Stihl 015 Instruction Manual / Owners Manual

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STIHLD15

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Occa lonal User

Sa

Important Safety Precautions

1.

Do

not operate achain saw when you are

fatigued.

2.

Usesafety footwear, snug-fitting clothing,
and eye, hearing and head protection
devices.

3.

Usecaution when handling fuel. Move the
chain saw at least
fueling point before starting the engine.

4.

Do

not allow other persons to be near the
chain saw when starting or cutting with
the chain saw. Keep bystanders and

animals out of the work area.

5.

Do not start cutting until you have a clear
work area, secure footing, and a planned
retreat path from the falling tree.

6.

Holdthechain saw firmly with both hands,
the right hand
left hand
engine is running. Use a firm grip with
thumbs and fingers encircling the chain
saw handles.

7.

Keep all parts ofyour body away from the
saw chain when the engine is running.

on

10

feet (3

on

the rear handle and the

the front handle, when the

m)

from the

8.

Before you start the engine, make sure
the saw chain
thing.

9.

Carry the chain saw with the engine
stopped, the guide bar and saw chain to
the

rear,

and the muffler away from your

body.

10.

Do

not operate a chain saw thatisda-

maged, improperly adjusted, or is not
completely and securely assembled.

Be sure thatthe saw chain stops moving

when the throttle trigger is released.

11.

Shut off the engine before setting it

down.

12.

Use extreme caution when cutting small

size brush and saplings becauseslender

material may catch the saw chain and

be

whipped toward you or pull

balance.

13.

When cutting a limb thatisundertension

be alert for spring back so that you will

be

not

wood fibers

struck when the ·tension

is

is

released.

not contacting any-

you

in

off

the

continued

on

the back inside cover

-+

Stihl

015

015,

015L,015

AV,

015 AVelectron,ic

Lelectronic,

Congratulations!

You

are the owner of a precision-manufactured STIHL

to

chain saw designed

To

service.
faction from your STIHL chain
read and understand the maintenance and safety precau­tions before using your
the STIHL Distributorfor your areaifyou donotunderstand
any of the instructions or warnings

This Manual contains warnings regarding your

operating and safety instructions for all STIHL
power saws.

Warning!

Because a chain sawisa high-speed wood-cutting tool,
some special safety precautions must be observed as with

any other power saw to reduce the risk of personal acci­dents. Careless or improperuse may cause serious or even
fatal injury.

11is,important that you fully understand the contents af this

Manual and that you allow only persons who understand
this Manual to operate your chain saw.

Pay special attention to the cutting techniques and safety

precautions outlined on pages 4

receive maximum performance and satis-

give you long and dependable

saw,itis important that you

saw.

Contact your STIHL Dealer or

in

this Manual.

015

series

to

19.

saw,

Operating Instructions
Sharpening and Maintenance of Saw Chains

Contents

Parts of the Chain Saw
Safety Precautions
Fuel
Chain Oil
Mounting the Bar and Chain
Chain Brake
Starting
Cutting Attachment
Air Filter
Carburetor
Starter Assembly
Replacing the Chain Sprocket
Maintenance Chart
Specifications

Sharpening and Maintenance

of Oilomatic Picco Chain

2

4

20
20

21

22

23

26
28
28
29

31

33

34

35

STIHL's philosophyisto continually improve all of its pro-

ducts. As a result, engineering changes and improvements

are made from time-to-time. Written notices relating to

to

such changes are sent

If

to you.

of

please contact your local' STIHL Dealer for updated infor-

mation and assistance.

