chain, start the
chain saw, let the motor run for a while,
then switch motor off and recheck saw
chain tension. Proper saw chain tension
is very important at all times.
Keep the handles clean and dry at all
times; it is particularly important to keep
them free of moisture, pitch, oil, grease
or resin in order for you to maintain a firm
grip and properly control your chain saw.
WARNING
Be sure that the guide bar and saw chain
are clear of you and all other
obstructions and objects, including the
ground. If the upper quadrant of the tip of
the bar touches any object, it may cause
kickback to occur (see section on
reactive forces). Never attempt to start
the chain saw when the guide bar is in a
cut or kerf.
For specific starting instructions, see the
appropriate section of your instruction
manual.
Electric Precautions
Special precautions for electric chain
saws must be observed to reduce the
risk of personal injury and property
damage from fire and electric shock.
This electric chain saw is double-
insulated.
WARNING
To reduce risk of serious or fatal injury
from electrocution, never use your chain
saw if casing around motor is cracked or
damaged.
WARNING
The electrical power voltage must agree
with the voltage specified on the chain
saw's name plate. Improper voltage may
cause the motor to overheat, which will
damage the chain saw and may cause
personal injury.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of
electrocution never work
in rain or wet places – the
electric motor is not
waterproof! Do not leave
the chain saw outdoors in
the rain and do not oper-
ate it if it shows any signs
of dampness.

MSE 170 C, MSE 210 C
English
7
WARNING
To reduce the risk of personal injury
from fire and explosion, do not use the
chain saw in the presence of flammable
liquids or gases. The sparks from an
electric chain saw may be a source of
ignition!
WARNING
Avoid damage to the power cable. Keep
it away from heat, oil and sharp edges.
Never jerk power cable to disconnect the
plug from the wall outlet. To unplug,
grasp the plug, not the cable.
Always disconnect the plug when the
chain saw is not in use.
Extension Cords
WARNING
To reduce the risk of electric shock, use
only extension cords that are intended
for outdoor use. These extension cords
are identified by a marking "Acceptable
for use with outdoor appliances; store
indoors while not in use."
Do not use damaged extension cords.
Examine extension cord before using
and replace if damaged. Do not abuse
extension cord and do not yank on any
cord to disconnect.
If you use an extension cord, be sure to
use one heavy enough to carry the
current your electric saw will draw. An
improper gauged extension cord will
cause a drop in wire voltage resulting in
loss of power and overheating. Use only
extension cords having an electrical
rating not less than the rating of the
product.
The following table shows the correct
size to use depending on cord length
and machine label ampere rating.
Minimum Wire Size for Extension Cords
for 120 Volt Appliances
Cord types: SJW-A or SJTW-A
Round jacketed cords
Listed by UL, W-A marking on cable
jacket indicates "use outdoors".
Appropriate extension cords are
available in stores spezializing in
electrical equipment.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, this
equipment has a polarized plug (one
blade is wider than the other).This plug
will fit in a polarized outlet only one way.
If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet,
reverse the plug. If it still does not fit,
contact a qualified electrician to install
the proper outlet. Do not change the
plug in any way.
WARNING
Position the electric cable so that it will
not be damaged when using the electric
saw. Always keep the electric cable
behind the operator and away from the
bar and chain. Always be sure that your
cable does not become entangled with
obstacles or objects. Damaged cables
may cause electrocution. If you take a
break at your work, always disconnect
the cable.
Holding and Controlling the Chain Saw
Always hold the chain saw firmly with
both hands when you are working. Place
your left hand on the front handle bar
and your right hand on the rear handle.
Left-handers should follow these
instructions too. Wrap your fingers
tightly around the handles, keeping the
handles cradled between your thumb
and forefinger. With your hands in this
position, you can best oppose and
Inspect the power cable
before and after each use
for signs of damage or
aging. In order to reduce
the risk of serious or fatal
injury from electrocution,
never use your chain saw
if the power cable is cut,
cracked, worn or dam-
aged. Turn off power at
chain saw, disconnect
the plug immediately and
have dealer replace such
a cable.
Using not more than 12 amps
Cord length (ft) 50 100 150
Wire size (AWG) 16 14 12
Using not more than 15 amps
Cord length (ft) 50 100 150
Wire size (AWG) 12 1) 1)
1) not recommended
9931BA027 KN

MSE 170 C, MSE 210 C
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8
absorb the push, pull and kickback
forces of your saw without losing control
(see section on reactive forces).
