Stihl MSA 220.0 T User manual

MSA 220.0 T, 220.0 TC
2 - 45 Instruction Manual
45 - 95 Notice d’emploi

Contents
1 Introduction................................................. 2
2 Guide to Using this Manual.........................2
3 Main Parts...................................................3
4 Safety Symbols on the Products.................4
5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS....5
6 Kickback and Other Reactive Forces........11
7 Basic Working Technique......................... 16
8 Battery Safety........................................... 18
9 Maintenance, Repair and Storage............ 20
10 Before Starting Work.................................20
11 Charging the Battery................................. 21
12 LED Diagnostics and Acoustic Signals..... 22
13 STIHL AR L Backpack Battery..................23
14 STIHL AR Backpack Battery.....................25
15 Assembling the Chain Saw....................... 27
16 The Chain Brake....................................... 30
17 Inserting and Removing the Battery..........31
18 Switching the Chain Saw On and Off........32
19 Checking the Chain Saw...........................33
20 After Finishing Work..................................34
21 Transporting the Chain Saw and Battery.. 34
22 Storing the Chain Saw and Battery...........35
23 Cleaning....................................................36
24 Inspection and Maintenance..................... 38
25 Troubleshooting Guide..............................41
26 Specifications............................................42
27 CSA Standard........................................... 44
28 Combinations of Guide Bars and Saw
Chains.......................................................44
29 Replacement Parts and Equipment.......... 45
30 Disposal.................................................... 45
31 Addresses................................................. 45
1 Introduction
Thank you for your purchase. The information
contained in this manual will help you receive
maximum performance and satisfaction from
your STIHL chain saw and, if followed, reduce
the risk of injury from its use.
SAVE THIS MANUAL!
Because a chain saw is a high-speed
wood-cutting tool, special safety pre‐
cautions must be observed to reduce
the risk of personal injury.
Read this instruction manual thor‐
oughly before use and periodically
thereafter. Follow all safety precau‐
tions. Careless or improper use of the
chain saw can cause serious or fatal
injury.
Observe all applicable federal, state and local
safety regulations, standards and ordinances.
Do not lend or rent your chain saw without this
instruction manual. Allow only persons who have
the proper training and fully understand the infor‐
mation in this manual to operate the chain saw.
For further information, or if you do not under‐
stand any of the instructions in this manual,
please go to www.stihl.ca or contact your author‐
ized STIHL servicing dealer.
2 Guide to Using this Manual
2.1 Signal Words
This manual contains safety information that
requires your special attention. Such information
is introduced with the following symbols and sig‐
nal words:
DANGER
■ Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
■ Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■ Indicates a risk of property damage, including
damage to the machine or its individual com‐
ponents.
2.2 Symbols in Text
The following symbol is included to assist you
with the use of the manual:
Refers to a designated chapter or sub-chapter
in this instruction manual.
English
2 0458-007-8201-B
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG 2023
0458-007-8201-B. VA0.K23.
Printed on chlorine-free paper Paper is recyclable.
Original Instruction Manual
0000009774_008_GB

3 Main Parts
3.1 Chain Saw and Battery
11
1
3
6
5
7
8
13
14
94
15
20
18
17
23
22
21
24
19
12
25
27
26
10
#
2
16
#
0000098211_001
1 Chain Sprocket
Drives the saw chain.
2 Tensioning Gear
Shifts the guide bar and tightens or loosens
the saw chain on the guide bar.
3 Bumper Spike
Helps hold the saw steady against the wood
during cutting.
4 Chain Catcher
Helps contain the saw chain and reduce the
risk of operator contact in the event the chain
breaks or comes off the bar.
5 Guide Bar
Supports and guides the saw chain.
6 Saw Chain
Toothed cutting tool consisting of cutters, tie
straps and drive links.
7 Gunning Sight
Helps the operator determine the direction of
fall when making a felling notch.
8 Chain Sprocket Cover
Covers the chain sprocket.
9 Nut
Tightens the chain sprocket cover.
10 Chain Scabbard
Covers the guide bar and saw chain to
reduce the risk of injury from inadvertent con‐
tact during transportation and storage.
11 Front Hand Guard
Helps protect the operator's left hand from
projecting branches and contact with the saw
chain. Serves as the activation lever for the
chain brake.
12 Retaining Button
For switching the chain saw on.
13 Chain Brake LED
Indicates that the chain brake is engaged
when illuminated.
14 Status LED
Indicates the operational status of the chain
saw. When the LED is flashing it indicates
that the saw is in standby mode and ready for
use.
15 Trigger Switch Lockout
Must be depressed to allow activation of the
trigger switch.
16 Control Handle
Handle for the operator's right hand.
17 Locking Lever
Secures the battery in the battery compart‐
ment.
18 Battery Compartment
Holds the battery.
19 Air Filter
Filters the air drawn into the motor.
20 Ring
For carrying the chain saw on your belt or by
a rope.
21 Oil Flow Adjusting Screw
For adjusting the amount of chain oil.
22 Oil Filler Cap
For closing the oil tank.
23 Front Handle
Handle for the operator's left hand.
24 Trigger Switch
Switches the motor on and off.
25 Battery
Supplies electrical power to the motor.
26 Push Button
Activates the battery's LEDs.
27 Battery LEDs
Indicate the battery's state of charge and dis‐
play error messages regarding potential mal‐
functions in the battery or power tool.
# Rating Plate
Contains electrical information and the pro‐
duct's serial number.
3 Main Parts English
0458-007-8201-B 3

3.2 Optional Features
Optional features are not available on all mod‐
els.The chain saw may be equipped with the fol‐
lowing features:
1
0000098212_001
1 Chain Oil LED
Indicates that the oil tank is empty or the bar
and chain are not receiving oil when illumina‐
ted.
4 Safety Symbols on the
Products
4.1 Chain Saw
The following safety symbols are found on the
chain saw:
To reduce the risk of injury, follow the
specified safety precautions.
Read and follow all safety precautions
in the instruction manual. Improper use
can lead to serious or fatal personal
injury or property damage.
To reduce the risk of serious personal
injury and hearing loss, always wear
proper eye protection, hearing protec‐
tion and an approved protective hel‐
met, 5.3.
To reduce the risk of injuries, wear the
type of overalls, long pants or chaps
that contain pads of cut-retardant
material, if feasible depending on the
individual application, 5.3.
To reduce the risk of serious or
fatal injuries to the operator or
bystanders from loss of control,
always hold the chain saw
firmly with both hands when
you are working, 5.5.2.
Avoid contact of the bar tip with any
object. This can cause the bar to kick
suddenly up and back, which may
result in serious or fatal injury. Always
use two hands to operate the saw,
6.
To reduce the risk of injury or property
damage from unintended activation,
remove the battery any time the saw is
not in use, 5.5.
Designed for professional, in-
tree use only. Operators must
be trained in special in-tree cut‐
ting and working techniques
and properly secured at all
times, 7.1.
4.2 Battery
The following safety symbols are found on the
AR series backpack battery and the AP series
battery:
To reduce the risk of injury, follow the
specified safety precautions.
Read and follow all safety precautions
in the battery's instruction manual and
the manual for the STIHL tool powered
by this battery. Improper use can lead
to serious or fatal personal injury or
property damage.
To reduce the risk of personal injury or
property damage from fire, explosion
or burns, including chemical burns, do
not disassemble, crush, drop, damage
or heat above 212 °F (100 °C). Never
expose to fire or incinerate, 8.
AR 1000, 2000, 3000 Backpack Batteries
To reduce the risk of personal injury or
property damage from a short circuit,
fire or explosion, keep dry. Protect
from rain, water, liquids and damp con‐
ditions. Never immerse in water or
other liquids, 8.
AR L Backpack Batteries
To reduce the risk of personal injury or
property damage from a short circuit,
fire or explosion, keep dry. Never
immerse in water or other liquids, 8.
AP Series Batteries
To reduce the risk of personal injury or
property damage from a short circuit,
fire or explosion, keep dry. Never
immerse in water or other liquids, 8.
Batteries sold separately.
English 4 Safety Symbols on the Products
4 0458-007-8201-B

