STIHL 019T Chainsaw Manual

The STIHL 019T is a professional-grade top-handle chainsaw designed for arborists and tree care professionals. It features a powerful gasoline engine, lightweight construction, advanced safety systems including a chain brake and throttle lockout, low-kickback guide bar and chain, easy-start technology, and tool-free chain tensioning. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, Fuel Tank, Oil Tank, Guide Bar, Saw Chain, Hand Guards, Chain Brake, Throttle Trigger, Master Control Lever, Decompression Valve.

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operation. Always wear appropriate PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear chainsaw chaps or pants, safety helmet with face shield and hearing protection, cut-resistant gloves, and steel-toe boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Ensure secure footing. Be aware of kickback zone.
3. Chain Brake Test: Test function daily by engaging brake with front hand guard before starting.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area, with engine off and cool. Use fuel/oil mix specified in manual.

WARNING! Kickback can occur without warning and cause severe injury. Always hold saw firmly with both hands. Do not operate above shoulder height or on a ladder unless specifically trained.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket and onto bar rails with cutters facing forward on top. Adjust tension.
2. Fill Tanks: Add correct fuel/oil mixture (50:1 with STIHL HP Ultra oil) to fuel tank. Add STIHL chain oil to oil tank.
3. Check Chain Tension: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand. Re-tension after initial warm-up.
4. Check All Fasteners: Ensure bar nuts, side cover screws, and handles are secure.

CAUTION! Use only STIHL-approved guide bars, chains, and lubricants. Incorrect assembly can lead to chain derailment or breakage.

Specifications

• Model: STIHL 019T.
• Engine Power: 1.8 kW / 2.4 HP.
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL HP Ultra 2-stroke oil).
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm.
• Maximum Power Speed: 12,500 rpm.
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A).
• Vibration Levels (left/right): 4.5 / 5.5 m/s².
• Ignition Air Gap: 0.30 mm.
• Spark Plug: Bosch WSR 6 F or equivalent, gap 0.5 mm.
• Carburetor: Walbro or Zama diaphragm carburetor.

Controls and Components

Master Control Lever (combines choke, throttle lock, stop control). Throttle Trigger. Throttle Lockout (must be depressed to access throttle). Chain Brake Lever/Front Hand Guard. Decompression Valve. Fuel & Oil Tank Caps. Chain Tensioning Screw. Muffler.

Starting Sequence: Set Master Control to cold start (choke) position. Press decompression valve (if equipped). Pull starter handle until engine fires. Move Master Control to half-throttle position. Pull again to start. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle.

Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle. Push Master Control to STOP position.

Starting & Stopping Procedure

Cold Start:

1. Engage chain brake by pushing front hand guard forward.
2. Press Master Control lever down fully (choke position).
3. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
4. Place saw on ground, hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle.
5. Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires (usually 3-5 pulls).
6. Move Master Control lever up one notch to half-throttle position.
7. Pull starter rope again to start engine.
8. Blip throttle trigger to disengage fast idle. Disengage chain brake.

Warm Start: Master Control in half-throttle position. Pull starter rope.

Stopping: Release throttle, let engine idle. Push Master Control lever up to STOP position.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Always use proper grip and stance. Let the chain do the work.

1. Basic Cuts: Use full throttle just before and during cut. Do not force the saw.
2. Notching & Felling: For trees, use proper open-face notch and back cut techniques. Use wedges.
3. Limbing: Cut branches from bottom of tree working toward top. Beware of spring poles.
4. Buckling: Support log properly. Cut from top down, avoiding contact with ground.
5. Kickback Prevention: Do not cut with the nose (tip) of the guide bar. Be aware of wood tension and binding.

WARNING! Never operate chainsaw with one hand. Always be prepared for kickback. Do not cut overhead or in an unstable position.

Maintenance Schedule

Chain & Bar Care

1. Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 4.0 mm for 3/8" PMM). Maintain correct filing angle (30°). File all cutters to equal length. File depth gauges (rakers) with gauge tool.
2. Cleaning Bar Groove: Clean bar groove regularly with bar groove cleaner. Rotate bar daily to ensure even wear.
3. Lubrication: Always use STIHL chain oil or equivalent. Check oil flow by pointing bar tip at light surface and running at full throttle; a line of oil should appear.
4. Replacing Chain: Replace chain when cutters are worn down to 0.5 mm length or damaged.

CAUTION! A dull or damaged chain increases risk of kickback and operator fatigue. Always stop engine before performing maintenance.

Storage Guidelines

For storage longer than 30 days:

1. Drain fuel tank and run carburetor dry.
2. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil. Clean guide bar and coat with oil.
3. Remove spark plug, add a teaspoon of engine oil into cylinder, pull starter slowly to distribute, reinstall plug.
4. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
5. Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

WARNING! Never store chainsaw with fuel in the tank for extended periods. Old fuel can damage carburetor diaphragms.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. Use only genuine STIHL parts.

Support: STIHL Incorporated, 1-800-467-8445, www.stihlusa.com