Stihl MS 261 Instruction Manual page 16

English
￭ Using a chain saw that is modified, damaged, improperly
adjusted or maintained, or not completely and securely
assembled can lead to a malfunction and increase the risk
of serious personal injury or death.
– Never operate a chain saw that is modified,
damaged, improperly maintained or not completely
and securely assembled.
– Always check your chain saw for proper condition
and operation before starting work, particularly the
throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, Master
Control Lever, front hand guard, chain brake and
cutting attachment.
– Ensure that the throttle trigger and throttle trigger
lockout move freely and always spring back to the
idle position when released. The throttle trigger must
not engage until the throttle trigger lockout is
depressed. The Master Control Lever must move
easily to STOP.
– Never attempt to modify or override the controls or
safety devices in any way.
– If your saw or any part is damaged or does not
function properly, take it to your authorized STIHL
servicing dealer. Do not use the saw until the
problem has been corrected.
￭ Before starting the engine and disengaging the chain
brake, take the following steps to reduce the risk of
personal injury from reactive forces, loss of control or
inadvertent contact with the chain:
– Be sure that the guide bar and chain are clear of you
and all other obstructions and objects, including the
ground.
– Never attempt to start or accelerate the engine when
the guide bar is in a cut or kerf. Doing so could lead
to reactive forces and injury.
– Read and follow the instructions on starting the
chain saw, @ 14.4.
14
5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
5.6.2 Starting
WARNING
￭ To reduce the risk of burns and other personal injury from
escaping gas vapor and fumes:
– Move at least 10 ft. (3 m) from the fueling spot before
starting the engine.
– Start your chain saw only outdoors.
￭ To reduce the risk of injury from chain contact and/or
reactive forces:
– Engage the chain brake before starting the chain
saw.
￭ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries to the
operator or bystanders from loss of control:
– Start the chain saw only as described in the
"Starting" chapter in this manual, @ 14.4.
– Do not drop start. Drop starting means pushing the
chain saw away from the operator, or allowing it to
drop toward the ground, while pulling on the starter
grip. This method is very dangerous because you
may lose control of the chain saw.
– When you pull the starter grip, do not wrap the
starter rope around your hand.
– Do not let the grip snap back. Guide the starter rope
to rewind it properly.
– Be sure that the guide bar and chain are clear of you
and all other obstructions and objects, including the
ground. Never attempt to start the chain saw when
the guide bar is in a cut or kerf.
– Always engage the chain brake before starting.
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.
– 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.
0458-573-8621-C