5 IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
5.1 Intended Use
WARNING
■This chain saw is designed specifically for in-
tree surgery. It is not designed for felling trees
or cutting logs on the ground. Use of the chain
saw for operations different than intended
could result in serious injury or death.
■This chain saw should be used only for work in
a tree by persons trained in special cutting and
working techniques. Because this saw is not
intended for use on the ground, this manual
does not contain instructions for felling or for
limbing or bucking felled trees.
►Cut wood only. For example, do not use
chain saw for cutting metal, plastic or
masonry.
►Read and follow the operating and use
instructions in this manual for approved
applications and recommended working
techniques.
■The saw chain has many sharp cutters. If they
contact your flesh, they will cut you even if the
chain is not moving.
►Always wear heavy-duty work gloves when
handling the saw or its chain.
► Keep hands, feet and other parts of your
body away from the chain.
■ Reactive forces, including kickback, can be
dangerous.
► Pay special attention to the sections of this
instruction manual dealing with reactive
forces.
■Observe all applicable federal, state and local
safety regulations, standards and ordinances.
■ Improper use could result in personal injury or
property damage, including damage to the
chain saw.
►Use the chain saw and battery only as
described in this manual.
► Never attempt to modify or override the
chain saw's controls or safety devices in
any way.
►Never use a chain saw that has been modi‐
fied or altered from its original design.
► Be sure to read and follow the warnings
and instructions for your battery and
charger before charging or starting work.
■This power tool may be powered by a
STIHL AP series battery. Alternatively, it may
be powered by a STIHL AR series backpack
battery in combination with an AP Adapter. For
approved battery types, see chapter 26.1.
For approved combinations of cutting attach‐
ment, battery types and accessories, see
chapter 28.1.
■Using an AR series battery or AP battery bag
with connecting cord while climbing in a tree is
not authorized because it could lead to entan‐
glement of the connecting cord or otherwise
increase the risk of injury from loss of control
or loss of balance.
►Use an AR series battery or AP battery bag
with connecting cord only when working
from a lift bucket. Never use while climbing
in a tree.
Batteries, chargers and other accessories are
sold separately.
5.2 Operator
WARNING
■ Working with the chain saw can be strenuous.
The operator must be in good physical condi‐
tion and mental health. To reduce the risk of
personal injury:
►Check with your doctor before using the
chain saw if you have any health condition
that may be aggravated by strenuous work.
►Do not operate the chain saw while under
the influence of any substance (drug, alco‐
hol or medication, etc.) that might impair
vision, balance, dexterity or judgment.
►Be alert. Do not operate the chain saw
when you are tired. Take a break if you
become tired.
►Do not permit minors to use the chain saw.
► Bystanders, especially children, and ani‐
mals should not be allowed in the area
where the chain saw is in use.
■Prolonged use of a chain saw (or other power
tools) exposing the operator to vibration may
produce white finger disease (Raynaud's phe‐
nomenon) or carpal tunnel syndrome. These
conditions reduce the hand's ability to feel and
regulate temperature. They produce numb‐
ness and burning sensations and may also
cause nerve and circulation damage as well
as tissue necrosis.
■ All factors which contribute to white finger dis‐
ease are not known. 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 expo‐
sure to vibration, are mentioned as factors in
the development of white finger disease.
5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS English
0458-007-8201-B 5

■ To reduce the risk of white finger disease and
carpal tunnel syndrome:
► Wear gloves while working and keep your
hands warm.
► Keep the chain saw well maintained. An
improperly maintained chain saw or one
with loose components will tend to have
higher vibration levels.
►Keep the saw chain sharp. A dull chain will
increase cutting time, and pressing a dull
chain through wood will increase the vibra‐
tion transmitted to your hands.
►Maintain a firm grip at all times, but do not
squeeze the handles with constant, exces‐
sive pressure. Take frequent breaks.
■These precautions do not guarantee that you
will not sustain white finger disease or carpal
tunnel syndrome.
►Closely monitor the condition of your hands
and fingers if you are a regular operator.
► Seek medical advice immediately if any of
the above symptoms appear.
■ According to STIHL's current knowledge, the
electric motor of this chain saw should not
interfere with a pacemaker.
►However, persons with a pacemaker or
other implanted medical device should con‐
sult their physician and device manufac‐
turer before operating this chain saw.
5.3 Personal Protective Equipment
WARNING
■To reduce the risk of personal injury:
► Always wear proper clothing and protective
apparel, including proper eye protection.
■ Loss of control and severe cut injuries may
result if hair, clothing or apparel make contact
with the moving saw chain or otherwise
become entangled in the components of the
saw. To reduce the risk of severe personal
injury:
► Wear sturdy and snug-fitting clothing
that also allows complete freedom of
movement.
► Wear the type of overalls, long pants
or chaps that contain pads of cut-
retardant material.
►Wear a long-sleeve shirt or jacket.
► Avoid loose-fitting jackets, scarves, neck‐
ties, flared or cuffed pants, jewelry and any
other apparel that could be caught on
branches, brush or the moving chain.
►Secure hair above shoulder level before
starting work.
■ To reduce the risk of eye injury:
► Always wear goggles or close-fitting
protective glasses with adequate top
and side protection that are impact-
rated and marked as complying with
CSA Z94.
►To reduce the risk of injury to your face,
STIHL recommends that you also wear a
face shield or face screen over your gog‐
gles or protective glasses.
■To reduce the risk of head injury from falling
branches or other objects encountered during
work:
►Wear an approved protective helmet.
► Any crew member in the cutting area
should also wear proper protective equip‐
ment, including an approved helmet.
■Prolonged exposure to power tool noise may
result in permanent hearing damage. To
reduce the risk of hearing damage:
► Wear sound barriers (ear plugs or
ear muffs).
► Regular operators should have their
hearing checked periodically.
► Be particularly alert and cautious
when using hearing protection. Your
ability to hear shouts, alarms or
other audible warnings is restricted.
■Good footing is very important. To help main‐
tain a secure footing and reduce the risk of
injury while working:
► Wear sturdy boots with non-slip
soles that are suitable for climbing in
trees. Do not wear sandals, flip-
flops, open-toed or similar footwear.
► Use proper equipment at all times to
protect yourself from falling.
► This top-handle chain saw is
designed for professional use only. It
should be used only for in-tree work
by persons who are trained in spe‐
cial cutting and working techniques
and who are properly secured at all
times (for example, in a lift bucket or
secured with ropes and a safety har‐
ness).
■ To improve your grip and help protect your
hands:
► Always wear heavy-duty non-slip
work gloves made of leather or
another wear-resistant material
when handling the chain saw or its
chain.
5.4 Chain Saw
WARNING
■To reduce the risk of electric shock:
► Do not immerse the chain saw in water or
other fluids.
► Store the chain saw indoors.
English 5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
6 0458-007-8201-B

