Stihl MSA 160 C User manual

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STIHL MSA 160 C, 200 C Instruction Manual
Notice d’emploi

GInstruction Manual
1 - 49
FNotice d’emploi
50 - 104

Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2017 0458-701-8221-D. VA0.G17. 0000007062_003_GB
MSA 160 C, MSA 200 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
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing a quality
engineered STIHL product.
It has been built using modern
production techniques and
comprehensive quality assurance.
Every effort has been made to ensure
your satisfaction and trouble-free use of
the product.
Please contact your dealer or our sales
company if you have any queries
concerning this product.
Your
Dr. Nikolas Stihl
Guide to Using this Manual 2
Safety Precautions 2
Reactive Forces 7
Working Techniques 9
Cutting Attachment 17
Mounting the Bar and Chain (quick
chain tensioner) 18
Tensioning the Saw Chain (quick
chain tensioner) 20
Checking Chain Tension 20
Chain Lubricant 20
Filling Chain Oil Tank 21
Checking Chain Lubrication 23
Coasting Brake 23
Chain Brake 23
Connecting Charger to Power
Supply 24
Charging the Battery 24
LEDs on battery 25
Light Emitting Diodes (LED) on
Charger 27
Switching On 27
Switching Off 28
Operating Instructions 29
Taking Care of the Guide Bar 30
Storing the Machine 30
Checking and Replacing the Chain
Sprocket 31
Maintaining and Sharpening the
Saw Chain 32
Maintenance and Care 35
Main Parts 37
Specifications 39
Ordering Spare Parts 40
Troubleshooting 41
Maintenance and Repairs 43
Battery Recycling 43
Disposal 43
Key to Symbols 44
CSA Standard 45
General Power Tool Safety
Warnings 46

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
2
This Instruction Manual refers to a
STIHL cordless chain saw, also called a
chain saw, engine-driven device or
machine in this Instruction Manual.
Pictograms
The meanings of the pictograms
attached to the machine are explained in
this manual.
Depending on the model concerned, the
following pictograms may be attached to
your machine.
Symbols in text
WARNING
Warning where there is a risk of an
accident or personal injury or serious
damage to property.
NOTICE
Caution where there is a risk of
damaging the machine or its individual
components.
Engineering improvements
STIHL's philosophy is to continually
improve all of its products. For this
reason we may modify the design,
engineering and appearance of our
products periodically.
Therefore, some changes, modifications
and improvements may not be covered
in this manual.
General
Observe all applicable local safety
regulations, standards and ordinances.
The use of noise emitting power tools
may be restricted to certain times by
national or local regulations.
If you have not used this model before:
Have your dealer or other experienced
user show you how to operate your
machine or attend a special course in its
operation.
Minors should never be allowed to use a
chain saw.
Keep bystanders, especially children,
and animals away from the work area.
The user is responsible for avoiding
injury to third parties or damage to their
property.
Guide to Using this Manual
Chain oil tank; chain oil
Direction of chain rotation
Tension the chain
Thermal overload cutout
Unlock
Lock
Safety Precautions
Special safety precau-
tions must be observed to
reduce the risk of per-
sonal injury when
working with a chain saw
because of the very high
chain speed and very
sharp cutters.
It is important that you
read the instruction man-
ual before first use and
keep it in a safe place for
future reference. Non-
observance of the
instruction manual may
result in serious or even
fatal injury.

