Stihl 012 AV Chainsaw Manual

The Stihl 012 AV is a lightweight, professional-grade gasoline chainsaw featuring the Anti-Vibration (AV) system for reduced operator fatigue. This manual covers essential safety procedures, technical specifications, daily operation, routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage guidelines to ensure safe and efficient use of your chainsaw.

1. Safety Information 2. Features & Components 3. Technical Specifications 4. Assembly & First Use 5. Fuel & Lubrication 6. Starting & Stopping Procedure 7. Cutting Techniques 8. Routine Maintenance 9. Chain Sharpening 10. Troubleshooting 11. Storage & Transport

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operating the chainsaw. Failure to follow safety rules may result in serious injury or death.

Hazard	Precaution
Kickback	Always hold saw firmly with both hands. Use a low-kickback chain. Do not let the bar nose contact any object.
Hearing Damage	Wear approved hearing protection during operation.
Eye Injury	Always wear safety glasses or a face shield.
Fire/Explosion	Refuel in a well-ventilated area with engine stopped and cool. Wipe off any spilled fuel.
Carbon Monoxide	Operate only in well-ventilated areas. Never use indoors.
Vibration	Take regular breaks to minimize the risk of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).

Features & Components

Key components of the Stihl 012 AV chainsaw.

Component	Description
Anti-Vibration System (AV)	Rubber buffers isolate the handles from the engine to reduce vibration.
Throttle Trigger	Controls engine speed. Includes a throttle trigger lockout to prevent accidental engagement.
Chain Brake/Front Hand Guard	Stops the chain immediately if activated by hand or inertia (kickback).
Master Control Lever	Combines choke, stop switch, and start functions.
Decompression Valve	Reduces compression for easier starting.
Chain Tensioner	Side-mounted wheel for easy chain tension adjustment.
Oil Pump	Automatic and manual chain lubrication system.

Technical Specifications

Engine Displacement: 32.2 cc (1.96 cu. in.)
Power Output: 1.6 kW (2.1 bhp)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.25 L (0.07 US gal)
Oil Tank Capacity: 0.20 L (0.05 US gal)
Guide Bar Lengths: 12" to 16" (30 cm to 40 cm)
Chain Pitch: 3/8" PMM (Picco Micro Mini)
Weight (powerhead): 3.9 kg (8.6 lbs)
Ignition System: Electronic, breakerless
Recommended Fuel: Unleaded gasoline min. 89 octane mixed with Stihl HP Ultra 2-stroke oil at 50:1 ratio.

Assembly & First Use

Assembling your chainsaw for the first time.

Attach Guide Bar and Chain: Place the chain on the bar, ensuring cutting edges face forward on top. Fit the bar onto the studs. Adjust tension with side screw until chain snaps back when pulled from the bar. Tighten bar nuts.
Fill Fuel Tank: Use proper fuel/oil mix. Clean area before opening cap.
Fill Chain Oil Tank: Use Stihl chain oil or a quality biodegradable bar & chain oil.
Check Chain Brake: Pull front hand guard back towards the front handle to engage. Push forward to disengage. Must move freely.

WARNING! Never operate the saw without the chain brake functioning correctly.

Fuel & Lubrication

Proper fuel mixture is critical for engine life and performance.

Fuel Mix: Always use a 50:1 ratio of unleaded gasoline (min. 89 octane) to Stihl HP Ultra 2-stroke oil. Mix in a clean, approved container before filling the saw.
Chain Lubrication: The saw has an automatic oiler. Check oil flow before each use by running the saw at high speed near a light-colored surface (like a stump). A line of oil should appear. Use manual oiler (by pressing plunger) for additional lubrication during heavy cuts.
Never use: Straight gasoline, automotive motor oil, or dirty/old fuel mix.

CAUTION! Fuel is highly flammable. Store in an approved container away from sparks or flame.

