Stihl MSA 160 C User manual

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STIHL MSA 160 C Instruction Manual
Notice d’emploi

GInstruction Manual
1 - 48
FNotice d’emploi
49 - 102

Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2011 0458-701-8221-A. M1.E11.FST. 0000004002_002_GB
MSA 160 C
English
1
{
Contents
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing a quality
engineered STIHL product.
This machine has been built using
modern production techniques and
comprehensive quality assurance.
Every effort has been made to ensure
your satisfaction and troublefree use
of the machine.
Please contact your dealer or our
sales company if you have any
queries concerning your machine.
Your
Hans Peter Stihl
Guide to Using this Manual 2
Safety Precautions and Working
Techniques 2
Description of Operation 14
Cutting Attachment 15
Mounting the Bar and Chain (quick
chain tensioner) 15
Tensioning the Saw Chain (quick
chain tensioner) 17
Checking Chain Tension 17
Chain Lubricant 17
Filling Chain Oil Tank 18
Checking Chain Lubrication 19
Coasting Brake 20
Chain Brake 20
Connecting Charger to Power
Supply 21
Charging the Battery 21
Light Emitting Diodes (LED) on
Battery 22
Light Emitting Diodes (LED) on
Charger 24
Switching On 24
Switching Off 25
Operating Instructions 26
Taking Care of the Guide Bar 27
Storing the Machine 27
Checking and Replacing the Chain
Sprocket 28
Maintaining and Sharpening the
Saw Chain 29
Maintenance and Care 32
Main Parts 34
Specifications 36
Special Accessories 37
Ordering Spare Parts 37
Troubleshooting 38
Maintenance and Repairs 40
Battery Recycling 40
Disposal 40
Important Safety Instructions 41
Key to Symbols 42
CSA Standard 43
General Power Tool Safety
Warnings 45

MSA 160 C
English
2
Pictograms
Pictograms that appear on the machine
are explained in this Instruction Manual.
Depending on the machine and
equipment version, the following
pictograms may appear on the machine.
Symbols in text
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.
Observe the national safety regulations
issued, for example, by the employers'
liability insurance association, social
security institutions, occupational safety
and health authorities or other
organizations.
If using the machine for the first time:
Ask the salesperson or another expert to
explain how to use it safely – or attend a
training course.
Minors should never be allowed to use
the machine – except for young trainees
over the age of 16 when working under
supervision.
Children, animals and bystanders must
remain at a distance.
Guide to Using this Manual
Tank for chain oil; chain
oil
Direction of chain travel
Tension saw chain
Warning where there is a risk of
an accident or personal injury or
serious damage to property.
Caution where there is a risk of
damaging the machine or its
individual components.
Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques
Special safety precau-
tions must be observed
when using this machine
because the work goes
faster than with an axe
and a hand saw, because
the chain runs at very
high speeds, and
because the cutters are
extremely sharp
It is important that you
carefully read the entire
Instruction Manual before
using the machine for the
first time and keep it in a
safe place for future ref-
erence. Non-compliance
with the Instruction Man-
ual may cause serious or
even fatal injury.

MSA 160 C
English
3
When not using the machine, it must be
put down in such a way that it does not
endanger anyone. Ensure that the
machine cannot be used without
authorization.
The user is responsible for accidents or
risks involving third parties or their
property.
The machine should only be provided or
loaned to people familiar with this model
and its operation. The instruction
manual should always be handed over
with the machine.
Use of machines that emit noise may be
restricted in terms of time by national
and/or on-site, local regulations.
The machine may only be operated by
people who are fit, in good physical
health and in good mental condition.
If you have any condition that might be
aggravated by strenuous work, check
with your doctor before operating a
machine.
Anyone who has consumed alcohol,
medicines affecting their ability to react
or drugs must not operate the machine.
Postpone the work if the weather is bad
(rain, snow, ice, wind) – higher risk of
accidents!
Do not cut any material other than wood
or wooden objects.
The machine must not be used for any
other purposes – risk of injury!
–Checking, adjusting and cleaning
the machine
–Working on the cutting attachment
–Leaving the machine unattended
–Transport
–Storage
–Repair and maintenance work
–In the event of danger and in
emergencies
This prevents inadvertent starting of the
motor.
Only use tools, guide bars, chains, chain
sprockets or accessories that have been
approved by STIHL for this machine or
which are technically equivalent.
Contact a servicing dealer if in doubt.
Only use high-quality tools or
accessories. Otherwise, there may be a
risk of accidents or damage to the
machine.
STIHL recommends the use of genuine
STIHL tools, guide bars, chains, chain
sprockets and accessories. These have
been optimized for the product and the
user's requirements.
Never modify the machine in any way,
as this could be extremely dangerous.
STIHL excludes all liability for personal
injury and damage to property caused
while using unauthorized attachments.
Do not use high-pressure cleaners to
clean the machine. The hard water jet
can damage parts of the machine.
Do not spray the machine with water.
Battery
–Use only original STIHL batteries
–Use STIHL batteries only with
STIHL machines and charge them
only with STIHL chargers
–Charge battery before use
–Do not charge or use faulty,
damaged or deformed batteries. Do
not open, damage or drop the
battery
–Store battery out of reach of children
–Do not expose battery to
microwaves or high pressure
–Do not insert objects in the
ventilation slits of the battery
Remove the battery from
the machine when:
Do not expose to rain –
do not immerse in liquids.
Do not expose to direct
sunlight, heat and open
flames – do not incinerate
– danger of explosion!
Use and store the bat-
tery only at temperatures
within the range of
- 10 °C to max. + 50 °C.

