Stihl FS 100 RX User manual

Instruction Manual
Manual de instrucciones
Warning!
Read and follow all safety precautions in
Instruction Manual – improper use can cause
serious or fatal injury.
Advertencia!
Lea y siga todas las precauciones de
seguridad dadas en el manual de
instrucciones – el uso incorrecto puede
causar lesiones graves o mortales.
STIH)
STIHL HT 100, 101, 130, 131
BA_U1_86_02.fm Seite 0 Donnerstag, 18. Mai 2006 10:28 10

1HT 100, HT 101, HT 130, HT 131
English / USA
BA_SE_138_008_01_14.fmPrinted on chlorine-free paper.
Printing inks contain vegetable oils; paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2008 0458 246 8621 C. M8,5. H8. CP. Printed in USA
STIHl
Contents
Guide to Using this Manual .............. 2
Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques ......................... 3
Using the Pole Pruner .................... 15
Mounting the Bar and Chain ........... 18
Tensioning the Saw Chain .............. 19
Checking Chain Tension ................. 19
Adjusting the Throttle Cable ........... 19
4-MIX Engine .................................. 20
Fuel ................................................ 20
Fueling ............................................ 21
Chain Lubricant .............................. 22
Filling Chain
Oil Tank .......................................... 23
Checking Chain Lubrication ........... 24
Adjusting the Telescopic Shaft ........ 24
Fitting the Harness ......................... 24
Backpack Carrying System ............ 25
Starting / Stopping the Engine ....... 26
Operating Instructions .................... 29
Taking Care of Guide Bar ............... 30
Cleaning the Air Filter ..................... 31
Motor Management ........................ 31
Adjusting the Carburetor ................ 31
Spark Arresting Screen
in Muffler ........................................ 33
Checking the Spark Plug ................ 34
Replacing Starter Rope
and Rewind Spring ......................... 35
Storing the Machine ....................... 38
Checking and Replacing
the Chain Sprocket ......................... 38
Maintaining and
Sharpening Saw Chain .................. 39
Inspections and Maintenance
by Dealer ........................................ 42
Maintenance Chart ......................... 43
Main Parts and Controls ................. 45
Specifications ................................. 47
Special Accessories ....................... 48
Maintenance and Repairs .............. 48
STIHL Incorporated
Federal Emission Control
Warranty Statement ........................ 49
Trademarks .................................... 51
Allow only persons who understand this
manual to operate your pole pruner.
To receive maximum performance and
satisfaction from your STIHL pole
pruner, it is important that you read and
understand the maintenance and safety
precautions, starting on page 3, before
using your pole pruner.
Contact your STIHL dealer or the STIHL
distributor for your area if you do not
understand any of the instructionsin this
manual.
!Warning!
Because a pole pruner is a high-speed
cutting tool with a very long reach some
special safety precautions must be
observed to reduce the risk of personal
injury.
Careless or improper use may cause
serious or even fatal injury.
STIHL's philosophy is to continually
improve all of its products. As a result,
engineering changes and improve-
ments are made from time to time. If the
operating characteristics or the
appearance of your pole pruner differ
from those described in this manual,
please contact your STIHL dealer for
information and assistance.

2
English / USA
HT 100, HT 101, HT 130, HT 131
Pictograms
All the pictograms attached to the
machine are shown and explained in
this manual.
The operating and handling instructions
are supported by illustrations.
Symbols in text
The individual steps or procedures
described in the manual may be marked
in different ways:
:A bullet marks a step or procedure
without direct reference to an
illustration.
A description of a step or procedure that
refers directly to an illustration may
contain item numbers that appear in the
illustration.
Example:
Loosen the screw (1)
Lever (2) ...
In addition to the operating instructions,
this manual may contain paragraphs
that require your special attention. Such
paragraphs are marked with the
symbols described below:
Warning where there is a risk of an
accident or personal injury or
serious damage to property.
Caution where there is a risk of
damaging the machine or its
individual components.
Note or hint which is not essential
for using the machine, but may
improve the operator’s under-
standing of the situation and result
in better use of the machine.
Note or hint on correct procedure in
order to avoid damage to the
environment.
Equipment and features
This instructionmanual may refer to
several models with different
features. Components that are not
installed on all models and related
applications are marked with an
asterisk (*). Such components may
be available as special accessories
from your STIHL dealer.
Engineering improvements
STIHL’s philosophy is to continually
improve all of its products. As a result,
engineeringchangesandimprovements
are made from time to time. If the
operating characteristics or the
appearance of your machine differ from
those described in this manual, please
contact your STIHL dealer for
assistance.
Therefore some changes, modifications
and improvements may not be covered
in this manual.
Guide to Using this Manual

