MS 362 C-M
English
11
size, may cause respiratory or other 
illnesses. This includes wood dust, 
especially from hardwoods, but also 
from some softwoods such as Western 
Red Cedar. Control dust at the source 
where possible. Use good work 
practices, such as always cutting with a 
properly sharpened chain (which 
produces wood chips rather than fine 
dust) and operating the unit so that the 
wind or operating process directs any 
dust raised by the power tool away from 
the operator. Follow the 
recommendations of EPA / OSHA / 
NIOSH and occupational and trade 
associations with respect to dust 
("particulate matter"). When the 
inhalation of dust cannot be 
substantially controlled, i.e., kept at or 
near the ambient (background) level, the 
operator and any bystanders should 
wear a respirator approved by NIOSH / 
MSHA for the type of dust encountered.
WARNING
Breathing asbestos dust is dangerous 
and can cause severe or fatal injury, 
respiratory illness or cancer. The use 
and disposal of asbestos-containing 
products have been strictly regulated by 
OSHA and the Environmental Protection 
Agency. If you have any reason to 
believe that you might be cutting 
asbestos, immediately contact your 
employer or a local OSHA 
representative.
Operating Instructions
WARNING
Do not operate your power tool using the 
starting throttle position, as you do not 
have control of the engine speed.
In the event of an emergency, switch off 
the engine immediately – move the 
Master Control lever in the direction of 
STOP or †.
WARNING
Always stop the engine before putting a 
chain saw down.
WARNING
The saw chain continues to move for a 
short period after the throttle trigger is 
released (flywheel effect).
Accelerating the engine while the saw 
chain is blocked increases the load and 
will cause the clutch to slip continuously. 
This may occur if the throttle is 
depressed for more than a few seconds 
when the chain is pinched in the cut or 
the chain brake is engaged. It can result 
in overheating and damage to important 
components (e.g. clutch, polymer 
housing components) – which can then 
increase the risk of injury, e.g., from the 
saw chain moving while the engine is 
idling.
WARNING
Your chain saw is equipped with a chain 
catcher. It is designed to reduce the risk 
of personal injury in the event of a 
thrown or broken chain. From time to 
time, the catcher may be damaged or 
removed. To reduce the risk of personal 
injury, do not operate a chain saw with a 
damaged or missing chain catcher.
WARNING
Inspect anti-vibration elements 
periodically. Replace damaged, broken 
or excessively worn anti-vibration 
elements immediately, since they may 
result in loss of control of the saw. A 
"sponginess" in the feel of the saw, 
increased vibration or increased 
"bottoming" during normal operation 
may indicate damage, breakage or 
excessive wear. Anti-vibration elements 
should always be replaced in sets. If you 
have any questions as to whether the 
anti-vibration elements should be 
replaced, consult your STIHL servicing 
dealer.
WARNING
Your saw is not designed for prying or 
shoveling away limbs, roots or other 
objects. Such use could damage the 
cutting attachment or AV system.
WARNING
When sawing, make sure that the saw 
chain does not touch any foreign 
materials such as rocks, fences, nails 
and the like. Such objects may be flung 
off, damage the saw chain or cause the 
saw to kickback
WARNING
Never modify your muffler. Any 
modification could cause an increase in 
heat radiation, sparks or sound level, 
thereby increasing the risk of fire, burn 
injury or hearing loss. You may also 
permanently damage the engine. Have 
your muffler serviced and repaired by 
your STIHL servicing dealer only.