Welcome to the STIHL MS 170 owner’s manual! This guide provides essential information for safe and efficient operation of your chainsaw․ Designed for precision and reliability, the MS 170 is a compact, lightweight chainsaw ideal for homeowner use․ With its powerful engine and automatic oiling system, it ensures optimal performance․ Proper use and maintenance are crucial for longevity and safety․ Read this manual carefully before operating your chainsaw․
Safety Precautions
Always wear protective gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and sturdy footwear․ Ensure proper physical and mental condition before operating․ Avoid enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces to prevent carbon monoxide risks․ Never lend the chainsaw without the manual, and ensure users understand all safety guidelines․ Be aware of reactive forces and maintain a firm grip․ Keep bystanders at a safe distance during operation․
2․1․ General Safety Guidelines
Always wear protective gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and sturdy footwear․ Ensure the work area is clear of obstacles and bystanders․ Maintain a firm grip on the chainsaw and avoid overreaching․ Operate the saw only in well-ventilated areas, avoiding enclosed spaces․ Keep loose clothing and long hair tied back to prevent entanglement․ Ensure the chain is properly sharpened and the saw is in good working condition before use․ Follow all instructions in this manual and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue․ Proper maintenance and storage are essential for safe operation․
2․2․ Pictograms and Symbols
Understanding pictograms is crucial for safe operation․ The warning pictogram alerts users to potential hazards․ The caution symbol indicates important safety information․ The chain brake pictogram shows how to stop the chain in emergencies․ Other symbols, like the oil can, remind you to check oil levels․ These visuals are strategically placed to draw attention to critical safety and operational details․ Always refer to the manual if a symbol’s meaning is unclear․ Familiarize yourself with all symbols to ensure proper and safe use of your STIHL MS 170 chainsaw․
2․3․ Reactive Forces
Reactive forces, such as kickback, can occur during operation․ Kickback happens when the chain’s upper portion binds in wood, causing the saw to move upward․ To control reactive forces, maintain a firm grip on the saw and avoid overreaching․ Always cut with the lower portion of the bar․ Keep your body positioned to resist kickback forces․ Proper training and technique are essential to manage reactive forces safely․ Follow the manual’s guidelines to minimize risks and maintain control of the chainsaw during use․
Technical Specifications
The STIHL MS 170 features a robust engine, 0․25 L fuel tank, and 0․145 L oil tank․ It weighs 3900 g, ensuring easy handling․ The saw includes an automatic oiling system for consistent chain lubrication, enhancing performance and durability․
3․1․ Engine Power and Performance
The STIHL MS 170 is powered by a high-performance, two-stroke engine designed for efficiency and reliability․ With a power output of 1․7 kW, it delivers robust performance for cutting tasks․ The engine features a compact design, reducing overall weight and enhancing portability․ Its advanced combustion system ensures lower emissions and optimal fuel efficiency․ The engine’s high torque enables smooth cutting through various wood types, making it suitable for both light-duty and demanding applications․ Regular maintenance, as outlined in this manual, is essential to maintain peak performance and longevity․
3․2․ Fuel and Oil Tank Capacities
The STIHL MS 170 features a fuel tank capacity of 0․25 liters and an oil tank capacity of 0․145 liters․ These capacities ensure extended operation without frequent refueling․ The chainsaw is designed to use a 50:1 fuel-to-oil mixture, and it’s essential to use high-quality, unleaded gasoline and STIHL HP Ultra oil for optimal performance․ Proper fuel and oil management is critical for maintaining engine health and ensuring compliance with emissions standards․ Always refer to the manual for specific guidelines on fueling and oiling procedures;
3․3․ Weight and Dimensions
The STIHL MS 170 weighs approximately 3,900 grams (8․6 pounds), making it lightweight and easy to maneuver․ Its compact design ensures excellent handling and control, especially for smaller cutting tasks․ The chainsaw’s dimensions are optimized for balance and ergonomics, allowing users to work comfortably for extended periods․ These features make the MS 170 a versatile tool for both professional and homeowner use, providing power and portability in a single unit․
3․4․ Bar and Chain Specifications
The STIHL MS 170 is equipped with a 14-inch (35 cm) guide bar, ideal for pruning and small to medium cutting tasks․ The chain features a Picco Micro 3 design, offering excellent cutting performance and durability․ The chain pitch is 3/8″ (9․3 mm), with 50 drive links for smooth operation․ Always use STIHL-approved chains to ensure compatibility and safety․ Proper bar and chain maintenance is essential for optimal performance and longevity of the saw․
Operating the Chainsaw
Operating the STIHL MS 170 requires attention to safety and proper techniques․ Start by following the starting procedure, then use controlled, precise movements for cutting tasks․
4․1․ Starting the Chainsaw
To start the STIHL MS 170, ensure the chain brake is engaged and the saw is on a flat surface․ Turn the choke on, give a few pulls on the starter rope, then push the choke off and pull until it starts․ For a warm engine, skip the choke step․ Always wear safety gear, including gloves and safety glasses․ Keep a firm grip and stance to maintain control․ Refer to the manual for detailed starting procedures and troubleshooting tips․ Proper starting ensures safe and efficient operation of your chainsaw․
4․2․ Working Techniques