■ The saw chain has many sharp cutters. Con‐
tacting the cutters may result in serious lacera‐
tion injuries, even if the chain is not moving.
To reduce the risk of such injuries:
►Keep hands, feet and other parts of your
body away from the chain.
► Wear heavy-duty work gloves when han‐
dling the chain saw or its chain.
► Never touch a moving chain with your hand
or any other part of your body.
► Cover the guide bar with a chain scabbard
and be sure it engages before transporting
or storing the chain saw.
■Reactive forces, including kickback, can be
dangerous.
► Pay special attention to the section of this
instruction manual on "Kickback and Other
Reactive Forces," 6.
■This battery-powered chain saw is intended
specifically for in-tree use and maintenance.
Use for other purposes may increase the risk
of personal injury and property damage.
►Do not use the chain saw for felling or other
cutting operations on the ground.
► Read and follow the operating instructions
in this manual for approved applications,
7.
■To reduce the risk of personal injury to the
operator and bystanders:
► Always release the trigger switch,
engage the chain brake by moving
the front hand guard to and
remove the battery before assem‐
bling, transporting, adjusting,
inspecting, cleaning, servicing, main‐
taining or storing the chain saw, and
any other time it is not in use.
■Although certain unauthorized attachments
may fit your STIHL chain saw, their use may
be extremely dangerous. Only attachments
supplied by STIHL or expressly approved by
STIHL for use with this specific model are rec‐
ommended.
►Use only attachments supplied or expressly
approved by STIHL.
► Never modify this chain saw in any way.
► Never attempt to modify or override the
chain saw's controls or safety devices in
any way.
►Never use a chain saw that has been modi‐
fied or altered from its original design.
■ If the chain saw is dropped or subjected to
similar heavy impacts:
► Check that it is undamaged, in good condi‐
tion and functioning properly before con‐
tinuing work.
►Check that the controls and safety devices,
including the chain brake, are working prop‐
erly, 19.1.
►Check the LEDs for error messages,
12.1.2.
► Check that the battery has not been dam‐
aged. Never use or charge a malfunction‐
ing, damaged, cracked, leaking or
deformed battery.
►Never work with a damaged or malfunction‐
ing chain saw or battery. In case of doubt,
have the chain saw and battery checked by
your authorized STIHL servicing dealer.
■If the chain saw or battery is damaged, not
working properly, has been left outdoors and
exposed to rain or damp conditions, or drop‐
ped into water or other liquid, its components
may no longer function properly and safety
devices may be inoperative. To reduce the risk
of personal injury and property damage:
►Take the chain saw and battery to your
authorized STIHL servicing dealer to be
checked before further operation.
■Genuine STIHL replacement parts are specifi‐
cally designed to match your chain saw and
meet safety and performance requirements.
Use of parts that are not authorized or
approved by STIHL may cause serious or fatal
injury or property damage.
►STIHL recommends that only identical
STIHL replacement parts be used.
5.5 Using the Chain Saw
5.5.1 Before Operation
WARNING
■Misuse or unauthorized use may result in per‐
sonal injury and property damage.
► Use the chain saw only as described in this
instruction manual.
■ For proper assembly of the bar and chain:
► Read and follow the instructions on mount‐
ing the guide bar and chain, 15.2.1.
■ The chain, guide bar and sprocket must match
each other in gauge and pitch. Before mount‐
ing or replacing:
►Read the information on guide bar and
chain combinations, 28.1.
► Read and follow the instructions on kick‐
back and other reactive forces, 6.
► Select the shortest bar that will meet your
cutting needs. Longer bars add weight and
may be more difficult to control.
■Proper tension of the chain is extremely impor‐
tant to maximize cutting performance and
5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS English
0458-007-8201-B 7

reduce the risk of personal injury from chain
breakage, derailment or reactive forces:
► Never cut with a loose chain. If the chain
becomes loose while cutting, switch off the
motor, engage the chain brake and remove
the battery from the chain saw before tight‐
ening the chain. Never attempt to adjust the
chain while the battery is inserted.
►Read and follow the chain tensioning
instructions, 15.3.
► Always make sure the chain sprocket cover
is tightened securely after tensioning the
chain in order to secure the bar. Never start
the chain saw with the chain sprocket cover
loose or missing.
►Check chain tension once more after tight‐
ening the chain sprocket cover.
► Check chain tension periodically thereafter
at regular intervals (only after engaging the
chain brake and removing the battery).
■Using a chain saw that is modified, damaged,
improperly adjusted or maintained, or not com‐
pletely and securely assembled can lead to a
malfunction and increase the risk of serious
personal injury or death.
►Never operate a chain saw that is modified,
damaged, improperly maintained or not
completely and securely assembled.
►Always check your chain saw for proper
condition and operation before starting
work, particularly the retaining button, trig‐
ger switch, trigger switch lockout, front hand
guard, chain brake and cutting attachment.
►Ensure that the trigger switch and trigger
switch lockout move freely and always
spring back to the locked position when
released. The trigger switch must not
engage until the trigger switch lockout is
depressed.
►Never attempt to modify or override the
controls or safety devices in any way.
► If your saw or any part is damaged or does
not function properly, take it to your author‐
ized STIHL servicing dealer. Do not use the
saw until the problem has been corrected.
■Before inserting the battery:
► Check the contacts in the battery compart‐
ment for corrosion or other foreign matter
and keep clean.
►Never insert or use a malfunctioning, dam‐
aged, cracked, leaking or deformed battery.
► Read and follow the instructions on switch‐
ing on the chain saw, 18.1.
■ To help reduce the risk of serious personal
injury or death from unintentional starting:
► Be sure the trigger switch and trigger switch
lockout are in the off position when inserting
the battery.
►Avoid contacting the trigger switch lockout
and trigger switch when grasping the con‐
trol handle of the chain saw.
►Release the trigger switch and trigger
switch lockout and engage the chain brake
before removing the battery.
► Remove the battery and engage the
chain brake before assembling,
transporting, adjusting, inspecting,
cleaning, servicing, maintaining or
storing the chain saw, and any time
it is not in use.
►Never leave the chain saw unattended
when the battery is inserted.
► Never store the battery in the chain saw.
■ Before disengaging the chain brake and
switching on your chain saw, take the follow‐
ing steps to reduce the risk of personal injury
from reactive forces, loss of control or inadver‐
tent contact with the chain:
►Be sure that the guide bar and chain are
clear of you and all other obstructions and
objects, including the ground.
►Never switch on the chain saw when the
guide bar is in a cut or kerf. Doing so could
lead to reactive forces and injury.
►Read and follow the instructions on switch‐
ing on the chain saw, 18.2.
5.5.2 Holding and Controlling the Chain Saw
WARNING
■To reduce the risk of personal injury from unin‐
tentional starting when grasping the control
handle or carrying the chain saw:
►Wrap the fingers of your right hand tightly
around the control handle. Avoid contacting
the trigger switch lockout or trigger switch.
0000-GXX-3214-A0
■To maintain a firm grip and properly control
your chain saw:
► Keep the handles clean and dry at all times.
Keep them free of moisture, pitch, oil,
grease and resin.
English 5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
8 0458-007-8201-B

■ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries to
the operator or bystanders from loss of con‐
trol:
► Avoid contacting any object with the
upper quadrant of the tip of the guide
bar. It may cause kickback to occur.
► Always hold the chain saw firmly
with both hands when you are work‐
ing. One-handed operation increa‐
ses the risk of injury. It makes it diffi‐
cult to control reactive forces and to
prevent the bar and chain from skat‐
ing or bouncing along the limb or log.
► Even for those compact chain saws
designed for use in confined spaces,
one-handed operation increases the
risk that the operator may lose con‐
trol.
► Place your left hand on the front handle and
your right hand on the control handle (see
illustration). Left-handers must follow these
instructions too.
►Wrap your fingers tightly around the han‐
dles, keeping the handles cradled between
your thumb and forefinger.
►Keep all parts of your body clear of the cut‐
ting attachment whenever the battery is
inserted. Stand to the left of the cut while
cutting, outside of the cutting plane.
►Read and follow all warnings and instruc‐
tions in the chapter Kickback and Other
Reactive Forces, 6.
■Operating the chain saw with one hand is
extremely dangerous. One-handed operation
makes it difficult to oppose and absorb reac‐
tive forces (pushback, pull-in, kickback) with‐
out losing control of the chain saw. It also
makes it difficult to prevent the bar and chain
from skating or bouncing along a limb or log.
To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury to
the operator or bystanders from loss of con‐
trol:
► Never attempt to operate the chain
saw with one hand.
► Even for those compact chain saws
designed for use in confined spaces,
one-handed operation increases the
risk that the operator may lose con‐
trol.
►Keep your body clear of the cutting attach‐
ment whenever the saw is in operation.
Position yourself to the left of the cut while
bucking.
►Never work in a tree unless you have
received specific, professional training for
such work, are properly secured (with a
tack and harness system, lift bucket or
other appropriate means), have both hands
free for operating the chain saw in a cram‐
ped environment and have taken proper
precautions to avoid injury from falling limbs
or branches.
►The use of climbing aids such as spikes or
climbing irons also requires special training.
Always secure the chain saw with a rope
(tied to hinged carrying ring) and attach it to
a lifeline. Cordon off the work area in order
to reduce the risk of injuries and damage to
bystanders or property (e.g., motor vehi‐
cles) from falling branches.
► When securing the chain saw to your belt or
transporting it with ropes, always use the
hinged carrying ring on the rear of the saw's
housing, 21.1.
■To reduce the risk of serious or fatal cut inju‐
ries to the operator or bystanders from loss of
control, keep proper footing and balance at all
times:
►Take special care in overgrown or wet ter‐
rain and always watch for hidden obstacles
such as tree stumps, roots, rocks, holes
and ditches to avoid stumbling.
►Be extremely cautious when working on
slopes or uneven ground.
► For better footing, always clear away fallen
branches, scrub and cuttings. Freshly
debarked logs and other material can
increase the danger of slipping, tripping or
falling.
►Use extreme caution when cutting small-
size brush, branches and saplings because
slender material may catch the chain and
spring toward you or pull you off balance.
■To reduce the risk of falling:
► Keep rotating chain well clear of harness
and lifelines to prevent them being severed.
It is essential to use a double lifeline.
►Check condition of harness, belts and ropes
before each use.
► Always pull the saw out of the cut with the
chain running.
► After finishing a cut, activate the chain
brake to lock the chain and switch off the
saw before moving the saw to another posi‐
tion in the tree.
■To reduce the risk of injury from loss of con‐
trol:
0000099343_001
► Never work on a ladder, roof or while
standing on any other insecure sup‐
port.
► Never operate the chain saw above
shoulder height.
5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS English
0458-007-8201-B 9

► Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times.
► Never switch on the chain saw when the
guide bar is in a cut or kerf. Doing so could
lead to reactive forces and injury. Instead,
remove the guide bar from the cut and re-
enter at full speed, taking care to avoid con‐
tacting any object with the tip of the guide
bar.
■The bumper spike is designed to provide
greater control of the chain saw while cutting.
If you work without the bumper spike, the
chain saw may pull you forward suddenly. This
could cause loss of control or, if the tip of the
guide bar strikes an object, kickback.
►Always work with the bumper spike to main‐
tain better control of the saw.
■ Applying pressure to the chain saw when
reaching the end of a cut may cause the bar
and rotating chain to accelerate out of the kerf,
go out of control and strike the operator or
some other object. To reduce the risk of injury:
►Use caution when approaching the end of a
cut.
► Never put pressure on the chain saw when
reaching the end of a cut.
5.5.3 Working Conditions
WARNING
■Operate your chain saw only under good visi‐
bility during favorable daylight conditions.
► Postpone the work if the weather is windy,
foggy, rainy or inclement.
► Never cut near power lines.
■ Your chain saw is a one-person machine.
► Do not allow other persons in the general
work area.
► Bystanders, especially children, and ani‐
mals should not be allowed in the area
where it is in use.
►Switch off the motor immediately if you are
approached.
■ To reduce the risk of injury to bystanders and
unauthorized users:
► Never leave the chain saw unattended
when the battery is inserted.
► Switch off the chain saw, engage the chain
brake and remove the battery during work
breaks and any other time the chain saw is
not in use.
■Sparks generated from the operation of the
chain saw may be capable of igniting combus‐
tible gases, liquids, vapors, dusts or other
combustible materials and substances. To
reduce the risk of fire and explosion:
►Never operate the chain saw in a location
where combustible gases, liquids, vapors,
dusts or other combustible materials and
substances are present.
►Read and follow recommendations issued
by government authorities (e.g., CCOHS)
for identifying and avoiding the hazards of
combustible gases, liquids, vapors, dusts or
other combustible materials and substan‐
ces.
■If a rotating chain strikes a rock or other hard
object, sparks may be created, which can
ignite flammable materials under certain cir‐
cumstances. Flammable materials can include
dry vegetation and brush, particularly when
weather conditions are hot and dry.
►When there is a risk of fire or wildfire, do
not use your chain saw around flammable
materials or around dry vegetation or brush.
►Contact your local fire authorities or the
Canadian Forest Service if you have any
question about whether vegetation and
weather conditions are suitable for the use
of a chain saw.
■Using this chain saw and sharpening its chain
can generate dust, oil mist and other substan‐
ces containing chemicals known to cause res‐
piratory problems, cancer, birth defects and
other reproductive harm.
►Consult governmental agencies such as
ECCC, CCOHS and PHAC and other
authoritative sources on hazardous materi‐
als if you are unfamiliar with the risks asso‐
ciated with the particular substances you
are cutting or with which you are working.
■Inhalation of certain dusts, especially organic
dusts such as mold or pollen, can cause sus‐
ceptible persons to have an allergic or asth‐
matic reaction. Substantial or repeated inhala‐
tion of dust or other airborne contaminants,
especially those with a smaller particle size,
may cause respiratory or other illnesses. This
includes wood dust, especially from hard‐
woods, 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.
►Always work with a properly sharpened
chain, which produces wood chips rather
than fine dust.
►To the extent possible, operate the chain
saw so that the wind or operating process
directs any dust, mist or other particulate
matter raised by the chain saw away from
the operator.
English 5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
10 0458-007-8201-B