WARNING
WARNING
To reduce the risk of cut injuries, keep
hands and feet away from the cutting
tool. Never touch a moving cutting tool
with your hand or any other part of your
body.
WARNING
Keep proper footing and balance at all
times. Special care must be taken in
slippery conditions (wet ground, snow)
and in difficult, overgrown terrain. Be
extremely cautious when working on
slopes or uneven ground. Watch for
hidden obstacles such as tree stumps,
roots, rocks, holes and ditches to avoid
stumbling. There is increased danger of
slipping on freshly debarked logs. For
better footing, clear away fallen
branches, scrub and cuttings. Use
extreme caution when cutting small-size
brush, branches and saplings because
slender material may catch the saw
chain and be whipped toward you or pull
you off balance.
WARNING
Take extreme care in wet and freezing
weather (rain, snow, ice). Put off the
work when the weather is windy, stormy
or rainfall is present.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury from loss of
control, never work on a ladder or any
other insecure support. Never hold the
machine above shoulder height. Do not
overreach.
Position the chain saw in such a way
that your body is clear of the cutting
attachment whenever the motor is
running. Stand to the left of cut while
bucking.
Never put pressure on the chain saw
when reaching the end of a cut. The
pressure may cause the bar and rotating
saw chain to pop out of the cut or kerf, go
out of control and strike the operator or
some other object. If the rotating saw
chain strikes some other object, a
reactive force may cause the moving
saw chain to strike the operator.
STIHL recommends that first-time users
should cut logs on a sawhorse – see
"Cutting small logs."
Working Conditions
Operate your chain saw only under good
visibility and daylight conditions. Work
carefully.
WARNING
Your chain saw is a one-person
machine. Do not allow other persons in
the general work area. Stop the motor
immediately if you are approached.
To reduce the risk of seri-
ous or fatal injury to the
operator or bystanders
from loss of control,
never use the chain saw
with one hand. It is more
difficult for you to control
reactive forces and to
prevent the bar and chain
from skating or bouncing
along the limb or log.
001BA031 KN
001BA082 KN

MSE 170 C, MSE 210 C
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9
WARNING
Even though bystanders should be kept
away from the running chain saw, never
work alone. Keep within calling distance
of others in case help is needed.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury to bystanders
and damage to property, never let your
chain saw run unattended. When it is not
in use (e. g. during a work break), switch
it off and make sure that unauthorized
persons do not use it. To do this, move
the front hand guard to ƒ and
disconnect the plug from the power
supply.
WARNING
Operate your chain saw so that it
produces a minimum of noise – do not
run motor unnecessarily and accelerate
the motor only for cutting.
WARNING
Use of this chain saw (including
sharpening the saw chain) can generate
dust, mist and fumes containing
chemicals that are known to cause
respiratory problems, cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive harm. If
you are unfamiliar with the risks
associated with the particular dust, mist
or fume at issue, consult your employer,
governmental agencies such as OSHA
and NIOSH and other sources on
hazardous materials. California and
some other authorities, for instance,
have published lists of substances
known to cause cancer, reproductive
toxicity, etc.
WARNING
Inhalation of certain dusts, especially
organic dusts such as mold or pollen,
can cause susceptible persons to have
an allergic or asthmatic reaction.
Substantial or repeated inhalation of
dust and other airborne contaminants, in
particular those with a smaller particle
size, may cause respiratory or other
illnesses. This includes wood dust,
especially from hardwoods, but also
from some softwoods such as Western
Red Cedar. Control dust (such as saw
dust) and mists (such as oil mist from
chain lubrication) at the source where
possible. Use good work practices, such
as always cutting with a properly
sharpened saw chain (which produces
wood chips rather than fine dust) and
operating the unit so that the wind or
operating process directs any dust
raised by the chain saw away from the
operator. Follow the recommendations
of EPA/OSHA/NIOSH and occupational
and trade associations with respect to
dust ("particulate matter"). When the
inhalation of dust cannot be
substantially controlled, i.e., kept at or
near the ambient (background) level, the
operator and any bystanders should
wear a respirator approved by NIOSH /
MSHA for the type of dust encountered.