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
3
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.
To operate a chain saw you must be
rested, in good physical condition and
mental health. If you have any condition
that might be aggravated by strenuous
work, check with your doctor before
operating a chain saw.
Do not operate the chain saw if you are
under the influence of any substance
(drugs, alcohol) which might impair
vision, dexterity or judgment.
To reduce the risk of accidents or injury,
put off the work in poor weather
conditions (rain, snow, ice, wind).
–before carrying out inspections,
adjustments or cleaning work
–when working on the cutting
attachment
–before leaving your chain saw
unattended
–before transporting
–before storing
–before performing repairs and
maintenance work
–in the event of danger or in an
emergency
This avoids the risk of the motor starting
unintentionally.
Intended Use
The chainsaw may be used for cutting
wood and wooden objects only. It is
particularly suitable for cutting firewood
and other woodworking projects close to
the house.
It must not be used for any other
purpose because of the increased risk of
accidents.
Never attempt to modify your saw in any
way since this may increase the risk of
personal injury. STIHL excludes all
liability for personal injury and damage
to property caused while using
unauthorized attachments.
Clothing and Equipment
Wear proper protective clothing and
equipment.
Avoid clothing that could get caught on
branches or brush or moving parts of the
saw. Do not wear a scarf, necktie or
jewelry. Tie up and confine long hair
(e.g. with a hair net, cap, hard hat, etc.).
WARNING
Wear a face shield and make sure it is a
good fit.
Hearing protection is recommended if
your daily working time is more than
2.5 hours.
Wear a safety hard hat with chin strap
where there is a danger of head injuries
from falling objects.
STIHL offers a comprehensive range of
personal protective clothing and
equipment.
Transport
Before transport – even over shorter
distances – always switch off the chain
saw, set the hand guard to ƒ and
remove the battery. This avoids the risk
of the engine starting unintentionally. Fit
the chain scabbard.
Remove the battery from
the power tool:
Clothing must be sturdy
but allow complete free-
dom of movement. Wear
snug-fitting clothing with
cut retardant inserts – do
not wear a work coat.
Wear suitable footwear
with cut retardant inserts,
non-slip soles and steel
toe.
To reduce the risk of eye
injuries, wear close-fit-
ting safety glasses in
accordance with Euro-
pean Standard EN 166.
Make sure the safety
glasses are a comforta-
ble and snug fit.
Wear heavy-duty work
gloves made of durable
material (e.g. leather).

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
4
Carry the chain saw only by the handle –
guide bar pointing backwards.
In vehicles: Properly secure the chain
saw to prevent turnover, damage and
chain oil spillage.
Cleaning
Clean plastic parts with a cloth. Harsh
detergents can damage the plastic.
Clean the dust and dirt off the machine –
do not use any grease solvents for this
purpose.
Clean the ventilation slots if necessary.
Keep the guide grooves of the battery
free of dirt – clean if necessary.
Do not use a high-pressure cleaner to
clean the chain saw. The hard jet of
water can damage parts of the machine.
Do not spray the chain saw with water.
Accessories
Only use those tools, guide bars, chains,
chain sprockets, accessories or
technically equivalent components that
have been approved by STIHL for this
machine. If you have any questions in
this respect, consult a servicing dealer.
Use only high quality tools and
accessories. Otherwise, there may be a
risk of accidents and damage to the
machine.
STIHL recommends the use of genuine
STIHL tools, guide bars, chains, chain
sprockets and accessories. They are
specifically designed to match your
model and meet your performance
requirements.
Drive
Battery
Observe the supplement sheet or
instruction manual for the STIHL battery
and keep in a safe place.
Further safety instructions – see
www.stihl.com/safety-data-sheets
Battery charger
Observe the supplement sheet for the
STIHL charger and keep in a safe place.
Before starting work
–Carrying out tests and adjustments
or cleaning work
–Working on the cutting attachment
–Leaving the machine unattended
–Transport
–Storage
–Performing repairs and
maintenance work
–In the event of danger or in an
emergency
This avoids the risk of the engine
starting unintentionally.
Check that the machine is properly
assembled and in good condition – refer
to appropriate chapters in the Instruction
Manual:
–Functional chain brake, front hand
guard
–Correctly mounted guide bar
–Correctly tensioned chain
–Trigger switch and trigger switch
lockout must move easily – switches
must return to initial position when
released
–Trigger switch is locked when the
trigger switch lockout is not
depressed
–Never attempt to modify the controls
or safety devices in any way
–Keep the handles dry and clean –
free from oil and dirt – for safe
control of the chain saw
–Sufficient chain oil in the tank
–Check contacts in battery
compartment of the chain saw for
foreign matter
–Fit the battery correctly – it must
engage audibly
–Do not use defective or deformed
batteries
The chain saw should only be used if it
is in full working order – risk of accident!
0000-GXX-4668-A0
Remove the battery from
the chain saw before:

