STIHL MS 170, 180 Instruction Manual

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STIHL MS 170, 180   Instruction Manual
English

                                                               Contents

                                                               Guide to Using this Manual           2   Checking and Replacing the Chain                                    Dear Customer,
                                                               Safety Precautions                   3   Sprocket                                                  36        Thank you for choosing a quality
                                                               Reactive Forces                      8   Maintaining and Sharpening the                                      engineered STIHL product.
                                                                                                        Saw Chain                                                 36
Original Instruction Manual

                                                               Working Techniques                   9                                                                       It has been built using modern
                                                                                                        Maintenance and Care                                      40        production techniques and
                                                               Cutting Attachment                  18
                                                                                                        Minimize Wear and Avoid Damage                            42        comprehensive quality assurance.
                                                               Mounting the Bar and Chain (front
                                                                                                        Main Parts                                                43        Every effort has been made to ensure
                                                               chain tensioner)                    18
                                                                                                                                                                            your satisfaction and trouble-free use of
                                                               Mounting the Bar and Chain (quick        Specifications                                            44
                                                                                                                                                                            the product.
                                                               chain tensioner)                    19   Ordering Spare Parts                                      46
                                                                                                                                                                            Please contact your dealer or our sales
                                                               Mounting the Bar and Chain (side         Maintenance and Repairs                                   46
                                                                                                                                                                            company if you have any queries
                                                               chain tensioner)                    21   Disposal                                                  46
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.

                                                                                                                                                                            concerning this product.
                                                               Tensioning the Saw Chain (front          EC Declaration of Conformity                              47
                                                               chain tensioner)                    22                                                                       Your
                                                               Tensioning the Saw Chain (quick
                                                               chain tensioner)                    23
                                                               Tensioning the Saw Chain (side
                                                               chain tensioner)                    23
Printed on chlorine-free paper

                                                               Checking Chain Tension              23                                                                       Dr. Nikolas Stihl
                                                               Fuel                                24
                                                               Fueling                             25
                                                               Chain Lubricant                     25
                                                               Filling Chain Oil Tank              26
                                                               Checking Chain Lubrication          26
                                                               Chain Brake                         27
                                                               Starting / Stopping the Engine      28
                                                               Operating Instructions              31
                                                               Taking Care of the Guide Bar        32
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2020

                                                               Shroud                              33
                                                               Cleaning the Air Filter             33
0458-206-0121-B. VB5.J20.

                                                               Adjusting the Carburetor            34
0000006734_012_GB

                                                               Spark Plug                          34
                                                               Storing the Machine                 35

                                                                                                        This instruction manual is protected by copyright. All rights reserved, especially the rights to reproduce, translate and process
                                                                                                        with electronic systems.

                                                               MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C                                                                                                                                      1
English

                                                          Intake air baffle: winter   Engineering improvements
Guide to Using this Manual                                operation
                                                                                      STIHL's philosophy is to continually
This Instruction Manual refers to a                                                   improve all of its products. For this
                                                          Intake air baffle: summer
STIHL chain saw, also called a machine                                                reason we may modify the design,
                                                          operation
in this Instruction Manual.                                                           engineering and appearance of our
                                                                                      products periodically.
Pictograms                                                Handle heating              Therefore, some changes, modifications
                                                                                      and improvements may not be covered
Pictograms that appear on the machine                                                 in this manual.
are explained in this Instruction Manual.
                                                          Actuate decompression
Depending on the machine and                              valve
equipment version, the following
pictograms may appear on the machine.
              Fuel tank; fuel mixture of                  Actuate manual fuel
              gasoline and engine oil                     pump

              Tank for chain oil; chain
              oil
                                            Symbols in text

              Engage and release
              chain brake
                                                 WARNING
                                            Warning where there is a risk of an
              Coasting brake                accident or personal injury or serious
                                            damage to property.

              Direction of chain travel          NOTICE
                                            Caution where there is a risk of
                                            damaging the machine or its individual
                                            components.
              Ematic; chain oil flow
              adjustment

              Tension saw chain

2                                                                                     MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English

                                             Do not lend or rent your chain saw           Clothing and Equipment
Safety Precautions                           without the instruction manual. Be sure
                                             that anyone using it understands the
                                             information contained in this manual.        Wear proper protective clothing and
               Special safety precau-                                                     equipment.
               tions must be observed to     To operate a chain saw you must be
               reduce the risk of per-       rested, in good physical condition and                     Clothing must be sturdy
               sonal injury when             mental health. If you have any condition                   and snug-fitting, but allow
               working with a chain saw      that might be aggravated by strenuous                      complete freedom of
               because of the very high      work, check with your doctor before                        movement. Wear snug
               chain speed and very          operating a chain saw.                                     fitting clothing with cut-
               sharp cutters.                                                                           retardant pads – no
                                             Do not operate the chain saw if you are                    loose-fitting jacket.
               It is important that you      under the influence of any substance
                                             (drugs, alcohol) which might impair          Avoid clothing that could get caught on
               read the instruction man-
                                             vision, dexterity or judgment.               branches, brush or moving parts of the
               ual before first use and
                                                                                          machine. Do not wear a scarf, necktie or
               keep it in a safe place for   To reduce the risk of accidents or injury,   jewellery. Tie up and confine long hair
               future reference. Non-        put off the work in poor weather             (headscarf, cap, hard hat, etc.).
               observance of the             conditions (rain, snow, ice, wind).
               instruction manual may                                                                   Wear suitable safety
               result in serious or even     Persons with pacemakers only: The                          shoes – with cut-retard-
               fatal injury.                 ignition system of your chain saw                          ant material, non-slip
                                             produces an electromagnetic field of a                     soles and steel toe caps.
General                                      very low intensity. This field may
                                             interfere with some pacemakers. To
                                             reduce health risks, STIHL recommends
Observe all applicable local safety          that persons with pacemakers consult              WARNING
regulations, standards and ordinances.       their physician and the pacemaker                          To reduce the risk of eye
The use of noise emitting power tools        manufacturer before operating this                         injuries, wear tight-fitting
may be restricted to certain times by        power tool.                                                safety goggles conform-
national or local regulations.                                                                          ing to standard EN 166 or
                                             Intended use                                               a face shield. Make sure
If you have not used this model before:
                                                                                                        that the safety goggles
Have your dealer or other experienced
                                             The machine may only be used to saw                        and the face shield fit
user show you how to operate your
                                             wood and wooden objects.                                   correctly.
machine or attend a special course in its
operation.                                   Do not use the machine for any other         Wear "personal" hearing protection – for
Minors should never be allowed to use a      purpose – risk of accidents!                 example, ear defenders.
chain saw.                                   Do not modify the machine in any way –       Wear a hard hat wherever there is any
Keep bystanders, especially children,        this may increase the risk of personal       risk of falling objects.
and animals away from the work area.         injury. STIHL excludes all liability for
                                             personal injury and damage to property
The user is responsible for avoiding
                                             caused while using unauthorised
injury to third parties or damage to their
                                             attachments.
property.

MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C                                                                                                3
English

              Wear sturdy protective                    Clean the dust and dirt off the machine –       Open the fuel filler cap carefully so that
              gloves made of a resist-                  do not use any grease solvents for this         any excess pressure is relieved
              ant material (e.g.                        purpose.                                        gradually and fuel does not splash out.
              leather).                                 Clean the ventilation slots if necessary.       The machine may only be refuelled in a
                                                                                                        well ventilated place. Clean the machine
                                                        Do not use a high-pressure cleaner to
STIHL can supply a comprehensive                                                                        immediately if fuel is spilled. Do not spill
                                                        clean the machine. The hard jet of water
range of personal protective equipment.                                                                 fuel over your clothing – contaminated
                                                        can damage parts of the machine.
                                                                                                        clothing must be changed immediately.
Transport                                               Accessories                                     The machines can be equipped with the
                                                                                                        following filler caps as standard:
Before any transport – even over short                  Only use those tools, guide bars, chains,       Screw-type tank cap
distances – switch off the machine,                     chain sprockets, accessories or
engage the chain brake and attach the                                                                                  After fueling, tighten
                                                        technically equivalent components that                         down the screw-type fuel
chain scabbard. This avoids the risk of                 have been approved by STIHL for this
the saw chain starting unintentionally.                                                                                cap as securely as
                                                        machine. If you have any questions in                          possible.
                                                        this respect, consult a servicing dealer.
                                                        Use only high quality tools and
                                                        accessories. Otherwise, there may be a          This reduces the risk of unit vibrations
                                                        risk of accidents and damage to the             causing the fuel cap to loosen or come
                                                        machine.                                        off and spill quantities of fuel.
                                                        STIHL recommends the use of genuine                            Check for leakage. To
                                          001BA115 KN