WARNING
Breathing asbestos dust is dangerous
and can cause severe or fatal injury,
respiratory illness or cancer. The use
and disposal of asbestos-containing
products have been strictly regulated by
OSHA and the Environmental Protection
Agency. Do not use your chain saw to
cut or disturb asbestos or asbestos-
containing products. If you have any
reason to believe that you might be
cutting asbestos, immediately stop
cutting and contact your employer or a
local OSHA representative.
Operating Instructions
WARNING
Never touch a saw chain with your hand
or any part of your body when the motor
is running, even when the chain is not
rotating.
In the event of an emergency, switch off
the motor immediately, engage the
chain brake by moving the front hand
guard to ƒ and disconnect the plug
from the power supply.
WARNING
Always switch off the motor before
putting the chain saw down.
WARNING
The saw chain continues to move for a
short period after the trigger switch is
fully released.
WARNING
Your chain saw is equipped with a chain
catcher. It is designed to reduce the risk
of personal injury in the event of a
thrown or broken chain. From time to
time, the catcher may be damaged or
removed. To reduce the risk of personal
injury, do not operate a chain saw with a
damaged or missing chain catcher.
If this chain saw is subjected to
unusually high loads for which it was not
designed (e. g. heavy impact or a fall),

MSE 170 C, MSE 210 C
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10
always check that it is in good condition
before continuing work. Check in
particular that the controls and safety
devices are working properly. Do not
continue operating this chain saw if it is
damaged. In case of doubt, have it
checked by your STIHL servicing dealer.
Your chain saw is not designed for
prying or shoveling away limbs, roots or
other objects. Such use could damage
the cutting attachment.
WARNING
When sawing, make sure that the saw
chain does not touch any foreign
materials such as rocks, fences, nails
and the like. Such objects may be flung
off, damage the saw chain or cause the
chain saw to kickback.
WARNING
If the rotating saw chain strikes a rock or
other hard object, sparks may be
created, which can ignite flammable
materials under certain circumstances.
Flammable materials can include dry
vegetation and brush, particularly when
weather conditions are hot and dry. Do
not use your chain saw around
flammable materials or around dry
vegetation or brush when there is a risk
of fire or wildfire. Contact your local fire
authorities or the U.S. Forestry Service if
you have any question about whether
vegetation and weather conditions are
suitable for the use of a chain saw.
WARNING
Take special care when cutting
shattered wood because of the risk of
injury from slivers being caught and
thrown in your direction.
Check the cutting attachment at regular
short intervals during operation, or
immediately if there is a noticeable
change in cutting behavior:
–Switch off the motor.
–Move front hand guard to ƒ.
–Disconnect the plug from the power
supply.
Do not leave the machine outdoors in
the rain.
DANGER
REACTIVE FORCES INCLUDING
KICKBACK
WARNING
Reactive forces may occur any time the
chain is rotating. Reactive forces can
cause serious personal injury.
The powerful force used to cut wood can
be reversed and work against the
operator. If the rotating saw chain is
suddenly and significantly slowed or
stopped by contact with any solid object
such as a log or branch or is pinched, the
reactive forces may occur instantly.
These reactive forces may result in loss
of control, which, in turn, may cause
serious or fatal injury. An understanding
of the causes of these reactive forces
may help you avoid the element of
surprise and loss of control. Surprise
contributes to accidents.
The most common reactive forces are:
–kickback,
–pushback,
–pull-in.
WARNING
Kickback:
The motor is not water-
proof. Never work with
the chain saw in the rain
or in wet or very damp
locations.
Do not rely on the chain
saw ’s insulation against
electric shock. To reduce
the risk of electrocution,
never operate this chain
saw in the vicinity of any
wires or cables (power,
etc.) which may be carry-
ing electric current. To
reduce risk of electrocu-
tion, take extra
precautions when cutting
near power lines. Have
the power switched off
before starting cutting
work in the immediate
vicinity of power lines.
001BA257 KN

MSE 170 C, MSE 210 C
English
11
When this occurs, the energy driving the
saw chain can create a force that moves
the chain saw in a direction opposite to
the saw chain movement at the point
where the saw chain is slowed or
stopped. This may fling the bar up and
back in a lightning fast reaction mainly in
the plane of the bar and can cause
severe or fatal injury to the operator.