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
5
To help reduce the risk of serious
personal injury or death from
unintentional starting, avoid contacting
the trigger switch lockout and trigger
switch when grasping the rear handle of
the chain saw.
Switching On the Saw
Start the saw on level ground only. Make
sure you have a firm footing. Hold the
saw firmly – check that the cutting
attachment is not touching any object or
the ground.
The chainsaw is a one-person saw. Do
not allow other persons in the work area
– even when starting.
Do not attempt to switch on the saw
when the saw chain is in a cut.
Switch on as described in the instruction
manual.
During Operation
Make sure you always have good
balance and secure footing. To avoid
slipping, take special care when the bark
is wet.
To reduce the risk of personal injury
from unintentional starting when
grasping the rear handle or carrying the
chain saw, wrap the fingers of your right
hand tightly around the rear handle,
identified by shading in the illustration
above (1). Avoid grasping the chain saw
outside the shaded area or contacting
the trigger switch lockout or trigger
switch.
Always hold your saw firmly with both
hands: Right hand on the rear handle,
even if you are left-handed. To ensure
safe control, wrap your fingers tightly
around the front handle and control
handle.
In case of imminent danger or in an
emergency, switch off the chain saw
immediately, move the hand guard to ƒ
and remove the battery.
This chain saw may be used in the rain
and wet. Dry off your chain saw after
finishing work.
Do not leave the saw outdoors in the
rain.
Take special care in slippery conditions
– damp, snow, ice, on slopes, uneven
ground and freshly debarked logs.
Watch out for obstacles such as tree
stumps, roots and ditches which could
cause you to trip or stumble.
Do not work alone – keep within calling
distance of other persons trained in first
aid who can provide assistance in an
emergency. Helpers at the cutting site
must also wear protective clothing (hard
hat) and stand well clear of the branches
being cut.
Be particularly alert and cautious when
wearing hearing protection because
your ability to hear warnings (shouts,
alarms, etc.) is restricted.
To reduce the risk of accidents, take a
break in good time to avoid tiredness or
exhaustion.
The dusts (e.g. sawdust), vapor and
smoke produced during operation may
be dangerous to health. If dust levels are
very high, wear a suitable respirator.
Check the saw chain at regular short
intervals during operation or
immediately if there is a noticeable
change in cutting behavior:
–Switch off the saw, wait for the chain
to come to a standstill, remove the
battery.
–Check condition and proper
mounting.
–Check sharpness.
Do not touch the chain while the
chainsaw is switched on. If the chain
becomes jammed by an obstacle, switch
off the saw immediately and remove the
battery before attempting to free the
obstruction – risk of injury.
Before leaving your saw, switch it off,
move the hand guard to ƒ and remove
the battery to avoid the risk of the motor
starting unintentionally.
1
0000-GXX-4960-A0
0000-GXX-4956-A0

