stihl 015 manual free

The STIHL 015 is a lightweight, professional-grade gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for occasional to medium-duty cutting tasks. It features a reliable single-cylinder two-stroke engine, manual chain oiling, anti-vibration system, and STIHL's Quickstop® inertia-activated chain brake. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, Fuel Tank, Oil Tank, Chain Brake Handle, Throttle Trigger, Stop Switch, Decompression Valve, Muffler, Guide Bar, Saw Chain.

Feature	Description
Engine Displacement	Approx. 31.4 cc two-stroke engine
Power Output	1.4 kW (1.9 hp)
Fuel Tank Capacity	Approx. 0.5 liters
Oil Tank Capacity	Approx. 0.26 liters
Guide Bar Lengths	Typically 12" to 16" (30-40 cm)
Chain Pitch	3/8" PMM or 0.325"
Weight (without bar/chain)	Approx. 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs)
Ignition System	Electronic, magneto ignition
Anti-Vibration System	Standard
Chain Brake	Quickstop® inertia-activated

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Wear protective gear.

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 obstacles, ensure secure footing, keep bystanders away.
3. Chain Brake Check: Verify operation before each use by engaging brake with front hand guard.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area, engine off and cool. Use proper fuel/oil mix.

WARNING! Kickback can occur without warning. Never operate with one hand. Keep chain sharp and properly tensioned.

Assembly & First Use

Assemble guide bar and chain. Prepare fuel mix.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket and bar groove, adjust tension.
2. Fuel Mix: Use high-quality 2-stroke engine oil mixed with unleaded gasoline at 50:1 ratio (STIHL recommended).
3. Fill Tanks: Add fuel mix to fuel tank and bar/chain oil to oil tank.
4. Starting Procedure: Set master control lever to cold start position (choke on), pull starter rope until engine fires, move lever to warm start, pull to start.

CAUTION! Ensure chain brake is disengaged before starting. Hold saw firmly on ground.

Specifications

• Model: STIHL 015.
• Engine Type: Single-cylinder two-stroke, air-cooled.
• Displacement: 31.4 cm³.
• Powerhead Weight: 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs).
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL 2-stroke oil).
• Ignition: Electronic (SEM).
• Chain Oiling: Manual (pump button on front handle).
• Recommended Bar Length: 12"-16" (30-40 cm).
• Sound Pressure Level: Approx. 106 dB(A).
• Vibration Level: Front/Rear handles approx. 5.5/4.5 m/s².

Controls and Components

Master Control Lever: Combines choke, throttle lock, stop functions. Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Chain Brake Handle: Engages brake when pushed forward. Decompression Valve: Reduces pulling resistance for starting. Manual Oil Pump: Press to lubricate bar and chain.

Main Components: Fuel Tank Cap, Oil Tank Cap, Muffler, Spark Plug, Air Filter Cover, Starter Grip, Front Hand Guard, Rear Handle, Chain Catcher.

Adjustments: Chain Tension (via side knob), Idle Speed (carburetor screw).

Operation Guide

Starting, cutting techniques, and shutdown.

1. Starting: Engage chain brake. Set master control to cold start. Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires. Move lever to half-throttle position, pull to start.
2. Cutting: Disengage chain brake. Squeeze throttle trigger to increase RPM. Use bottom of bar for cutting; avoid tip to prevent kickback.
3. Manual Oiling: Press oil pump button periodically during cutting to lubricate chain.
4. Shutdown: Release throttle, allow engine to idle briefly. Push master control to STOP position.

Tip: Let engine warm up 1-2 minutes before cutting. Never operate above shoulder height.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, brake function, air filter, fuel/oil levels.

Weekly/Every 10 Hours: Clean air filter, check spark plug, clean cooling fins, inspect bar for wear.

Monthly/Every 20 Hours: Clean fuel filter, replace spark plug if needed, check all nuts/bolts for tightness.

Annually/Storage: Drain fuel tank, run carburetor dry, clean entire saw, inspect/replace worn parts.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain & Bar Care

Chain Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 4.0 mm). Maintain correct filing angle (usually 30°). File all cutters evenly.

Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly. Flip bar periodically for even wear. Dress bar rails with flat file if burred.

Chain Tension: Adjust when chain sags from bottom of bar. Proper tension: chain should snap back when pulled from bar.

Storage Guidelines

Long-term storage (over 30 days):

1. Drain fuel tank completely.
2. Start engine and run until it stops to empty carburetor.
3. Remove chain and bar; clean and oil them.
4. Clean entire saw; store in dry, cool place.
5. Remove spark plug, add few drops of oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to distribute.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank; fuel degrades and can damage carburetor.

Warranty Information

STIHL Limited Warranty: Typically 1 year for private users, 90 days commercial. Proof of purchase required. Warranty covers defects in materials/workmanship. Does not cover normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance, or non-STIHL parts. For warranty service, contact authorized STIHL dealer. For support, visit www.stihlusa.com or contact STIHL Incorporated at 1-800-467-8445.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, flooded, spark plug	Check fuel, dry plug, clean/replace spark plug.
Engine runs then dies	Clogged fuel filter, air filter	Replace fuel filter, clean air filter.
Chain doesn't turn	Brake engaged, clutch/sprocket	Disengage brake; inspect clutch drum and sprocket.
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, improper tension	Sharpen chain; adjust tension correctly.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain	Tighten all nuts/bolts; check chain for damage.
Chain throws oil	Over-oiling, wrong oil viscosity	Adjust oil pump output; use proper bar/chain oil.

Service: For repairs, use authorized STIHL dealer only. Use genuine STIHL parts.

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