Stihl OILOMATIC User manual

STIH)
Chain and Bar
Manual 2011-09

1Chain and Bar Manual
q
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2011
HB_689_02_01_04
Contents
1. ANSI B 175.1-2011 3
1.1 B 175.1-2011
REQUIREMENTS 3
1.2 ANSI LABELING AND
INFORMATION
REQUIREMENTS 3
1.3 HOW STIHL HELPS
YOU COMPLY WITH
THE STANDARD 3
1.4 STIHL’S METHOD OF
COMPLIANCE WITH
PERFORMANCE AND
DESIGN
REQUIREMENTS 5
1.4.1 Chain saws with a
displacement of less
than 3.8 cubic inches 5
1.4.2 Chain saws with a
displacement of
3.8 cubic inches
and above 5
1.5 STIHL’S WAY TO
COMPLY WITH
LABELING AND
INFORMATION
REQUIREMENTS 5
1.5.1 The Powerheads 5
1.5.2 The Chains 5
1.5.3 The Guide Bars 5
1.6 STIHL’S INFORMATION
AND INSTRUCTION
SYSTEM ON ANSI B
175.1-2011 5
1.7 WHAT THE STIHL
DEALER HAS TO DO
TO COMPLY WITH
THE STANDARD 6
1.7.1 Sale or Rental of
STIHL Powerheads 6
1.7.2 Labeling and Sale (or
Rental) of
STIHL Chains and Bars 6
1.8 OTHER BUSINESS
PRACTICES THAT STIHL
RECOMMENDS TO ALL
SALES AND SERVICE
DEALERS AND RENTAL
DEALERS FOLLOW 7
1.8.1 When selling or renting
a saw 7
1.8.2 Additional
recommendations when
selling a new saw 7
1.8.3 Additional
recommendations when
selling a used saw 7
1.8.4 Additional
recommendations when
renting a saw 8
1.9 Recommended business
practices when repairing
any saw 8
1.10 ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION FOR
LOGGING COMPANIES 8
1.11 Kickback and Devices for
Reducing Kickback
Injury 8
2. Cutting Attachment 11
3. OILOMATIC® Saw
Chain 12
3.1 Introduction 12
3.2 Construction 12
3.3 Chain Types 13
3.3.1 Basic Types 13
3.3.2 Versions 13
3.4 Criteria for Selection 14
3.5 Chain Pitch 14
3.6 Drive Link Gauge 14
3.7 Part Number and
Marketing Number 15
3.8 Saw Chain
Applications 16
3.9 RAPIDTM Chain 17
3.9.1 RAPIDTM MicroTM
(RM) 17
3.9.2 RAPIDTM MicroTM
(RM) 17
3.9.3 RAPIDTM MicroTM 3
(RM3) 17
3.9.4 RAPIDTM MicroTM
Spezial (RMS) 18
3.9.5 RAPIDTM Super
(RS) 18
3.9.6 RAPIDTM Super
(RS) 18
3.9.7 RAPIDTM Super 3
(RS3) 19
3.9.8 RAPIDTM Super LK
(RSLK) 19
3.9.9 Full-Skip and
Semi-Skip Chains 19
3.9.10 RAPIDTM Duro 3
(RD3) 20
3.9.11 RAPIDTM Duro
(RD) 20
3.9.12 RAPIDTM Duro R
(RDR) 21
3.10 PICCOTM Chain 21
3.10.1 PICCOTM MicroTM
(PM) 21
3.10.2 PICCOTM MicroTM 3
(PM3) 21
3.10.3 PICCOTM Duro
(PD3) 22
3.10.4 PICCOTM MicroTM
Mini 3 (PMM3) 22
3.10.5 PICCOTM Super 3
(PS3) 22
3.10.6 PICCOTM MicroTM 3
(PM3) 23
3.11 Reduced Kickback
Chains 23
3.12 How the OILOMATIC®
Chain Operates 23
3.13 Comfort Saw Chains 23
3.14 Geometry of the
Cutter 24
3.14.1 Clearance Angle
of the Top Plate 24
3.14.2 Clearance Angle
of the Side Plate 24
3.14.3 Side Plate Angle 24
3.14.4 Top Plate Cutting
Angle 25
3.14.5 Filing Angle 25
3.14.6 Depth Gauge Setting 25
3.15 Service Markings 26
3.16 Chip Removal 26
3.17 Use of Saw Chain 27
3.17.1 Mounting
the Saw Chain 27
3.17.2 Chain Tension 27
3.17.3 Breaking In
the Saw Chain 28
3.17.4 Chain Lubrication 28
3.17.5 Checking Chain
Lubrication 29
3.17.6 STIHL OILOMATIC®
Principle 29
3.17.7 Bar and Chain Oil 30
3.18 Sharpening
the Saw Chain 30
3.18.1 Preparing
the Saw Chain 31
3.18.2 File and File Holder 31
3.18.3 Checking
Depth Gauge 33
3.18.4 Filing Tools 34
3.18.5 Sharpeners 34
3.18.6 Checking Angles 34
3.18.7 Sharpening Errors 35

2Chain and Bar Manual
Contents
3.19 Repairing Saw Chain 36
3.19.1 STIHL Rivet Spinners
and Chain Breakers 36
3.19.2 Replacing Chain Links 36
4. Ematic Guide Bars 37
4.1 Criteria for Selection 37
4.1.1 Bar Tail 38
4.2 Basic Types and
Versions 38
4.2.1 Duromatic E 38
4.2.2 Duromatic C 38
4.2.3 Rollomatic
Guide Bars 39
4.2.4 Rollomatic E 39
4.2.5 Rollomatic E Light 40
4.2.6 Rollomatic E Mini 40
4.2.7 Rollomatic E Mini
Light 41
4.2.8 Rollomatic ES 41
4.2.9 Rollomatic ES Light 41
4.3 Guide Bar
Applications 42
4.4 STIHL Ematic
Principle 43
4.5 STIHL Ematic system 43
4.6 Maintenance 43
4.7 Repairing 44
4.7.1 Bar Rails,
Removing Burrs 44
4.7.2 Opening the Groove 44
4.7.3 Replacing the Nose
Sprocket 44
4.7.4 Replacing
the Bar Nose 45
5. Chain Sprockets 46
5.1 Spur Sprocket 46
5.2 Rim Sprocket 46
5.3 Checking the Chain
Sprocket 47
6. Faults – Causes,
Remedies 48
6.1 Saw Chain 48
6.1.1 Drive Links 48
6.1.2 Cutters and
Tie Straps 50
6.1.3 Depth Gauges 54
6.1.4 Incorrect Sharpening
Angles 55
6.2 Guide Bars 57
6.3 Chain Sprockets 58