► When respirable dust or other particulate
matter cannot be kept at or near back‐
ground levels, always wear a respirator that
is approved by NIOSH and rated for work‐
site-specific conditions. Follow the recom‐
mendations of governmental authorities
(e.g., CCOHS/PHAC) and occupational and
trade associations.
■ If the vegetation being cut or the surrounding
ground is coated with a chemical substance,
such as pesticide or herbicide:
►Read and follow the instructions and warn‐
ings that accompanied the substance coat‐
ing the vegetation or surrounding ground.
■Breathing asbestos dust is dangerous and can
cause severe or fatal illness, respiratory illness
or cancer, including mesothelioma. The use
and disposal of asbestos-containing products
is strictly regulated by CCOHS and ECCC.
►Do not use your chain saw to cut or disturb
asbestos or asbestos-containing products.
► Stop work immediately and contact the rele‐
vant state and local authorities and/or
ECCC, your employer or local CCOHS rep‐
resentative if you have reason to believe
that you might be disturbing asbestos.
■Repeated contact with waste oil can cause
skin cancer and its use is harmful to the envi‐
ronment.
►Do not use waste oil to lubricate the bar
and chain of your STIHL chain saw.
5.5.4 Operating Instructions
WARNING
■To reduce the risk of severe personal injuries
from unintentional starting:
► Never touch a chain with your hand or any
part of your body when the battery is inser‐
ted, even when the chain is not rotating.
►Avoid contacting the trigger switch lockout
and trigger switch when grasping the con‐
trol handle of the chain saw.
■The chain continues to move for a short period
after the trigger switch is fully released.
► Wait for the chain to stop and engage the
chain brake before walking with the chain
saw or putting it down.
■In the event of an emergency:
► Switch off the motor immediately, engage
the chain brake and remove the battery.
■ 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 bro‐
ken chain.
►Never operate the chain saw with a dam‐
aged or missing chain catcher.
■ Your top-handle chain saw is equipped with a
ring designed for securing the tool during in-
tree use.
►Never operate the chain saw with a dam‐
aged or missing ring.
■ Contacting foreign objects while sawing might
cause the chain to break or be thrown, or
cause the chain saw to propel dangerous deb‐
ris or kick back in the direction of the operator.
To reduce the risk of severe or fatal personal
injury caused by contact with foreign objects:
►Inspect the tree, log or branch before cut‐
ting.
► Remove any foreign objects to ensure that
the wood is free of materials such as nails,
spikes, cables, or wires.
►Before starting a cut, ensure that it can be
completed without contacting surrounding
objects or structures such as fencing or
stonework.
■Check the chain and guide bar at regular short
intervals during operation, or immediately if
there is a change in cutting behavior:
►Switch off the motor, activate the chain
brake and remove the battery.
► Check the condition and tension of the
chain. Look for damage to the chain or
guide bar.
►If the chain cannot be properly tensioned,
or if other components of the saw are worn
or damaged, stop work immediately and
take your chain saw to an authorized STIHL
servicing dealer for inspection, repair or
maintenance.
DANGER
■To reduce the risk of electrocution:
► Never operate this chain saw in the
vicinity of any wires or cables that
may be carrying electric current.
► Never cut near power lines.
► Do not rely on the chain saw's insu‐
lation against electric shock.
6 Kickback and Other Reac‐
tive Forces
6.1 Reactive Forces
WARNING
■Reactive forces may occur any time the chain
is rotating. Reactive forces can cause serious
or fatal personal injury.
6 Kickback and Other Reactive Forces English
0458-007-8201-B 11

■ The powerful forces used to cut wood can be
reversed and work against the operator. If the
rotating saw chain is suddenly and signifi‐
cantly 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 ele‐
ment of surprise and loss of control. Sur‐
prise contributes to accidents.
The most common reactive forces are:
–Kickback
–Pull-in
–Pushback
6.2 Kickback
6.2.1 Kickback
0000-GXX-1374-A0
WARNING
Kickback may occur when the moving
chain near the upper quadrant of the
bar nose contacts a solid object or is
pinched.
■When this occurs, the energy driving the chain
can create a force that moves the chain saw in
a direction opposite to the chain movement at
the point where the chain is slowed or stop‐
ped. 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
chain near the upper quadrant of the bar nose
contacts the wood or is pinched during limb‐
ing, 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 reac‐
tion. These include chain speed, the speed at
which the bar and chain contact the object, the
location and angle of contact, the condition of
the chain, and how quickly the chain is slowed
or stopped, among other factors.
►The type of bar and chain you use is an
important factor in the occurrence and force
of the kickback reaction. Some STIHL bar
and chain types are designed to reduce
kickback forces.
►STIHL recommends the use of reduced
kickback bars and low kickback chains.
6.2.2 Chain Saw Kickback Standards
The following standards apply with respect to
kickback:
–CSA Z62.1
–CSA Z62.3
These standards, referred to as "the chain saw
kickback standards" in this chapter, set certain
performance and design criteria related to chain
saw kickback.
To comply with the chain saw kickback stand‐
ards, electric chain saws:
–must, in their original condition, meet a 25°
computer-derived kickback angle when equip‐
ped 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 kick‐
back bar, etc.
The computer-derived angles for electric chain
saws are measured by applying a computer pro‐
gram to test results from a kickback test
machine.
WARNING
■Compliance with the chain saw kickback
standards does not mean that the bar and
chain will rotate at most 25° in a real life kick‐
back.
■The computer-derived angles of the chain saw
standards may bear no relationship to actual
kickback bar rotation angles that may occur in
a real life cutting situation.
■Devices designed to reduce the risk of kick‐
back injuries may lose some of their effective‐
ness when they are no longer in their original
condition, especially if they have been improp‐
erly maintained.
►Read and follow the safety precautions and
instructions in this manual.
► When working, always position the chain
saw such that your body is clear of the cut‐
ting attachment and outside of the cutting
plane.
English 6 Kickback and Other Reactive Forces
12 0458-007-8201-B

► Follow the maintenance and service
instructions in this manual.
■ For the chain saw to meet the chain saw kick‐
back standards, use only the following cutting
attachments:
►Compliant bar and chain combinations lis‐
ted in Combinations of Guide Bars and Saw
Chains, 28.1;
►Other replacement bar and chain combina‐
tions marked in accordance with the stand‐
ards for use on the chain saw.
6.2.3 Devices for Reducing the Risk of Kick‐
back Injury
The STIHL Quickstop chain brake and STIHL's
green-labeled, reduced kickback bars and green-
labeled, low kickback chains are designed to
reduce the risk of kickback injury.
1. STIHL Quickstop Chain Brake
0000-GXX-6266-A0
There are two mechanisms for activating the
chain brake if it is in a properly maintained condi‐
tion:
–Manual Activation: If a kickback occurs, the
chain saw moves upwards toward the user in
a rotating motion around the front handle. The
brake is designed to engage if the left hand
contacts the front hand guard, which is the
activation lever for the brake, and pushes it
forward.
–Inertia Activation: All STIHL chain saws are
equipped with an inertia Quickstop chain
brake. If the kickback impulse is strong
enough, this alone is sufficient to engage the
brake, even without the operator's hand con‐
tacting the front hand guard.
WARNING
■To reduce the risk of kickback injury:
► Never use a saw if the chain brake does not
function properly.
► When in doubt, take the saw to an author‐
ized STIHL servicing dealer for inspection
and/or repair.
►Do not use the saw until the problem has
been corrected.
■ In a kickback situation, the front hand guard
helps protect your left hand from contacting
the chain. Removal of the front hand guard on
a chain saw equipped with a Quickstop chain
brake will reduce this protection and also disa‐
ble the chain brake, increasing the risk of kick‐
back injury.
►Never operate your saw without a properly
functioning front hand guard. If the front
hand guard is missing, manual activation
and inertia activation of the chain brake will
be completely disabled.
►Never attempt to remove, modify or disable
the front hand guard or any other compo‐
nent of the chain brake.
■No Quickstop or other chain brake device pre‐
vents kickback. These devices are designed to
reduce the risk of injury, if activated, in certain
kickback situations. To reduce the risk of
severe personal injury or death from kickback:
►Always follow the instructions in this manual
and follow good working technique. For
example, position your body clear of the
cutting attachment whenever the motor is
running. Stand to the left of the cut while
bucking, outside of the cutting plane. See
chapter Holding and Controlling the Chain
Saw, 5.5.2.
► Maintain as much distance as possible, and
never less than 25 degrees, between the
bar and your body to ensure that the Quick‐
stop has sufficient time to activate and stop
the chain before reaching any part of your
body.
►Follow the other precautions provided in
chapter 7.
■ An improperly maintained chain brake may
increase the time needed to stop the chain
after activation, or may not activate at all. For
the Quickstop to reduce the risk of kickback
injury, it must be properly maintained and in
good working order.
►Read and follow the instructions on engag‐
ing and disengaging the chain brake, 16,
and maintaining and repairing it, 16.3.
2. Low Kickback Saw Chain and Reduced Kick‐
back Bars
STIHL offers a variety of guide bars and chains.
STIHL reduced kickback bars and low kickback
chains are designed to reduce the risk of kick‐
back injury. Other chains are designed to ach‐
ieve higher cutting performance or sharpening
ease, but are more prone to kickback and may
kick back with more energy, making it more diffi‐
cult to control the chain saw.
6 Kickback and Other Reactive Forces English
0458-007-8201-B 13

