Stihl 056 AV Super Manual

The Stihl 056 AV Super is a professional-grade chainsaw featuring anti-vibration (AV) technology, a powerful engine, and durable construction for demanding forestry and cutting applications. This manual covers safety procedures, technical specifications, operation instructions, maintenance guidelines, troubleshooting, and parts information essential for proper use and upkeep of the chainsaw.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Instructions 3. Technical Specifications 4. Assembly & Preparation 5. Controls & Components 6. Operation Instructions 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Chain & Bar Care 9. Carburetor Adjustment 10. Troubleshooting 11. Parts Diagram

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-performance engine with electronic ignition, Anti-Vibration (AV) system, Quickstop chain brake, Decompression valve, Adjustable automatic oiler, and Side-access chain tensioner.

Feature	Description
Engine Displacement	56.5 cc (3.45 cu. in.)
Power Output	High torque for demanding cuts
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces operator fatigue
Ignition System	Electronic, maintenance-free
Fuel System	Diaphragm carburetor with manual choke
Chain Brake	Quickstop inertia-activated safety feature
Bar Length Options	Typically 16" to 24" (guide bar)
Weight (powerhead)	Approx. 6.8 kg (15 lbs) without bar & chain
Oiling System	Automatic with manual override
Starter	Rewind starter with decompression aid

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear chainsaw chaps, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toed boots.
Clear Work Area: Ensure no bystanders, pets, or obstacles within at least 15 feet.
Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, away from ignition sources. Use approved fuel/oil mix.
Kickback Awareness: Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar nose). Maintain firm grip.
Chain Brake: Test function before each use. Engage when carrying or not cutting.

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

Technical Specifications

Model: Stihl 056 AV Super
Engine Type: Two-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled
Displacement: 56.5 cm³
Powerhead Weight: Approx. 6.8 kg (15 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.75 L (approx. 1.6 pints)
Oil Tank Capacity: 0.32 L (approx. 0.68 pints)
Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm
Maximum Power Speed: 8,000 rpm
Ignition: Electronic (SEM)
Spark Plug: Bosch WSR 6 F or equivalent
Fuel/Oil Mix Ratio: 50:1 (Stihl HP Ultra or equivalent)
Recommended Bar Lengths: 16", 20", 24"
Chain Pitch/Gauge: .404" / .063" (or as per bar specification)

Assembly & Preparation

Assemble the chainsaw with care before first use.

Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket and onto bar rails with cutters facing forward. Tighten bar nuts finger-tight.
Tension Chain: Use side-mounted tensioning screw to adjust until chain fits snugly against bar. Pull chain around bar by hand to check. Final tighten bar nuts.
Fill Fluids: Add fresh fuel/oil mix (50:1) to fuel tank. Fill bar & chain oil tank with appropriate lubricant.
Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function correctly.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling the chain. Ensure chain is installed in correct cutting direction.

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Main Controls: Front Handle with throttle trigger and throttle lockout; Rear Handle with master control lever (choke/run/stop); Chain Brake lever (front hand guard); Decompression valve button; Primer bulb (if equipped).

Master Control Lever Positions: - STOP (0): Engine off. - RUN (I): Normal operation. - CHOKE (⏚): Cold starting. - FAST IDLE/HALF-CHOKE (⏚ with dot): Warm starting or after flooding.

Other Features: Side-access chain tensioner, Adjustable automatic oiler, Spark arrestor muffler, Anti-vibration mounts.

Operation Instructions

Starting and running procedures.

Cold Start: Engage chain brake. Set master control to CHOKE. Press decompression valve. Pull starter rope sharply until engine 'pops'. Move control to FAST IDLE. Pull starter rope to start. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle.
Warm Start: Set master control to FAST IDLE or RUN. Pull starter rope.
Cutting: Disengage chain brake. Apply full throttle before engaging wood. Let the saw do the work; avoid forcing. Use appropriate cutting techniques (felling, limbing, bucking).
Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle. Move master control to STOP.

Tip: Always hold saw firmly with both hands, right hand on rear handle, left hand on front handle, thumbs wrapped around.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and safety.

Interval	Task
Daily / Before Use	Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Inspect for loose nuts/bolts. Clean air intake and cooling fins.
Every 10 Hours	Clean spark arrestor screen (if equipped). Check fuel filter.
Every 20 Hours	Clean or replace air filter. Check spark plug condition and gap.
Every 50 Hours	Clean cylinder fins thoroughly. Check anti-vibration elements. Inspect clutch and sprocket.
Annually / 100 Hrs	Replace fuel filter. Check all fuel lines. Clean carburetor (professional service recommended).

WARNING! Perform maintenance only when the engine is off and cool. Disconnect spark plug wire for safety during major work.

Chain & Bar Care

Proper care of cutting attachments is critical.

Sharpening: Use correct round file size for chain (.404" pitch typically uses 7/32" file). Maintain correct filing angle (typically 30°). File all cutters to equal length.
Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand. Re-tension when chain feels loose (check frequently when new).
Bar Maintenance: Regularly clean bar groove and oil holes. Flip bar weekly for even wear. Dress bar rails with a flat file if burred.
Lubrication: Always use specialized bar & chain oil. Check oil flow by pointing saw at a light surface and running at full throttle; a line of oil should appear.

Carburetor Adjustment

Adjustment screws: L (Low speed), H (High speed), LA (Idle speed).

Preliminary: Ensure air filter is clean and engine is at operating temperature.
Idle Speed (LA): Adjust so chain does not move at idle and engine runs smoothly.
Low Speed (L): Turn in until engine speed rises, then back out 1/4 to 1/2 turn for smoothest acceleration from idle.
High Speed (H): CAUTION: Do not exceed max RPM. For final adjustment, a tachometer is recommended. Factory setting is typically 1 turn out from lightly seated.

Note: Most settings are pre-set at factory. Fine-tuning may be required for altitude or temperature changes. If unsure, consult a Stihl dealer.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No spark, flooded, fuel issues	Check spark plug & wire. Use correct starting procedure. Ensure fresh fuel mix. Check fuel line & filter.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged air/fuel filter, carb adjustment	Clean/replace air filter. Check fuel filter. Adjust L screw slightly.
Lacks power in cut	Dull chain, clogged muffler, carb adjustment	Sharpen chain. Clean spark arrestor screen. Check H screw adjustment.
Chain does not oil	Empty oil tank, clogged oil passages	Fill oil tank. Clean oil holes in bar and saw. Check oil pump function.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, worn AV mounts	Tighten all nuts/bolts. Inspect anti-vibration buffers for wear.
Chain turns at idle	Idle speed too high	Adjust LA screw counter-clockwise until chain stops.

Parts Diagram

Refer to the official Stihl 056 AV Super Parts Manual (Illustrated Parts List - IPL) for exploded views and part numbers. Key assembly groups include:

Cylinder & Piston Group
Crankcase & Crankshaft Group
Carburetor & Air Filter Group
Ignition System Group
Clutch, Sprocket & Chain Brake Group
Fuel & Oil Tank Group
Handle & Anti-Vibration Group
Starter Group
Guide Bar & Saw Chain Group

For Parts & Service: Contact an authorized Stihl servicing dealer. Use only genuine Stihl replacement parts to ensure safety and performance.