3Chain and Bar Manual
1. ANSI B 175.1-2011
STIHL offers chain saw cutting
attachments that comply with the
performance, design, labeling and
information requirements of the
ANSI kickback standard. STIHL has
also made it easy for you to
understand and to comply with that
standard.
ANSI is the abbreviation for the
American National Standards
Institute. The first ANSI standard for
chain saws was developed in 1979,
and the kickback requirements
where first added to the standard in
1985. Although the standard is
voluntary in theory, it must be
considered as mandatory in
practice. If a dealer sells a non-
complying product or fails to
adequately warn the customer while
purchasing non-complying
products, the dealer may increase
the risk of kickback injury to his
customer.
1.1 B 175.1-2011
REQUIREMENTS
ANSI Performance and Design
Requirements
Section 5.11of the ANSI B 175.1-
2011 standard establishes certain
performance and design criteria
related to chain saw kickback.
To comply with section 5.11 of ANSI
B 175.1-2011:
a. saws with a displacement of less
than 3.8 cubic inches
:must, in their original condition,
meet a 45 degree computer-
derived kickback angle or the
moving chain shall be stopped
before the chain saw meets the
45 degree computed kickback
angle
:and must be equipped with at
least two devices to reduce the
risk of a kickback injury, such as
a chain brake, low kickback
chain, reduced kickback bar, etc.
b. saws with a displacement of 3.8
cubic inches and above.
:must be equipped with at least
one device designed to reduce
the risk of kickback injury, such
as a chain brake, low kickback
chain, reduced kickback bar, etc.
The October 14, 1994 edition of the
UL 1662 standard establishes
similar performance and design
criteria for electric chain saws.
1.2 ANSI LABELING AND
INFORMATION
REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the performance and
design requirements, the standard
also includes detailed requirements
for labeling powerheads and
replacement chains.
The standard requires that you, the
dealer, give to the customer
information on how to achieve
compliance. It also directs that
specific warnings be included in the
instruction manual.
1.3 HOW STIHL HELPS YOU
COMPLY WITH THE
STANDARD
STIHL’s Color Code System
STIHL has developed a color code
system to help make it easy for you
to:
:comply with the ANSI B 175.1-
2011 chain saw kickback
standard;
:know the difference between
powerheads with a displacement
of less than 3.8 cubic inches and
powerheads with a displacement
of 3.8 cubic inches and above;
:identify the STIHL bars and
STIHL chains with kickback
reduction characteristics.
This color code system uses the
colors green and yellow.
Green marks the products ("green
family") which are designed to
reduce the risk of kickback injury
and to comply with the ANSI B
175.1 kickback standard. These
products are recommended for both
experienced and inexperienced
chain saw users.
Products marked yellow indicate an
increased risk of kickback injury and
are for use only by persons with
extraordinary cutting needs and
experience and specialized training
for dealing with kickback.
The STIHL color code system
includes powerheads, replacement
chains and guide bars.
CAUTION

4Chain and Bar Manual
Powerheads
:STIHL powerheads with a
displacement of less than 3.8
cubic inches are marked with a
green warning label on the inside
of the front hand guard.
:STIHL powerheads with a
displacement of 3.8 cubic inches
and above are marked with a
green and yellow warning label
on the inside of the front hand
guard.
Saw chains
Saw chains are classified in the
standard into three basic
categories:
a. low kickback chain,
b. reduced kickback chain, and
c. saw chain not meeting specific
criteria.
STIHL, however, divides its chains
into only two categories:
:low kickback chains and
:chains other than low kickback
chains.
"low kickback chain" is a chain
which has met the kickback
performance requirements of
§ 5.11.2.4 of ANSI B 175.1-2011
when tested on a specified sample
of chain saws below 3.8 cubic inch
displacement.
! Warning !
There are potential powerhead
and bar combinations with which
low kickback saw chains can be
used which have not been
specifically certified to comply
with the 45° computer-derived
kickback angle of § 5.11 of ANSI
B 175.1-2011. Some low kickback
chains have not been tested with
all powerhead and bar
combinations.
STIHL low kickback chains are
marked with a green color code.
All other STIHL chains are coded
yellow.
The chain loop boxes and the reel
chain cores are color coded on the
label. The chain loops incorporate a
color-coded tie strap.
Green color-coded STIHL chains
are (as of December 2010) only the
following:
:71 PM3 for 1/4" extended pitch
:61 PMM3, 63 PM3, 63 PS3, 63
PD3 for 3/8" extended pitch
:23 RM3, 25 RM3, 26 RM3,
23 RD3, 25 RD3, 26 RD3 for
.325" pitch
:33 RS3, 36 RS3; 33 RM3,
36 RM3 for 3/8" pitch
STIHL offers a variety of bars and
chains. STIHL low kickback chains
are designed to reduce the risk of
kickback injury. Other chains are
designed to obtain higher cutting
efficiency or sharpening ease but
may result in higher kickback
tendency.
Chains Other Than
Low kickback Chains
! Warning !
This chain is capable of severe
kickback which may cause
serious or fatal injury. Only for
users with extraordinary cutting
needs and experience and
specialized training for dealing
with kickback. STIHL chains with
reduced kickback potential are
available. In order to comply with
section § 5.11.2.1 of ANSI B
175.1-2011, powerheads below
3.8 cubic inch must be equipped
with green labeled STIHL low
kickback chain or other available
complying low kickback chain or
other available complying low
kickback components. STIHL
recommends its low kickback
(green labeled) chains for use on
all powerheads.
! Warning !
This chain should only be used
with kickback reducing devices
such as a properly functioning
chain brake.
Guide bars:
STIHL reduced kickback bars are
designed to reduce the risk of
kickback injury when used with
STIHL green labeled low kickback
chains. They are marked with a
green color code. All other STIHL
bars are coded yellow.
This marking includes a color-coded
warning label on the packaging of
the bar and a colored dot on the bar
itself near the bar mounting area.

