Stihl MS 201 TC-M Instruction Manual page 11

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 chain saw .
WARNING
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
appropriate section of your instruction
manual.
Starting
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire and burn
injuries, start the engine at least 10 feet
(3 m) from the fueling spot, outdoors
only.
Start and operate your chain 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 saw
chain contact and / or reactive forces,
the chain brake must be engaged when
starting the saw. If your chain saw is
equipped with the Quickstop Plus chain
brake system, it is not sufficient to
MS 201 TC-M
engage that brake only for starting,
because the saw chain may begin to
rotate at high speed when the throttle
trigger lockout is depressed (releasing
the brake) in order to blip the throttle
trigger after starting.
WARNING
Do not drop start. This method is very
dangerous because you may lose
control of the saw.
Place the chain saw on firm ground or
other solid surface in an open area.
Maintain good balance and secure
footing.
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
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
English
9