MS 311, MS 391
English
9
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.
Once the engine has started, 
immediately blip the throttle trigger, 
which should release the Master Control 
lever to the run position and allow the 
engine to slow down to idle.
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).
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.
Important Adjustments
WARNING
To reduce the risk of personal injury 
from loss of control and / or contact with 
the running cutting tool, do not use your 
chain saw 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.
If you cannot set the correct idle speed, 
have your STIHL dealer check your 
chain saw and make proper adjustments 
and repairs.
Holding and Controlling the Chain Saw
Always hold the chain saw firmly with 
both hands when the engine is running. 
Place your left hand on the front handle 
bar and your right hand on the rear 
handle and throttle trigger.
Left-handers should follow these 
instructions too. Wrap your fingers 
tightly around the handles, keeping the 
handles cradled between your thumb 
and forefinger. With your hands in this 
position, you can best oppose and 
absorb the push, pull and kickback 
forces of your saw without losing control 
(see section on reactive forces).
WARNING
To reduce the risk of seri-
ous or fatal injury to the 
operator or bystanders 
from loss of control, 
never use the chain saw 
with one hand. It is more 
difficult for you to control 
reactive forces and to 
prevent the bar and chain 
from skating or bouncing 
along the limb or log.