Kickback may occur, for example, when
the saw chain near the upper quadrant
of the bar nose contacts the wood or is
pinched during limbing or when it is
incorrectly used to begin a plunge or
boring cut.
The greater the force of the kickback
reaction, the more difficult it becomes for
the operator to control the chain saw.
Many factors influence the occurrence
and force of the kickback reaction.
These include saw chain speed, the
speed at which the bar and saw chain
contact the object, the angle of contact,
the condition of the saw chain and other
factors.
The type of bar and saw chain you use
is an important factor in the occurrence
and force of the kickback reaction. Some
STIHL bar and saw chain types are
designed to reduce kickback forces.
STIHL recommends the use of reduced
kickback bars and low kickback chains.
Chain Saw Kickback Standard
The following standards apply with
respect to kickback:
–§ 19.108 of UL 60745-2-13
–§ 5.11 of ANSI/OPEI B175.1-2012
These standards, in the following
referred to as "the chain saw kickback
standards" set certain performance and
design criteria related to chain saw
kickback.
To comply with the chain saw kickback
standards, electric chain saws
–must, in their original condition,
meet a 45° computer derived
kickback angle when equipped with
certain cutting attachments,
–and must be equipped with at least
two devices to reduce the risk of
kickback injury, such as a chain
brake, low kickback chain, reduced
kickback bar, etc.
The computer derived angles for electric
saws are measured by applying a
computer program to test results from
the kickback test machine.
WARNING
The computer derived angles of the
chain saw standards may bear no
relationship to actual kickback bar
rotation angles that may occur in real life
cutting situations.
In addition, features designed to reduce
kickback injuries may lose some of their
effectiveness when they are no longer in
their original condition, especially if they
have been improperly maintained.
Compliance with the chain saw kickback
standards does not automatically mean
that in a real life kickback the bar and
saw chain will rotate at most 45°.
WARNING
In order for chain saws to comply with
the computed kickback angle
requirements of the chain saw kickback
standards use only the following cutting
attachments:
–bar and saw chain combinations
listed as complying in the
"Specifications" section of the
instruction manual or
–other replacement bar and saw
chain combinations marked in
accordance with the standards for
use on the chain saw or
–replacement saw chain designated
"low kickback saw chain.''
See the section on "Low Kickback Saw
Chain and Reduced Kickback Bars."
Kickback may occur
when the moving saw
chain near the upper
quadrant of the bar nose
contacts a solid object or
is pinched.
001BA035 KN

MSE 170 C, MSE 210 C
English
12
Devices for Reducing the Risk of
Kickback Injury
STIHL recommends the use of the
STIHL Quickstop chain brake on your
chain saw with green labeled reduced
kickback bars and low kickback saw
chains.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury, never use a
saw if the chain brake does not function
properly. Take the saw to your local
STIHL servicing dealer. Do not use the
saw until the problem has been rectified.
STIHL Quickstop Chain Brake
STIHL has developed a chain stopping
system designed to reduce the risk of
injury in certain kickback situations. It is
called a Quickstop chain brake.
There are two mechanisms for activating
the chain brake if it is in a properly
maintained condition:
–manual activation: If a kickback
occurs, the chain saw moves
upwards towards the user in a
rotating motion around the front
handle. The brake is designed to
engage if the left hand contacts the
front guard, which is the activation
lever for the brake, and pushes it
forward.
–inertia activation: All STIHL chain
saws are equipped with an interia
Quickstop chain brake. If the
kickback impulse is strong enough,
this alone is sufficient to engage the
brake even without contacting the
front hand guard.
WARNING
Never operate your chain saw without a
front hand guard. In a kickback situation
this guard helps protect your left hand
and other parts of your body. In addition,
removal of the hand guard on a chain
saw equipped with a Quickstop chain
brake will disable the activation
mechanism of the chain brake.
WARNING
No Quickstop or other chain brake
device prevents kickback. These
devices are designed to reduce the risk
of kickback injury, if activated, in certain
kickback situations. In order for the
Quickstop to reduce the risk of kickback
injury, it must be properly maintained
and in good working order. See the
chapter of your instruction manual
entitled "Chain Brake" and the section
"Maintenance, Repair and Storing" at
the end of these Safety Precautions. In
addition, there must be enough distance
between the bar and the operator to
ensure that the Quickstop has sufficient
time to activate and stop the saw chain
before potential contact with the
operator.
