Stihl Chainsaw 031AV Owners Manual

The Stihl 031AV is a professional-grade gasoline-powered chainsaw featuring an anti-vibration (AV) system, manual oiling, automatic chain brake, and a reliable two-stroke engine. Designed for demanding cutting tasks, it requires proper operation, maintenance, and safety procedures. Below are key sections covering safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Two-stroke engine, anti-vibration system, manual chain oiler, automatic chain brake, decompression valve, adjustable oil pump, and safety throttle lock.

Safety Information

Always wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and follow safe operating procedures.

1. PPE Required: Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, steel-toe boots, helmet with face shield.
2. Pre-Operation Check: Inspect chain tension, sharpness, bar condition, and all fasteners before each use.
3. Clear Work Area: Ensure no bystanders, pets, or obstacles within 15 feet (5 meters).
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, with engine off and cool. Use clean, fresh fuel mix (50:1 gasoline to 2-stroke oil).

WARNING! Kickback can occur suddenly. Always hold saw firmly with both hands, maintain proper stance, and do not cut with the tip of the bar. Never operate a chainsaw while tired or under the influence.

Assembly & Preparation

Assemble the guide bar and chain, then fill with proper fuel and oil mixtures.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Loosen bar nuts, fit bar onto studs, place chain over sprocket and bar (cutting edges facing forward on top), adjust tension, then tighten nuts securely.
2. Fuel Mix: Use unleaded gasoline (min. 89 octane) mixed with a high-quality 2-stroke engine oil at a 50:1 ratio (unless specified otherwise). Shake well.
3. Fill Tanks: Fill fuel tank with mix. Fill oil tank with STIHL or equivalent chainsaw bar & chain oil.
4. Chain Tension Check: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand. Re-tension when cold chain sags from bar rails.

CAUTION! Ensure chain brake is disengaged (pulled back toward front handle) before starting. Incorrect chain installation can cause serious injury.

Specifications

• Model: STIHL 031 AV
• Engine Power: Approx. 3.0 hp
• Max. Engine Speed: 12,500 rpm
• Idle Speed: 2,800 - 3,200 rpm
• Spark Plug: Bosch WSR6F or equivalent, gap 0.020" (0.5 mm)
• Carburetor: Tillotson or Zama diaphragm type
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" or .325" (check bar marking)
• Chain Gauge: .050" or .058" (check bar marking)
• Recommended Bar Length: 16" - 20"
• Sound Power Level: Approx. 112 dB(A) - hearing protection required.

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before operation.

Main Components: Front Handle with Hand Guard/Chain Brake, Rear Handle with Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout, Master Control Lever (Choke/Start/Run), Decompression Valve, Manual Fuel Primer (if equipped), Chain Tensioner, Manual Oiler Pump Button.

Master Control Lever Positions: - STOP (0): Engine off, ignition grounded. - START (Choke): For cold starting. - FAST IDLE (Half Choke): For warm starting. - RUN (I): Normal operation.

Chain Brake: Engage manually by pushing hand guard forward. It will engage automatically upon kickback. Disengage by pulling back toward front handle.

Starting & Stopping

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

1. Engage chain brake. Place saw on firm, level ground.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set Master Control to START (choke).
4. Press fuel primer bulb 5-7 times until fuel is visible (if equipped).
5. Lock throttle by pressing throttle lockout and squeezing trigger, then push down front throttle latch.
6. Pull starter rope briskly until engine 'fires' (usually 2-5 pulls).
7. Immediately move Master Control to FAST IDLE (half choke).
8. Pull starter rope again to start. Engine will run at fast idle.
9. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle and return to normal idle.
10. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Stopping: Release throttle, let engine idle, move Master Control to STOP (0).

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Always use proper cutting techniques to maintain control and reduce kickback risk.

1. Basic Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, firm footing. Hold saw with both hands: left on front handle, right on rear handle, thumbs wrapped underneath.
2. Manual Oiling: Press oiler button periodically during cutting to lubricate bar and chain. Increase frequency in dry or hard wood.
3. Felling: Use proper notch and back cut techniques. Plan escape path. Never cut above shoulder height.
4. Limbing & Bucking: Stand uphill from log. Let the chain do the work; avoid forcing the saw. Use a sawhorse or supports for bucking.
5. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with the upper quarter of the bar tip, especially the nose.

WARNING! Do not operate chainsaw with one hand. Always be aware of pinch points, spring poles, and falling material.

Maintenance Schedule

Air Filter: Clean with soapy water, dry completely before reinstalling. Replace if damaged.

Chain & Bar Care

Proper care extends life and ensures safe operation.

1. Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 5/32" for 3/8" chain). Maintain correct filing angle (usually 30°). File all cutters to equal length. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge.
2. Bar Maintenance: Regularly clean bar groove and oil holes. Flip bar weekly to ensure even wear. Dress bar rails with a flat file if burred.
3. Chain Tension: Check frequently when chain is cold. A properly tensioned chain will snap back against the bar when pulled away and will not sag from the bottom.

CAUTION! Always wear heavy gloves when handling chain. A dull chain increases kickback risk and operator fatigue.

Storage

Prepare saw for storage to prevent fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. Drain fuel tank completely and run engine until it stops to empty carburetor.
2. Remove chain, clean it in solvent, dry, and coat with oil. Store separately.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air intake.
4. Remove spark plug, add a teaspoon of 2-stroke oil into cylinder, pull starter rope slowly 2-3 times to coat internals, reinstall plug.
5. Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

Tip: Use fuel stabilizer if you cannot drain the system, but running dry is preferred for long-term storage.

Troubleshooting

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

Support: STIHL Incorporated, 1-800-467-8445, www.stihlusa.com