Stihl 036 Pro Manual

The Stihl 036 Pro is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and arborist 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. Fuel & Lubrication 10. Storage Guidelines 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Professional-grade engine, anti-vibration system, QuickStop® inertia chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, decompression valve, and STIHL Ematic™ lubrication system.

FeatureDescription
Engine Type2-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled
Displacement61.5 cc
Power Output3.6 kW (4.9 hp)
Fuel Tank Capacity0.55 L
Oil Tank Capacity0.26 L
Guide Bar Lengths16" to 20" (40 cm to 50 cm)
Chain Pitch3/8" or .325"
Weight (without bar/chain)6.2 kg (13.7 lbs)
Ignition SystemElectronic, capacitor discharge
Safety FeaturesChain brake, throttle lockout, right-hand guard

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear chainsaw chaps, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toe boots.
  2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Ensure secure footing.
  3. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar nose). Maintain firm grip.
  4. Chain Brake Test: Test QuickStop® function before each use by engaging brake with wrist.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate with damaged or missing safety devices.

Assembly & Preparation

Assemble saw with proper bar and chain. Mix fuel correctly.

  1. Attach guide bar and chain: Loosen nuts, fit bar, position chain with cutters facing forward, adjust tension.
  2. Fuel mixture: Use STIHL 2-stroke oil mixed with unleaded gasoline (50:1 ratio). Shake well.
  3. Fill tanks: Add fuel to fuel tank and STIHL chain oil to oil tank.
  4. Check controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Use only STIHL-approved bars, chains, and lubricants. Incorrect fuel mix can cause engine damage.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with throttle trigger, rear handle with throttle lockout, master control lever, chain brake lever, decompression valve, fuel/oil caps, spark plug, air filter cover, muffler.

Master Control Lever: Combines choke, start, and run positions. Chain Brake: Manual engagement via front hand guard; inertia-activated by kickback. Decompression Valve: Reduces pulling force for easier starting. Side-Access Tensioner: Adjust chain tension without tools.

Starting & Operation

Cold start procedure with chain brake engaged.

  1. Place saw on firm ground. Engage chain brake (push hand guard forward).
  2. Set master control to choke (full down). Press decompression valve.
  3. Pull starter handle until engine fires (1-2 pulls). Move master control to half-throttle position.
  4. Pull starter again until engine starts. Briefly blip throttle to disengage fast idle.
  5. Disengage chain brake by pulling hand guard toward rear handle.
  6. Warm up engine for 30 seconds before cutting.

Tip: For warm start, set master control to run position (no choke).

Maintenance Schedule

Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, brake function, fuel/oil levels. Clean air filter, check for loose fasteners.

Weekly/25 Hours: Clean spark arrestor screen, check spark plug, clean cooling fins, inspect anti-vibration elements.

Annually/Professional Service: Have carburetor adjusted, piston/cylinder inspected, clutch and bearing checked by authorized STIHL dealer.

Chain & Bar Care

Keep chain sharp and properly tensioned. Rotate bar regularly.

  1. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (5.5 mm for 3/8"). Maintain 30° cutting angle, 10° top plate angle.
  2. Tension: Adjust when chain sags from bar rails. Chain should snap back when pulled from bar.
  3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly. Flip bar monthly for even wear.
  4. Lubrication: Ensure oiler port is clear. Use STIHL chain oil for best performance.

WARNING! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Stop engine before adjustments.

Fuel & Lubrication

Use fresh fuel (max 30 days old). Proper mix prevents engine damage.

Fuel: 50:1 mix ratio (2% oil). Example: 5L gasoline + 100ml STIHL 2-stroke oil. Chain Oil: STIHL chain oil or ISO viscosity class 100 (summer) / 68 (winter). Grease Points: Sprocket nose bearing (grease weekly).

CAUTION! Never use automotive oil, diesel, or E85 ethanol blend. Store fuel in approved container.

Storage Guidelines

Prepare saw for storage over 30 days.

  1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
  2. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil. Clean bar groove.
  3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
  4. Store in dry place, covered, with bar and chain separately.

CAUTION! Old fuel can gum carburetor. Always use fuel stabilizer or drain completely.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo spark, flooded, old fuelCheck spark plug; set master control to half-throttle; use fresh fuel mix.
Engine runs poorlyDirty air filter, clogged fuel filterClean/replace air filter; replace fuel filter in tank.
Chain doesn't turnBrake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket damagedDisengage brake; inspect clutch shoes and sprocket.
Excessive vibrationLoose parts, damaged AV mountsTighten all fasteners; replace anti-vibration elements.
Chain throws oilOiler adjustment, wrong oil viscosityAdjust oiler screw; use correct chain oil.

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

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

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