Stihl MS 261 Instruction Manual page 21

5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
￭ If the rotating chain strikes a rock or other hard object,
sparks may be created, which can ignite flammable
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 vegetation or brush when there
is a risk of fire or wildfire.
– Contact your local fire authorities or the U.S. Forest
Service if you have any question about whether
vegetation and weather conditions are suitable for
the use of a chain saw.
￭ Check the chain saw, chain and guide bar at regular short
intervals during operation, or immediately if there is a
change in cutting behavior:
– Shut off the engine and activate the chain brake.
– Have damaged, broken or excessively worn anti-
vibration elements replaced immediately. A
"sponginess" in the feel of the saw, increased
vibration or increased "bottoming" during normal
operation may indicate damage, breakage or
excessive wear.
– Anti-vibration elements should always be replaced in
sets. If you have any questions as to whether the
anti-vibration elements should be replaced, consult
your authorized STIHL servicing dealer.
– Check the condition and tension of the chain. Look
for damage to the chain or guide bar.
– If the chain cannot be properly tensioned, or if other
components of the saw are worn or damaged, stop
work immediately and take your chain saw to an
authorized STIHL servicing dealer for inspection,
repair or maintenance.
0458-573-8621-C
￭ The muffler and other parts of the engine (e.g. fins of the
cylinder, spark plug) become hot during operation and
remain hot for a while after stopping the engine. To reduce
the risk of burn injury:
– Allow the engine to cool before inspecting,
transporting or storing the chain saw. Avoid
contacting the muffler while it is still hot following
operation.
– Keep the area around the muffler clean. Remove
excess lubricant and all debris such as pine needles,
branches or leaves.
– Allow the chain saw to cool on concrete, metal, bare
ground or solid wood (e.g. the trunk of a felled tree)
away from any combustible substances.
– Do not continue work with a damaged or improperly
mounted cylinder housing or a damaged/deformed
muffler shell. It may interfere with the cooling
process of the muffler.
￭ The muffler of this chain saw is furnished with a 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. To reduce the risk of fire from the emission
of hot particles:
– Never operate your chain saw with a missing or
damaged spark arresting screen.
– If you experience loss of performance and suspect a
clogged screen, have your muffler serviced. Some
state or federal laws or regulations may require a
properly maintained spark arrester for certain uses.
￭ In California, it is a violation of § 4442 or § 4443 of the
Public Resources Code to use or operate gasoline-
powered tools on forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-
covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is
equipped with a complying spark arrester that is
maintained in effective working order. The owner/operator
of this product is responsible for properly maintaining the
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