5Chain and Bar Manual
! Warning !
When used with other, more
aggressive chains, green labeled
reduced kickback bars may be less
effective in reducing kickback.
! Warning !
Do not mount a bow guide on any
STIHL chain saw. Any chain saw
equipped with a bow guide is
potentially very dangerous. The risk
of kickback is increased with a bow
guide because of the increased
kickback contact area. Low
kickback chain will not significantly
reduce the risk of kickback injury
when used on a bow guide.
1.4 STIHL’S METHOD OF
COMPLIANCE WITH
PERFORMANCE AND
DESIGN
REQUIREMENTS
1.4.1 Chain saws with a
displacement of less than
3.8 cubic inches
STIHL chain saw powerheads
below 3.8 cubic inches are
equipped with a STIHL Quickstop®
chain brake and have a green
warning label. STIHL offers and
recommends green labeled
reduced kickback bars and low
kickback chains for use on these
powerheads.
Compliance with the ANSI
requirements is achieved if STIHL
chain saw powerheads below 3.8
cubic inches are used together with
the STIHL green labeled reduced
kickback bars and low kickback
chains as listed in this catalog and in
the "STIHL Bar and Chain
Information" leaflet. Such
compliance may also be achieved
by use of other chains designated
"low kickback saw chain" or other
replacement bar and chain
combinations marked in
accordance with the standard for
use on the powerhead.
1.4.2 Chain saws with a
displacement of 3.8 cubic
inches and above
STIHL chain saw powerheads of 3.8
cubic inches and above are
equipped with a STIHL Quickstop®
chain brake and are labeled green
and yellow. These powerheads are
only for users with extraordinary
cutting needs and experience and
specialized training for dealing with
kickback. STIHL reduced kickback
bars and STIHL low kickback chains
are offered and recommended for
use on these powerheads.
Compliance with the ANSI
performance and design
requirements of § 5.11.2.2 is
achieved through the STIHL
Quickstop® chain brake alone.
The green half of the warning label
signifies that for these powerheads,
STIHL also recommends that the
customer use STIHL green labeled
reduced kickback bars and low
kickback chains as listed in this
catalog and in the "STIHL Bar and
Chain Information" leaflet.
The yellow half of the warning label
on the powerhead shows that these
units can be matched with yellow
labeled bars and chains, when the
user has extraordinary cutting
needs, experience and specialized
training for dealing with kickback.
1.5 STIHL’S WAY TO
COMPLY WITH
LABELING AND
INFORMATION
REQUIREMENTS
1.5.1 The Powerheads
STIHL complies with the labeling
requirements for powerheads as
follows:
a. Powerheads of less than 3.8
cubic inches (green labels
contain the required information
and warnings)
b. Powerheads of 3.8 cubic inches
and above (green and yellow
labels contain the required
information and warnings)
1.5.2 The Chains
Labeling of Chains
Labeling of chains includes printed
warnings on chain loop boxes with
instructions on the back side, clam
shells with instruction sheets inside,
and labels on chain reel boxes and
chain reel cores.
Chain Marking
With all reel boxes you will receive
chain parts to produce your chain
loops. The tie straps included will be
color coded to support the color
code system.
When you receive reels of "low
kickback chain", the tie straps for
making chain loop will be green
colored.
For all other chains the tie straps
contained in the reel box for making
chain loops will be yellow.
1.5.3 The Guide Bars
The marking of the guide bars in
their original condition includes a
color marking on the bar and the
label on the bar packaging.
STIHL green labeled reduced
kickback bars are designed to
reduce the risk of kickback injury
when used with STIHL green
labeled low kickback chains.
1.6 STIHL’S INFORMATION
AND INSTRUCTION
SYSTEM ON ANSI B
175.1-2011
a. A detailed "STIHL Bar and
Chain Information" leaflet
included in reel or loop boxes
(Part No.: 0457-531-3023) gives
you the information and
instructions for compliance with
the standard.
b. "STIHL Dealer Instructions"
sheet (Part No.: 0457-532-3023)
enclosed in every reel box gives
you detailed instructions how to
proceed with the packaging of
chain loops. On the instruction
sheet you receive a disclaimer
form recommended for use
whenever you sell yellow coded
chain to any customer for use on
any STIHL or any other brand of
chain saw.