STIHL has developed a color code system to
help you identify the STIHL reduced kickback
bars and low kickback chains.
–Cutting attachments with green labels on the
packaging are designed to reduce the risk of
kickback injury.
–Matching green-marked or labeled chain saws
with green-labeled bars and green-labeled
chains provides compliance with the computed
kickback angle requirements of the chain saw
standards when the products are in their origi‐
nal condition.
–Products with yellow labels are for users with
extraordinary cutting needs, who have experi‐
ence and specialized training for dealing with
kickback.
STIHL recommends the use of its green-labeled
reduced kickback bars, green-labeled low kick‐
back chains and a chain saw equipped with a
STIHL Quickstop chain brake for both experi‐
enced and inexperienced operators.
STIHL recommends green-labeled bars and
chains for all chain saws. See your "STIHL Bar
and Chain Information" leaflet for details.
New bar and chain combinations may be devel‐
oped after publication of this literature, which will,
in combination with certain electric chain saws,
comply with the chain saw standards as well.
WARNING
■Use of bar and chain combinations not listed
in the STIHL Bar and Chain Information leaflet
(or other combinations that do not comply with
the chain saw standards) may increase kick‐
back forces as well as the propensity for kick‐
back, and increase the risk of kickback injury.
►If you are unsure which bar and chain com‐
bination to select, ask your authorized
STIHL servicing dealer to properly match
your chain saw with the appropriate bar and
chain combination to reduce the risk of kick‐
back injury.
■Reduced kickback bars and low kickback
chains do not prevent kickback, but they are
designed to reduce the risk of kickback injury.
►STIHL recommends green-labeled bars and
green-labeled chains for all chain saws and
all users.
■Even if your saw is equipped with a Quickstop
chain brake, a reduced kickback bar and/or
low kickback chain, this does not eliminate the
risk of injury from kickback.
►Observe all safety precautions discussed in
this manual to avoid kickback situations.
a. Low Kickback Saw Chain
Some types of chain have specially designed
components to reduce the propensity for kick‐
back and the force of kickback if it occurs. STIHL
has developed low kickback chain for your chain
saw.
A "low kickback chain" is a chain that has met
the kickback performance requirements of
CSA Z62.3 when tested according to the provi‐
sions specified in CSA Z62.3.
WARNING
■ Some low kickback chains have not been tes‐
ted with all chain saw and bar combinations.
There are potential saw, bar and low kickback
chain combinations which have not been spe‐
cifically certified to comply with the 25° com‐
puter-derived kickback angle of the chain saw
standards.
►STIHL recommends green-labeled bars and
green-labeled chains for all chain saws and
all users.
►Please see your STIHL Bar and Chain
Information leaflet for the appropriate bar
and chain combinations for your saw.
►If you are unsure which bar and chain com‐
bination to select, ask your authorized
STIHL servicing dealer to properly match
your chain saw with the appropriate bar and
chain combination to reduce the risk of kick‐
back injury.
■A blunt or incorrectly sharpened chain may
reduce or negate the effectiveness of design
features intended to reduce kickback energy
and the propensity for kickback. Improper low‐
ering or sharpening of the depth gauges or
changing the shape of the cutters may
increase the risk and the energy of kickback.
►Always cut with a properly sharpened
chain.
► Read and follow the instructions on sharp‐
ening a chain, 24.4.
■ Any chain saw mounted with a bow guide is
potentially very dangerous. The risk of kick‐
back is increased with a bow guide because of
the increased kickback contact area and
because the design of bow guides places the
upper portion of the bar closer to the opera‐
tor's body. Using a low kickback chain will not
significantly reduce the risk of kickback injury
when used on a bow guide.
► Never mount a bow guide on any STIHL
chain saw.
b. Reduced Kickback Bars
English 6 Kickback and Other Reactive Forces
14 0458-007-8201-B

STIHL green-labeled reduced kickback bars are
designed to reduce the risk of kickback injury
when used with STIHL green-labeled low kick‐
back chains.
WARNING
■When used with other, more aggressive
chains, green‑labeled reduced kickback bars
may be less effective in reducing kickback.
►STIHL recommends green-labeled bars and
green-labeled chains for all chain saws and
all users.
■For proper balance and to comply with the
chain saw standards:
► Use only bar lengths listed in this manual,
28.1.
6.2.4 To Avoid Kickback
The best protection from personal injury that may
result from kickback is to avoid kickback situa‐
tions:
1)Hold the chain saw firmly and with both
hands and maintain a secure grip, with your
right hand on the control handle and left
hand on the front handle. Maintain a secure
grip with thumbs and fingers encircling the
chain saw handles. Don't let go.
2)Make sure the area in which you are cutting
is free from obstructions.
3)Be aware of the location of the guide bar
nose at all times. Never let the nose of the
guide bar unintentionally 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)Do not overreach.
5)Do not 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 re-entering a pre‐
vious cut.
9)Do not attempt to plunge cut if you are not
experienced with this cutting technique.
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 cor‐
rectly sharpened, properly tensioned saw
chain at all times.
12)Stand to the side of the cutting path of the
chain saw.
13)Use only replacement bars and chains speci‐
fied by STIHL, or the equivalent.
6.3 Pull-in
0000-GXX-1348-A0
WARNING
■ Pull-in occurs when the chain on the bottom of
the bar is suddenly stopped or significantly
slowed when it is pinched, caught or encoun‐
ters a foreign object in the wood. The reaction
of the chain pulls the saw forward and may
cause the operator to lose control, which, in
turn, may cause serious or fatal injury. If the
tip contacts an object, kickback may occur.
■ Pull-in usually occurs when the bumper spike
of the saw is not held securely against the tree
or limb and when the chain is not rotating at
full speed before it contacts the wood.
■To reduce the risk of pull-in:
► Cut with a sharp, properly tensioned chain.
► Always start a cut with the chain rotating at
full speed and with the bumper spike in
contact with the wood.
►Use wedges to open the kerf or cut, where
possible.
► Use extreme caution when cutting small-
size brush and saplings which may easily
catch the chain, spring towards you or pull
you off balance.
6.4 Pushback
0000-GXX-1349-A0
6 Kickback and Other Reactive Forces English
0458-007-8201-B 15

