Stihl 181 C Manual

							MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
9 The second recommended method for 
starting your chain saw allows you to 
start the saw without placing it on the 
ground. Make sure the chain brake is 
engaged, grip the front handle of the 
chain saw firmly with your left hand. 
Keep your arm on the front handle in a 
locked (straight) position. Hold the rear 
handle of the saw tightly between your 
legs just above the knees. Maintain 
good balance and secure footing. Pull 
the starting grip slowly with your right 
hand until you feel a definite resistance 
and then give it a brisk, strong pull.
WARNING
Be sure that the guide bar and saw chain 
are clear of you and all other 
obstructions and objects, including the 
ground. When the engine is started, the 
engine speed with the starting throttle 
lock engaged will be fast enough for the 
clutch to engage the sprocket and, if the 
chain brake is not activated, turn the saw 
chain. If the upper quadrant of the tip of 
the bar touches any object, it may cause 
kickback to occur (see section on 
reactive forces). To reduce this risk, 
always engage the chain brake before 
starting. Never attempt to start the chain 
saw when the guide bar is in a cut or 
kerf.Once the engine has started, 
immediately blip the throttle trigger, 
which should release the Master Control 
lever to the run position and allow the 
engine to slow down to idle.
Always disengage chain brake before 
accelerating engine and before starting 
cutting work. The only exception to this 
rule is when you check operation of the 
chain brake. High revs with the chain 
brake engaged (chain locked) will 
quickly damage the powerhead and 
chain drive (clutch, chain brake).
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
To reduce the risk of personal injury 
from loss of control and / or contact with 
the running cutting tool, do not use your 
chain saw with incorrect idle adjustment. 
At correct idle speed, the cutting tool 
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 
chain saw and make proper adjustments 
and repairs.Holding and Controlling the Chain Saw
Always hold the chain saw firmly with 
both hands when the engine is running. 
Place your left hand on the front handle 
bar and your right hand on the rear 
handle and throttle trigger.
Left-handers should follow these 
instructions too. Wrap your fingers 
tightly around the handles, keeping the 
handles cradled between your thumb 
and forefinger. With your hands in this 
position, you can best oppose and 
absorb the push, pull and kickback 
forces of your saw without losing control 
(see section on reactive forces).WARNING
001BA114 KN
7RUHGXFHWKHULVNRIVHUL-
ous or fatal injury to the 
operator or bystanders 
from loss of control, 
never use the chain saw 
with one hand. It is more 
difficult for you to control 
reactive forces and to 
prevent the bar and chain 
from skating or bouncing 
along the limb or log.
001BA087 LÄ 
						

							MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
10
WARNING
To reduce the risk of cut injuries, keep 
hands and feet away from the cutting 
tool. Never touch a moving cutting tool 
with your hand or any other part of your 
body.
WARNING
Keep proper footing and balance at all 
times. Special care must be taken in 
slippery conditions (wet ground, snow) 
and in difficult, overgrown terrain. Be 
extremely cautious when working on 
slopes or uneven ground. Watch for 
hidden obstacles such as tree stumps, 
roots, rocks, holes and ditches to avoid 
stumbling. There is increased danger of 
slipping on freshly debarked logs. For 
better footing, clear away fallen 
branches, scrub and cuttings. Use 
extreme caution when cutting small-size 
brush, branches and saplings because 
slender material may catch the saw 
chain and be whipped toward you or pull 
you off balance.
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.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury from loss of 
control, never work on a ladder or any 
other insecure support. Never hold the 
machine above shoulder height. Do not 
overreach.
Position the chain saw in such a way 
that your body is clear of the cutting 
attachment whenever the engine is 
running. Stand to the left of cut while 
bucking.Never put pressure on the chain saw 
when reaching the end of a cut. The 
pressure may cause the bar and rotating 
saw chain to pop out of the cut or kerf, go 
out of control and strike the operator or 
some other object. If the rotating saw 
chain strikes some other object, a 
reactive force may cause the moving 
saw chain to strike the operator.
STIHL recommends that first-time users 
should cut logs on a sawhorse – see 
"Cutting small logs."
Working Conditions
Operate and start your chain saw only 
outdoors in a well-ventilated area. 
Operate it under good visibility and 
daylight conditions only. Work carefully.WARNING
Your chain saw is a one-person 
machine. Do not allow other persons in 
the general work area, even when 
starting. Stop the engine immediately if 
you are approached.
WARNING
Even though bystanders should be kept 
away from the running chain saw, never 
work alone. Keep within calling distance 
of others in case help is needed.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury to bystanders 
and damage to property, never let your 
chain saw 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.
001BA031 KN
001BA082 KN 
						

							MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
11
WARNING
WARNING
Operate your chain saw so that it 
produces a minimum of noise and 
emissions – do not run engine 
unnecessarily and accelerate the engine 
only for cutting.
WARNING
Use of this chain saw (including 
sharpening the saw chain) can also 
generate dust, mist and fumes 
containing chemicals that are known to 
cause respiratory problems, cancer, 
birth defects, or other reproductive 
harm. If you are unfamiliar with the risks 
associated with the particular dust, mist 
or fume at issue, consult your employer, 
governmental agencies such as OSHA 
and NIOSH and other sources on 
hazardous materials. California and 
some other authorities, for instance, 
have published lists of substances 
known to cause cancer, reproductive 
toxicity, etc.
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 
dust and other airborne contaminants, 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 (such as saw 
dust), mists (such as oil mist from chain 
lubrication) and engine fumes at the 
source where possible. Use good work 
practices, such as always cutting with a 
properly sharpened saw 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 chain saw away from 
the operator. Follow the 
recommendations of EPA/OSHA/NIOSH and occupational 
and trade associations with respect to 
dust ("particulate matter"). When the 
inhalation of dust cannot be 
substantially 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.
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 
OSHA and the Environmental Protection 
Agency. Do not use your chain saw to 
cut or disturb asbestos or asbestos-
containing products. If you have any 
reason to believe that you might be 
cutting asbestos, immediately stop 
cutting and contact your employer or a 
local OSHA representative.
Operating Instructions
WARNING
Do not operate your chain saw with the 
starting throttle lock engaged. Cutting 
with the starting throttle lock engaged 
does not permit the operator proper 
control of the chain saw or saw chain 
speed. Begin and continue cutting with 
the saw at full throttle, engage the 
bumper spike firmly in the wood (if 
possible) and then continue cutting. 
Always work with the bumper spike so 
that you have better control of the saw. If 
you work without the bumper spike the 
chain saw may pull you forwards 
suddenly. As soon as the engine is 
running, this product gen-
erates toxic exhaust 
fumes containing chemi-
cals, such as unburned 
hydrocarbons (including 
benzene) and carbon 
monoxide, that are 
known to cause respira-
tory problems, cancer, 
birth defects, or other 
reproductive harm. Some 
of the gases (e. g. carbon 
monoxide) may be color-
less and odorless. To 
reduce the risk of serious 
or fatal injury/illness from 
inhaling toxic fumes, 
never run the machine 
indoors or in poorly venti-
lated locations. If exhaust 
fumes become concen-
trated due to insufficient 
ventilation, clear obstruc-
tions from work area to 
permit proper ventilation 
before proceeding and/or 
take frequent breaks to 
allow fumes to dissipate 
before they become 
concentrated. 
						

							MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
12
WARNING
Never touch a saw chain with your hand 
or any part of your body when the engine 
is running, even when the chain is not 
rotating.
In the event of an emergency, switch off 
the engine immediately – move the 
Master Control Lever to STOP, 0 or †.
WARNING
Always stop the engine before putting 
the chain saw down.
WARNING
The saw chain continues to move for a 
short period after the throttle trigger is 
released (flywheel effect).
Accelerating the engine while the saw 
chain is blocked increases the load and 
will cause the clutch to slip continuously. 
This may occur if the throttle is 
depressed for more than a few seconds 
when the saw chain is pinched in the cut 
or the chain brake is engaged. It can 
result in overheating and damage to 
important components (e. g. clutch, 
polymer housing components) – which 
can then increase the risk of injury, e. g., 
from the saw chain moving while the 
engine is idling.
WARNING
Your chain saw is equipped with a chain 
catcher. It is designed to reduce the risk 
of personal injury in the event of a 
thrown or broken saw chain. From time 
to time, the catcher may be damaged or removed. To reduce the risk of personal 
inju r y , d o not  op er at e a c h ain s a w wit h a 
damaged or missing chain catcher.
WARNING
Inspect antivibration elements 
periodically. Replace damaged, broken 
or excessively worn antivibration 
elements immediately, since they may 
result in loss of control of the saw. A 
"sponginess" in the feel of the saw, 
increased vibration or increased 
"bottoming" during normal operation 
may indicate damage, breakage or 
excessive wear. Antivibration elements 
should always be replaced in sets. If you 
have any questions as to whether the 
antivibration elements should be 
replaced, consult your STIHL servicing 
dealer.
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 fuel system is tight (no 
leaks) and that the controls and safety 
devices are working properly. Do not 
continue operating this chain saw if it is 
damaged. In case of doubt, have it 
checked by your STIHL servicing dealer.
Your chain saw is not designed for 
prying or shoveling away limbs, roots or 
other objects. Such use could damage 
the cutting attachment or AV system.
WARNING
When sawing, 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, damage the saw chain or cause the 
chain saw to kickback.
WARNING
If the rotating saw chain strikes a rock or 
other hard object, sparks may be 
created, which can ignite flammabale 
materials under certain circumstances. 
Flammable materials can include dry 
vegetation and brush, particularly when 
weather conditions are hot and dry. Do 
not use your chain saw around 
flammable materials or around dry 
vegetation or brush when there is a risk 
of fire or wildfire. Contact your local fire 
authorities or the U.S. Forestry Service if 
you have any question about whether 
vegetation and weather conditions are 
suitable for the use of a chain saw.
WARNING
Take special care when cutting 
shattered wood because of the risk of 
injury from slivers being caught and 
thrown in your direction.
WARNING
Never modify your muffler. Any 
modification could cause an increase in 
heat radiation, sparks or sound level, 
thereby increasing the risk of fire, burn 
injury or hearing loss. You may also 
permanently damage the engine. Have 
your muffler serviced and repaired by 
your STIHL servicing dealer only.
WARNING
The muffler and other parts of the engine 
(e.g. fins of the cylinder, spark plug) 
become hot during operation and remain  
						

							MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
13 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. 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
An improperly mounted or damaged 
cylinder housing or a 
damaged/deformed muffler shell may 
interfere with the cooling process of the 
muffler. 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 muffler is furnished with a spark 
arresting screen designed to reduce the 
risk of fire from the emission of hot 
particles. Never operate your unit with a 
missing or damaged spark arresting 
screen. If your gas/oil mix ratio is correct 
(i.e., not too rich), this screen will 
normally stay clean as a result of the 
heat from the muffler and need no 
service or maintenance. If you 
experience loss of performance and you 
suspect a clogged screen, have your 
muffler maintained by a STIHL servicing 
dealer. Some state or federal laws or 
regulations may require a properly 
maintained spark arrester for certain 
uses. See the "Maintenance, Repair and 
Storing" section of these Safety 
Precautions. Remember that the risk of 
a brush or forest fire is greater in hot or 
dry conditions.
WARNINGDANGER
REACTIVE FORCES INCLUDING 
KICKBACK
WARNING
Reactive forces may occur any time the 
chain is rotating. Reactive forces can 
cause serious personal injury.
The powerful force used to cut wood can 
be reversed and work against the 
operator. If the rotating saw chain is 
suddenly and significantly slowed or  Some STIHL chain saws 
are equipped with a cata-
lytic converter, which is 
designed to reduce the 
exhaust emissions of the 
engine by a chemical pro-
cess in the muffler. Due 
to this process, the muf-
fler does not cool down 
as rapidly as conven-
tional mufflers when the 
engine returns to idle or 
is shut off. To reduce the 
risk of fire and burn inju-
ries when using a 
catalytic converter, 
always set your chain 
saw down in the upright 
position and never locate 
it where the muffler is 
near dry brush, grass, 
wood chips or other com-
bustible materials while it 
is still hot.
      
