Stihl MS 201T Chainsaw Kickback (Safety Rules)
Rotational kickback happens when the moving chain catches an object near the guide bar’s upper tip, driving the bar up and back toward you. On an MS 201 T, prevention starts with the correct bar and chain, a working chain brake, two-handed control, and a clear cutting plan. The brake can reduce harm, but it cannot make unsafe cutting safe.
Your next cut should feel controlled, not like a gamble. If the bar tip touches a branch, trunk, or hidden object, the saw can react before you have time to correct your position. The steps below help you check the saw, the work area, and your technique before cutting. This is a professional top-handle arborist saw, not a general-purpose homeowner saw. Use it only if you are trained and equipped for the work.
Equipment Setup & Safety Preparation
A kickback-safe setup means the saw’s bar, chain, safety parts, and protective gear are right for the job and in sound condition. Check the markings and the current operator’s manual for your exact saw. Model details can vary by market and serial number, so do not rely on a parts list for a different version.
Confirm the bar and chain
The guide bar is the metal track around which the chain moves. Chain pitch, gauge, and drive-link count must match the bar and sprocket. Many MS 201 T setups use 3/8-inch Picco chain and a 1.3 mm (.050-inch) gauge, but confirm the bar stamp and chain package before fitting parts. Drive-link count depends on bar length.
STIHL-approved configurations commonly include bars from 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 inches). Use only combinations approved for your saw’s serial number and market. A shorter bar may help in some work, but it does not remove kickback risk. Keep the bar nose’s upper quadrant away from wood and other objects.
Check the chain and safety parts
With the engine off, inspect the chain for damage, correct tension, and sharp cutters. A loose chain can derail; a dull or damaged chain can make you push harder and lose control. Check the chain brake, throttle trigger and interlock, chain catcher, handles, and bar. Do not use the saw if a safety part is broken or fails its manual check.
Wear a chainsaw helmet with visor and hearing protection, chainsaw protective legwear, gloves, and protective boots. Check your footing, escape route, overhead hazards, and drop zone. Keep helpers and bystanders outside the work area, and agree on communication before starting.
| Check | What to confirm | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bar and chain | Markings match the manual and sprocket | A mismatch can cause poor fit or unsafe operation |
| Chain brake | Works as described in the manual | It may help limit harm, but does not prevent every injury |
| Chain tension | Chain is set as the manual directs | Too loose or too tight can affect control and operation |
| Work area | Clear route, stable footing, no hidden obstacles | Keeps you from reacting suddenly near the bar tip |
Next step: If anything is damaged, mismatched, or unclear, stop and check the exact manual or have an authorized service provider inspect it.
Field Cutting & Landscaping Operation
Safe operation means controlling the saw and the work, not relying on the brake to rescue a poor cut. Plan each cut before starting. Keep both hands on the saw, keep the bar tip clear, and stay in a stable position. Tree work also calls for suitable training, secure positioning, and compliance with applicable work rules.
Start and position safely
Start the saw using the procedure in its current manual, on stable ground, with the chain brake engaged. Never drop-start it. Warm it as directed. Release the brake only when you are ready to cut, and keep a firm two-handed grip with secure footing.
Do not cut above shoulder height or overreach. Do not use the saw one-handed for ordinary cutting. In a tree, work only with an authorized arborist method and suitable climbing or positioning systems; do not cut while unsecured. Follow the current operator manual, ANSI Z133, applicable OSHA requirements, and your employer’s procedures.
Keep the bar tip out of trouble
Rotational kickback occurs when the moving chain contacts an object in the upper part of the bar nose. That contact can drive the bar rapidly upward and back toward the operator. The object may be another branch, a nearby stem, or something hidden in the cut. Keep the nose clear and feed the saw in a controlled way.
Do not use the bar tip to start a cut. Avoid cutting where the tip could touch a branch or obstruction beyond the wood. A firm grip and working brake are important, but they are added safeguards, not permission to put the tip into danger.
Before work, assess the tree’s condition and lean, the drop zone, limbs, escape routes, helpers, and overhead hazards. Follow utility requirements for electrical-line clearance; do not assume one general distance applies. If the work or hazards are beyond your training or equipment, stop and get qualified help.
Field scenarios: what to check
These are practical examples, not reports of specific incidents. They show how to apply the same checks to common situations.
- A branch is close to the bar nose: Change your approach so the nose cannot strike it. If you cannot maintain clearance, stop and reassess the cut.
- The saw suddenly needs more pressure: Stop. Check sharpness, chain condition, tension, and whether the wood or cut is pinching the chain. Do not force a dull chain through wood.
- You are cutting from an awkward position: Do not reach or use one hand to finish the cut. Reposition using an approved, secure work method, or leave the task to a trained arborist.
Next step: Pause whenever the planned cut changes, the saw binds, or your footing or position becomes uncertain.
Maintenance, Sharpening & Tuning
Maintenance supports predictable cutting, but it cannot eliminate kickback. Keep the chain sharp and correctly set, use the right fuel and bar oil, and inspect safety parts. Use the chain maker’s instructions and the exact saw manual for service limits; do not guess at adjustments or tune the saw by ear.
Sharpen to the chain specification
Set depth gauges—the small links ahead of each cutter—according to the chain manufacturer’s specification. STIHL 3/8 Picco chain commonly calls for 0.65 mm (0.026 inch), but confirm the exact chain type before filing. Do not apply that measurement to an unverified chain. If cutters are damaged or uneven, use the correct filing method or have the chain serviced.
Check chain tension and bar condition as the manual directs. Replace worn or damaged parts with approved components. Stop the engine before adjusting, clearing debris, or servicing the saw. Do not disable the chain brake or safety interlocks.
Use the correct fuel, oil, and engine settings
The MS 201 T has a 35.2 cm³, air-cooled two-stroke engine. Use fresh unleaded gasoline mixed with quality air-cooled two-stroke oil at 50:1, unless the oil maker’s directions require a different mix. Never run straight gasoline. Use purpose-made chain-and-bar oil, choosing viscosity for conditions and confirming oil delivery by the manual’s test. There is no single reliable oil-flow rate for every operating condition.
Published settings are often about 2,800 rpm at idle and 13,500 rpm maximum, but confirm the figures for your exact model and market. Do not set maximum speed by ear or exceed the manual’s limit. If the saw runs poorly or the settings are uncertain, use a qualified service provider rather than making a guess.
Next step: Before returning to work, confirm the chain is sharp, tension is correct, oil delivery is checked, and all safety parts function as specified.
Storage & Seasonal Care
Safe storage keeps the saw ready for inspection and helps prevent fuel, heat, or handling hazards. Engage the chain brake when pausing, shut the engine off before carrying or servicing the saw, and let it cool before refueling or storage. Keep the saw secured and follow the storage directions in its manual.
Refuel in a safe, ventilated area away from ignition sources. Wipe up spills and close fuel and oil caps securely. After use, clean the saw and inspect the bar, chain, brake, catcher, handles, and controls. Report defects and do not put a damaged saw back into service.
When carrying or moving the saw, follow the manual’s instructions and protect the chain. Do not carry it with the engine running. Before the next job, repeat the site and equipment checks rather than assuming the saw is ready because it worked last time.
Next step: Store the saw so the chain cannot contact people or objects, and repair defects before the next cut.
FAQ: MS 201 T Kickback Safety
These answers cover the most common safety questions. The exact setup and operating procedure depend on your saw’s manual, chain type, and work conditions. When those details are uncertain, stop and verify them before cutting.
What causes kickback on an MS 201 T?
Contact between the moving chain and an object at the bar nose’s upper quadrant can drive the bar up and back.
Does the chain brake prevent kickback?
No. It is a safety device that may reduce harm, but it does not prevent every kickback or replace safe technique.
Will a shorter bar stop kickback?
No. A shorter bar does not remove the risk. Use only an approved bar and chain combination for your saw.
Can I use the MS 201 T one-handed?
Ordinary cutting should be done with both hands. Tree work requires appropriate training and approved work methods; do not improvise one-handed cutting.
Can I cut above shoulder height?
Do not cut above shoulder height. Reposition safely or have a qualified arborist handle the task.
What chain setup should I use?
Match pitch, gauge, and drive-link count to the bar and sprocket markings, then confirm the combination in the manual for your saw.
How should I set the depth gauges?
Use the specification for your exact chain. STIHL 3/8 Picco chain commonly specifies 0.65 mm (0.026 inch), but verify the chain before filing.
What should I do if the chain binds or the saw needs force?
Stop the engine and inspect the cut, chain sharpness, tension, and bar. Do not force the saw or clear debris while it is running.
What should I do if the brake or another safety part fails?
Stop using the saw. Do not bypass the part; repair it or have the saw inspected before returning it to service.
What is the safest response if I am unsure about a tree cut?
Stop and reassess. If the tree, position, or hazards exceed your training or equipment, use a qualified arborist.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Robert Callahan. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
