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Stihl MSA 120 C - User Manual

Stihl MSA 120 C
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STIHL MSA 120 C
Instruction Manual
Manual de instrucciones
WARNING
To reduce the risk of kickback injury use
STIHL reduced kickback bar and STIHL low
kickback chain as specified in this manual or
other available low kickback components.
ADVERTENCIA
Para reducir el riesgo de lesionarse como
resultado de un culatazo, utilice la barra y la
cadena de contragolpe reducido de la forma
especificada en este manual o de otros
componentes reductores de contragolpe.
WARNING
Read Instruction Manual thoroughly before use and
follow all safety precautions – improper use can cause
serious or fatal injury.
ADVERTENCIA
Antes de usar la máquina lea y siga todas las precauciones
de seguridad dadas en el manual de instrucciones – el uso
incorrecto puede causar lesiones graves o mortales.

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers

  • M
    Matthew CooperNov 28, 2025
    Why does my Stihl MSA 120 C not start when switched on?
    • M
      Matthew TuckerDec 1, 2025
      There are several reasons why your Stihl Chainsaw might not start: * The battery's charge might be too low, so charge the battery. * The battery could be too warm or cold. In this case, engage the chain brake, remove the battery, and allow it to cool down or warm up. * There might be a malfunction in the saw. Engage the chain brake, remove the battery, clean the electrical contacts, reinsert the battery, disengage the chain brake, and switch on the saw. If 3 LEDs continue to flash red, stop using the chainsaw and contact your STIHL servicing dealer. * The chainsaw may be too hot. Engage the chain brake, remove the battery and allow the chainsaw to cool down. * There could be a fault in the battery. Engage the chain brake, remove and refit the battery, disengage the chain brake, ...
  • R
    Rachel HarrisAug 25, 2025
    What to do if Stihl Chainsaw cuts out during operation?
    • A
      Anne KellyAug 26, 2025
      If your Stihl chainsaw cuts out during operation, it could be due to the chainsaw being too hot. Engage the chain brake, remove the battery, and allow the chainsaw to cool down. Alternatively, there might be an electrical fault. In this case, engage the chain brake, remove and refit the battery, and then switch on the saw.
  • A
    Anna BassAug 30, 2025
    What to do if Stihl MSA 120 C Chainsaw is too hot?
    • N
      Nicole MckinneyAug 30, 2025
      If your Stihl chainsaw is too hot, engage the chain brake and remove the battery. Allow the chainsaw to cool down.
  • M
    melissacarterAug 31, 2025
    Why does my Stihl Chainsaw battery run out so quickly?
    • C
      Christina ChandlerAug 31, 2025
      A Stihl Chainsaw's short runtime can be due to a few reasons: * The battery may not be fully charged. In this case, charge the battery. * The battery's useful life may have been reached or exceeded. If this is the case, have the battery checked by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer.
  • M
    Margaret RuizSep 1, 2025
    Why is the run time of my Stihl MSA 120 C too short?
    • H
      Harold HammondSep 2, 2025
      If your Stihl chainsaw run time is too short, it could be because the battery is not fully charged; ensure you fully charge the battery. Another reason could be that the battery service life has been exceeded, in which case you should replace the battery.
  • L
    Lisa ValenciaNov 21, 2025
    What to do if my Stihl Chainsaw does not start when switched on?
    • H
      Harold Stuart DDSNov 21, 2025
      If your Stihl Chainsaw doesn't start, several factors could be at play. It might be due to a low battery charge, in which case you should charge the battery. The battery could also be too hot or too cold; if this is the case, engage the chain brake, remove the battery, and allow it to cool down or warm up. There may be a malfunction in the saw itself. To address this, engage the chain brake and remove the battery, clean the contacts in the battery compartment, refit the battery, disengage the chain brake, and switch the saw on. If 3 LEDs continue to flash red, contact your STIHL servicing dealer. The chainsaw could also be too hot, so engage the chain brake, remove the battery, and allow the chainsaw to cool down. Finally, there might be a malfunction in the battery. Try engaging the chain...
  • L
    Lori GrahamSep 18, 2025
    What to do if the battery is not being charged on my Stihl MSA 120 C?
    • T
      tyrone90Sep 18, 2025
      If the battery is not being charged, it could be due to: * No electrical contact between charger and battery. Remove the battery, clean the contacts on the charger, and then fit the battery. * A malfunction in the charger. Do not use the charger and contact your STIHL servicing dealer.
  • C
    Charles WrightSep 23, 2025
    How to start charging Stihl Chainsaw if charging does not start when the battery is inserted into the charger?
    • M
      Mrs. Hannah Sanders DDSSep 23, 2025
      If charging doesn't start when the battery is inserted into the charger, it may be because the battery is too warm or too cold. Leave the battery inserted in the charger. Charging starts automatically as soon as the permitted temperature range is reached.
  • H
    Heather MossSep 12, 2025
    What to do if there is no electrical contact between Stihl Chainsaw and battery?
    • K
      Kathy GraySep 12, 2025
      If there is no electrical contact between your Stihl chainsaw and the battery, engage the chain brake and remove the battery. Clean the electrical contacts in the battery compartment, then insert the battery.
  • M
    mendezpennySep 8, 2025
    What to do if Stihl MSA 120 C Chainsaw battery is not being charged?
    • M
      Marc BatesSep 8, 2025
      If the Stihl chainsaw battery is not being charged, it could be due to no electrical contact between the charger and battery. Remove the battery and clean the contacts on the charger, then refit the battery. Alternatively, there may be a malfunction in the charger. If this is the case, do not use the charger and contact your STIHL servicing dealer.