the operating characteristics or the appearance

your saw differs from those descr'ibedinthis Manual,

STIHL Dealers and are available

STIHl.:.·

Andreas Stihl
Postfach 1760

0-7050 Waiblingen

1

Parts of the Chain Saw

6 Front handle

7 Rear handle

8 Spark plug terminal

9 Rear hand guard

10

Muffler

20 Chain guard (Scabbard)

21

Oil filler cap
22 Fuel filler cap
23 Starter grip

~'

~~~

,...v--

Front hand guard

Bumper spike 4

Guide bar nose

,

<!!'

F

Sprocket cover

Choke control slide

Starting throttle lock

Safety throttle lock

Throttle trigger

Guide bar

Saw chain

Chain brake

Clutch

Sprocket

Stop switch

5

3
2

11

12
13

14

15

16
17

18

19

2

Definitions

1.

Saw Chain. A loop consisting of culters, tie straps and

drive links.

Guide

Bar.

2.

3.

Guide Bar Nose. The exposed part of the guide

4.

Bumper Spike. Toothed stop for holding saw steady

against wood.

5.

Front Hand Guard. Provides protection against pro-

jecting branches and helps prevent the left
touching the chain if it slips off the handle

6.

Front Handle. Handle bar for the left hand at front

saw.

7.

Rear Handle. The support handle for the right hand,

located at or toward the rear of the

8.

Spark Plug Terminal. Connects the spark plug with

the ignition wire.

9.

Rear Hand Guard. Gives added protection to

operator's right hand.

10.

Muffler. Attenuates exhaust noises and diverts ex-

haust gases

Supports and guides the saw chain.

bar.

saw.

in

required direction.

bar.

hand from

01

13.

Sprocket.Thetoothed wheel that drivesthe saw chain.

14.

Sprocket Cover. Covers the clutch and the sprocket.

15.

Stop Switch. Switches the engine's ignition system

off and stops the running of the engine.

16.

Choke Control Slide. Eases engine starting by en-

riching mixture.

17.

Starting Throttle

open during starting.

18.

Safety

Throttle

vating the throttle trigger.

19.

ThrottleTrigger. Controls the speed of the engine.

Chain guard (Scabbard).

20.

21.

Oil Filler Cap. For closing the oil tank.

Fuel Filler Cap. For closing the fuel tank.

22.

Starter Grip. The grip of the pull starter, which is the

23.
device to start the engine.

lock.

Keeps the throttle partually

Lock. Must be depressed before acti-

"'

24.

Chain Catching Bolt. Catches a broken chain and

it

guides

inside the sprocket cover (not illustrated).

11.

Chain Brake.

the chain if activated by the operator's hand
back-situation.

12.

Clutch. Couples engine to chain sprocket when

engineisaccelerated beyond idle speed.

An

optional device to stopthe rotation of

in

a kick-

3

Safety Precautions

2

The use of anychain saw maybe hazardous. The saw chain
has large, sharp cutlers. If the cutlers contact your flesh,

if

they will cut you, even
throttle, the chain speed can reach 45 mph (20 m/s).

important that you read, fUlly understand and observe the

following safety precautions and warnings. Read the

owner's manual
Pay special attention to the section on reactive forces,

10to13.

pages

dangerous. Careless or improper use of any chain saw

may cause serious or
All safety precautions that are generally observed when

working with

tion of chain saws. However, because a chain saw is a
highspeed, fast cutting power tool, special safety pre­cautions must be observed to reduce the risk of personal
accidents.
Have your STIHL dealer show you how to operate your

saw.

chain
standards and ordinances.

and the safety instructions periodically.

,Reactive forces, including kickback, can be

an

axe or a hand sawalso applyto the opera-

Observe all applicable local safety regulations,

the chainisnot moving. At full

fata~

injury.

Warnln ,

Minors should never be allowed to use a chain saw.
Bystanders, especially children and animals should not be

4

allowed

in

the area where a chain saw isinuse (ill.

Never let the saw run unattended. Store itina locked place
away from children and empty the fuel tank before storing
for longer than a few days.

It

is

Do not lend your chain
Be

sure that anyone using your saw understands the

information contained

These safety precautions and warnings apply to the use of

all STIHL chain saws. Different models may have different
parts and controls. See the appropriate section of your
Owner's Manual for a description of the controls and
function of the parts of your model saw.

Safe use of a chain saw involves

1.

the operator

2.

the saw

3.

the use of the saw.

THE OPERATOR

'-

saw without the Owner's Manual.

in

this Manual.

Physical Condition

You

must beingood physicallcondition and menta! health
and not under the influence of any substance (drugs,
alcohol, etc.) which might impair vision, dexterity or judg-

Do

not operate a chain saw when you are fatigued

1).

ment.

(ill. 2).

Be

alert -Ifyou get tired while operating your chain saw,

take a break, tiredness may result in loss of control.

If

Working with any chain saw can be strenuous.

be

any condition that might
work, check with your doctor before operating a chain saw.

aggravated by strenuous

you have

Proper Clothing

Clothing must be sturdy and snug-fitting, but allow com­plete freedom of movemellt. Avoid loose-fitting jackets,
scarfs, neckties, jewelry, flared or cuffed pants, or anything
that could become entangled with the saw or brush. Wear
overalls or jeans with a reinforced cutting resistant insert
(ill. 3).

Protect your hands with gloves when handling saw and
saw chain. Heavy-duty. nonslip gloves ,improve your grip
and protect your hands.

is

Good footing
sturdy boots with nonslip soles. Steel-toed safety boots
are recommended.

Proper eye protection is a must. Non-fogging, vented

goggles or a face screen

reduces the

an

Wear
Wear sound barriers (ear plugs or ear mufflers) to protect
your hearing.

most importantinchain saw work. Wear

is recommended. Their use

risk of eye injury.

appmved safety hard hattoprotect your head.

THE SAW

Parts of the chain saw; illustrations and definitions of the
parts see pages 2 and

3'

W rnlngl

Never modify a chain sawinany way. Only attachments
supplied by STIHL or expressly approved by STIHL for
use with the specific STIHL saw models are authorized.
Although certain unauthorized attachments are useable

in

with the STIHL powerhead, their use may,
extremely dangerous.

fact, be

5

4

THE

USEOFTHE

Transporting

Warning!

the

chain saw

SAW

Always stop the engine before putting a chain saw down or
carrying it. Carrying a chain saw with the engine running
is

extremely dangerous. Accidental acceleration of the

to

engine can cause the chain

rotate. Avoid touching the

hot muffler.

By

hand: When carrying your saw

be

must

stopped and the sawmustbein

by

hand, the engine

the proper position.
Grip the front handle and place the muffler at the side away
from the body (ill.

4).

The chain guard (scabbard) should be over the chain and

the guide bar which should point backwards. When carrying

be

your saw the bar should

behind you (ill.

By vehicle: When transporting

in

5).

a vehicle, keep chain
and bar covered with the chain guard. Properly secure
your saw to prevent turnover, fuel spillage and damage to

saw.

the

6

Preparation for the

use

of the saw

Take off the chain guard and inspect for safetyinoperation.

For assembly please follow the procedure described

on

pages21and 22.
STIHL-Oilomatic chain, guide bar and sprocket must match

each other.

If the guide bar or chain is replaced, it must

be

with a bar
or chain of the same type. Replacement with another type
of guide bar or chain will seriously increase the chances of

to

operator injury due
the operator during rotational kickback.

the contact of the moving chain with

.......

WarnI g'

Proper tension of the chain is extremely important.inorder
to avoid false setting the tensioning procedure must be

21

and

22.

followed as described on pages
sure the hexagonal nut for the sprocket

Make always

coveristightened
securely after tensioning the chain. Check chain tension
once more after having tightened the nut and thereafter
regular intervals (Whenever the sawiscut off). If the chain
becomes loose while cutting, shut off the engine and then
tighten. Never try to tighten the chain while the engine
running!

at

is

6

7

Fueling

Your STIHL chain saw uses an oil-gasoline mixture for fuel

(see page 20).

Warning!

Gasolineisan

caution when handling gasoline or fuel mix. Do not smoke

or bring any fire or flame near the fuel (ill. 6).

Fuelingllnstructions

Fuel your chain saw
only.
Always shut off the engine and allow it
refueling. Relieve fuel lank pressure by loosening fuel cap