6Chain and Bar Manual
c. "STIHL Bar and Chain Catalog
with ANSI Information" (Part
No. 0461-005-0000) gives you a
picture of the whole system and
helps you to comply with the
ANSI B 175.1-2011 chain saw
kickback standard.
1.7 WHAT THE STIHL
DEALER HAS TO DO TO
COMPLY WITH THE
STANDARD
1.7.1 Sale or Rental of STIHL
Powerheads
When selling or renting a STIHL
chain saw powerhead:
a. Make sure that the powerhead
has the proper original label (see
part 1.5.1) or replacement label
(see part 1.9) and that the person
purchasing or renting the saw
has read and understood the
label.
b. Make sure that the appropriate
instruction manual is given to a
purchaser and that the
appropriate instruction manual or
safety manual is provided with
each rental (see part 1.6).
1.7.2 Labeling and Sale (or
Rental) of STIHL Chains
and Bars
As previously described, STIHL has
developed a color-coded system to
help you to handle the ANSI
kickback standard requirements.
To ensure that saw chain sold in
reels receives the proper warnings
and instructions, STIHL will provide
you with the following:
Every color-coded (green or yellow)
reel box contains a reel of chain and
:a sufficient number of color-
coded (green or yellow) chain
loop boxes,
:the same number of "STIHL Bar
and Chain Information" leaflets,
:a sufficient number of colored
(green or yellow) tie straps, and
:one copy of the "STIHL Dealer
Instructions" sheet.
Green color-coded STIHL chains
are (as of December 2010) only the
following:
:71 PM3 for 1/4" extended pitch
:61 PMM3, 63 PM3, 63 PS3, 63
PD3 for 3/8" extended pitch
:23 RM3, 25 RM3, 26 RM3,
23 RD3, 25 RD3, 26 RD3 for
.325" pitch
:33 RS3, 36 RS3; 33 RM3,
36 RM3 for 3/8" pitch
All other chains are color-coded
yellow.
! Warning !
Do not mix green chain reel
boxes, green chain loop boxes
and green tie straps with chain
that has an increased risk of
kickback (yellow labeled chain). If
you do so, you will not comply
with the standard and you will
increase the risk of kickback
injury to your customer.
In order to comply with ANSI B
175.1-2011 chain saw kickback
standard:
1. Put the chain loop into the
appropriate green or yellow loop
box.
2. Add to every loop of chain a
"STIHL Bar and Chain
Information" leaflet.
3. Clearly mark the top of the closed
loop box with the chain type and
length to show exactly what chain
it contains.
4. To meet the computed kickback
angle and reduced kickback
device requirements of the ANSI
standard (see part 1.1), sell (and
rent) only green labeled reduced
kickback bars and low kickback
chains for powerheads of less
than 3.8 cubic inch displacement.
In addition, make sure the chain
brake is functioning properly.
! Warning !
If you install a chain on your
customer’s powerhead, it is
important that you hand them the
"STIHL Bar and Chain
Information" leaflet and the
appropriate warning on the chain
box or clam shell and that you
instruct them to read and follow
the contained information,
instructions and warnings.
Otherwise, your customer may
not be sufficiently informed
about the risk of kickback injury
associated with saw chain.

7Chain and Bar Manual
New bar/chain combinations may
be developed after publication of
this literature which will, in
combination with certain
powerheads, comply with 5.11.2 of
ANSI B 175.1-2011. Check the most
recent "STIHL Bar and Chain
Information" leaflet.
STIHL RECOMMENDS THAT YOU
SELL GREEN LABELED
REDUCED KICKBACK BARS
AND LOW KICKBACK CHAINS
FOR ALL POWERHEADS.
! Warning !
Use of other bar/chain
combinations may increase
kickback forces and the risk of
kickback injury.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The standard recognizes that
there may be a limited group of
users whose extraordinary needs
may not be satisfied by bar and
chain combinations that comply
with the computed 45 degree
acceptance criteria of the
standard. These customers may
require yellow labeled chains or
bars.
If a customer insists on buying a
non-complying cutting attachment
for a powerhead of below 3.8
cubic inch displacement, it must
be a conscious and informed
choice by the customer. You must
inform him of the fact that this
combination does not comply with
the standard and that complying
combinations with a reduced risk
of kickback injury are available for
his powerhead.
1.8 OTHER BUSINESS
PRACTICES THAT STIHL
RECOMMENDS TO ALL
SALES AND SERVICE
DEALERS AND RENTAL
DEALERS FOLLOW
It is the dealer’s responsibility to
advise the customer concerning
chain saw safety and available
safety equipment. You should
adhere to the following business
practices in marketing, servicing or
renting STIHL products.
1.8.1 When selling or renting a
saw
When selling or renting a saw, you
should provide the following
services to your
customer:
1. Properly assemble and adjust the
saw.
2. Familiarize the customer with the
instruction manual and the safety
instructions and the warnings
contained in it. Discuss kickback,
push-back and pull-in with the
customer. Describe the causes of
these reactive forces and how to
try to avoid them. Discuss the
availability of reduced kickback
bars and low kickback chain and
the advantages of these items
with your customer.
3. Point out and discuss the safety
features on the saw.
4. Demonstrate the correct way of
starting the saw.
5. Demonstrate the proper cutting
techniques.
1.8.2 Additional
recommendations when
selling a new saw
When you sell a new saw, you
should provide the following
services to your customer in
addition to those listed in part 1.8.1:
1. Follow the ANSI kickback
standard requirements
mentioned in part 1.7.2 of this
catalog when selling bars and
chains
2. Explain the limited warranty.
Register the product. Review,
complete, have the customer
sign and send in teh Product
Registration card or complete the
registration electronically on
STIHL eService.
1.8.3 Additional
recommendations when
selling a used saw
When you sell a used saw of any
brand, you should perform the
following services for your
customer in addition to those listed
in part 1.8.1:
1. Affix warning labels, if absent.
STIHL warning labels are
available at no charge from your
STIHL distributor.
2. Follow the ANSI kickback
standard requirements
mentioned in part 1.7.2 of this
brochure when selling
powerheads, bars and chain.
3. Give the customer a STIHL chain
saw safety manual (available at
no charge). Let him know that
instruction manuals, even for
many older models, are available
at www.stihlusa.com.
4. Make pertinent comments on the
condition of the saw and the
warnings given on the bill of sale
and have the customer sign it.
Keep a copy for your records

