stihl 056 manual pdf

The STIHL 056 is a professional-grade gasoline-powered chainsaw, renowned for its power and durability in demanding forestry and arborist applications. This manual covers essential information for the safe operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications of the STIHL 056 chainsaw. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Powerful two-stroke engine, Anti-Vibration System (AV), Quickstop® inertia chain brake, decompression valve, side-access chain tensioner, and STIHL Ematic™ lubrication system.

Safety Instructions

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

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear chainsaw chaps or pants, safety helmet with face shield and hearing protection, heavy-duty gloves, and steel-toe boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 30 feet away. Ensure secure footing. Be aware of falling branches.
3. Chain Brake Check: Test the Quickstop® chain brake function before each use.
4. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. The chain brake is not a substitute for safe operating practices.

Assembly & First-Time Setup

Assemble guide bar and chain. Prepare fuel mixture.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket and onto bar rails. Adjust tension with side knob.
2. Fuel & Oil: Mix high-quality 2-stroke engine oil with unleaded gasoline (50:1 ratio for most modern oils). Fill fuel and chain oil tanks.
3. Initial Start: Place saw on clear ground. Set master control lever to cold start position (choke). Pull starter rope until engine fires, then move lever to run position and restart.
4. Chain Lubrication Test: Run saw at high idle and point bar tip at a light-colored surface. A line of oil should appear.

CAUTION! Use only STIHL-approved lubricants and fuel containers. Never use automotive oil or fuel older than 30 days.

Specifications

• Model: STIHL 056 (Various versions: 056 AV, 056 AV Electronic, 056 Magnum).
• Engine Type: Single cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled.
• Displacement: 56.5 cm³ (3.45 cu. in.).
• Powerhead Weight: Approx. 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg).
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (with STIHL HP Ultra oil) or as specified by oil manufacturer.
• Ignition: Electronic, breakerless.
• Carburetor: Diaphragm-type with manual or automatic choke.
• Recommended Guide Bar: STIHL Rollomatic® ES, 16" - 36".
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: Typically .404" pitch, .063" gauge (varies by bar).
• Sound Power Level: Approx. 115 dB(A). Wear hearing protection.

Controls and Components

Master control lever (stop, run, start), throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, chain brake lever, decompression valve, choke knob, fuel and oil caps.

Right Side: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, hand guard/chain brake lever. Left Side: Master control lever, choke, decompression valve (if equipped). Rear: Starter grip. Top: Muffler, carrying ring.

Maintenance Points: Air filter cover, spark plug, cylinder cover, chain tensioner, clutch drum/sprocket.

Operation Guide

Starting, cutting techniques, and stopping procedures.

1. Starting (Cold): Engage chain brake. Set master control to choke. Press decompression valve (if equipped). Pull starter rope until engine 'pops'. Move control to run position. Pull starter rope to start.
2. Starting (Warm): Master control in run position. Pull starter rope.
3. Basic Cutting: Use full throttle when cutting. Let chain do the work; do not force. Plan cut to avoid pinching bar.
4. Buckling & Felling: Follow standard felling procedures. Use wedges for large trees. Always have an escape path.
5. Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle. Move master control lever to STOP position.

Tip: Maintain a sharp chain. A dull chain increases effort, fuel consumption, and risk of kickback.

Maintenance Schedule

Supports long life with regular maintenance.

WARNING! Always disconnect the spark plug boot before performing any maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain condition is critical for safety and performance.

1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Turn tensioning screw until cutters just contact bar rail. Tighten bar nuts while lifting bar tip. Re-check tension.
2. Sharpening: Use correct round file size for chain (typically 7/32" for .404" pitch). Maintain 30° filing angle. File all cutters to equal length. File depth gauges with a flat file and gauge.

CAUTION! A loose chain can derail. An over-tightened chain can break and cause severe injury.

Fuel & Lubrication

Use fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89 (RON).

Fuel Mix: 50:1 ratio with STIHL HP Ultra or other high-quality 2-stroke oil meeting ISO-L-EGD and JASO FD standards. Chain Oil: Use STIHL chain oil or a bio-degradable alternative with good adhesive properties. Grease: Use high-temperature bearing grease for sprocket needle bearing.

Storage Instructions

For storage over 30 days, empty the fuel tank and run the carburetor dry.

1. Run engine at idle until it stops from lack of fuel.
2. Remove spark plug, add a teaspoon of engine oil into cylinder, pull starter rope slowly to distribute, reinstall plug.
3. Clean entire saw, remove chain and bar, clean and oil them.
4. Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Storing fuel in the saw can cause carburetor damage and starting problems.

Troubleshooting

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