Stihl 012 AV Chainsaw Manual

The Stihl 012 AV is a lightweight, professional-grade gasoline chainsaw featuring an anti-vibration (AV) system, automatic oiling, a quick-stop chain brake, and a reliable single-cylinder two-stroke engine. Designed for demanding cutting tasks such as pruning, limbing, and felling small to medium trees. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Stopping 7. Operation & Cutting Techniques 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 10. Storage 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, guide bar, saw chain, anti-vibration system, chain brake, automatic and manual chain oiling, throttle trigger lockout, and decompression valve.

Feature	Description
Engine	Single-cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled gasoline engine
Displacement	Approx. 32.2 cc (2.0 cu. in.)
Guide Bar Length	Typically 12" to 16" (30 cm to 40 cm)
Anti-Vibration (AV) System	Reduces operator fatigue by dampening vibrations
Chain Brake	Quick-stop inertia-activated safety feature
Oiling System	Automatic chain oiling with manual override
Throttle Trigger Lockout	Prevents accidental throttle engagement
Decompression Valve	Eases starting by reducing cylinder pressure
Fuel Tank Capacity	Approx. 0.42 US qt (0.4 L)
Oil Tank Capacity	Approx. 0.21 US qt (0.2 L)

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operation. Always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

PPE Required: Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, sturdy boots.
Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Ensure secure footing.
Chain Brake Check: Test function before each use by engaging brake with front hand guard.
Kickback Awareness: Be aware of the kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar nose). Maintain a firm grip.

WARNING! Gasoline is highly flammable. Refuel in a well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Do not smoke.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assemble on a clean, stable surface.

Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over bar with cutting teeth facing forward in top guide. Adjust tension.
Fill Fuel Tank: Use fresh, high-quality 2-stroke engine oil mixed with unleaded gasoline at a 50:1 ratio (Stihl HP Ultra oil recommended).
Fill Oil Tank: Use Stihl chainsaw bar and chain oil or equivalent.
Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, lockout, and chain brake move freely.

CAUTION! The chain is extremely sharp. Always wear protective gloves when handling.

Specifications

Model: Stihl 012 AV
Engine Type: Single cylinder, two-stroke
Displacement: 32.2 cc (2.0 cu. in.)
Power Output: Approx. 1.6 kW (2.1 bhp)
Fuel/Oil Mix Ratio: 50:1 (Gasoline:2-Stroke Oil)
Recommended Guide Bar Lengths: 12", 14", 16"
Chain Pitch: 3/8" PMM or .325"
Chain Gauge: 0.050" (1.3 mm)
Weight (powerhead only): Approx. 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg)
Ignition System: Electronic, capacitor discharge

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Main Controls: Front Hand Guard / Chain Brake, Throttle Trigger, Throttle Trigger Lockout, Choke/Start Lever, Decompression Valve Button, Master Control Lever (Stop Switch), Fuel Tank Cap, Oil Tank Cap.

Operation: Master Control Lever has three positions: (1) Normal run, (2) Cold start (choke), (3) Stop (0). Chain Brake is engaged by pushing the front hand guard forward. Decompression valve reduces compression for easier pulling.

Starting & Stopping

Starting (Cold Engine):

Engage chain brake by pushing hand guard forward.
Press decompression valve (if equipped).
Set Master Control Lever to choke position (2).
Pump primer bulb (if equipped) 5-6 times.
Place saw on ground, hold firmly with foot in rear handle.
Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires (usually 2-5 pulls).
Immediately move Master Control Lever to run position (1).
Pull starter rope again to start. Let idle briefly before disengaging brake.

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

Tip: For warm restart, set Master Control Lever directly to run position (1).

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Always use proper cutting techniques to maintain control and reduce kickback risk.

Firm Grip: Hold saw with both hands, thumbs wrapped around handles.
Basic Cut: Let the chain do the work. Apply light downward pressure. Use the bumper spikes for leverage.
Limbing: Cut branches from the bottom side where possible. Beware of spring-back.
Felling: Notch and back cut according to standard felling procedures. Plan an escape path.
Buckling: Support logs fully. Cut from top down, avoiding contact with ground.

WARNING! Never operate the chainsaw above shoulder height or with one hand.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Task	Frequency
Check chain tension	Before each use, and after first 10 minutes of new chain use
Clean air filter	Every 10 operating hours (more often in dusty conditions)
Clean spark arrestor screen	Every 50 operating hours
Check spark plug	Every 50 operating hours
Clean cooling fins	Every 100 operating hours
Replace fuel filter	Annually or every 100 hours
Check/replace bar & chain oil filter	Annually

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

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

Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Using scrench tool, turn tensioning screw until chain fits snugly against bar but can be pulled around by hand. Retighten bar nuts securely.

Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 4.0 mm or 5/32"). Maintain factory-filed angles (typically 30°). File all cutters to equal length. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves. Secure the bar in a vise when sharpening.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days, prepare the saw to prevent fuel system issues.

Drain all fuel from the tank and run the engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
Remove, clean, and re-oil the air filter.
Remove chain, clean it and the guide bar groove, and soak chain in oil.
Store in a dry, clean place, away from ignition sources.

CAUTION! Never store the saw with fuel in the tank for extended periods.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No fuel, flooded engine, bad spark plug, clogged air filter	Check fuel, set control to run, pull with throttle open to clear flood. Check/replace spark plug and air filter.
Engine starts but dies	Clogged fuel filter, carburetor adjustment, dirty spark arrestor	Replace fuel filter. Clean spark arrestor screen. May require carb adjustment by a technician.
Chain does not turn	Chain brake engaged, low chain oil, worn clutch/sprocket	Disengage chain brake. Check oil tank and flow. Inspect clutch and sprocket for wear.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, damaged AV mounts, unbalanced chain	Tighten all nuts/bolts. Check AV buffers. Sharpen chain evenly.
Chain throws oil excessively	Incorrect oil, overfilled tank, high oiler setting	Use correct bar & chain oil. Check oil level. Adjust manual oiler (if equipped).

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

Support: Visit www.stihlusa.com or contact your local Stihl dealer.