Stihl 028 Chainsaw Manual

The Stihl 028 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 Oilomatic saw chain. This manual covers safety instructions, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure safe and efficient use.

1. Safety Instructions 2. Features and Components 3. Assembly and Preparation 4. Starting and Stopping 5. Operation Guidelines 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 8. Carburetor Adjustment 9. Storage Instructions 10. Troubleshooting 11. Specifications

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all instructions before operation. Failure to follow safety rules may result in serious injury or death.

Hazard	Precaution
Kickback	Always hold saw firmly with both hands; use reduced-kickback chain; do not saw with tip.
Chain Contact	Wear protective chaps, gloves, and boots; keep bystanders away.
Fuel Handling	Use approved fuel container; mix fuel/oil outdoors; no smoking.
Exhaust Fumes	Operate only in well-ventilated areas.
Falling Debris	Wear helmet, eye and hearing protection.
Hot Surfaces	Avoid contact with muffler during/after operation.

WARNING! Never operate a chainsaw when fatigued or under the influence of drugs/alcohol.

Features and Components

Key components of the Stihl 028 chainsaw.

Component	Description
Engine	2-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled
Displacement	51.5 cc (3.14 cu. in.)
Powerhead Weight	Approx. 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg)
Guide Bar Lengths	16" to 20" (40 cm to 50 cm)
Chain Pitch/Gauge	3/8" PM / .063" (1.6 mm)
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.95 US pt (0.45 l)
Oil Tank Capacity	0.63 US pt (0.30 l)
Ignition System	Electronic, breakerless
Anti-Vibration System	Spring-mounted handles
Chain Brake	Quickstop inertia-activated

Assembly and Preparation

Assembling the chainsaw for first use.

Attach Guide Bar and Chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket and bar with cutters facing forward. Adjust tension.
Fill Fuel: Use mix of unleaded gasoline (min. 89 octane) and STIHL 2-stroke oil at 50:1 ratio. Shake well.
Fill Chain Oil: Use STIHL chain oil or equivalent. Check oiler function.
Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function correctly.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling the chain. Ensure chain is properly tensioned before starting.

Starting and Stopping

Proper starting procedure for cold and warm engines.

Cold Start: Set master control lever to choke position (full down). Press decompression valve (if equipped). Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires. Move lever to half-throttle position. Pull again to start.
Warm Start: Set master control to half-throttle position. Pull starter rope.
Stopping: Release throttle trigger. Push master control lever up to STOP position.

WARNING! Engage chain brake before starting. Clear area of obstacles. Hold saw firmly on ground.

Operation Guidelines

Techniques for safe and effective cutting.

Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut, then felling cut. Use wedges if needed.
Limbing: Stand uphill. Cut from trunk outward. Beware of spring poles.
Bucking: Support log. Cut from top, avoid pinching. Use undercut if needed.
Kickback Prevention: Maintain firm grip. Do not cut with upper tip. Keep chain sharp.

Tip: Let the saw do the work; do not force it. Maintain a steady engine speed.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and safety.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Inspect for loose fasteners.
Daily	Clean air filter, check spark plug, clean cooling fins.
Weekly	Clean fuel filter, inspect chain brake function, check anti-vibration elements.
Monthly	Clean spark arrestor screen, check clutch and sprocket wear.
Annually	Replace fuel line and filter if cracked. Professional inspection recommended.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain care is critical for performance and safety.

Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Adjust tensioning screw until chain fits snug against bar but can be pulled by hand. Tighten bar nuts.
Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 5/32" or 4.0 mm). File each cutter at 30° angle. Maintain consistent depth gauge height with flat file.
Lubrication: Ensure oil port is clear. Chain should throw a fine line of oil when running at full throttle off wood.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves. Stop engine and disconnect spark plug before servicing chain.

Carburetor Adjustment

Adjustment screws: L (low speed), H (high speed), LA (idle).

Start engine and warm up for several minutes.
Idle Speed (LA): Turn screw until chain just stops moving. Engine should idle smoothly.
Low Speed (L): Turn screw for smoothest acceleration from idle.
High Speed (H): Do not adjust unless necessary. Max RPM should be 13,000-14,000. Consult dealer for precise setting.

WARNING! Excessive H screw adjustment can cause engine damage. Emission regulations may require special tools for adjustment.

Storage Instructions

Preparing the chainsaw for extended storage.

Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil. Clean guide bar groove and oil holes.
Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
Store in a dry, secure place, away from children.

CAUTION! Fuel left in tank can degrade and cause starting problems or carburetor damage.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Engine won't start	No spark, flooded, stale fuel, clogged filter	Check spark plug, use fresh fuel mix, clean air filter, avoid over-choking.
Engine runs poorly/dies	Dirty air filter, clogged fuel filter, incorrect carb adjustment	Clean/replace filters. Check carburetor settings.
Chain doesn't turn	Clutch worn, sprocket worn, chain brake engaged	Disengage brake. Inspect clutch and sprocket for wear.
Chain throws oil poorly	Clogged oil port, wrong oil viscosity, pump issue	Clean oil passages. Use recommended oil. Check oil pump drive.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, worn AV mounts, unbalanced chain	Tighten all fasteners. Check anti-vibration elements. Balance chain.

Specifications

Model: STIHL 028 Wood Boss
Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder
Displacement: 51.5 cc (3.14 cu. in.)
Power Output: 3.0 bhp (2.2 kW)
Max Engine Speed: 13,500 rpm
Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL 2-Stroke Oil)
Ignition: Electronic, breakerless
Starting System: Manual recoil
Guide Bar Options: 16", 18", 20"
Chain Type: STIHL Oilomatic .063" gauge, 3/8" PM pitch
Warranty: Limited 1-year commercial, 2-year residential

Service: For repairs and genuine parts, contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer.