Stihl 015 Manual

The Stihl 015 is a lightweight, professional-grade gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for occasional to medium-duty cutting tasks. It features a single-cylinder, two-stroke engine with electronic ignition, manual oiling system, automatic chain brake, anti-vibration system, and a guide bar typically ranging from 12" to 16". Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, guide bar, cutting chain, chain brake, throttle trigger, master control lever, fuel and oil tanks.

Feature	Description
Engine	Single-cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled with electronic ignition
Guide Bar	Typically 12", 14", or 16" (varies by model)
Cutting Chain	Stihl Picco Micro 3 (PM3) or similar, with safety features
Chain Brake	Automatic inertia-activated for operator safety
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces operator fatigue during extended use
Manual Chain Oiling	Press oil pump button to lubricate bar and chain
Master Control Lever	Combines choke, throttle lock, and stop functions
Fuel Tank Capacity	Approximately 0.42 US quarts (0.4 liters)
Oil Tank Capacity	Approximately 0.21 US quarts (0.2 liters)
Weight (without bar/chain)	Approximately 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg)

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operating. Always wear proper PPE.

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. Be aware of kickback zone.
3. Chain Brake Check: Test chain brake function before each use by engaging it with the front hand guard.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in a well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Use proper fuel/oil mix.

WARNING! Kickback can occur without warning and cause severe injury. Always hold saw firmly with both hands, maintain proper chain sharpness and tension, and avoid contact with the upper tip of the bar.

Assembly & First Use

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Loosen bar nuts. Place chain over sprocket, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Fit bar onto studs. Adjust chain tension (see section 9). Tighten bar nuts.
2. Fill Tanks: Add proper fuel/oil mixture to fuel tank (see section 10). Fill oil tank with Stihl chain oil or equivalent.
3. Starting Procedure: Engage chain brake. Set master control lever to cold start position (choke). Press decompression valve (if equipped). Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires. Move lever to warm start/half-throttle. Pull again to start. Release chain brake to begin cutting.

CAUTION! Never drop-start the saw. Always start on the ground or firmly held between your legs, with the chain brake engaged.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 30.1 cc (1.84 cu. in.)
• Power Output: Approximately 1.6 kW (2.1 hp)
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (Use Stihl HP Ultra or equivalent two-stroke oil)
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm
• Maximum Power Speed: 9,500 rpm
• Ignition System: Electronic, non-adjustable
• Spark Plug: Bosch WSR 6F or equivalent, gap 0.020" (0.5 mm)
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" PM / .050" (1.3 mm) typical
• Sound Power Level: Approximately 112 dB(A)
• Vibration Level (front/rear handle): Typically < 2.5 m/s²

Controls and Components

Access controls on the rear handle and top of the saw.

Rear Handle Area: Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, master control lever (choke/stop/run), rear hand guard.

Top/Front: Decompression valve (if equipped), chain brake lever/front hand guard, oil filler cap, fuel filler cap, spark plug cover.

Operation: Master control lever positions: STOP (0), RUN (I), COLD START (choke symbol). Chain brake: Push front hand guard forward to engage; pull back towards operator to disengage. Manual oil pump: Press button next to rear handle to deliver oil to bar and chain.

Operation

Proper cutting techniques ensure safety and efficiency.

1. Basic Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward for balance. Hold saw firmly with both hands, thumbs wrapped around handles.
2. Starting Cut: Apply full throttle before the chain contacts the wood. Let the saw do the work; do not force it.
3. Kickback Prevention: Be especially cautious when the upper quadrant of the bar tip is engaged. Never cut above shoulder height.
4. Manual Oiling: Press oil pump button periodically during cutting, especially in dry or resinous wood.
5. Shut Down: Move master control lever to STOP (0) position.

Tip: Plan your cut and escape path before starting. Be aware of tension and compression in the wood to avoid pinching the bar.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and safe operation.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check chain tension, sharpness, and brake function. Check for loose nuts/bolts. Inspect for damage.
Daily (or every fuel tank)	Clean air filter. Clean saw exterior, especially cooling fins. Check chain oiler output.
Weekly (or 5 hours)	Clean spark arrestor screen in muffler (if equipped). Inspect guide bar for wear and groove cleanliness.
Monthly (or 20 hours)	Check spark plug condition and gap. Clean fuel filter in tank. Check all fuel and oil lines.
Annually (or 100 hours)	Have cylinder/piston condition, carburetor settings, and clutch checked by an authorized Stihl dealer.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is critical for safety and performance.

1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts with combination wrench. Using scrench tool, turn tensioning screw clockwise to tighten chain until drive links just contact bottom of bar groove. Pull chain around bar by hand; it should move smoothly with slight resistance. Hold bar tip up and tighten bar nuts securely.
2. Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 4.0 mm or 5/32"). File each cutter from inside to outside, maintaining original angle (typically 30°). File all cutters to equal length. Lightly file down depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge to maintain proper height difference (approx. 0.025"/0.65 mm).

WARNING! Always wear heavy gloves when handling the chain. A loose chain can derail; an over-tightened chain can break and cause injury.

Fuel & Lubrication

Use only high-quality, fresh fuel and specified oils.

• Fuel Mix: Use 89 octane (or higher) unleaded gasoline mixed with a high-quality two-stroke engine oil at a 50:1 ratio. For Stihl HP Ultra oil: 2.6 US fl oz per 1 US gallon of gasoline.
• Chain Oil: Use Stihl chain oil or a biodegradable chainsaw oil with good adhesive properties. Do not use waste oil.
• Storage: For storage over 30 days, drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor. Or, use a fuel stabilizer.

CAUTION! Gasoline is extremely flammable. No smoking during refueling. Clean any spilled fuel before starting engine.

Storage

Proper storage prevents deterioration and starting problems.

1. Clean the entire saw thoroughly, removing sawdust and resin.
2. Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer and run engine for 2 minutes to circulate treated fuel.
3. Remove chain, clean it in solvent, dry, and coat with oil. Store separately.
4. Clean guide bar groove and oil holes. Coat bar with oil.
5. Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store the saw with fuel in a confined, poorly ventilated area due to fire and fume hazards.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No spark, flooded, bad fuel, clogged filter	Check spark plug. Set master control to STOP, pull starter 5-6 times to clear flood. Use fresh fuel mix. Clean air filter.
Engine starts but dies	Clogged fuel filter, carburetor issues, tank vent blocked	Replace fuel filter. Check fuel line. Clean tank vent. May require dealer service.
Chain does not turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket damaged	Disengage chain brake. Inspect clutch and sprocket for wear; replace if necessary.
Chain turns at idle	Idle speed too high	Adjust idle speed screw (LA) counterclockwise until chain stops, then adjust for smooth idle. (Dealer service recommended).
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, improper tension, worn bar	Sharpen chain. Adjust tension. Check bar for uneven wear and dress or replace if needed.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, unbalanced chain, damaged AV mounts	Tighten all nuts/bolts. Check chain sharpening balance. Inspect anti-vibration mounts.
Chain not oiling	Empty oil tank, clogged oil passages, faulty pump	Fill tank. Clean oil holes in bar and saw. Check oil pump output; may need repair.

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