MSA 160 C
English
4
–Never contact (short circuit) the
battery contacts with metal objects.
Short-circuiting can damage the
battery. Keep unused batteries
away from metal objects (e. g.,
nails, coins, jewelry). Do not use
metallic transport containers.
–In the event of damage or improper
use, fluid may leak from the battery
– avoid skin contact! Leaking
battery fluid can cause skin
irritation, burns and chemical burns.
In case of accidental contact, wash
the affected areas of skin with plenty
of water and soap. If fluid comes
into contact with the eyes, do not
rub and flush the eyes with plenty of
water for at least 15 minutes. In
addition, seek medical attention.
Charger
–Use only original STIHL chargers
–Use only for charging of
geometrically compatible Type AP
STIHL batteries with a maximum
capacity of 10 Ah and a maximum
voltage of 42 volts
–Do not charge faulty, damaged or
deformed batteries
–Connect the charger only to a power
source with the mains voltage and
frequency indicated on the model
plate – connect the charger only to
an easily accessible power outlet
–Do not use a faulty or damaged
charger
–Do not open charger
–Store charger out of reach of
children
–Operate charger at ambient
temperatures between + 5 °C and
+40°C
–Do not cover the charger, so that it
can cool off unhindered
–Never connect the contacts of (short
circuit) the charger with metallic
objects (e. g., nails, coins, jewelry).
Short-circuiting can damage the
charger.
–If the charger begins to smoke or
catches fire, unplug the power plug
immediately
–Do not insert objects in the
ventilation slits of the charger – risk
of electrical shock and/or short-
circuiting!
–Do not operate on highly flammable
surfaces (e. g., paper, textiles)
and/or in a highly flammable
environment – risk of fire!
–Do not operate in potentially
explosive environments, i.e., in an
environment containing flammable
liquids (fumes), gases or dust.
Chargers can generate sparks that
can ignite the dust or fumes –
danger of explosion!
–Never unplug the power cord by
pulling on the cable: always grip the
plug itself. Have a damaged power
cord repaired by a qualified
electrician
–Do not use the power cord for other
purposes, e. g., to carry or hang up
the charger
–Power cords that do not comply with
the regulations must not be used
–Route and mark the power cord so
that it cannot become damaged and
no one is endangered – avoid
danger of stumbling
To minimize the risk of electric shock:
–Only connect the charger to a
correctly installed power outlet
–Make certain there are no flaws in
the insulation of the power cord and
plug
Unplug the charger after use.
Clothing and equipment
Wear proper protective clothing and
equipment.
Protect against rain and
moisture.
Use and store only in a
closed, dry space.
Periodically inspect the
power cord of the charger
for damage. If the power
cord is damaged, unplug
it immediately – danger
of electrocution!