                                                        STIHL tools, guide bars, chains, chain                         reduce the risk of serious
                                                        sprockets and accessories. They are                            of fatal burn injuries, do
                                                        specifically designed to match your                            not start or run the engine
Always carry the chain saw by the                       model and meet your performance                                until leak is fixed.
handle – with the hot muffler away from                 requirements.
your body, the guide bar must point to                                                                  Before Starting Work
the rear. Avoid touching hot parts of the               Refuelling
machine, especially the surface of the                                                                  Check that your saw is properly
muffler – risk of burns!                                                                                assembled and in good condition – refer
                                                                        Gasoline is an extremely
In vehicles: Properly secure the machine                                flammable fuel – keep           to appropriate chapters in the instruction
to prevent tipping, damage and chain oil                                clear of naked flames and       manual.
or fuel spillage.                                                       fire – do not spill any fuel    –   Check the fuel system for leaks,
                                                                        – no smoking.                       paying special attention to visible
Cleaning                                                                                                    parts such as the tank cap, hose
                                                        Switch off the engine before refuelling.
                                                                                                            connections and the manual fuel
                                                        Never refuel the machine while the                  pump (on machines so equipped). If
Clean plastic parts with a cloth. Harsh                 engine is still hot – the fuel may spill over
detergents can damage the plastic.                      – risk of fire!

4                                                                                                       MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English

    there are any leaks or damage, do        Your chain saw is a one-person saw. Do                  Never let the machine run unattended.
    not start the engine – risk of fire.     not allow other persons to be in the
                                                                                                     Exercise caution with slippery surfaces,
    Have your saw repaired by a              working area – not even while starting.
                                                                                                     water, snow, ice, steep slopes, uneven
    servicing dealer before using it
                                             Do not start the chain saw if the chain is              ground or green wood that has just been
    again.
                                             in a cut.                                               stripped of its bark – danger of slipping!
–   Check operation of chain brake,
                                             Move at least 3 meters away from the                    Use caution with tree stumps, roots,
    front hand guard
                                             place where the machine was refuelled                   ditches – danger of stumbling!
–   Correctly mounted guide bar              and never start the motor in enclosed
                                                                                                     Do not work alone – keep within calling
                                             spaces.
–   Correctly tensioned chain                                                                        distance of others who are trained in
                                             Lock the chain with the chain brake                     emergency procedures and can provide
–   The trigger and trigger lockout must
                                             before starting – risk of injury due to                 help in an emergency. Helpers at the
    move freely and spring back to the
                                             rotating chain!                                         cutting site must also wear protective
    idle position when they are
                                                                                                     clothing (helmet!) and stand well clear of
    released.                                Do not drop-start the engine – start as
                                                                                                     the branches being cut.
                                             described in the Instruction Manual.
–   Master Control lever must move
                                                                                                     More care and attention than usual are
    easily to STOP, 0 or †
                                             During operation                                        required when wearing ear protection,
–   Check that the spark plug boot is                                                                as warning sounds (shouts, beeps, etc.)
    secure – a loose boot may cause                                                                  cannot be heard properly.
    arcing that could ignite combustible     Ensure you always have a firm and safe
                                             footing. Take special care when the bark                Take a break in good time to avoid
    fumes and cause a fire.
                                             is wet – danger of slipping!                            tiredness or exhaustion – risk of
–   Never attempt to modify the controls                                                             accidents!
    or safety devices in any way.
                                                                                                     Dust (e. g., sawdust), fumes and smoke
–   Keep the handles dry and clean –                                                                 produced while using the machine may
    free from oil and dirt – for safe                                                                be hazardous to health. If dust is
    control of the saw.                                                                              generated, wear a dust mask.
–   Make sure there is sufficient fuel                                                               When the engine is running: Note that

                                                                                       001BA087 LÄ
    and chain oil in the tanks.                                                                      the saw chain continues to rotate for a
To reduce the risk of personal injury, do                                                            short period after you let go of the
not operate your saw if it is damaged or                                                             throttle trigger – coasting effect.
not properly assembled.                      Always hold the chain saw firmly with                   No smoking when working with or near
                                             both hands: Right hand on the rear                      the chain saw - risk of fire! Combustible
Starting the chain saw                       handle – even if you are left-handed. To                fuel vapour may escape from the fuel
                                             ensure reliable control, wrap your                      system.
                                             thumbs tightly around the handlebar and
Always work on a level surface. Ensure       handle.
a firm and secure footing. Hold the
machine securely – the chain must not        In the event of impending danger or in
touch any objects or the floor – danger of   an emergency, switch off the engine
injury due to the rotating saw chain.        immediately by moving the Master
                                             Control lever / stop switch to STOP, 0 or
                                             †.

MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C                                                                                                             5
English

Examine the saw chain periodically at          a machine that is not in perfect working      Storage
short intervals and as soon as you note        order. In case of doubt, have the unit
any tangible changes:                          checked by your servicing dealer.
                                                                                             When the machine is not in use, it
–   Switch off the engine; wait until the      Check for correct idling, so that the saw     should be stored in such a way that no-
    saw chain is stationary                    chain stops moving when the throttle          one is endangered. Secure the machine
                                               trigger is released. Check the idle setting   against unauthorised use.
–   Check condition and secure fitting
                                               regularly and correct when possible.
–   Check sharpness                            Have the machine repaired by a STIHL          Store the machine in a safe, dry room.

Never touch the saw chain when the             servicing dealer if the saw chain still
                                               continues to move during idling.              Vibrations
engine is running. If the saw chain
becomes jammed by an object, switch                           The chain saw produces
off the engine immediately before                             poisonous exhaust gases        Prolonged use of the power tool may
attempting to remove the object – risk of                     as soon as the engine          result in vibration-induced circulation
injury!                                                       starts. These gases may        problems in the hands (whitefinger
                                                              be colourless and odour-       disease).
Always turn off the engine before leaving
the machine unattended.                                       less and may contain           No general recommendation can be
                                                              unburnt hydrocarbons           given for the length of usage because it
To change the saw chain, switch off the                       and benzene. Never work        depends on several factors.
engine. Risk of injury from the motor                         with the machine indoors
starting unintentionally!                                     or in poorly ventilated        The period of usage is prolonged by:
Keep easily combustible materials                             areas, even if your            –   Hand protection (wearing warm
(e. g., wood chips, bark, dry grass, fuel)                    machine is equipped with           gloves)
away from hot exhaust gases and hot                           a catalytic converter.
                                                                                             –   Work breaks
mufflers – risk of fire! Mufflers with         Ensure proper ventilation when working
catalytic converters can become                in trenches, hollows or other confined        The period of usage is shortened by:
especially hot.                                locations – risk of fatal injury from         –   Any personal tendency to suffer
Never work without chain lubrication –         breathing toxic fumes!                            from poor circulation (symptoms:
monitor the oil level in the oil tank. Stop    If you feel sick, have a headache, vision         frequently cold fingers, tingling
work immediately if the oil level in the oil   problems (e. g., your field of vision gets        sensations).
tank is too low and top up with chain oil      smaller), hearing problems, dizziness or      –   Low outside temperatures.
– see also "Topping up with chain oil"         inability to concentrate, stop work
and "Check chain lubrication".                                                               –   The force with which the handles
                                               immediately. Such symptoms may be
                                                                                                 are held (a tight grip restricts
If the machine is subjected to unusually       caused by an excessively high
                                                                                                 circulation).
high loads for which it was not designed       concentration of exhaust emissions –
(e. g., heavy impact or a fall), always        risk of accident!                             Continual and regular users should
check that it is in good condition before                                                    monitor closely the condition of their
continuing work – see also "Before             After finishing work                          hands and fingers. If any of the above
starting work".                                                                              symptoms appear (e.g. tingling
                                                                                             sensation in fingers), seek medical
Check the fuel system for leaks and            Switch off the motor, engage the chain        advice.
make sure the safety devices are               brake and attach the chain scabbard.
working properly. Never continue using

