Chainsaw Stihl - review, device, Malfunctions - causes and solutions on the Wikipedia of construction tools

The process of cutting and sawing is in a person’s blood: starting from a loaf and sausage and ending with trees of three girths and blocks of marble. Without a high-quality and reliable chainsaw, which has gone through its centuries-old and still unfinished path of development, neither a master nor a professional can imagine his life and work. The sawing technique was mastered by primitive people eight thousand years ago with the understanding that a jagged tool cuts better than a smooth one. The oldest primitive saw that has survived to this day for sawing bone and wood was made from a single piece of silicon - such work required significant use of physical strength.

To process stone blocks, at the end of the Neolithic era, a silicon plate with teeth appeared, under which, during the sawing process, sand moistened with water and acting as an abrasive was sprinkled for better friction. Sawing through with such labor costs was not so necessary: the master made a deep cut, and then split the stone into two parts with a wedge-shaped mallet. It was thanks to the sawing technique that it became possible to give products the correct geometric shapes, which became an evolutionary breakthrough in technological and construction processes.

Shtil chainsaw device

Main parts and mechanisms

fuel system . It consists of a tank for the gasoline-oil mixture, a fuel filter and a flexible hose that supplies the mixture to the carburetor. The tank volume, depending on the model, is up to 0.7 liters. This is enough for 30-35 minutes of work;
carburetor _ Saturates the fuel with air, creating a fine mixture. Thanks to the adjustment screws, you can adjust the maximum, minimum and idle speed;
ignition system. Electronic ignition is used, providing ignition in any conditions;
engine. A two-stroke engine with a single cylinder is used. A number of models are equipped with an upgraded engine with 2-MIX technology, which prevents mixing of the incoming fuel mixture and exhaust gases. As a result, fuel consumption is 20% less and harmful emissions are reduced;
clutch mechanism. The friction segments of the structure at certain revolutions per minute, under the influence of centrifugal force, engage and begin to rotate the mechanism drum with the drive sprocket. Its rays engage with the hooks of the chain and set it in motion. If rotation becomes difficult, for example, if a metal object hits, the clutches disengage from the drum and the rotation of the chain stops. The engine continues to operate without overload;

tire . The part that guides the movement of the chain. The quality of the cut and engine wear depend on the choice of tire. You cannot use a tire longer than the length recommended by the manufacturer;
saw chain. Comprises:

— cutting links with sharpened edges;

— driving links that ensure engagement with the drive sprocket and movement along the tire groove;

- connecting elements that combine all parts into one with rivets.

chain lubrication system. Reduces wear and improves gliding, prevents excessive heating of the tire;
starter. Starts the engine by turning the crankshaft using a cable mechanism. The air-fuel mixture is ignited by a spark from the spark plug, and the engine starts.
controls:

Combined lever. To switch operating modes.
Gas lever stop. Additional protection. When the rear handle is released, the rotation of the drive sprocket stops.
Gas lever. When pressed, the engine speed increases.

Controls

The best STIHL chainsaws of the professional series

Chainsaws for felling thick trees, sawing contaminated wood, construction timber and boards. Designed to work in harsh conditions. Designed for year-round use. The power range of the gasoline engine is 2.3~6.4 kW (3.0~8.7 hp) with a volume of up to 122 cm³.

The professional tool is distinguished by proper balancing, ergonomic body and handles. The technical solutions incorporated into the design made it possible to increase labor efficiency and productivity.

STIHL MS 241 CM – multifunctional chain saw

A chainsaw with a wide range of capabilities. Equipped with a reliable two-stroke engine with an electronic start and control system.

The fuel supply is automatically regulated to ensure optimal power output. Performs all types of operations inherent in chain saws - felling trees, cutting branches and twigs, preparing firewood, forming semi-finished wood products.

Pros:

High performance.
Convenient for performing small procurement operations.
Can be used as an additional tool as a lopper.

