stihl 029 chainsaw manual

The STIHL 029 is a professional-grade gasoline chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a powerful engine, robust construction, anti-vibration system, QuickStop® inertia chain brake, STIHL Ematic™ lubrication system, and easy-start technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, guide bar, saw chain, chain brake handle, throttle trigger, choke control, fuel and oil caps, master control lever, decompression valve.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions 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 bystanders, especially children. Ensure secure footing.
3. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip.
4. Chain Brake: Test function before each use. Engage when carrying saw more than a few steps.
5. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Use approved fuel mix.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate a chainsaw while tired, under the influence, or in poor weather conditions.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket and bar groove, adjust tension.
2. Fill Fuel Tank: Use STIHL 2-stroke engine oil mixed with unleaded gasoline (50:1 ratio). Shake well.
3. Fill Oil Tank: Use STIHL chainsaw bar and chain oil.
4. Check Chain Tension: Chain should snap back when pulled from bar. Adjust with side tensioner.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is installed with cutting teeth facing forward on top of bar. Tighten bar nuts securely.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 56.5 cc.
• Power Output: 3.4 bhp.
• Fuel/Oil Mix Ratio: 50:1 (Unleaded gasoline to STIHL 2-stroke oil).
• Guide Bar Lengths: 16", 18", 20" (recommended).
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: .325" pitch, .063" gauge (standard).
• Weight (powerhead): Approximately 12.8 lbs.
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A).
• Vibration Level: Front/Rear handle: 4.5/2.5 m/s².
• Ignition System: Electronic, capacitor discharge.
• Warranty: Limited warranty for personal/commercial use.

Controls and Components

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger and throttle trigger lockout. Rear Handle: Contains master control lever (choke, stop, run).

Master Control Lever Positions: STOP (0): Engine off. RUN (I): Normal operation. CHOKE (⏚): Cold start position.

Other Controls: Chain brake handle (front guard), decompression valve button, primer bulb (if equipped), side-mounted chain tensioner, fuel and oil caps.

Starting & Stopping the Engine

Cold Start:

1. Engage chain brake by pushing front hand guard forward.
2. Set master control lever to CHOKE (⏚). Press decompression valve.
3. Press primer bulb 5-10 times (if equipped).
4. Place saw on ground, hold rear handle with right foot, pull starter rope sharply until engine fires.
5. Move master control lever to RUN (I). Pull starter rope again to start.
6. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle. Disengage chain brake.

Warm Start: Master control lever directly to RUN (I). No choke needed.

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

Operating the Chainsaw

Proper cutting techniques ensure safety and efficiency.

1. Grip: Hold front handle with left hand, rear handle with right hand. Thumbs wrapped underneath.
2. Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, balanced.
3. Basic Cut: Let the saw do the work. Use full throttle in the cut. Do not force.
4. Kickback Prevention: Be aware of bar nose contact. Maintain secure grip.
5. Bucking & Limbing: Follow specific techniques for logs on ground or supported.
6. Felling Trees: For trained professionals only. Requires notch and back cut.

WARNING! Never operate chainsaw above shoulder height or with one hand.

Maintenance Schedule

Always disconnect spark plug boot before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is critical for performance and safety.

1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Turn tensioning screw until chain fits snugly against bar (can be pulled around by hand). Retighten bar nuts.
2. Sharpening: Use correct round file size (.325" chain uses 4.0mm or 5/32" file). Maintain factory 30° cutting angle and 10° top plate angle. File all cutters to equal length.
3. Depth Gauges: Use a flat file and depth gauge tool to lower rakers to proper height (0.025" typically).

Tip: Sharpen chain frequently; a few strokes per cutter is better than heavy filing when dull.

Storage Guidelines

For storage longer than 30 days:

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

CAUTION! Never store a chainsaw with fuel in the tank for extended periods. Old fuel can damage engine components.

Troubleshooting

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

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