8Chain and Bar Manual
1.8.4 Additional
recommendations when
renting a saw
The STIHL rental dealers serve a
specific market for which STIHL
makes available the appropriate
tools.
When you rent a saw, you should
provide the following services to
your customer in addition to those
listed in part 1.8.1:
1. STIHL recommends that you rent
all your saws only with green
labeled cutting attachments.
These reduced kickback bars
and low kickback chains are
recommended for all users and
especially for inexperienced
users.
:2.For the 08S, 088 and MS 880
this means that you should rent
this saw only with a 3/8" pitch
sprocket with a 17" or 21" green
labeled STIHL ROLLOMATIC® S
reduced kickback bar and a low
kickback chain (36 RS3 or
36 RM3 for 3/8" pitch).
3. Give the customer an instruction
manual or safety manual with
each rental. Safety manuals are
available from your STIHL
distributor or STIHL Incorporated
at no charge. Instruction
manuals, even for many older
models, are available at
www.stihlusa.com.
4. Ensure that all saws have the
proper labeling. Affix warning
labels, if absent. Note that
warning labels are available from
your STIHL distributor or STIHL
Incorporated at no charge.
5. Ensure that the chain is
sharpened properly. Failure to
maintain a properly sharpened
chain can result in increased risk
of kickback injury.
1.9 Recommended business
practices when repairing
any saw
When you repair a saw of any
brand, you should do the following
1. Affix warning labels, if absent.
When replacing parts which
should carry a warning sticker,
such as a hand guard, make sure
that the proper warning sticker is
put on the new part. STIHL
warning labels are available from
your STIHL distributor.
2. Advise the customer of any
technical problems or damage,
such as a broken hand guard or
nonfunctioning chain brake.
Warning label Part No. 0000-967-3613
Improper use can cause serious or fatal injury. Read and follow all safety precautions in current Owner’s or Safety Manual. This saw may be capable of severe kickback. To reduce risk of kickback injury use green labeled STIHL reduced kickback bar and low kickback chain and Quickstop chain brake, if compatible. Avoid contact of 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.
Warning !
0000-967-3613
3. Offer to give the customer a
STIHL chain saw safety manual
and mention that many
instruction manuals are available
at www.stihlusa.com.
4. Make pertinent comments on the
condition of the saw and the
warnings given on the bill of sale
and have the customer sign it.
Keep a copy for your records.
If you need further information,
please contact your STIHL
distributor.
1.10 ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION FOR
LOGGING COMPANIES
It is important for logging companies
to follow all safety precautions for
chain saw use.
STIHL recommends the use of its
green labeled reduced kickback
bars, green labeled low kickback
cahins and STIHL Quickstop chain
braking system even for the logging
companies’ experienced chain saw
users.
It is important that logging
companies follow the maintenance
and repair instructions in the
relevant sections of the appropriate
instruction manual, especially those
in the chapters entitled "Guide Bar,
Chain and Sprocket", "Sharpening
and Maintenance of Saw Chain,"
and "Chain Brake."
The starting throttle lock, throttle
interlock, hand guard, chain brake
and other safety features should
never be removed or made
inoperable.
1.11 Kickback and Devices for
Reducing Kickback
Injury
! Warning !
Because a chain saw is a high-
speed wood-cutting tool, some
special safety precautions must
be observed as with any other
power saw to reduce the risk of
personal injury. Careless or
improper use may cause serious
or even fatal injury.

9Chain and Bar Manual
Warning !
Kickback occurs when
the moving saw chain
near the upper
quadrant of the bar
nose contacts a solid object or is
pinched. The reaction of the cutting
force of the chain causes a
rotational force on the chain saw in
the direction opposite to the chain
movement. This may fling the bar
up and back in an uncontrolled arc
mainly in the plane of the bar. Under
some cutting circumstances the bar
moves towards the operator, who
may suffer severe or fatal injury.
Kickback may occur when the nose
of the guide bar is pinched
unexpectedly, unintentionally
contacts solid material in the wood
or is incorrectly used to begin a
plunge or boring cut. It may also
occur during limbing. The greater
the force of the kickback reaction,
the more difficult it becomes for the
operator to control the saw. Many
factors influence the occurrence
and force of the kickback reaction.
These include chain speed, the
speed at which the bar and chain
contact the object, the angle of
contact, the condition of the chain
and other factors.
001BA035 KN
Devices for reducing the risk of
kickback injury
STIHL recommends the use of the
STIHL Quickstop chain brake on the
powerhead with green labeled
reduced kickback bars and low
kickback chains.
STIHL Quickstop chain brake
STIHL has developed a chain
stopping system designed to reduce
the risk of injury in certain kickback
situations. It is called a STIHL
Quickstop chain brake.
When a kickback occurs, the guide
bar may rotate around the front
handle. If the cutting position is such
that the operator’s left hand is
gripping the front handle behind the
hand guard, and if the left hand
rotates around the front handle,
contacts and pushes forward the
front hand guard, which is the
STIHL Quickstop activating lever,
this movement of the handguard is
designed to activate the STIHL
Quickstop. The chain brake on new
model STIHL chain saws can also
be activated by inertia. See the
chapter entitled "Chain Brake" in the
Instruction manual.
STIHL QS System
STIHL has developed an additional
brake system called QS that is
available on certain models. This is
identified on newer saws by a "Q“ in
the model designation. As is true on
other STIHL saws, the Quickstop
chain brake system on the Q
models can be activated manually
via the front hand guard or by inertia
in certain kickback situations and is
designed to bring the chain to a stop
within fractions of a second. A
second chain brake system can be
activated with the interlock lever by
removing the right hand completely
from the rear handle - offering
additional control in certain
circumstances. This second system
is designed to stop the chain in less
than one second.
! Warning !
A chain saw should never be
operated without a front hand
guard. In a kickback situation this
guard helps protect the left hand or
other parts of the body. In addition,
removal of the hand guard on a saw
equipped with a chain brake will
deactivate the chain brake.
!Warning !
No STIHL Quickstop or other chain
brake device prevents kickback.
These devices are designed to
reduce the risk of kickback injury, if
activated, in certain kickback
situations. In order for the STIHL
Quickstop to reduce the risk of
kickback injury, it must be properly
maintained and in good working
order. See the chapter entitled
"Chain Brake" in the instruction
manual. In addition, there must be
enough distance between the bar
and the operator to ensure that the
STIHL Quickstop has sufficient time
to activate and stop the chain before
potential contact with the operator.
!Warning !
An improperly maintained chain
brake may increase the time
needed to stop the chain after
activation, or may not activate at all.
Reduced kickback bar
STIHL green labeled reduced
kickback bars are designed to
reduce the risk of kickback injury
when used with STIHL green
labeled low kickback chains.
!Warning !
When used with other, more
aggressive chains, these bars may
be less effective in reducing
kickback.
Low kickback chain
Some types of saw chain have
specially designed components to
reduce the force of nose contact
kickback. STIHL has developed low
kickback chain for most STIHL
powerheads.

