stihl 011 av chainsaw manual

The STIHL 011 AV is a professional-grade gasoline-powered chainsaw featuring Anti-Vibration (AV) technology, a powerful engine, automatic oiling system, and safety features like a chain brake and throttle lockout. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Stopping Procedures 7. Operation & Cutting Techniques 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain & Bar Care 10. Storage Guidelines 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine with Anti-Vibration system, Chain Brake, Automatic Oiling, Decompression Valve, Throttle Lockout, and Quickstop Inertia Chain Brake.

FeatureDescription
Anti-Vibration (AV) SystemReduces operator fatigue by dampening engine vibrations
Chain BrakeStops chain rotation instantly in kickback situations
Automatic Oiling SystemLubricates bar and chain during operation
Decompression ValveEases starting by reducing cylinder pressure
Throttle LockoutPrevents accidental throttle engagement
Quickstop Inertia BrakeActivates chain brake automatically upon kickback
STOP SwitchImmediately stops engine
Master Control LeverCombines choke, throttle, and stop functions
Fuel TankCapacity for gasoline/oil mixture
Chain TensionerEasy external adjustment for chain tension

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Wear proper PPE: helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.

  1. Clear work area of obstacles and bystanders.
  2. Inspect chainsaw before each use for damage or loose parts.
  3. Ensure chain brake is functional and chain is sharp and properly tensioned.
  4. Always hold saw with both hands; right hand on rear handle, left on front.
  5. Never operate above shoulder height or on a ladder.

WARNING! Risk of severe injury or death from kickback, chain contact, or falling limbs. Always follow safety procedures.

Assembly & Preparation

Assemble guide bar and chain, fill with fuel and oil.

  1. Attach guide bar: Loosen nuts, position bar on studs, align chain sprocket.
  2. Install chain: Place chain over bar with cutters facing forward on top.
  3. Tension chain: Adjust tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
  4. Fuel mix: Use 50:1 gasoline to STIHL 2-cycle engine oil. Fill fuel tank.
  5. Bar & chain oil: Fill oil reservoir with STIHL chain oil or equivalent.

CAUTION! Use only specified fuel/oil mixture to prevent engine damage. Ensure chain moves freely after tensioning.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Master Control Lever: Combines choke (cold start), run position, and stop. Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Throttle Lockout: Must be pressed to engage throttle. Chain Brake Lever: Manual activation; also inertia-activated. Decompression Valve: Button to reduce compression for easier starting. Chain Tensioner: Screw for adjusting chain slack. Fuel/Oil Caps: For refilling.

Operation: Set Master Control to choke for cold start, run for operation, stop to shut off. Engage throttle lockout before pulling trigger.

Starting & Stopping Procedures

Starting (Cold): Place on firm ground. Engage chain brake. Set Master Control to choke. Press decompression valve. Pull starter cord until engine fires. Move Master Control to run. Pull cord to start. Starting (Warm): Set Master Control to run, pull cord.

  1. Ensure chain brake is engaged before starting.
  2. Hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle.
  3. Pull starter cord briskly; do not yank.
  4. After starting, disengage chain brake by pulling front handguard toward you.
  5. To stop: Release throttle, set Master Control to STOP.

Tip: If engine floods, set Master Control to run and pull starter cord repeatedly with throttle open.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Basic cuts: felling, limbing, bucking.

  1. Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut on fall side, then back cut. Use wedges if needed.
  2. Limbing: Stand on opposite side of log. Cut branches from bottom to top.
  3. Bucking: Support log. Cut from top down; avoid cutting into ground.
  4. Use full throttle during cuts; let chain do the work.
  5. Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip).

WARNING! Kickback can occur instantly. Always grip handles firmly and maintain balance. Never cut with bar tip.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily: Clean air filter, check chain tension and sharpness, inspect bar for wear. Weekly: Clean spark arrestor screen, check fuel filter. Monthly: Clean cooling fins, check spark plug, replace fuel filter if clogged. As needed: Sharpen chain, replace bar, clean clutch drum.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance. Use only STIHL replacement parts.

Chain & Bar Care

Sharpen chain regularly with round file and guide. Maintain proper depth gauge settings. Rotate bar periodically to ensure even wear. Clean bar groove and oil holes. Ensure oiler port is clear.

Tip: A sharp chain reduces effort and prevents kickback. File cutters at 30° angle.

Storage Guidelines

Long-term storage: Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops. Remove spark plug, add a few drops of oil to cylinder, pull starter cord slowly, reinstall plug. Clean entire saw. Store in dry place, cover bar and chain with oil.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days; fuel degrades and can damage engine.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo spark, flooded, stale fuelCheck spark plug; set Master Control to run; use fresh fuel mix.
Engine runs poorlyClogged air/fuel filter, dirty spark arrestorClean/replace air filter; replace fuel filter; clean spark arrestor screen.
Chain doesn't oilEmpty oil tank, clogged oilerFill oil tank; clean oil passage in bar; check oil pump.
Chain comes off barLoose chain, worn bar, damaged drive linksTension chain properly; replace bar if worn; inspect chain.
Excessive vibrationLoose parts, damaged AV mountsTighten all nuts/bolts; inspect AV buffers for wear.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized STIHL servicing dealer. Use genuine STIHL parts.

Support: STIHL Incorporated, 1-800-467-8445; www.stihlusa.com

STIHL 011 AV Chainsaw Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025