026 Stihl Chainsaw Manual

The Stihl 026 is a professional-grade gasoline chainsaw featuring a powerful engine, anti-vibration system, automatic oiler, Quickstop chain brake, and STIHL Ematic chain lubrication system. Designed for demanding cutting tasks, it requires proper operation, maintenance, and safety procedures. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

1. Safety Information 2. Features at a Glance 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Starting & Operation 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Chain & Bar Care 7. Carburetor Adjustment 8. Troubleshooting 9. Specifications 10. Warranty & Support

Safety Information

Critical safety warnings to prevent injury during operation and maintenance.

Hazard	Precaution
Kickback	Hold saw firmly with both hands; use reduced-kickback chain; avoid tip contact.
Chain brake failure	Regularly test Quickstop function; replace if not engaging properly.
Fuel handling	Use fresh fuel mix (50:1); no smoking near fuel; refuel in well-ventilated area.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)	Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.
Working area safety	Clear area of bystanders; ensure secure footing; never operate above shoulder height.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Read manual thoroughly before use.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, guide bar, cutting chain, anti-vibration handles, chain brake lever, throttle trigger, master control lever, fuel/oil caps.

Feature	Description
Engine displacement	49.4 cc two-stroke engine
Power output	3.0 bhp (2.2 kW)
Fuel/oil system	Automatic chain oiler with adjustable flow; STIHL Ematic system
Anti-vibration	Spring-mounted handles to reduce operator fatigue
Quickstop chain brake	Inertia-activated brake stops chain within milliseconds if kickback occurs
Master control lever	Single lever controls choke, start, and run positions
Bar lengths	Compatible with 16" to 20" guide bars
Weight (powerhead)	10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) without bar and chain

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

Attach guide bar: Loosen bar nuts, position bar on studs, align chain tensioning pin.
Install chain: Place chain over sprocket and bar, ensure cutting teeth face forward on top.
Tension chain: Adjust tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
Fuel mix: Prepare 50:1 mix with STIHL HP Ultra oil and unleaded gasoline (min 89 octane).
Fill tanks: Add fuel to fuel tank and bar/chain oil to oil tank.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure chain is properly tensioned before starting.

Starting & Operation

Proper starting procedure for cold and warm engines.

Cold start: Set master control lever to choke (full down). Press decompression valve if equipped. Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires. Move lever to half-throttle position. Pull again to start.
Warm start: Set lever to run position (horizontal). Pull starter rope.
Operation: Squeeze throttle trigger to increase RPM. Allow saw to reach full speed before cutting.
Cutting techniques: Use lower part of bar for cutting; avoid pushing tip into wood.
Shutdown: Release throttle, allow engine to idle, move master control to STOP position.

Tip: Never drop-start the saw. Always hold firmly with one hand on rear handle, other on front handle.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Clean air filter. Inspect for loose fasteners.
Weekly: Clean spark arrestor screen. Check fuel filter. Inspect bar for wear and damage.
Monthly: Clean cooling fins. Check spark plug gap (0.020"). Inspect anti-vibration elements.
Seasonally: Replace fuel filter. Clean carburetor. Check clutch and sprocket wear.
Annual: Replace spark plug. Check all safety devices. Professional service recommended.

Chain & Bar Care

Proper maintenance ensures optimal cutting performance and longevity.

Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 3/8" LP). Maintain 30° filing angle. File all cutters evenly.
Depth gauges: Check and file depth gauges with flat file to maintain proper height (0.025" below cutter).
Bar maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly. Flip bar monthly for even wear. Dress bar rails with flat file if burred.
Lubrication: Ensure oiler is working; adjust flow rate for conditions. Use only STIHL bar and chain oil.

WARNING! Always stop engine and disconnect spark plug before performing chain maintenance.

Carburetor Adjustment

Three adjustment screws: L (low speed), H (high speed), LA (idle).

Initial settings: Turn L and H screws clockwise until lightly seated, then back out 1 turn each.
Warm up engine: Run at half throttle for 5-10 minutes.
Adjust idle: Turn LA screw until chain just starts to move, then back out 1/4 turn.
Adjust L screw: Turn until engine accelerates smoothly without hesitation.
Adjust H screw: Never exceed factory maximum RPM (13,500 RPM). Use tachometer for precise adjustment.

CAUTION! Improper carburetor adjustment can cause engine damage. Consult dealer if unsure.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Old fuel, flooded engine, spark plug	Use fresh fuel mix; remove spark plug and dry; check spark plug gap and condition.
Engine runs poorly	Clogged air filter, carburetor adjustment	Clean/replace air filter; adjust carburetor; check fuel filter.
Chain doesn't turn	Clutch worn, drive sprocket, brake engaged	Check clutch springs; inspect sprocket; ensure chain brake is disengaged.
Excessive vibration	Loose fasteners, worn AV mounts	Tighten all nuts/bolts; replace anti-vibration elements.
Chain not oiling	Clogged oiler, empty tank, wrong oil	Clean oil passages; refill with proper oil; check oil pump operation.

Note: For complex repairs, consult authorized STIHL servicing dealer.

Specifications

Model: STIHL 026
Engine displacement: 49.4 cc
Power output: 3.0 bhp (2.2 kW)
Fuel tank capacity: 15.2 fl oz (450 ml)
Oil tank capacity: 8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
Weight (powerhead): 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg)
Recommended bar length: 16" - 20"
Chain pitch: 3/8" LP (low profile)
Spark plug: NGK BPMR7A, gap 0.020" (0.5 mm)
Idle speed: 2,800 RPM
Maximum power speed: 13,500 RPM

Warranty & Support

STIHL Limited Warranty: 1 year consumer use, 90 days commercial use. Proof of purchase required. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or improper maintenance. For technical support, contact authorized STIHL dealer or visit www.stihlusa.com. Keep this manual for future reference.