Summary

Guide to Using this Manual

Signal Words

Explains the meaning of signal words like DANGER, WARNING, NOTICE.

Safety Symbols on the Products

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

Work Area Safety

Provides safety guidelines for the work area.

Electrical Safety

Personal Safety

Outlines personal safety measures for operating power tools.

General Chain Saw Safety Warnings

General safety warnings specific to chain saws.

Causes and Operator Prevention of Kickback

Explains kickback causes and prevention methods.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Operator

Personal Protective Equipment

Details the required personal protective equipment.

Chain Saw

Safety precautions related to the chain saw itself.

Before Operation

Holding and Controlling the Chain Saw

Proper techniques for holding and controlling the chain saw.

Operating Instructions

Step-by-step instructions for operating the chain saw.

Kickback and Other Reactive Forces

Reactive Forces

Explains the nature of reactive forces in chain saws.

Kickback

Details the phenomenon of kickback.

Devices for Reducing the Risk of Kickback Injury

Explains devices designed to reduce kickback injury.

To Avoid Kickback

Provides methods to avoid kickback situations.

Pull-in

Explains the "pull-in" reactive force and how to reduce its risk.

Pushback

Explains the "pushback" reactive force and how to reduce its risk.

Proper Techniques for Basic Bucking, Limbing, Pruning and Felling

Cutting Logs Under Tension

Safety and techniques for cutting logs with internal tension.

Felling

Escape Path

How to prepare an escape path during felling.

Felling Back Cut

Battery Safety

Charger Safety

Warnings and Instructions

Important warnings and instructions for charger safety.

Maintenance, Repair and Storage

Warnings and Instructions

Safety warnings and instructions for maintenance and storage.

Before Starting Work

Preparing the Chain Saw for Operation

Steps to prepare the chain saw before operation.

Charging the Battery

Charging

Assembling the Chain Saw

Mounting and Removing the Guide Bar and Saw Chain

Tensioning the Saw Chain

How to properly tension the saw chain.

Lubricating the Saw Chain and Guide Bar

The Chain Brake

Engaging the Chain Brake

How to manually engage the chain brake.

Disengaging the Chain Brake

How to manually disengage the chain brake.

Maintaining the Chain Brake

Inserting and Removing the Battery

Inserting the Battery

Removing the Battery

Switching the Chain Saw On and Off

Switching On

Instructions for starting the chain saw.

Switching Off

Instructions for stopping the chain saw.

Checking the Chain Saw

Checking the Operation of the Chain Brake

How to check the functionality of the chain brake.

Testing the Controls

After Finishing Work

Transporting the Chain Saw and Battery

Storing the Chain Saw, Battery and Charger

Battery

Cleaning

Cleaning the Chain Saw, Battery and Charger

Cleaning the Guide Bar and Saw Chain

Inspection and Maintenance

Inspecting and Maintaining the Chain Saw

Inspecting, Maintaining and Sharpening the Saw Chain

How to inspect, maintain, and sharpen the saw chain.

Troubleshooting Guide

Chain Saw and Battery

Troubleshooting guide for chain saw and battery issues.

Combinations of Guide Bars and Saw Chains

Stihl MSA 120 C Specifications

General IconGeneral
Power SourceBattery
Sound Power Level94 dB(A)
Battery TypeLithium-Ion
Bar Length12 in.
Weight (without battery)2.1 kg
Chain Gauge1.1 mm
STIHL Oilomatic chain typePicco Micro 3 (PM3)
Chain Pitch3/8" P

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