6                                                                                            MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English

Maintenance and repairs                      Check ignition lead (insulation in good      servicing dealer – do not use the
                                             condition, secure connection).               machine until the malfunction has been
                                                                                          remedied, see "Chain brake".
Always switch off the engine before any      Check that the muffler is in perfect
repair, cleaning or maintenance work         working condition.
and any work on the chain. Risk of injury    Do not use the machine if the muffler is
if the engine starts inadvertently!          damaged or missing – risk of fire,
Exception: adjustment of carburettor         damage to hearing!
and idle speed.                              Never touch a hot muffler – risk of burns!
The machine must be serviced regularly.      The condition of the anti-vibration
Do not attempt any maintenance or            elements influences vibration behaviour
repair work not described in the             – inspect anti-vibration elements
Instruction Manual. All other work should    periodically.
be carried out by a servicing dealer.
                                             Inspect chain catcher – replace if
STIHL recommends that maintenance            damaged.
and repair work be carried out only by
authorised STIHL dealers. STIHL              Switch off the engine
dealers receive regular training and are     –   To check the chain tension
supplied with technical information.
                                             –   To retension the chain
Use only high-quality spare parts.
Otherwise, there may be a risk of            –   To replace the chain
accidents and damage to the machine. If      –   For remedying malfunctions
you have any questions in this respect,
consult a servicing dealer.                  Observe sharpening instructions – for
                                             safe and proper handling, always keep
Do not modify the machine in any way –       the chain and guide bar in flawless
this may increase the risk of personal       condition. Keep the chain properly
injury –risk of accidents!                   sharpened, tensioned and well
To reduce the risk of fire due to ignition   lubricated.
outside the cylinder, move the master        Change chain, guide bar and chain
control level to STOP, 0 or † before         sprocket in due time.
turning the engine over on the starter
when the spark plug boot is removed or       Regularly check that the clutch drum is
the spark plug is unscrewed!                 in perfect working condition.

Do not service or store the machine near     Always store fuel and chain lubricant
a naked flame – risk of fire due to the      only in the specified type of containers
fuel.                                        and ensure they are correctly labelled.
                                             Store in a dry, cool and secure place
Check fuel cap regularly for tightness.      protected against light and sunlight.
Use only spark plugs that are in perfect     In the event of a chain brake
condition and have been approved by          malfunction, switch off the machine
STIHL – see "Specifications".                immediately – risk of injury! Consult a

MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C                                                                                             7
English

                                                     Kickback occurs if, for example,                      –   Be especially careful with small,
Reactive Forces                                                                                                tough limbs, undergrowth and
                                                                                                               offshoots – the saw chain may
The most common reactive forces are:                                                                           become caught in them
kickback, pushback and pull-in.                                                                            –   Never cut several limbs at once
                                                                                                           –   Do not lean too far forward
Dangers of kickback
                                                                                                           –   Do not cut above shoulder height

                                                                                             001BA257 KN
              Kickback can result in                                                                       –   Use extreme caution when re-
              fatal cuts.                                                                                      entering a previous cut
                                                                                                           –   Do not attempt plunge cuts if you
                                                     –   The saw chain in the area of the                      are not experienced in this cutting
                                                         upper quarter of the guide bar nose                   technique
                                                         unintentionally comes into contact
                                                         with wood or a solid object – e. g.,              –   Be alert for shifting of the log or
                                                         unintentionally touches another limb                  other forces that may cause the cut
                                                         during limbing                                        to close and pinch the chain

                                                     –   The saw chain at the nose of the                  –   Always cut with a correctly
                                                         guide bar is briefly pinched in the cut               sharpened, properly tensioned saw
                                                                                                               chain – the depth gauge setting
                                                                                                               must not be too large
                                                     QuickStop chain brake:
                                                                                                           –   Use low-kickback saw chains as
                                                                                                               well as narrow-radius guide bars
                                                     This device reduces the risk of injury in
                                                     certain situations – it cannot prevent
                                                                                                           Pull-in (A)
                                                     kickback. If activated, the brake stops
                                                     the saw chain within a fraction of a
                                                     second –
                                                     refer to chapter "Chain brake" in this
                                                     Instruction Manual.
                                       001BA036 KN

                                                     Reducing the risk of kickback

                                                                                                                                                   001BA037 KN
Kickback occurs when the saw is
suddenly thrown up and back in an                    –   Work cautiously and methodically
uncontrolled arc towards the operator.               –   Hold the chain saw firmly with both
                                                                                                                                             A
                                                         hands and maintain a secure grip
                                                                                                           When the chain on the bottom of the bar
                                                     –   Always cut at full throttle                       – overbucking – is suddenly pinched,
                                                                                                           caught or encounters a foreign object in
                                                     –   Be aware of the location of the guide
                                                                                                           the wood, the chain saw may suddenly
                                                         bar nose
                                                     –   Do not cut with the guide bar nose

8                                                                                                          MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English

be drawn forward toward the log – to                 Dead wood (brittle, rotten or dead wood)
avoid this, engage the bumper spike                  poses a significant, highly unpredictable   Working Techniques
firmly in the wood.                                  hazard. It is extremely difficult or even
                                                     practically impossible to recognise the     Sawing and felling work, including all
Pushback (B)                                         danger. Use aids such as winches or         related work (plunge cutting, limbing,
                                                     draglines.                                  etc.) may only be carried out by persons
                                                     When felling close to roads, rail lines,    who have been specially trained and
                                                     power lines, etc., work with particular     instructed. Persons who are not
                                                     care. If necessary, notify police, power    experienced chain saw users should not
                                                     companies or railway authorities.           carry out any such work – increased risk
                                                                                                 of accidents!
                                                                                                 Country-specific legislation on felling

                                       001BA038 KN
                                                                                                 technique must be complied with during
                                   B                                                             felling work.

When the chain on the top of the bar –                                                           Cutting
underbucking – is suddenly pinched,
caught or encounters a foreign object in                                                         Do not operate your saw with the
the wood, the chain saw may suddenly                                                             starting throttle lock engaged. Engine
be driven straight back toward the                                                               speed cannot be controlled with the
operator – to avoid this:                                                                        throttle trigger in this position.
–   Do not allow the top of the guide bar                                                        Work calmly and carefully – in daylight
    to become jammed                                                                             conditions and only when visibility is
–   Do not twist the guide bar in the cut                                                        good. Ensure you do not endanger
                                                                                                 others – stay alert at all times.
Be very careful                                                                                  First-time users are advised to practice
                                                                                                 cutting logs on a sawhorse – see "When
–   With freely hanging limbs                                                                    cutting small logs".

–   With trunks that are under tension                                                           Use the shortest possible guide bar: The
    between other trees because they                                                             chain, guide bar and chain sprocket
    fell unfavourably                                                                            must match each other and your saw.

–   When working in windbreaks
In these cases, do not use a chain saw –
use a hoist, winch or dragline instead.
Pull out trunks that are lying about and
have been cut free. Whenever possible,
deal with them in open areas.

MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C                                                                                                         9
English

                                                          materials, dry plants or scrub. Always                  Note when reaching the end of a cut that
                                                          contact your local forest authority for                 the saw is no longer supported in the
                                                          information on a possible fire risk.                    kerf. You have to take the full weight of
                                                                                                                  the machine since it might otherwise go
                                                                                                                  out of control.
                                                                                                                  When cutting small logs:

                                            001BA082 KN
                                                                                                                  –   Use a sturdy and stable support –
                                                                                                                      sawhorse.
Position the saw so that your body is                                                                             –   Never hold the log with your leg or
clear of the cutting attachment.                                                                                      foot.
Always pull the saw out of the cut with                                                                           –   Never allow another person to hold
the chain running.                                                                                                    the log or help in any other way.
Use your chain saw for cutting only. It is                                                                        Limbing:
not designed for prying or shoveling                                                                              –   Use a low kickback chain.
away limbs, roots or other objects.
                                                                                                                  –   Work with the saw supported
Do not underbuck freely hanging limbs.                                                                                wherever possible.