WARNING
An improperly maintained chain brake
may increase the time needed to stop
the saw chain after activation, or may
not activate at all.
Low Kickback Saw Chain and Reduced
Kickback Bars
STIHL offers a variety of bars and saw
chains. STIHL reduced kickback bars
and low kickback saw chains are
001BA174 KN

MSE 170 C, MSE 210 C
English
13
designed to reduce the risk of kickback
injury. Other saw chains are designed to
achieve higher cutting performance or
sharpening ease, but in turn are more
prone to kickback.
STIHL has developed a color code
system to help you identify the STIHL
reduced kickback bars and low kickback
saw chains. Cutting attachments with
green warning labels on the packaging
are designed to reduce the risk of
kickback injury. The matching of green
marked or labeled chain saws with
green labeled bars and green labeled
saw chains gives compliance with the
computed kickback angle requirements
of the chain saw standards when the
products are in their original condition.
Products with yellow labels are for users
with extraordinary cutting needs, having
experience and specialized training for
dealing with kickback.
STIHL recommends the use of its green
labeled reduced kickback bars, green
labeled low kickback saw chains and a
chain saw equipped with a STIHL
Quickstop chain brake for both
experienced and inexperienced chain
saw users.
Please ask your STIHL dealer to
properly match your chain saw with the
appropriate bar/saw chain combination
to reduce the risk of kickback injury.
Green labeled bars and saw chains are
recommended for all chain saws. See
your "STIHL Bar and Chain Information"
leaflet for details.
WARNING
Use of other, non-listed bar/saw chain
combinations may increase kickback
forces and increase the risk of kickback
injury. New bar/saw chain combinations
may be developed after publication of
this literature, which will, in combination
with certain electric chain saws, comply
with the chain saw standards as well.
Check with your STIHL dealer for such
combinations.
WARNING
Reduced kickback bars and low
kickback saw chains do not prevent
kickback, but they are designed to
reduce the risk of kickback injury. They
are available from your STIHL dealer.
WARNING
Even if your saw is equipped with a
Quickstop, a reduced kickback bar
and/or low kickback saw chain, this does
not eliminate the risk of injury by
kickback. Therefore, always observe all
safety precautions to avoid kickback
situations.
Low Kickback Saw Chain
Some types of saw chains have
specially designed components to
reduce the force of nose contact
kickback. STIHL has developed low
kickback saw chains for your chain saw.
A "low kickback saw chain" is a saw
chain that has met the kickback
performance requirements of
ANSI/OPEI B175.1-2012 when tested
according to the provisions specified in
ANSI/OPEI B175.1-2012.
WARNING
There are potential chain saw and bar
combinations with which low kickback
saw chains can be used which have not
been specifically certified to comply with
the 45° computer derived kickback
angle of the chain saw standards. Some
low kickback saw chains have not been
tested with all chain saw and bar
combinations.
WARNING
A blunt or incorrectly sharpened saw
chain may reduce or negate the effects
of the design features intended to
reduce kickback energy. Improper
lowering or sharpening of the depth
gauges as well as changing the shape of
the cutters may increase the risk and the
energy of kickback. Always cut with a
properly sharpened saw chain.
Reduced Kickback Bars
STIHL green labeled reduced kickback
bars are designed to reduce the risk of
kickback injury when used with STIHL
green labeled low kickback saw chains.
WARNING
When used with other, more aggressive
saw chains, these bars may be less
effective in reducing kickback.
WARNING
For a properly balanced saw and in
order to comply with the chain saw
standards, use only bar lengths listed in
the specifications chapter of the
instruction manual for your chain saw.

MSE 170 C, MSE 210 C
English
14
To avoid kickback
The best protection from personal injury
that may result from kickback is to avoid
kickback situations:
1. Hold the chain saw firmly with both
hands and maintain a secure grip.
Don’t let go.
2. Be aware of the location of the guide
bar nose at all times.
3. Never let the nose of the guide bar
contact any object. Do not cut limbs
with the nose of the guide bar. Be
especially careful near wire fences
and when cutting small, tough
limbs, small size brush and saplings
which may easily catch the saw
chain.