Starting & Stopping Procedure

Cold Start:

Engage chain brake by pulling hand guard back.
Press fuel primer bulb (if equipped) 5 times.
Set Master Control lever to choke position (full down).
Place saw on firm ground. Hold front handle with left hand, place right foot through rear handle.
Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires (usually 2-5 pulls).
Immediately move Master Control lever to half-throttle position (mid-notch).
Pull starter rope again until engine starts. Let run for 10 seconds.
Squeeze throttle trigger to disengage fast-idle and release chain brake.

Warm Start: Begin at step 3 with Master Control in half-throttle position.

Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle. Push Master Control lever up to the STOP position.

Cutting Techniques

Basic cutting principles for safety and efficiency.

Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward for balance.
Grip: Hold front handle with left hand, rear handle with right hand. Thumbs wrapped underneath.
Kickback Zone: Avoid cutting with the upper quarter of the bar tip.
Felling a Tree: Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 tree diameter), then felling cut from opposite side. Use wedges if needed.
Limbing & Bucking: Let the chain do the work. Do not force. Support logs off the ground. Beware of tension in logs.

WARNING! Always be aware of your surroundings, including overhead hazards and the direction a tree or branch may fall.

Routine Maintenance

Daily and periodic maintenance tasks.

Task	Frequency	Procedure
Clean Air Filter	Daily or as needed	Remove filter, tap clean, or wash in soapy water if very dirty. Dry completely before reinstalling.
Check Chain Tension	Before each use & when hot	Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand. Adjust when cool.
Clean Saw Body & Cooling Fins	After each use	Use a brush to remove wood chips, dirt, and sawdust.
Inspect Chain & Bar	Daily	Check for damaged, loose, or worn cutters. Check bar for wear, straightness, and clean oil grooves.
Spark Plug	Every 50 hours	Clean and regap to 0.5 mm (0.020 in). Replace if electrodes are worn.
Fuel Filter	Every 3 months	Replace fuel filter in tank using a clean wire hook.

Chain Sharpening

A sharp chain is essential for safe and efficient cutting.

Tools: Use a round file and file guide matching your chain pitch (e.g., 4.0 mm for 3/8" PMM). Use a flat file for depth gauges.
Angle: File at a 30° angle, perpendicular to the guide bar.
Procedure: Secure the bar. File each cutter from the inside out with consistent strokes. File all cutters on one side, then turn the saw around and file the other side to the same length.
Depth Gauges: After several sharpenings, check depth gauges with a gauge tool. File down any that protrude above the tool to maintain proper "hook" and prevent kickback.

Tip: Sharpen frequently. A few strokes when dull is better than removing lots of metal when very dull.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No spark, flooded, bad fuel, clogged filter	Check spark plug. Use correct starting procedure. Use fresh fuel mix. Clean air filter.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter/tank vent, carb adjustment	Replace fuel filter. Clean tank vent. May require carburetor adjustment by a dealer.
Engine lacks power	Dirty air filter, clogged spark arrestor, dull chain	Clean air filter. Clean spark arrestor screen in muffler. Sharpen chain.
Chain does not oil	Empty oil tank, clogged oil holes, faulty pump	Fill tank. Clean oil outlet on bar and oil port on saw. Check oil lines for leaks/blockage.
Chain throws off bar	Loose chain, worn bar, damaged drive links	Tighten chain properly. Inspect bar for wear (especially rails and sprocket nose). Replace damaged chain.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain, worn AV buffers	Tighten all nuts/bolts. Sharpen chain evenly. Inspect AV mounts.

Storage & Transport

Proper preparation for periods of non-use.

Short-term (under 4 weeks): Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor. Clean entire saw. Store in a dry, locked place out of reach of children.
Long-term: Perform short-term steps. Remove chain and bar, clean and coat with oil. Store chain in oil. Pull starter rope slowly until resistance is felt to close cylinder ports.
Transport: Always engage chain brake. Use a scabbard or guard on the bar. Secure saw to prevent movement. Empty fuel tank for vehicle transport if required by law.

CAUTION! Never store a chainsaw with fuel in the tank in an enclosed area (like a house or garage) due to fire and fume hazards.