                                                                                                    001BA033 KN
Take care when cutting scrub and young                                                                            –   Do not stand on the log while
trees. The saw chain may catch and                                                                                    limbing it.
throw thin shoots in your direction.
                                                                                                                  –   Do not cut with the bar nose.
To reduce the risk of injury, take special                If on a slope, stand on the uphill side of
care when cutting shattered wood                          the log. Watch out for rolling logs.                    –   Watch for limbs which are under
because of the risk of injury from slivers                                                                            tension.
being caught and thrown in your                           When working at heights:
                                                                                                                  –   Never cut several limbs at once.
direction.                                                –   Always use a lift bucket
                                                                                                                  Lying or standing logs under tension:
Make sure your saw does not touch any                     –   Never work on a ladder or in a tree
foreign materials: Stones, nails, etc. may                                                                        Always make cuts in the correct
be flung off and damage the saw chain.                    –   Never work on an insecure support                   sequence (first at the compression
The saw may kick back unexpectedly –                      –   Do not work above shoulder height                   side (1), then at the tension side (2), the
risk of accidents.                                                                                                saw may otherwise pinch or kick back –
                                                          –   Never operate your power tool with                  risk of injury.
If the rotating chain makes contact with                      one hand
a rock or other solid object there is a risk
                                                          Begin cutting with the saw at full throttle
of sparking which may cause easily
                                                          and engage the spiked bumper firmly in
combustible material to catch fire under
                                                          the wood, and then continue cutting.
certain circumstances. Dry plants and
scrub are also easily combustible,                        Never work without the spiked bumper
especially in hot and dry weather                         because the saw may pull you forwards
conditions. If there is a risk of fire, do not            and off balance. Always engage the
use your chainsaw near combustible                        spiked bumper securely in the tree or
                                                          limb.

10                                                                                                                MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English

                                                      Ripping cut:

                    1

                                                                                                                                                        001BA088 LÄ
                    2

                                        001BA151 KN
                                                                                                                        1         1/ 2      1
                                                                                                                                 21/2

                                                                                                              Maintain a distance of at least 2 1/2 tree
                                                                                                              lengths from the next felling site.
                     2                                                                                        Determining direction of fall and escape
                                                                                                              path

                     1                                                                                        Select gap in stand into which you want
                                        001BA152 KN

                                                                                                              the tree to fall.
                                                                                                              Pay special attention to the following

                                                                                                001BA189 KN
                                                                                                              points:
N   Make relieving cut at the                                                                                 –   The natural inclination of the tree
    compression side (1)
                                                      Cutting technique in which the spiked                   –   Unusually heavy limb structure,
N   Make bucking cut at the tension                                                                               asymmetrical growth, damage to
    side (2)                                          bumper is not used – risk of pull-in – start
                                                      the cut with the guide bar at the                           tree
Be wary of pushback when making                       shallowest possible angle – take extra                  –   The wind direction and speed – do
bucking cut from the bottom upwards                   care since there is an increased danger                     not fell in high winds
(underbuck).                                          of kickback.
                                                                                                              –   Direction of slope

     NOTICE                                           Preparing for felling                                   –   Neighboring trees

Do not cut a lying log at a point where it                                                                    –   Snow load
is touching the ground because the saw                Check that there are no other persons in                –   Take the general condition of the
chain will otherwise be damaged.                      the felling area – other than helpers.                      tree into account – be especially
                                                      Make sure no-one is endangered by the                       careful with trunk damage or
                                                      falling tree – the noise of your engine                     deadwood (brittle, rotten or dead
                                                      may drown any warning calls.                                wood)

MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C                                                                                                                     11
English

                                                       Preparing work area at base of tree                     Felling notch
                                                       –   First clear the tree base and work

                                B
                                                           area from interfering limbs and                     Preparing the felling notch
                                                           brush to provide a secure footing.
                                                       –   Carefully clear the base of the trunk
                                                           (e.g., with an axe) – sand, stones
                                  45°                      and other foreign objects will blunt
                                                           the saw chain
          A                                                                                                            C
                                  45°

                                                                                                 001BA146 KN
                                         001BA040 KN
                                B

                                                                                                                            C
                                                       –   Remove largest buttresses: first the
A    Direction of fall

                                                                                                                                                       001BA271 KN
                                                           largest buttress – saw first vertically,
B    Escape path (escape routes)                           then horizontally – only if the tree is
–    Establish escape paths for each                       in sound condition
     worker – approx. 45° diagonally
                                                                                                               The felling notch (C) determines the
     opposite to the direction of fall
                                                                                                               direction of fall.
–    Clear escape paths, eliminate
                                                                                                               Important:
     obstacles
                                                                                                               –   Make a felling notch at right angle to
–    Put down tools and equipment at a
                                                                                                                   direction of fall
     safe distance – but not on the
     escape paths                                                                                              –   Saw as close to the ground as
                                                                                                                   possible
–    When felling, stand only to the side
     of the falling trunk and only move                                                                        –   Cut to a depth of approx. 1/5 to 1/3
     back laterally onto the escape path                                                                           of the diameter of the trunk
–    Plan escape paths on slopes
     parallel to the slope
–    When walking away along the
     escape path, watch out for falling
     limbs and watch the top of the tree.

12                                                                                                             MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English

Determine direction of fall with gunning                 Checking the direction of fall                        felling notch to a depth of about 1/10 of
sight on cover and fan housing                                                                                 trunk diameter. On large diameter trees,
                                                                                                               cut to no more than width of guide bar.
                                                                                                               Do not make sapwood cuts if wood is
                                                                                                               diseased.

                                                                                                               Basic information on felling cut

                                                                                                 001BA153 KN
                                           001BA153 KN
                                                                                                               Basic dimensions

                                                         N   Insert the chainsaw with guide bar in
Your chainsaw has a gunning sight on                         the bottom of the felling notch. The
the cover and fan housing. Use this                          gunning sight must point in the
gunning sight.                                               planned direction of fall – if
                                                             necessary, correct direction of fall
Making the felling notch                                                                                               C
                                                             by re-cutting the felling notch.                                                        1/10
When making a felling notch, align the                                                                                                                  Ø
chainsaw so that the notch lies at a right               Sapwood cuts
angle to the direction of fall.
During the procedure, various
sequences are permitted for making a
felling notch with a bottom (horizontal)
cut and top (angled) cut – comply with
                                                                                                                           C          E
national legislation regarding felling
technique.

                                                                                                                                                         001BA259 KN
N   Make a bottom (horizontal) cut                                                                                                             G
N   Make the top (angled) cut
    approx. 45°- 60° to the bottom cut
                                                                                                               The felling notch (C) determines the
                                                                                                               direction of fall.
                                                                                                               The hinge (D) functions like a real hinge
                                                                                                               to guide the tree to the ground.
                                                                                                               –   Width of hinge: approx. 1/10 of the
                                                                                                                   trunk diameter
                                                                                                 001BA150 KN

                                                                                                               –   Never saw through the hinge while
                                                                                                                   felling – otherwise the tree will fall in
                                                                                                                   a direction other than the one
                                                         Sapwood cuts in long-fibered softwood                     planned – risk of accident!
                                                         help prevent sapwood splintering when
                                                         the tree falls. Make cuts at both sides of            –   With rotten trunks, leave a wider
                                                         the trunk at same height as bottom of                     hinge

MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C                                                                                                                       13
English

The tree is felled with the felling cut (E).            1.   Begin cut by applying the lower                     Select suitable felling wedges
                                                             portion of the guide bar nose – do                  dependent on the trunk diameter and the
–    Cut horizontally
                                                             not use upper portion because of                    width of the kerf (analogue to felling cut
–    1/10 (at least 3 cm) of tree diameter                   risk of kickback. Cut at full strength              (E)).
     higher than bottom of felling                           until the depth of the kerf is twice the
                                                                                                                 Contact the STIHL dealer for the
     notch (C).                                              width of the guide bar
                                                                                                                 selection of the felling wedge (suitable
The holding strap (F) or stabilizing                    2.   Swing the machine slowly into the                   length, width and height).
strap (G) supports the tree and helps                        plunge cutting position – risk of
prevent it from falling prematurely.                         kickback and pushback!                              Selecting the appropriate felling cut
–    Width of strip: approx. 1/10 to 1/5 of             3.   Make the plunge cut very carefully.
     the trunk diameter                                      Risk of pushback.                                   The selection of the appropriate felling
–    Do not cut into the strip during the                                                                        cut is dependent on the same tree
     felling cut                                                                                                 characteristics that must be noted when
                                                                                                                 determining the direction of fall and the
–    With rotten trunks, leave a wider                                                                           escape paths.
     strip
                                                                                                                 There are various different features of
Plunge cutting                                                                                                   these characteristics. This User Manual

