MS 194 T
English
31
Locking chain with chain brake
– in an emergency
– when starting
– at idling speed
The chain is stopped and locked when 
the hand guard is pushed toward the bar 
nose by the left hand – or when brake is 
activated by inertia in certain kickback 
situations.
Releasing the chain brake
N Pull the hand guard back toward the 
front handle.
NOTICE
Always disengage chain brake before 
accelerating engine and before starting 
cutting work. The only exception to this 
rule is when you check operation of the 
chain brake.
High revs with the chain brake engaged 
(chain locked) will quickly damage the 
powerhead and chain drive (clutch, 
chain brake).
The chain brake is designed to be 
activated also by the inertia of the front 
hand guard if the forces are sufficiently 
high. The hand guard is accelerated 
toward the bar nose - even if your left 
hand is not behind the hand guard, e.g. 
during a felling cut. The chain brake will 
operate only if it has been properly 
maintained and the hand guard has not 
been modified in any way.
Check operation of chain brake
Before starting work: Run engine at idle 
speed, engage the chain brake (push 
hand guard toward bar nose). 
Accelerate up to full throttle 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 
wear. It is necessary to have it serviced 
and maintained regularly by trained 
personnel, such as your STIHL servicing 
dealer, at the following intervals:
Chain Brake
Full-time usage: every 3 
months
Part-time usage: every 6 
months
Occasional usage: every 12 
months