STIHL 011 AV Chainsaw Manual

The STIHL 011 AV is a professional-grade gasoline-powered chainsaw featuring anti-vibration (AV) technology, a robust engine, automatic oiling system, and safety features like a chain brake and throttle lockout. This manual covers essential safety procedures, technical specifications, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage guidelines. Always read and understand this manual before operating the saw.

1. Safety Warnings & Symbols 2. Features & Components 3. Technical Specifications 4. Assembly & Preparation 5. Fuel & Lubricant 6. Starting & Stopping 7. Operation & Cutting Techniques 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 10. Troubleshooting 11. Storage & Transport

Safety Warnings & Symbols

Operating a chainsaw involves serious risks. Understand all safety symbols and warnings on the machine and in this manual.

Symbol/Area	Meaning/Precaution
⚠️ General Warning	Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which could result in serious injury or death.
🛑 Chain Brake	Activate before carrying or if kickback occurs. Test before each use.
⛽ Fuel Handling	Refuel in well-ventilated area, engine off and cool. No smoking.
👁️ PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)	Always wear: safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
🌳 Operation Zone	Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 feet away. Be aware of falling branches.

Features & Components

Key components of the STIHL 011 AV Chainsaw.

Engine: Single-cylinder, two-stroke gasoline engine.
Anti-Vibration System (AV): Reduces operator fatigue by dampening handle vibrations.
Chain Brake: Front hand guard activates brake to stop chain in event of kickback.
Automatic Oiling: Delivers bar and chain oil during operation. Manual override available.
Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed before throttle trigger can be engaged, preventing accidental acceleration.
Decompression Valve: Eases starting by reducing cylinder pressure.
Side-Access Chain Tensioner: Allows for easy chain adjustment without tools.

WARNING! Never operate a chainsaw with missing, damaged, or modified safety features.

Technical Specifications

Engine Displacement: 34.9 cc (2.13 cu. in.)
Power Output: 1.8 kW (2.4 hp)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.55 L (18.6 fl. oz.)
Oil Tank Capacity: 0.26 L (8.8 fl. oz.)
Guide Bar Lengths (Recommended): 12" to 16"
Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" PM / .050" (1.3 mm)
Weight (Powerhead): 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs)
Ignition System: Electronic, breakerless
Sound Pressure Level: Approx. 112 dB(A)

Assembly & Preparation

Assembling the guide bar and chain.

Unpack: Remove all packaging material.
Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs. Loop chain onto sprocket, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Fit chain tensioning pin into bar hole. Install and finger-tighten bar nuts.
Tension Chain: Using side tensioner, adjust until chain fits snugly against bar but can be pulled around by hand. Tighten bar nuts securely.
Check Chain Brake: Pull front hand guard back towards handle. It should click into brake position. Push forward to disengage.
Fill Fluids: Add fuel mix to fuel tank and STIHL-approved bar & chain oil to oil tank.

CAUTION! Always wear protective gloves when handling the chain.

Fuel & Lubricant

Using the correct fuel and oil is critical for performance and engine life.

Fluid	Specification	Mixing Ratio (Gas:Oil)
Fuel	Use unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89 (RON).	50:1 (2%)
2-Stroke Oil	Use high-quality, air-cooled engine oil meeting ISO-L-EGD and JASO FD standards. STIHL HP Ultra recommended.	2% of fuel volume (20 ml oil per 1 liter gas)
Bar & Chain Oil	Use STIHL chain oil or a high-quality, tacky vegetable-based oil for all temperatures.	N/A - Fill oil tank only.

WARNING! Never use straight gasoline, automotive motor oil, or old/contaminated fuel mix. Mix fuel in a clean, approved container. Shake well before refueling.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure (Engine not warm):

Place saw on firm, flat ground. Engage chain brake.
Press decompression valve (if equipped).
Set master control lever to cold start position (choke).
Press primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
Hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle. Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires (usually 2-5 pulls).
Immediately move master control lever to half-throttle position (run).
Pull starter rope again to start engine. Let run briefly.
Squeeze throttle trigger to disengage fast idle and return to idle.
Disengage chain brake. Saw is ready.

Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle. Push master control lever to STOP (0) position.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Basic principles for safe and effective cutting.

Stance & Grip: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, firm footing. Grip handles firmly with thumbs and fingers wrapped around.
Kickback Zone: Avoid cutting with the upper quarter of the guide bar tip, where kickback is most likely.
Bucking (Cutting Fallen Logs): Support log off ground. Cut from top down. For large logs, cut 1/3 from top, then finish from bottom to avoid pinching.
Felling (Cutting Trees): Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 of tree diameter) on fall side. Make felling cut from opposite side, leaving a hinge.
Pulling/Pinching: If bar gets pinched, stop engine, use wedge or lever to open cut. Do not try to force saw free while running.

WARNING! Always cut at full throttle. Never operate above shoulder height or with one hand.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before Each Use	Check chain tension, sharpness, and brake function. Check fluid levels. Inspect for loose fasteners or damage.
Every 5 Hours	Clean air filter. Check spark plug condition.
Every 20 Hours	Clean cooling fins, fuel filter, and oil tank breather. Inspect anti-vibration elements.
Every 100 Hours	Clean cylinder exhaust port and muffler spark arrestor screen (if equipped).
Annually or as needed	Replace fuel filter, spark plug. Have carburetor adjustment checked by a STIHL dealer.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is essential for safety and performance.

Sharpening: Use a round file matching chain pitch (e.g., 4.0mm for 3/8" PM). File each cutter at the factory-set angle (typically 30°). Maintain equal file strokes per cutter. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge.
Tensioning: Chain should be tensioned when cold. Loosen bar nuts. Turn side tensioner screw clockwise until chain is snug against bar but can be pulled around by hand. Hold tensioner and tighten bar nuts securely. Re-check tension after a few minutes of operation (hot chain).

Note: A loose chain can derail; an overtightened chain can damage the bar, sprocket, and engine.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Engine will not start	No spark, flooded, old fuel, master control position wrong.	Check spark plug. Move control to half-throttle. Use fresh fuel mix. Follow cold start procedure.
Engine runs but chain does not turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket damaged.	Disengage chain brake. Inspect clutch and sprocket for wear.
Chain does not get oil	Oil tank empty, oil passage clogged, oil pump faulty.	Fill tank. Clean oil holes in bar. Check oil pump operation.
Excessive vibration	AV buffers worn, loose components, unbalanced chain.	Inspect and replace AV elements. Tighten all fasteners. Sharpen chain evenly.
Engine lacks power or stalls	Dirty air filter, clogged fuel filter, spark arrestor screen blocked.	Clean or replace air/fuel filter. Clean spark arrestor screen.

Storage & Transport

Long-Term Storage (Over 30 days):

Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
Remove spark plug, add a teaspoon of engine oil into cylinder, pull starter rope slowly 2-3 times, reinstall plug.
Clean entire saw thoroughly. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil. Store chain in oiled bag.
Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

Transport: Always engage chain brake. Use a scabbard or guard on the guide bar. Secure saw to prevent movement.

CAUTION! Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. Store fuel only in approved containers away from heat and ignition sources.