STIHL Chain Braking Systems

STIHL chainsaws come equipped with a STIHL Quickstop® chain brake designed to reduce the risk of injury in certain kickback situations. Some chainsaw models have STIHL Quickstop® Plus, an additional braking feature.

brake band

ENGAGED

When handguard is in forward position, brake band is engaged.

DISENGAGED

When front handguard is in the rearward position, brake band is disengaged.

STIHL Quickstop®

STIHL chainsaws are equipped with a chain-stopping system designed to reduce the risk of injury in certain kickback situations. It is called a STIHL Quickstop® chain brake. The STIHL Quickstop® chain brake is designed to stop the rotation of the chain if activated by the operator’s hand or by inertia if the saw kicks back with sufficient force. In some working positions, the STIHL Quickstop® chain brake can be activated by inertia, stopping the chain within fractions of a second.

STIHL Quickstop® Plus – an additional chain braking feature

STIHL also offers an additional, manually activated chain brake on some models. This system is designed to engage when the operator’s right hand completely releases the rear handle, stopping the chain within one second. Available on some models.

Front hand guard

Front hand guard activated either by manual movement of the hand guard forward or by inertia if there is sufficient force in the kickback. This system is designed to stop the chain within a fraction of a second.

throttle lockout lever

The large throttle lockout lever activates the additional chain braking feature. The right hand must be completely removed from the rear handle. This feature is designed to stop the chain within one second.

Coast-down Brake

Only on electric chainsaws. An additional electrically controlled braking device to stop the rotating chain when the trigger is released

WARNING: No chain brake eliminates all risk of kickback injury.

View "How to Start a STIHL Chainsaw" Online Video