                                                                                                   001BA270 KN
–    For relieving cuts during shortening                                                                        will only describe the two most
                                                                                                                 commonly occurring variants:
–    For wood carving

                                                        Where possible, use a plunge blade.
                                                        The plunge blade and the upper/lower
                                                        side of the guide bar are parallel.
                                                        During plunge cutting, the plunge bar
                                                        helps to keep the hinge parallel in form,

                                                                                                                                                         001BA260 KN
                                                        i.e. the same thickness at all points. To
                                                        do this, guide the plunge bar parallel to
                                                        the sink chord.
                                                        Felling wedges                                           left:     Normal tree – vertically
                                                                                                                           upright tree with uniform
                                                        Insert the felling wedge as soon as
          1.                                                                                                               crown
                                                        possible, i.e. as soon as no obstruction
                                                        of saw control is to be expected. Position               right:    Leaner tree - crown pointing in
                                                        the felling wedge in the felling cut and                           direction of fall
                                3.
                                                        drive in with suitable tools.
               2.
                                          001BA269 KN

                                                        Only use aluminum or plastic wedges –
                                                        do not use steel wedges. Steel wedges
                                                        can seriously damage the saw chain and
N    Use a low kickback saw chain and                   cause dangerous kickback.
     proceed with special care

14                                                                                                               MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English

Felling cut with stabilizing strap (normal            –   Do not cut into the stabilizing strap
tree)

A) Thin trunks                                                                                                                      1.
                                                                                                                               2.
Implement this felling cut when the trunk                                                                                                     3.
diameter is smaller than the cutting
length of the chainsaw.

                                                                                 3.

                                                                                                                              4.         5.

                                                                                                                                                        001BA263 KN
                     1.
                            2.

                                                                                               001BA273 KN
                                                                                                             Shout a warning before starting the
                                                                                                             felling cut.
                                                      N   Set the felling wedge (3)
                                                                                                             N   Engage the spiked bumper at the
                                                      Shout a second warning immediately
                                                                                                                 height of the felling cut and use this
                                                      before the tree falls.
                                                                                                                 as the rotation point – reposition the
                                        001BA261 KN

                                                      N   Cut through the stabilizing strap,                     chainsaw as little as possible
                                                          horizontal level with the felling cut,
                                                                                                             N   Tip of the guide bar must penetrate
                                                          with arms fully extended
                                                                                                                 the wood before the hinge (1) –
Shout a warning before starting the                   B) Thick trunks                                            guide the chainsaw absolutely
felling cut.                                                                                                     horizontally and swivel as widely as
                                                      Implement this felling cut when the trunk
N   Plunge cut the felling cut (E) –                  diameter is greater than the cutting                       possible
    plunge the guide bar fully in                     length of the machine.                                 N   Make the felling cut up to the
N   Engage the spiked bumper behind                                                                              hinge (2)
    the hinge and use this as the                                                                            –   Do not cut into the hinge
    rotation point – reposition the
    chainsaw as little as possible                                                                           N   Make the felling cut up to the
                                                                                                                 stabilizing strap (3)
N   Make the felling cut up to the
    hinge (1)                                                                                                –   Do not cut into the stabilizing strap
–   Do not cut into the hinge                                                                                The felling cut must be continued on the
                                                                                                             opposite side of the trunk.
N   Make the felling cut up to the
    stabilizing strap (2)                                                                                    Ensure that the second cut is at the
                                                                                                             same level as the first cut.

MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C                                                                                                                     15
English

N    Plunge cut the felling cut
N    Make the felling cut up to the
     hinge (4)
–    Do not cut into the hinge
N    Make the felling cut up to the
     stabilizing strap (5)                                                1.     2.

–    Do not cut into the stabilizing strap

                                                                                                                                                    001BA266 KN
                                                                                                 001BA265 KN
                              6.

                                                        N   Plunge cut the guide bar into the                  Shout a second warning immediately
                                                            trunk until it exits on the other side             before the tree falls.
                                                        N   Make the felling cut (E) towards the               N   With outstretched arms, cut through
                                                            hinge (1)                                              the holding strap at a downward
                                                                                                                   angle from outside.
                                                        –   Cut horizontally
                                          001BA274 KN

                                                        –   Do not cut into the hinge
                                                        N   Make the felling cut towards the
N    Set the felling wedge (6)                              holding strap (2)

Shout a second warning immediately                      –   Cut horizontally
before the tree falls.                                  –   Do not cut into the holding strap.
N    Cut through the stabilizing strap,
     horizontal level with the felling cut,
     with arms fully extended

Felling Cut with Holding Strap (Leaner)

A) Thin trunks
Implement this felling cut when the trunk
diameter is smaller than the cutting
length of the chainsaw.

16                                                                                                             MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English

B) Thick trunks                                        The felling cut must be continued on the               N   With outstretched arms, cut through
                                                       opposite side of the trunk.                                the holding strap at a downward
                                                                                                                  angle from outside.
                                                       Ensure that the second cut is at the
                                                       same level as the first cut.

                            1.                         N   Engage the spiked bumper behind
                  2.             3.                        the hinge and use this as the
                                                           rotation point – reposition the
                                                           chainsaw as little as possible
                                                       N   Tip of the guide bar must penetrate
                                                           the wood before the holding strap
                                                           (4) – guide the chainsaw absolutely
                                                           horizontally and swivel as widely as
                                                           possible
                  5.             6.                    N   Make the felling cut up to the
                       4.
                                                           hinge (5)
                                         001BA267 KN

                                                       –   Do not cut into the hinge
                                                       N   Make the felling cut up to the
                                                           holding strap (6)
Perform this felling cut when the tree                 –   Do not cut into the holding strap.
diameter is greater than the cutting
length of the chainsaw.
N   Engage the spiked bumper behind
    the holding strap and use it as a
    pivot – avoid repositioning the
    chainsaw more than necessary.
N   The guide bar nose enters the
    wood (1) before it reaches the hinge
    – hold the chainsaw horizontally and
    swing it as far as possible.
–   Do not cut into the holding strap or
    hinge.
N   Make the felling cut up to the
    hinge (2)
–   Do not cut into the hinge
                                                                                                001BA268 KN

N   Make the felling cut up to the
    holding strap (3)
–   Do not cut into the holding strap.                 Shout a second warning immediately
                                                       before the tree falls.

MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C                                                                                                                17
English

                                                      Chain Scabbard
Cutting Attachment                                                                                        Mounting the Bar and Chain
                                                                                                          (front chain tensioner)
A cutting attachment consists of the saw
chain, guide bar and chain sprocket.                                                                      Removing the chain sprocket cover

The cutting attachment that comes
standard is designed to exactly match
the chain saw.

                                                                                            001BA244 KN
     1
                                    2                 Your saw comes standard with a chain

                                                                                                                                                 143BA034 KN
                                                      scabbard that matches the cutting
                                        001BA248 KN   attachment.

               a                    3                 If guide bars of different lengths are
                                                                                                          N   Unscrew the nut and remove the
                                                      mounted to the saw, always use a chain
                                                                                                              chain sprocket cover.
                                                      scabbard of the correct length which
–    The pitch (t) of the saw chain (1),              covers the complete guide bar.
     chain sprocket and the nose                      The length of the matching guide bars is
     sprocket of the Rollomatic guide bar             marked on the side of the chain
     must match.                                      scabbard.
–    The drive link gauge (2) of the saw
     chain (1) must match the groove                                                                                                     1

                                                                                                                                                207BA009 KN
     width of the guide bar (3).                                                                                                 2
If non-matching components are used,
the cutting attachment may be damaged                                                                     N   Turn the screw (1)
beyond repair after a short period of                                                                         counterclockwise until the
operation.                                                                                                    tensioning nut (2) butts against the
                                                                                                              left end of the housing slot.