slowly.
Select bare ground for fueling and move
(7,5

m) from fueling spot before starting the engine.

Wipe off any spilled fuel before starting your saw and

check for leakage.
Check forfuel leakage whilerefueling and during operation.

If fuel or oil leakage is found, do not start or

until leak

extremely flammable fuel. Use extreme

in

well-ventilated areas, outdoors

to

cool before

at

least 25 feet

run

the engine

is

fixed and spilled fuel has been wiped away.

Starting

arnlng!

Your chain sawisa one-person saw.Donot allow other

persons to be near the chain saw. Start and operate your
saw without assistance.

For safe and specific starting instructions, see the appro-

on

priate section of this manual
Do not drop start. This method is very dangerous because

you may lose control of the saw (see figure
Place the chain saw on firm

an

open area. Maintain a good balance and secure footing.
Be absolutely sure that guide bar and chain are clear of you
andall otherobstructionsandobjects, includingthe ground;
because when the engine starts at starting- throttle, engine
speed will be fast enough for the clutch
and turn the chain, which may cause kickback

Engage the chain brake when starting a Quickstop model
(see page 23).
Never attempt to start the saw when the guide bar
cut or kerf.

pages 23 to 25.

grounCl

or other solid surface

7).

to

engage sprocket

to

occur.

isina

in

7

When you pull the startergrip, don'twrap the rewind starter
around your hands. Do not allow the grip to snap back, but
guide the starter rope slowly back to permit the rope to
rewind properly. Failure to follow this procedure may result
in

injury to hand or fingers and may damage the starter

mechanism.

Working Conditions

Operate your chain saw only outdoors in a ventilated area.
Operate the saw under good visibility and daylight condi-

tions only.

8

Warnlngl

(rain, snow, ice). Put off the work when the weather
windy, stormy or rainfall is heavy. Clear the area where
you are working.

Take extreme careinwet and freezing weather

ami gl Avoid stumbling on obstacles such as stumps,

roots or rocks and watch out for holes or ditches. Be
extremely cautious when working on slopes or uneven
ground. There is increased danger of slipping on freshly
debarked logs.

Cutting Instructions

Grip: Always hold the saw firmly with both hands when

is

the engine
bar and your right hand
Left-handers should follow this instruction too.

Wrap your fingers tightly around the handles, keeping the

handles cradled between your thumb and forefinger (ill.

With your handsinthis position, you can best oppose and

absorb the push, pull and kickback forces of your saw
withouthaving itslip out of your grip (see section of reactive
forces). Make sure your chain saw handles and grip are in

8

good condition and free of moisture, pitch, oil or grease.

running. Place your left handonfront handle

on

rear handle and throttle trigger.

8).

Wa

"9' Never use the saw with one hand.

is

control reactive forces (see pages
control of the

saw.

10to13)

Important adjustments

Wa

rnlng I At correct idle speed, chain should not turn.

For directions to adjust idle speed, see the appropriate
section of this Owner's Manual.

Do not use a saw with incorrect idle speed adjustment.
Adjust the idle speed your-selfaccordingto the appropriate
section of this

Have your STIHL Dealer check your saw and make proper

adjustments or repairs.

After adjusting a chain start the saw, let theengine run for a
while, then switch engine off and recheck chain tension.

Proper chain tension is very important at all times.

maflual.

Warning1 Never touch a rotating chain with your hand or

any part of your body.

You

cannot

and may lose

Wamlng!

Do not cut any material other than wood or wooden objects.

It

Use your chain saw for cutting only.
prying or shoveling away limbs, roots or other objects.

When sawing, make sure that the saw chain does not touch
any foreign materials such as rocks, nails and the like (ill.
Such objects maybeflung off, damage the saw chain or
cause the saw to kick back.

In

order to keep control of your

on

firm foothold. Never work

other insecure support. Never use the saw overhead

10).

(ill.
Position the chain sawinsuch a waythat your body is clear

of the cutting attachment whenever the engine is running.

Stand to the left of cut while bucking (see ill.

Don't put pressure on the saw when reaching the end of a
cut. The pressure may cause the bar and rotating chain to
pop out of the cut or kerf, go out of control and strike the
operator or some other object.
some other object a reactive force
cause the chain to strike the operator.

a ladder,ina tree or on any

If

is not designed for

9).

saw,

always maintain a

11).

the rotating chain strikes

~ee

pages10to

13)

may

9

Reactive forces during the cut, including kickback

Warnlngl

Reactive forces, that may occur during any cut are kick-

back, pushback and pull-in. Reactive forces can be

In

dangerous!
cut wood can be reversed (and work against the operator).

If

the rotating chain is suddenly stopped by contact with

any solid object like a log or branch or is pinched, the

reactive forces instantly occur. These reactive forces may
result

in

or fatal injury.

reactive forces may help you avoid loss ofcontrol.

The most common reactive forces are

- kickback,

- pushback,

- pull-in.

Kickback:

Kickback occurs when the upper quadrant of the bar nose
contacts a solid object

The reaction of the cutting force of the chain causes a

rotational force of the chain saw
to

the chain movement, flinging the barina uncontrolled
arc mainly
ces the bar moves towards the operator who may suffer
severe or fatal injury.

It

also occurs when the nose of the guide bar is pinched
unexpectedly, unintentionally contacts solid material
wood (ill.

any chain saw, the powerful force used

loss of control which may,inturn, cause serious

An

understanding of the causes of these

in

the wood or is pinched (ill.

in

the direction opposite

in

the plane of the bar. Undersome circumstan-

It may also occur during limbing.

13)oris

incorrectly used to begin a p'lunge or

10 boring cut.

to

12).

in

the

The greater the force of the kickback reaction, the more

difficult it becomes for the operator to control the saw.
Many factors influence the occurence and force of the

kickback reaction. The type of bar and saw chain you use
is

a factorint'he

The radius of the guide bar nose.

Kickback tendency increase
guide bar nose increases.

The speed of contact at which the cutter contacts the
object.

Kickback forces increase with the rate of impact.

The contact angle between the nose of the bar and the
foreign object (see ill.

Kickback is most pronouncedinthe upper quadrant of the
bar nose.

force of the kickback reaction.

as

the radius or size of the

12).

To

avoid kickback

The best protection from personal injury that may result

from kickback is to avoid kickback situations:

1.

Hold the chain saw firmly with both hands and maintain

a secure grip.

2.

Be aware of the location of the guide bar nose at all
times.

3.

Never

briO.g

the nose of the guide barincontact with any
object. Do not cut limbs with the nose of the guide
Be especially careful with small, tough limbs, small size
brush and saplings which may easil'y catch the chain.

bar.

4. Don't overreach.

5.

Don't cut above shoulder height.

6.

Begin culling and continueatful/throttle.

7.

Cut only one logata time.

The saw chain.

Some STIHL chain types are designed to reduce kickback
forces.

The depth gauges:

Improper lowering of the depth gauges also increases the
chance of a kickback.

The sharpening condition:

An

improperly sharpened chain increases the risk of a

kickback.

8. Use extreme caution when

9.

Do

not attempt plunge cuts (see page

experienced with these culling techniques.

10.

Be alert for shifting of the log or other forces that may

to

cause the cut

11.

Maintain saw chain properly. Cut with a correctly shar­pened, properly tensioned chain at aI/times.

12.

Stand to the side of the culling path of the chain saw.

close and pinch the chain.

re.:..,entering

a previous cut.

16)

if you are not

11

14

15

Devices for reducing the risk of kickback

STIHL has developes a chain stopping system designed to
reduce the risk of injuryina kickback situation. The device
is

called a Quickstop. The Quickstopisavailableasan
optiononmany STIHLsaws. This device does not prevent
kickback, butwill stop the chain in some kickback situations
if the operator's left handisin