MSA 160 C
English
5
Clothing which could become trapped in
wood, brush or moving parts of the
machine should not be worn. Do not
wear a scarf, tie or jewelry when
operating the machine. Long hair must
be tied up and covered (headscarf, cap,
helmet, etc.).
Wear safety glasses or a face shield
and "personal" hearing protection –
e.g., ear defenders.
STIHL can supply a comprehensive
range of protective clothing and
equipment.
Transporting the machine
Always turn off the machine and remove
the battery from the machine, set hand
guard toƒand attach the chain
scabbard – even before transporting the
saw for short distances. This prevents
inadvertent starting of the motor.
Carry the machine only by the top
handle – guide bar pointing backwards.
In vehicles: Properly secure the
machine to prevent turnover, damage
and chain oil spillage.
Before starting work
Check that 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
–Keep the handles dry and clean,
free from oil and dirt – important for
safe control of the machine
–Check contacts in the battery
compartment of the machine for
foreign bodies
–Insert battery correctly – it must click
into place
–Do not use faulty or deformed
batteries
The unit should only be used if it is in
good working order – risk of accident!
Switching on the machine
The machine may only be used on level
ground. Ensure a firm and secure
footing and hold the machine firmly. The
cutting attachment must not touch any
objects and must not touch the ground.
The machine is operated by only one
person. There should not be any other
person within the working area, not even
when turning on the machine.
Do not turn on the machine if the saw
chain is in a cut.
Clothing must be sturdy
and snug-fitting, but allow
complete freedom of
movement. Wear snug fit-
ting clothing with cut-
retardant pads – an
overall, not a loose-fitting
jacket.
Wear safety boots – with
cut-retardant material,
non-slip soles and steel
toe caps
Wear a hard hat – if
objects could fall on you.
Wear sturdy gloves.
3999BA024 KN

MSA 160 C
English
6
Holding and guiding the machine
Always hold the machine firmly with
both hands: Right hand on the rear
handle – even if you are left-handed. To
ensure reliable control, wrap your
thumbs tightly around the handlebar and
handle.
During work
Ensure you always have a firm and safe
footing.
In case of imminent danger or in an
emergency, switch off the machine
immediately, set the hand guard to ƒ
and remove the battery from the
machine.
The machine is operated by only one
person. There should not be any other
person within the working area.
Do not leave the machine standing in the
rain.
Exercise caution with slippery surfaces,
water, snow, ice, steep slopes, uneven
ground or green wood that has just been
stripped of its bark – danger of
slipping!
Use caution with tree stumps, roots,
ditches – danger of stumbling!
Do not work alone – keep within calling
distance of others in case help is
needed.
More care and attention than usual are
required when wearing ear protection –
warning sounds (shouts, alarms, etc.)
cannot be heard properly.
Take breaks in due time in order to
prevent tiredness and exhaustion – risk
of accidents!
Dust (e. g., sawdust), produced while
using the machine may be hazardous to
health. Wear a dust mask if dust is
generated.
No smoking when working with or near
the machine - risk of fire!
Examine the saw chain periodically at
short intervals and as soon as you note
any tangible changes:
–Turn off the machine, wait until the
saw chain has stopped moving,
remove battery
–Check condition and secure fitting
–Ensure that the cutting blades are
sharp
Never touch the saw chain when the
machine is running. If the saw chain
becomes jammed by an object, turn off
the machine immediately before
attempting to remove the object – risk of
injury!
Before leaving the machine: Turn off
machine, set hand guard to ƒand
remove the battery from the machine.
To change the saw chain, turn off
machine, set hand guard to ƒand
remove the battery from the machine.
Risk of injury if the motor starts
inadvertently!
The machine is equipped with a system
for stopping the saw chain quickly – the
chain is stopped immediately if the
trigger switch is released – see
"Coasting brake".
Check this function periodically at short
intervals. Do not operate machine if the
saw chain continues moving when the
trigger switch is released – see
"Coasting brake" – risk of injury! Visit
your servicing dealer.
If the machine 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 - refer also to "Before
starting work". In particular, make
certain that the safety mechanisms are
working properly. Never use the
machine if it is not in good condition.
Consult a servicing dealer if in doubt.
After finishing work
Clean the machine to remove dust and
dirt – do not use degreasing agents.
Reactive forces
The most common reactive forces are:
kickback, pushback and pull-in.
Do not use the machine
in the rain or in wet or
extremely damp environ-
ments – the drive motor is
not waterproof.
3999BA000 KN

MSA 160 C
English
7
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 pinched in the cut
QuickStop chain brake:
This device reduces the risk of injury in
certain situations – it cannot prevent
kickback. When activated, the chain
brake stops the saw chain within a
fraction of a second –
See the section "Saw chain" 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
–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.
Kickback can result in
fatal cuts.
001BA036 KN
001BA093 LÄ
001BA037 KN
A

