stihl 009l chainsaw manual

The STIHL 009L is a lightweight, professional-grade gasoline chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a powerful engine, anti-vibration system, quickstop chain brake, and STIHL's Ematic lubrication system. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, guide bar, saw chain, anti-vibration handles, chain brake, throttle trigger, master control lever, fuel and oil tanks.

Feature	Description
Engine	STIHL single-cylinder two-stroke gasoline engine
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces operator fatigue during extended use
Quickstop Chain Brake	Stops chain rotation in milliseconds if kickback occurs
Ematic Lubrication System	Directs oil precisely to the chain for reduced consumption
Master Control Lever	Combines choke, throttle lock, and stop functions
Decompression Valve	Easier starting by reducing cylinder pressure
Fuel Tank	Integrated, see-through for fuel level check
Oil Tank	For chain and bar lubrication
Chain Tensioner	Side-access for easy chain adjustment
Spark Arresting Muffler	Reduces fire risk from exhaust sparks

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps/pants, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Ensure secure footing.
3. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with the upper quarter of the guide bar tip.
4. Chain Brake Check: Test function before each use by pulling the hand guard forward.
5. Fuel Safety: Refuel in a well-ventilated area, with engine off and cool. Use STIHL-approved fuel mix.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate a chainsaw while tired, under the influence, or in poor weather conditions.

Assembly & Preparation

Assemble the chainsaw before first use.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over bar (cutting edges facing forward on top), adjust tension with side screw, then tighten bar nuts.
2. Fill Fuel Tank: Use a clean, approved gasoline/oil mix (50:1 ratio with STIHL HP Ultra oil).
3. Fill Oil Tank: Use STIHL chain oil or equivalent for bar and chain lubrication.
4. Check Chain Tension: Chain should be snug against the bar but pull freely by hand. Re-tension when cold.

CAUTION! Ensure all fasteners are tight. A loose chain can derail and cause injury.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 31.8 cc (1.94 cu. in.)
• Power Output: 1.6 kW (2.1 hp)
• Fuel/Oil Mix Ratio: 50:1 (Gasoline to STIHL HP Ultra 2-cycle oil)
• Guide Bar Lengths: 12" to 16" (30 cm to 40 cm)
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" PMM / .050" (1.3 mm)
• Weight (Powerhead): Approximately 4.4 kg (9.7 lbs)
• Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A)
• Vibration Levels (Front/Rear Handle): 4.5/3.5 m/s²
• Ignition System: Electronic, breakerless
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.25 L (0.07 US gal)
• Oil Tank Capacity: 0.20 L (0.05 US gal)

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Right Side: Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, hand guard/chain brake, rear handle, master control lever (choke, run, stop).

Left Side: Front handle, chain tensioner screw, guide bar, muffler, decompression valve (if equipped).

Top/Other: Fuel cap, oil cap, spark plug, starter grip, air filter cover.

Master Control Lever Positions: - STOP (0): Engine off. - RUN (I): Normal operation. - CHOKE (⏫): Cold start position (full choke). - START (⏫ with half-click): Partial choke for warm start.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure:

1. Place saw on firm, level ground. Engage chain brake by pulling hand guard forward.
2. Press fuel primer bulb (if equipped) 5 times.
3. Set master control lever to CHOKE (⏫).
4. Hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle. Pull starter cord sharply until engine fires (1-3 pulls).
5. Immediately move lever to START (half-choke). Pull starter cord again to start. Let run briefly.
6. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle. Release chain brake.

Warm Start: Set lever to START position and pull.

Stopping: Release throttle, let engine idle, move master control lever to STOP (0).

Tip: Always engage the chain brake when starting, carrying, or setting the saw down.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Use proper techniques for safety and efficiency.

1. Basic Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward. Hold front handle with left hand, rear handle with right.
2. Felling (Cutting Down a Tree): Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 tree diameter), then back cut. Use wedges if needed.
3. Limbing: Work from trunk base to top. Keep saw close, use guide bar's underside.
4. Bucking (Cutting Logs): Support log. Cut from top, avoid pinching bar. For logs on ground, cut top 1/3, roll, finish cut.
5. Kickback Prevention: Maintain firm grip, do not cut with bar tip, keep chain sharp and tensioned.

WARNING! Never operate above shoulder height. Be aware of reactive forces (kickback, push/pull).

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before Each Use	Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Test chain brake. Inspect for loose parts/damage.
Every 5 Hours	Clean air filter. Check spark plug condition.
Every 20 Hours	Clean spark arrestor screen in muffler (if equipped).
Every 50 Hours	Clean fuel filter. Check anti-vibration elements.
Annually or 100 Hours	Replace fuel filter and spark plug. Clean cylinder fins. Have dealer check carburetor adjustment.

CAUTION! Perform maintenance only when engine is off and cool. Disconnect spark plug wire for major work.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is essential.

1. Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 4.0 mm). File each cutter at 30° angle, maintaining original top plate angle. File all cutters to equal length. File depth gauges with flat file and gauge.
2. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Turn tensioning screw clockwise until chain is snug against bar (lift links slightly from bar rail). Tighten bar nuts while lifting bar tip. Re-check tension when chain is cold.

Tip: Sharpen chain frequently (every 1-2 tanks of fuel) for best performance and safety.

Storage

Prepare chainsaw for extended storage.

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor. (For storage < 4 weeks, use fuel stabilizer).
2. Remove chain, clean in solvent, dry, and soak in oil. Clean guide bar groove and oil holes.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
4. Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store a chainsaw with fuel in the tank for long periods. Old fuel can damage engine components.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No fuel, flooded, bad spark, master control in wrong position	Check fuel, set lever to START, pull with throttle open if flooded. Check spark plug.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter, carburetor adjustment	Replace fuel filter, clean air filter. May need carb adjustment by dealer.
Chain does not turn or turns slowly	Chain brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket worn, chain dull	Disengage brake. Inspect clutch, sprocket, and chain. Replace if worn.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain, damaged anti-vibration mounts	Tighten all fasteners. Sharpen chain evenly. Check AV mounts.
Chain throws oil or no oil	Wrong oil viscosity, clogged oiler holes, oil pump issue	Use correct oil. Clean bar oil holes. Check oil pump function and lines.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, clogged spark arrestor, fouled spark plug, dull chain	Clean/replace air filter and spark arrestor screen. Replace plug. Sharpen chain.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer.

Support: STIHL Incorporated, 536 Viking Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. Customer Service: 1-800-467-8445. www.stihlusa.com