Stihl Ms 270 C Owners Manual

							
Instruction Manual    
Manual de instrucciones
Warning! 
This saw is capabale of servere kickback 
which may cause serious or fatal injury. Only 
for users with extraordinary cutting needs and 
experience and training dealing with kickback. 
Chainsaws with significantly reduced kickback 
potential are available. STIHL recommends 
the use of STIHL reduced kickback bar and 
low kickback chain.
Advertencia! 
Esta sierra es capaz de causar contragolpes 
severos, los cuales pueden causar lesiones 
graves o mortales. Sólo es apta para usuarios 
con necesidades extraordinarias de corte y 
mucha experiencia y capacitación en el 
manejo de los contragolpes. Existen sierras 
con un potentical mucho menor de causar 
contragolpes. STIHL recomienda usar una 
barra y cadena de contragolpe reducido de 
STIHL.
Read and follow all safety precautions in 
Instruction Manual – improper use can cause 
serious or fatal injury.
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 MS 270, 280
BA_U1_MS_270_280_86_01.fm  Seite 0  Freitag, 21. Juli 2006  10:22 10 
						

							
1
MS 270, MS 270 C, MS 280, MS 280 C English / USA
BA_SE_121_006_01_11.fm
Printed on chlorine-free paper.
Printing inks contain vegetable oils; paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2007 
0458 146 8621 A. M2. M7. CP. Printed in USA 
STIHlContentsGuide to Using this Manual  ..............  2
Safety Precautions and Working 
Techniques .......................................  3
Mounting the Bar and Chain
(Side chain tensioner)  ....................  26
Mounting the Bar and Chain
(Quick chain tensioner)  ..................  27
Tensioning the Saw Chain
(Side chain tensioner)  ....................  30
Tensioning the Saw Chain
(Quick chain tensioner)  ..................  30
Checking Chain Tension  .................  31
Fuel ................................................  31
Fueling ............................................  32
Chain Lubricant  ..............................  33
Filling Chain Oil Tank  ......................  34
Checking Chain Lubrication  ...........  34
Chain Brake  ....................................  35
Winter Operation  ............................  36
Information Before You Start  ..........  37
Starting / Stopping the Engine  ........  37
Operating Instructions  ....................  40
Taking Care of Guide Bar  ...............  41
Air Filter System  .............................  42
Cleaning the Air Filter  .....................  42
Motor Management  ........................  43
Adjusting the Carburetor  ................  43
Spark Arresting Screen
in Muffler  .........................................  45
Checking the Spark Plug  ................  46
Replacing Starter Rope 
and Rewind Spring  .........................  47
Storing the Machine ........................  49
Checking and Replacing
Chain Sprocket  ...............................  50
Maintaining and Sharpening
Saw Chain  ......................................  51
Maintenance Chart  .........................  55 Main Parts of the Saw  ....................  57
Specifications .................................  59
Special Accessories  .......................  60
Ordering Spare Parts  .....................  61
Maintenance and Repairs  ..............  61
STIHL Incorporated Federal
Emission Control Warranty
Statement .......................................  62
Trademarks ....................................  64
Allow only persons who understand this 
Manual to operate your chainsaw.
To receive maximum performance and 
satisfaction from your STIHL chainsaw, 
it is important that you read and 
understand 
the maintenance and safety 
precautions, starting on page 3, before 
using your chainsaw. 
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 chainsaw 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.
STIHLs philosophy is to continually 
improve all of its products. As a result, 
engineering changes and improvements 
are made from time-to-time. If the 
operating characteristics or the 
appearance of your chainsaw differs 
from those described in this Manual, 
please contact your STIHL dealer for 
information and assistance. 
						

							
2 English / USAMS 270, MS 270 C, MS 280, MS 280 CPictogramsAll the pictograms attached to the 
machine are shown and explained in  
this manual.
The operating and handling instructions 
are supported by illustrations.Symbols in textThe 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 featuresThis instruction manual 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 improvementsSTIHL’s philosophy is to continually 
improve all of its products. As a result, 
engineering changes and improvements 
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 
						

							
3
MS 270, MS 270 C, MS 280, MS 280 C English / USA
Because a chainsaw 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.
!
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 power tool. All safety 
precautions that are generally observed 
when working with an axe or a hand saw 
also apply to the operation of chainsaws. 
Observe all applicable federal, state and 
local safety regulations, standards and 
ordinances. When using a chain saw for 
logging purposes, for instance, refer to 
the OSHA regulations for “logging 
operations“ at 29 Code of Federal 
Regulations 1910.266.
!
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 saw chain has many 
sharp cutters. If the cutters contact your 
flesh, they will cut you, even if the chain 
is not moving. At full throttle, the chain 
speed can reach 67 mph (30 m/s).
Use your chainsaw only for cutting  
wooden objects. 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!
To reduce 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 
chainsaws. 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.
Safe use of a chainsaw involves
1. the operator
2. the saw
3. the use of the saw.
THE OPERATOR
Physical ConditionYou 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. If you have any condition that 
might be aggravated by strenuous work, 
check with your doctor before operating 
this machine.
Safety Precautions and 
Working Techniques 
						

							
4 English / USAMS 270, MS 270 C, MS 280, MS 280 C!
Warning!
Prolonged use of a power tool (or other 
machines) exposing the operator to 
vibrations may produce whitefinger 
disease (Raynauds phenomenon) or 
carpal tunnel syndrome. 
These conditions reduce the hands 
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:
– 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 
operators 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. Heated handles, which are 
available on some STIHL power-
heads, are recommended for cold 
weather use. – 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.
Keep the saw chain sharp. A dull 
chain will increase cutting time, and 
pressing a dull 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!
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.
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 from contact with branches or 
brush. To reduce the risk of cut injuries, 
wear pants or chaps that contain pads of 
cut retardant material.
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 
are recommended. 
						

