Stihl Chainsaw 017 Owners Manual

The Stihl Chainsaw 017 is a professional-grade gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a powerful engine with anti-vibration system, quickstop chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, STIHL Ematic lubrication system, and a decompression valve for easier starting. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine with decompression valve, Quickstop chain brake, STIHL Ematic chain lubrication system, anti-vibration handles, side-access chain tensioner, and muffler with spark arrestor screen.

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operation. Always wear proper protective equipment.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps/pants, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of obstacles and bystanders. Ensure secure footing.
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Use clean, fresh fuel mix.
4. Kickback Awareness: Understand kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip). Use reduced-kickback chain and maintain sharp chain.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. The chain brake is a safety device; test before each use.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach guide bar: Place bar on studs, align chain sprocket cover, tighten nuts finger-tight.
2. Install chain: Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Fit drive links into bar groove.
3. Tension chain: Use side-access tensioner to adjust until chain snaps back when pulled from bar. Tighten bar nuts securely.
4. Fill tanks: Add STIHL 2-stroke engine oil to fuel at 50:1 ratio (or as specified). Fill chain oil tank with STIHL chain oil.

CAUTION! Always wear protective gloves when handling chain. Ensure chain is properly tensioned before starting.

Specifications

• Engine Type: Single cylinder, 2-stroke, air-cooled.
• Displacement: 31.8 cc.
• Powerhead Weight: 5.3 kg (11.7 lbs).
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL 2-stroke oil) or as per local fuel regulations.
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm (factory set).
• Maximum Power Speed: 9,500 rpm.
• Spark Plug: Bosch WSR 6 F or equivalent, gap 0.5 mm (0.020").
• Sound Pressure Level: Approx. 106 dB(A).
• Vibration Levels: Left/Right handle: 4.5/5.5 m/s².
• Warranty: Limited warranty for personal/commercial use (see separate warranty card).

Controls and Components

Master Control Lever: Combines choke, throttle lock, and stop functions. Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Throttle Trigger Lockout: Must be depressed to operate throttle. Chain Brake Lever: Front hand guard; activates brake when pushed forward. Decompression Valve: Reduces compression for easier starting. Fuel Cap: With integrated tank vent. Chain Oil Cap: For oil reservoir.

Maintenance Points: Air filter cover, spark plug, muffler, chain catcher, anti-vibration elements.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure (with decompression valve):

1. Engage chain brake by pushing hand guard forward.
2. Set Master Control lever to choke position (full down).
3. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
4. Place saw on ground, hold front handle with left hand, place right foot through rear handle.
5. Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires (usually 2-5 pulls).
6. Move Master Control to half-throttle position (mid-notch).
7. Pull starter rope again until engine starts. Allow to idle briefly.
8. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle; chain brake should remain engaged.

Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle. Move Master Control lever to STOP position.

Warm Start: Set Master Control to half-throttle position; pull starter rope.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Basic Cutting: Use full throttle when cutting. Let chain do the work; do not force.

1. Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 diameter), then felling cut from opposite side. Use wedges if needed.
2. Limbing: Work from trunk outward. Support limb if possible. Beware of springback.
3. Bucking: Support log off ground. Cut from top side. For tensioned logs, cut compression side first.
4. Kickback Prevention: Maintain firm grip, stand to side of cut, do not cut with bar tip.

Tip: Keep chain sharp. A dull chain requires more force and increases kickback risk.

Maintenance Schedule

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain & Bar Care

Proper lubrication extends life of bar and chain.

1. Chain Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (usually 5.5 mm). Maintain correct filing angle (typically 30°). File all cutters to equal length.
2. Depth Gauge Setting: Use flat file and depth gauge tool to maintain proper raker height (0.65 mm for most chains).
3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly. Flip bar each time chain is sharpened to ensure even wear. Dress bar rails with flat file if burred.
4. Lubrication Check: Run saw at full throttle over light-colored surface; oil line should appear on ground.

WARNING! Always stop engine and engage chain brake before handling chain or bar.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days:

1. Drain fuel tank and run carburetor dry.
2. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil. Clean bar groove and oil.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
4. Store in dry place, covered to prevent dust accumulation.
5. Remove spark plug, add teaspoon of oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to distribute, reinstall plug.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods; modern fuel can degrade and damage carburetor components.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized STIHL servicing dealer. Use only genuine STIHL parts.

Support: Visit www.stihlusa.com or contact STIHL customer service at 1-800-467-8445.