Stihl 029 Super Chainsaw Manual

The Stihl 029 Super is a professional-grade gasoline chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a powerful engine, anti-vibration system, quick-stop chain brake, and STIHL's advanced safety and ergonomic features. 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 Procedure 7. Operation & Cutting Techniques 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 10. Storage Guidelines 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, guide bar, saw chain, anti-vibration system, chain brake, throttle trigger lockout, and fuel/oil tanks.

FeatureDescription
Engine Type2-stroke, single-cylinder gasoline engine
Displacement56.5 cc
Power Output3.4 kW (4.6 hp)
Guide Bar LengthTypically 16" to 20" (40-50 cm)
Chain Pitch.325" or 3/8"
Anti-Vibration SystemReduces operator fatigue
Chain BrakeQuick-stop inertia-activated safety feature
Fuel Tank CapacityApprox. 0.55 liters
Oil Tank CapacityApprox. 0.26 liters
Weight (without bar/chain)Approx. 5.5 kg

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps/pants, and sturdy boots.
  2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Ensure secure footing.
  3. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip.
  4. Chain Brake: Test function before each use. Engage when carrying saw more than a few steps.
  5. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area, engine off and cool. Use STIHL MotoMix or proper fuel/oil mix.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death.

Assembly & Preparation

Assemble the chainsaw from the box.

  1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs, fit chain with drive links in bar groove and around sprocket. Adjust tension.
  2. Fill Fluids: Add STIHL 2-stroke engine oil (50:1 mix) to fuel tank. Add STIHL chain oil to oil tank.
  3. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, trigger lockout, and chain brake move freely.
  4. Initial Start: Place saw on clear ground, engage chain brake, follow cold start procedure.

CAUTION! Never start the saw unless the bar and chain are properly installed and tensioned.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main components located on the saw body.

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger, trigger lockout, and hand guard/chain brake lever.

Rear Handle: Contains master control lever (stop switch/choke), decompression valve (if equipped), and fuel primer bulb.

Right Side: Chain tensioner, oil filler cap, muffler.

Left Side: Fuel filler cap, air filter cover, starter grip.

Master Control Lever Positions: 0 = Off / Stop, I = Run / On, Choke Symbol = Cold start (choke closed), Half-moon Symbol = Warm start / Fast idle.

Starting & Stopping Procedure

Cold Start:

  1. Engage chain brake. Place saw on firm ground.
  2. Press fuel primer bulb 5-10 times.
  3. Set master control lever to choke position (full down).
  4. Pull starter rope sharply until engine 'fires' once.
  5. Move master control lever up to fast idle/half-moon position.
  6. Pull starter rope again until engine starts.
  7. Briefly blip throttle to disengage fast idle. Saw is ready.

Warm Start: Set lever to fast idle/half-moon position. Pull starter rope.

Stopping: Release throttle, let engine idle briefly. Move master control lever to '0' (STOP).

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Always use proper stance and grip.

  1. Basic Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward. Firm grip with both hands.
  2. Felling (Cutting Down a Tree): Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 tree diameter), then back cut. Use wedges if needed.
  3. Limbing: Cut branches from felled tree from bottom to top, using the saw's bumper spikes as a pivot.
  4. Bucking (Cutting Logs): Support log off ground. Cut from top down for most logs. Beware of binding.
  5. Kickback Prevention: Maintain firm grip, do not cut with bar tip. Keep chain sharp and tensioned.

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

Maintenance Schedule

IntervalTask
Before each useCheck chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Check all controls and fasteners.
DailyClean air filter. Check fuel filter. Clean saw exterior and cooling fins.
Weekly / 5 hoursClean spark arrestor screen (if equipped). Inspect guide bar for wear, clean groove and oil holes.
Monthly / 20 hoursReplace spark plug. Check fuel lines and carburetor adjustment.
Annually / 100 hoursClean combustion chamber and exhaust port (professional service recommended). Check anti-vibration elements.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Sharpening: Use correct round file size (.325" chain: 4.0mm file; 3/8" chain: 4.8mm file). File each cutter at 30° angle from 10° tilt. Maintain equal length on all cutters. File depth gauges with flat file and gauge.

Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand. Loosen bar nuts. Turn tensioning screw until chain just contacts bar along bottom. Tighten bar nuts. Re-check tension when chain is warm.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure saw is off and cool.

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 groove and oil holes.
  3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
  4. Store in a dry, secure place, away from children.
  5. For long-term storage, fog engine with 2-stroke oil through spark plug hole.

CAUTION! Never store saw with fuel in the tank for extended periods. Fuel can degrade and damage carburetor.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo fuel, flooded, bad spark, clogged air filterCheck fuel, use correct starting procedure. Clean/replace spark plug. Clean air filter.
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel filter, carburetor issues, vent blockedReplace fuel filter. Clean carburetor screen. Check tank vent.
Poor cutting performanceDull chain, improper tension, low chain oilSharpen chain. Adjust tension. Fill chain oil tank.
Chain does not stop when brake engagedWorn brake band/clutch, dirty mechanismClean brake components. Replace worn parts (professional service).
Excessive vibrationLoose components, worn anti-vibration mounts, unbalanced chainTighten all fasteners. Check/replace AV mounts. Sharpen chain evenly.
Chain throws oil excessivelyOil pump output too highAdjust oil pump screw (consult service manual).

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

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

Stihl 029 Super Chainsaw Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025