Minuses:

The tool is a bit expensive for the extra features.
An overabundance of options.

STIHL MS 361 – with excellent energy capacity

A tool with a good power consumption indicator. The combination of a powerful engine and optimal weight provided the chainsaw with high performance when working on forest felling.

Intensive and long-term use is facilitated by effective anti-vibration protection, build quality and an automatic saw chain lubrication system.

Pros:

Long work, up to two shifts.
Reliable engine and other components.
Cost-effective and productive.

Minuses:

Start-up skill required.
Heavy lift for suspended work.

STIHL MS 362 CM VW – optimal for winter work

An excellently assembled and reliable unit, especially in winter conditions. For reliable operation and easy starting, the carburetor is heated with warm air.

Comfortable operation is facilitated by heated handles and ergonomic design of the case. Optimal fuel supply, adjusted to the environment and load, is ensured by the electronic control unit.

Pros:

Reliable use in winter conditions.
Heated grips.
Vibration is not noticeable.

Minuses:

Not noted by consumers

STIHL MS 461 – with high performance

High-performance chain saw with a perfectly balanced body. Used for felling trees of different diameters.

The design is equipped with an electronic control unit, which increases the overall efficiency of the engine and reduces harmful emissions.

Pros:

High performance.
Excellent balancing.
The quality of workmanship of individual components and the saw as a whole.

Minuses:

Heavy for hanging limbs.

STIHL MS 661 CM – for extreme loads

A very powerful gasoline saw for productive felling and sawing thick logs. The structure is designed to withstand heavy and extreme loads in logging operations.

The chain saw is equipped with an effective electronic control system that maintains optimal cutting power. Anti-vibration protection is provided.

Pros:

Durable, durable body.
Reliable gasoline engine.
Possibility of operation in two shifts.

Minuses:

Not tagged by users.

STIHL MS 880 – the most powerful professional

A chainsaw of the highest class of professionalism. Designed for heavy-duty use in logging operations. The hull is perfectly balanced despite the powerful engine.

The saw is easy to operate, just like models from the household series. The tool is capable of sawing wood of any diameter, thanks to the long bar and full-profile chain.

Pros:

Powerful and trouble-free gasoline engine.
Ease of use and management.
Reliability and build quality.

Minuses:

Great appetite for fuel.
Weight.

Features of fuel selection

A special feature of a two-stroke carburetor engine is the absence of a lubrication system for moving elements. Its role is played by fuel: a mixture of gasoline and oil. Therefore, if you use pure gasoline, the chainsaw will fail.

The operating manuals for Shtil units prescribe the use of gasoline with an octane rating of at least 90. In Russian conditions, the best solution is the AI-92 brand. Using high performance fuel is risky. Often high-octane gasoline is obtained by adding additives that lead to engine malfunctions of the saw. Gasoline with an ethanol content of more than 10% is also excluded.

To obtain a fuel mixture, gasoline is mixed with oil in a ratio of 1 to 50: for 1 liter of gasoline, 20 ml of oil.

Recommendations:

Use a clean container for cooking;
Use the finished mixture within a month;
do not expose the finished mixture to low and high temperatures;
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight when stored in transparent containers;
Shake the mixture thoroughly before filling.

How to choose a tool by cost

The pricing policy for chainsaws directly depends on the class to which a particular tool belongs: household, semi-professional, professional.

Budget models of Stihl chain saws

The line of inexpensive saws starts from 10,000 and ends at 12,000 rubles. This includes tools that are lightweight and cost-effective. They are used mainly for work in subsidiary farming. For example, the Stihl MS 170 model does not exceed 4 kg and has a power of 1.8 liters. This tool can be used in a summer cottage or when performing minor construction and repair work.

Mid-range models

Semi-professional gasoline saws are highly productive. The price for such tools varies from 28,000 to 33,000 rubles. Similar tools are used on large farms. An example is the Stihl MS 271 model, which has a power of 3.5 hp. and a 40 cm long tire. The advantages include: reduced fuel consumption, as well as minimization of harmful exhaust gases. Comfort of operation is ensured by a vibration reduction system.