4. Don't overreach.
5. Don't cut above shoulder height.
6. Begin cutting and continue at full
speed.
7. Cut only one log at a time.
8. Use extreme caution when
reentering a previous cut.
9. Do not attempt to plunge cut if you
are not experienced with these
cutting techniques.
10. Be alert for shifting of the log or
other forces that may cause the cut
to close and pinch the saw chain.
11. Maintain saw chain properly. Cut
with a correctly sharpened, properly
tensioned saw chain at all times.
12. Stand to the side of the cutting path
of the chain saw.
Bow Guides
WARNING
Do not mount a bow guide on any STIHL
chain saw. Any chain saw equipped with
a bow guide is potentially very
dangerous. The risk of kickback is
increased with a bow guide because of
the increased kickback contact area.
Low kickback saw chain will not
significantly reduce the risk of kickback
injury when used on a bow guide.
A=Pull-in
Pull-in occurs when the saw chain on the
bottom of the bar is suddenly stopped
when it is pinched, caught or encounters
a foreign object in the wood. The
reaction of the saw chain pulls the chain
saw forward and may cause the
operator to lose control.
Pull-in frequently occurs when the
bumper spike of the chain saw is not
held securely against the tree or limb
and when the saw chain is not rotating at
full speed before it contacts the wood.
WARNING
Use extreme caution when cutting small
size brush and saplings which may
easily catch the saw chain, be whipped
towards you or pull you off balance.
To avoid pull-in
1. Always start a cut with the saw
chain rotating at full speed and the
bumper spike in contact with the
wood.
2. The risk of pull-in may also be
reduced by using wedges to open
the kerf or cut.
B = Pushback
Pushback occurs when the saw chain on
the top of the bar is suddenly stopped
when it is pinched, caught or encounters
a foreign object in the wood. The
reaction of the saw chain may drive the
chain saw rapidly straight back toward
the operator and may cause loss of
chain saw control, which, in turn, may
cause serious or fatal injury. Pushback
frequently occurs when the top of the bar
is used for cutting.
001BA037 KN
A
001BA038 KN
B

MSE 170 C, MSE 210 C
English
15
To avoid pushback
1. Be alert to forces or situations that
may cause material to pinch the top
of the saw chain.
2. Do not cut more than one log at a
time.
3. Do not twist the chain saw when
withdrawing the bar from a plunge
cut or underbuck cut because the
saw chain can pinch.
WARNING
For cutting larger trees, logs or
branches, a more powerful, faster and/or
steady cut may be necessary to reduce
the risk of binding, stalling or a change in
conditions during a longer cutting time
that could lead to a loss of control of the
object being cut and serious personal
injury.
The electric chain saw is of only limited
suitability for felling and limbing.
If, however, a tree is to be felled and
limbed with a an electric chain saw, it is
imperative to observe the following
instructions.
Limbing
Limbing is removing the branches from a
fallen tree.
WARNING
There is an extreme danger of kickback
during the limbing operation. Do not
work with the nose of the bar. Be
extremely cautious and avoid contacting
the log or other limbs with the nose of the
guide bar.
Do not stand on a log while limbing it –
you may slip or the log may roll.
Start limbing by leaving the lower limbs
to support the log off the ground. When
underbucking freely hanging limbs, a
pinch may result or the limb may fall,
causing loss of control. If a pinch occurs,
switch off the motor, move front hand
guard to ƒ, disconnect the plug from the
power supply and remove the saw by
lifting the limb.
WARNING
Be extremely cautious when cutting
limbs or logs under tension (spring
poles). The limbs or logs could spring
back toward the operator and cause loss
of control of the saw and severe or fatal
injury to the operator.
Bucking
Bucking is cutting a log into sections.
WARNING
When bucking, do not stand on the log.
Make sure the log will not roll downhill. If
on a slope, stand on the uphill side of the
log. Watch out for rolling logs.
Cut only one log at a time.
Shattered wood should be cut very
carefully. Sharp slivers of wood may be
caught and flung in the direction of the
operator of the saw.
When cutting small logs, place log
through "V"-shaped supports on top of a
sawhorse. Never permit another person
to hold the log. Never hold the log with
your leg or foot.
