Stihl 015 Chainsaw Manual

The Stihl 015 is a lightweight, professional-grade gasoline chainsaw designed for general cutting, limbing, and pruning tasks. It features a single-cylinder, two-stroke engine with electronic ignition, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, chain brake, and easy-start technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, Guide Bar, Saw Chain, Chain Brake, Throttle Trigger, Master Control Lever, Fuel Tank, Oil Tank, Anti-Vibration System.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assemble on a clean, stable surface.

1. Attach Guide Bar and Chain: Place bar on studs, tensioning pin in bar hole. Loop chain over sprocket and onto bar groove, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top.
2. Adjust Chain Tension: Loosen bar nuts, turn tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar. Tighten bar nuts securely.
3. Fill Fuel Tank: Use fresh gasoline mixed with high-quality 2-stroke oil at 50:1 ratio (Stihl HP Ultra recommended).
4. Fill Oil Tank: Use Stihl chain and bar oil or equivalent.

WARNING! Always wear protective gear (gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, chainsaw chaps, sturdy boots). Ensure chain brake is functional before starting.

First-Time Operation

Perform pre-start checks. Start on ground or firmly held.

1. Set Master Control Lever: Move to choke position (cold start) or half-throttle position (warm start).
2. Prime Fuel System: Press fuel pump bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
3. Start Engine: Place saw on ground, hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle. Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires. Move lever to run position and pull again to start.
4. Warm Up: Allow engine to idle for 30 seconds before applying load.
5. Test Chain Brake: With engine idling, push front hand guard forward to activate brake. Chain should stop immediately.

CAUTION! Never drop-start or start above waist height. Keep bystanders at least 15 feet away.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 30.1 cc (1.84 cu. in.)
• Power Output: 1.6 kW (2.1 hp)
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (Gasoline to 2-stroke oil)
• Guide Bar Lengths: 12" to 16" (30 cm to 40 cm)
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" PMM (Picco Micro Mini)
• Chain Gauge: 0.050" (1.3 mm)
• Dry Weight (without bar/chain): Approximately 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs)
• Sound Pressure Level: ~106 dB(A)
• Vibration Level: Front/Rear handles: ~4.5/3.5 m/s²
• Warranty: Limited warranty for personal/professional use.

Controls and Settings

Master Control Lever: Choke (cold start), Half-throttle (warm start), Run (operation), Stop (engine off). Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Throttle Interlock: Must be depressed to activate throttle. Chain Brake Lever/Hand Guard: Manually activate by pushing forward; inertia-activated on kickback. Decompression Valve: Reduces cylinder pressure for easier starting.

Carburetor Adjustments (by qualified technician only): Idle speed (LA screw), High-speed mixture (H screw), Low-speed mixture (L screw).

Fuel & Lubrication

Fuel: Use unleaded gasoline with minimum 89 octane. Mix with Stihl 2-stroke oil at 50:1 ratio. Do not use fuel older than 30 days. Bar & Chain Oil: Use Stihl chain oil or equivalent with good adhesive properties. Check oil level before each use.

1. Fill Fuel Tank: Use clean funnel. Wipe spills immediately.
2. Fill Oil Tank: Ensure oil cap is secure.
3. Check Oil Flow: Run saw at full throttle pointed at light-colored surface; fine oil line should appear.

Tip: Store fuel mix in approved container labeled with date and mix ratio.

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

1. Chain Sharpening: Use round file (4.0 mm) and filing guide. Maintain 30° cutting angle, 10° top plate filing angle. File all cutters to equal length.
2. Chain Tension: Check frequently when hot and cold. Proper tension: chain should snap back when pulled from bar, but not bind.
3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly. Flip bar monthly for even wear. Dress bar rails with flat file if burred.
4. Sprocket Inspection: Replace drive sprocket if worn (prevents chain damage).
5. Clean Air Filter: Remove, tap clean, or wash in soapy water (if foam). Dry completely before reinstalling.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance. Wear heavy gloves when handling chain.

Safety Features

Chain Brake: Stops chain within milliseconds if activated manually or by inertia during kickback. Throttle Interlock: Prevents accidental throttle engagement. Right-Hand Guard: Protects from chain breakage. Anti-Vibration System: Reduces fatigue. Decompression Valve: Eases starting, reduces pull force.

Care & Storage

Clean saw after each use. Remove debris from cooling fins, air filter area, and guide bar. For storage longer than 30 days: Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops. Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of 2-stroke oil into cylinder, pull starter 2-3 times, reinstall plug. Store in dry, locked location out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank indoors. Chain oil may leak; place on absorbent material.

Regulatory Information

EPA/CARB compliant for emissions. Meets ANSI B175.1 safety standards. Contains components that may be hazardous to the environment; dispose of according to local regulations. For genuine Stihl parts and service, contact authorized Stihl dealers. © STIHL Incorporated. STIHL is a registered trademark.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Stihl servicing dealer. Use only genuine STIHL parts.