10 Chain and Bar Manual
! Warning !
A dull or improperly sharpened
chain may reduce or negate the
effects of the design features
intended to reduce kickback energy.
Improper lowering or shaping of the
depth gauges or improper
sharpening of the cutters may
increase the chance and the
potential energy of a kickback. The
operator must always cut with a
properly sharpened chain.
! Warning !
Reduced kickback bars and low
kickback chains do not prevent
kickback, but they are designed to
reduce the risk of kickback injury.
They are available from STIHL
dealers. A low kickback chain will
not significantly reduce the risk of
kickback injury when used on a bow
guide.
! Warning !
Even if a saw is equipped with a
STIHL Quickstop®, a reduced
kickback bar and/or low kickback
chain, this does not eliminate the
risk of injury by kickback. Therefore,
the operator must always observe
all safety precautions to avoid
kickback situations.
To avoid kickback
The best defense against personal
injury from kickback is to avoid
kickback situations:
1. Hold the chain saw firmly with
both hands and maintain a
secure grip.
2. Be aware of the location of the
guide bar nose at all times.
3. Never let the nose of the guide
bar contact any object. Do not cut
limbs with the nose of the guide
bar. Be especially careful when
cutting small, tough limbs, small
size brush and saplings which
may easily catch the chain.
4. Don’t overreach.
5. Don’t cut above shoulder height.
6. Begin cutting and continue at full
throttle.
7. Cut only one log at a time.
8. Use extreme caution when re-
entering a previous 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 chain.
11.Maintain saw chain properly. Cut
with a correctly sharpened,
properly tensioned chain at all
times.
12.Stand to the side of the cutting
path of the chain saw.

11Chain and Bar Manual
2. Cutting Attachment
This handbook is intended as a
guide to selecting the correct cutting
attachment for a specific application
as well as to its proper use and
maintenance.
It is important that you read, fully
understand and observe the
instructions in the chainsaw
manual. Non-observance of the
instruction manual may result in
serious or fatal injury.
:Special safety precautions must
be observed to reduce the risk of
personal injury when working
with a chainsaw because of the
very high chain speed and very
sharp cutters.
The cutting results obtained with a
chainsaw basically depend on three
factors:
– Design and power of the
chainsaw.
– Type and condition of the saw
chain, guide bar and chain
sprocket.
–Cutting technique used by the
saw operator.
The saw chain is the part which
does the actual cutting work and is
therefore the part which has the
greatest influence on the results
achieved.
The cutting attachment consists of
the saw chain, guide bar and chain
sprocket.
Correct use, maintenance and
repair of the cutting attachment are
therefore of critical importance.

12 Chain and Bar Manual
3. OILOMATIC® Saw Chain
3.1 Introduction
STIHL is the only manufacturer to
produce its own chainsaws, guide
bars, saw chains and chain
sprockets.
STIHL offers the right saw chain for
every species of wood and for
chainsaws of all brands and engine
size. The STIHL line of chains is
tailor-made for almost every
application.
All STIHL chains incorporate the
patented, life-prolonging STIHL
OILOMATIC® system of lubrication.
Every saw chain produced by
STIHL is an "OILOMATIC® chain".
3.2 Construction
STIHL OILOMATIC® saw chains
are three-link chains and always
assembled in the same basic
pattern. They differ merely in the
shape or the cutters and the
dimensions of the individual links.
The illustration below
shows the component parts of an
OILOMATIC® chain.
Drive link (1), left hand cutter (2),
right hand cutter (3), preset tie strap
(4), tie strap (5), humped drive link
(6), triple-hump tie strap (7).
The center row is made up entirely
of drive links (1). Engine power is
transmitted via the chain sprocket to
the drive link tangs to rotate the
chain around the guide bar. The
drive link tangs run in the bar groove
and stabilize the chain in the lateral
direction.
The forward edge of the drive link
tang is a rounded hook which acts
as a groove raker or cleaner.
The two outer rows of links are
made up of alternating cutters (2, 3)
and tie straps (4, 5). The cutters (2,
3) are the actual working parts of the
chain. The design and condition of
their cutting edges have a
significant influence on cutting
results. Tie straps (4, 5) are fitted
opposite the cutters and on both
sides of the chain to fill the gaps
between the cutters. The bottoms of
the tie straps and cutters form a
sliding face on which the chain
glides along the guide bar. On low
kickback saw chains a humped
drive link (6) is fitted in front of each
cutter in place of the normal tie
strap. On the RAPIDTM Duro R for
rescue saws a special triple-hump
tie strap is fitted on the other side of
the chain in place of the normal tie
strap.
STIHL saw chains are assembled in
such a way that every second drive
link is followed by a cutter, right
hand and left hand cutters being
fitted alternately.
In the case of the full-skip (1) and
semi-skip (2) versions, the spaces
between the cutters are
correspondingly greater or variable.
On the full house chain (3), right
and left hand cutters are assembled
alternately directly behind one
another.
All chain links are held together by
the rivets, the center row of links
(drive links) acting as a hinge for the
two outer rows (cutters and tie
straps). Each link of the chain is
subject to a certain stress. Rivets
and drive links have to transmit the
full torque of the engine when
cutting resistance is high. The force
of this torque is spread equally
between the cutters and tie straps.
1
689RA221 KN
2
3

13Chain and Bar Manual
3.3 Chain Types
The STIHL line of saw chains
comprises two basic types in up to
four versions as well as a number of
special versions for specific
applications.
3.3.1 Basic Types
Conventional chipper-tooth chains
with a standard height cutter are
referred to as OILOMATIC®
"RAPIDTM".
Chipper-tooth chains with a low-
profile cutter are called
OILOMATIC® "PICCOTM".
1RAPID
TM
2PICCO
TM
3Comparison of RAPID
TM/
PICCOTM
689RA300 KN
1
2
3
3.3.2 Versions
The different chain versions are
defined according to the shape of
their cutters:
Cutter shape Designation
1Rounded
cutter Standard
2 Semi-chisel
cutter Micro
3 Full chisel
cutter Super
4Carbide-
tipped cutter Duro
1
2
3
4
689RA301 KN
Standard chain with rounded
cutter:
Original shape of chipper-tooth
chain. Robust saw chain with
rounded cutter. These chains are
only available in a pitch of .404".
Micro semi-chisel chain:
Straight-sided cutter. Further
development of the RAPIDTM
Standard.
Robust universal chain that
combines high cutting capacity,
convenience, long edge life and
simple maintenance.
Meets demands of full-time
professionals in agriculture,
construction and forestry industry
but also suitable for occasional
users.
Good service life even in lightly
soiled wood.
Super full chisel chain:
Razor-edged, square shaped
cutters.
Combines excellent cutting capacity
and convenience. Meets highest
performance requirements of
professional users in forestry
industry. Reduced service life in
lightly soiled wood.
Duro carbide-tipped chain:
Cutters with carbide tipping.
The Duro chain combines
exceptional service life,
convenience and good cutting
performance. It is not affected by
dirty wood or brief contact with the
ground. Remains sharp up to four
times longer than a standard semi-
chisel chain. Carbide-tipped chains
must be resharpened with a special
diamond grinding wheel.

