The STIHL 015L is a lightweight, professional-grade gasoline chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a powerful engine, robust construction, and safety-focused design. This manual covers essential safety instructions, technical specifications, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage procedures to ensure safe and efficient use.
Read and understand all instructions before use. Failure to follow warnings can result in serious injury or death.
| Hazard | Precaution |
|---|---|
| Kickback | Always hold saw firmly with both hands; use reduced-kickback chain; do not saw with tip. |
| Hearing Damage | Wear approved hearing protection during operation. |
| Eye Injury | Always wear safety glasses or face shield. |
| Fire/Explosion | Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. No smoking. |
| Carbon Monoxide | Operate only in well-ventilated outdoor areas. |
| Vibration | Take regular breaks to avoid hand-arm vibration syndrome. |
| Hot Surfaces | Avoid contact with muffler and cylinder during/after operation. |
| Falling Branches | Be aware of your surroundings; wear hard hat when felling. |
| Chain Brake | Test chain brake function before each use. |
| Clothing | Wear close-fitting clothing, protective gloves, and chainsaw chaps or pants. |
Key components and technical data for the STIHL 015L chainsaw.
Assembling your new STIHL 015L chainsaw.
WARNING! Never operate saw without proper chain tension and lubrication. Always wear protective gear during assembly.
Proper fuel mixture and lubrication are critical for performance and engine life.
Fuel Mix: Use unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89 (RON). Mix with high-quality two-stroke engine oil at a ratio of 50:1 (2% oil). Use STIHL HP Ultra two-stroke oil or an ISO-L-EGD certified oil. Shake fuel can thoroughly before filling.
Bar & Chain Oil: Use STIHL HP Ultra or a high-quality, tacky chainsaw bar oil suitable for the operating temperature.
Refueling Procedure: 1. Place saw on clear, level ground. 2. Clean area around fuel cap. 3. Unscrew cap slowly to release pressure. 4. Fill to marked level. Do not overfill. 5. Tighten cap securely. 6. Wipe away any spilled fuel.
CAUTION! Gasoline is extremely flammable. Allow engine to cool for 5 minutes before refueling. Store fuel in approved container away from heat and sparks.
Correct starting procedure reduces starter wear and prevents flooding.
Cold Start (Engine not warm): 1. Engage chain brake by pulling hand guard toward front handle (position "B"). 2. Press decompression valve (if equipped). 3. Set master control lever to choke position (full down). 4. Press fuel pump bulb (primer) 5-10 times until fuel is visible. 5. Place saw on firm ground, hold front handle with left hand, place right foot through rear handle. 6. Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires (usually 2-5 pulls). 7. Immediately move master control lever to half-throttle position (middle). 8. Pull starter rope again to start engine. 9. Briefly blip throttle to disengage fast idle. Chain brake should remain engaged.
Warm Start: Set master control lever to run position (middle). Pull starter rope.
Stopping: Release throttle. Push master control lever up to "STOP" position.
Safe and effective cutting practices.
WARNING! Never operate chainsaw above shoulder height or with one hand. Always be aware of where the bar tip is.
Regular maintenance ensures safety, performance, and longevity.
| Task | Before Each Use | Weekly / 5 Hours | Monthly / 20 Hours | Annually / 100 Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check Chain Tension | ✓ | |||
| Check Chain Sharpness | ✓ | |||
| Inspect for Loose Fasteners | ✓ | |||
| Clean Air Filter | ✓ | |||
| Clean Cooling Fins & Cylinder | ✓ | |||
| Clean Spark Arrestor Screen | ✓ | |||
| Replace Spark Plug | ✓ | |||
| Check Fuel Filter | ✓ | |||
| Check Anti-Vibration Elements | ✓ | |||
| Professional Servicing | ✓ |
A sharp, properly tensioned chain is essential for safety and performance.
Sharpening: 1. Secure bar in a vise. Identify the shortest cutter tooth to set file depth. 2. Use a 4.0 mm (5/32") round file for 3/8" PMM chain. Hold file at 30° angle to cutter top plate. 3. File from inside cutter out, using smooth strokes. Apply equal pressure and strokes to each tooth. 4. File every tooth on one side, then turn saw around and file teeth on the other side. 5. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge to maintain proper height (approx. 0.025" / 0.65 mm below cutter).
Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand. Re-tension when chain sags away from bar. Always check tension when chain is cold. A warm chain will tighten; re-check after cooling.
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Engine will not start | No spark, flooded, old fuel, master control position | Check spark plug; set control to run; use fresh fuel mix; follow cold start procedure. |
| Engine starts then dies | Clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter, carburetor adjustment | Replace fuel filter; clean air filter; have carb adjusted by dealer. |
| Loss of power | Dirty air filter, clogged spark arrestor, dull chain | Clean air filter & spark arrestor screen; sharpen chain. |
| Chain does not turn | Chain brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket damaged | Disengage chain brake; inspect clutch drum and sprocket for wear. |
| Excessive vibration | Loose parts, unbalanced chain, damaged anti-vibration mounts | Tighten all fasteners; check chain sharpening; inspect AV mounts. |
| Chain throws oil but doesn't cut | Dull chain, incorrect filing angle | Sharpen chain correctly to 30°. |
| Chain comes off bar | Loose bar nuts, worn bar rails, improper tension | Tension chain properly; inspect bar for wear and damage. |
| Oil not feeding to bar | Empty oil tank, clogged oil passages, worn oil pump | Fill tank; clean oil holes in bar; check oil pump output. |
Proper storage prevents fuel system damage and corrosion.
CAUTION! Never store saw with fuel in the tank for more than 30 days. Modern ethanol-blended fuel can separate and damage carburetor components.
For genuine STIHL replacement parts, use the illustrated parts diagram (IPL) specific to the 015L. Common replacement parts include:
Contact your authorized STIHL dealer for parts, service, and technical support. Provide the serial number located on the crankcase.
Support: STIHL Incorporated, 1-800-467-8445, www.stihlusa.com