Stihl's QS (quick stop) feature ??

[Bobcat_pa]

Anyone have some info, or hands-on experience with this new feature ?  How does it work ?    Does it really provides operator safety ?  Or is it just a another thing that breaks/wears and just looks good on paper ?   I am not being negative--just wanting to understand QS .  THANKS--bob

[Bobcat_pa]

Just found this on the Stihl website (I thought Quickstop & QS were the same thing; not correct):

STIHL Quickstop® Chain Brake and QS Braking System

STIHL chain saws come equipped with a STIHL Quickstop® chain brake designed to reduce the risk of injury in certain kickback situations. Some chain saw models have the QS system consisting of two (2) braking systems.

STIHL Quickstop® Chain Brake
1. 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.
  
QS Braking System (on selected products)
2. The large throttle interlock lever activates the second brake system. the right hand must be completely removed from the rear handle. This system is designed to stop the chain within one second.
  
bob

[Striker]

We have a MS270 at work with the handle actuated chain brake. Does it work? Yes. Is it needed?None of the other saws have it. Would I recommend buying it as an option? No. It adds weight to the saw and might not be needed to be safe.

Jeff

[beenthere]

The Stihl dealer I bought my MS361 from had just sold one (QS feature in handle) to the local volunteer fire dept. and the  FD thought it would be a good feature if on a ladder, or roof, and in other precarious positions. I for sure did not want it on mine.