Stihl 026 Chainsaw Manual

The Stihl 026 is a professional-grade gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a robust engine, anti-vibration system, quickstop chain brake, and STIHL's advanced engine technology for reliable performance. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine with electronic ignition, anti-vibration system, Quickstop chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, automatic oiler, and decompression valve.

Safety Information

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. Work Area Safety: Clear area of obstacles, ensure secure footing, and keep bystanders at a safe distance.
3. Chain Brake: Test function before each use. Engage when carrying or not actively cutting.
4. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of the kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip). Use reduced-kickback chain and maintain sharp cutters.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate a chainsaw when fatigued or under the influence.

Assembly & Preparation

Assemble the chainsaw from the box for first-time use.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket and onto bar rails with cutters facing forward. Tighten bar nuts finger-tight.
2. Tension Chain: Use side-access adjuster to raise bar tip and pull chain snug against bar. Final tighten bar nuts.
3. Fill Fluids: Use STIHL 2-cycle engine oil mixed 50:1 with unleaded gasoline (min. 89 octane) for fuel. Use STIHL chainsaw bar & chain oil in oil tank.
4. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, stop switch, and chain brake function correctly.

CAUTION! Use only specified oils and fuel mixtures. Improper fuel can cause engine damage.

Specifications

• Model: STIHL 026.
• Engine Type: Single-cylinder, 2-stroke, air-cooled.
• Displacement: 49.4 cc.
• Powerhead Weight: 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg).
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL 2-cycle oil).
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm.
• Maximum Power Speed: 13,000 rpm.
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A).
• Vibration Levels (front/rear): 4.5/2.5 m/s².
• Warranty: Limited warranty for professional use.

Controls and Components

Main components located on the saw body. Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and hand guard with chain brake. Rear Handle: Contains stop switch, choke control, and decompression valve (if equipped).

Controls: Master Control Lever (combines choke, start, and run positions), Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout, Stop Switch, Chain Brake Lever, Decompression Valve Button, Side-Access Chain Tensioner, Manual Oiler Pump (on some models).

Maintenance Points: Air filter cover, Spark plug, Fuel and oil caps, Chain catcher, Muffler, Anti-vibration springs.

Starting & Stopping Procedure

Cold Start: Place saw on clear, level ground. Engage chain brake. Set Master Control to choke (full left). Press decompression valve if equipped. Pull starter rope sharply until engine 'pops'. Move Master Control to half-throttle position. Pull starter rope again until engine starts. Briefly blip throttle to disengage start-assist. Warm Start: Master Control in run position (full right). Pull starter rope.

1. Ensure chain brake is engaged before starting.
2. Hold rear handle with right hand, place left foot through front handle for stability.
3. Pull starter cord with a smooth, rapid motion.

Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle. Press stop switch to OFF position.

Tip: Never drop-start or start the saw above waist height.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Supports felling, limbing, bucking, and pruning.

1. Basic Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward. Grip handles firmly.
2. Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 diameter), then back cut. Use wedges if needed.
3. Limbing: Work from trunk to tips. Support saw with trunk; cut downward branches from above, upward branches from below.
4. Bucking: Support log off ground. Cut from top, roll log, finish cut. Beware of pinch points.
5. Kickback Prevention: Keep a firm grip, do not let bar nose contact wood, maintain high chain speed when entering cut.
6. Chain Oiling: Automatic system oils during operation. Check oil flow by pointing bar tip at a light surface and running at full throttle; a line of oil should appear.

WARNING! Always plan your cut and be aware of wood tension. Never cut with the upper quadrant of the bar tip.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension and sharpness, check fluid levels, clean air filter, inspect guide bar for wear, test chain brake and throttle lockout. Weekly/Every 10 Hours: Clean spark arrestor screen, check spark plug condition, clean cooling fins and muffler area. Monthly/Every 50 Hours: Replace fuel filter, inspect anti-vibration elements, check clutch and sprocket wear. As Needed: Sharpen chain, replace worn bar, clean carburetor air filter.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain maintenance is critical for safety and performance.

1. Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand. Adjust when cold using side tensioner. Re-check after first few cuts when chain warms up.
2. Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 5/32" or 4.0mm for 3/8" pitch). Maintain original filing angle (usually 30°). File all cutters to equal length. File depth gauges (rakers) with flat file and gauge.
3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly. Flip bar weekly for even wear. Dress bar rails with a flat file if burred.

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

Storage Guidelines

For storage longer than 30 days: Run carburetor dry or add fuel stabilizer. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops. Remove chain and bar; clean and oil them. Clean entire saw. Store in a dry, dust-free place, away from ignition sources.

CAUTION! Never store saw with fuel in tank for extended periods without stabilizer. Old fuel can damage carburetor.

Troubleshooting

Service: For major repairs or carburetor adjustment, contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer.

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