position to activate the Quick-

stop leverbycontacting the front hand guard.

When a kickback occurs, the chain saw rotates
plane of the

bar.

The left hand, when properly gripping
the front handle behind the front handguard should engage
the Quickstop lever.This activates the Quickstop and stops
the chain (see ill.

14).

STIHL has developed guide bars with a small radius nose.
These guide bars are designed to reduce the kickback
tendency and are available

as

an option.

STIHL has developed chains with cutters whose configu­ration are designed to reduce kickback forces. These
chains are available as

12

an

option.

However, even if your saw has a "Quickstop" a narrow
nose bar or a guard-link or a pro-guard chain, it does not
guarantee that you will not

be

injuredbya "kickback"
arid therefore, you should observe all of the precautions
to

prevent kickback discussed previously.

Wammgl

Chain saw kickback may cause serious or fatal injury.
To

reduce the risk of kickback injuries STIHL recommends

in

the

that you equip your saw with a narrow nose

bar,

low profile
chain or other chain designedtoreduce kickback forces,
and a STIHL QuicRstop.

Pushback:

Pushback occurs when the chain on the top of the bar

is
suddenly stopped when it is pinched, caught or encounters
a foreign objectinthe wood. The reaction of the chain
drives the saw straight back toward the operator causing
loss of saw control. Pushback frequently occurs when
top of the barisused for cutting (see ill.

15).

the

To

avoid

push

back

1.

Be

alerttoforces or situations that may cause material

to pinch the top of the chain.

2.Donot cut more than one log at a time.

3.

Do not twist the saw when withdrawing
plunge cut or under buck cut (figures 26 to 28 and 34,

pages

Pull-in:

16,17and

19),

because the chain can pinch.

·the

bar from a

Warning!

Use extreme caution when cutting small size brush and

saplings which may easily catch the chain and pull you off

balance.

To

avoid pull-in

1.

Always start a cut with the chain rotating at full speed
and the bumper spike

2.

Pull-in may also be prevented by using wedges to open

the kerf or cut.

Cutting Techniques

Felling

is

Felling
Before felling atree, considercarefully all conditionswhich

may affect the direction of fall, including:

The intended direction of the fall.
The natural lean of the tree.

Any unusually heavy limb structure.

Surrounding trees and obstacles.

The wind direction and speed.

cutting down a tree.

in

contact with the wood.

on

Pull-in occurs when the chain
suddenly stopped. The chain on the bottom of the barstops

it

when
in
the saw forward, causing the operator to lose control.

Pull-in frequently occurs when the bumper spikeof the saw
is
chain
wood.

is pinched, caught or encounters a foreign object

the wood (see ill.

not held securely against the tree or limb and when the

is

not rotating at full speed before it contacts the

16).

The reaction of the chain pulls

the bottom of the bar

is

Warning!

Always observe the general conditions of the tree. Look for

decay and rot
and fall toward the operator while being cut.

Also look for broken or dead branches which could vibrate

loose and fall
operator should stand

in

the trunk. If itisrotted inside,itcould snap

on

the operator. When fellingona slope, the

on

the up-hill side if possible.

13

19

-V?,.

-'-'

20

::r

-,

/

-/~

When fellinginthe vicinity of roads, railways and power

17).

lines, etc., take extra precautions (see ill.

Inform the
police, utility company or railway authority before begin­ning to cut.

1

le-ast

2

/2

When felling, maintain a distance of at

lengths from the nearest person (see ill.

18).

tree

Note:

14 The noise of your engine may drown any warning call.

Felling Instrucllons:

First clear the tree base and work area from interfering

limbs and brush

and clean its lower portion withanaxe

(ill. 19).

Then, establish a path of escape and remove all obstacles.
This path should be opposite to the planned direction of the

An

fall of the tree and at a 45° angle (ill. 20).

alternate

path must also be selected. Place all tools and equipment

on

a safe distance away from the tree, but not

the escape

path.

21

If

the tree has large buttress roots, cut into the largest
buttresses vertically first (horizontally next) and remove
(ill.

21).

Then, determine the placement of the felling notch (ill. 22).
The felling notch when properly placed determines the
direction
to

in

which the tree will fall.Itis

made perpendicular

the line of fall and shouldbeas close to the ground as
possible. Cut the felling notch to a depth of about one-fifth
to

one-fourth of the trunk diameter (ill. 23).Itshould

be

innocase higher than itisdeep. Make the felling notch

very carefully.
Begin the felling cut slightly higher than the felling notch

and on the opposite side of the tree (ill. 23). Then cut
horizontally through towards the felling notch. Apply the

chain saw with its spikes directly behind the uncut portion

of wood and cut toward the notch (ill. 24). Leave approx­imately
(ill. 24).

1/

of the tree diameter uncut. Thisisthe hinge

10

Do

not cut through the hinge because you could
lose control of the direction of the fall. Drive wedges into
the felling cut where necessary to control the direction
of the fall. Wedges should be of wood, light alloy or

plastic­never of steel, which can cause kick-back and damage
to

the chain.

22

23

24

Hinge

Felling notch

--1-4>1

15

25

26

Always keep to the side of the falling tree. When the tree
starts to fall, cut off the engine, withdraw the bar and walk
away

on

the pre-planned escape path. Watch out for falling

limbs.

arningl

Be

extremely careful with partially fallen trees which are

poorly supported.
When the tree hangs or for some other reason does not

fall completely, set the saw aside and pull the tree down

with a cable winch, block and tackle or tractor.Ifyou try

to cut

it

down with your saw, you may be injured.

Sectioning

Method

Warning!

Felling a tree that has a diameter greater than the length
of the guide bar requires use of either the sectioning or
plunge-cut method. These methods are extremely
dangerous because they involve the use of the nose of

in

the guide bar and can result

16

trained professionals should attempt these techniques.

kickback. Only properly

25)

For the sectioning method (ill.
guide bar fanningintoward the hinge. Then, using the
bumperspika as a pivot, reposition the saw for the next cut.
Avoid repositioning the saw more than necessary. When

repositioning for the next cut, keep the guide bar fully
engaged
saw begins to pinch, insert a wedge to open the cut.Onthe

last cut, do not cut the hinge.

Plunge-Cut
Timber having a diameter more than twice the length of

the guide bar requires the use of the plunge-cut method

before making the felling cut.

First, cut a large, wide notch. Make a plunge cut

center of the notch.
The plunge cut is made with the guide bar nose. Begin

the plunge cut

bar nose to the tree atanangle

of the kerf

in

the kerf to keep the felling cut straight.Ifthe

Method

by

applying the lower portion of the guide

is

about

the

same as the width of the

makethe first cut with the

in

(~II.

26). Cut until the depth
gUide

the

bar

27

29

28

30

(ill.

27).

Next, align the sawinthe directioninwhich the
recess is to be cut.
With the saw at full throttle, insert the guide bar

in

the

trunk (ill. 28).

in

Enlarge the plunge cut as shown

illustration (ill. 29).

arnlng!

Thereisan

extreme danger of kickback at this point.
Extra caution must be taken to maintain control ofthe saw.
To

make the felling cut, follow the sectioning method
described previously (ill. 30).
If you are inexperienced with a chain saw plunge-cutting
should not be attempted. Seek the

~Ip

of a professional.

Limbing

Limbing is removing the branches from a fallen tree.

Warnlngl

Thereisan

operation. Do not work with the nose of the

extreme danger of kickback during the limbing

bar.Beextre­mely cautious and avoid contacting the log or other limbs
with the nose of the guide

bar.
Do not standona log while limbing it - you may slip or the
log may roll.

17

Start limbingbyleaving the lower limbs10support the
log off the ground (ill.
limb.

Do

not underbuck freely hanging limbs. A pinch

31).

Always cut from the top of the

may result or the limb may fall, causing loss of control.
If

a pinch occurs, stop the engine and remove the

by

lifting the limb.

Warningl

Be

extremely cautious when cutting limbs under tension.

The limb could spring back toward the operator and cause

loss of control of the saw or injury to the operator.

Bucking

Bucking is cutting a log into sections.

Warning I

1.

When bucking, do not standonthe log. Make sure the

If

on a slope, standonthe up-

,for

be

caught and flunginthe direction

saw.

18

log will not roll down-hill.
hill side of the log (see ill. 32). Watch out

2.

Cut only one logata time.

3.

Shattered wood shouldbecut very carefully. Sharp

slivers of wood may
of the operator of the

saw,

rolling logs.

4.

When cutlirt§-smalliogs, use a sawhorse (ill. 33). Never
permitanother person to holdthe log. Never hold the log
with your leg or foot.

5.

Logs under strain require special attention to prevent
the saw from pinching. The first cut is madeonthe
compression side to relieve the stress

ill.

34,

35).The bucking cut is then made as shown.Ifthe

on

the log (see

sawpinches, stop the engine and removeit from the

6.

Only properly trained professionals should workinan

area where the logs, limbs and roots are tangled

(Le.

log.

a

blowdown area, ill. 36). Workinginblowdown areas
extremely hazardous.

7.

Drag the logs into a clear area before cutting. Pull out
exposed and cleared logs first.

is

34

35

-""

Maintenance
Never operate a chain saw that is damaged, improperly

adjusted
the maintenance and repair instructions in the appropriate
section of your Owner's Manual.

Warning!
Always stop the engine and make sure that the chain is

2.

Cross cut

-

stopped before doing any maintenance or repair work
cleaning the saw.
repair work not described
such work performed at your STIHL service shop only.

MAINTAINING AND STORING THE SAW
Keep the chain, bar and sprocket clean and lubricated;

replace worn sprockets or chains.

Keep the chain sharp.
easy-to-cut wood becomes hard to cut and burn marks
appear on the wood.

Keep the chain at proper tension. Tighten all nuts, bolts
and screws except the carburetor adjustment screws after
each use.

and

Repair

or

not completelyorsecurely assembled. Follow

Do

not attempt any maintenance or

in

your Owner's Manual. Have

You

can spot a dull chain when

or

Keep spark plugs and wire connections tight and clean.
Store saws in a high or locked place, away from children.

19

Fuel

Chain

Oil'

Fuel lank cap open

The two-stroke engine is powered by a mixture of regular

gasoline and engine oil.
Never use high octane gasoline as it contains benzol which

will permanently damage the carburetor diaphragms.
Only use STIHL two-cycle engine oil or other branded

two-cycle engine oils for mixing. The mix ratio is 1

(1

part oil to 40 parts regulargasoline) with STIHL two-cycle

engine oil or 1:25 for other branded engine oils.

During the running-in period use a fuel-oil mixture of ratio
1:

25 for the first five tank fillings.

Important: Always shake mixtureinfuel can vigorously

before fueling.

:40

Oil filler cap open

The service life of the chain and bar dependsongood

lubrication and the quality of the lUbricating oil.

Never use waste oil for this purpose!

Always use the chain lubricatingoil approvedbySTIHL
appointed dealers.

If

special chain lubricating oilisnot available, one of the
high-duty, single-grade engine oils listed below may
used inanemet:gency, dependingonthe outside tempe­rature.

Outside temperature
Outside temperature + 10°C
Outside temperature - 10°C - 30°C: SAE 20 W or

+10°C

+40°C:

-10°C:

SAE 30
SAE 20

SAE

10

and

be

Wor

20

Always top up with chain oil when you refuel. Carefully
clean the area around the filler caps before opening and

no

make sure that
refueling.

dirt falls into the tank while you are

'Mounting the Bar and Chain

Removing the chain sprocket

The guide bar and Oi,lomatic chain are supplied separately.

To

mount them, first unscrew the collar nut
the chain sprocket cover (2). On Quickstop models the
chain brake must
removed,

i.

be

e.

pUll

hand guard (3) towards handlebar. Take

off and discard cardboard spacer washer.

cove~

(1)

and take off

released before the sprocket cover is

Top: Backing off the tensioning nut
Center: Locating the guide bar
Bollom: Fitting the Oilomatic chain -

culling edges face the bar nose

Now move nut (4) ofchain tensionerback as far as the stop
by

turning the tensioning screw (5) counterclockwise.

'locate slot of gUide bar over the stud bolt (6) so that the
peg of the tensioning nut (4) engages

(7).

hole

in

the lower fixing

Starting at the chain sprocket, placethe Oilomaticchain on
the guide bar so that the cutting' edges on the top ofthe bar
are facing the bar nose (8). Push chain sprocket cover (2)

(1)

onto stud bolt (6), screw on collar nut

finger tight.

21

Top: Tensioning the Oilomatic chain

Bottom: Checking chain tension

Chain

Brake

(Quickstop model only)

Chain brake engaged

The chain brake is actuated by means of the front hand

guard.

Engaging the chain brake

Now tension the Oilomatic chainbyturning the tensioning
screw

(5)

clockwise, making sure that the drive link tangs
are lined up with the bottom groove of the bar. Hold the bar
nose (8) up and turn tensioning screw (5) until the Oilo-

is

matic chain
While still holding the bar nose
securely.

The Oilomatic chain is correctly tensioned when it fits
snugly on the underside of the bar but can still be pulled
easily around the bar.

22

properly seatedonthe underside of the

up,

tighten the collar nut

bar.

(1)

When the hand guard
guide bar the actuating lever automatically unlatches the
brake lever and the spring-assisted brake band is clamped
round the clutch drum at the same instant. This causes the
sawchaintoibebroughttoastandstilland lockedinposition.

Releasing the chain brake

The locked saw chain must be released before cutting can
be continued.

the handlebar - this disengages the brake band from the
clutch drum.

Important: Apart from starting and emergencies, the
chain brake may be engaged only when the saw is 'idling.

The chain brake

necessary
trained personnel, (STIHL servicing dealer)toinsure that it
is always in good working order.

"

To

to

haveitregularly serviced and maintained

is

moved towards the nose of the

do this, pull the hand guard back against

is

subjecttonormal wear.

!It

is therefore

by

Starting

Chain brake engaged

Start your saw without assistance of a second person.

Keep other people clear of

saw.

Place the chain sawonfirm ground or other solid surface
inanopen area. Have a good balance and secure footing.
Be

absolutely sure that guide bar and chain are clear of you
and all otherobstructions andobjects, includingthe ground.
When engine starts (at starting-throttle position), engine
speed will

be

fast enough for the clutch to engage sprocket

and turn the chain, which may cause kickback to occur.

the

general work area of the

Top: Stop switch away from

Center: Choke lever in "Choke" position (cold start)

Bottom: Choke lever away from

"Stop"

"Choke"

(warm start)

Starting procedure

1.

Engage the chain brakeonQuickstop models by

pushing the hand guard

2.

Move stop switch (2) away from "Stop".

3.Ifthe engine is cold, move choke lever

If

the engineiswarm, move choke lever (3) away from

"Choke". This also applies

(1)

towards the bar nose.

(3)to"Choke".

,jf

the engine has been

running butisstill cold.

23

Starting throttle position on

4.

Set throttle trigger to starting throttle position: Depress

015,

015L,015 LE

at first safety throttle lock (4), then throttle trigger (5)
and starting throttle lock (6). Next release throttle
trigger (5) and then starting throttle lock (6).

Top: Starting throttle position on

Center: Correct handling of the chain saw
Bottom: Starting

015

______

AV,

015

AVE

7

24

Important! Take care that the starting throttle lock

different positioned.

5.

Hold the front handle bar with your left hand, for type

also put your right foot through rear handle.

6.

Pull starter grip (9) slowly with your right hand until you
feel the starter engage. Then make a short, quick pull.
Do not allow the grip to snap back, but guide the starter
rope slowly back to permit the rope to rewind properly.

Crank until the engine fires. Then open choke (choke

is

lever away from "ChOke") if the saw

cold and pull

again. Failure to follow this procedure may result
injury to hand or fingers and may damage the starting
mechanism.

is

AV

in

Top: Idle position

Center: Chain brake released
Bottom: Stop switch in "Stop" position

7.

As soon as engineisrunning" depress throttle trigger
(5) momentarily to

release starting throttle lock (6) and

allow the enginetorunonidle speed.

8.

On Quickstop machines, disengage the chain brake