Premium models

Professional saws start at a cost of 43,000 and end at 90,000 rubles. Such tools can withstand high loads throughout the entire working day. This includes the Stihl MS 461 model - an excellent choice for logging. Allows you to attach 45 and 50 cm tires. The power of this saw is 6 hp. Replacing and tensioning the chain is quick and convenient. For long-term operation, a vibration reduction system is provided.

Basic tips for choosing the best Stihl chainsaw:

The tool you purchase must meet the required tasks and conditions of use. To choose the right chainsaw, you first need to determine the intensity of the load and the nature of the work:

Household models - chosen for work in the garden or in the country.
Semi-professional - designed for intensive use.
Professional - used under heavy loads, for example, during logging.

In addition to this, you must also consider:

Price.
Equipment.
Weight.
Tire length.

Other useful articles:

How to spot a fake Stihl chainsaw
How to use a Stihl chainsaw
What gasoline to use for Stihl chainsaws

Chainsaw oil

Oil in Stihl saws is used:

In the fuel mixture.

Must meet the following criteria:

dissolves well in gasoline, does not include impurities that, during combustion, clog the carburetor system;
provide protection of engine parts and mechanisms from corrosion and wear, and have high coating and lubricating characteristics.

The manufacturer recommends using Stihl HP and Stihl HP Super mineral oils, as well as Stihl HP Ultra synthetics.

HP and HP Super ensure engine operation at temperatures down to minus 10 º C. After combustion, they leave a minimum of soot.

HP Super synthetics leave almost no carbon deposits on carburetor parts after combustion. Retains characteristics at temperatures down to minus 25 ºС. High environmental safety indicators: when released into the soil, 80% decomposes within 21 days.

For lubrication of the chain mechanism.

It must have good adhesion - adhesion to the metal surface. When sawing under the influence of centrifugal force, oil with low adhesive characteristics will quickly leave the chain parts. Friction will increase, cut quality will decrease, the temperature of the tire will rise, and it may become unusable.

For lubricating the chain elements of Shtil saws, Forestplus oil from the same manufacturer is recommended. Its components are selected to provide reliable lubrication in all temperature conditions. It is not subject to tarring, that is, precipitation of hardened fractions, over a shelf life of 3 years.

Branded oils are expensive. However, their use guarantees long-term, defect-free operation of the unit.

User manual

First of all, what I would like to draw the attention of owners of Stihl chainsaws is that you need to start working with one of them through preliminary training in order to be able to work without harm to your health and the equipment itself.

Close location of the handle

Another feature of chainsaws from this manufacturer is that the handle is located quite close, which is why a person who is not familiar with the operation can expose himself to an accident.

It is also important that work with trees should be carried out only through the use of a certain type of protection, namely a working lifting platform, a device that is protective against falling, as well as personal devices of a personal nature.

Remember that working at height requires skill in this area, and operating a chainsaw on a tree must be done with extreme care and caution.

Moreover, do not forget that under no circumstances should you work with this tool during bad weather. So if it's raining, snowing or too windy, the best thing you can do for yourself is to postpone work until another time, when the weather has returned to normal.

Because otherwise you are simply putting yourself in danger. That is why you need to operate a chainsaw taking into account and applying absolutely all safety precautions in practice . This is quite simple, since many sites contain characteristics of the Shtil chainsaw and methods of its operation, which you need to know as 2x2.

Official website Shtil

Moreover, you can visit the official website of the shtil chainsaw and find out all the necessary information from there. But let's actually return to our question regarding the use of the correct models of chainsaws from a given manufacturer.

You must remember that before you start using the device, carefully read the instructions and adhere to all the prescribed points as much as possible. Since the slightest negligence on your part can turn out too badly for you.

