STIHL 018 Chainsaw Manual

The STIHL 018 is a lightweight, professional-grade gasoline chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a powerful engine with electronic ignition, anti-vibration system, quick-stop chain brake, automatic chain oiler, and STIHL's patented safety features. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine with electronic ignition, anti-vibration system, quick-stop chain brake, automatic chain oiler, throttle trigger lockout, and decompression valve.

Feature	Description
Engine Displacement	31.8 cc (1.94 cu. in.)
Power Output	1.8 kW (2.4 hp)
Guide Bar Lengths	12" to 16" (30 cm to 40 cm)
Chain Pitch	3/8" PMM or .325"
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.42 L (14.2 fl. oz.)
Oil Tank Capacity	0.26 L (8.8 fl. oz.)
Weight (without bar/chain)	4.2 kg (9.3 lbs)
Ignition System	Electronic, capacitor discharge
Anti-Vibration System	STIHL Advanced Damping
Chain Brake	Quick-stop inertia activated

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Wear proper PPE: helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.

1. Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 feet away.
2. Never operate with one hand.
3. Always engage chain brake when carrying or not cutting.
4. Use proper fuel mix: 50:1 (STIHL HP Ultra oil with 89+ octane gasoline).
5. Never operate in enclosed areas due to carbon monoxide risk.

WARNING! Chainsaw kickback can cause severe injury. Maintain secure footing and grip. Do not operate when fatigued or under influence.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach guide bar: Remove side cover, position bar over studs, align chain drive links with sprocket.
2. Install chain: Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar.
3. Tension chain: Adjust tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
4. Fill tanks: Add fuel mix to fuel tank, STIHL chain oil to oil tank.
5. Check controls: Ensure throttle trigger, lockout, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure chain is properly tensioned before each use.

Specifications

• Engine Type: Single cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled.
• Displacement: 31.8 cc (1.94 cu. in.).
• Power Output: 1.8 kW (2.4 hp) at 9,500 RPM.
• Idle Speed: 2,800 RPM.
• Max Engine Speed: 13,500 RPM.
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL HP Ultra).
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A).
• Vibration Levels: Left/Right 4.2 m/s², Front/Rear 2.5 m/s².
• Warranty: 1 year residential, 90 days commercial.

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handguard with chain brake, rear handle with throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, master control lever, decompression valve, fuel and oil caps, chain tensioner, spark plug, air filter cover.

Master Control Lever: Controls choke (cold start), run position, and stop. Throttle Trigger Lockout: Must be depressed to engage throttle. Chain Brake: Activated by front handguard or manually. Decompression Valve: Reduces pulling force for starting.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

1. Engage chain brake. Place on firm ground.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set master control to choke position (full down).
4. Press throttle trigger lockout and squeeze throttle once.
5. Pull starter rope until engine fires (1-3 pulls).
6. Move master control to half-throttle position.
7. Pull starter rope until engine starts.
8. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle.

Warm Start: Master control in run position. No choke.

Stopping: Move master control to stop position. Engage chain brake.

Operating Instructions

Proper cutting techniques reduce fatigue and risk.

1. Check chain tension and lubrication before each use.
2. Use full throttle when cutting, idle when not.
3. Let chain do the work; avoid forcing.
4. For felling: Plan escape path, make notch cut, then felling cut.
5. For limbing/bucking: Support log, cut from top, avoid ground contact.
6. Watch for kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip).

Tip: Keep chain sharp. Dull chains increase effort and risk.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, lubrication. Check fuel/oil levels. Clean air filter. Inspect for damage.

Weekly: Clean cooling fins, spark arrestor screen. Check all nuts/bolts.

Monthly: Clean fuel filter, replace spark plug, check carburetor adjustment.

Annually: Replace fuel line, impulse line, and carburetor diaphragm if needed.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug before maintenance.

Chain & Bar Care

Proper chain maintenance ensures performance and safety.

1. Sharpen regularly with round file and guide.
2. File cutters at 30° angle, maintain depth gauges.
3. Clean bar groove and oil holes.
4. Rotate bar regularly for even wear.
5. Use only STIHL recommended chain oil.

CAUTION! Never operate with damaged or worn chain or bar.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark, flooded, fuel issues	Check spark plug, dry plug, fresh fuel, clean air filter.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air/fuel filter, carb adjustment	Clean/replace filters, adjust carburetor (H/L screws).
Chain doesn't turn	Brake engaged, clutch, sprocket	Disengage brake, check clutch springs, replace sprocket if worn.
Chain lacks oil	Empty tank, clogged oiler	Fill oil tank, clean oil passages, check oil pump.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain	Tighten all fasteners, balance chain, check anti-vibration mounts.

Reset: For electronic ignition issues, disconnect spark plug wire for 1 minute.

Service: Authorized STIHL dealers only for carburetor adjustments and major repairs.

Warranty & Support

STIHL Limited Warranty: 1 year for residential use, 90 days commercial. Proof of purchase required. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or improper fuel. For technical support, contact your local STIHL dealer or visit www.stihlusa.com. Keep this manual for future reference.