36
English / USA
MS 441 C
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).
The chain brake is designed to be 
activated also by the inertia of the 
front hand guard
if the forces are sufficiently high. The 
hand guard is accelerated toward the 
bar nose – even if your left hand is not 
behind the hand guard, e.g. during a 
felling cut. The chain brake will operate 
only if it has been properly maintained 
and the hand guard has not been 
modified in any way.
Check operation of rear-handle-
activated chain brake
Before starting work:
Open the throttle fully and then release 
the rear handle. The chain must stop 
moving within less than a second.
Check operation of hand-guard-
activated chain brake
Before starting work: Run engine at idle 
speed, engage the chain brake (push 
hand guard toward bar nose). Open the 
throttle wide for no more than 3 seconds. 
The chain must not rotate. The hand 
guard must be free from dirt and move 
freely.
In case of any doubt about the above 
functions, contact your STIHL dealer for 
assistance.
Chain brake maintenance
The chain brake is subject to normal 
wear and tear. It must therefore be 
checked and serviced regularly by 
trained personnel (e.g. STIHL dealer) at 
the following intervals:
Full-time professional 
usage: every 3 
months
Semi-professional 
usage (farm and 
construction industry): every 6 
months
Hobby and occasional 
usage: every 12
months