Stihl MS 172 User Manual

36 pages

Questions and Answers:

S
Sue SimpsonAug 15, 2025
Why does my Stihl MS 172 Saw engine not start?
- K
  Kimberly LeachAug 15, 2025
  If your Stihl Saw engine won't start, it might be due to several reasons: * The fuel tank may be empty. In this case, mix the fuel and top up the chainsaw. * The engine may be flooded. If so, vent the combustion chamber. * The carburetor may be too hot. Allow the chainsaw to cool down. If a manual fuel pump is fitted: Press the manual fuel pump at least 10 times before starting the engine. * The carburetor may have iced up. Allow the chainsaw to warm up to +10 °C.
A
Alicia BarnesAug 18, 2025
Why is there smoke or a burning smell while cutting with my Stihl MS 172?
- M
  Michael PattonAug 18, 2025
  If you notice smoke or a burning smell while cutting with your Stihl Saw, it's likely that the saw chain hasn't been sharpened correctly. Sharpen the chain as specified.
H
Heather BaileyAug 21, 2025
Why is there poor acceleration in my Stihl MS 172?
- J
  Jennifer CruzAug 22, 2025
  Poor acceleration in your Stihl Saw can occur if the saw chain is over-tensioned. To resolve this, tension the saw chain as specified.
R
reedsonyaAug 25, 2025
Why does the engine idle erratically on my Stihl Saw?
- W
  william18Aug 25, 2025
  If your Stihl Saw engine idles erratically, it could be that the carburetor has iced up. Allow the chainsaw to warm up to +10 °C.
K
Kimberly JacksonAug 28, 2025
What to do if the engine stops while idling on my Stihl MS 172 Saw?
- B
  Bruce FloresAug 28, 2025
  If the engine on your Stihl Saw stops while idling, it may be because the carburetor has iced up. Allow the chainsaw to warm up to +10 °C.
J
joshua09Aug 31, 2025
What to do if there is insufficient saw chain oil in the oil tank of my Stihl MS 172?
- M
  Mr. John EvansAug 31, 2025
  If there is insufficient saw chain oil in the oil tank of your Stihl Saw, fill it up with saw chain oil.
D
deborahrichardsonSep 3, 2025
What to do if the saw chain is over-tensioned on my Stihl MS 172?
- S
  Samuel HuangSep 4, 2025
  If the saw chain on your Stihl Saw is over-tensioned, tension the saw chain as specified.
B
bobbydavidSep 7, 2025
What to do if the saw chain does not start running when revved up on my Stihl Saw?
- E
  edwardskeithSep 7, 2025
  If the saw chain on your Stihl Saw doesn't start running when you rev it up, here are a few things to check: 1. The chain brake might be engaged. Disengage the chain brake. 2. The saw chain could be over-tensioned. Tension the saw chain as specified. 3. The sprocket nose of the guide bar might be blocked. Clean the sprocket nose of the guide bar with STIHL resin solvent.

Stihl MS 172 Specifications

General

Sound pressure level	100 dB(A)
Sound power level	113 dB(A)
Displacement	31.8 cc (1.9 cu in)
Saw chain pitch	3/8"
Recommended bar length	30-35 cm (12-14 in)

Summary

Guide to Using this Manual

Symbols used with warnings in the text

Overview

Safety Precautions

Warning Signs

Meanings of warning signs on the chainsaw and necessary precautions.

Intended Use

The Operator

Requirements for the user to operate the chainsaw safely.

Clothing and Equipment

Recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) for chainsaw operation.

Work Area and Surroundings

Safe Condition

Guide Bar Safety Checks

Saw Chain Safety Checks

Fuel Mixture and Refueling

Instructions and warnings for mixing fuel and refueling the chainsaw.

Kickback

Understanding and preventing chainsaw kickback.

Pull-in

Understanding and preventing chainsaw pull-in.

Pushback

Understanding and preventing chainsaw pushback.

Preparing the Saw for Operation

Preparation Steps

Steps to prepare the chainsaw for safe operation before use.

Assembling the Saw

Mounting and Removing the Bar and Chain

Procedure for attaching and detaching the guide bar and saw chain.

Mounting Guide Bar and Chain (Quick Tensioner)

Procedure for mounting the guide bar and chain with a quick tensioner.

Filling Up with Saw Chain Oil

Tensioning the Chain

Tensioning the Saw Chain

Procedure for adjusting the saw chain tension.

Tensioning Saw Chain (Quick Tensioner)

Procedure for adjusting chain tension with a quick tensioner.

Engaging and Disengaging the Chain Brake

Engaging the Chain Brake

How to activate the chainsaw's chain brake.

Disengaging the Chain Brake

How to deactivate the chainsaw's chain brake.

Mixing Fuel and Refueling the Chainsaw

Mixing Fuel

Instructions and recommendations for mixing fuel for the chainsaw.

Filling up the Chainsaw with Fuel

Starting and Stopping the Engine

Selecting the correct starting procedure

Preparing the engine for start

Starting the engine

Step-by-step instructions for starting the chainsaw engine.

Shut off the engine

Checking the Saw

Checking the Chain Sprocket

Checking the Guide Bar

Checking the Saw Chain

Testing the Chain Brake

Checking the Controls

Operating the Saw

Holding and Controlling the Chainsaw

Sawing

Safe operating techniques for sawing wood with the chainsaw.

Limbing

Safe operating techniques for limbing branches from felled trees.

Felling

Procedures and safety for felling trees.

Determining direction of fall and escape path

Planning the direction of fall and safe escape routes.

Preparing work area at base of tree

Cutting a Felling Notch

Procedure for making the felling notch to control fall direction.

Plunge cutting

Felling normal, small diameter tree

Felling normal, large diameter tree

Felling a small diameter leaner

Felling a large diameter leaner

Transporting

Transporting the Chainsaw

Storing

Maintenance

Maintenance intervals

Sharpening the Saw Chain

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting the Chainsaw

Common problems and their solutions for the chainsaw.

Adjust idle speed

Specifications

Bar and Chain Combinations

STIHL MS 162, MS 172 Chainsaw

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