WARNING
■ Pushback occurs when the chain on the top of
the bar is suddenly stopped or significantly
slowed when it is pinched, caught or encoun‐
ters a foreign object in the wood. The reaction
of the chain may drive the saw rapidly straight
back toward the operator, causing loss of con‐
trol which, in turn, may cause serious or fatal
injury.
■ Pushback usually occurs when the top of the
bar is used for cutting.
■ To reduce the risk of pushback:
► Be alert to forces or situations that may
cause material to pinch or bind the top of
the chain.
►Do not cut more than one log at a time.
► Do not twist the chain saw when withdraw‐
ing the bar from an underbuck cut because
the chain can pinch or bind.
►Cut with a sharp, properly tensioned chain.
7 Basic Working Technique
7.1 Intended Uses
WARNING
■ This lightweight chain saw equipped with a top
handle is designed specifically for in-tree use.
■ This chain saw is not designed for felling trees
or other cutting operations on the ground.
■ Before starting any cutting operation, fully
charge your battery and ensure that all cuts
necessary can be completed on a single
charge.
►Fully charge the battery before starting
work.
► Ensure that all necessary cuts can be com‐
pleted using the existing charge before
starting.
■Position the chain saw in such a way that your
body is clear of the cutting attachment when‐
ever the motor is running.
7.2 Pruning
Pruning is selectively removing branches from a
standing tree.
WARNING
■To reduce the risk of injury from loss of con‐
trol:
► Do not use the chain saw one-handed.
► Never operate the chain saw above shoul‐
der height or cut overhead.
► Do not overreach.
► If you are unable to follow these instruc‐
tions, you must use a different tool, such as
a pole pruner.
►If conditions permit, work from a lift bucket.
■ This lightweight chain saw is equipped with a
top handle and is designed specifically for in-
tree use. If the operator is not properly
secured for two-hand use when using this saw
in a tree, there is an increased risk of injury
from loss of control.
■For this reason, this chain saw should be used
only for work in a tree by persons trained in
special cutting and working techniques. This
type of chain saw is not designed for cutting
work on the ground, such as felling and buck‐
ing.
■Because this chain saw is not intended for use
on the ground, this manual does not contain
instructions for felling trees or for limbing and
bucking felled trees. For instructions on these
techniques when using other STIHL chain saw
models, see the instruction manuals for these
other saws or the STIHL Chain Saw Safety
Manual, which is available free of charge
online or from your authorized STIHL dealer.
■ To reduce the risk of injury:
► Never position yourself directly underneath
the branch you are cutting.
► Watch for falling branches. Keep sufficient
distance away from the falling wood.
When pruning, precut branches when necessary
to help avoid splitting wood or tearing bark.
To cut branches from a standing tree:
2
1
0000-GXX-C575-A0
3
A
B
► Make the first cut (1) on the underside (A) of
the branch. Cut through approximately 1/4 of
the diameter of the branch.
► Make the second cut (2) on the top side (B) of
the branch, directly above the first cut.
► Make the third (finishing) cut (3) closer to the
trunk, leaving adjacent bark firmly attached.
Other acceptable techniques for pruning trees
can be found in ANSI A300.
English 7 Basic Working Technique
16 0458-007-8201-B

7.3 Cutting Branches under Ten‐
sion
2
1
0000-GXX-C576-A0
B
A
A = Compression Side
B = Tension Side
WARNING
■ There is an increased danger of pinching the
chain saw when cutting branches under ten‐
sion. The tension in wood can also release
suddenly and with great force, propelling the
limb or chain saw into the saw operator, caus‐
ing injury or loss of control.
■To reduce the risk of severe or fatal personal
injury from reactive forces, including kickback,
or loss of control when cutting wood under
tension:
►Always start with a relieving cut (1) at the
compression side (A) of the branch, and
then make a bucking cut (2) at the tension
side (B).
►If a pinch occurs that traps the bar/chain,
switch off the motor, activate the chain
brake, remove the battery and remove the
saw from the branch, exercising caution
that the limb does not suddenly snap or
release.
7.4 Blocking - Removing Sections
from a Standing Tree
7.4.1 Conventional Notch
WARNING
■These in-tree instructions apply to STIHL top-
handle chain saws, designed exclusively for
professional, in-tree use. For basic instructions
on felling a tree from the ground, please see
the instruction manual for your STIHL rear-
handle chain saw.
■These basic working techniques are not meant
to substitute for the judgment of an experi‐
enced professional with direct knowledge of
on-site conditions. A different type of notch or
working technique may be appropriate for your
particular circumstance. Always exercise good
professional judgment and discretion in deter‐
mining how to safely complete a cutting task.
A
A
0000096547_002
The notch (A) determines the direction of fall.
Make the notch perpendicular to the desired line
of fall. Be aware of conditions such as wind, tree
lean, the slope of the terrain and other factors
that could alter the direction of fall.
For a conventional notch:
► First, cut down at a 45 degree angle to a depth
of approximately 1/5 to 1/4 of the trunk diame‐
ter.
1
0000099286_001
When making the notch, use the gunning
sight (1) on the saw to check the desired direc‐
tion of fall:
► Place the felling notch perpendicular to the
line of fall. Position the saw so that the gun‐
ning sight (1) points exactly in the direction
you want the tree to fall.
► To complete the felling notch, make a horizon‐
tal cut that meets the bottom of the first cut.
► Remove the resulting 45 degree piece and
confirm that the back of the felling notch is
perpendicular to the desired line of fall.
7.4.2 Back Cut
0000-GXX-A336-A0
7 Basic Working Technique English
0458-007-8201-B 17

A
A
B
B
C
C
0000-GXX-A332-A0
► Begin the back cut (C) on the same level as
the bottom of the notch (A).
► Cut horizontally toward the notch.
► Leave approximately 1/10 of the tree's diame‐
ter uncut (B). This is the hinge.
► Do not cut through the hinge – you could lose
control of the direction of fall.
When removing sections of a tree:
► Make sure all bystanders are clear of the area
before starting work.
► Maintain adequate distance from the nearest
structure to prevent property damage from fall‐
ing material.
► Take extra precautions in the vicinity of roads,
railways and power lines. Inform the police,
utility company or railway authority before
beginning to cut.
WARNING
■Never cut through the hinge when making
your back cut. The hinge helps control the fall
of the tree. Cutting through the hinge will elimi‐
nate your ability to control the fall and may
result in serious or fatal personal injury or
property damage.
■In order to reduce the risk of personal injury,
never position yourself directly behind the
trunk when it is about to fall, since part of the
trunk may split and come back toward the
operator (barber-chairing), or the tree may
jump back off the stump.
■Always position yourself and your equipment
away from material being removed.
■ When the material starts to fall, withdraw the
bar and release the trigger switch. After finish‐
ing a cut, activate the chain brake before
changing position in the tree.
WARNING
■This chain saw is not designed for cutting
large diameter trees, and using it to cut large
diameter trees could result in an inability to
control the fall, which can lead to serious or
fatal personal injury.
■Before starting any cutting operation, make
sure the saw you are using has sufficient size,
power and run-time to complete the cutting
task efficiently and without re-charging. Alter‐
natively, have multiple charged batteries avail‐
able for use, select a more powerful chain
saw, or select a more powerful battery.
■There are a number of factors that may affect
the intended direction of fall, e.g., wind direc‐
tion and speed, lean of tree, surrounding trees
and obstacles, sloping ground, wood structure,
or decay.
►To reduce the risk of severe or fatal injury
to yourself or others, look for, analyze and
plan for these conditions prior to beginning
the cut.
►Removing portions of a tree with a diameter
greater than the effective cutting length of
the guide bar requires use of special cutting
techniques (e.g., sectioning method, plunge
cut). These methods can be extremely dan‐
gerous because they involve the use of the
nose of the guide bar and can result in kick‐
back. Only properly trained professionals
should attempt these techniques.
■ Trees that are split, decayed or rotted inside,
or that are leaning or otherwise under tension,
are more likely to snap or split while being cut,
causing serious or fatal injury to the operator
or bystanders.
►Inexperienced users should never attempt
to cut such trees.
► Look for broken or dead branches which
could vibrate loose and fall on the operator.
Certain types of trees are more susceptible
to this condition, such as Douglas firs.
►Always observe and be aware of the gen‐
eral condition of the tree.
8 Battery Safety
8.1 Warnings and Instructions
WARNING
■Read and follow the safety precautions on the
battery and all warnings and instructions that
accompany it.
■Use of unauthorized batteries can damage the
power tool and result in fire, explosion and
personal injury and property damage.
►Use only genuine STIHL batteries with this
power tool. For approved battery types, see
chapter 26.1.
■Use of STIHL AR or AP series batteries for
any purpose other than powering STIHL prod‐
ucts could be extremely dangerous.
English 8 Battery Safety
18 0458-007-8201-B