3HT 100, HT 101, HT 130, HT 131
English / USA
Because a pole pruner is
a high-speed, fast-cutting
power tool with a very
long reach, special safety
precautions must be
observed to reduce the
risk of personal injury.
It is important that you
read,fullyunderstandand
observe the following
safety precautions and
warnings. Read the
instruction manual and
the safety precautions periodically.
Careless or improper use may cause
serious or fatal injury.
Have your STIHL dealer show you how
to operate your power tool. Observe all
applicable local safety regulations,
standards and ordinances.
!Warning!
Do not lend or rent your power tool
without the instruction manual. Be sure
that anyone using it understands the
information contained in this manual.
!Warning!
The use of this machine may be
hazardous. The pole pruner chain has
manysharpcutters.Ifthecutterscontact
your flesh, they will cut you, even if the
chain is not moving.
Do not cut any material other than wood
orwoodenobjects. Useyourpolepruner
for limbing only. It must not be used for
any other purposes, since such misuse
may result in an accident or damage to
the machine.
!Warning!
Minors should never be allowed to use
this power tool. Bystanders, especially
children, and animals should not be
allowed in the area where it is in use.
!Warning!
Toreduce the risk of injury to bystanders
and damage to property, never let your
power tool run unattended. When it is
not in use (e.g. during a work break),
shut it off and make sure that
unauthorized persons do not use it.
Most of these safety precautions and
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL
polepruners. Differentmodelsmayhave
different parts and controls. See the
appropriate section of your instruction
manual for a description of the controls
and the function of the parts of your
model.
Safe use of a pole pruner involves
1. the operator
2. the pole pruner
3. the use of the pole pruner.
THE OPERATOR
Physical Condition
You must be in good physical condition
and mental health and not under the
influence of any substance (drugs,
alcohol, etc.) which might impair vision,
dexterity or judgment. Do not operate
this machine when you are fatigued.
!Warning!
Be alert – if you get tired, take a break.
Tiredness may result in loss of control.
Working with any power tool can be
strenuous. Ifyouhaveanyconditionthat
mightbe aggravated by strenuous work,
check with your doctor before operating
this machine.
Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques

4
English / USA
HT 100, HT 101, HT 130, HT 131
!Warning!
Prolonged use of a power tool (or other
machines) exposing the operator to
vibrations may produce whitefinger
disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or
carpal tunnel syndrome.
These conditions reduce the hand's
ability to feel and regulate temperature,
produce numbness and burning
sensations and may cause nerve and
circulation damage and tissue necrosis.
All factors which contribute to white-
finger disease are not known, but cold
weather, smoking and diseases or
physical conditions that affect blood
vessels and blood transport, as well as
high vibration levels and long periods of
exposure to vibration are mentioned as
factorsinthedevelopmentofwhitefinger
disease. In order to reduce the risk of
whitefinger disease and carpal tunnel
syndrome, please note the following:
Most STIHL power tools are available
with an anti-vibration (“AV”) system
designed to reduce the transmission of
vibrations created by the machine to the
operator's hands. An AV system is
recommended for those persons using
power tools on a regular or sustained
basis.
Wear gloves and keep your hands
warm.
Keep the AV system well maintained. A
power tool with loose components or
with damaged or worn AV buffers will
tend to have higher vibration levels.
Maintain a firm grip at all times, but do
not squeeze the handles with constant,
excessive pressure. Take frequent
breaks.
All the above-mentioned precautions do
not guarantee that you will not sustain
whitefinger disease or carpal tunnel
syndrome. Therefore, continual and
regular users should closely monitor the
condition of their hands and fingers. If
any of the above symptoms appear,
seek medical advice immediately.
!Warning!
The ignition system of the STIHL unit
produces an electromagnetic field of a
very low intensity. This field may
interfere with some pacemakers. To
reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury,
persons with a pacemaker should
consult their physician and the
pacemaker manufacturer before
operating this tool.
Proper Clothing
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury, the operator
should wear proper protective apparel.
!Warning!Toreducetheriskofinjury
to your eyes never
operate your power tool
unlesswearinggogglesor
properly fitted protective
glasseswithadequatetop
andsideprotectioncomplyingwithANSI
Z 87.1 (or your applicable national
standard). To reduce the risk of injury to
your face STIHL recommends that you
also wear a face shield or face screen
over your goggles or protective glasses.
Wear an approved safety hard hat to
reduce the risk of injury to your head.
Power tool noise may damage your
hearing. Wear sound barriers (ear plugs
or ear mufflers) to protect your hearing.
Continualandregularusersshouldhave
their hearing checked regularly.
Be particularly alert and cautious when
wearing hearing protection because
your ability to hear warnings (shouts,
alarms, etc.) is restricted.

