Stihl 026 Owners Manual

The Stihl 026 is a professional-grade gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a powerful engine, advanced anti-vibration system, quickstop chain brake, and STIHL Oilomatic saw chain. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine with electronic ignition, anti-vibration system, Quickstop chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, and STIHL Ematic oiling system.

Feature	Description
Engine Displacement	50.2 cc (3.06 cu in)
Power Output	2.6 kW (3.5 bhp)
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.55 L (18.6 fl oz)
Oil Tank Capacity	0.26 L (8.8 fl oz)
Guide Bar Lengths	40 cm (16") to 50 cm (20")
Weight (powerhead)	5.2 kg (11.5 lbs)
Ignition System	Electronic, capacitor discharge
Chain Brake	Quickstop inertia-activated
Anti-Vibration	Spring-mounted handles
Oiling System	STIHL Ematic automatic plus manual

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation.

1. Always wear protective equipment: helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
2. Clear work area of obstacles and ensure secure footing.
3. Never operate chainsaw with one hand.
4. Keep bystanders at least 15 feet away.
5. Do not operate when tired or under influence of medication/alcohol.

WARNING! Kickback can occur without warning. Always maintain secure grip and proper cutting position. Use reduced-kickback chain and guide bar.

Assembly & Preparation

Assemble chainsaw before first use.

1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on studs, fit chain with drive links in bar groove, tension properly.
2. Fill fuel tank: Use fresh gasoline (min 89 octane) mixed with STIHL HP Ultra oil at 50:1 ratio.
3. Fill oil tank: Use STIHL chainsaw oil or equivalent.
4. Check chain tension: Chain should snap back when pulled from guide bar.

CAUTION! Fuel is highly flammable. Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Wipe spills immediately.

Specifications

• Engine Type: Single cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled.
• Bore x Stroke: 44 mm x 33 mm.
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm.
• Maximum Power Speed: 12,500 rpm.
• Spark Plug: Bosch WSR6F or NGK BPMR7A, gap 0.5 mm.
• Carburetor: Walbro with fixed H and L jets.
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 with STIHL HP Ultra.
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A).
• Vibration Level: Front handle 4.5 m/s², rear handle 5.5 m/s².
• Warranty: 1 year commercial, 2 year private use.

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with throttle trigger, rear handle, master control lever, chain brake, decompression valve, and fuel/oil caps.

Master Control Lever: Combines stop switch, choke, and fast idle. Positions: STOP (0), RUN (I), CHOKE/START (II).

Chain Brake: Manual activation via front hand guard; inertia-activated during kickback.

Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Includes throttle trigger lockout.

Decompression Valve: Reduces compression for easier starting.

Starting & Stopping

Starting procedure (cold engine):

1. Place saw on clear, level ground.
2. Engage chain brake by pushing hand guard forward.
3. Set master control to CHOKE (II).
4. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
5. Hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle.
6. Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires.
7. Move master control to RUN (I).
8. Pull starter rope again to start.
9. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle.

Stopping: Release throttle, set master control to STOP (0).

Operating Instructions

Proper cutting techniques for safety and efficiency.

1. Always use both hands with thumbs wrapped around handles.
2. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward.
3. Let chain do the cutting; don't force the saw.
4. For felling: Plan escape path, make notch cut, then felling cut with hinge.
5. For limbing: Work from trunk outward, keep trunk between you and chain.
6. For bucking: Support log properly, cut from top except when pinched.
7. Use full throttle when cutting, idle when not cutting.

Tip: Keep chain sharp; a dull chain requires more force and increases kickback risk.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Daily	Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication; clean air intake; inspect guide bar
Weekly	Clean spark arrestor screen; check all nuts/bolts for tightness
Monthly	Clean/replace air filter; check fuel filter; clean cooling fins
Seasonally	Replace spark plug; clean carburetor; check anti-vibration elements
Annually	Professional inspection of clutch, bearings, and seals

WARNING! Perform maintenance only when engine is off and cool. Disconnect spark plug wire for major work.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain maintenance is critical for safe operation.

1. Chain tensioning: Loosen bar nuts, adjust tensioning screw until chain snaps back, retighten nuts.
2. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 3/8"P). Maintain 30° cutting angle, 10° top plate angle.
3. Depth gauges: File to 0.65 mm (0.025") below cutter top plate.
4. Filing direction: Always file from inside to outside of cutter.

CAUTION! Wear gloves when handling chain. Replace chain when cutters are worn to 4 mm (0.16") or damaged.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. For short-term (under 30 days): Fill fuel tank to prevent condensation.
2. For long-term: Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops. Remove spark plug, add 1 tsp oil through spark plug hole, pull starter slowly to distribute.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
4. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil. Store in dry place.
5. Cover saw to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Store fuel mix in approved container away from heat sources. Never store chainsaw with fuel in tank for extended periods.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark, fuel issues, flooded	Check spark plug, fuel freshness, carburetor; use correct starting procedure
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, clogged fuel filter, carb adjustment	Clean/replace filters; have carburetor adjusted by dealer
Chain doesn't turn	Brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket damaged	Disengage brake; inspect clutch and sprocket; replace if worn
Chain won't stay sharp	Hitting ground, dirty wood, improper filing	Avoid contact with dirt; clean wood before cutting; sharpen correctly
Excessive vibration	Loose components, worn AV mounts, unbalanced chain	Tighten all fasteners; replace AV elements; balance chain
Poor oiling	Clogged oil passages, wrong oil, pump issues	Clean oil ports; use STIHL oil; check oil pump function

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized STIHL dealer.

Support: STIHL Incorporated, 536 Viking Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, 1-800-467-8445, www.stihlusa.com