Start a Stihl MS250 chainsaw by engaging the chain brake and setting the master control lever to full choke. Pull the starter rope until the engine burps, move the lever to half-choke, pull again until it starts, then squeeze the throttle to return the saw to the run position.
Set Up a Safe and Ready Work Area
The first essential step in learning how to start a Stihl MS250 chainsaw involves creating a safe work environment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 36,000 people are treated in emergency rooms each year for chainsaw-related injuries. Fortunately, most of these accidents can be prevented with proper preparation.
Check for proper ventilation and clear surroundings
Since chainsaws operate with gasoline engines, they must be used outdoors or in well-ventilated areas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Prior to starting your MS250, I recommend taking a thorough look around your work area. Remove any brush, debris, or obstacles that might interfere with your cutting or movement. Furthermore, examine the trees or wood for hidden nails, spikes, or metal objects that could damage your chainsaw or cause dangerous kickback.
Inspect the ground for stability and debris
Once the surrounding area is clear, focus on the ground beneath you. Secure footing is crucial when operating a powerful tool like the Stihl MS250. Remove any tripping hazards such as rocks, small branches, or slippery materials. Additionally, position yourself on level ground whenever possible to maintain balance while starting and operating the chainsaw.
Keep people and pets at a safe distance
Safety extends beyond just your immediate workspace. Consequently, all bystanders and pets should maintain a safe distance from your operation area. Professional guidelines recommend keeping others at least twice the height of any trees being felled away from your work zone. Make sure to verbally warn anyone nearby that you’ll be operating a chainsaw, ensuring they can hear you over the engine noise.
Wear protective gear before starting
Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is non-negotiable when starting your Stihl MS250. Essential safety gear includes:
- A hard hat to protect from falling branches
- Safety glasses or goggles to shield eyes from flying debris
- Hearing protection (earplugs or muffs) as chainsaws can exceed 100 decibels
- Cut-resistant gloves for hand protection
- Sturdy boots with steel toes and high ankle support
- Chain saw chaps to protect legs from accidental contact with the chain
Remember, even those assisting you should wear full protective equipment due to the significant risk of injury. Meanwhile, ensure your clothing is trim-fitting and free from ragged edges that could get caught in the saw.
Prepare the Chainsaw for Startup
Proper preparation of your Stihl MS250 chainsaw is essential for both safety and performance. Following a systematic pre-start routine ensures your equipment operates efficiently while minimizing potential hazards.
Check fuel and bar oil levels
Initially, examine both the fuel and bar oil levels before attempting to start your chainsaw. The MS250 requires a mixture of high-quality 2-stroke engine oil and unleaded gasoline. Refill if needed, making sure you’re at least 10 feet away from any ignition sources. Obviously, gasoline is extremely flammable – no smoking or open flames should be present during refueling. Moreover, check for any fuel leaks around visible parts such as the tank cap and hose connections to prevent fire hazards.
Remove the scabbard and inspect the chain
Following the fuel check, remove the protective scabbard from the guide bar. Examine the chain tension and condition – it should feel snug but still pull freely around the bar. Check that the chain is positioned properly before proceeding. A loose or improperly tensioned chain can cause accidents or damage your equipment.
Engage the chain brake
Engaging the chain brake is a critical safety step when starting your Stihl MS250. Push the front handguard forward until you hear a click, indicating the brake is engaged. This safety feature prevents the chain from rotating during startup, essentially eliminating the risk of accidental injuries. Many professionals recommend starting with the brake engaged.
Prime the fuel pump if available
If your Stihl MS250 has a manual fuel pump, press the primer bulb several times until you see fuel filling the bulb. This action draws fuel into the carburetor, making startup easier and reducing the number of pulls needed on the starter cord. Some models might require five to ten squeezes for a cold start.
Use decompression valve if your model has one
Naturally, larger chainsaws can be challenging to start due to high cylinder compression. If your MS250 is equipped with a decompression valve, pressing it will release some compression, making the engine significantly easier to turn over. The valve automatically closes once the engine starts, restoring full power. The MS250 C-B and MS250-Z models typically include this feature.
How to Start a Stihl MS250 Chainsaw
Now that your chainsaw is properly prepared, the actual starting process requires precise technique. Mastering these steps will help you start your Stihl MS250 efficiently and safely.
Place the saw on level ground
Always start your chainsaw on flat, solid ground. The cutting attachment must never contact the ground during startup as this can potentially dull the chain and create safety hazards. Check that the chain isn’t touching any objects or surfaces before proceeding.
Set the Master Control Lever to choke
Next, locate the Master Control Lever on your MS250. First, press the throttle trigger lockout and the throttle trigger simultaneously, then push the Master Control Lever down to its lowest position (choke/cold start). This setting prepares the engine for the initial startup.
Stabilize the saw with foot and hand placement
Proper stabilization is crucial for safe starting. Place your left hand firmly on the front handle. Position your right foot through the rear handle to hold the saw steady, keeping your right hand free for the starter cord. This three-point contact method prevents the saw from moving during startup.
Pull the starter cord until engine fires
Using your right hand, pull the starter cord slowly until you feel resistance. Then pull forcefully several times while keeping the cord as vertical as possible. Continue pulling until you hear the engine fire or “burp” once.
Move to half throttle and pull again
Upon hearing the first engine sound, immediately move the Master Control Lever up one position to the half-throttle setting. Pull the starter cord again – the engine should start within one or two pulls.
Tap throttle to set to idle
After the engine starts running, briefly tap the throttle trigger. This action automatically moves the Master Control Lever to the normal idle position, allowing the engine to warm up properly before use.
Final Checks Before Cutting
After successfully starting your Stihl MS250, performing a few final safety checks ensures your chainsaw is ready for cutting. These checks help prevent damage to your equipment and reduce the risk of accidents.
Release the chain brake safely
Once your MS250 is running smoothly at idle, it’s time to disengage the chain brake. Grasp the front handle firmly, pulling the handguard back toward you until you hear or feel it click into position. If the chain brake seems stuck or won’t disengage, this could indicate a mechanical problem. Some MS250 owners report chain brake sticking issues that may require manual disengagement. Should your chain brake refuse to disengage or if you notice smoke near the housing area, turn off the saw immediately as this may indicate overheating.
Test chain lubrication on a light surface
Proper chain lubrication is vital for your saw’s performance and longevity. To verify your oiler is working correctly, hold the running saw with its tip pointed at a clean piece of wood or cardboard without making contact. Accelerate slightly – a spray pattern of oil should appear on the surface if the lubrication system is functioning properly. Inadequate lubrication causes excessive friction between the guide bar and chain, leading to premature wear and potential damage.
Listen for unusual engine sounds
Finally, pay attention to how your MS250 sounds while idling. Irregular sputtering, excessive vibration, or unusual noises may indicate carburetor issues or loose components. A properly running MS250 should maintain a consistent idle without the chain moving. If the chain rotates while idling, your carburetor likely needs adjustment before proceeding with any cutting tasks.
Conclusion
Starting your Stihl MS250 chainsaw safely and effectively requires attention to detail and proper technique. Throughout this guide, we’ve walked through the essential steps from creating a safe work environment to performing final checks before cutting.
Safety must remain your top priority when operating any chainsaw. Therefore, always wear appropriate protective gear and maintain awareness of your surroundings. Additionally, proper preparation of your MS250 before starting prevents potential issues and extends the life of your equipment.
The correct starting sequence might feel challenging at first. However, with practice, you’ll develop muscle memory that makes the process second nature. Most importantly, never rush through safety checks or preparation steps, regardless of your experience level.
