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.
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.
MS 271, MS 271 C, MS 291, MS 291 C
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.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of cut injuries, keep
hands and feet away from the cutting
tool. Never touch a moving cutting tool
with your hand or any other part of your
body.
WARNING
Keep proper footing and balance at all
times. Special care must be taken in
slippery conditions (wet ground, snow)
and in difficult, overgrown terrain. Be
extremely cautious when working on
slopes or uneven ground. Watch for
hidden obstacles such as tree stumps,
roots, rocks, holes and ditches to avoid
stumbling. There is increased danger of
slipping on freshly debarked logs. For
better footing, clear away fallen
branches, scrub and cuttings. Use
extreme caution when cutting small-size
brush, branches and saplings because
slender material may catch the saw
chain and be whipped toward you or pull
you off balance.
WARNING
Take extreme care in wet and freezing
weather (rain, snow, ice). Put off the
work when the weather is windy, stormy
or rainfall is heavy.
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