5HT 100, HT 101, HT 130, HT 131
English / USA
Alwaysweargloveswhen
handling the machineand
the cutting tool. Heavy-
duty, nonslip gloves
improve your grip and
help to protect your
hands.
Clothing must be sturdy
and snug-fitting, but allow
complete freedom of
movement. Wear long
pants made of heavy
material to help protect
your legs. Do not wear shorts, sandals
or go barefoot.
Avoid loose-fitting jackets, scarfs,
neckties, jewelry, flared or cuffed pants,
unconfined long hair or anything that
could become caught on branches,
brush or the moving parts of the unit.
Secure hair so it is above shoulder level.
Good footing is very
important. Wear sturdy
boots with nonslip soles.
Steel-toed safety boots
with cut retardant inserts
are recommended.
THE POWER TOOL
For illustrations and definitions of the
power tool parts see the chapter on
“Main Parts and Controls.”
!Warning!
Never modify this power tool in any way.
Only attachments supplied by STIHL or
expressly approved by STIHL for use
with the specific STIHL model are
authorized. Although certain
unauthorized attachments are useable
withSTIHLpowertools,theirusemay,in
fact, be extremely dangerous.
If this tool is subjected to unusually high
loads for which it was not designed (e.g.
heavy impact or a fall), always check
that it is in good condition before
continuing work. Check in particular that
the fuel system is tight (no leaks) and
that the controls and safety devices are
working properly. Do not continue
operating this machine if it is damaged.
Incaseof doubt, have itchecked byyour
STIHL servicing dealer.
THE USE OF THE POWER TOOL
Transporting the Power Tool
!Warning!
This power tool should be carried only in
a horizontal position. Grip the shaft in a
manner that the machine is balanced
horizontally. Keep the hot muffler away
from your body and the cutting
attachment behind you. Accidental
accelerationoftheenginecancausethe
chain to rotate and cause serious
injuries.
!Warning!
Always switch off the engine and fit the
scabbard over the cutting attachment
before transporting the power tool over
long distances. When transporting it in a
vehicle, properly secure it to prevent
turnover,fuelspillageanddamagetothe
unit.
390BA000 KN

6
English / USA
HT 100, HT 101, HT 130, HT 131
Fuel
Your STIHL power tool uses an oil-
gasoline mixture for fuel (see the chap-
ter on “Fuel” of your instruction manual).
!Warning!Gasoline is an extremely
flammable fuel. If spilled
and ignited by a spark or
other ignition source, it
cancausefireandserious
burn injury or property
damage. Use extreme caution when
handling gasoline or fuel mix.
Do not smoke or bring any fire or flame
near the fuelor thepower tool. Note that
combustiblefuelvapormayescapefrom
the fuel system.
Fueling Instructions
!Warning!
Fuel your power tool in well-ventilated
areas, outdoors. Always shut off the
engine and allow it to cool before
refueling. Gasoline vapor pressure may
build up inside the fuel tank depending
on the fuel used, the weather conditions
and the tank venting system.
In order to reduce the risk of burns and
other personal injury from escaping gas
vapor and fumes, remove the fuel filler
cap on your power tool carefully so as to
allow any pressure build-up in the tank
to release slowly. Never remove the fuel
filler cap while the engine is running.
Select bare ground for fueling and move
at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling
spot before starting the engine. Wipe off
any spilled fuel before starting your
machine.
!Warning!
Check for fuel leakage while refueling
and during operation. If fuel leakage is
found, do not start or run the engine until
the leak is fixed and any spilled fuel has
been wiped away. Take care not to get
fuel on your clothing. If this happens,
change your clothing immediately.
Different models may be equipped with
different fuel caps.
Cap with grip
!Warning!
Inordertoreducetherisk of fuelspillage
and fire from an improperly tightened
fuel cap, correctly position and tighten
the fuel cap in the fuel tank opening.
To do this with this STIHL
cap, raise the grip on the
top of the cap until it is
upright at a 90° angle.
Insert the cap in the fuel
tank opening with the
triangular marks on the grip of the cap
and on the fuel tank opening lining up.
Using the grip, turn the cap firmly
clockwise as far as it will go (approx. a
quarter turn).
Foldthegripflushwiththe
top of the cap. If the grip
does not lie completely
flush with the cap and the
detent on the grip does
not fit in the
corresponding recess in the filler neck,
the cap is not properly seated and
tightened and you must repeat the
above steps.
Screw cap
!Warning!Unit vibrations can cause
an improperly tightened
fuel filler cap to loosen or
come off and spill
quantities of fuel. In order
to reduce the risk of fuel
spillageandfire,tighten thefuelfillercap
by hand as securely as possible.

7HT 100, HT 101, HT 130, HT 131
English / USA
Before Starting
Take off the chain guard(scabbard) and
inspect the pole pruner for proper
condition and operation. (See the
maintenance chart near the end of the
instruction manual.)
!Warning!
Always check your power tool for proper
condition and operation before starting,
particularly the throttle trigger, throttle
trigger interlock, stop switch and cutting
attachment. The throttle trigger must
move freely and always spring back to
the idle position. Never attempt to
modify the controls or safety devices.
!Warning!
Never operate your power tool if it is
damaged, improperly adjusted or
maintained, or not completely or
securely assembled.
!Warning!
Check that the spark plug boot is
securely mounted on the spark plug – a
loose boot may cause arcing that could
ignite combustible fumes and cause a
fire.
Keep the handles clean and dry at all
times; it is particularly important to keep
them free of moisture, pitch, oil, fuel mix,
grease or resin in order for you to
maintain a firm grip and properly control
your power tool.
For proper assembly of the bar and
chain follow the procedure described in
the chapter “Mounting the Bar and
Chain“ of your instruction manual.
STIHL Oilomatic chain, guide bar and
sprocket must match each other in
gauge and pitch.
!Warning!
Proper chain tension is extremely
important. In order to avoid improper
setting, the tensioning procedure must
be followed as described in your
manual. Always make sure the hex
nut(s) for the sprocket cover is (are)
tightened securely after tensioning the
chain. Check chain tension once more
after having tightened the nut(s). Never
start the pole pruner with the sprocket
cover loose.
Adjustcarryingharnessandhandgripto
suit your size before starting work.
Starting
!Warning
To reduce the risk of fire and burn
injuries, start the engine at least 10 feet
(3 meters) from the fueling spot,
outdoors only.
Start and operate your pole pruner
without assistance.
Forspecificstartinginstructions,seethe
appropriate section of your manual.
Proper starting methods reduce the risk
of injury.
Place the pole pruner on firm ground or
other solid surface in an open area or, in
the alternative, as shown in the above
picture. Maintain good balance and
secure footing.
275BA006 KN

8
English / USA
HT 100, HT 101, HT 130, HT 131
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury from loss of
control, do not attempt to “drop start”
your power tool.
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury from loss of
control beabsolutely sure that the guide
bar and chain are clear of you and all
otherobstructionsandobjects,including
the ground, because when the engine
starts at starting-throttle, engine speed
will be fast enough for the clutch to
engage the sprocket and turn the chain.
Once the engine has started,
immediately blip the throttle trigger,
whichshouldreleasethestartingthrottle
and allowthe engine to slow down to idle
With the engine running only at idle,
attach the power tool to the spring hook
of your harness (see appropriate
chapter of this manual).
!Warning!
When you pull the starter grip, do not
wrap the starter rope around your hand.
Do not let the grip snap back, but guide
the starter rope to rewind it properly.
Failure to follow this procedure may
result in injury to your hand or fingers
and may damage the starter
mechanism.
Important Adjustments
!Warning!
Toreducetheriskofpersonalinjuryfrom
loss of control or contact with the
running cutting tool, do not use your unit
with incorrect idle adjustment. At correct
idle speed, the saw chain should not
move. For directions on how to adjust
idle speed, see the appropriate section
of your instruction manual.
If you cannot set the correct idle speed,
have your STIHL dealer check your
power tool and make proper
adjustments and repairs.
Properchain tension is veryimportant at
all times. Check it at regular intervals
(whenever the pole pruner is shut off). If
the chain becomes loose while cutting,
switch off the engine and then tighten.
Never try to tighten the chain while the
engine is running.
During Operation
Holding and controlling the power
tool
Always hold the unit firmly with both
hands on the handles while you are
working. Wrap your fingers and thumbs
around the handles.
Place your left hand on the shaft and
your right hand on rear grip and throttle
trigger. Left handers should follow these
instructions too. Keep your hands in this
position to have your pole pruner under
control at all times.
390BA026 KN