18                                                                                                        MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English

Disengage the chain brake.
                                                                                                                Mounting the Bar and Chain
                                                                                                                (quick chain tensioner)
                                                                3          1    1
                                                                                                                Removing the chain sprocket cover
                                                                          2           4

                                                                                                  207BA010 KN
                                         001BA186 KN
                                                       N   Fit the guide bar over the studs (1) –
                                                           the cutting edges on the top of the                                           1
                                                           bar must point to the right.                                         3                  2
    Pull the hand guard towards the

                                                                                                                                                         2310BA013 KN
N
    front handle until there is an audible             N   Engage the peg of the tensioner
    click – the chain brake is                             slide in the locating hole (2) –- place
    disengaged.                                            the chain over the sprocket (3) at
                                                           the same time.                                       N   Swing grip (1) into position (until it
Fitting the chain                                      N   Turn the tensioning screw (4)                            engages)
                                                           clockwise until there is very little                 N   Turn the wing nut (2) to the left until
                                                           chain sag on the underside of the                        it hangs loosely in the chain
                                                           bar – and the drive link tangs are                       sprocket cover (3)
                                                           engaged in the bar groove.
                                                                                                                N   Remove chain sprocket cover (3)
                                                       N   Refit the sprocket cover and screw
                                                           on the nut only fingertight.                         Mounting the tensioning gear
                                        143BA003 KN

                                                       N   Go to chapter on "Tensioning the
                                                           Saw Chain"

     WARNING
                                                                                                                                               1
Wear work gloves to protect your hands

                                                                                                                                                         2310BA014 KN
from the sharp cutters.
N   Fit the chain – start at the bar nose.

                                                                                                                N   Remove and reverse tensioning
                                                                                                                    gear (1)

MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C                                                                                                                      19
English

                                                      Releasing the chain brake                             N   Fit the saw chain – starting at the
                                                                                                                nose of the guide bar – pay attention
             2                                                                                                  to the position of the tensioning gear
                                                                                                                and the cutting edges
                                                                                                            N   Turn tensioning gear (1) to the right
                                                                                                                as far as possible

                                       2310BA015 KN
                                                                                                            N   Turn the guide bar so that the
                                                                                                                tensioning gear faces the user

                                                                                              001BA186 KN
N    Remove screw (2)

                     1                                N   Pull hand guard towards the front                                             3
                                                          handle until it engages audibly –                          2
                                                          chain brake is released

                                                                                                                                                    181BA013 KN
                                 3                    Fitting the saw chain
                                       2310BA016 KN

                                                                                                            N   Place the saw chain on the chain
                                                                                                                sprocket (2)
N    Position tensioning gear (1) and
     guide bar (3) relative to one another                                                                  N   Slide the guide bar over the collar
                                                                                                                screw (3); the head of the rear collar
                                                                                                                screw must protrude into the oblong
                                                                                                                hole
                 2
                                       2310BA017 KN

N    Insert and tighten screw (2)

                                                                          1
                                                                                              181BA012 KN

                                                           WARNING
                                                      Put on protective gloves – risk of injury
                                                      by the sharp cutters.

20                                                                                                          MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English

                                                       N   turn the adjusting wheel (4) a little
                                                           until the chain sprocket cover can       Mounting the Bar and Chain
                                                           be slid completely against the           (side chain tensioner)
                                                           engine housing
                                                                                                    Removing the chain sprocket cover
                                                       N   Swing grip (5) into position (until it
                                                           engages)
                                                       N   Fit wing nut and tighten lightly
                                                       N   Next step: see "Tensioning the Saw
                                                           Chain"

                                                                                                                                           143BA034 KN
                                        135BA011 KN

                                                                                                    N   Unscrew nuts and remove chain
                                                                                                        sprocket cover

N   Guide the drive link into the bar
    groove (see arrow) and turn the
                                                                                                                          1
    tensioning gear to the left as far as
    possible
N   Fit chain sprocket cover, sliding the                                                                             2

                                                                                                                                            001BA185 KN
    guide lugs into the engine housing
    openings

                                                                                                    N   Turn screw (1) to the left until the
                              4                                                                         tensioner slide (2) butts against the
                                                                                                        left end of the housing slot
                        5
                                        2310BA018 KN

When fitting the chain sprocket cover,
the teeth of the adjusting wheel and the
tensioning gear must mesh; if
necessary,

MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C                                                                                                        21
English

Releasing the chain brake
                                                                                                               Tensioning the Saw Chain
                                                                                                               (front chain tensioner)
                                                                 3          1    1
                                                                           2 4

                                                                                                 001BA187 KN
                                          001BA186 KN

                                                                                                                                                      143BA045 KN
                                                        N   Position the guide bar over the                              1
                                                            bolts (1) – the cutting edges of the
                                                            saw chain must point to the right
N    Pull hand guard towards the front
     handle until it engages audibly –                  N   Position the locating hole (2) over                Retensioning during cutting work:
     chain brake is released                                the peg of the tensioner slide –
                                                                                                               N   Switch off the engine.
                                                            simultaneously place the saw chain
Fitting the saw chain                                       over the sprocket wheel (3)                        N   Loosen the nuts.
                                                        N   Turn screw (4) to the right until there            N   Hold the bar nose up.
                                                            is very little chain sag on the                    N   Use a screwdriver to turn the
                                                            underside of the bar – and the drive                   tensioning screw (1) clockwise until
                                                            link tangs engage in the bar groove                    the chain fits snugly against the
                                                        N   Refit the chain sprocket cover – and                   underside of the bar.
                                                            then screw on the nut by hand until                N   While still holding the bar nose up,
                                                            it is fingertight
                                         143BA003 KN

                                                                                                                   tighten down the nuts firmly.
                                                        N   Go to chapter "Tensioning the saw                  N   Go to "Checking Chain Tension".
                                                            chain"
                                                                                                               A new chain has to be retensioned more
                                                                                                               often than one that has been in use for
     WARNING                                                                                                   some time.
Put on protective gloves – risk of injury                                                                      N   Check chain tension frequently –
by the sharp cutters                                                                                               see chapter on "Operating
                                                                                                                   Instructions".
N    Fit the chain starting at the nose of
     the guide bar

22                                                                                                             MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English

Tensioning the Saw Chain                             Tensioning the Saw Chain                             Checking Chain Tension
(quick chain tensioner)                              (side chain tensioner)

                     1
                 2                                        1

                                                                                            133BA024 KN
                                       001BA112 KN

                                                                                                                                                   143BA007 KN
Retensioning during cutting work:                    Retensioning during cutting work:                    N   Shut off the engine.
N   Shut off the engine.                             N   Shut off the engine.                             N   Wear work gloves to protect your
                                                                                                              hands.
N   Pull out the hinged clip and loosen              N   Loosen the nuts.
    the wingnut.                                                                                          N   The chain must fit snugly against
                                                     N   Hold the bar nose up.
                                                                                                              the underside of the bar and it must
N   Turn the adjusting wheel (1)
                                                     N   Use a screwdriver to turn the                        still be possible to pull the chain
    clockwise as far as stop.
                                                         tensioning screw (1) clockwise until                 along the bar by hand.
N   Tighten down the wingnut (2) firmly                  the chain fits snugly against the
                                                                                                          N   If necessary, retension the chain.
    by hand.                                             underside of the bar.
                                                                                                          A new chain has to be retensioned more
N   Fold down the hinged clip.                       N   While still holding the bar nose up,
                                                                                                          often than one that has been in use for
                                                         tighten down the nuts firmly.
N   Go to "Checking Chain Tension"                                                                        some time.
                                                     N   Go to "Checking Chain Tension".
A new chain has to be retensioned more                                                                    N   Check chain tension frequently –
often than one that has been in use for              A new chain has to be retensioned more                   see chapter on "Operating
some time.                                           often than one that has been in use for                  Instructions".
                                                     some time.
N   Check chain tension frequently –
    see chapter on "Operating                        N   Check chain tension frequently –
    Instructions".                                       see chapter on "Operating
                                                         Instructions".

MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C                                                                                                               23
English

                                           Gasoline with an ethanol content of            Storing Fuel
Fuel                                       more than 10% can cause running
                                           problems in engines with a manually
                                           adjustable carburetor and should not be        Store fuel only in approved safety-type
Your engine requires a mixture of                                                         fuel canisters in a dry, cool and safe
gasoline and engine oil.                   used in such engines.
                                                                                          location protected from light and the sun.
                                           Engines equipped with M-Tronic deliver
                                           full power when run on gasoline with an        Fuel mix ages – only mix sufficient fuel
     WARNING                                                                              for a few weeks work. Do not store fuel
                                           ethanol content of up to 25% (E25).
For health reasons, avoid direct skin                                                     mix for longer than 30 days. Exposure to
contact with gasoline and avoid inhaling   Engine Oil                                     light, the sun, low or high temperatures
gasoline vapor.                                                                           can quickly make the fuel mix unusable.
                                           If you mix the fuel yourself, use only
                                           STIHL two-stroke engine oil or another         STIHL MotoMix may be stored for up to
STIHL MotoMix                                                                             2 years without any problems.
                                           high-performance engine oil in
                                           accordance with JASO FB, JASO FC,              N   Thoroughly shake the mixture in the
STIHL recommends the use of STIHL          JASO FD, ISO-L-EGB, ISO-L-EGC or                   canister before fueling your
MotoMix. This ready-to-use fuel mix        ISO-L-EGD.                                         machine.
contains no benzol or lead, has a high     STIHL specifies STIHL HP Ultra two-
octane rating and ensures that you         stroke engine oil or an equivalent high-            WARNING
always use the right mix ratio.            performance engine oil in order to
                                                                                          Pressure may build up in the canister –
STIHL MotoMix uses STIHL HP Ultra          maintain emission limits over the
                                                                                          open it carefully.
two-stroke engine oil for an extra long    machine’s service life.
engine life.                                                                              N   Clean the fuel tank and canister
                                           Mix Ratio                                          from time to time.
MotoMix is not available in all markets.
                                           STIHL 50:1 two-stroke engine oil: 50           Dispose of remaining fuel and cleaning
Mixing Fuel                                parts gasoline to 1 part oil                   fluid properly in accordance with local
                                                                                          regulations and environmental
                                           Examples                                       requirements.

     NOTICE                                Gasoline        STIHL engine oil 50:1
                                           Liters          Liters  (ml)
Unsuitable fuels or lubricants or mix
ratios other than those specified may      1               0.02    (20)
result in serious damage to the engine.    5               0.10    (100)
Poor quality gasoline or engine oil may    10              0.20    (200)
damage the engine, sealing rings, hoses    15              0.30    (300)
and the fuel tank.
                                           20              0.40    (400)
Gasoline                                   25              0.50    (500)
Use only high-quality brand-name           N   Use a canister approved for storing
gasoline with a minimum octane rating          fuel. Pour oil into canister first, then
of 90 – leaded or unleaded.                    add gasoline and mix thoroughly.

24                                                                                        MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English

                                                         Fuel pick-up body replacement
Fueling                                                                                                       Chain Lubricant

                                                                                                              For automatic and reliable lubrication of
                                                                                                              the chain and guide bar – use only an
                                                                                                              environmentally compatible quality
                                                                                                              chain and bar lubricant. Rapidly
Preparing the machine                                                                                         biodegradable STIHL BioPlus is
                                                                                                              recommended.

                                                                                                                   NOTICE
                                                                                                              Biological chain oil must be resistant to
                                                                                                              aging (e.g. STIHL BioPlus), since it will
                                                                                                              otherwise quickly turn to resin. This
                                                                                                              results in hard deposits that are difficult
                                           143BA000 KN

                                                                                                              to remove, especially in the area of the
                                                                                                              chain drive and chain. It may even cause

                                                                                                143BA009 KN
                                                                                                              the oil pump to seize.
N   Before fueling, clean the filler cap                                                                      The service life of the chain and guide
    and the area around it so that dirt                                                                       bar depends on the quality of the
    cannot fall into the tank.                           Change the fuel pick-up body every                   lubricant. It is therefore essential to use
                                                         year; to do this:                                    only a specially formulated chain
N   Always position the machine so that
    the filler cap is facing upwards                                                                          lubricant.
                                                         N   Drain the fuel tank
N   Open the filler cap                                  N   Pull the fuel pick-up body out of the                 WARNING
                                                             tank with a hook and disconnect it
Refueling                                                    from the hose                                    Do not use waste oil. Renewed contact
                                                                                                              with waste oil can cause skin cancer.
                                                         N   Connect a new fuel pick-up body to               Moreover, waste oil is environmentally
Take care not to spill fuel while fueling                    the hose                                         harmful.
and do not overfill the tank.
                                                         N   Return the fuel pick-up body to the
STIHL recommends use of the STIHL                            tank                                                  NOTICE
filling system for fuel (special
accessory).                                                                                                   Waste oil does not have the necessary
                                                                                                              lubricating properties and is unsuitable
                                                                                                              for chain lubrication.
     WARNING
After fueling, tighten down the filler cap
by hand as securely as possible.
Use a suitable tool (e. g., screwdriver of
the combination wrench) for slotted filler
caps.

MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C                                                                                                                    25
English

                                                          If the oil level in the tank does not go
Filling Chain Oil Tank                                    down, the reason may be a fault in the oil   Checking Chain Lubrication
                                                          supply system: Check chain lubrication,
                                                          clean the oilways, contact your dealer
                                                          for assistance if necessary STIHL
                                                          recommends that you have servicing
                                                          and repair work carried out exclusively
                                                          by an authorized STIHL servicing
Preparations                                              dealer.

                                            001BA158 KN

                                                                                                                                              143BA024 KN
N    Thoroughly clean the oil filler cap
     and the area around it to ensure that
     no dirt falls into the tank.
                                                                                                       The saw chain must always throw off a
N    Position the machine so that the
                                                                                                       small amount of oil.
     filler cap is facing up.
N    Open the filler cap.
                                                                                                            NOTICE
Fill up with chain oil.                                                                                Never operate your saw without chain
                                                                                                       lubrication. If the chain runs dry, the
                                                                                                       whole cutting attachment will be
N    Refill the chain oil tank every time                                                              irretrievably damaged within a very short
     you refuel.                                                                                       time. Always check chain lubrication and
Take care not to spill chain oil while                                                                 the oil level in the tank before starting
refilling and do not overfill the tank.                                                                work.
STIHL recommends you use the STIHL                                                                     Every new chain has to be broken in for
filler nozzle for chain oil (special                                                                   about 2 to 3 minutes.
accessory).                                                                                            After breaking in the chain, check chain
N    Close the filler cap.                                                                             tension and adjust if necessary – see
                                                                                                       "Checking Chain Tension".
There must still be a small amount of oil
in the oil tank when the fuel tank is
empty.

26                                                                                                     MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English

                                                     Releasing the chain brake                            The chain brake will operate only if the
Chain Brake                                                                                               hand guard has not been modified in any
                                                                                                          way.

                                                                                                          Check operation of the chain brake

                                                                                                          Before starting work: Run engine at idle
Locking the chain                                                                                         speed, engage the chain brake (push
                                                                                                          hand guard toward bar nose) and open
                                                                                                          the throttle wide for no more than
                                                                                                          3 seconds – the chain must not rotate.
                                                                                                          The hand guard must be free from dirt
                                                                                                          and move freely.

                                                                                                          Chain brake maintenance

                                                                                                          The chain brake is subject to normal

                                                                                            143BA012 KN
                                                                                                          wear. It is necessary to have it serviced
                                                                                                          and maintained regularly by trained
                                                                                                          personnel. STIHL recommends that you
                                                                                                          have servicing and repair work carried
                                                     N   Pull the hand guard back toward the              out exclusively by an authorized STIHL
                                                         front handle,                                    servicing dealer. Maintain the following
                                                                                                          servicing intervals:
                                                          NOTICE
                                                                                                          Full-time usage:         every 3
                                       143BA011 KN

                                                     Always disengage chain brake before                                           months
                                                     accelerating the engine (except when                 Part-time usage:         every 6
                                                     checking its operation) and before                                            months
–   in an emergency                                  starting cutting work.
                                                                                                          Occasional usage:        every 12
–   when starting                                    High revs with the chain brake engaged                                        months
–   at idling speed                                  (chain locked) will quickly damage the
                                                     powerhead and chain drive (clutch,
The chain brake is activated by pushing              chain brake).
the hand guard toward the bar nose with
your left hand – or by inertia in certain            The chain brake is also activated by the
kickback situations: The chain is                    inertia of the front hand guard if the
stopped and locked.                                  kickback force of the saw is high
                                                     enough: The hand guard is accelerated
                                                     toward the bar nose – even if your left
                                                     hand is not behind the hand guard, e.g.
                                                     during felling cut.

MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C                                                                                                              27
English

                                                      Adjusting the master control lever            Holding the chain saw
Starting / Stopping the
Engine
                                                      To adjust the master control lever from       There are two ways to hold the chain
                                                      run F to cold start l, press and hold         saw during starting.
Positions of the master control lever
                                                      down the throttle trigger lockout and
                                                      throttle trigger simultaneously – set         On the ground
                                                      master control lever.
                                                      To set the master control lever to warm
                                                      start n, first set it to cold start l, then
                       STOP                           push the master control lever into the
                                                      warm start n position.
                                                      Switching to the warm start n position
          0                                           is only possible from the cold start l
                                                      position.
                                                      Simultaneously pressing the throttle
                                                      trigger lockout and blipping the throttle
                                                      trigger causes the master control lever
                                                      to jump from the warm start n position
                                                      to run F.
                                                      To switch off the engine, set the master
                                        001BA140 KN

                                                      control lever to Stop 0.

                                                                                                                                              207BA020 KN
                                                      Position cold start l

Stop 0 – engine off – ignition is switched            –   If the engine is cold
                                                                                                    N   Place the chain saw securely on the
off                                                   –   If the engine stalls during opening of        ground and assume a steady
Run F – Engine running or can start                       throttle after starting                       stance – the saw chain must not
                                                      –   If the fuel tank has run empty                touch any objects and also must not
Warm start n – this position is for
                                                          (engine stalled out)                          touch the ground
starting the warm engine – the master
control lever returns to run when the                                                               N   With the left hand on handlebar,
                                                      Position warm start n
throttle trigger is squeezed                                                                            press the chain saw firmly against
                                                      –   If engine is warm (once the engine            the ground – thumb wrapped
Cold start l – this position is for
                                                          has been running for approx. one              around the handlebar
starting the cold engine
                                                          minute)                                   N   Place your right foot into the rear
                                                      –   When the engine has fired for the             handle
                                                          first time
                                                      –   After ventilation of the combustion
                                                          chamber, if the engine was flooded

28                                                                                                  MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English

Between the knees or thighs                        Starting                                              Versions with ErgoStart
                                                                                                         The ErgoStart stores the energy for
                                                                                                         starting the chain saw. For this reason, a
                                                   Standard versions
                                                                                                         few seconds may pass between the
                                                                                                         pulling of the starter rope and the
                                                                                                         starting of the engine.
                                                                                                         N   With the right hand, pull the starter
                                                                                                             grip slowly and smoothly –
                                                                                                             simultaneously press down on the
                                                                                                             handlebar – do not pull the starter
                                                                                                             rope out all the way – risk of
                                                                                                             breakage!
                                                                                                         N   Do not let the starter grip snap back
                                                                                                             – guide it vertically back into the
                                                                                                             housing so that the starter rope can
                                                                                                             rewind properly
                                     207BA021 KN

                                                                                                         Starting the chain saw

                                                                                           207BA022 KN
N   Clamp the rear handle between the
    knees or thighs                                                                                           WARNING
N   Grip the handlebar firmly with the                                                                   There must not be anyone within the
                                                   N   With the right hand, pull the starter
    left hand – thumb wrapped around                                                                     swivel range of the chain saw.
                                                       grip slowly until you feel it engage –
    the handlebar                                      and then give it a brisk strong pull –            N   Observe safety precautions
                                                       simultaneously press down on the
                                                       handlebar – do not pull the starter
                                                       rope out all the way – risk of
                                                       breakage! Do not let the starter grip
                                                       snap back – guide it vertically back
                                                       into the housing so that the starter
                                                       rope can rewind properly
                                                   With a new engine or after a long period
                                                   of disuse, it may be necessary to pull the
                                                   starter rope several times – to prime the
                                                   fuel line.

MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C                                                                                                              29
English

For all versions                                      When the engine has turned over for the
                                                      first time

                                                                                          STOP

                                                                                                                                                       207BA019 KN
                                                                                           0
                           0
                                                                   3
     1

                                                                                                 207BA023 KN
                                                                                                               N   Pull the hand guard toward the
                                                                                                                   handlebar
                                                                                                               The chain brake is released - the chain
                                                      N   Move master control lever (3) to                     saw is ready for use.
                                    2                     warm start n and continue
                                                          cranking                                                  NOTICE

                                                      Once the engine is running                               Open the throttle only when the chain
                                        207BA025 KN

                                                                                                               brake is off. Increased engine speeds
                                                                                                               with the chain brake on (saw chain is
                                                                                                               stationary) will quickly damage the
N    Push the hand guard (1) forwards –                                                   STOP
                                                                                                               clutch and chain brake.
     the saw chain is blocked
                                                                                           0
N    Simultaneously press and hold                                                                             At very low temperatures
     down the throttle trigger lockout (2)                         3           2
     and throttle trigger – set master

                                                                                                 207BA024 KN
                                                                                                               N   Let the engine warm up briefly with
     control lever                                                        4                                        the throttle slightly open
Position cold start l
                                                                                                               Switching off the engine
–    If engine is cold (even if the engine            N   Press the throttle trigger lockout (2)
     has stalled during opening of                        and blip the throttle trigger (4); the
     throttle after starting)                             master control lever (3) jumps to                    N   Move the master control lever to the
                                                          run F and the engine begins to idle                      stop position 0
Position warm start n
–    If engine is warm (once the engine                                                                        If the engine does not start
                                                          NOTICE
     has been running for approx. one
     minute)                                          The engine must be switched to idle
                                                      immediately – otherwise, damage to the                   The master control lever was not
N    Hold and start the chain saw                                                                              returned from the position cold start l
                                                      engine housing and chain brake may
                                                      occur when the chain brake is locked.                    to warm start n in time, the engine may
                                                                                                               be flooded.

30                                                                                                             MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English

N   Move the master control lever to the                                                    Chain cold
    stop position 0                         Operating Instructions
                                                                                            Tension is correct when the chain fits
N   Remove the spark plug - see "Spark                                                      snugly against the underside of the bar
    plug"                                                                                   but can still be pulled along the bar by
                                            During the break-in period
                                                                                            hand. Retension if necessary – see
N   Dry the spark plug
                                                                                            "Tensioning the Saw Chain".
N   Crank the engine several times with     A factory new machine should not be run
    the starter – to clear the combustion   at high revs (full throttle off load) for the   Chain at operating temperature
    chamber                                 first three tank fillings. This avoids          The chain stretches and begins to sag.
N   Replace the spark plug – see "Spark     unnecessarily high loads during the             The drive links must not come out of the
    plug"                                   break-in period. As all moving parts            bar groove on the underside of the bar –
                                            have to bed in during the break-in              the chain may otherwise jump off the
N   Set the master control lever to warm    period, the frictional resistances in the       bar. Retension the chain – see
    start n – even if the engine is cold    shortblock are greater during this period.      "Tensioning the Saw Chain".
N   Restart the engine                      The engine develops its maximum
                                            power after about 5 to 15 tank fillings.
                                                                                                 NOTICE
                                            During work                                     The chain contracts as it cools down. If it
                                                                                            is not slackened off, it can damage the
                                                                                            crankshaft and bearings.
                                                 NOTICE                                     After a long period of full-throttle
                                            Do not make the mixture leaner to               operation
                                            achieve an apparent increase in power –
                                                                                            After a long period of full-throttle
                                            this could damage the engine – see
                                                                                            operation, allow engine to run for a while
                                            "Adjusting the Carburetor".
                                                                                            at idle speed so that the heat in the
                                                                                            engine can be dissipated by flow of
                                                 NOTICE                                     cooling air. This protects engine-
                                                                                            mounted components (ignition,
                                            Open the throttle only when the chain
                                                                                            carburetor) from thermal overload.
                                            brake is off. Running the engine at high
                                            revs with the chain brake engaged
                                            (chain locked) will quickly damage the          After finishing work
                                            shortblock and chain drive (clutch, chain
                                            brake).                                         N   Slacken off the chain if you have
                                                                                                retensioned it at operating
                                            Check chain tension frequently                      temperature during work.
                                            A new saw chain must be retensioned
                                            more frequently than one that has been
                                            in use already for an extended period.

MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C                                                                                                  31
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