Stihl MSA 160 C User manual

{
STIHL MSA 160 C, 200 C
WARNING To reduce the risk of
kickback injury use STIHL reduced kickback bar
and STIHL low kickback chain as specified in
this manual or other available low kickback
components.
ADVERTENCIA Para reducir el
riesgo de lesionarse como resultado de un
culatazo, utilice la barra y la cadena de
contragolpe reducido de la forma especificada
en este manual o de otros componentes
reductores de contragolpe.
Read Instruction Manual thoroughly before
use and follow all safety precautions –
improper use can cause serious or fatal injury.
Antes de usar la máquina lea y siga todas las precauciones
de seguridad dadas en el manual de instrucciones – el uso
incorrecto puede causar lesiones graves o mortales.
Instruction Manual
Manual de instrucciones

Instruction Manual
1 - 55
Manual de instrucciones
56 - 115

Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2017 0458-701-8621-D. VA0.G17. 0000007061_004_GB
MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
1
{This instruction manual is protected by copyright. All rights reserved, especially the rights to reproduce, translate and process
with electronic systems.
Contents
Allow only persons who fully understand
this manual to operate your chain saw.
To receive maximum performance and
satisfaction from your STIHL chain saw,
it is important that you read, understand
and follow the safety precautions and
the operating and maintenance
instructions in chapter "Safety
Precautions and Working Techniques"
before using your chain saw. For further
information you can go to
www.stihlusa.com.
Contact your STIHL dealer or the STIHL
distributor for your area if you do not
understand any of the instructions in this
manual.
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.
Guide to Using this Manual 2
Safety Precautions and Working
Techniques 3
General Power Tool Safety
Warnings 23
Cutting Attachment 27
Mounting the Bar and Chain (quick
chain tensioner) 27
Tensioning the Saw Chain (quick
chain tensioner) 29
Checking Chain Tension 29
Chain Lubricant 30
Filling Chain Oil Tank 30
Checking Chain Lubrication 32
Coasting Brake 32
Chain Brake 33
Connecting Charger to Power
Supply 33
Charging the Battery 34
LEDs on battery 35
Light Emitting Diodes (LED) on
Charger 36
Switching On 37
Switching Off 38
Operating Instructions 38
Taking Care of the Guide Bar 39
Storing the Machine 40
Checking and Replacing the Chain
Sprocket 40
Maintaining and Sharpening the
Saw Chain 41
Maintenance and Care 45
Main Parts 47
Specifications 49
Ordering Spare Parts 50
Troubleshooting 51
Maintenance and Repairs 53
Battery Recycling 53
Disposal 53
Limited Warranty 54
Trademarks 54
Addresses 55

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
2
This Instruction Manual refers to a
STIHL cordless chain saw, also called a
chain saw, engine-driven device or
machine in this Instruction Manual.
Pictograms
The meanings of the pictograms
attached to or embossed on the
machine are explained in this manual.
Depending on the model concerned, the
following pictograms may be on your
machine.
Symbols in Text
Many operating and safety instructions
are supported by illustrations.
The individual steps or procedures
described in the manual may be marked
in different ways:
NA bullet marks a step or procedure.
A description of a step or procedure that
refers directly to an illustration may
contain item numbers that appear in the
illustration. For example:
NLoosen the screw (1).
NLever (2) ...
In addition to the operating instructions,
this manual may contain paragraphs
that require your special attention. Such
paragraphs are marked with the
symbols and signal words described
below:
DANGER
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if
not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation that, 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 components.
Engineering Improvements
STIHL’s philosophy is to continually
improve all of its products. As a result,
engineering changes and improvements
are made from time to time. Therefore,
some changes, modifications and
improvements may not be covered in
this manual. If the operating
characteristics or the appearance of
your machine differs from those
described in this manual, please contact
your STIHL dealer or the STIHL
distributor for your area for assistance.
Guide to Using this Manual
Chain oil tank; chain oil
Direction of chain rotation
Tension the chain
Thermal overload cutout
Unlock
Lock

