Stihl 030AV Manual

The Stihl 030AV is a professional-grade gasoline-powered chainsaw featuring anti-vibration technology, automatic oiling system, and a reliable two-stroke engine. Designed for demanding cutting tasks, it includes safety features like a chain brake, throttle lockout, and right-hand guard. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Two-stroke engine with electronic ignition, anti-vibration system (AV), automatic chain oiler, side-access chain tensioner, combined choke/stop control, safety chain brake, and ergonomic handles.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	Single cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled
Displacement	45.6 cc (2.78 cu. in.)
Power Output	2.3 kW (3.1 hp)
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")
Chain Pitch	3/8" PM or .325"
Ignition System	Electronic, breakerless
Anti-Vibration System	Rubber buffers at front and rear handles
Weight (powerhead only)	Approx. 5.5 kg (12.1 lbs)

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all instructions before operation. Always wear proper PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 10 meters away. Ensure secure footing.
3. Chain Brake: Test before each use by pushing forward on front hand guard.
4. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with upper quadrant of bar tip.
5. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, engine off and cool. Wipe spills. Use fuel mix within 30 days.

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

Assembly & Preparation

Assemble guide bar and chain. Prepare fuel mix.

1. Attach Guide Bar: Place bar on studs, align chain with sprocket, tension appropriately.
2. Install Chain: Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Check direction.
3. Tension Chain: Use side-access adjuster. Chain should snap back when pulled from bar.
4. Fuel Mix: Use 50:1 mixture of unleaded gasoline (min. 89 octane) and STIHL HP Ultra or equivalent 2-stroke oil.
5. Fill Tanks: Add fuel to fuel tank, bar/chain oil to oil tank. Use STIHL chain oil or equivalent.

CAUTION! Do not use automotive oil or old gasoline. Ensure bar nuts are tightened securely.

Specifications

• Model: 030AV
• Engine Displacement: 45.6 cc
• Powerhead Weight: 5.5 kg (12.1 lbs)
• Fuel Consumption: Approx. 0.65 L/h at max power
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
• Sound Power Level: 116 dB(A)
• Vibration Levels (front/rear): 4.5/2.5 m/s²
• Max Recommended Bar Length: 50 cm (20")
• Spark Plug: Bosch WSR6F or equivalent, gap 0.5 mm (0.020")
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm
• Max Engine Speed: 12,500 rpm

Controls and Components

Master Control Lever: Combines choke, throttle unlock, and stop functions. Throttle Trigger: Located inside rear handle. Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed to engage throttle. Chain Brake Lever: Front hand guard activates brake when pushed forward. Decompression Valve: Reduces pulling effort for starting. Fuel Primer Bulb: Press several times to fill carburetor. Chain Tensioner: Side-access wheel for adjusting chain tension.

Handle Components: Rear handle with throttle trigger, front handle with chain brake, anti-vibration mounts.

Starting Procedure

Cold Start and Warm Start procedures.

1. Place saw on firm ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Press fuel primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
3. Set Master Control Lever to choke position (full down).
4. Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires (usually 1-3 pulls).
5. Immediately move Master Control Lever to half-throttle position (mid position).
6. Pull starter rope again to start engine.
7. Briefly blip throttle to disengage fast idle. Release chain brake before cutting.
8. Warm Start: Set Master Control Lever to run position (full up). No choke needed.

Tip: Do not pull starter rope to full extension. Use decompression valve if equipped.

Operation Guidelines

Proper cutting techniques for safety and efficiency.

1. Grip: Hold front handle with left hand, rear handle with right hand. Thumb under handle.
2. Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward.
3. Starting Cut: Apply slight throttle, let chain contact wood gradually.
4. Kickback Prevention: Keep firm grip, do not cut with bar tip. Be aware of pinch points.
5. Buckling: Use wedges for large logs. Plan cut to avoid binding.
6. Limbing: Work from trunk outward. Beware of springback.
7. Fueling: Stop engine completely. Clean area around fuel cap.

WARNING! Never operate chainsaw above shoulder height or with one hand. Always cut at full throttle.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily and periodic maintenance tasks.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Test chain brake function.
Daily	Clean air filter, check for loose fasteners, clean cooling fins.
Weekly	Clean spark arrestor screen (if equipped), check fuel filter.
Monthly	Inspect spark plug, replace if electrodes worn. Check anti-vibration elements.
Seasonally	Clean carburetor air passage, replace fuel filter, inspect clutch and sprocket.

Note: More frequent maintenance required under dusty conditions or heavy use.

Chain & Bar Care

Proper chain maintenance ensures performance and safety.

1. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (usually 4.0mm or 4.8mm). Maintain 30° cutting angle.
2. Depth Gauges: File down to proper height (0.65mm below cutter) using depth gauge tool.
3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly. Flip bar monthly for even wear.
4. Lubrication: Ensure oiler is working. Adjust flow if necessary (screw near oil tank).
5. Chain Replacement: Replace when cutters are worn to 4mm or less, or if damaged.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Keep chain sharp - dull chains cause kickback.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. Short-term (under 30 days): Fill fuel tank to prevent condensation.
2. Long-term: Drain fuel tank completely. Run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
3. Remove chain, clean and oil it. Store separately.
4. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter area.
5. Store in dry place, protected from dust and moisture. Cover with breathable cloth.
6. For winter storage: Add fuel stabilizer if fuel cannot be completely drained.

Important: Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark, flooded, stale fuel	Check spark plug, use fresh fuel mix, follow starting procedure exactly.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter	Replace fuel filter, clean air filter, check fuel line.
Poor performance/loss of power	Dirty air filter, clogged spark arrestor, bad fuel	Clean/replace air filter, clean spark arrestor screen, use fresh fuel.
Chain doesn't turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket damaged	Disengage chain brake, inspect clutch and sprocket, replace if worn.
Excessive vibration	Loose fasteners, worn AV buffers, unbalanced chain	Tighten all fasteners, replace AV buffers, sharpen chain evenly.
Chain not oiling	Empty oil tank, clogged oiler, wrong oil viscosity	Fill tank, clean oil passages, use proper chain oil.
Chain throws off bar	Loose chain, worn bar, damaged drive links	Tension properly, inspect bar groove, replace damaged chain.

Service: For major repairs, contact authorized STIHL servicing dealer. Use only STIHL replacement parts.

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