14 Chain and Bar Manual
3.4 Criteria for Selection
The following characteristics define
a saw chain:
– Chain pitch
– Drive link gauge
–Chain length
– Shape of cutter (profile)
3.5 Chain Pitch
The pitch is determined by
measuring the distance from the
center of one rivet to the center of
the next but one and dividing the
measurement by two. The result is
the pitch in inches or millimeters.
The chain pitch is generally quoted
in inches (e.g. 3/8" = 9.32 mm).
It is necessary to measure across
three rivets because the rivet center
distances may be different on drive
links and cutters or tie straps.
a
689RA128 KN
The pitch size (a) is marked on each
cutter in the area of the depth
gauge.
Chain Pitch Designation
1/4" 1/4 or 1
.325" .325 or 2
3/8" 3/8 or 3
.404" .404 or 4
3/8" P P, PM or 6
1/4" P 7
a
689RA289 KN
3.6 Drive Link Gauge
The drive link gauge is the
measurement which allocates the
saw chain to particular guide bars
(groove width). It must match the
groove width of the guide bar so that
the chain fits the bar exactly. The
drive link gauge is quoted in
millimeters.
The last digit (arrow) of this
measurement is stamped on every
drive link (e.g. 6 = 1.6 mm).
689RA130 KN

15Chain and Bar Manual
3.7 Part Number and
Marketing Number
The part number consists of three
groups with 4, 3 and 4 digits.
– First group of digits (xxxx ... ....)
Code for chain type
– Second group of digits (.... xxx
....)
Code for STIHL logistics
– Third group of digits (.... ... xxxx)
Number of drive links (chain
length)
Example:
Marketing Number
A system of special abbreviated
designations has been introduced in
addition to the part number for easy
identification of STIHL saw chains
and their technical data. In this
alphanumeric system each letter or
digit stands for a specific term or
technical feature.
The result is a relatively short but
informative designation.
3621 000 0060
Number of
drive links,
60 in
this example
Code for STIHL
logistics
Chain type
System of Marketing Numbers
Example:
Meaning of digits and letters
Pitch
Drive Link Gauge
Basic Type
Version (cutter shape)
61PMM3
Special version
3 = Humped
drive link
Special version
M = Mini
Version
M = Micro
Basic type
P = PICCOTM
Drive link gauge
1 = 1.1 mm
Pitch
6 = 3/8" PICCOTM
11/4" 6.35 mm
2.325" 8.25 mm
33/8" 9.32 mm
4.404" 10.26 mm
51/2" 12.70 mm
63/8" PICCO
TM 9.32 mm
71/4" PICCO
TM 6.35 mm
1 1.1 mm .043"
3 1.3 mm .050"
5 1.5 mm .058"
6 1.6 mm .063"
0 2.0 mm .080"
RRAPID
TM
PPICCO
TM
C Chipper (standard)
M Micro
SSuper
DDuro
Special Versions
Examples:
Chain type 3610:
STIHL OILOMATIC® 36 RS3
–Pitch: 3/8"
–Drive link gauge: 1,6mm
– Basic type: PICCOTM
–Version: Super
– Special version: Humped drive
link
Chain type 3628:
STIHL OILOMATIC® 25 RM
– Pitch: .325"
–Drive link gauge: 1.5mm
– Basic type: RAPIDTM
– Version: Micro
Chain type 3661:
STIHL OILOMATIC® 13 RMS
–Pitch: 1/4"
–Drive link gauge: 1.3mm
– Basic type: RAPIDTM
– Version: Micro
– Special version: Spezial
(Carving)
Low kickback chain
3Humped drive link
Other special versions
CComfort
F Full-Skip
H Semi-Skip
K Klassik
LSquare ground
LH Square ground semi-
skip
MMini
S Spezial
XRipping chain
Y Full house chain
R Rescue
H Harvester

16 Chain and Bar Manual
3.8 Saw Chain Applications
OILOMATIC® chain Cutting firewood/
landscape
maintenance
Agriculture
and horticulture
Forestry Tree
surgery
Carving Chain pitch
PICCOTM MicroTM 3
(PM3) ++ - - ++ o 1/4" PICCOTM
PICCOTM MicroTM
Mini 3
(PMM3)
++ - - ++ o 3/8"
PICCOTM
PICCOTM MicroTM 3
(PM3) ++ - - ++ o 3/8" PICCOTM
PICCOTM Super 3
(PS3) ++++++-
3/8"
PICCOTM
PICCOTM Duro
(PD3) ++ ++ o + - 3/8" PICCOTM
RAPIDTM MicroTM
Spezial
(RMS)
- +* - - ++* 1/4"
RAPIDTM MicroTM
(RM) --+--.404"
RAPIDTM MicroTM
(RM) - ++ ++ - -
1/4"
.325"
3/8"
RAPIDTM MicroTM 3
(RM3) o++++--
.325"
3/8"
RAPIDTM Super
(RS) --++--.404"
RAPIDTM Super
(RS) o + ++ - - .325" 3/8"
RAPIDTM Super 3
(RS3) -++++--3/8"
RAPIDTM Duro 3
(RD3) -++--.325"
RAPIDTM Duro
(RD) -++--3/8"
o suitable + recommended
- less suitable ++ highly recommended
* The STIHL 1/4" RAPIDTM MicroTM Spezial (RMS) chain may be used on tree service saws only in
combination with the STIHL Duromatic C bar