9HT 100, HT 101, HT 130, HT 131
English / USA
!Warning!
Never attempt to operate your power
tool with one hand. Loss ofcontrol of the
power tool resulting in serious or fatal
injury may result.
!Warning!
In order to properly control your pole
pruner, always maintain good balance
and a firm foothold. Never work on a
ladder, in a tree or on anyother insecure
support. Never hold the machine above
shoulder height. Do not overreach.
When working at a height above 15 feet
(4.5 m) use a lift bucket. For pole pruner
with adjustable shaft, expand the shaft
onlyasfar as necessaryfor theintended
application.
!Warning!
Special care must be taken in slippery
conditions (wet ground, snow) and in
difficult, overgrown terrain. Watch for
hidden obstacles such as tree stumps,
roots, rocks, holes and ditches to avoid
stumbling. For better footing, clearaway
fallen branches, scrub and cuttings. Be
extremely cautious when working on
slopes or uneven ground.
!Warning!
Take extreme care in wet and freezing
weather (rain, snow, ice). Put off the
work when the weather is windy, stormy
or rainfall is heavy.
Working conditions
Operate and start your power tool only
outdoors in a well ventilated area.
Operate it under good visibility and
daylight conditions only. Work carefully.
!Warning!As soon as the engine is
running, this product
generates toxic exhaust
fumes containing
chemicals, such as
unburned hydrocarbons
(including benzene) and carbon
monoxide, that are known to cause
respiratory problems, cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive harm.
Some of the gases (e.g. carbon
monoxide) may be colorless and
odorless.Toreducetheriskof seriousor
fatal injury/illness from inhaling toxic
fumes,neverrunthemachineindoorsor
in poorly ventilated locations. If exhaust
fumes become concentrated due to
insufficient ventilation, clear
obstructions from work area to permit
proper ventilation before proceeding
and/or take frequent breaks to allow
fumes to dissipate before they become
concentrated.
!Warning!
Inhalation of certain dusts, especially
organic dusts such as mold or pollen,
can cause susceptible persons to have
an allergic or asthmatic reaction.
Substantial or repeated inhalation of
dustandotherairbornecontaminants,in
particular those with a smaller particle
size, may cause respiratory or other
illnesses. This includes wood dust,
especially from hardwoods, but also
from some softwoods such as Western
Red Cedar. Control dust at the source
where possible. Use good work
practices, such as always cutting with a
properly sharpened chain (which
produces wood chips rather than fine
dust) and operating the unit so that the
wind or operating process directs any
dust raised by the power tool away from
the operator. Follow the
recommendations of EPA/OSHA/
NIOSH and occupational and trade
associations with respect to dust
(“particulate matter”). When the
inhalationofdustcannotbesubstantially
controlled, i.e., kept at or near the
ambient (background) level, the
operator and any bystanders should
wear a respirator approved by NIOSH/
MSHA for the type of dust encountered.

10
English / USA
HT 100, HT 101, HT 130, HT 131
!Warning!
Breathing asbestos dust is dangerous
and can cause severe or fatal injury,
respiratory illness or cancer. The use
and disposal of asbestos-containing
products have been strictly regulated by
OSHAandtheEnvironmentalProtection
Agency. If you have any reason to
believe that you might be cutting
asbestos, immediately contact your
employer or a local OSHA
representative.
!Warning
This power tool has a large range. In
order to reduce the risk of personal or
even fatal injury to bystanders from
fallingobjectsorinadvertentcontactwith
the moving chain of your power tool
always keep bystanders at least 50 feet
(15m) away when the power tool is
running.
!Warning!
Even though bystanders should be kept
away from the running saw, never work
alone. Keep within calling distance of
others in case help is needed.
Stop the engine immediately if you are
approached.
Danger!
Your power tool is not
insulated against electric
shock. To reduce the risk
of electrocution, never
operate this power tool in the vicinity of
any wires or cables (power, etc.) which
may be carrying electric current.
Electricity can jump from one point to
another by means of arcing. Higher
voltageincreasesthedistanceelectricity
can arc. Electricity can also move
through branches, especially if they are
wet. Maintain a clearance of at least
50 feet (15 m) between the pole pruner
(including any branches it is contacting)
and any electrical line carrying live
current. Before working with less
clearance, contact your electric utility
and make sure the current is turned off.
Operating instructions
!Warning!
Donotoperateyourpowertoolusingthe
starting throttle lock, as you do not have
control of the engine speed.
In the event of an emergency, switch off
the engine immediately – move the slide
control / stop switch to 0or STOP.
!Warning
To reduce the risk of cut injuries, keep
hands and feet away from the saw
chain. Never touch a moving chain with
your hand or any other part ofyour body.
The saw chain continues to move for a
short period after the throttle trigger is
released (inertia effect).
Accelerating the engine while the chain
is blocked increases the load and will
cause the clutch to slip continuously.
This may result in overheating and
damage to important components (e.g.
clutch, polymer housing components) –
which can then increase the risk of injury
from the chain moving while the engine
is idling.
!Warning!
If the chain becomes clogged, always
turn off the engine and make sure the
chain has stopped before cleaning.
15m (50ft)
15m (50ft)