001BA033 KN
001BA051 LÄ

MSE 170 C, MSE 210 C
English
16
Logs under strain:
Risk of pinching! Always start relieving
cut (1) at compression side.Then make
bucking cut (2) at tension side. If the saw
pinches, stop the engine and remove it
from the log.
Only properly trained professionals
should work in an area where the logs,
limbs and roots are tangled. Working in
"blow down" areas is extremely
hazardous. Drag the logs into a clear
area before cutting. Pull out exposed
and cleared logs first.
Felling
Felling is cutting down a tree.
Before felling a tree, consider carefully
all conditions which may affect the
direction of fall.
WARNING
There are a number of factors that may
affect and change the intended direction
of fall, e.g. wind direction and speed,
lean of tree, surrounding trees and
obstacles, sloping ground, one-sided
limb structure, wood structure, decay,
snow load, etc. To reduce the risk of
severe or fatal injury to yourself or
others, look for these conditions prior to
beginning the cut, and be alert for a
change in direction while the tree is
falling.
WARNING
Always observe the general condition of
the tree. Inexperienced users should
never attempt to cut trees that are
decayed or rotted inside or that are
leaning or otherwise under tension.
There is an increased risk that such
trees could snap or split while being cut
and cause serious or fatal injury to the
operator or bystanders. Also look for
broken or dead branches which could
vibrate loose and fall on the operator.
When felling on a slope, the operator
should stand on the uphill side if
possible.
Felling Instructions
When felling, maintain a distance of at
least 2 1/2 tree lengths from the nearest
person.
When felling in the vicinity of roads,
railways and power lines, etc., take extra
precautions. Inform the police, utility
company or railway authority before
beginning to cut.
WARNING
The noise of your engine may drown any
warning call.
1
001BA151 KN
2
1
001BA152 KN
2
001BA088 LÄ
2
/
12
11
/
12

MSE 170 C, MSE 210 C
English
17
Escape Path
First clear the tree base and work area
from interfering limbs and brush and
clean its lower portion with an ax.
Then, establish two paths of escape (B)
and remove all obstacles. These paths
should be generally opposite to the
planned direction of the fall of the tree
(A) and about at a 45° angle. Place all
tools and equipment a safe distance
away from the tree, but not on the
escape paths.
Buttress Roots
If the tree has large buttress roots, cut
into the largest buttress vertically first
(horizontally next) and remove the
resulting piece.
Gunning Sight
When making the felling notch, use the
gunning sight on the shroud and housing
to check the desired direction of fall:
Position the saw so that the gunning
sight points exactly in the direction you
want the tree to fall.
Conventional Cut
Felling notch (C) – determines the
direction of the fall
For a conventional cut:
NProperly place felling notch
perpendicular to the line of fall,
close to the ground.
NCut down at approx. 45° angle to a
depth of about 1/5 to 1/4 of the trunk
diameter.
NMake second cut horizontal.
NRemove resulting 45° piece.
B
001BA040 KN
A45°
45°
B
001BA146 KN
001BA153 KN
001BA143 KN
C
C

MSE 170 C, MSE 210 C
English
18
Open-face Technique
Felling notch (C) – determines the
direction of the fall
For an open-face cut:
NProperly place felling notch
perpendicular to the line of fall,
close to the ground.
NCut down at approx. 50° angle to a
depth of approx.1/5 to 1/4 of the
trunk diameter.
NMake second cut from below at
approx. 40 degree angle.
NRemove resulting 90° piece.
Making Sapwood Cuts
NFor medium sized or larger trees
make cuts at both sides of the trunk,
at same height as subsequent
felling cut.
NCut to no more than width of guide
bar.
This is especially important in softwood
in summer – it helps prevent sapwood
splintering when the tree falls.
D =Felling Cut
Conventional and open-face technique:
NBegin 1 to 2 inches (2,5 to 5 cm)
higher than center of felling notch.
NCut horizontally towards the felling
notch.
NLeave approx.1/10 of diameter
uncut. This is the hinge.
NDo not cut through the hinge – you
could lose control of the direction of
the fall.
Drive wedges into the felling cut where
necessary to control the fall.
WARNING
If the tip of the bar contacts a wedge, it
may cause kickback. Wedges should be
of wood or plastic – never steel, which
can damage the chain.
001BA150 KN
001BA144 KN
D
D