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
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