before starting cutting work: Push the hand guard

toward the handle bar

9.

The engine is stopped by moving the stop switch

(7).

(1)

(2)

the "Stop" position.

Hints for starting a chain saw:

When starting a cold engine only keep the choke closed

until the engine begins to fire. Then open choke fully -

from"

choke lever away

and you have to repeat the starting procedure.
is

left closed, the combustion chamber will flood and stall

Choke" - even if the engine stops

If

the choke

the engine.

If you opened the choke after the engine fired and the

still does not run after several attempts,itis

engine

In

flooded.

such a case, remove and dry off the spark plug.

already

Clear the combustion chamber by cranking the engine
over several times on the starter with the spark plug re­moved.

stop switch

should""'-be

off (move to

"Stop")

T'he
and the throttle in starting throttle position during this
process:

to

At very low outside temperatures do not open the choke
fully immediately after starting. First allow engine to warm
up for a brief period with very little throttle (release). Then
release throttle trigger and open the choke.
A new engine or one which has been run until the fuel tank
is

dry will not start first time after refueling because the
carburetor's diaphragm pump has to be primed with fuel by
cranking the engine over several times on the starter.

25

Cutting Attachment

Guide bar with oil inlet and locating holes

The cutting attachment of achain saw consists of the guide

bar,

saw chain and chain sprocket.

Guide bar

The nose and underside of the guide bar are subjected to

To

particular high stress and strain.
turn the
the chain. Regular cleaning of the oil inlet holes and the
guide bar groove

gUide

bar overeverytime you resharpen or replace

is

also very important.

avoid one-sided wear,

To

lubricate the Rollomatic guide bar, place chain saw

its side so that the bar noseisfirmly supported. Clean the

in

grease hole and pump
chain around bar (sprocket rotates)sothat bearing
uniformly filled. When grease emergesatthe holeonthe
other side of the bar or around the nose sprocket, repeat
the procedure on the other side.

Chain lubrication

Never operate the chain saw without proper chain lubri-

cation. Check operation of chain lubrication and levelinoil

tank before starting work.
Hold chain saw with mounted cutting attachment over a

light background. Take care, the Oilomatic chain must not
touch the ground,
the ground.
increasing patch of oil canbeseen, chain lubrication
operating correctly.

Run

the engine with half-throttle position.Ifan

greasewhile slowly pulling saw

i.e.keepitat

least 20cm(8

in)

clear of

on

is

is

The guide bar can be examined for signs of wearatthe

same time. A minimum groove depth of 5
mustbemaintained in order to avoid the drive link tangs
scraping the bottom of the groove·(the cutters and tie
straps would not be able to run

This depth shouldbemeasuredatthe spot where the bar

stressed most,i.e.
the area with which most cutting
bars.

The guide bar must

26 cannot

be

maintained.

the bar noseonDuromatic bars and

be

onthe guide bar rails).

is

doneonRollomatic

replaced if the minimum depth

mm

(0.2 in)

is

Checking chain lubrication

Worn chain sprocket

Breakinginthe saw chain

Every new chain has to be broken in for about 2 to 3
minutes. Ample chain lubrication is essential during this
period. After breaking in, check chain and adjust if
necessary.

Correct chain tension

The chain must always be slackened off after finishing

is

cutting work. A chain properly tension when it
would, when the temperature drops, be subjected to such
great contraction stresses that the chain would break

also damage the crankshaft and bearings.

The chain must, therefore, always be tensioned - with the

engine off - before you start cutting. Chain tension is

in

correct
the underside of the bar and can still be moved along the
bar by hand. Extreme care must be taken as the cutting
edges are very sharp.

the cold condition when the chain fits snugly on

warm

and

When the chain saw is operated at extremely low outside

temperatures a correctly cold-tensioned chain will begin
sag noticeably as it warms up to normal operating tempe­rature. The chain must then be retensioned. However, the
chain must be
shutting down the saw. This is necessary to avoid contrac­tion stress which would occur as
ambient temperature.

A new chain must be retensioned more frequently than a
used one until

immediately slackened off again after

Ithe

chain cools down to

it

has stretched fully.

Chain sprocket

The stress and strain on the chain sprocket are particularly

11

the wear marks on the teeth are very pronounced

high.

be

(about 0.5 mm/0.02 in), the sprocket should
A worn sprocket reduces the service life of the saw chain.

The chain sprocket should be replaced with every second

It

chain.
sprocket.

is best to use two chains alternately with one

replaced.

to

27

Air

Filter

Disassembly of air filter

Carburetor

H = High speed adjustment screw
L = Low speed adjustment screw
LA =Idle speed regulating screw

The air filter is designed to retain the dirtinthe
is sucked into the ingine,
moving parts.

A dirty air filter will cause a lossinthe power of the engine,
it will increase the fuel consumption and make starting

more difficult.

Therefore clean air filter daily!

Close choke shutter before removing the air filter
to prevent dirt from entering the carburetor, which is posi­tioned behind the air filter. Loosen the cylinder head screw
with the combination wrench and remove the cover and
the air filter which

To

clean the air filter tap filter lightly onto the palm of your
hand dirty side down or clean it with a soft brush and then
washitin

If

air filterisbadlyclogged it must be replacedbya new one
because even a careful cleaning will show only temporary
results.

28

straight gasoline.

isafelt"

in

order to reduce the wear of the

plate

".

air,

which

in

order

The carburetor of your chain saw has been carefully

adjusted at the factory for maximum performance
average atmospheric conditions. When working at high

altitudes or near sea level the carburetor, however, may
need readjusting. Check carburetor adjustment with warm

engine and a clean air filter.

Normal adjustment of carburetor:
screwsincarefully until they are seated).

High speed adjustment screw (H):

Low speed adjustment screw (L):

Engine stops when idling:

With engine running turn idle speed regulating screw
(LA) clockwise (the chain should not turnatidle speed).

Chain turns when engine idles:

Turn

idle speed regulating screw counter-clockwise.

(Turn

'/2

of a turn open

3/

4 of a turn open

under

adjustment

Starter Assembly

Replacing a broken rope

Carefully pull off the spark plug socket and choke
control after closing the choke by shifting the choke control

to"

lever
and cylinder head of air cleaner cover and take off cover
with air cleaner element.

For Types
cylinder head screw at the hood and remove the hood

together with the starterassembly. Slideshortcircuit switch

toward"

Choke"indirection of arrow. Unscrew spark plug

015,

01,5

Land

015

L electronic, remove the 4

Stop"indirection of arrow.

Top: Fastening screwsof015

Center: Fastening
Bottom: Prying loose the lock washer

screws

of 015

I
AV

ForTypes

015AVand

015AVelectronic, remove 3 cylinder
head screws from the hood, 1 cylinder head screw from
the handle tube and 1 from the gripp shell. Take off hood
with starter assembly. Force the lock washer from the

starter axle and clear rope rotor from the starter axle first

by about

10mm(0.4 in). Insertscrewdriver bit of the combi­nation wrench through the rope guide bore of the hood, use
it

to push the rewind spring back and holditin

pUll

Now completely

the rope rotor off the starter axle.

Remove the remaining rope from the rotor, thread

mm

(0.14

3.5
anchor it

in) dia., 960 mm (37.8 in) long rope and

to

the rotor with a simple knot. Pass the other end

this position.

in

a new

of the rope through the guide bore from inside, thread it
through the starter grip from below and fasten it with a
figure-eight knot.

Apply a few drops of non-resinous oil to the bearing
bushing of the rope rotor. Attach the rotor to the starter

it

axle, turning

back and forth until the inner eye of the re­wind spring snaps into the recess of the rotor. Use the lock
washer for locking.

29

Replacing a broken rewind spring

First, remove the rope rotor as described before.The spare

is

spring
a wire loop. Apply a few drops of nonresinous oil to the