        
          
            
Do not rely on the chain 
saw ’s insulation against 
electric shock. To reduce 
the risk of electrocution, 
never operate this chain 
saw in the vicinity of any 
wires or cables (power, 
etc.) which may be carry-
ing electric current.To 
reduce risk of electrocu-
tion, take extra 
precautions when cutting 
near power lines. Have 
the power switched off 
before starting cutting 
work in the immediate 
vicinity of power lines.
001BA257 KN 
						

							MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
14 stopped by contact with any solid object 
such as a log or branch or is pinched, the 
reactive forces may occur instantly. 
These reactive forces may result in loss 
of control, which, in turn, may cause 
serious or fatal injury. An understanding 
of the causes of these reactive forces 
may help you avoid the element of 
surprise and loss of control. Surprise 
contributes to accidents.
The most common reactive forces are:
–kickback,
–pushback,
–pull-in.
WARNING
Kickback:
When this occurs, the energy driving the 
saw chain can create a force that moves 
the chain saw in a direction opposite to 
the saw chain movement at the point 
where the saw chain is slowed or 
stopped. This may fling the bar up and 
back in a lightning fast reaction mainly in 
the plane of the bar and can cause 
severe or fatal injury to the operator.Kickback may occur, for example, when 
the saw chain near the upper quadrant 
of the bar nose contacts the wood or is 
pinched during limbing or when it is 
incorrectly used to begin a plunge or 
boring cut.
The greater the force of the kickback 
reaction, the more difficult it becomes for 
the operator to control the chain saw. 
Many factors influence the occurrence 
and force of the kickback reaction. 
These include saw chain speed, the 
speed at which the bar and saw chain 
contact the object, the angle of contact, 
the condition of the saw chain and other 
factors.
The type of bar and saw chain you use 
is an important factor in the occurrence 
and force of the kickback reaction. Some 
STIHL bar and saw chain types are 
designed to reduce kickback forces. 
STIHL recommends the use of reduced 
kickback bars and low kickback chains.
Chain Saw Kickback Standard
The following standard apply with 
respect to kickback:
–§ 5.11 of ANSI/OPEI B175.1-2012
This standard, in the following referred 
to as "the chain saw kickback standard" 
sets certain performance and design 
criteria related to chain saw kickback.
To comply with the chain saw kickback 
standard:
a)Chain saws with a displacement of 
less than 3.8 cubic inches (62 cm³)
–must, in their original condition, 
meet a 45° computer derived 
kickback angle when equipped with 
certain cutting attachments,
–and must be equipped with at least 
two devices to reduce the risk of 
kickback injury, such as a chain 
brake, low kickback saw chain, 
reduced kickback bar, etc.
b)Chain saws with a displacement of 
3.8 cubic inches (62 cm³) 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 saw chain, 
reduced kickback bar, etc.
The computer derived angles for chain 
saws below 3.8 cubic inches (62 cm³) 
displacement are measured by applying 
a computer program to test results from 
a kickback test machine. Kickback may occur 
when the moving saw 
chain near the upper 
quadrant of the bar nose 
contacts a solid object or 
is pinched.
001BA035 KN 
						

							MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
15
WARNING
The computer derived angles of the 
chain saw kickback standard may bear 
no relationship to actual kickback bar 
rotation angles that may occur in real life 
cutting situations.
In addition, features designed to reduce 
kickback injuries may lose some of their 
effectiveness when they are no longer in 
their original condition, especially if they 
have been improperly maintained. 
Compliance with the chain saw kickback 
standard does not automatically mean 
that in a real life kickback the bar and 
saw chain will rotate at most 45°.
WARNING
In order for chain saws below 3.8 cubic 
inches (62 cm³) displacement to comply 
with the computed kickback angle 
requirements of the chain saw kickback 
standard use only the following cutting 
attachments:
–bar and saw chain combinations 
listed as complying in the 
"Specifications" section of the 
instruction manual or
–other replacement bar and saw 
chain combinations marked in 
accordance with the standard for 
use on the chain saw or
–replacement saw chain designated 
"low kickback saw chain."
See the section on "Low Kickback Saw 
Chain and Reduced Kickback Bars."Devices for Reducing the Risk of 
Kickback Injury
Stihl recommends the use of green 
labeled reduced kickback bars and low 
kickback saw chains on your chain saw 
equipped with a Stihl Quickstop chain 
brake.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury, never use a 
chain saw if the chain brake does not 
function properly. Take the chain saw to 
your local STIHL servicing dealer. Do 
not use the chain saw until the problem 
has been rectified.
STIHL Quickstop Chain Brake
STIHL has developed a saw chain 
stopping system designed to reduce the 
risk of injury in certain kickback 
situations. It is called a Quickstop chain 
brake.There are two mechanisms for activating 
the chain brake if it is in a properly 
maintained condition:
–manual activation: If a kickback 
occurs, the chain saw moves 
upwards towards the user in a 
rotating motion around the front 
handle. The brake is designed to 
engage if the left hand contacts the 
front guard, which is the activation 
lever for the brake, and pushes it 
forward.
–inertia activation: All STIHL chain 
saws are equipped with an interia 
Quickstop chain brake. If the 
kickback impulse is strong enough, 
this alone is sufficient to engage the 
brake even without contacting the 
front hand guard.
001BA174 KN 
						

							MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
16
WARNING
Never operate your chain saw without a 
front hand guard. In a kickback situation 
this guard helps protect your left hand 
and other parts of your body. In addition, 
removal of the hand guard on a chain 
saw equipped with a Quickstop chain 
brake will disable the activation 
mechanism of the chain brake.
WARNING
No 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 
Quickstop to reduce the risk of kickback 
injury, it must be properly maintained 
and in good working order. See the 
chapter of your instruction manual 
entitled "Chain Brake" and the section 
"Maintenance, Repair and Storing" at 
the end of these Safety Precautions. In 
addition, there must be enough distance 
between the bar and the operator to 
ensure that the 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 saw chain after activation, or may 
not activate at all.
WARNING
Never run the chain saw above idle 
speed for more than 3 seconds when the 
chain brake is engaged or when the saw chain is pinched or otherwise caught in 
the cut. Clutch slippage can cause 
excessive heat, leading to severe 
damage of the motor housing, clutch 
and oiler component and may interfere 
with the operation of the chain brake. If 
clutch slippage in excess of 3 seconds 
has occurred, allow the motor housing to 
cool before proceeding and check the 
operation of your chain brake as 
described in the chapter entitled "Chain 
Brake" of your instruction manual. Also 
make sure that the saw chain is not 
turning at idle speed (see above at 
"Important Adjustments").
Low Kickback Saw Chain and Reduced 
Kickback Bars
STIHL offers a variety of bars and saw 
chains. STIHL reduced kickback bars 
and low kickback saw chains are 
designed to reduce the risk of kickback 
injury. Other saw chains are designed to 
achieve higher cutting performance or 
sharpening ease, but in turn are more 
prone to kickback. 
STIHL has developed a color code 
system to help you identify the STIHL 
reduced kickback bars and low kickback 
saw chains. Cutting attachments with 
green warning labels on the packaging 
are designed to reduce the risk of 
kickback injury. The matching of green 
marked or labeled chain saws under 
3.8 cubic inches (62 cm³) displacement 
with green labeled bars and green 
labeled saw chains gives compliance 
with the computed kickback angle 
requirements of the chain saw standard 
when the products are in their original 
condition. Products with yellow labels 
are for users with extraordinary cutting needs, having experience and 
specialized training for dealing with 
kickback.
STIHL recommends the use of its green 
labeled reduced kickback bars, green 
labeled low kickback saw chains and a 
chain saw equipped with a STIHL 
Quickstop chain brake for both 
experienced and inexperienced chain 
saw users.
Please ask your STIHL dealer to 
properly match your chain saw with the 
appropriate bar / saw chain combination 
to reduce the risk of kickback injury. 
Green labeled bars and saw chains are 
recommended for all chain saws.
WARNING
Use of other, non-listed bar / saw chain 
combinations may increase kickback 
forces and the risk of kickback injury. 
New bar / saw chain combinations may 
be developed after publication of this 
literature, which will, in combination with 
certain chain saws, comply with the 
chain saw standard as well. Check with 
your STIHL dealer for such 
combinations.
WARNING
Reduced kickback bars and low 
kickback saw chains do not prevent 
kickback, but they are designed to 
reduce the risk of kickback injury. They 
are available from your STIHL dealer.
WARNING
Even if your saw is equipped with a 
Quickstop, a reduced kickback bar and / 
or low kickback saw chain, this does not  
						

							MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
17 eliminate the risk of injury by kickback. 
Therefore, always observe all safety 
precautions to avoid kickback situations.
Low Kickback Saw Chain
Some types of saw chains have 
specially designed components to 
reduce the force of nose contact 
kickback. STIHL has developed low 
kickback saw chain for your chain saw.
A "low kickback saw chain" is a saw 
chain that has met the kickback 
performance requirements of 
ANSI/OPEI B175.1-2012 when tested 
according to the provisions specified in 
ANSI/OPEI B175.1-2012.
WARNING
There are potential chain saw 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 the chain saw standard. Some 
low kickback saw chains have not been 
tested with all chain saw and bar 
combinations.
WARNING
A blunt or incorrectly sharpened saw 
chain may reduce or negate the effects 
of the design features intended to 
reduce kickback energy. Improper 
lowering or sharpening of the depth 
gauges as well as changing the shape of 
the cutters may increase the risk and the 
energy of kickback. Always cut with a 
properly sharpened saw chain.Reduced Kickback Bars
STIHL green labeled reduced kickback 
bars are designed to reduce the risk of 
kickback injury when used with STIHL 
green labeled low kickback saw chains.
WARNING
When used with other, more aggressive 
saw chains, these bars may be less 
effective in reducing kickback.
WARNING
For a properly balanced saw and in 
order to comply with the chain saw 
standard, use only bar lengths listed in 
the specifications chapter of the 
instruction manual for your chain saw.
To avoid kickback
The best protection from personal injury 
that may result from kickback is to avoid 
kickback situations:
1.Hold the chain saw firmly with both 
hands and maintain a secure grip. 
Don’t let go.
2.B e  a w a r e  o f  t h e  l o c ation 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 near wire fences 
and when cutting small, tough 
limbs, small size brush and saplings 
which may easily catch the saw 
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 
reentering a previous cut.
9.Do not attempt to plunge cut if you 
are not experienced with these 
cutting techniques.
10.Be alert for shifting of the log or 
other forces that may cause the cut 
to close and pinch the saw chain.
11.Maintain saw chain properly. Cut 
with a correctly sharpened, properly 
tensioned saw chain at all times.
12.Stand to the side of the cutting path 
of the chain saw.
Bow Guides
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 saw chain will not 
significantly reduce the risk of kickback 
injury when used on a bow guide. 
						

							MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
18
A=Pull-in
Pull-in occurs when the saw chain on the 
bottom of the bar is suddenly stopped 
when it is pinched, caught or encounters 
a foreign object in the wood. The 
reaction of the saw chain pulls the chain 
saw forward and may cause the 
operator to lose control.
Pull-in frequently occurs when the 
bumper spike of the chain saw is not 
held securely against the tree or limb 
and when the saw chain is not rotating at 
full speed before it contacts the wood.
WARNING
Use extreme caution when cutting small 
size brush and saplings which may 
easily catch the saw chain, be whipped 
towards you or pull you off balance.
To avoid pull-in
1.Always start a cut with the saw 
chain rotating at full speed and the 
bumper spike in contact with the 
wood.
2.The risk of pull-in may also be 
reduced by using wedges to open 
the kerf or cut.
B = Pushback
Pushback occurs when the saw 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 saw chain may drive the 
chain saw rapidly straight back toward 
the operator and may cause loss of 
chain saw control, which, in turn, may 
cause serious or fatal injury. 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 top 
of the saw chain.
2.Do not cut more than one log at a 
time.
3.Do not twist the chain saw when 
withdrawing the bar from a plunge 
cut or underbuck cut because the 
saw chain can pinch.
Limbing
Limbing is removing the branches from a 
fallen tree.
WARNING
There is an extreme danger of kickback 
during the limbing operation. Do not 
work with the nose of the bar. Be 
extremely cautious and avoid contacting 
the log or other limbs with the nose of the 
guide bar.
Do not stand on a log while limbing it – 
you may slip or the log may roll.
Start limbing by leaving the lower limbs 
to support the log off the ground. When 
underbucking freely hanging limbs, a 
pinch may result or the limb may fall, 
causing loss of control. If a pinch occurs, 
stop the engine and remove the saw by 
lifting the limb.
WARNING
Be extremely cautious when cutting 
limbs or logs under tension (spring 
poles). The limbs or logs could spring 
back toward the operator and cause loss 
of control of the saw and severe or fatal 
injury to the operator.
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