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
3
WARNING
The use of this chain saw may be
hazardous. The saw chain has many
sharp cutters. If the cutters contact your
flesh, they will cut you, even if the chain
is not moving.
WARNING
Reactive forces, including kickback, can
be dangerous. Pay special attention to
the section on reactive forces.
Have your STIHL dealer show you how
to operate your chain saw. All safety
precautions that are generally observed
when working with an axe or a hand saw
also apply to the operation of chain
saws. Observe all applicable federal,
state and local safety regulations,
standards and ordinances.
WARNING
Do not lend or rent your chain saw
without the instruction manual. Be sure
that anyone using it understands the
information contained in this manual.
The use of noise emitting chain saws
may be restricted to certain times by
national, state or local regulations.
Use your chain saw only for cutting
wooden objects.
WARNING
Working with an electric chain saw in the
woods – i.e. felling or limbing – is very
dangerous. Electric chain saws are
intended for stationary use in yards,
buildings, etc.
WARNING
Do not use it for other purposes, since
misuse may result in personal injury or
property damage, including damage to
the chain saw.
WARNING
Minors should never be allowed to use
this chain saw. Bystanders, especially
children, and animals should not be
allowed in the area where it is in use.
Most of these safety precautions and
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL
chain saws. Different models may have
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.
WARNING
Always switch off the motor, move front
hand guard to ƒ and remove the battery
before transporting, storing or carrying
out any work on the chain saw. This
avoids the risk of the motor starting
unintentionally.
STIHL recommends the use of genuine
STIHL replacement parts. They are
specifically designed to match your
model and meet your performance
requirements.
Safe use of a chain saw involves
1the operator
2the chain saw
3the use of the chain saw.
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 chain saw 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. If you have any condition that
might be aggravated by strenuous work,
check with your doctor before operating
this chain saw.
Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques
Because a chain saw is a
high-speed, fast-cutting
power tool, special safety
precautions must be
observed to reduce the
risk of personal injury.
It is important that you
read, fully understand
and observe the following
safety precautions and
warnings. Read the
instruction manual and
the safety instructions
periodically. Careless or
improper use may cause
serious or fatal injury.
Save the instruction man-
ual for future reference.

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
4
WARNING
Prolonged use of a chain saw (or other
power tools) 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
factors in the development of whitefinger
disease. In order to reduce the risk of
whitefinger disease and carpal tunnel
syndrome, please note the following:
–Wear gloves and keep your hands
warm.
–Keep the chain saw well
maintained. A chain saw with loose
components will tend to have higher
vibration levels.
–Keep the saw chain sharp and the
saw well maintained. A dull saw
chain will increase cutting time, and
pressing a dull saw chain through
wood will increase the vibrations
transmitted to your hands.
–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
According to STIHL’s current
knowledge, the electric motor of this
chain saw should not interfere with a
pacemaker. When in doubt, however,
persons with a pacemaker should
consult their physician and the
pacemaker manufacturer before
operating this chain saw.
Proper Clothing
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury, the operator
should wear proper protective apparel.
Clothing must be sturdy
and snug-fitting, but allow
complete freedom of
movement.To reduce the
risk of cut injuries, wear
the type of overalls, long
pants or chaps that con-
tain pads of cut-retardant
material. Avoid loose-fit-
ting jackets, scarfs,
neckties, jewelry, flared
or cuffed pants, uncon-
fined long hair or
anything that could
become caught on
branches, brush or the
moving parts of the chain
saw. Secure hair so it is
above shoulder level..
Good footing is very
important. Wear sturdy
boots with nonslip soles.
Steel-toed safety boots
are recommended. Never
wear sandals, flip-flops or
go barefoot.
Always wear heavy-duty
work gloves (e.g. made of
leather or wear resistant
material) when handling
the chain saw and the
cutting tool. Heavy-duty,
nonslip gloves improve
your grip and help to pro-
tect your hands.

