Operating elements on the chainsaw

Chain brake

The chain brake on your STIHL chainsaw is triggered inertially or manually. In both cases, the brake band encloses the clutch drum and prevents the chain starting to move even when the throttle trigger is squeezed. The chain brake is applied manually by pressing the front hand guard on your STIHL chainsaw forwards. It is activated by inertial whenever a sufficiently strong kickback is encountered (due to the mass inertia of the hand guard). In this case, the hand guard snaps forwards towards the bar nose.

Decompression valve

Not all STIHL chainsaws have a decompression valve. The valve should be pressed before starting in order to reduce the compression pressure when starting, as well as the effort needed to pull the starter rope. The decompression valve is semi-automatic, meaning that it must be pressed manually before starting, but then closes automatically.

Manual fuel pump

The manual fuel pump (not available on all STIHL chainsaws) reduces the number of pulls needed on the starter rope. Actuate the fuel pump as often as necessary, until fuel appears in the transparent pump bladder. The engine can still be started as usual without actuating the manual fuel pump; the only difference is that more pulls on the starter rope will be needed.

Master control lever™

Ignition is off and the engine cannot be started. Set the single lever master control to 0 in order to switch off the running engine.

Operating position: Ignition is on. The engine runs when the control is in this position or can be started if already warm.

Half-throttle (or starting throttle) position. The hot engine is started with the slide control in this position. The slide control jumps to the operating position automatically when the throttle trigger is squeezed.

Cold start / choke - The cold engine is started with the slide control in this position. An engine is said to be cold when it is started for the first time. Even on a hot summer day, the temperature in the combustion chamber is still below 50 °C and the engine "cold". The choke must be opened as soon as the engine has started for the first time in this position, otherwise it will become flooded. Note that the slide control can only be moved in the half-throttle and cold start positions when the throttle trigger interlock is pressed at the same time.

Front handle

Always grasp the front handle of your STIHL chainsaw with the left hand so that your thumb encloses the handle tube from below. (Both right-handed and left-handed operators always grasp the front handle with their left hand.)

Starter grip / rope

Pull the starter rope to start the engine. If your chainsaw is equipped with the STIHL ElastoStart™, the peak forces occurring when starting will be absorbed. STIHL chainsaws equipped with the new STIHL ErgoStart™ (not available in all models) can be started with just two fingers and a single pull.

Rear handle with throttle trigger and throttle trigger interlock

Pull the starter rope to start the engine. If your chainsaw is equipped with the STIHL ElastoStart™, the peak forces occurring when starting will be absorbed. STIHL chainsaws equipped with the new STIHL ErgoStart™ (not available in all models) can be started with just two fingers and a single pull.

Always grasp the rear handle with your right hand (even if you are left-handed!). Grasp the handle so that your thumb encloses the handle.

Throttle trigger

Squeezing the throttle trigger opens the throttle shutter in the engine so that more air and therefore more fuel enters the carburetor. Note: The throttle trigger can only be squeezed together with the throttle trigger interlock.

Throttle trigger interlock

The throttle trigger interlock is located on the handle of STIHL chainsaws. It is pressed by grasping the handle. The throttle trigger can only be squeezed when the throttle trigger interlock is also actuated.