MS 271, MS 271 C, MS 291, MS 291 C
English
8
Keep the handles clean and dry at all 
times; it is particularly important to keep 
them free of moisture, pitch, oil, fuel mix, 
grease or resin in order for you to 
maintain a firm grip and properly control 
your chain saw .
WARNING
Be sure that the guide bar and saw chain 
are clear of you and all other 
obstructions and objects, including the 
ground. If the upper quadrant of the tip of 
the bar touches any object, it may cause 
kickback to occur (see section on 
reactive forces). Never attempt to start 
the chain saw when the guide bar is in a 
cut or kerf.
For specific starting instructions, see the 
appropriate section of your instruction 
manual.
Starting
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire and burn 
injuries, start the engine at least 10 feet 
(3 m) from the fueling spot, outdoors 
only.
Start and operate your chain 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 saw 
chain contact and / or reactive forces, 
the chain brake must be engaged when 
starting the chain saw. If your chain saw 
is equipped with the Quickstop Plus 
chain brake system, it is not sufficient to 
engage that brake only for starting, 
because the saw chain may begin to 
rotate at high speed when the throttle 
trigger lockout is depressed (releasing 
the brake) in order to blip the throttle 
trigger after starting.
WARNING
Do not drop start. This method is very 
dangerous because you may lose 
control of the chain saw.
There are two recommended methods 
for starting your chain saw.
With the first recommended method, the 
chain saw is started on the ground. 
Make sure the chain brake is engaged 
(see "Chain Brake" chapter in your 
instruction manual) and place the chain 
saw on firm ground or other solid surface 
in an open area. Maintain good balance 
and secure footing.
Grip the front handlebar of the saw firmly 
with your left hand and press down. For 
saws with a rear handle level with the 
ground, put the toe of your right foot into 
the rear handle and press down. With 
your right hand pull out the starter grip 
slowly until you feel a definite resistance 
and then give it a brisk, strong pull.
The second recommended method for 
starting your chain saw allows you to 
start the saw without placing it on the 
ground. Make sure the chain brake is 
engaged, grip the front handle of the 
chain saw firmly with your left hand. 
Keep your arm on the front handle in a 
locked (straight) position. Hold the rear 
handle of the saw tightly between your 
legs just above the knees. Maintain 
good balance and secure footing. Pull 
the starting grip slowly with your right 
hand until you feel a definite resistance 
and then give it a brisk, strong pull.
WARNING
Be sure that the guide bar and saw 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 saw 
chain. If the upper quadrant 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.