What is also worth paying your attention to is that make sure that minors do not use the chainsaw. An exceptional option can only be a person whose age range is not lower than sixteen years, and who has undergone special training specifically related to working with this type of device.

In addition, you must have a special uniform for working with a chainsaw. In addition, you must have special shoes, a helmet and goggles. Don’t joke about it, since this tool works much faster than a regular handsaw or axe, and it’s not always possible to react in time to any failure, which can harm both you and the people around you.

Moreover, if you have finished working with the device, then put it in a place where it could not interfere with you and other people, since the saw blades are very sharp and you can simply accidentally get hurt. Remember that you are responsible for all the consequences that the tool may bring, be it someone’s health or damage to property.

also cannot give your instrument to someone to use ; read the reason in the previous sentence. Treat this instrument with all responsibility, and it will “give” you exclusively positive emotions.

Startup procedure

Algorithm of actions when starting the saw

Apply the handbrake by pressing the protective shield with your hand until it clicks.
Press the decompression valve, if provided in the model. This will make it easier to start the engine.
By pressing the gas buttons and the gas stopper on the handle, simultaneously move the mode control lever to the lower position.
Place the saw on a flat surface.
With your left hand, grasp the tubular handle, with your right hand, the starter handle. Insert the toe of your foot into the slot in the rear handle and press the saw to the surface with your body weight.
Smoothly pull the starter cable out by the handle until it stops. Then forcefully pull the starter handle up several times while pushing against the tubular handle.
Do not pull the cable out to its full length - risk of explosion!
The engine will run for a short time and stop. Move the throttle by moving the mode lever up to the next detent.
Repeat step 6. If the engine turns on, you need to briefly press the gas control lever. This is necessary to ensure that the combination lever is locked in the idle position.
Release the brake by pulling the handle towards you until it clicks. The unit is ready for use.
To check the lubrication system, hold the saw over something light (snow, paper, cut of wood) and turn on the maximum gas. If the system is working properly, traces of oil stains will be visible.

Running in a chainsaw

All new and repaired chainsaws are tested. The peculiarity of a two-stroke engine is that parts and mechanisms should not be allowed to break in at idle speed. In this mode, the gasoline-oil mixture does not have time to burn completely and carbon deposits form on the walls of the cylinder and carburetor, causing the engine to become coked. This process quickly leads to breakdown of the unit.

The running-in of moving elements is carried out under light loads. During running-in, a chainsaw must be used to cut without applying significant physical effort. Recommended mode:

a minute - one and a half - sawing with a slight load;
10-15 seconds in idle mode.

To break-in the parts and reach the engine's rated power, it is necessary that 7-10 full fuel tanks be used.

The moving elements of the saw set must also be run in. Before the first start, the chain is generously lubricated with oil or temporarily placed in a container with oil. When installing, the chain is tensioned so that it sits tightly on the bar, but can be turned by hand. The running-in of the headset parts occurs simultaneously with the running-in of the entire unit.

After each completion of work, the chain tension is checked.

When running in, do not give the saw a large load.

Carburetor adjustment

Over time, problems arise in the operation of the carburetor system: the Stihl chainsaw stalls, takes a long time to start, the exhaust darkens, etc. In such cases, carburetor adjustment is necessary. During this process, the maximum, minimum and idle speeds are set in accordance with the technical data specified in the operating manual. For accuracy, you must use a tachometer.

Setting sequence:

Perform maintenance: cleaning or replacing the air filter, cleaning the carburetor system and engine, checking the chain tension, checking the spark plug.
Turn on the saw for 5 minutes at idle speed. Stop.
Tighten screws H and L clockwise until they stop, without undue force. Then turn both 360º.
Start the engine, press the gas lever and, turning screw H, bring the speed to the maximum specified in the manual.
Turn the LA bolt at idle speed until the drive sprocket begins to rotate. Unscrew the bolt 45˚.
If the engine stops or the idle speed is unstable, rotate the bolt L, increasing the rotation speed and achieving stable operation.
By rotating the LA bolt, achieve the required idle rotation values.