spring before installing it. When installing, pass the outer
eye of the spring over the die-cast nose
the hood and
spring
re-install

Then reinstall the rope rotor.

supplied ready for installation and secured with

in

the socket of

fmce the wire loop outward. If the rewind

should flip out when trying to insertitintothe socket,

itinclockwise direction from outside to inside.

Tensioning the rewind spring

Wind up the starter rope by turning the rotorincounter­clockwise direction. Form a loop with the free portion of the
rope through the recess at the perimeter of the rotor and

If

turn it clockwise three to four times.
pullitoutthrough the gUide bore and untwist it. Releasethe
rope rotor cautiously and slowly slacken the starter rope

itiswound up by the spring completely.

until

the rope is twisted,

Top: Rewind spring hookedtonose

Center: Winding up the starter rope
Bottom: Tensioning the rewind spring

Then tension of the rewind spring is correct if the starter

in

grip rests firmly
spring by another turn.

With the rope fully extended the rotor must rotate for at
least another half turn until maximum spring deflection is
reached.

30

Too much loadonthe spring will break it prematurelly.

the guide bore. If it does not, tension the

Replacing the Chain Sprocket

On

machines without chain brake

Remove chain sprocket cover and cutting attachment.

p'lug

13)

with

and

Carefully pry off spark plug terminal, loosen spark
combination wrench and remove it from the cylinder. Then
pull out starter rope until you can wind the rope end approx.
3 times around the handle bar,

This prevents the starter rope from breaking when tighten-

ing the clutch,

To

lockthe crankshaft screw locking screw into the cylinder

by hand until it butts.

Attention: The clutch has a left hand thread! Therefore
unscrew it by turning it clockwise.

Loosen clutch with the combination wrench (SW

in

remove it. The clutch shoes are held
washer behind the clutch, When properly installed the pro­jecting rim of the retainer washer must point towards the
clutch carrier. Now remove retainer, chain sprocket and
needle cage from crankshaft.

place by a retainer

Top: Starterrope wrapped round handlebar

Center: Removing clutch
Bottom: Disassembly of clutch and sprocket

in

Before reassembling the parts, wash needle cage

baU

gasoline and lubricate it with some

Then put needle cage, chain sprocket and clutch retainer

to

(make sure
shaft, Screw clutch onto crankshaft by hand. Unwind
starter rope from handle frame and hold it with your left
hand. Now tighten clutch with the combination wrench
until piston bottoms on the crankshaft locking screw, at
the same time let starter rope glide back slowly,

Now tighten clutch securely and reinstall the otherparts by
reversing the disassembly sequence.

install correctly) back into place on crank-

bearing grease,

clean

31

Machines with chain brake

First remove chain sprocket cover and cutting attachment.

Take out spark plug. Pullout starter rope about

it

and wrap
prevent the rope breaking away when the clutch
tightened.

round the handlebar; thisisnecessary to

30cm(12

Top: Starter rope wrapped round handlebar

Center: .Unscrewing hexagon nut
Bottom: Removing clutch

in)

is

Screw locking screw into

combination wrench to unscrew hexagon nut and then take

off front guide washer. Now insert claws of clutch wrench

between clutch shoes and unscrew the clutch.

spark plug hole by hand. Use

Caution: The hexagon nut and clutch spider have left­hand threads

After unscrewing the clutch, remove rear guide washer,

sprocket and needle bearing from the crankshaftinthat

order.

Clean stub of crankshaft, wash out needle cage

gasoline and lubricate with antifriction bearing grease.

Reverse the above sequence to fit the new

Position rear guide washer so that its raised edge faces the

crankcase. When fitting the clutch, make sure that the side

on

which the thread is drilled out about 2 mm (0.08 in) also
faces the crankcase. The raised inner diameter of the front
guide washer must fit against the clutch.

Before tightening the clutch, turn crankshaft counterclock­wise until piston crown butts against the locking screw.

- unscrew clockwise.

in

clean

chain sprocket.

32 Release starter rope from handlebar at the same time.

Maintenance Chart

Complete machine

Throttle trigger, safefy throttle lock, stop switch
Chain brake

Filter in fuel tank
Fuel tank Clean

Chain oil tank Clean
Chain lubrication Check

Saw chain Check chain tension

Guide bar Lubricate sprocket nose

Chain sprocket Check

Air filter

Cooling inlets Clean
Cylinder fins Clean

Carburetor

Spark plug Readjust electrode
All accessible screws and nuts

(not adjusting screws) Retighten
Rubber vibration buffers

Spark arrestor screen

Chain catching bolt

Visual inspection (condition, leaks)
clean

Check operation
Check operation
Clean
Clean wire filter
Replace felt

Inspect, also check sharpness

Sharpen

Inspect (wear, damage)

Clean and turn over

Deburr
Replace

Clean

Replace

Check idle adjustment ­chain must not

Readjust idle

Inspect
To

be replaced only by STIHL Dealer
Inspect
Clean
Check
Replace

or

turn

replace

gap

I

I

I

g~

:c

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.- .-

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s

CT

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e!

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at

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2u;

.:<:

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~

x

x

x x

x x

x

x

x

x 26,27
x x
x x

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22

27

35

27

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28
28

28
28

33

Specifications

Engine Guide

STIHL single-cylinder, two-stroke cycle engine

3

(1.95

cu.

Piston displacement:
Cylinder bore:

Piston stroke:

Ignition system

015,

32 cm
38 mm
28

mm

015L,015

(1'.5
(1.1

AV

in)

in)

in)

Guide bar:

Cutting length:

Chain type:

System:

Timing:

Breaker point gap:

Ignition system

015

System: Transistor-controlled

Contact-controlled magneto

2.0

...

2.2 mm

(0.079 0.087 in) before

0.4

0.35

mm

(0.014 0.016 in)

LE,

015

AVE

T.

D.C.

Sprocket:
Chain lubrication:

Oil tank capacity:

Weight

with 30

(cantactless) magneto

Timing: 2.2 mm (0.087 in) before

Spark plug (suppressed): Bosch WSR 6

For

Champion RCJ 6 Y

D.C.

Type
Type
Type

T.

electrOde gap 0.5 mm (0.02 in)

015:
015

015

bar

em

and

saw

chain

Without tungsten carbide
chain deflecting surface.
With tungsten carbide on
chain deflecting surface

(10

25

without carbide

30

(12

with carbide

3/

"

8

Picco
6 teeth
All-automatic, with constant

oil delivery

0.18

(12

in) bar and chain assembly:

4.7kg(10.4lb)

L:

AV:

5.0 kg

5.2 kg (11.5Ib)

in) and 30em(12

in) and 35em(14

(9.32 mm) Oilomatic-

I (0.38 pt)

(11.0

Ib)

on

in)

in)

Fuel system

Carburetor:

Air filter:

Fuel tank capacity:
Fuel mixture:

34

All-position diaphragm type

with integrated fuel pump

Large-area felt element

0.33 I (0.7 pt)
1:

Mixing ratio

40 for STIHL

two-stroke engine oil;

1:

25 for other good-grade

two-stroke engine oils

Sharpening and Maintenance of
Oilomatic Picco Chain

Foreword

Top: Filing angle

Bottom: Side plate angle

Like any other cutting tool, the saw chain is sUbject
normal wear. A properly sharpened chain will eat into the
wood and require very little effort on the part of the
operator.
with a dull or damaged chain.

A carefully sharpened saw chain offers many benefits,
a higher cutting capacity, clean and smooth cuts - this
means less operator effort, a lower fuel consumption and
minimum wear.

There are a few crucial angles which must be maintained
in
They are explained below.

Filing angle

The filing angle on the Oilomatic-Picco chainis35°; the
chain is initially sharpened to this angle before leaving
the factory. However, if you use the chain primarily for
cutting hardwood or frozen timber, it is best to sharpen
an angle of 30°.

Always make sure that the filing angle is exactly the same

on

roughly and unevenly
and result

For this reason you should never attempt to cut

order to obtain good results when sharpening a chain.

all cutters. Irregular angles will cause the chain to run

as

wellasincrease the rateotwear

in

chain breakage.

to

i.

e.

it

at

plate angleis85
tained automatically if the file holder

with the prescribed file and the file

sharpening.

°for the Oilomatic-Plcco chain and

56057504310

is

held correctly during

is used

is

ob-

Side plate angle

