stihl 029 chainsaw manual

The STIHL 029 is a professional-grade gasoline chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a powerful engine, robust construction, and safety systems like a chain brake and throttle lockout. Below are key sections covering safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, guide bar, saw chain, chain brake, throttle trigger, master control lever, fuel and oil tanks.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	2-stroke, single cylinder gasoline engine
Displacement	Approx. 56.5 cc
Power Output	High torque for demanding cuts
Guide Bar Lengths	Typically 16" to 20" (40 cm to 50 cm)
Chain Brake	Inertia-activated for kickback protection
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces operator fatigue
Master Control Lever	Combines choke, throttle lock, and stop functions
Decompression Valve	Easier starting
Fuel Tank Capacity	Approx. 0.55 US qt (0.52 liter)
Oil Tank Capacity	Approx. 0.29 US qt (0.27 liter)

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all instructions before use. Always wear proper PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at a safe distance. Ensure secure footing.
3. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the bar tip. Never cut with this area.
4. Chain Brake: Test function before each use. Engage when carrying the saw.
5. Fuel Safety: Mix fuel outdoors. Use approved gasoline and STIHL 2-stroke oil. No smoking.

WARNING! Improper use can cause serious or fatal injury. The chain brake is not a substitute for safe operating practices.

Assembly & Preparation

Assemble the chainsaw from the box.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs. Loop chain over sprocket and onto bar rails with cutters facing forward. Tighten bar nuts finger-tight.
2. Tension Chain: Lift bar tip up. Using combination wrench, turn tensioning screw until chain fits snugly against bar. Tighten bar nuts securely.
3. Fill Fluids: Add STIHL 50:1 pre-mix fuel to fuel tank. Add STIHL chain oil to oil tank.
4. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake move freely.

CAUTION! Chain must be properly tensioned. A loose chain can derail; an overtightened chain can damage the engine.

Specifications

• Model: STIHL 029
• Engine Power: Approx. 3.4 bhp
• Powerhead Weight: Approx. 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) without bar and chain
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL 2-Stroke Oil)
• Ignition System: Electronic, capacitor discharge (CDI)
• Carburetor: Diaphragm-type with fixed jet
• Recommended Bar Lengths: 16", 18", 20"
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: .325" / .063" (common)
• Sound Pressure Level: Approx. 112 dB(A)
• Vibration Level: Front/Rear handle: Approx. 5.5/4.5 m/s²

Controls and Components

Right Side: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, rear handle, master control lever (choke, run, stop). Left Side: Chain brake handle, front handle, oil filler cap. Top: Decompression valve, spark plug, fuel filler cap.

Master Control Lever Positions: - STOP (0): Engine off. - CHOKE (up): For cold starting. - RUN (down): Normal operation.

Chain Brake: Push front hand guard forward to engage (brake ON). Pull back toward operator to disengage (brake OFF).

Starting & Stopping Procedure

Cold Start:

1. Place saw on firm ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set master control lever to CHOKE (full up).
4. Press throttle lockout and squeeze throttle trigger once to set fast idle.
5. Pull starter handle until engine fires (usually 1-3 pulls).
6. Immediately move master control lever to RUN (half-throttle position).
7. Pull starter handle again to start. Saw will run at fast idle.
8. Squeeze throttle trigger to disengage fast idle.

Warm Start: Master control lever directly to RUN position. Pull starter.

Stopping: Release throttle. Move master control lever to STOP (0).

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Always hold saw firmly with both hands.

1. Basic Cut: Let the chain do the work. Apply light downward pressure. Do not force.
2. Felling: Use proper notch and backcut techniques. Plan escape path.
3. Limbing: Cut from top side of log. Keep saw stable.
4. Bucking: Support log properly. Be aware of pinch points. Use wedges.
5. Kickback Prevention: Maintain a firm grip. Do not cut with bar tip. Keep chain sharp and tensioned.

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

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Check controls and fasteners.
Daily	Clean air filter. Check fuel filter. Clean exterior and cooling fins.
Weekly	Inspect spark plug. Clean spark arrestor screen (if equipped).
Monthly	Check anti-vibration elements. Inspect guide bar for wear.
As needed	Sharpen chain. Replace worn sprocket. Clean carburetor air passage.

Chain & Bar Care

Sharpening: Use correct round file size (.325" chain typically uses a 4.0mm or 5/32" file). Maintain correct filing angle (typically 30°). File all cutters to equal length.

Bar Maintenance: Regularly clean bar groove and oil holes. Flip bar weekly for even wear. Dress bar rails with a flat file if burred.

Tensioning: Chain should snap back against bar when pulled away, with no sag on the bottom. Re-tension when chain is cold.

Fuel & Lubrication

Fuel Mix: Use 89 octane minimum unleaded gasoline. Mix with STIHL 2-Stroke Oil at a 50:1 ratio. Shake container well. Use within 60 days.

Chain Oil: Use STIHL chain oil or a quality biodegradable bar & chain oil. Check oil flow by pointing bar tip at a light surface and running at high idle; a line of oil should appear.

CAUTION! Never use straight gasoline, automotive motor oil, or used oil. This will cause engine seizure.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No spark, flooded, old fuel	Check spark plug. Set control to STOP, open throttle, pull starter 10x to clear flood. Use fresh fuel.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter, carb adjustment	Replace fuel filter. Clean air filter. May require carb adjustment by dealer.
Chain does not turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket worn	Disengage chain brake. Inspect clutch and sprocket for wear.
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, improper tension, low chain oil	Sharpen chain. Adjust tension. Refill chain oil tank.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain, damaged AV mounts	Tighten all fasteners. Check chain sharpness. Inspect anti-vibration elements.

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

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