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
6
To replace the saw chain, switch off the
saw, move the hand guard to ƒ and
remove the battery. This avoids the risk
of injury from the motor starting
unintentionally.
Your power tool is equipped with a
system designed to quickly stop the saw
chain – it comes to an immediate
standstill as soon as you release the
trigger switch – see "Coasting Brake".
Check this function at regular short
intervals. Do not operate your chainsaw
if the chain continues to run after you
release the trigger switch – see
"Coasting Brake" – risk of injury. Contact
your servicing dealer.
Never operate your saw without proper
chain lubrication – check oil level
regularly during operation. Stop work
immediately if the oil level is too low and
refill the oil tank – see also chapters on
"Filling Chain Oil Tank" and "Checking
Chain Lubrication".
If your 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 – see also "Before
Starting Work". Make sure the safety
devices are working properly. Do not
continue operating your saw if it is
damaged. In case of doubt, consult your
servicing dealer.
After finishing work
Switch off the chain saw, set the hand
guard to ƒ, remove the battery from the
chain saw and fit the chain scabbard.
Storage
When the machine is not in use, it
should be stored in such a way that no-
one is endangered. Secure the machine
against unauthorized use.
The chain saw must be stored in a dry
room with the hand guard set to ƒ and
only with the battery removed.
Vibrations
Prolonged use of the power tool may
result in vibration-induced circulation
problems in the hands (whitefinger
disease).
No general recommendation can be
given for the length of usage because it
depends on several factors.
The period of usage is prolonged by:
–Hand protection (wearing warm
gloves)
–Work breaks
The period of usage is shortened by:
–Any personal tendency to suffer
from poor circulation (symptoms:
frequently cold fingers, tingling
sensations).
–Low outside temperatures.
–The force with which the handles
are held (a tight grip restricts
circulation).
Continual and regular users should
monitor closely the condition of their
hands and fingers. If any of the above
symptoms appear (e.g. tingling
sensation in fingers), seek medical
advice.
Maintenance and repairs
Before any repair, cleaning or
maintenance work and any work on the
cutting attachment, always switch off the
chain saw, set the hand guard to ƒ and
remove the battery from the chain saw.
If the saw chain starts inadvertently –
risk of injury!
The machine must be serviced regularly.
Do not attempt any maintenance or
repair work not described in the
Instruction Manual. All other work should
be carried out by a servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends that maintenance
and repair work be carried out only by
authorized STIHL dealers. STIHL
dealers receive regular training and are
supplied with technical information.
Use only high-quality spare parts.
Otherwise, there may be a risk of
accidents and damage to the machine. If
you have any questions in this respect,
consult a servicing dealer.
Do not modify the chain saw in any way
– this can be extremely dangerous –risk
of accidents!
Check existing electrical contacts,
power cords and power plug of the
charger for undamaged insulation and
aging (brittleness).
Electrical components, e.g., the power
cord of the charger, may only be
repaired and/or replaced by qualified
electricians.
Inspect chain catcher – replace if
damaged.
Observe sharpening instructions – for
safe and proper handling, always keep
the saw chain and guide bar in flawless

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
7
condition. Keep the saw chain properly
sharpened, tensioned and well
lubricated.
Change saw chain, guide bar and chain
sprocket in due time.
Always store chain oil in containers
approved for this purpose and ensure
they are correctly labeled. Store in a dry,
cool and secure place protected against
light and sunlight.
In the event of a chain brake
malfunction, switch off the machine
immediately, set the hand guard to ƒ
and remove the battery from the chain
saw – risk of injury! Consult a servicing
dealer – do not use the machine until the
malfunction has been remedied, see
"Chain brake".
The most common reactive forces are:
kickback, pushback and pull-in.
Dangers of kickback
Kickback occurs when the saw is
suddenly thrown up and back in an
uncontrolled arc towards the operator.
Kickback occurs if, for example,
–The saw chain in the area of the
upper quarter of the guide bar nose
unintentionally comes into contact
with wood or a solid object – e. g.,
unintentionally touches another limb
during limbing
–The saw chain at the nose of the
guide bar is briefly pinched in the cut
QuickStop chain brake:
This device reduces the risk of injury in
certain situations – it cannot prevent
kickback. If activated, the brake stops
the saw chain within a fraction of a
second –
refer to chapter "Chain brake" in this
Instruction Manual.
Reducing the risk of kickback
–Work cautiously and methodically
–Hold the chain saw firmly with both
hands and maintain a secure grip
–Always cut at full throttle
–Be aware of the location of the guide
bar nose
–Do not cut with the guide bar nose
Reactive Forces
Kickback can result in
fatal cuts.
001BA036 KN
001BA257 KN

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
8
–Be especially careful with small,
tough limbs, undergrowth and
offshoots – the saw chain may
become caught in them
–Never cut several limbs at once
–Do not lean too far forward
–Do not cut above shoulder height
–Use extreme caution when re-
entering a previous cut
–Do not attempt plunge cuts if you
are not experienced in this cutting
technique
–Be alert for shifting of the log or
other forces that may cause the cut
to close and pinch the chain
–Always cut with a correctly
sharpened, properly tensioned saw
chain – the depth gauge setting
must not be too large
–Use low-kickback saw chains as
well as narrow-radius guide bars
Pull-in (A)
When the chain on the bottom of the bar
– overbucking – is suddenly pinched,
caught or encounters a foreign object in
the wood, the chain saw may suddenly
be drawn forward toward the log – to
avoid this, engage the bumper spike
firmly in the wood.
Pushback (B)
When the chain on the top of the bar –
underbucking – is suddenly pinched,
caught or encounters a foreign object in
the wood, the chain saw may suddenly
be driven straight back toward the
operator – to avoid this:
–Do not allow the top of the guide bar
to become jammed
–Do not twist the guide bar in the cut
Be very careful
–With freely hanging limbs
–With trunks that are under tension
between other trees because they
fell unfavourably
–When working in windbreaks
In these cases, do not use a chain saw –
use a hoist, winch or dragline instead.
Pull out trunks that are lying about and
have been cut free. Whenever possible,
deal with them in open areas.
Dead wood (brittle, rotten or dead wood)
poses a significant, highly unpredictable
hazard. It is extremely difficult or even
practically impossible to recognise the
danger. Use aids such as winches or
draglines.
When felling close to roads, rail lines,
power lines, etc., work with particular
care. If necessary, notify police, power
companies or railway authorities.
001BA037 KN
A
001BA038 KN
B

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
9
Sawing and felling work, including all
related work (plunge cutting, limbing,
etc.) may only be carried out by persons
who have been specially trained and
instructed. Persons who are not
experienced chain saw users should not
carry out any such work – increased risk
of accidents!
Gasoline chain saws are more suitable
for felling and limbing than cordless
chain saws.
The cordless chain saw is not suitable
for cutting in blowdown areas and must
not be used for such work.
If, however, a tree is to be felled and
limbed with a cordless chain saw, it is
imperative to observe the country-
specific legislation on felling technique.
Sawing
Work calmly and carefully – in daylight
conditions and only when visibility is
good. Do not endanger others – stay
alert at all times.
It is advisable for first-time users to
practice cutting logs on a sawbuck – see
"Sawing thin wood".
Use the shortest possible guide bar: The
chain, guide bar and chain sprocket
must match each other and your saw.
Make certain that all parts of your body
are well clear of the extended range of
travel of the saw chain.
Always pull the saw out of the cut with
the saw chain running.
Use the chain saw only for sawing – not
for prying or shovelling away limbs or
roots.
Do not underbuck freely hanging limbs.
Be careful when cutting scrub and young
trees. Thin shoots can be scooped up by
the chain saw and hurled towards the
user.
Be careful when cutting shattered wood
– risk of injury from slivers being caught
and thrown in your direction!
Make sure your saw does not touch any
foreign materials: Stones, nails, etc. may
be flung off and damage the saw chain.
The chain saw may kick back
unexpectedly – risk of accident!
If a rotating saw chain hits a stone or
another hard object, there may be
sparks, which under certain conditions
can cause easily combustible materials
to catch fire. Even dry plants and scrub
are easily combustible, especially in hot,
dry weather conditions. If there is a risk
of fire, do not use the chain saw in the
vicinity of easily combustible materials,
dry plants or scrub. Always check with
the relevant forestry commission if there
is a risk of fire.
On slopes, always stand above or to the
side of the trunk or felled tree. Watch out
for rolling trunks.
When working at heights:
–Always use a lift bucket
–Never work on a ladder or in a tree
–Never use the machine in unsteady
locations
–Never cut above shoulder height
–Never use the machine with one
hand
Begin cutting with the saw at full throttle
and engage the bumper spike – then
saw.
Working Techniques
001BA082 KN
001BA033 KN

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
10
Never use the chain saw without the
bumper spike, the saw may pull you
forward suddenly. Always engage the
bumper spike securely.
At the end of the cut, the chain saw is no
longer supported by the cutting
attachment in the cut. The chain saw's
weight must be borne by the user – risk
of loss of control!
Sawing thin wood:
–Use a sturdy, stable fixture –
sawhorse
–Do not hold the wood in place with
your foot
–Other persons must neither be
allowed to hold the wood nor help in
any other way
Limbing:
–Use a low-kickback saw chain
–Support the chain saw as much as
possible
–Do not stand on the trunk when
limbing
–Do not cut with the guide bar nose
–Watch out for limbs that are under
tension
–Never cut several limbs at once
Lying or standing logs under tension:
Always make the cuts in the correct
order (first compression side (1), then
tension side (2)), otherwise the cutting
attachment may stick in the cut or kick
back – risk of injury!
NMake relieving cut in the
compression side (1)
NMake bucking cut in the tension
side (2)
If the bucking cut is made from the
bottom upwards (underbuck) – risk of
pushback!
NOTICE
Lying logs must not touch the ground at
the point where the cut is made –
otherwise the chain will be damaged.
Ripping:
Sawing technique without use of the
spiked bumper – risk of pull-in – position
the guide bar at as shallow an angle as
possible – be especially careful –
increased risk of kickback!
Preparing for felling
Only persons who are engaged in felling
may be present in the felling area.
Make certain that no one is endangered
by the falling tree – engine noise can
drown out shouting.
1
001BA151 KN
2
1
001BA152 KN
2
001BA189 KN

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
11
The distance to the next worksite must
be at least 2 1/2 tree lengths.
Specify the direction of fall and escape
paths
Select a gap in the timber stand into
which the tree can be felled.
Pay special attention to the following
points:
–The natural inclination of the tree
–Unusually heavy limb structure,
asymmetrical growth, damage to
tree
–Wind direction and speed – do not
fell trees in high winds
–Direction of slope
–Neighboring trees
–Snow load
–Take the general condition of the
tree into account – be especially
careful with trunk damage or
deadwood (brittle, rotten or dead
wood)
ADirection of fall
BEscape path (escape routes)
–Establish escape paths for each
worker – approx. 45° diagonally
opposite to the direction of fall
–Clear escape paths, eliminate
obstacles
–Put down tools and equipment at a
safe distance – but not on the
escape paths
–When felling, stand only to the side
of the falling trunk and only move
back laterally onto the escape path
–Plan escape paths on slopes
parallel to the slope
–When getting out of the way, watch
out for falling branches and the
crown area
Preparing the work area at the trunk
–Clear the work area at the trunk of
branches, brush and other
obstacles – secure footing for all
workers
–Carefully clear the base of the trunk
(e.g., with an axe) – sand, stones
and other foreign objects will blunt
the saw chain
–Remove large buttresses: remove
the largest buttress first – saw first
vertically, then horizontally – only if
the tree is in sound condition
001BA088 LÄ
2
/
12
11
/
12
B
001BA040 KN
A45°
45°
B
001BA146 KN

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
12
Felling notch
Preparing the felling notch
The felling notch (C) determines the
direction of fall.
Important:
–Make a felling notch at right angle to
direction of fall
–Saw as close to the ground as
possible
–Cut to a depth of approx. 1/5 to 1/3
of the diameter of the trunk
Specify the direction of fall – without the
gunning sight on the shroud and fan
housing
If the chain saw is designed without the
gunning sight on the shroud and fan
housing, the direction of fall can be
determined or controlled using a meter
stick:
NSnap the meter stick in the middle
and create an isosceles triangle
NPosition both ends of the meter stick
in the front trunk area (1/5 to max.
1/3 of the trunk diameter) – align the
tip of the meter stick in the defined
direction of fall
NMark the trunk at both ends of the
meter stick to limit the felling notch
Making a felling notch
When making a felling notch, align the
machine so that the notch lies at a right
angle to the direction of fall.
During the procedure various
sequences are permitted for making a
felling notch with a bottom (horizontal)
cut and top (angled) cut – comply with
national legislation regarding felling
technique.
NMake the bottom cut (horizontal cut)
– until the guide bar reaches both
markings
NMake the top (angled) cut
approx. 45°- 60° to the bottom cut
Checking the direction of fall
The bottom cut and top cut must meet in
a continuous straight sink chord.
NPosition the meter stick at the pivot
point of the sink chord – the tip of the
meter stick must point in the
direction of the specified direction of
fall – where necessary, correct the
direction of fall by cutting the felling
notch accordingly
001BA271 KN
C
C
001BA246 KN
001BA247 KN
001BA243 KN