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
5
Chain saw noise may damage your
hearing. Such damage can result from a
combination of noise level and length of
usage. Although this battery powered
product is relatively quiet, STIHL
recommends that operators wear sound
barriers (ear plugs or ear mufflers) if
using the saw for more than 2.5 hours
during the course of a day. Continual
and regular users should have their
hearing checked regularly.
Be particularly alert and cautious when
wearing hearing protection because
your ability to hear warnings (shouts,
alarms, etc.) is restricted.
THE CHAIN SAW
For illustrations and definitions of the
chain saw parts see the chapter on
"Main Parts."
WARNING
Never modify this chain saw 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
with STIHL chain saws, their use may, in
fact, be extremely dangerous.
WARNING
Never operate your chain saw if it is
damaged, improperly adjusted or
maintained, or not completely or
securely assembled.
If this chain saw is subjected to
unusually high loads for which it was not
designed (e.g. heavy impact or a fall),
always check that it is in good condition
before continuing work. Check in
particular that the controls and safety
devices are working properly. Do not
continue operating this machine if it is
damaged. In case of doubt, have it
checked by your STIHL servicing dealer.
THE USE OF THE CHAIN SAW
Transporting the Chain Saw
WARNING
Always switch off the motor and engage
the chain brake by moving the front hand
guard to ƒ before putting the chain saw
down. This avoids the risk of the motor
starting unintentionally. Carrying a chain
saw with the motor running may be
extremely dangerous.
Accidental acceleration of the motor can
cause the saw chain to rotate. Always
engage the chain brake by moving the
front hand guard to ƒ when taking more
than a few steps.
By hand: When transporting your chain
saw by hand, the motor must be
switched off with the chain brake
engaged and the chain saw must be in
the proper position, i.e., grip the top
handle; the chain guard (scabbard)
should be over the chain and guide bar,
which should point backwards, away
from the direction in which you are
walking.
By vehicle: When transporting in a
vehicle, keep saw chain and bar covered
with the chain guard (scabbard).
To reduce the risk of
injury to your eyes never
operate your power tool
unless wearing goggles
or properly fitted protec-
tive glasses with
adequate top and side
protection complying with
ANSI Z87 "+" (or your
applicable national stand-
ard). If there is a 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
when there is a danger of
head injuries.
0000-GXX-5275-A0