Carburetor adjustment elements. Screw H – setting maximum speed, screw L – setting minimum speed, screw LF – setting idle speed

Malfunctions - causes and solutions

The saw won't start

There are several main reasons for the unit not starting:

Problems with fuel supply.

The candle is filled with the mixture. Causes:

— incorrect starting of a cold unit. According to the instructions, starting should begin with the combination lever in the lower position. After the first exhaust, the lever is moved to position 1. If you leave the lever in the lower position and continue to start the saw, the spark plug will flood.

How to fix: you need to dry the spark plug and perform all the starting steps again;

— wear of the carburetor membrane.

What to do: replace the membrane in a workshop.

Fuel not entering the carburetor. Causes:

— clogged fuel tank check valve, breather.

How to fix: clean the breather with a needle.

— carburetor clogging with combustion products. Reasons: use of low-quality fuel.

How to fix: cleaning and adjusting the carburetor system in a workshop.

— fuel filter clogged.

How to fix: replace the filter.

Clogged air filter or muffler

Reasons: use of low-quality fuel. Untimely replacement of the air filter.

How to fix: flushing and mechanical cleaning of the muffler. Replacing the filter.

Failure of the cylinder-piston group

Reasons: improper operation, wear.

How to fix: diagnostics and repair in a workshop.

No spark - repair procedure

The spark plug needs to be checked. If there is carbon deposits on the contacts, clean it. Check the gap between the contacts. It should be approximately 0.5 mm. Replace the spark plug and start the unit again. If there is no spark, replace the spark plug.

If a spark does not appear, the ignition system is checked. Damage to rotating parts, wires, and flywheel bearings is detected. If the damage is not visually identified, the cause is a malfunction of the electronic ignition module. The part is not repaired, but replaced with a similar one. For accurate diagnosis and repair of the breakdown, it is better to contact a specialized workshop.

Why does the chain on a chainsaw break?

A chainsaw can break calm for several reasons:

Use of third party models. The metal from which they are made may not withstand loads and collapse.
If the chain is over-tensioned, a break may occur.
Worn drive sprocket. The manufacturer recommends replacing the sprocket if it shows signs of wear more than 0.5 mm deep. If this value is exceeded, it loses its configuration and does not provide the necessary adhesion to the hooks, which ultimately leads to a break. It is believed that the second chain placed on the old sprocket will last 40% less than the first, and the third - 70%.
Another reason occurs in winter. Before starting work, the bar and chain are at the same temperature. During operation, the metal heats up and expands, but the chain has a higher coefficient of expansion, so it begins to sag. They pull her up. At the end of the work, the metal cools and contracts, the linear dimensions of the parts decrease. If the tension is not released, the connecting links may become deformed, leading to the chain breaking.

Stopping when pressing the throttle

Possible reasons:

an unadjusted or clogged carburetor system is the most likely cause. The carburetor needs to be disassembled and cleaned. Then install it back and configure it again. This can only be done by an experienced user who has previously performed similar repairs. For a beginner, it is better to contact a specialist or take the unit to a specialized workshop. There they will carry out diagnostics, determine the cause of the malfunction and correct the defect;
Air filter contamination. Less air enters the carburetor, so the combustible mixture cannot ignite. A rare case, since filter clogging is accompanied by a gradual decrease in power. Usually this is noticed and the filter is cleaned or changed;
The fuel filter is clogged and when the gas increases, an insufficient amount of mixture enters the carburetor. The filter needs to be replaced;
Due to insufficient supply of the gasoline-oil mixture to the cylinder-piston group, scuff marks form on its walls, preventing the free movement of the piston. It can be corrected by replacing the piston and cylinder in a professional repair shop.