11HT 100, HT 101, HT 130, HT 131
English / USA
Make sure that the saw chain does not
touch any foreign materials such as
rocks, fences, nails and the like. Such
objects may be flung off and injure the
operator or bystanders, or damage the
saw chain.
!Warning!
Prior to limbing, clear the working area
from interfering limbs and brush. Then,
establish an escape area away from
where thecut limbs can fall, and remove
all obstacles.
Keep work area clear – move away
fallen limbs. Place all tools and
equipment at a safe distance from the
branches being limbed, but not in the
escape area.
!Warning!
Alwaysobserve the general condition of
the tree. Look for decay and rot in the
trunk and branches. If it is rotted inside,
itcouldsnapandfalltowardtheoperator
while being cut. Also look for broken or
dead branches which could vibrate
loose and fall on the operator.
If branch is thick or heavy, make a
shallow relief cut on the bottom of the
branch before cutting down from the top
to help prevent splitting of the branch.
!Warning!
Toreducetheriskofsevereor evenfatal
injury from falling objects do not cut
vertically aboveyourbody.Holdthepole
pruner at an angle of not more than 60°
from the horizontal level (see picture).
Objects may fall in unexpected
directions. Do not stand directly
underneath the limb being cut!
Watch for falling wood! As soon as the
limbed branch starts to fall, step aside
andkeepasufficientdistanceawayfrom
the falling wood.
!Warning
Always pull the unit out of the cut with
the chain running to reduce the
possibility of pinching the cutting
attachment. Don't put pressure on the
pole pruner when reaching the end of a
cut. The pressure may cause the bar
androtatingchaintopopoutofthecutor
kerf, go out of control and strike some
other object.
If the bar becomes pinched and caught
in the branch so that the chain can no
longer move, shut off the pole pruner
and carefully move the branch to open
the pinch and release the bar.
!Warning!
Themufflerandotherpartsoftheengine
(e.g. fins of the cylinder, spark plug)
becomehotduringoperationandremain
hot for a while after stopping the engine.
To reduce risk of burns do not touch the
muffler and other parts while they are
hot.
275BA005 KN

12
English / USA
HT 100, HT 101, HT 130, HT 131
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of fire and burn injury,
keep the area around the muffler clean.
Remove excess lubricant and all debris
such as pine needles, branches or
leaves. Let the engine cool down sitting
on concrete, metal, bare ground or solid
wood (e.g. the trunk of a felled tree)
away from any combustible substances.
!Warning!
Never modify your muffler. The muffler
could be damaged and cause an
increase in heat radiation or sparks,
thereby increasing the risk of fire and
burn injury. You may also permanently
damage the engine. Have your muffler
serviced and repaired by your STIHL
servicing dealer only.
Catalytic converter
!Warning!Some STIHL power tools
are equipped with a
catalytic converter, which
is designed to reduce the
exhaust emissions of the
engine by a chemical
process in the muffler. Due to this
process, the muffler does not cool down
asrapidlyasconventionalmufflerswhen
the engine returns to idle or is shut off.
To reduce the risk of fire and burn
injuries, the following specific safety
precautions must be observed.
!Warning!
Since amuffler with a catalytic converter
cools down less rapidly than conven-
tional mufflers, always set your power
tool down in the upright position and
never locate it where the muffler is near
dry brush, grass, wood chips or other
combustible materials while it is still hot.
!Warning!
An improperly mounted or damaged
cylinder housing or a damaged/
deformed muffler shell may interfere
with the cooling process of the catalytic
converter. To reduce the risk of fire or
burn injury, do not continue work with a
damaged or improperly mounted
cylinder housing or a damaged/
deformed muffler shell.
Your catalytic converter is furnished with
screens designed to reduce the risk of
fire from the emission of hot particles.
Due to the heat from the catalytic
reaction, these screens will normally
stay clean and need no service or
maintenance. If you experience loss of
performance and yoususpect a clogged
screen, have your muffler maintained by
a STIHL servicing dealer.
Reactive forces
!Warning!
Reactive forces may occur any time the
chain is rotating.The force used to cut
wood can be reversed and work against
the operator. If the rotating chain is
suddenly stopped by contact with any
solid object such as a branch or is
pinched, the reactive forces may occur
instantly. These reactive forces may
result in loss of control, which, in turn,
may cause personal injury. An
understanding of the causes of these
reactive forces may help you avoid the
element of surprise and loss of control.
Because of the design of the pole
pruner, the reactive forces experienced
whenworkingwithitaregenerallynotas
severe as those encountered with a
chainsaw. Nevertheless, you should
always maintain a proper grip and good
footing to control the power tool when
you experience such forces.