Proper techniques ensure safe and effective cutting․ Stand firmly with both hands on the saw, keeping the chain away from your body․ For horizontal cuts, maintain a steady, controlled motion․ Vertical cuts require precise alignment to avoid binding․ Always cut on the pulling stroke for better control․ Wear protective gear, including gloves and safety glasses․ Keep the chainsaw at a comfortable height to maintain balance․ Avoid overreaching, as this can reduce control․ Regularly inspect the chain for sharpness and proper tension․ Follow these techniques to achieve clean cuts and extend the life of your chainsaw․
4․3․ Cutting Attachments
The STIHL MS 170 supports various cutting attachments to enhance versatility․ Use the standard bar and chain for general cutting tasks․ For specialized jobs, optional guide bars and chains are available․ Always ensure attachments are compatible with your saw․ Install them according to the manual’s instructions․ Check chain tension after fitting․ Properly fitted attachments improve efficiency and safety․ Consult an authorized dealer for advice on selecting the right attachments for your needs․ Regularly maintain and inspect attachments to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your chainsaw․
Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for optimal performance․ Check chain tension, clean or replace air and fuel filters, and oil the bar․ Refer to the manual for details․
5․1․ Routine Maintenance Tasks
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity․ Check chain tension daily, sharpen or replace the chain as needed․ Clean or replace the air filter every 10 hours of use․ Inspect the fuel filter and replace it if dirty․ Lubricate the guide bar and chain regularly․ Refer to the manual for detailed procedures․ Proper maintenance prevents wear and ensures reliable operation․ Always follow safety guidelines when performing maintenance tasks․
5․2․ Automatic Oiling System
The STIHL MS 170 features an automatic oiling system that lubricates the chain during operation, ensuring optimal performance and reducing wear․ Regularly check the oil tank level and refill with STIHL chain oil as needed․ The oil tank capacity is 0․145 L․ Clean the oil reservoir periodically to prevent contamination․ Always use STIHL-approved chain oil for compatibility․ Refer to the manual for oil change intervals and maintenance procedures․ Proper oil system care is essential for extending the life of your chainsaw and maintaining its efficiency․
Troubleshooting
Identify common issues like failure to start, poor chain lubrication, or reduced performance․ Refer to specific subsections for detailed solutions and maintenance tips to resolve problems effectively․
6․1․ Chainsaw Not Starting
If your STIHL MS 170 chainsaw fails to start, check the fuel quality and freshness․ Ensure the spark plug is clean and properly gapped․ Inspect the air filter for cleanliness or damage․ Verify the recoil starter is functioning correctly․ Check for blockages in the fuel line or carburetor․ Ensure the chain brake is disengaged and the choke is in the correct position․ Refer to the manual for detailed troubleshooting steps or consult an authorized STIHL service dealer for professional assistance if issues persist․
6․2․ Chain Lubrication Issues
If the chain is not lubricating properly, check the oil tank for sufficient oil levels․ Ensure the oil reservoir is filled with the recommended chain oil type․ Inspect the oil filter for cleanliness and replace it if necessary․ Verify that the oil pump is functioning correctly․ Clean or replace the oil delivery lines if blocked․ Check the chain tension and adjust if needed․ Ensure the bar and chain are free from debris․ If issues persist, refer to the manual or contact an authorized STIHL service center for professional assistance․
6․3․ Reduced Engine Performance
If the engine performance is reduced, check the air filter and clean or replace it if dirty․ Inspect the fuel filter and ensure it is clean and functioning properly․ Verify the spark plug is in good condition and properly gapped․ Check for any blockages in the fuel lines or carburetor․ Ensure the correct fuel-to-oil mixture is being used․ If issues persist, consult the manual or contact an authorized STIHL service center for professional diagnostic and repair services to restore optimal performance․
Additional Resources
Access the downloadable PDF manual for detailed guidance․ Visit authorized STIHL dealers for genuine parts and expert support․ Engage with online forums for troubleshooting and user tips․
7․1․ Downloadable PDF Manual
The STIHL MS 170 PDF manual is available for free download, providing comprehensive instructions for operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting․ It includes detailed diagrams and safety guidelines to ensure proper usage․ Users can access the manual through the official STIHL website or authorized dealers․ The PDF format allows for easy viewing on digital devices, making it a convenient resource for owners․ Downloading the manual ensures you have all the information needed to keep your chainsaw in optimal condition and to address any issues promptly․
7․2․ Authorized Dealers and Service Centers
For genuine parts, maintenance, and repairs, contact authorized STIHL dealers or service centers․ These professionals provide expert advice, ensuring your MS 170 operates safely and efficiently․ Visit the official STIHL website to locate a dealer near you․ Authorized centers offer warranty services, troubleshooting, and genuine accessories, ensuring optimal performance․ Regular maintenance by certified technicians prolongs the lifespan of your chainsaw․ Trust authorized dealers for reliable support and authentic STIHL products tailored to your needs․
7․3․ Online Forums and Communities
Online forums and communities are excellent resources for connecting with other STIHL MS 170 users, sharing tips, and solving common issues․ Websites like official STIHL forums or platforms like Reddit offer valuable insights from experienced operators․ These communities provide troubleshooting advice, maintenance tips, and real-world experiences; They are a great way to learn how to optimize your chainsaw’s performance and address specific challenges; Engage with these forums to enhance your knowledge and ensure you’re getting the most out of your STIHL MS 170․
