Stihl MS 170 Owners Manual: A Comprehensive Guide
Welcome to your comprehensive guide to the Stihl MS 170 chainsaw! This manual offers simplified access to essential information, ensuring safe and effective operation․ It consolidates user guides and instructions, simplifying your experience for optimal performance and maintenance․
The Stihl MS 170 chainsaw is a compact and lightweight entry-level tool designed for residential use․ Perfect for cutting small trees, trimming, and handling storm cleanup, it offers a blend of power and convenience․
This chainsaw features a low-emission, economical Stihl 2-MIX engine, contributing to reduced fuel consumption and environmental impact․ The automatic Stihl Ematic chain lubrication system ensures optimum lubrication of the chain, prolonging wear and minimizing oil usage when paired with Stihl Oilomatic saw chains․
Before operating the MS 170, it’s vital to thoroughly read and understand the instruction manual․ Non-observance of safety precautions may result in serious injury․ Always adhere to local safety regulations and standards․
This guide provides an overview of the MS 170, covering its features, safety guidelines, and operational instructions․ Whether you’re a first-time user or an experienced operator, this manual aims to enhance your understanding and safe use of the chainsaw․ It emphasizes the importance of proper maintenance and adherence to safety protocols for optimal performance and longevity․
Safety Precautions Before Operation
Prioritizing safety is paramount before operating the Stihl MS 170․ Always read and comprehend the entire instruction manual to prevent serious injury or damage․ Ensure you are well-rested, in good physical condition, and mentally alert before using the chainsaw․
Inspect the work area for obstacles and potential hazards․ Clear away any debris, branches, or objects that could interfere with your movement or the chainsaw’s operation․ Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and sturdy footwear․ Consider using a helmet for added safety․
Before starting the engine, check the chainsaw for any signs of damage or wear․ Ensure the chain is properly tensioned and sharpened, and that all nuts and bolts are securely fastened․ Verify the chain brake is functioning correctly․
Never operate the chainsaw near flammable liquids or gases․ Be aware of your surroundings and maintain a safe distance from bystanders and pets․ Familiarize yourself with emergency shutdown procedures and keep a first-aid kit readily accessible․ By adhering to these safety precautions, you can minimize the risk of accidents and ensure a safe operating environment․
Understanding the Pictograms and Symbols
The Stihl MS 170 chainsaw utilizes pictograms and symbols to convey crucial information about its operation and safety features․ Familiarizing yourself with these visual cues is essential for safe and effective use of the machine․ These pictograms are located on the chainsaw itself and are explained in detail within the instruction manual․
Common symbols include those indicating the fuel mixture ratio, chain oil type, and the location of various controls such as the choke, throttle, and chain brake; Understanding the fuel mixture symbol is critical to ensure the engine receives the correct ratio of gasoline to oil, preventing damage and ensuring optimal performance․ The chain oil symbol indicates the recommended type of lubricant for the chain, ensuring proper lubrication and extending the life of the cutting components․
Safety symbols alert the user to potential hazards, such as kickback zones and the need for personal protective equipment․ Recognizing these symbols helps operators to take necessary precautions, preventing accidents and injuries․ Always refer to the instruction manual for a complete explanation of all pictograms and symbols present on your specific model of the Stihl MS 170․ This will enable you to operate the chainsaw safely and efficiently, minimizing risks and maximizing its lifespan․
Starting and Stopping the Engine
Proper starting and stopping procedures are crucial for the Stihl MS 170 chainsaw’s longevity and safe operation․ Before starting, ensure the chain brake is engaged․ Place the chainsaw on a stable surface, away from your feet․ Activate the choke according to the engine’s temperature; use the full choke for a cold start and half choke for a warm start․
Firmly grip the starter handle and pull briskly․ Avoid pulling the cord to its full extent․ Once the engine sputters, disengage the choke and pull the starter again until the engine runs smoothly․ Allow the engine to warm up briefly before applying throttle․ To stop the engine, simply move the on/off switch to the “stop” position․
In case of emergency, immediately engage the chain brake and switch the engine off․ Regularly inspect the starting mechanism for wear and tear․ Replace any damaged components promptly․ Familiarize yourself with the specific starting and stopping instructions detailed in the owner’s manual to ensure consistent and safe operation of your Stihl MS 170 chainsaw․ Proper technique prevents engine flooding and extends the life of the starter mechanism․
Operating Instructions and Usage Guidelines
To operate the Stihl MS 170 chainsaw safely and effectively, adhere to these guidelines․ Always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, gloves, and sturdy footwear․ Ensure the chain is sharp and properly tensioned before each use․ Maintain a firm grip on the chainsaw with both hands, keeping your body balanced and stable․
When cutting, use a controlled sawing motion, allowing the chain to do the work․ Avoid forcing the chainsaw, as this can lead to kickback or loss of control․ Be mindful of the surroundings, ensuring there are no obstacles or people in the immediate vicinity․ Never cut above shoulder height or from a ladder․