► Use STIHL AR and AP series batteries only
to power compatible STIHL products.
■ Use of unauthorized chargers can damage the
battery and result in fire, explosion and per‐
sonal injury and property damage.
►Charge STIHL AP series batteries only with
genuine STIHL AL 101, AL 301, AL 301-4
or AL 500 series chargers.
►Charge STIHL AR series backpack batter‐
ies only with genuine STIHL AL 301, AL
301-4 or AL 500 series chargers.
■The battery contains safety features and devi‐
ces which, if damaged, may allow the battery
to generate heat, rupture, leak, ignite or
explode.
► Never heat the battery above 212 °F
(100 °C).
► Never incinerate or place the battery
on or near fires, stoves or other high-
temperature locations.
►Never use or charge a malfunctioning, dam‐
aged, cracked, leaking or deformed battery.
► Never open, disassemble, crush, drop, sub‐
ject to heavy impact or otherwise damage
the battery.
►Never expose the battery to microwaves or
high pressures.
► Never insert objects into the battery's cool‐
ing slots.
■ Extreme temperatures may cause the battery
to generate heat, rupture, leak, ignite or
explode, resulting in severe or fatal personal
injury and property damage.
►Never charge, use or store the battery out‐
side the specified ambient temperature lim‐
its, 26.5.
■To reduce the risk of personal injury and prop‐
erty damage in the event the battery emits
smoke, has an unusual smell or feels unusu‐
ally hot while using, charging or storing:
►Immediately discontinue using or charging
the battery. Contact the authorities in the
event of fire or explosion.
■To reduce the risk of a short circuit, which
could lead to electric shock, fire and explosion:
► Keep STIHL AR 1000, 2000, 3000
backpack batteries dry. Protect from
rain, water and other liquids. Attach
the rain cover to the battery before
starting work in rain or in very damp
conditions.
► If a STIHL AP or AR L battery has
been exposed to rain during work,
remove it from the product and allow
it to dry indoors. Make sure it is com‐
pletely dry before charging or using.
► Never immerse any STIHL battery in
water or other liquids.
►Never bridge the battery terminals with
wires or other metallic objects.
► Keep a battery that is not in use away from
small metal objects capable of conducting
electricity (e.g., paper clips, nails, coins,
keys).
►Store the battery indoors in a dry room.
► Never store the battery in damp or corro‐
sive environments or in conditions that
could lead to corrosion of its metal compo‐
nents.
►Never store the battery in the chain saw.
► When storing the battery, maintain a charge
of 40 % to 60 % for STIHL AP series batter‐
ies and a charge of 30 % to 45 % for STIHL
AR series batteries (2 green LEDs).
►If storing the battery in the charger, discon‐
nect the charger from the outlet.
► Protect the battery from exposure to corro‐
sive agents such as garden chemicals and
de-icing salts.
►Protect the battery from exposure to con‐
ductive liquids such as salt water.
► Do not attempt to repair, open or disassem‐
ble the battery. There are no user-servicea‐
ble parts inside.
■Leaking battery fluid is potentially harmful and
can cause skin and eye irritation, chemical
burns and other serious personal injury.
►Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
► Use an inert absorbent such as sand on
spilled battery fluid.
► In the event of accidental contact, immedi‐
ately rinse the contact area thoroughly with
mild soap and water.
►If fluid gets into your eye(s): do not rub.
Rinse water over the open eye(s) for at
least 15 minutes and seek medical atten‐
tion.
■A battery fire can be dangerous. To reduce the
risk of severe personal injury and property
damage in the event of fire:
►Evacuate the area. Fire can spread rapidly.
Stay clear of any vapors generated and
maintain a safe distance.
►Contact the fire department.
► Although water can be used to put out a
battery fire, use of a multi-purpose dry
chemical fire extinguisher is preferable.
►Consult the fire department regarding
proper disposal of a burned battery.
8 Battery Safety English
0458-007-8201-B 19

9 Maintenance, Repair and
Storage
9.1 Warnings and Instructions
WARNING
■There are no user-authorized repairs for the
battery or chain saw. To reduce the risk of fire,
electric shock or other personal injury and
property damage:
►Users may carry out only the cleaning and
maintenance operations described in this
manual.
►Strictly follow the cleaning and maintenance
instructions in the appropriate sections of
this instruction manual.
►STIHL recommends that all repair work be
performed by authorized STIHL servicing
dealers.
■Unintentional starting may result in personal
injury or property damage. To reduce the risk
of personal injury and property damage from
unintentional starting:
► Engage the chain brake by moving
the front hand guard forward to
and remove the battery before
inspecting the chain saw or carrying
out any cleaning, maintenance or
repair work, before storing, and any
other time it is not in use.
■The bar and chain are the only user-servicea‐
ble parts of the chain saw. Proper mainte‐
nance will help maintain cutting performance
and reduce the risk of personal injury caused
by chain derailment and reactive forces.
►Wear gloves when handling the saw chain.
► Keep the chain, guide bar and sprocket
clean.
► Replace the chain and guide bar when they
become worn or damaged.
► Keep the chain sharp and at proper tension.
► Tighten all nuts, bolts and screws after
each use.
■ Like an automobile brake, the chain brake on
your chain saw incurs wear each time it is
engaged. In order for the chain brake on your
STIHL chain saw to function properly, it must
be properly maintained. Return the chain saw
to your STIHL servicing dealer for periodic
inspection and servicing of the brake system
according to the following schedule:
–Heavy Usage: every 3 months
–Moderate Usage: every 6 months
–Occasional Usage: every 12 months
■Return the chain saw immediately for mainte‐
nance whenever there is a change in its oper‐
ating characteristics.
■Use of parts that are not authorized or
approved by STIHL may cause serious or fatal
injury or property damage.
►STIHL recommends that only identical
STIHL replacement parts be used for repair
or maintenance.
■To reduce the risk of short circuit and fire:
► Keep the battery guides free of foreign mat‐
ter. Clean as necessary with a dry cloth or
soft, dry brush.
■Improper storage can result in unauthorized
use, damage to the chain saw and battery,
and an increased risk of fire, electric shock
and other personal injury or property damage.
►Engage the chain brake by moving the front
hand guard forward to and remove the
battery from the chain saw before storing.
►Never store the chain saw with the battery
inserted.
► When storing the battery, maintain a charge
of 40 % to 60 % for STIHL AP series batter‐
ies and a charge of 30 % to 45 % for STIHL
AR series batteries (2 green LEDs).
►If storing the battery in the charger, discon‐
nect the charger from the outlet.
► Store the chain saw and battery indoors in
a dry, secure place that cannot be
accessed by children or other unauthorized
users.
►Never store the battery in the chain saw or
in a container with small metal objects
capable of conducting electricity (e.g.,
paper clips, nails, coins, keys).
NOTICE
■ Always release tension on the chain after fin‐
ishing work. The chain contracts as it cools
down. If it is not slackened, it can damage the
drive shaft and bearings. Properly re-tension
the chain before using the saw again.
10 Before Starting Work
10.1 Preparing the Chain Saw for
Operation
Before starting work:
►Fully charge the battery, 11.2.
►Mount the guide bar and saw chain, 15.2.1.
►Tension the chain, 15.3.
►Fill the chain oil tank, 15.4.2.
►Check the chain brake, 19.1.
English 9 Maintenance, Repair and Storage
20 0458-007-8201-B