17Chain and Bar Manual
3.9 RAPIDTM Chain
3.9.1 RAPIDTM MicroTM
(RM)
Semi-chisel chain
Cutter
Straight-sided cutter –
further development of
RAPIDTM Standard.
Depth gauge
Forward projecting depth gauge
reduces kickback and makes this a
smooth running chain.
Applications
Felling, bucking and limbing, all-
round chain for high demands of
full-time professionals in
agriculture, construction and
forestry industry but also for
occasional users.
Maintenance
Resharpening is accomplished with
a round file with file holder, a filing
tool or electric chain grinder.
Color code
yellow
Chain type
.325" .3/8" 3/8"P .404"
.063" 3668
689RA133 KN
3.9.2 RAPIDTM MicroTM
(RM)
Low vibration semi-chisel chain
Cutter
as RAPIDTM MicroTM
Depth gauge
as RAPIDTM MicroTM
Function
The bottoms of the cutters and tie
straps slope upwards to the rear –
this clearance allows the cutters to
rock back slightly and thus produce
a shock absorbing effect – very low
vibrations and high cutting capacity.
Applications
as RAPIDTM MicroTM
Maintenance
as RAPIDTM MicroTM
Color code
yellow
Chain type
1/4" .325" 3/8" 3/8"P
.050" 3660 3627 3650
.058" 3628 3651
.063" 3629 3652
689RA322 KN
3.9.3 RAPIDTM MicroTM 3
(RM3)
Reduced kickback, low vibration
semi-chisel chain
Cutter
as RAPIDTM MicroTM
Depth gauge
as RAPIDTM MicroTM
Function/Construction
Reduced vibrations as with
RAPIDTM MicroTM. Additional
humped drive link in front of every
cutter. The humped drive link guides
the cutter into the wood more
smoothly for a particularly low
kickback tendency.
Applications
Felling, bucking and limbing as well
as all cutting work in agriculture,
building and forestry industries; also
for occasional users.
Maintenance
as RAPIDTM MicroTM
Color code
green
Chain type
.325" 3/8" 3/8"P .404"
.050" 3632 3662
.058" 3633
.063" 3634 3664
689RA290 KN

18 Chain and Bar Manual
3.9.4 RAPIDTM Mi cro TM Spezial
(RMS)
Low vibration semi-chisel chain
Cutter
Features a shortened top plate and
a forward sloping tail. Feed effort is
greatly reduced when boring and
cutting because the cutting edge is
not pushed out of the cut.
Function
Reduced vibrations as with
RAPIDTM MicroTM.
Depth gauge
as RAPIDTM MicroTM
Applications
Exclusively for use in combination
with STIHL Duromatic C bars for
cutting work where frequent use is
made of the bar nose. Special saw
chain for wood carvers and
arborists.
Maintenance
as RAPIDTM MicroTM
Color code
yellow
Chain type
1/4" .325" 3/8" 3/8"P
.050" 3661
689RA291 KN
3.9.5 RAPIDTM Super
(RS)
Full chisel chain
Cutter
Razor-edged, square shape –
high performance chain.
Depth gauge
Forward projecting depth gauge
reduces kickback and makes this a
smooth running chain.
Applications
Forestry industry, for felling, bucking
and limbing in medium to big stands
on medium to high powered
machines.
Maintenance
Resharpening is accomplished with
a round file with file holder, a filing
tool or electric chain grinder.
Color code
yellow
Chain type
.325" 3/8" 3/8"P .404"
.063" 3946
689RA135 KN
3.9.6 RAPIDTM Super
(RS)
Low vibration full chisel chain
Cutter
Razor-edged, square shape –
high performance chain.
Depth gauge
Forward projecting depth gauge
reduces kickback and makes this a
smooth running chain.
Function
The bottoms of the cutters and tie
straps slope upwards to the rear –
this clearance allows the cutters to
rock back slightly and thus produce
a shock absorbing effect – very low
vibrations and high cutting capacity.
Applications
Combines excellent cutting capacity
and convenience. Meets highest
performance requirements of
professional users in forestry
industry.
Felling, bucking and limbing in
medium to big stands on medium to
high powered machines.
Maintenance
as RAPIDTM Super
Color code
yellow
Chain type
.325" 3/8" 3/8"P .404"
.050" 3637 3623
.058" 3638 3622
.063" 3639 3621
689RA321 KN

19Chain and Bar Manual
3.9.7 RAPIDTM Super 3
(RS3)
Reduced kickback, low vibration full
chisel chain
Cutter
as RAPIDTM Super
Depth gauge
as RAPIDTM Super
Function/Construction
Reduced vibrations as with
RAPIDTM S upe r. Ad di t io na l h um pe d
drive link in front of every cutter. The
humped drive link guides the cutter
into the wood more smoothly for a
particularly low kickback tendency.
Applications
as RAPIDTM Super
Maintenance
as RAPIDTM Super
Color code
green
Chain type
.325" 3/8" 3/8"P .404"
.050" 3624
.058"
.063" 3626
689RA319 KN
6
3.9.8 RAPIDTM Super LK
(RSLK)
Full chisel square-ground chain for
special applications (special
versions)
Cutter
as RAPIDTM Super with square-
ground, L-shaped cutting edge.
Depth gauge
Straight
Applications
as RAPIDTM Super
Maintenance
Special files or sharpening tools
required.
Color code
yellow
Chain type
.325" 3/8" 3/8"P .404"
.050" 3640
.058"
.063" 3641
689RA277 KN
3.9.9 Full-Skip and Semi-Skip
Chains
Full-Skip chains (1)
Distance between cutters is double
that of standard chain.
Versions:
– RAPID
TM MicroTM Full-Skip
(RMF)
semi-chisel chain
– RAPID
TM Super Full-Skip (RSF)
full chisel chain
– RAPID Super L Full-Skip Klassik
(RSLFK) square ground full
chisel chain, straight, depth
gauge.
Semi-Skip chains (2)
Distance between cutters alternates
between normal to double that of
standard chain.
Version:
– RAPID
TM Super L Semi-Skip
Klassik (RSLHK) Square ground
full chisel chain, straight, narrow
and steep depth gauge.
Color code
yellow