stihl wood boss 028 av manual

The STIHL Wood Boss 028 AV is a professional-grade gasoline-powered chainsaw featuring anti-vibration (AV) technology, a powerful engine for demanding cutting tasks, automatic chain oiling, and a range of safety features. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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 Sharpening & Tensioning 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Anti-Vibration (AV) system, Quickstop® inertia-activated chain brake, automatic chain oiler, decompression valve for easier starting, side-access chain tensioner, and muffler with spark arrestor.

FeatureDescription
Anti-Vibration System (AV)Reduces operator fatigue by dampening engine vibrations
Quickstop® Chain BrakeInertia-activated safety feature to stop the chain in kickback situations
Automatic Chain OilerLubricates the guide bar and chain during operation
Decompression ValveReduces cylinder pressure for easier pull-starting
Side-Access Chain TensionerAllows for easy chain adjustment without tools
Muffler with Spark ArrestorReduces noise and prevents emission of sparks
Throttle Trigger InterlockPrevents accidental throttle activation
Master Control LeverCombines choke, throttle lock, and stop functions
Fuel TankCapacity for gasoline/oil mixture
Chain Oil TankSeparate reservoir for bar and chain lubrication

Safety Information

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

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
  2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of obstacles, ensure secure footing, and keep bystanders at a safe distance.
  3. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip.
  4. Fuel Safety: Mix fuel outdoors, away from sparks. Use approved gasoline and STIHL 2-cycle oil.

WARNING! Kickback can cause severe injury. Always grip saw firmly with both hands. Never operate with one hand.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

  1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar onto studs, loop chain over sprocket and onto bar groove, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top.
  2. Install Bar Nut & Cover: Fit bar cover and hand-tighten nuts. Adjust chain tension (see section 9).
  3. Fill Tanks: Add fresh fuel/oil mix to fuel tank. Fill chain oil tank with STIHL chain oil.
  4. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, interlock, and chain brake function correctly.

CAUTION! Chain must be properly tensioned. A loose chain can derail; an overtightened chain can damage the saw.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Master Control Lever: Combines functions (Choke, Run, Stop). Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger with interlock. Rear Handle: Contains Master Control Lever and starter grip.

Right Side: Chain brake lever, throttle trigger lockout, decompression valve (if equipped). Left Side: Chain tensioner screw, oil filler cap. Top: Fuel filler cap, spark plug.

Operation: Set Master Control to choke (cold start), pull starter rope until engine fires, move lever to run position, pull again to start. Engage chain brake by pushing lever forward.

Starting & Operation

Cold Start Procedure:

  1. Engage chain brake by pushing lever forward.
  2. Set Master Control lever to choke position (full up).
  3. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
  4. Place saw on ground, hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle.
  5. Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires (usually 1-3 pulls).
  6. Immediately move Master Control lever to half-throttle (run) position.
  7. Pull starter rope again to start engine. Let warm up at idle.
  8. Disengage chain brake by pulling lever back towards handle.

Tip: For warm starts, set Master Control directly to run position; do not use choke.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension and sharpness, check fuel and oil levels, inspect for loose fasteners, clean air intake and cooling fins.

Weekly/Every 10 Hours: Clean spark arrestor screen (if equipped), check spark plug condition and gap.

Monthly/Every 20 Hours: Clean or replace air filter, check fuel filter, clean chain brake band and clutch drum.

Annually/End of Season: Replace fuel filter, clean carburetor (if necessary), check all rubber AV mounts, store properly.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Chain Tension: Correct when snug against bar but can be pulled around by hand. Adjust with saw off and cool.

  1. Loosen bar nuts.
  2. Turn tensioning screw clockwise to tighten, counterclockwise to loosen.
  3. Lift tip of bar up while tightening bar nuts to final torque.

Sharpening: Use correct round file size for chain. Maintain original filing angles (typically 30°). File all cutters to equal length. Check depth gauges with a flat file and gauge.

WARNING! Always wear heavy gloves when handling chain. A sharp chain is safer and more efficient than a dull one.

Storage Guidelines

Long-Term Storage (Over 30 Days):

  1. Drain fuel tank and run carburetor dry.
  2. Remove chain, clean in solvent, dry, and coat with oil.
  3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
  4. Remove spark plug, add a teaspoon of oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat, reinstall plug.
  5. Store in a dry, secure place, away from children.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in the tank for extended periods. Old fuel can gum up the carburetor.

Warranty Information

STIHL Limited Warranty: Covers defects in materials and workmanship for a specified period from date of retail purchase. Warranty is valid only for the original purchaser with proof of purchase from an authorized STIHL dealer. For warranty service, contact the authorized STIHL dealer from whom the product was purchased. For support, visit www.stihlusa.com or contact STIHL Incorporated at 1-800-467-8445.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo spark, flooded, old fuelCheck spark plug; use fresh fuel mix; follow correct starting procedure.
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel filter, dirty air filterReplace fuel filter; clean or replace air filter.
Chain does not turnChain brake engaged, clutch wornDisengage chain brake; inspect clutch drum and springs.
Excessive vibrationLoose parts, damaged AV mountsTighten all fasteners; inspect and replace AV buffers if cracked.
Chain throws oil but doesn't cutDull chain, improper filingSharpen chain correctly; check depth gauge height.
Automatic oiler not workingEmpty oil tank, clogged oil passageFill tank; clean oil outlet hole in bar; check oil pump.

Reset: For safety switches, ensure all controls are in correct positions.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer.

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