Stihl 020AV Manual

The Stihl 020AV is a professional-grade gasoline-powered chainsaw featuring a compact design, anti-vibration system (AV), manual and automatic chain oiling, electronic ignition, and a range of safety features. Designed for demanding cutting tasks, it requires proper operation, maintenance, and safety procedures. 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 (AV), manual and automatic chain oiling, chain brake, throttle trigger lockout, rear handle with grip, and muffler.

Feature	Description
Anti-Vibration System (AV)	Reduces operator fatigue by dampening engine vibrations
Chain Brake	Stops chain rotation in kickback situations for operator safety
Manual/Auto Oiling	Dual oiling system for chain lubrication
Electronic Ignition	Provides reliable starting and consistent spark
Throttle Trigger Lockout	Prevents accidental throttle activation
Decompression Valve	Eases starting by reducing cylinder pressure
Muffler	Reduces exhaust noise and directs gases away
Fuel Tank	Integrated tank for gasoline/oil mixture
Chain Tensioner	External adjustment for proper chain tension
Bar and Chain	Guide bar and cutting chain for various applications

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
2. Clear Work Area: Ensure no bystanders, pets, or obstacles within 15 feet.
3. Secure Footing: Maintain balance on stable ground; never operate on ladders or unstable surfaces.
4. Kickback Awareness: Keep right hand on rear handle, left on front; do not cut with tip of bar.
5. Fuel Safety: Refuel only when engine is cool, outdoors, and away from ignition sources.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Always engage chain brake when not cutting.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble before first use.

1. Attach Guide Bar and Chain: Place bar on studs, fit chain over sprocket and bar, adjust tension with external screw.
2. Fill Fuel Tank: Use fresh gasoline mixed with high-quality 2-stroke oil at 50:1 ratio (check manual for exact specification).
3. Fill Chain Oil Tank: Use proper bar and chain oil; do not use waste oil.
4. Check Chain Tension: Chain should snap back when pulled from bar; adjust if loose.

CAUTION! Ensure all fasteners are tight. Test chain brake function before operation.

Specifications

• Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled.
• Displacement: Approximately 32.2 cc (verify with specific model plate).
• Power Output: Professional-grade power for cutting tasks.
• Fuel/Oil Mix: 50:1 (gasoline to 2-stroke oil) – confirm with manual.
• Guide Bar Lengths: Typically 12" to 16" options.
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: .325" pitch, .063" gauge (common).
• Weight (powerhead): Approximately 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg).
• Ignition: Electronic, capacitor discharge.
• Anti-Vibration: Yes (AV system).
• Chain Brake: Inertia-activated manual.

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Left Side: Front handle with chain brake lever, throttle trigger lockout, manual oil pump button (if equipped).

Right Side: Rear handle with throttle trigger, master control lever (combines choke, stop switch, run position), decompression valve button.

Top/Rear: Fuel cap, chain oil cap, spark plug, muffler, starter grip.

Master Control Lever Positions: - STOP (0): Engine off. - RUN (I): Normal operation. - CHOKE (up): Cold starting.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure:

1. Engage chain brake by pushing forward until it clicks.
2. Set master control lever to CHOKE position (full up).
3. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
4. Place saw on ground, hold rear handle with right foot.
5. Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires (usually 1-3 pulls).
6. Move master control lever to RUN position.
7. Pull starter rope again until engine starts.
8. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle.

Warm Start: Set lever to RUN; pull starter rope.

Stopping: Move master control lever to STOP (0). Engage chain brake.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Always use proper cutting techniques to maintain control.

1. Basic Cutting Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward.
2. Felling Trees: Use proper notch and back cut techniques; plan escape path.
3. Limbing: Cut branches from trunk using underside of bar; watch for springback.
4. Bucking Logs: Support log off ground; cut from top down, avoiding pinching.
5. Kickback Prevention: Never cut with upper quadrant of bar tip; maintain firm grip.

Tip: Let the saw do the work; do not force it. Keep chain sharp for efficient cutting.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Daily/Before Use	Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication; inspect for loose parts.
Every 10 Hours	Clean air filter; check spark plug condition.
Every 20 Hours	Clean spark arrestor screen in muffler (if equipped).
Every 50 Hours	Replace fuel filter; clean cooling fins.
Seasonally	Inspect anti-vibration elements; replace if worn.
As Needed	Sharpen chain; replace bar and chain when worn.

Chain & Bar Care

Proper care extends life of cutting components.

1. Sharpening: Use correct round file size; maintain proper filing angle (typically 30°). File all cutters evenly.
2. Depth Gauges: Check and file depth gauges (rakers) to proper height for safe operation.
3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly; flip bar periodically for even wear.
4. Lubrication: Ensure oiler is working; chain should throw small oil droplets during operation.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. A dull chain increases kickback risk.

Storage

Prepare saw for storage to prevent fuel system issues.

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
2. Remove spark plug, add teaspoon of oil into cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat internals, reinstall plug.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
4. Loosen chain tension slightly.
5. Store in dry, secure location away from children.

WARNING! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods; fuel can degrade and damage carburetor.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark, flooded, stale fuel	Check spark plug; use fresh fuel mix; follow cold start procedure exactly.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter	Replace fuel filter; clean or replace air filter.
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, improper tension	Sharpen chain; adjust tension; check lubrication.
Chain won't oil	Empty oil tank, clogged oiler	Fill tank; clean oil passages; check oil pump function.
Excessive vibration	Worn AV mounts, unbalanced chain	Inspect and replace AV elements; balance chain by sharpening evenly.
Chain rotates at idle	Idle speed too high	Adjust carburetor idle speed screw (consult manual).

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

Support: Refer to your local Stihl dealer or visit www.stihlusa.com for manuals and specifications.