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
13
Sapwood cuts
With long-fibered wood, sapwood cuts
prevent the sapwood from splintering
when felling the trunk – saw both sides
of the trunk at the level of the felling
notch base to approx. 1/10 of the
diameter of the trunk – with thicker
trunks, not more than the width of the
guide bar.
Do not use sapwood cuts on diseased
trees.
Backcutting principles
Basic dimensions
The felling notch (C) determines the
direction of fall.
The hinge (D) functions like a real hinge
to guide the tree to the ground.
–Width of hinge: approx. 1/10 of the
trunk diameter
–Never saw through the hinge while
felling – otherwise the tree will fall in
a direction other than the one
planned – risk of accident!
–With rotten trunks, leave a wider
hinge
The tree is felled with the backcut (E).
–Exactly horizontal
–1/10 (min. 3 cm) of the width of the
hinge (D) across the bottom of the
felling notch (C)
The holding wood (F) or safety strip (G)
supports the tree and secures it against
premature falling.
–Width of strip: approx. 1/10 to 1/5 of
the trunk diameter
–Do not cut into the strip during the
backcut
–With rotten trunks, leave a wider
strip
Plunge cutting
–For relieving cuts during bucking
–For wood carving
NUse a low kickback chain and be
especially cautious
1. Begin the cut by applying the lower
portion of the guide bar tip – do not
use the upper portion – risk of
kickback! Cut at full strength until
the depth of the kerf is twice the
width of the guide bar
001BA150 KN
G
001BA259 KN
C
E
D
1/10
C
3.
001BA269 KN
1.
2.

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
14
2. Swing the machine slowly into the
plunge cutting position – risk of
kickback and pushback!
3. Make the plunge cut very carefully –
danger of pushback!
Where possible, use a plunge blade.
The plunge blade and the upper/lower
side of the guide bar are parallel.
During plunge cutting, the plunge bar
helps to keep the hinge parallel in form,
i.e. the same thickness at all points. To
do this, guide the plunge bar parallel to
the sink chord.
Felling wedges
Insert the felling wedge as soon as
possible, i.e. as soon as saw control
cannot be hindered. Position the felling
wedge in the backcut and drive in with
suitable tools.
Only use aluminium or plastic wedges –
do not use steel wedges. Steel wedges
can seriously damage the saw chain and
cause dangerous kickback.
Select suitable felling wedges
dependent on the trunk diameter and the
width of the kerf (analogue to backcut
(E)).
Contact the STIHL servicing dealer for
the selection of the felling wedge
(suitable length, width and height).
Select the appropriate backcut
The selection of the appropriate backcut
is dependent on the same tree
characteristics that must be noted when
determining the direction of fall and the
escape paths.
There are various different features of
these characteristics. This Instruction
Manual will only describe the two most
commonly occurring variants:
Back cut with safety strip (normal tree)
(A) Thin trunks
Implement this backcut when the trunk
diameter is smaller than the cutting
length of the machine.
Give a warning cry of "timber!" before
making the backcut.
NPlunge cut the backcut (E) – plunge
the guide bar fully in
NEngage the bumper spike behind
the hinge and use this as the
rotation point – reposition the
machine as little as possible
NMake the backcut up to the
hinge (1)
–Do not cut into the hinge
NMake the backcut up to the safety
strip (2)
–Do not cut into the safety strip
001BA270 KN
Left: Normal tree – vertically
upright tree with uniform
crown
Right: Leaner tree - Crown pointing
in direction of fall
001BA260 KN
001BA261 KN
1.
2.