For felling small trees, use proper techniques to control the direction of the fall․ Regularly inspect the chainsaw for any signs of damage or wear․ Clean the air filter and spark plug periodically to maintain optimal engine performance․ Store the chainsaw in a safe, dry place, away from children and unauthorized users․ Always refer to the owner’s manual for specific operating instructions and safety precautions to maximize the lifespan and safety of your Stihl MS 170․
Chain and Bar Maintenance
Proper maintenance of the chain and bar is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of your Stihl MS 170 chainsaw․ Regularly inspect the chain for sharpness, damage, and proper tension․ A dull chain can increase the risk of kickback and reduce cutting efficiency․ Sharpen the chain using a file or chain grinder, following the manufacturer’s recommendations for angle and depth․
Clean the bar frequently to remove sawdust and debris, ensuring proper lubrication․ Check the bar for wear, such as burrs or uneven surfaces, and file them smooth․ Lubricate the chain and bar regularly with high-quality chain oil to minimize friction and extend their lifespan․ Ensure the oiler is functioning correctly and that the oil reservoir is adequately filled․
Periodically flip the bar to promote even wear․ Replace the chain and bar when they become excessively worn or damaged․ Store the chain and bar in a dry place to prevent rust and corrosion․ By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Stihl MS 170 chainsaw․
Fuel and Lubrication Requirements
Using the correct fuel and lubrication is vital for the proper functioning and longevity of your Stihl MS 170 chainsaw․ The MS 170 requires a mixture of gasoline and two-stroke engine oil․ Always use high-quality gasoline with an octane rating of 89 or higher․ Mix the gasoline with Stihl-approved two-stroke engine oil at a ratio of 50:1 (50 parts gasoline to 1 part oil)․
Accurately measure the fuel and oil to ensure the correct mixture․ Mix the fuel and oil in a clean, approved fuel container․ Shake the mixture thoroughly before use to ensure proper blending․ Never use straight gasoline or an incorrect oil-to-gasoline ratio, as this can cause severe engine damage․
For chain lubrication, use Stihl chain oil or a high-quality bar and chain oil specifically designed for chainsaws․ Regularly check the oil level in the chain oil reservoir and refill as needed․ Proper chain lubrication is essential for reducing friction, preventing wear, and ensuring smooth cutting performance․ By adhering to these fuel and lubrication requirements, you can maintain the optimal performance and extend the life of your Stihl MS 170 chainsaw․
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with proper care, you might encounter issues with your Stihl MS 170․ One common problem is difficulty starting the engine․ Ensure the fuel mixture is fresh and correct․ Check the spark plug for fouling or damage and clean or replace it as needed․ A clogged air filter can also hinder starting, so inspect and clean or replace it․
If the chainsaw runs poorly or stalls, the carburetor might need adjustment․ Refer to the manual for carburetor adjustment procedures or consult a qualified technician․ Insufficient chain lubrication can cause the chain to bind or smoke․ Ensure the chain oil reservoir is full and the chain oiler is functioning correctly․
A dull chain can lead to poor cutting performance and increased strain on the engine․ Sharpen the chain regularly using a chainsaw file or have it professionally sharpened․ If you notice excessive vibration, inspect the chain and bar for damage or wear․ Tighten any loose nuts or bolts and replace worn parts promptly․ By addressing these common issues, you can keep your Stihl MS 170 running smoothly․
Parts Diagram and Identification
Understanding the components of your Stihl MS 170 chainsaw is crucial for maintenance and repairs․ The parts diagram provides a detailed visual representation of all the chainsaw’s components, allowing for easy identification․ Key components include the engine assembly, which consists of the cylinder, piston, and crankshaft․ The fuel system includes the fuel tank, carburetor, and fuel lines․
The ignition system comprises the spark plug and ignition module․ The cutting attachment includes the chain, bar, and sprocket․ Familiarize yourself with the location and name of each part using the diagram․ This knowledge will assist you in ordering replacement parts and performing basic repairs․
When ordering parts, always refer to the part numbers listed in the diagram to ensure compatibility․ Common replacement parts include air filters, fuel filters, spark plugs, and saw chains․ Regularly inspecting the parts diagram can also help you identify potential issues before they lead to major problems․ Always consult a qualified technician if you are unsure about any repairs․
Finding and Downloading the PDF Manual
Accessing the official Stihl MS 170 owner’s manual in PDF format is essential for comprehensive guidance and troubleshooting․ The easiest way to find the manual is by visiting the official Stihl website․ Navigate to the “Support” or “Downloads” section and search for “MS 170 manual․” Ensure you select the manual that matches your specific model and language preference․
Alternatively, you can use search engines like Google or DuckDuckGo․ Type “Stihl MS 170 owner’s manual PDF” into the search bar․ Look for results from the official Stihl website or authorized Stihl dealers․ Be cautious of third-party websites offering the manual, as these may not be accurate or up-to-date․
Once you’ve located the correct PDF manual, click the download link․ Save the file to your computer, smartphone, or tablet for easy access․ Keeping a digital copy of the manual allows you to quickly reference important information, safety precautions, and maintenance procedures whenever needed․