Stihl 036 QS Instruction Manual - Page 12

Be sure that the guide bar and chain are clear of you and all other obstructions and objects, including the ground. When the engine is started, the engine speed with the starting throttle lock engaged will be fast enough for the clutch to engage the sprocket and, if the chainbrake is not activated, turn the chain. If the upper quadrant of the tip of the bar touches any object, it may cause kickback to occur (see section on reactive forces). Never attempt to start the chainsaw when the guide bar is in a cut or kerf. On "QS" models, as soon as you press down the interlock lever, the chain brake is disengaged and allows the chain to run at high speed until you blip the throttle trigger and release the interlock lever again. When you pull the starter grip, do not wrap the starting rope around your hands. Do not allow the grip to snap back, but guide the starter rope slowly back to permit the rope to rewind properly. Failure to follow this procedure may result in injury to hand or fingers and may damage the starter mechanism. To reduce the risk of personal injury from loss of control or contact with the running chain, do not use a saw with incorrect idle adjustment. At correct idle speed, the chain should not rotate. For directions to adjust idle speed, see the appropriate section of your owner's manual. If you cannot set the correct idle speed, have your STIHL dealer check your saw and make proper adjustments or repairs. After adjusting a chain, start the saw, let the engine run for a while, then switch engine off and recheck chain tension. Proper chain tension is very important at all times. Operate the chainsaw under good visibility and daylight conditions only. Your chainsaw produces poisonous exhaust fumes as soon as the combustible engine is running. These gases (e.g. carbon monoxide) may be colorless and odorless. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury from breathing toxic fumes, never run the chainsaw indoors or in poorly ventilated locations. Ensure proper ventilation when working in trenches or other confined areas. Even an oil mist (from chain lubrication) and sawdust are health hazards. The muffler and other parts of the engine (e.g. fins of the cylinder, spark plug) become hot during operation and remain hot for a while after stopping the engine. To reduce risk of burns do not touch the muffler and other parts while they are hot. Operate the saw under good visibility and daylight conditions only. Don't work alone. Keep within calling distance of others in case help is needed. Your chainsaw is equipped with a chain catcher. It is designed to reduce the risk of personal injury in the event of a thrown or broken chain. From time to time the catcher may be damaged or removed. To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not operate a chainsaw with a damaged or missing catcher. Inspect buffers periodically. Replace damaged, broken or excessively worn buffers immediately, since they may result in loss of control of the saw. A "sponginess" in the feel of the saw, increased vibration or increased "bottoming" during normal operation may indicate damage, breakage or excessive wear. Buffers should always be replaced in sets. If you have any questions as to whether the buffers should be replaced, consult your STIHL servicing dealer.