MSA 160 C
English
8
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 unfavorably
–when working in windbreaks
In these cases, do not use the machine
– 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.
Deadwood (brittle, rotten or dead wood)
poses a substantial, highly
unpredictable hazard. It is extremely
difficult or even practically impossible to
recognize the danger. Use aids such as
winches or draglines.
Always be especially careful when
felling timber near roads, railway
lines, power lines etc. If necessary,
notify police, power companies or
railway authorities.
Sawing
Work calmly and methodically – only
with good lighting and visibility. 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
machine.
Make certain that all parts of your body
are well clear of the extended range of
travel of the saw chain.
Always pull the machine out of the cut
with the saw chain running.
Use the machine only for sawing – not
for prying or shoveling away limbs or
roots.
Do not underbuck freely hanging limbs.
Be careful when cutting shattered wood
– risk of injury from slivers being
caught and thrown in your direction!
Make sure your machine does not touch
any foreign materials: Stones, nails, etc.
may be flung off and damage the saw
chain – the machine may kick back
unexpectedly.
On slopes, always stand above or to the
side of the trunk or felled tree. Watch out
for rolling trunks.
When working above ground level:
–Always use a lift bucket
–Never use the machine while
standing 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 machine at full
throttle and engage the bumper spike –
then saw.
001BA038 KN
B
001BA082 KN
001BA033 KN

MSA 160 C
English
9
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 machine is no
longer supported by the cutting
attachment in the cut. The machine's
weight must be borne by the user – risk
of loss of control!
Felling
Felling may only be carried out by
persons who have had special training.
Persons who are not experienced
machine users should carry out neither
felling nor limbing – increased risk of
accidents!
The cordless chain saw is of only limited
suitability for felling and limbing.
If, however, a tree is to be felled and
limbed with a cordless chain saw, it is
imperative to observe the following
instructions.
Comply with national regulations
regarding felling technique.
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 – motor noise can
drown out shouting.
The distance to the next worksite must
be at least 2 1/2 tree lengths.
Determining 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 paths
–Establish escape paths for each
worker – approx. 45° diagonally
backwards
–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 route
–Plan escape routes on slopes
parallel to the slope
–When getting out of the way, watch
out for falling branches and the
crown area
001BA088 LÄ
2
/
12
11
/
12
B
001BA040 KN
A45°
45°
B

MSA 160 C
English
10
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 dull the
saw chain
–Remove large buttresses: remove
the largest buttress first – saw first
vertically, then horizontally – only if
the tree is in sound condition
Making a felling notch
Several possibilities are permissible
when it comes to the sequence of
horizontal and diagonal cuts – observe
national regulations with regard to felling
technique.
The felling notch (C) determines the
direction of fall.
STIHL recommends the following
procedure:
NMake a horizontal cut – in doing so,
check the direction of fall with the
gunning sight
NStart a diagonal cut at an
approx. 45° angle
NCheck the felling notch – then
correct the felling notch, if
necessary
Important:
–Felling notch at right angle to
direction of fall
–As close to the ground as possible
–cut to a depth of approx. 1/5 to 1/3
of the diameter of the trunk
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.
001BA146 KN
001BA143 KN
C
C
001BA150 KN

MSA 160 C
English
11
Felling cut
Give a warning cry of "timber!" before
making the felling cut.
NMake the felling cut (D) slightly
higher than the horizontal cut of the
felling notch
–Exactly horizontal
–approx. 1/10 of the diameter of the
trunk must remain standing
between the felling cut and the
notch = bridge
Insert wedges in the felling cut in time –
use only wedges made of wood, light
metal or plastic – no steel wedges. Steel
wedges damage the saw chain and can
cause kickback.
The bridge (E) functions as a hinge to
guide the tree to the ground.
–Never saw through the bridge while
felling – otherwise the tree with fall
in a direction other than the one
planned – risk of accident!
–With rotten trunks, leave a wider
bridge
Immediately before felling the tree, give
out a second warning cry of "timber!".
Thin trunks: simple fan cut
NEngage the spiked bumper behind
the hinge. Pivot the machine around
this point – only as far as the bridge
– the spiked bumper rolls against
the trunk.
001BA144 KN
D
D
001BA145 KN
E
E
001BA147 KN