The upright cutting edge just below the top plateisknown

as

the side plate cutting edge. The side plate angleisthe
angle between the side plate cutting edge and the horizon­tal line formed by the cutter toe and heel. The specified side

35

Top

plate

cutting

The top plate cutting angle is 60°. It is also obtained auto-

matically when the chain is sharpened carefully with file

56057504310

holder

angle

or another STIHL sharpening tool.

Sharpening

Only special 3.5 mm dia. saw chain files (part No.

0811

411

8068) may be used for sharpening. The shape and cut of

machinists' files makes them unsuitable for saw chain. The
file holder
that the file is positioned correctly on the cutter.

All cutters mustbe filed to the same length. As the top plate
slopes downward to the rear (clearance angle) the cutter
heights will be uneven if the cutter lengths are different. If
the cutters are not all the same height the chain will run
roughly and eventually break.

5605 750

4310

or a STIHL filing tool will insure

Top: Top plate CUlling angle
Center: File position

Boltom: Sharpening with the file holder

60°

As it is very important
best to measurethem with aslide caliper. Find and sharpen
the shortest cutter first and then useit as a masterfor all the

i.e.all cutters must be filed backto the same length

others,
as the master cutter. Sharpen all the cutters on one side of
the chain first and then repeat the procedure on the other
side.

The file must

90°

to the perpendicular facesofthe chain links.

cutters

be

must

alwaysbefiled

to achieve uniform cutter lengths it is

held level with the top plate so that it is at

from

the

insidetothe

side.

File

36

sharpensonthe

evenly

and

steadily

forward

and

stroke.

note

that

the

file

The

out-

only

The file mustbe liftedoff the cutteronthe backstroke. Make

sure you do not touch

on

file. Burrs
piece of hardwood.

Rotate the file at frequent intervals in order to prevent it
becoming worn on one side.

Important: Sharpen your chain frequently and take away
as

little material as possible.Two or three strokes of the file

are usually sufficient to keep the chain sharp.

A STIHL electric sharpener greatly simplifies chain shar­pening.

the cutting edge can be rubbed smooth with a

the tie strapsandrive links with the

Top: Depth gauge setting

Bottom: Filing down depth gauge

Depth gauges

The depth gauge determines the height at which the cutter

enters the wood and thus the thickness of the chip
removed. The cutting capacity and life of a saw chain are
therefore influenced by the distance between the depth

i.

e.

gauge and the cutting edge,

This setting is 0.65 mm on Oilomatic-Picco chain and is

checked with the STIHL filing gauge

The bestcutting results are obtained with the depth gauges
set to this value. However, the depth gauge setting may be
increased by 0.2 mm for cutting softwood
conditions.

As

the cutter is sharpened the depth gauge setting

reduced. This means that the height of the depth gauge

must be checked and lowered if necessary. If the depth

the depth gauge setting.

1110

8934000.

in

mild weather

Q

gauge projects from the filing gauge, it must be filed down
level with a flat or triangular file.

General chain maintenance

is

also"

fitted on

Cutting

in

Chain maintenance begins as soon as the chain
the bar and sprocket. The essential points are correct
chain tension and ample lUbrication. See

Attachment

is

Clean the chain thoroughlyingasoline after sharpening
order to remove filings or grinding dust. 37

".

STIHL file holder

STIHL filing gauge

= Sighting edge

1

= Slots for filing angles

2

= Cut-out for depth gauge setting

3

= Groove cleaner and scale for groove depth

4

for

side plate angle

4

3

Then lubricate the chainbyimmersing itinan

in

chain has not been
with a brush and immerse it in

use foranextended period, clean it

an

oil-paraffin bath.

Carefully examine the chain for cracksinthe links or
damaged rivets while you are sharpening and cleaning
Any damaged or worn parts must be replaced. The new

be

parts must then

reworked to match the shape and size

of the original parts.
Chain breaking and riveting js best carried out with the

STIHL rivet spinner.

Tools

for

chain maintenance

The

filing

grid

has reference marks for the filing angle and

by

is attached to the guide bar

means of a magnet.

File holders, which also have reference marks for the

filing angle, simplify chain sharpening.
If you use the

USG

e'lectric sharpeners or the STIHL

STIHL "Feilgenau", the STIHL HOS and

always follow the separate operating, instructions supplied

38

with the tool.

oil bath.Ifthe

rivet

spinner,

i,t.

filing

The

gauge is a universal tool for checking the filing

and side plate angles as wellasthe depth gauge setting

and cutter length.

It

can alsobeused for cleaning the
groove and oil inlet hole on the guide bar and measuring
the groove depth.

Attachment for

015

Powerhead

A hedge trimmer attachment and brushcutter attachment

015

are available for mounting to the
advantage is that only one engine
of

the attachments. This makes the powerhead economical

even

if

the individual attachments are only used oc-

casionally.

The attachments are easily mounted

Each attachment has its own corrugated spring clutch for
positive transmission of power.

Almost any type of hedge can be efficiently cut using the
combination of the lightweight

trimmer attachment and the

(60 cm) cutter bar provides high cutting performance and

1f2"

can even tackle

The lightweight

bined with the
all clearing, trimming and thinning jobs. Other applications
include moving of grass and brush, especially around

on

shrubs,
cannot be reached with a normal lawn mover.

slopes, along fences and walls - areas that

thick branches.

STIHL

FS

151

015

powerhead can be used for practically

powerhead.The great

is

required to power any

in

a few minutes.

STIHL

015

brushcutterattachment com-

HS

151

hedge

powerhead. The24in.

Top: HS
Bottom: FS

151

hedge trimmer attachment

151

brushcutter attachment

39

For ordering spare parts fillinbelow the model name of

as

your power tool, the machine number

number of your chain and guide

bar.

wellasthe part

This makes ordering of a new chain and bar easierasboth

parts are wearing parts. The part number for the chain

as

sprocket which from time to time must be replaced

fiilled

is already

in; also the part numbers for the standard

well

chain and guide bar are already filled in.

it

When purchasing these parts

is sufficient to just mention

the model and the respective part number.

is

The machine number

number for the chain

found at the crankcase, the part

is

marked on the chain box and the
one of the guide bar can be found on the guide bar
packaging.

Model

Machine number

Chain part number

Guide bar number

Sprocket part number

Standard chain 30 cm

cm

Standard bar 30

(12

(12

in)

in)

1116 640

3876 000 0044

3005 000 6305

Guarantyfor repairs can only be give if the repair work

is

done byanauthorized STIHL-Service Shop using

40

original STIHL spare parts.

0458 1160121. M35.

AI.

T. PrintedInWesl Germany

2001

x

Continuation of
Important Safety Precautions

14.

Keep the handles
oil

or fuel mixture.

15.

Operate the chain saw onlyinwell venti-

dry,

clean and free of

lated areas.

16.

Do

not operate a chain saw in a tree

to

unless specifically trained

17.

All chain saw service, other than the

in

itemslisted

the Owner's Manual main-

do

tenance instructions, should
formed by competent chain saw service

(E.

g.,

personnel.

if improper tools are
used to remove the flywheel, or if
improper tool is used to hold the fly­wheel

order

to

remove the clutch,

in
structural damage to the flywheel could
occur which could subsequently cause

the flywheel to burst).

so.

be

per-

an

To

avoid kickback:

- Hold the chain saw firmly with both
hands.

- Don't over reach.

- Don't let the nose of the guide bar
contact a log, branch, ground or any
other obstruction.

- Cutathigh engine speeds.

- Don't cut above shoulder height.

- Follow manufacturer's sharpening
and

maintenance instructions for the

saw chain.

as

- Use devices such

low kickback
chain, which may help to reduce the
hazards associated with kickback.

19.

When transporting your chain

the appropriate guide bar scabbard.

saw,

use

18.

Avoid kickback. Kickback is the upward
motion of the guide bar which occurs
when the saw chain
guide bar contacts
can

lead to dangerous loss of control of

the chain

saw.

at

the nose of the

an

object. Kickback