Stihl Chainsaw 017 Owner's Manual

The STIHL 017 is a lightweight, professional-grade gasoline chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a powerful engine with electronic ignition, an anti-vibration system, a Quickstop® inertia chain brake, STIHL Ematic™ lubrication system, and a side-access chain tensioner. This manual covers essential safety instructions, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure safe and efficient use.

1. Safety Information & Symbols 2. Components & Assembly 3. Fuel & Lubricant 4. Starting & Stopping 5. Operation & Cutting Techniques 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Chain & Bar Care 8. Troubleshooting 9. Storage 10. Technical Specifications 11. Warranty & Support

Safety Information & Symbols

Operating a chainsaw involves serious risks. Understand and follow all safety instructions to prevent severe injury or death.

Symbol/Item	Meaning/Precaution
⚠️ Warning Triangle	General hazard alert. Read accompanying text.
👁️ Eye Protection	Always wear safety glasses or a face shield.
👂 Hearing Protection	Wear sound-dampening earmuffs or earplugs.
🛡️ Protective Clothing	Wear cut-resistant chaps, gloves, and sturdy boots.
🔥 Fire Hazard	Refuel in well-ventilated area, engine off and cool.
⚡ Kickback Zone	Avoid contact with upper quadrant of guide bar tip.
🛑 Quickstop®	Inertia-activated chain brake for emergency stopping.

WARNING! Never operate the saw alone, when fatigued, or under the influence of drugs/alcohol. Keep bystanders at a safe distance.

Components & Assembly

Unpack and inspect all parts against the packing list.

Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on sprocket, fit chain with cutters facing forward, tension correctly.
Fill Oil Tank: Use STIHL chainsaw bar oil or equivalent.
Fuel Mix: Prepare 50:1 gasoline to STIHL 2-cycle oil mixture (see Section 3).
Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Always wear protective gloves when handling the chain. Ensure the chain brake is disengaged (pulled back toward rear handle) before starting.

Fuel & Lubricant

Using incorrect fuel or oil will damage the engine and void the warranty.

Fuel: Use unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89 (RON).
2-Cycle Oil: Use high-quality, air-cooled engine oil meeting STIHL specifications (e.g., STIHL HP Ultra).
Mix Ratio: 50:1 (2.6 oz oil per 1 gallon of gasoline). Mix thoroughly in a clean, approved container.
Bar & Chain Oil: Use STIHL chainsaw bar oil or a biodegradable alternative for proper lubrication.
Storage: Do not store fuel mix for more than 30 days. Use a fuel stabilizer for longer storage.

WARNING! Gasoline is highly flammable. No smoking. Refuel outdoors, away from sparks or flames.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure:

Place saw on firm, clear ground. Engage chain brake (push forward).
Set master control lever to cold start position (⏸️).
Press fuel pump bulb (primer) 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
Pull starter handle slowly until resistance is felt, then pull briskly.
After engine fires, set master control to run position (▶️).
Disengage chain brake (pull back toward rear handle) before cutting.

Warm Start: Set master control to run position (▶️) and pull starter.

Stopping: Release throttle, let engine idle, then press master control to stop position (⏹️).

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Maintain a firm grip with both hands. Keep saw body close to your body for better control.

Cut Type	Technique
Felling (Cutting down tree)	Plan escape path. Make notch cut, then felling back cut. Leave hinge wood.
Limbing (Removing branches)	Cut from trunk outward. Support saw with trunk. Beware of spring-loaded branches.
Bucking (Cutting log)	Support log off ground. Cut from top down. For pinched bar, stop and use wedge.

Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly, do not cut with bar tip, maintain high chain speed, and use a sharp chain.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance, safety, and longevity.

Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Inspect for loose nuts/bolts.
Weekly/10 Hours: Clean air filter, check spark plug, clean cooling fins, inspect fuel filter.
Monthly/50 Hours: Clean spark arrestor screen (if equipped), check anti-vibration elements.
Annually/Professional Service: Have carburetor adjustment and engine compression checked by an authorized STIHL dealer.

CAUTION! Always disconnect the spark plug boot before performing any maintenance.

Chain & Bar Care

Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand. Re-tension when cold and after first few minutes of use.
Sharpening: Use correct round file size (e.g., 5/32" or 4.0mm). Maintain correct filing angle (typically 30°). File all cutters evenly.
Rotation: Regularly rotate the bar to ensure even wear on both sides.
Cleaning: Clean bar groove and oil holes with a wire to ensure proper oil flow.

A dull chain increases kickback risk and operator fatigue. Sharpen frequently.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No fuel, flooded, bad spark, master control position	Check fuel, set control to cold start, pull plug to check spark, dry plug if flooded.
Engine runs poorly/dies	Dirty air filter, clogged fuel filter, old fuel mix	Clean/replace air filter, replace fuel filter, use fresh fuel mix.
Chain does not turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch worn, drive sprocket worn	Disengage brake. Inspect clutch and sprocket for wear. Replace if necessary.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, worn anti-vibration buffers, unbalanced chain	Tighten all fasteners. Check/replace anti-vibration elements. Sharpen chain evenly.
Chain throws oil or smokes	Incorrect oil, clogged oiler, over-tightened chain	Use correct bar oil. Clean oil passages. Adjust chain tension correctly.

Storage

Short-term (under 30 days): Run engine dry of fuel or add fuel stabilizer. Clean entire saw. Loosen chain tension.

Long-term (over 30 days): Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor. Remove, clean, and oil the chain. Store in a dry, secure place.

WARNING! Storing with fuel in the carburetor can cause gum deposits and starting problems.

Technical Specifications

Model: STIHL 017
Engine Displacement: 1.8 cu. in. (30.1 cc)
Power Output: 1.8 kW (2.4 hp)
Fuel Tank Volume: 14.9 fl. oz. (0.44 l)
Oil Tank Volume: 8.5 fl. oz. (0.25 l)
Guide Bar Lengths: 12" to 16" (30 cm to 40 cm)
Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" PMM / .050" (1.3 mm)
Weight (powerhead only): 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg)
Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
Vibration Level (front/rear): 4.5/2.5 m/s²

Warranty & Support

STIHL 017 is backed by a limited warranty from STIHL Incorporated. Proof of purchase from an authorized STIHL dealer is required. Warranty does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, improper fuel, or unauthorized repairs.

For genuine parts, service, and technical support, contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer.

STIHL USA: For dealer locator and product information, visit www.stihlusa.com or call 1-800-467-8445.

Emergency/Spill: For fuel/oil spills, contain with absorbent material and dispose of according to local regulations.