Stihl 029 Farm Boss Manual

The Stihl 029 Farm Boss is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding farm and forestry work. It features a powerful engine, robust construction, advanced safety systems, and ergonomic design for extended use. Below are key sections covering safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Operation 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Chain & Bar Care 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Powerful 2-stroke engine, anti-vibration system, QuickStop chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, and ergonomic handles.

FeatureDescription
Engine Displacement56.5 cc
Power Output3.4 bhp (2.5 kW)
Guide Bar Lengths16" to 20" (standard)
Fuel Tank Capacity0.55 US pt (0.26 l)
Oil Tank Capacity0.29 US pt (0.14 l)
Weight (powerhead)12.8 lbs (5.8 kg)
Ignition SystemElectronic, capacitor discharge
Chain Brake SystemQuickStop inertia-activated
Anti-VibrationDamped handles for reduced fatigue
CarburetorDiaphragm-type with manual choke

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Wear proper PPE.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.
  2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Ensure secure footing.
  3. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with upper quadrant of guide bar tip.
  4. Chain Brake: Test function before each use.

WARNING! Chainsaw kickback can cause severe injury or death. Always maintain secure grip and proper stance.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

  1. Attach Guide Bar: Remove side cover, position bar over studs, align chain drive links with sprocket.
  2. Install Chain: Place chain over bar with cutters facing forward on top. Ensure proper direction.
  3. Tension Chain: Use side-access adjuster to set proper tension (snug but pullable by hand).
  4. Fill Fluids: Add Stihl 50:1 2-stroke oil/gas mix to fuel tank. Fill bar/chain oil reservoir.

CAUTION! Use only Stihl-approved oils and fuels. Improper mix can damage engine.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Master Control Lever: Combines choke, throttle lock, and stop functions. Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger and throttle lockout. Rear Handle: Includes master control lever and decompression valve (if equipped).

Key Controls: Master Control (stop/run/choke), Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout, Chain Brake Lever, Decompression Valve, Chain Tensioner, Fuel/Oil Caps.

Safety Features: Chain brake (manual/inertia), right-hand guard, throttle lockout, chain catcher, and vibration damping system.

Starting & Operation

Cold Start Procedure: Place on clear, level ground.

  1. Engage Chain Brake: Push forward until click.
  2. Set Master Control: Move to choke position (full down).
  3. Prime (if equipped): Press fuel bulb 5-10 times.
  4. Pull Starter: 3-5 pulls until engine 'pops'.
  5. Move Control: To half-throttle position, pull until starts.
  6. Disengage Brake: Pull back toward handle.

Tip: Warm start: Use half-throttle position only. Never drop-start or start above waist height.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Inspect for loose fasteners. Clean air intake and cooling fins.

  1. Every 5 Hours: Clean spark plug, check electrode gap (0.020").
  2. Every 10 Hours: Clean air filter (replace if damaged).
  3. Every 20 Hours: Replace spark plug, clean fuel filter.
  4. Every 50 Hours: Clean combustion chamber, check carburetor settings.
  5. Annually: Replace fuel lines, inspect clutch and sprocket.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance. Use only Stihl genuine parts.

Chain & Bar Care

Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 5/32" or 7/32"). Maintain 30° cutting angle, 10° top plate angle.

Filing Procedure: Secure bar. Match file to cutter angle. File from inside out with consistent strokes. Maintain equal length on all cutters.

Bar Maintenance: Clean groove weekly, flip bar monthly for even wear. Dress rails with flat file if burred.

Storage Guidelines

Long-term Storage (30+ days):

  1. Drain fuel tank and run carburetor dry.
  2. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil.
  3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins.
  4. Store in dry place, cover to prevent dust.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank. Fuel deteriorates and can damage carburetor.

Warranty Information

Stihl 029 Farm Boss includes limited warranty: 1-year consumer, 90-day commercial. Proof of purchase required. Warranty covers defects in materials/workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance, non-Stihl parts. For warranty service, contact authorized Stihl dealer. Keep this manual as proof of proper operation/maintenance.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo spark/flooded/old fuelCheck spark plug; use fresh 50:1 mix; follow cold start procedure.
Engine runs then diesClogged filter/fuel lineClean/replace air filter; check fuel filter and lines.
Poor cutting performanceDull chain/improper tensionSharpen chain; adjust tension; check bar lubrication.
Chain won't turnBrake engaged/clutch issueDisengage chain brake; inspect clutch and sprocket.
Excessive vibrationLoose components/unbalanced chainTighten all fasteners; sharpen chain evenly; check anti-vibration mounts.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Stihl dealer only. Use genuine Stihl parts.

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

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