MSA 160 C
English
12
Large diameter trunks: sectioning
method
Use the sectioning method if the
diameter of the trunk exceeds the length
of the chain saw guide bar.
1. First cut
The nose of the guide bar should
enter the wood just behind the hinge
– hold the machine absolutely
horizontally and swing it as far as
possible – use the spiked bumper
as a pivot point – reposition the
machine as little as possible.
2. While repositioning for the next cut,
keep the guide bar fully engaged in
the cut in order to avoid an uneven
felling cut – apply the spiked
bumper again, etc.
3. Insert wedge (3)
4. Last cut: Position the machine as for
the simple fan cut – do not saw
through the bridge!
Special cutting techniques
Plunge-cutting and heartwood cutting
require training and experience.
Plunge-cutting
–for felling leaners
–for relieving cuts during bucking
–for DIY projects
Nuse a low kickback chain and be
especially cautious
1. Begin the cut by applying the lower
portion of the guide bar nose – do
not use the upper portion – risk of
kickback! Cut until the depth of the
kerf is twice the width of the guide
bar
2. Swing the saw slowly into the
plunge-cutting position – risk of
kickback or pushback!
3. Make the plunge cut very carefully –
danger of pushback!
Heartwood cut
–if the diameter of the trunk exceeds
twice the length of the guide bar
–if a piece of heartwood remains
uncut on large diameter trunks
001BA148 KN
1
4
2
12
3
001BA179 KN

MSA 160 C
English
13
–with trees that are difficult to fell
(oak, beech), to make possible to
maintain the planned direction of fall
more precisely and prevent the
heartwood from splintering
–with soft deciduous trees to relieve
tension in horizontal trunks and
prevent slivers of wood from being
torn out of the trunk
NMake the plunge cut very carefully –
danger of pushback! – then swing
in the direction of the arrow
Limbing
Limbing may only be carried by persons
who have had special training. Persons
who are not experienced machine users
should carry out neither felling nor
limbing – risk of accidents!
–Use a low-kickback saw chain
–Support the machine if 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
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
Lying or standing logs under tension
Always make the cuts in the correct
order (first compression side (1), then
tension side (2)), otherwise the machine
may pinch 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!
Ripping
Sawing technique without use of the
spiked bumper – risk of pull-in – position
the guidebar at as shallow an angle as
possible – be especially careful –
increased risk of kickback!
Vibrations
This power tool is minimizes the
vibrations transmitted to the operator's
hands.
However, the operator should seek
medical advice in the event of suspected
circulatory problems in the hands (e.g.
tingling sensation in the fingers).
Maintenance and repairs
Before all maintenance and repair work,
set the hand guard to ƒand remove the
battery from the machine. This prevents
inadvertent starting of the motor.
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.
Lying logs must not touch the
ground at the point where the cut
is made – otherwise the chain will
be damaged.
1
001BA151 KN
2
1
001BA152 KN
2
3999BA031 KN

MSA 160 C
English
14
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. in
order to avoid the risk of accidents or
damage to the machine. Contact a
servicing dealer if in doubt.
STIHL recommends the use of genuine
STIHL spare parts. Such parts have
been optimized for the machine and the
user's requirements.
Never modify the machine in any way –
this can be extremely dangerous – risk
of accident!
Periodically check electrical contacts,
power cord 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 chain and guide bar in flawless
condition. Keep the chain properly
sharpened, tensioned and well
lubricated.
Change chain, guide bar and chain
sprocket in due time.
Always store chain oil in the specified
type of containers and ensure they are
correctly labeled.
In the event of a chain brake
malfunction, switch off the machine
immediately and remove the battery –
risk of injury! Consult a servicing
dealer – do not use the machine until the
malfunction has been remedied, see
"Chain Brake".
Clean plastic parts with a cloth. Harsh
detergents can damage the plastic.
Check fastening screws on deflectors
and cutting attachments to ensure that
they are firmly seated and retighten if
necessary.
Cleaning ventilation slots in motor
housing as needed.
Keep the guide grooves clean – clean if
necessary.
The machine must be stored in a dry
room with the hand guard set to ƒand
only with the battery removed.
The power tool is operated with a
rechargeable battery. Use only STIHL
chargers to recharge the battery.
Data exchange
The power tool, battery and charger
communicate with each other. The
charger charges the battery and the
battery supplies the necessary power
only if data exchange functions properly.
For this reason you should operate your
power tool only with the approved STIHL
batteries and STIHL chargers.
Description of Operation

MSA 160 C
English
15
STIHL is the only manufacturer in the
industry to produce its own chain saws,
guide bars, saw chains and chain
sprockets.
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.
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)
Cutting Attachment
001BA191 KN
1
2
3
a
t = a : 2
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

