Stihl MS 261 Instruction Manual

Original Instruction ManualPrinted on chlorine-free paper
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2010 0458-573-8621-A. M12.M10.PM. 0000002865_002_GB
MS 261, MS 261 C
English
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Contents
Allow only persons who fully understand
this manual to operate your chain saw.
To receive maximum performance and
satisfaction from your STIHL chain saw,
it is important that you read, understand
and follow the safety precautions and
the operating and maintenance
instructions in chapter "Safety
Precautions and Working Techniques"
before using your chain saw. For further
information you can go to
www.stihlusa.com.
Contact your STIHL dealer or the STIHL
distributor for your area if you do not
understand any of the instructions in this
manual.
Guide to Using this Manual 2
Safety Precautions and Working
Techniques 3
Cutting Attachment 24
Mounting the Bar and Chain (side
chain tensioner) 24
Mounting the Bar and Chain (quick
chain tensioner) 25
Tensioning the Saw Chain (side
chain tensioner) 27
Tensioning the Saw Chain (quick
chain tensioner) 27
Checking Chain Tension 28
Fuel 28
Fueling 29
Chain Lubricant 31
Filling Chain Oil Tank 31
Checking Chain Lubrication 32
Chain Brake 32
Winter Operation 33
Electric Handle Heating 34
Starting / Stopping the Engine 34
Operating Instructions 38
Oil Quantity Control 39
Taking Care of the Guide Bar 40
Shroud 40
Cleaning the Air Filter 41
Engine Management 41
Adjusting the Carburetor 42
Spark Arresting Screen in Muffler 43
Spark Plug 43
Replacing the Starter Rope and
Rewind Spring 44
Storing the Machine 47
Checking and Replacing the Chain
Sprocket 47
Maintaining and Sharpening the
Saw Chain 48
Maintenance and Care 52
Main Parts 54
Specifications 56
Special Accessories 57
Ordering Spare Parts 58
Maintenance and Repairs 58
STIHL Incorporated Federal
Emission Control Warranty
Statement 58
Trademarks 60
Warning!
Because a chain saw is a high-speed
wood-cutting tool, some special safety
precautions must be observed as with
any other power saw to reduce the risk
of personal injury. Careless or improper
use may cause serious or even fatal
injury.

Stihl MS 261 Specifications

General

Motor type	2-stroke motor
Chain gauge	1.6 mm
Chain pitch	3/8 \
Blade length	400 mm
Automatic oiling	Yes
Oil tank capacity	0.27 L
Fuel tank capacity	0.5 L
Engine displacement	50.2 cm³
Engine power	3.8 hp
Power source	Gasoline

Weight and Dimensions

Weight	5200 g