stihl 015 av chainsaw manual

The STIHL 015 AV is a professional-grade gasoline chainsaw featuring Anti-Vibration (AV) technology, a powerful engine, and durable construction for demanding cutting tasks. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Anti-Vibration system, Quickstop® chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, STIHL Oilomatic® saw chain, and decompression valve.

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operation. Wear proper PPE.

1. Always wear: Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
2. Clear work area of obstacles and ensure secure footing.
3. Never operate with one hand or above shoulder height.
4. Keep bystanders at least 15 feet away.
5. Use proper grip: Left hand on front handle, right hand on rear handle.

WARNING! Risk of severe injury or death from kickback. Maintain sharp chain and proper tension. Always engage chain brake when not cutting.

Assembly & First Use

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach guide bar: Place bar on studs, align chain around sprocket and bar groove.
2. Tension chain: Use side adjuster until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
3. Fuel mix: Use 50:1 gasoline to STIHL 2-stroke oil. Do not use automotive oil.
4. Fill oil tank: Use STIHL chain oil or equivalent for lubrication.
5. Starting procedure: Set master control lever to cold start position, pull starter rope until engine fires, then move lever to run position.

CAUTION! Fuel is highly flammable. Refuel outdoors with engine off and cool. Wipe spills immediately.

Specifications

• Engine displacement: 1.8 cu in (30.1 cm³)
• Power output: 1.6 kW (2.2 hp)
• Weight (without bar/chain): 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg)
• Fuel/oil ratio: 50:1 (STIHL 2-stroke oil)
• Ignition system: Electronic, breakerless
• Spark plug: Bosch WSR6F or equivalent, gap 0.020" (0.5 mm)
• Chain pitch: 3/8" PMM
• Chain gauge: 0.050" (1.3 mm)
• Sound pressure level: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration levels: Front handle 4.5 m/s², rear handle 5.5 m/s²

Controls and Components

Master control lever: Combines choke, throttle, and stop functions. Front handle with chain brake lever. Rear handle with throttle trigger and interlock. Decompression valve button.

Controls: Master control (Stop/0, Cold start/full choke, Run/half choke, Run), Throttle trigger, Throttle trigger interlock, Chain brake lever, Decompression valve.

Maintenance points: Air filter cover, Spark plug, Chain tensioner, Fuel and oil caps, Muffler. Adjustments: Idle speed (LA screw), High speed (H screw).

Operation Guide

Starting, cutting techniques, and shutdown.

1. Starting: Engage chain brake. Set master control to cold start. Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires. Move control to run position. Disengage chain brake before cutting.
2. Cutting: Use full throttle when cutting. Let chain do the work; do not force. For felling, plan escape path and use proper notch and backcut techniques.
3. Shutdown: Release throttle, allow engine to idle briefly. Move master control to Stop/0 position.

Tip: Avoid cutting with tip of bar to prevent kickback. Maintain secure footing and balance.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily or before each use: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Clean air filter. Inspect guide bar for wear.

1. Every 10 hours: Clean spark arrestor screen in muffler.
2. Every 20 hours: Replace spark plug. Clean fuel filter.
3. Every 50 hours: Clean cylinder fins. Check all nuts and bolts for tightness.
4. Annually: Replace fuel line and filter if cracked. Clean carburetor.

WARNING! Perform maintenance only when engine is off and cool. Disconnect spark plug wire for safety.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain maintenance ensures safety and performance.

Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (5/32" for 3/8" PMM). File each cutter at 30° angle. Maintain consistent depth gauge height with flat file. Tensioning: Chain should snap back when pulled from bar. Adjust with side tensioner when chain is cool. Recheck after first few cuts.

Storage Guidelines

For storage over 30 days: Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops. Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of oil through spark plug hole, pull starter rope slowly to distribute oil, reinstall plug. Clean entire saw. Store in dry, secure place.

CAUTION! Storing with fuel can cause carburetor damage. Use fuel stabilizer if draining is not possible.

Warranty Information

STIHL limited warranty for original purchaser: 1 year for homeowner use, 90 days for commercial use. Proof of purchase required. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or improper maintenance. For service, contact authorized STIHL dealer. For support, visit www.stihlusa.com or contact 1-800-467-8445.

Troubleshooting

Reset: For electronic ignition issues, disconnect spark plug wire for 1 minute to reset module.

Service: 1-800-467-8445; www.stihlusa.com