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
6
Properly secure your chain saw to
prevent turnover and damage to the
chain saw.
Before Operation
Take off the chain guard (scabbard) and
inspect the chain saw for proper
condition and operation. (See the
maintenance chart near the end of the
instruction manual.)
WARNING
Always check your chain saw for proper
condition and operation before starting,
particularly the trigger switch, trigger
switch lockout, front handle guard and
cutting attachment. The trigger switch
and the trigger switch lockout must
move freely and always spring back to
the stop position. Ensure that the trigger
switch will not engage when the trigger
switch lockout is not pressed. Never
attempt to modify the controls or safety
devices.
To reduce the risk of injury, never use a
saw if any part is damaged or does not
function properly. Take the saw to your
local STIHL servicing dealer. Do not use
the saw until the problem has been
rectified.
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 saw chain, guide bar
and sprocket must match each other in
gauge and pitch. Before replacing any
bar and chain, see the chapter entitled
"Specifications" in the instruction
manual and the chapter "Reactive
Forces including Kickback."
Since longer bars add weight and may
be more difficult to control, select the
shortest bar that will meet your cutting
needs.
WARNING
Proper tension of the saw chain is
extremely important. In order to avoid
improper setting, the tensioning
procedure must be followed as
described in your manual. Always make
sure the hexagonal nut(s) for the
sprocket cover is (are) tightened
securely after tensioning the saw chain
in order to secure the bar. Never start
the chain saw with the sprocket cover
loose. Check saw chain tension once
more after having tightened the nut(s)
and thereafter at regular intervals
(whenever the saw is shut off). If the saw
chain becomes loose while cutting,
switch off the motor and engage the
chain brake by moving the front hand
guard to ƒ , remove the battery from the
chain saw and then tighten. Never try to
adjust the saw chain while the motor is
running!
WARNING
After adjusting a saw chain, let the motor
run for a while, then switch motor off and
engage the chain brake by moving the
front hand guard to ƒ. Remove the
battery from the chain saw and recheck
saw chain tension. Proper saw chain
tension is very important at all times.
Keep the handles clean and dry at all
times; it is particularly important to keep
them free of moisture, pitch, oil, grease
or resin in order for you to maintain a firm
grip and properly control your chain saw.
Check contacts in battery compartment
for foreign matter. Keep clean.
Fit the battery correctly – it must engage
audibly.
WARNING
To help reduce the risk of serious
personal injury or death from
unintentional starting, avoid contacting
the trigger switch lockout and trigger
switch when grasping the rear handle of
the chain saw.
WARNING
Before disengaging the chain brake and
switching on your chain saw, be sure
that the guide bar and saw chain are
clear of you and all other obstructions
and objects, including the ground. If the
upper quadrant of the tip of the bar
touches any object, it may cause
kickback to occur (see section on
reactive forces). Never attempt to start
the chain saw when the guide bar is in a
cut or kerf.
For specific starting instructions, see the
chapter "Switching On" of your
instruction manual.
Battery
WARNING
Risk of fire, explosion
and/or burns, including
chemical burns. Do not
disassemble, crush, heat
above 212 °F (100 °C),
expose to fire or inciner-
ate. Never expose the
battery to microwaves or
high pressures.

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
7
Do not place the battery on or near fires,
stoves or in other high-temperature
locations. Do not place the battery in
direct sunlight or store it inside a vehicle
in hot weather. Doing so may cause the
battery to generate heat, rupture or
ignite. Using the batteries in this manner
may also result in a loss of performance
and a shortened battery life.
In case of fire: stay clear of any vapors
or gases generated, taking wind
direction into account. If possible without
danger, remove battery from the vicinity
of the fire. In principle, cooling the
battery or extinguishing the fire with
water is possible. It is preferable to
extinguish the fire with a multipurpose
dry chemical fire extinguisher. As for any
fire, evacuate the area and fight the fire
from a safe distance. Once the fire has
been extinguished, the area should be
monitored (fire watch) in case of a flare-
up, until the battery has cooled
sufficiently. Restrict access to the area
until completion of clean-up. Do not
touch the burnt battery or any spilled
liquids. Use inert absorbent to absorb
spilled liquids.
WARNING
Use STIHL batteries only with STIHL
power tools, and charge them only with
STIHL chargers. Replace battery with
STIHL battery only. Use only genuine
STIHL rechargeable batteries.
Charge the battery before use.
WARNING
Do not open, drop, hit or damage
battery. Never insert objects into the
battery's cooling slots, since they may
damage the battery. The battery
contains safety features and devices
which, if damaged, may cause the
battery to generate heat, rupture or
ignite. Never use or charge a defective,
damaged, cracked or deformed battery.
Immediately discontinue use of the
battery if, while using, charging or
storing, it emits an unusual smell, feels
hot or appears abnormal in any other
way.
WARNING
Fluid may leak from the battery if it is
damaged or is not used properly – avoid
contact with the skin! Leaking battery
fluid can cause skin irritation and
chemical burns. In the event of
accidental contact, immediately rinse
thoroughly with mild soap and water. If
fluid gets into your eye(s), do not rub
your eye(s) but rinse water over the
open eye(s) for 15 minutes at least. Also
seek medical attention immediately.
WARNING
Never bridge (short circuit) the battery
terminals with metallic objects, since this
may damage the battery and possibly
cause a fire. Keep a battery that is not in
use away from metal objects (e.g. nails,
coins, jewelry). Do not use metal
containers for transporting batteries.
Store the battery out of reach of children
in a cool and dry area away from direct
sunlight and excess heat or cold (14 °F
– 122°F (-10°C – +50°C)).
Charger
Use only original STIHL chargers.
Use only for charging geometrically
matching STIHL batteries with a
maximum capacity of 50 Ah and a
maximum voltage of 42 V.
Never charge defective, leaking or
deformed batteries.
Connect the charger only to a power
supply with the voltage and frequency
specified on the rating plate. Always
plug the charger into a properly installed
wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord
unless absolutely neccessary (see
below).
Never use a charger with damaged
housing, damaged power supply cord or
damaged plug. Do not operate the
charger if it has received a sharp blow,
been dropped or otherwise damaged in
any way.
Do not open or dissassemble charger –
there are no user serviceable parts
inside.
Store charger out of the reach of
children.
Use and store the bat-
tery only within a
temperature range from
14 °F (-10 °C) up to no
more than 122 °F
(+ 50 °C). Protect the bat-
tery from direct sunlight.
Do not immerse the bat-
tery in fluids.
Protect the charger from
rain and dampness. Keep
charger dry.

MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
English
8
Operate charger at temperatures
between 41 °F (5 °C) and 104 °F
(40 °C).
Allow the charger to cool down normally
– do not cover it.
Never bridge the contacts of the charger
with metallic objects (e.g. nails, coins,
jewelry) – short circuit. The charger will
be damaged by a short circuit.
In the event of smoke or fire in the
charger, disconnect it from outlet
immediately.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of electric shock or
short circuit, do not insert any objects
into the charger's cooling slots.
WARNING
The charger heats up during the
charging process. Do not operate on an
easily combustible surface (e.g. paper,
cardboard, textiles) or in an easily
combustible environment – risk of fire.
WARNING
Do not operate in a hazardous location,
i.e. in a location where there are
combustible liquids (fumes), vapors or
dusts. Chargers can produce sparks,
which may ignite the dust or vapors –
risk of explosion.
Never jerk the power supply cord to
disconnect it from the wall outlet. To
unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
Have a damaged power supply cord
repaired by an experienced electrician.
Do not use the power supply cord for
any other purpose, e.g. for carrying or
hanging up the charger.
Never use power supply cords that do
not comply with regulations.
Make sure the power supply cord is
located and/or marked so that it will not
be stepped on, tripped over, come in
contact with sharp edges or moving
parts or otherwise be subjected to
damage or stress.
An extension cord should not be used
unless absolutely necessary. If an
extension cord must be used, plug the
charger into a properly wired 16 gauge
(AWG 16) or heavier gauge extension
cord with blades that are the same
number, size and shapes as the blades
on the charger.
To reduce the risk of electric shock:
–Always connect the unit to a
properly installed wall outlet.
–Make sure the insulation of the
power supply cord and plug is in
good condition.
Unplug the power supply cord from the
outlet when charger is not in use.
Never store a battery in the charger.
Holding and Controlling the Chain Saw
WARNING
To reduce the risk of personal injury
from unintentional starting when
grasping the rear handle or carrying the
chain saw, wrap the fingers of your right
hand tightly around the rear handle,
identified by shading in the illustration
above (1). Avoid grasping the chain saw
outside the shaded area or contacting
the trigger switch lockout or trigger
switch.
Always hold the chain saw firmly with
both hands when you are working. Place
your left hand on the front handle bar
and your right hand on the rear handle.
Use and store charger
only indoors in dry rooms.
Check the charger's
power supply cord and
plug regularly for dam-
age. If the power supply
cord or plug is damaged,
immediately disconnect
the plug from the wall
outlet to avoid the risk of
electric shock.
1
0000-GXX-4960-A0