MSA 160 C
English
16
Releasing the chain brake
NPull hand guard towards the front
handle until it engages audibly and
the hand guard is in the position ‚
– chain brake is released
Fitting the saw chain
NFit the saw chain – starting at the
nose of the guide bar – pay attention
to the position of the tensioning gear
and the cutting edges
NTurn tensioning gear (1) to the right
as far as possible
NTurn the guide bar so that the
tensioning gear faces the user
NPlace the saw chain on the chain
sprocket (2)
NSlide the guide bar over the collar
screw (3); the head of the rear collar
screw must protrude into the oblong
hole
NGuide the drive link into the bar
groove (arrow) and turn the
tensioning gear to the left as far as
possible
NFit chain sprocket cover, sliding the
guide lugs into the engine housing
openings
When fitting the chain sprocket cover,
the teeth of the adjusting wheel and the
tensioning gear must mesh; if
necessary,
Nturn the adjusting wheel (4) a little
until the chain sprocket cover can
be slid completely against the
engine housing
NSwing grip (5) into position (until it
engages)
NFit wing nut and tighten lightly
NGo to chapter "Tensioning the saw
chain"
Put on protective gloves – risk of
injury by the sharp cutters
3999BA010 KN
1
181BA012 KN
2
3
181BA013 KN
3999BA004 KN
3999BA005 KN
4
5
3999BA006 KN

MSA 160 C
English
17
For retensioning during operation:
NRemove the battery from the
machine
NFold out the wings of the wing nut
and loosen the wing nut
NTurn the adjusting wheel (1) to the
right as far as possible
NTighten the wing nut (2) by hand
NFold in the wings of the wing nut
NNext step: Continue with "Check
chain tension"
A new saw chain must be retensioned
more frequently than one that has been
in use already for an extended period!
NCheck chain tension frequently –
see "Operating Instructions"
NRemove the battery from the
machine
NPut on protective gloves
NPull hand guard towards the front
handle until it engages audibly and
the hand guard is in the position ‚
– chain brake is released
NThe saw chain must lie against the
bottom of the bar and it must be
possible to pull it across the guide
bar by hand
Nif necessary, retension saw chain
A new saw chain must be retensioned
more frequently than one that has been
in use already for an extended period.
NCheck chain tension frequently, see
"Operating Instructions"
For automatic and reliable lubrication of
the chain and guide bar – use only a
quality, environmentally compatible
chain and bar lubricant – preferably the
rapidly biodegradable STIHL Bioplus.
The service life of the chain and guide
bar depends on the quality of the
lubricant – it is therefore essential to use
only a specially formulated chain oil.
Tensioning the Saw Chain
(quick chain tensioner)
2
1
3999BA007 KN
Checking Chain Tension
3999BA008 KN
Chain Lubricant
Biological chain oil must be
sufficiently resistant to aging
(e. g., STIHL Bioplus). Oil with a
low resistance to aging tends to
turn to resin quickly. This results in
hard deposits that are difficult to
remove, especially in the area of
the chain drive and on the saw
chain – .possibly even causing the
oil pump to seize.
Do not use waste oil! Prolonged
and repeated contact with waste
oil can cause skin cancer. It also
harms the environment!
Waste oil does not have the
necessary lubricant properties
and is unsuitable for chain
lubrication.

MSA 160 C
English
18
NCheck oil level before starting work,
while sawing, and each time the
battery is changed
NRefill chain oil at the latest every
second time the battery is changed
If the oil tank is still partly full, the reason
may be a problem in the oil supply
system: Check chain lubrication, clean
the oil passages, contact your servicing
dealer for assistance if necessary.
STIHL recommends that all
maintenance and repairs be carried out
by STIHL servicing dealers
Oil filler cap
NThoroughly clean the filler cap and
the area around it to ensure that no
dirt falls into the tank
NAlways position the machine so that
the filler cap is facing upwards
Opening
NSwing the clip into an upright
position
NTurn the cap counterclockwise
(approx. 1/4 turn)
NRemove fuel filler cap
Filling Chain Oil Tank
Take care not to spill chain oil during
refilling and do not overfill the tank.
STIHL recommends use of the STIHL
filling system for chain oil (special
accessory).
NFilling Chain Oil Tank
Closing
Clip is in an upright position:
NFit the cap – position marks on the
cap and the filling port must line up
NPush the cap down as far as it will
go
NHold the cap down and twist it
clockwise until it engages
Filling Chain Oil Tank
3999BA011 KN
001BA218 KN
001BA219 KN
001BA224 KN
001BA220 KN
001BA221 KN