Stihl MS 441 C-M MAGNUM174 Product Instruction Manual - Page 11

The second recommended method for starting your chain saw allows you to start the saw without placing it on the ground. Make sure the chain brake is engaged, grip the front handle of the chain saw firmly with your left hand. Keep your arm on the front handle in a locked (straight) position. Hold the rear handle of the saw tightly between your legs just above the knees. Maintain good balance and secure footing. Pull the starting grip slowly with your right hand until you feel a definite resistance and then give it a brisk, strong pull. WARNING Be sure that the guide bar and saw 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 chain brake is not activated, turn the saw 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). To reduce this risk, always engage the chain brake before starting. Never attempt to start the chain saw when the guide bar is in a cut or kerf. 001BA114 KN 001BA087 LÄ 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. Always disengage chain brake before accelerating engine and before starting cutting work. The only exception to this rule is when you check operation of the chain brake. High revs with the chain brake engaged (chain locked) will quickly damage the powerhead and chain drive (clutch, chain brake). 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. If you cannot set the correct idle speed, have your STIHL dealer check your chain saw and make proper adjustments and repairs. English 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. 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 serious 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. MS 441 C-M 9