13HT 100, HT 101, HT 130, HT 131
English / USA
The most common reactive forces are:
–kickback,
– pushback,
–pull-in.
Kickback
Kickback may occur 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
chainsaw in the direction opposite to the
chain movement. This may cause the
bar to move upward.
To avoid kickback
The best protection from kickback is to
avoid kickback situations:
1. Beawareofthelocationoftheguide
bar nose at all times.
2. Never let the nose of the guide bar
contact anyobject. Donot cut limbs
with the nose of the guide bar. Be
especially careful near wire fences
and when cutting small, tough
limbs, which may easily catch the
chain.
3. Cut only one limb at a time.
A = Pull-in
Pull-in occurs when the chain on the
bottom of the bar is suddenly stopped
whenit ispinched,caughtorencounters
a foreign object in the wood. The
reaction of the chain pulls the saw
forward.
Pull-in frequently occurs when the chain
is not rotating at full speed before it
contacts the wood.
To avoid pull-in
1. Be alert to forces or situations that
may cause material to pinch the
chain at the bottom of the bar.
2. Always start a cut with the chain
rotating at full speed
B = Pushback
Pushback occurs when the chain on the
top of the bar is suddenly stopped when
it is pinched, caught or encounters a
foreign object in the wood. The reaction
of the chain may drive the saw rapidly
straight back toward the operator.
Pushback frequently occurs when the
top of the bar is used for cutting.
To avoid pushback
1. Be alert to forces or situations that
may cause material to pinch the
chain at the top of the bar.
2. Do not cut more than one limb at a
time.
3. Do not twist the bar when
withdrawing it from an underbuck
cut because the chain can pinch.
002BA230 KN
001BA037 KN
A
001BA038 KN
B

14
English / USA
HT 100, HT 101, HT 130, HT 131
MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND
STORING
Maintenance, replacement, or repair
of the emission control devices and
systems may be performed by any
nonroad engine repair establishment
or individual. However, if you make a
warranty claim for a component
which has not been serviced or
maintained properly or if
nonapprovedreplacement parts were
used, STIHL may deny coverage.
!Warning!
Use only identical STIHL replacement
parts for maintenance and repair. Use of
non-STIHL parts may cause serious or
fatal injury.
Strictly follow the maintenance and
repair instructions in the appropriate
sections of your instruction manual.
Please refer to the maintenance chart in
this manual.
!Warning!
Always stop the engine and make sure
that the chain is stopped before doing
any maintenance or repair work or
cleaning the power tool. Do not attempt
any maintenance or repair work not
described in your instruction manual.
Have such work performed by your
STIHL servicing dealer only.
Wear gloves when handling or
performing maintenance on the cutting
attachment.
!Warning!
Use the specified spark plug and make
sure it and the ignition lead are always
clean and in good condition. Always
press spark plug boot snugly onto spark
plug terminal of the proper size. (Note: If
terminal has detachable SAE adapter
nut, it must be securely attached.) A
loose connection between spark plug
terminal and the ignition wire connector
in the boot may create arcing that could
ignite combustible fumes and cause a
fire.
!Warning!
Never test the ignition system with the
ignition wire boot removed from the
spark plugor witha removedspark plug,
since uncontained sparking may cause
a fire.
!Warning!
Do not operate your power tool if the
mufflerisdamaged,missingormodified.
An improperly maintained muffler will
increasetheriskoffireandhearingloss.
If your muffler was equipped with a
spark-arrestingscreentoreducetherisk
of fire, never operate your power tool if
the screen is missing or damaged.
Remember that the risk of forest fires is
greater in hot or dry weather.
!Warning!
Keep the chain, bar and sprocket clean;
replace worn sprockets or chains. Keep
the chain sharp. You can spot a dull
chain when easy-to-cut wood becomes
hard to cut or burn marks appear on the
wood.
Tightenallnuts, boltsandscrewsexcept
the carburetor adjustment screws after
each use.
Formaintenance itemspleasealsorefer
to the maintenance chart in this manual.
Store the power tool in adry and high or
locked location out of reach of children.
Before storing for longer than a few
days, always empty the fuel tank. See
chapter "Storing the machine" in this
manual.
Store fuel and chain oil in approved and
properly labeled safety-type canisters
only. Take care when handling gasoline!
Avoid direct contact with the skin and
avoid inhaling fuel vapor!

