032 AV Stihl Chainsaw Manual

The Stihl 032 AV is a professional-grade gasoline chainsaw featuring anti-vibration (AV) technology, a robust engine, and a range of safety and performance features for demanding cutting tasks. This manual covers essential information on safety, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure safe and efficient use. Below are key sections for safe handling, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Anti-Vibration (AV) system, decompression valve for easier starting, chain brake, throttle trigger lockout, automatic oiler, and adjustable oil pump.

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation. Always wear appropriate PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear chainsaw chaps, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toe boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Ensure secure footing and no trip hazards.
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, with engine off and cool. Use approved fuel mix. Wipe spills immediately.
4. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip). Use reduced-kickback chain and maintain sharp chain.
5. Carrying & Transport: Engage chain brake and carry with bar pointing rearward. Use scabbard for bar.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate a chainsaw while fatigued or under the influence.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar onto studs. Loop chain over sprocket and onto bar groove, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top. Install bar nut and adjust tension.
2. Fill Fuel Tank: Use fresh fuel mix (50:1 gasoline to 2-stroke oil). Shake container before filling.
3. Fill Chain Oil Tank: Use STIHL or approved bar and chain oil. Do not use waste oil.
4. Check Chain Brake: Pull front hand guard back towards handle; it should snap into brake position. Push forward to disengage.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is correctly installed and tensioned before starting. A loose chain can derail; an overtightened chain can damage the engine.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 54.1 cc (3.3 cu in).
• Power Output: 3.0 kW (4.0 HP).
• Fuel/Oil Mix Ratio: 50:1 (Gasoline to 2-stroke oil).
• Guide Bar Lengths: 16" to 20" (standard).
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: .325" pitch, .063" gauge (standard).
• Weight (Powerhead): 6.2 kg (13.7 lbs).
• Ignition System: Electronic, breakerless.
• Carburetor: Diaphragm-type with adjustable H and L jets.
• Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A).
• Vibration Levels: Front Handle: 4.5 m/s²; Rear Handle: 6.5 m/s².

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Main Controls: Master Control Lever (combines choke, stop switch, and start positions), Throttle Trigger, Throttle Trigger Lockout, Chain Brake Lever (front hand guard), Decompression Valve Button, Primer Bulb (if equipped).

Components: Fuel Tank Cap, Chain Oil Tank Cap, Spark Plug, Air Filter Cover, Muffler, Chain Catcher, Rear Hand Guard, Anti-Vibration Springs.

Adjustments: Chain Tensioning Screw, Idle Speed Screw (LA), High (H) and Low (L) Carburetor Adjustment Screws, Oil Pump Adjuster Screw.

Starting & Stopping the Engine

Cold Start Procedure:

1. Place saw on firm ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Set Master Control Lever to choke position (full down).
3. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
4. Pull starter rope sharply until engine 'fires' (usually 1-3 pulls).
5. Move Master Control Lever to half-throttle position (mid-point).
6. Pull starter rope again until engine starts.
7. Briefly blip throttle to disengage fast-idle. Engine should settle to idle.

Warm Start: Set Master Control Lever to half-throttle position and pull starter.

Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle briefly. Move Master Control Lever to STOP (0) position.

Operating the Chainsaw

Proper technique is critical for safety and efficiency.

1. Grip: Hold rear handle with right hand, front handle with left hand, thumbs wrapped underneath.
2. Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, weight balanced.
3. Cutting: Use full throttle when bar is in the wood. Let the saw do the work; do not force it.
4. Bucking: Support logs properly. Cut from top side, watch for bind.
5. Limbing: Stand on opposite side of tree from limbs being cut. Beware of springback.
6. Felling: Not recommended for untrained users. Requires proper notch, back cut, and escape path.

WARNING! Always be prepared for kickback. Never cut with the tip of the bar. Never operate above shoulder height.

Maintenance Schedule

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is essential.

Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 4.0mm or 5/32" for .325" chain). Maintain original filing angle (usually 30°). File all cutters to equal length. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge.

Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand. Adjust with side tensioner screw when saw is cool. Re-check tension after first few minutes of operation.

Tip: Rotate bar regularly to ensure even wear.

Storage Guidelines

Prepare saw for storage to prevent fuel system issues.

1. Drain fuel tank and run carburetor dry.
2. Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil. Clean bar groove and oil holes.
3. Clean entire saw, removing sawdust and debris.
4. Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store saw with fuel in the tank for more than 30 days. Old fuel can gum up carburetor.

Troubleshooting

Service: For major repairs, contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer.

Parts & Support: Use only genuine STIHL replacement parts. For manuals and dealer locator, visit www.stihlusa.com.