							
5
MS 270, MS 270 C, MS 280, MS 280 C English / USA
!
Warning!
Wear an approved safety 
hard hat to reduce the risk 
of injury to your head. 
Chainsaw noise may 
damage your hearing. 
Wear sound barriers (ear 
plugs or ear mufflers) to help protect 
your hearing. 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.
Never operate your power tool unless 
wearing goggles or properly fitted 
protective glasses with adequate top 
and side protection complying with ANSI 
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.
Always wear gloves when 
handling the machine and 
the cutting tool. Heavy-
duty, nonslip gloves 
improve your grip and 
help to protect your 
hands.
STIHL offers a wide range of protective 
clothing and equipment.
THE POWER TOOLFor 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 
with STIHL power tools, their use may, 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. 
In case of doubt, have it checked by your 
STIHL servicing dealer.
THE USE OF THE POWER TOOL
Transporting the Power Tool!
Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury from saw 
chain contact, never carry or transport 
your power tool with the saw chain 
moving. Always engage the chain brake 
when taking more than a few steps.
!
Warning!
Always switch off the engine, and fit the 
chain guard (scabbard) over the chain 
and guide bar before transporting the 
power tool over longer distances. When 
transporting it in a vehicle, properly 
secure it to prevent turnover, fuel 
spillage and damage to the unit.
It may be carried only in a horizontal 
position. Grip the front handle in a 
manner that the machine is balanced 
horizontally. Keep the hot muffler away 
from your body and the cutting 
attachment behind you.
001BA115 KN 
						

							
6 English / USAMS 270, MS 270 C, MS 280, MS 280 CFuelYour 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 
can cause fire and serious 
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 fuel or the power tool. Note that 
combustible fuel vapor may escape from 
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!
In order to reduce the risk of fuel spillage 
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). Fold the grip flush with the 
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 
opening, 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 spillage 
and fire, tighten the fuel filler cap by 
hand as securely as possible.
The screwdriver end of 
the STIHL combination 
wrench or other similar 
tool can be used as an aid 
in tightening slotted fuel 
filler caps.
See Fueling chapter in your instruction 
manual. 
						

							
7
MS 270, MS 270 C, MS 280, MS 280 C English / USA
Before StartingTake off the chain guard (scabbard) and 
inspect the saw 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 
tool. 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 secure 
– a loose boot may cause arcing that 
could ignite combustible fumes and 
cause a fire.
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. Before replacing any 
bar and chain, see the chapter entitled  
Specifications in the instruction 
manual and the section Kickback and 
the ANSI B 175.1-2000 chainsaw 
kickback standard below.
!
Warning!
Proper tension of the 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 chain in order to secure 
the bar. Never start the saw with the 
sprocket cover loose. Check chain 
tension once more after having 
tightened the nut(s) and thereafter at 
regular intervals (whenever the saw is 
shut off). If the chain becomes loose 
while cutting, shut off the engine and 
then tighten. Never try to adjust the 
chain while the engine is running!
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.
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 saw without 
assistance. For specific starting 
instructions, see the appropriate section 
of the instruction manual. Proper starting 
methods reduce the risk of injury.
!
Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury from chain 
contact and/or reactive forces, the chain 
brake must be engaged when starting 
the saw.
!
Warning!
Do not drop start. This method is very 
dangerous because you may lose 
control of the saw. 
There are two recommended methods 
for starting your chainsaw. 
						

							
8 English / USAMS 270, MS 270 C, MS 280, MS 280 C
With the 
first recommended  method, 
the chainsaw is started on the ground. 
Make sure the chain brake is engaged 
(see Chain Brake chapter in your 
instruction manual) and place the 
chainsaw on firm ground or other solid 
surface in an open area. Maintain good 
balance and secure footing.
Grip the front handlebar of the saw firmly 
with your left hand and press down. For 
saws with a rear handle level with the 
ground, put the toe of your right foot into 
the rear handle and press down. With 
your right hand pull out the starter grip 
slowly until you feel a definite resistance 
and then give it a brisk, strong pull. The 
second  recommended  method for 
starting your chainsaw 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 
chainsaw 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 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 chain. If 
the upper quadrant of the tip of the bar 
touches any object, it may cause kick-
back to occur (see section on reactive 
forces). To reduce this risk, always 
engage the chain brake before starting. 
Never attempt to start the chainsaw 
when the guide bar is in a cut or kerf.
As soon as the engine is running, 
immediately blip the throttle trigger, 
which will disengage the starting throttle 
lock and allow the engine to settle down 
to idle. 
!
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.
001BA113 KN
001BA114 KN 
						

							
9
MS 270, MS 270 C, MS 280, MS 280 C English / USA
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 unit 
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 
power tool and make proper 
adjustments and repairs.
During OperationHolding 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. Your right hand should grip the rear 
handle. This also applies to left-handers.
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!
To reduce the risk 
of serious or fatal 
injury to the 
operator or 
bystanders from 
loss of control, never use the 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. Even for 
those compact saws designed for use in 
confined spaces, one-handed operation 
is dangerous because the operator may 
lose control.
!
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. 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. 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.
001BA087 LÄ