15HT 100, HT 101, HT 130, HT 131
English / USA
Preparations
:Wear suitable protective clothing
and equipment – see "Safety
Precautions".
:Adjust telescopic shaft to the
required length (HT 101, HT 131
only)
:Start the engine.
:Put on the shoulder strap.
Never throw cuttings into the
household garbage can – cutting
can be composted.
Neverstand directlyunderneaththe
branch you are cutting – be wary of
falling branches. Note that a branch
may spring back at you after it hits
the ground.
Cutting sequence
To allow branches a free fall, always cut
the lower branches first. Prune heavy
branches (large diameter) in several
controllable pieces.
Working techniques
Hold the control handle with your right
hand, and the shaft with your left hand.
Your left arm should be extended to the
most comfortable position.
HT 100, HT 130:
Always hold the shaft with your left hand
in the area of the handle hose.
The shaft should always be held at an
angle of 60° or less.
The most convenient working position is
a tool angle of 60°, but any lesser angle
may be used to suit the situation
concerned.
Cross-cut
To avoid pinching the bar in the cut,
position the cutting attachment with the
hook against the branch and then
perform the cross-cut from the top
downwards.
Using the Pole Pruner
390BA018 KN
390BA052 KN

16
English / USA
HT 100, HT 101, HT 130, HT 131
Relieving cut
:To avoid tearing the bark on thick
branches, always start by
performing a relieving cut (1) on the
underside of the branch.
:To do this, apply the cutting
attachment and pull it across the
bottom of the branch as far as the
bar nose.
:Locate the hook against the branch
and then perform the cross-cut (2).
Flush-cutting thick branches
:If branch diameter is more than 4"
(10 cm), first perform undercut (3)
and then cross-cut at a distance of
about 8" (20 cm) (A) from the final
cut.
Then carry out the flush-cut (4),
starting with a relieving cut and
finishing with a cross-cut.
Cutting above obstacles
The unit's long reach makes it possible
to prune branches that are overhanging
obstacles, such as rivers or lakes. The
tool angle in this case depends on the
position of the branch.
2
1
390BA041 KN
3
4
A
390BA024 KN
390BA020 KN

17HT 100, HT 101, HT 130, HT 131
English / USA
Cutting from a lift bucket
The unit's long reach enables cutting to
be performed next to the trunk without
the risk of the lift bucket damaging other
branches. The tool angle depends on
the position of the branch.
30° angle drive
The angle drive keeps the cutting
attachment at an angle of 30° to the
drive tube.
The angle drive may be adjusted on the
drive tube tothe following positions only:
1 = For cross-cutting vertical branches
and bushes.
2 = For a better view of the cutting
attachment.
390BA017 KN
1
2
390BA053 KN

18
English / USA
HT 100, HT 101, HT 130, HT 131
:Unscrew nut and take off cover.
:Turn tensioning screw (1)
counterclockwise until the
tensioning nut (2) butts against the
left end of the housing slot, then
back it off 5 full turns.
The chain is very sharp – wearwork
gloves to protect hands from cuts.
:Fit the chain –
start at the bar nose.
:Fit guide bar over the stud (3).
Engage peg of tensioner slide in
locating hole (4) – place the chain
over sprocket (5) at the same time.
:Now turn tensioning screw (1)
clockwise until there is very little
chain sag on the underside of the
bar – and the drive link tangs are
located in the bar groove.
:Refit the sprocket cover and screw
on the nut only fingertight.
:Now refer to "Tensioning the Saw
Chain".
Mounting the Bar and Chain
390BA042 KN
1
2
390BA043 KN
390BA003 KN
1
5
390BA044 KN
43

19HT 100, HT 101, HT 130, HT 131
English / USA
Retensioning during cutting work:
:Shut off the engine and then
slacken the nut.
:Hold the bar nose up.
:Use screwdriver to turn the
tensioning screw (1) clockwise until
chain fits snugly against the
underside of the bar.
Tighten down the nut firmly.
A new chain has to be retensioned more
often than one that has been in use for
some time – check chain tension
frequently – see chapter "Operating
Instructions / During Operation".
:Check chain tension.
:Shut down the engine.
:Wear work gloves to protect hands.
:Chain must fit snugly against the
undersideof the bar and it must still
be possible to pull the chain along
the bar by hand.
:If necessary, retension the chain.
A new chain has to be retensioned more
often than one that has been in use for
some time.
Check chain tension frequently –
see chapter "Operating Instructions /
During Operation".
A properly adjusted throttle cable is
the precondition for correct
operation in the full throttle, starting
throttle and idle positions.
Adjust the throttle cable only after
the unit is fully assembled.
:Use a suitable toolto push the slide
to the bottom of the slot (see
illustration).
* see "Guide to Using this Manual"
Tensioning the Saw Chain
1
390BA045 KN
Checking Chain Tension
390BA046 KN
Adjusting the Throttle
Cable*
002BA163 KN