Stihl MS 291 C-Q Instruction Manual - Page 11

Start and operate your saw without assistance. For specific starting instructions, see the appropriate section of the instruction manual. Proper starting methods reduce the risk of injury. Warning! To reduce the risk of injury from chain contact and / or reactive forces, the Quickstop chain brake must be engaged by means of the front hand guard when starting the saw. If your saw is equipped with the Quickstop Plus chain brake system, it is not sufficient to engage that brake only for starting, because the chain may begin to rotate at high speed when the throttle trigger lockout is depressed (releasing the brake) in order to blip the throttle trigger after starting. Warning! Do not drop start. This method is very dangerous because you may lose control of the saw. There are two recommended methods for starting your chain saw. With the first recommended method, the chain saw is started on the ground. Make sure the STIHL Quickstop chain brake is engaged by means of the front 001BA113 KN 001BA114 KN hand guard (see "Chain Brake" chapter in your instruction manual) and place the chain saw on firm ground or other solid surface in an open area. Maintain good balance and secure footing. Grip the front handlebar of the saw firmly with your left hand and press down. For saws with a rear handle level with the ground, put the toe of your right foot into the rear handle and press down. With your right hand pull out the starter grip slowly until you feel a definite resistance and then give it a brisk, strong pull. The second recommended method for starting your chain saw allows you to start the saw without placing it on the ground. Make sure the STIHL Quickstop chain brake is engaged by means of the front hand guard, 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. English Warning! 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 chain brake 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). To reduce this risk, always engage the STIHL Quickstop chain brake by means of the front hand guard before starting. Never attempt to start the chain saw when the guide bar is in a cut or kerf. As soon as the engine is running, immediately blip the throttle trigger, which will disengage the starting throttle lock and allow the engine to settle down to idle. 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. MS 291 C-Q 9