Model range of Shtil chainsaws

Shtil chainsaws, the model range of which is presented below, are intended for sawing wood both in everyday life and in the forestry industry.

STIHL MS 180-14

Advantages: light weight, compactness, power.

Disadvantages: the air filter gets clogged quickly, is demanding on oil, expensive consumables.

Conclusion: an excellent model for domestic needs.

STIHL MS 180 C-BE

Advantages: easy starting, chain replacement without tools, vibration protection, convenient chain brake.

Disadvantages: high oil consumption for the chain mechanism, unreliable starter cable, demanding on fuel, expensive consumables.

Conclusion: a good household model with an increased level of comfort.

STIHL MS 180-16

Advantages: light weight, compactness, power.

Disadvantages: the air filter gets clogged quickly, is demanding on oil, expensive consumables.

Conclusion: an excellent model for domestic needs.

STIHL MS 170

Advantages: light weight, compactness, build quality.

Disadvantages: there is not always enough power, the air filter gets clogged quickly, it is demanding on oil, expensive consumables.

Conclusion: a good entry-level model.

STIHL MS 260

STIHL MS 250

Advantages: power, build quality, STIHL Ematic system, which reduces chain oil consumption by 50%, vibration protection.

Disadvantages: quite heavy weight, loud sound during operation, air filter gets clogged quickly.

Conclusion: a good semi-professional model.

STIHL MS 250 C-BE

Advantages: power, high-quality plastic housing, quick chain tension system, quick start system, vibration protection.

Disadvantages: quite heavy weight, loud sound during operation, air filter gets clogged quickly.

Conclusion: a good semi-professional model.

STIHL MS 230

Advantages: power, high-quality plastic housing, quick start system, vibration protection.

Disadvantages: quite heavy weight, oil and fuel levels are not visible, loud sound during operation, air filter gets clogged quickly.

Conclusion: a good model for household work. Can perform professional felling of small trees.

STIHL MS 210

Advantages: light weight, compactness, power, heated carburetor, STIHL Ematic chain lubrication system.

Disadvantages: the air filter gets clogged quickly, is demanding on oil, expensive consumables.

Conclusion: a powerful model for domestic needs.

STIHL MS 880-36

Advantages: power, performance, reliability.

Disadvantages: heavy weight, loud sound - headphones required, price. The air filter gets clogged quickly, is demanding on oil, and has expensive consumables.

Conclusion: a powerful model for domestic needs.

STIHL MSE 141 C-Q-14

Advantages: light weight, thin chain, quiet sound, overload protection, price.

Disadvantages: short power cable, slow response to pressing the power increase key.

Conclusion: a good household model for places where there is electricity.

How to choose a chainsaw
Husqvarna chainsaws - design, repair, model review
Which chainsaw chain is best and how to choose it?

« Previous entry

Let's talk a little about the Shtil company

In the early twenties, the stihl company was born, the head of which was the unsurpassed engineer A. Shtil. In the first years of its activity, the company was exclusively engaged in the production of steam boilers and washing machines. But apparently this was not enough for the manufacturer and chain saws began to appear from his machines.

From the first editions, their popularity eclipsed all previously popular brothers . Consumers from different countries, including Canada, the USA, as well as Russia, knocked on the thresholds of stores in order to purchase such a unique new product for themselves.

Shtil Company

The most important thing that I would like to emphasize is that the chainsaws of this brand are the best and most popular all over the world, showing what reliability and performance are. If you are concerned about the question of how much the products cost, then we hasten to assure you , the price of Shtil chainsaws starts from 8,000-10,000 rubles (but be careful, if it is a fake from China, then the price of the product will be significantly lower, just like the quality). Since Shtil is a leader in the ratings of the best modern models of chainsaws.

Carburetor adjustment must be carried out very carefully in accordance with the instructions. Before starting to work with the tool, be sure to break in the chainsaw. Check out the process of sharpening a chainsaw with your own hands. This will be useful to know for further use of the tools.