English
Start and operate your saw without
assistance. For specific starting
instructions, see the appropriate section
of the instruction manual. Proper starting
methods reduce the risk of injury.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury from chain
contact and/or reactive forces, the chain
brake must be engaged when starting
the saw.
Warning!
Do not drop start. This method is very
dangerous because you may lose con-
trol of the saw.
Place the chain saw on firm ground or
other solid surface in an open area.
Maintain good balance and secure
footing.
8
Warning!
Be sure that the guide bar and chain are
clear of you and all other obstructions
and objects, including the ground. When
the engine is started, the engine speed
with the starting throttle lock engaged
will be fast enough for the clutch to
engage the sprocket and, if the chain
brake is not activated, turn the chain. If
the running chain near the upper quad-
rant of the tip of the bar touches any
object, it may cause kickback to occur
(see section on reactive forces). To
reduce this risk, always engage the
chain brake before starting. Never
attempt to start the chain saw when the
guide bar is in a cut or kerf.
Once the engine has started,
immediately blip the throttle trigger,
which should release the Master Control
lever to the run position and allow the
engine to slow down to idle.
Warning!
When you pull the starter grip, do not
wrap the starter rope around your hand.
Do not let the grip snap back, but guide
the starter rope to rewind it properly.
Failure to follow this procedure may
result in injury to your hand or fingers
and may damage the starter
mechanism.
Important Adjustments
Warning!
To reduce the risk of personal injury
from loss of control and/or contact with
the running cutting attachment, do not
use your unit with incorrect idle adjust-
ment. At correct idle speed, the cutting
attachment should not move. For direc-
tions on how to adjust idle speed, see
the appropriate section of your instruc-
tion manual.
If you cannot set the correct idle speed,
have your STIHL dealer check your
power tool and make proper
adjustments and repairs.
During Operation
Holding and Controlling the Power
Tool
Always hold the saw firmly with both
hands when the engine is running. Place
your left hand on the front handle bar
and your right hand on the control
handle and throttle trigger. Left-handers
should follow these instructions too.
Wrap your fingers tightly around the
handles, keeping the handles cradled
between your thumb and forefinger.
With your hands in this position, you can
best oppose and absorb the push, pull
MS 200 T