Stihl MS 311 - Page 9

MS 311, MS 391
English
7
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.
As soon as the engine is running,
immediately blip the throttle trigger,
which will disengage the starting throttle
lock and allow the engine to settle down
to idle.
Important Adjustments
If you cannot set the correct idle speed,
have your STIHL dealer check your
power tool and make proper
adjustments and repairs.
During Operation
Holding and controlling the power
tool
Always hold the unit firmly with both
hands on the handles while you are
working. Wrap your fingers and thumbs
around the handles.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury from chain
contact and/or reactive forces, the chain
brake must be engaged when starting
the saw.
Warning!
Do not drop start. This method is very
dangerous because you may lose con-
trol of the saw.
001BA113 KN
Warning!
Be sure that the guide bar and 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 chain. If
the upper quadrant of the tip of the bar
touches any object, it may cause kick-
back 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.
001BA114 KN
Warning!
When you pull the starter grip, do not
wrap the starter rope around your hand.
Do not let the grip snap back, but guide
the starter rope to rewind it properly.
Failure to follow this procedure may
result in injury to your hand or fingers
and may damage the starter
mechanism.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of personal injury
from loss of control and/or contact with
the running cutting tool, do not use your
unit with incorrect idle adjustment. At
correct idle speed, the cutting tool
should not move. For directions on how
to adjust idle speed, see the appropriate
section of your instruction manual.