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
15
NSet the felling wedge (3)
Immediately before felling the tree, give
out a second warning cry of "timber!".
NCut through the safety strip,
horizontal level with the backcut,
with arms fully extended
B) Thick trunks
Implement this backcut when the trunk
diameter is greater than the cutting
length of the machine.
Give a warning cry of "timber!" before
making the backcut.
NEngage the bumper spike at the
height of the backcut and use this as
the rotation point – reposition the
machine as little as possible
NTip of the guide bar must penetrate
the wood before the hinge (1) –
guide machine absolutely
horizontally and swivel as widely as
possible
NMake the backcut up to the
hinge (2)
–Do not cut into the hinge
NMake the backcut up to the safety
strip (3)
–Do not cut into the safety strip
The backcut must be continued on the
opposite side of the trunk.
Ensure that the second cut is at the
same level as the first cut.
NPlunge cut the backcut
NMake the backcut up to the
hinge (4)
–Do not cut into the hinge
NMake the backcut up to the safety
strip (5)
–Do not cut into the safety strip
NSet the felling wedge (6)
Immediately before felling the tree, give
out a second warning cry of "timber!".
NCut through the safety strip,
horizontal level with the backcut,
with arms fully extended
Backcut with holding wood (leaner tree)
A) Thin trunks
Implement this backcut when the trunk
diameter is smaller than the cutting
length of the machine.
3.
001BA273 KN
4.
001BA263 KN
1.
2. 3.
5.
6.
001BA274 KN

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
16
NPlunge cut the guide bar into the
trunk until it exits on the other side
NMake the backcut (E) towards the
hinge (1)
–Exactly horizontal
–Do not cut into the hinge
NMake the backcut towards the
holding wood (2)
–Exactly horizontal
–Do not cut into the holding wood
Immediately before felling the tree, give
out a second warning cry of "timber!".
NCut through the holding wood at an
angle from above with arms fully
extended
B) Thick trunks
Implement this backcut when the trunk
diameter is greater than the cutting
length of the machine.
NEngage the bumper spike behind
the holding wood and use this as the
rotation point – reposition the chain
saw as little as possible
NTip of the guide bar must penetrate
the wood before the hinge (1) –
guide the chain saw absolutely
horizontally and swivel as widely as
possible
–Do not cut into the holding wood and
hinge
NMake the backcut up to the
hinge (2)
–Do not cut into the hinge
NMake the backcut up to the holding
wood (3)
–Do not cut into the holding wood
1. 2.
001BA265 KN
001BA266 KN
001BA267 KN
1.
2. 3.
4.
5. 6.

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
17
The backcut must be continued on the
opposite side of the trunk.
Ensure that the second cut is at the
same level as the first cut.
NEngage the bumper spike behind
the hinge and use this as the
rotation point – reposition the
machine as little as possible
NTip of the guide bar must penetrate
the wood before the holding wood
(4) – guide machine absolutely
horizontally and swivel as widely as
possible
NMake the backcut up to the
hinge (5)
–Do not cut into the hinge
NMake the backcut up to the holding
wood (6)
–Do not cut into the holding wood
Immediately before felling the tree, give
out a second warning cry of "timber!".
NCut through the holding wood at an
angle from above with arms fully
extended
A cutting attachment consists of the saw
chain, guide bar and chain sprocket.
The cutting attachment that comes
standard is designed to exactly match
the chain saw.
–The pitch (t) of the saw chain (1),
chain sprocket and the nose
sprocket of the Rollomatic guide bar
must match.
–The drive link gauge (2) of the saw
chain (1) must match the groove
width of the guide bar (3).
If non-matching components are used,
the cutting attachment may be damaged
beyond repair after a short period of
operation.
001BA268 KN
Cutting Attachment
001BA248 KN
1
2
3
a

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
18
Chain Scabbard
Your saw comes standard with a chain
scabbard that matches the cutting
attachment.
If guide bars of different lengths are
mounted to the saw, always use a chain
scabbard of the correct length which
covers the complete guide bar.
The length of the matching guide bars is
marked on the side of the chain
scabbard.
Removing the chain sprocket cover
NSet hand guard to ƒ
NRemove the battery from the
machine
NSwing grip (1) into position (until it
engages)
NTurn the wing nut (2) to the left until
it hangs loosely in the chain
sprocket cover (3)
NRemove chain sprocket cover (3)
Mounting the tensioning gear
NRemove and reverse tensioning
gear (1)
NRemove screw (2)
NPosition tensioning gear (1) and
guide bar (3) relative to one another
NInsert and tighten screw (2)
001BA244 KN
Mounting the Bar and Chain
(quick chain tensioner)
1
3999BA001 KN
32
1
3999BA029 KN
2310BA015 KN
2
1
3
2310BA016 KN
2
2310BA017 KN