Stihl has been a trusted manufacturer of chainsaws for over 90 years.
They offer a range of models to suit the needs of homeowners and professionals alike.
In this article, we’ll provide an in-depth overview of 12 older Stihl chainsaw models, explain how they work, and provide all the information potential buyers might need to make an informed decision.
To help you easily compare the features of each chainsaw, we’ve created a table that highlights the key specifications of each model.
| Model | Engine Size (HP) | Bar Length | Weight (lbs) | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stihl 015 | 1.5 | 12″ | 6.6 | Homeowners and gardeners |
| Stihl 020 AV | 2.6 | 16″ | 11.2 | Homeowners and farmers |
| Stihl 028 AV | 3.4 | 18″ | 13.2 | Professional loggers and tree service professionals |
| Stihl 031 AV | 3.4 | 16″ | 12.1 | Homeowners and farmers |
| Stihl 032 AV | 3.7 | 18″ | 13.9 | Professional loggers and tree service professionals |
| Stihl 041 AV | 4.4 | 18″ | 14.1 | Professional loggers and tree service professionals |
| Stihl 042 AV | 4.2 | 20″ | 14.8 | Professional loggers and tree service professionals |
| Stihl 045 AV | 5.1 | 20″ | 15.2 | Professional loggers and tree service professionals |
| Stihl 046 Magnum | 5.7 | 20″ | 13.2 | Professional loggers and tree service professionals |
| Stihl 048 | 5.5 | 20″ | 14.3 | Professional loggers |
| Stihl 056 Magnum | 6.1 | 20″ | 15.2 | Professional loggers and tree service professionals |
| Stihl 075 AV | 7.0 | 28″ | 22.7 | Professional loggers and tree service professionals |
12 Older Stihl Chainsaw Models
Stihl has plenty of old chainsaw models, however, here are the top 12 that you can rely on, how they work, and the tech. they use:
1. Stihl 015
The Stihl 015 is a lightweight and compact chainsaw, weighing just 6.6 pounds. Its 1.5 horsepower engine and 12-inch bar and chain make it an ideal choice for light-duty tasks such as pruning and cutting small trees.
The Stihl 015 uses a two-stroke engine with a carburetor that mixes fuel and air.
The engine drives a centrifugal clutch, which transfers power to the chainsaw’s chain.
It also features Stihl’s Ematic system, which includes a special guide bar and chain that work together to reduce the amount of oil needed for lubrication, resulting in lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions.
The Stihl 015 is priced at around $200.
2. Stihl 020 AV
The Stihl 020 AV is a mid-sized chainsaw with a 2.6 horsepower engine and a 16-inch bar and chain.
This saw is a popular choice for homeowners and farmers who require a reliable and versatile saw for everyday use.
Its lightweight design and easy-to-use controls make it a favorite among many users.
The Stihl 020 AV uses a two-stroke engine with a carburetor that mixes fuel and air.
The engine drives a centrifugal clutch, which transfers power to the chainsaw’s chain. It also features Stihl’s anti-vibration system, which reduces operator fatigue and increases user comfort during extended use.
The anti-vibration system uses rubber bushings and springs to isolate the engine and handle from the rest of the saw. The Stihl 020 AV is priced at around $300.
3. Stihl 028 AV
The Stihl 028 AV is a professional-grade chainsaw with a 3.4 horsepower engine and an 18-inch bar and chain.
This saw is a favorite among loggers and tree service professionals due to its power, durability, and ease of use.
The Stihl 028 AV uses a two-stroke engine with a carburetor that mixes fuel and air.
The engine drives a centrifugal clutch, which transfers power to the chainsaw’s chain.
It also features Stihl’s Automatic Bar and Chain Oiler, which keeps the chain lubricated at all times, reducing wear and tear and increasing the saw’s overall lifespan. The Stihl 028 AV is priced at around $500.
4. Stihl 031 AV
The Stihl 031 AV is a versatile chainsaw with a 3.4 horsepower engine and a 16-inch bar and chain.
This saw is suitable for homeowners and farmers who require a reliable and powerful saw for everyday use. The Stihl 031 AV uses a two-stroke engine with a carburetor that mixes fuel and air.
The engine drives a centrifugal clutch, which transfers power to the chainsaw’s chain.
It also features Stihl’s Quickstop Plus chain brake, which stops the chain immediately upon release of the rear handle, increasing user safety. The Stihl 031 AV is priced at around $400.
5. Stihl 032 AV
The Stihl 032 AV is a professional-grade chainsaw with a 3.7 horsepower engine and an 18-inch bar and chain.
This saw is a popular choice among loggers and tree service professionals due to its power, durability, and ease of use. The Stihl 032 AV uses a two-stroke engine with a carburetor that mixes fuel and air.
The engine drives a centrifugal clutch, which transfers power to the chainsaw’s chain.
It also features Stihl’s Anti-Vibration System, which reduces operator fatigue and increases user comfort during extended use. The Stihl 032 AV is priced at around $600.
6. Stihl 041 AV
The Stihl 041 AV is a professional-grade chainsaw with a 4.4 horsepower engine and an 18-inch bar and chain.
This saw is a favorite among loggers and tree service professionals due to its power and durability. The Stihl 041 AV uses a two-stroke engine with a carburetor that mixes fuel and air.
The engine drives a centrifugal clutch, which transfers power to the chainsaw’s chain.
It also features Stihl’s Quickstop Plus chain brake, which stops the chain immediately upon release of the rear handle, increasing user safety. The Stihl 041 AV is priced at around $700.
7. Stihl 042 AV
The Stihl 042 AV is a professional-grade chainsaw with a 4.2 horsepower engine and a 20-inch bar and chain.
This saw is a popular choice among loggers and tree service professionals due to its power, durability, and longer bar length.
The Stihl 042 AV uses a two-stroke engine with a carburetor that mixes fuel and air.
The engine drives a centrifugal clutch, which transfers power to the chainsaw’s chain.
It also features Stihl’s Automatic Bar and Chain Oiler, which keeps the chain lubricated at all times, reducing wear and tear and increasing the saw’s overall lifespan. The Stihl 042 AV is priced at around $800.
8. Stihl 048 AV
The Stihl 048 AV is a professional-grade chainsaw with a 5.1 horsepower engine and a 24-inch bar and chain.
This saw is a favorite among loggers and tree service professionals due to its power and longer bar length. The Stihl 048 AV uses a two-stroke engine with a carburetor that mixes fuel and air.
The engine drives a centrifugal clutch, which transfers power to the chainsaw’s chain.
It also features Stihl’s Quickstop Plus chain brake, which stops the chain immediately upon release of the rear handle, increasing user safety. The Stihl 048 AV is priced at around $900.
9. Stihl 056 AV
The Stihl 056 AV is a professional-grade chainsaw with a 6.1 horsepower engine and a 28-inch bar and chain.
This saw is a popular choice among loggers and tree service professionals due to its power and longer bar length.
The Stihl 056 AV uses a two-stroke engine with a carburetor that mixes fuel and air.
The engine drives a centrifugal clutch, which transfers power to the chainsaw’s chain.
It also features Stihl’s Anti-Vibration System, which reduces operator fatigue and increases user comfort during extended use. The Stihl 056 AV is priced at around $1,000.
10. Stihl 064 AV
The Stihl 064 AV is a professional-grade chainsaw with a 6.3 horsepower engine and a 28-inch bar and chain.
This saw is a favorite among loggers and tree service professionals due to its power and longer bar length.
The Stihl 064 AV uses a two-stroke engine with a carburetor that mixes fuel and air.
The engine drives a centrifugal clutch, which transfers power to the chainsaw’s chain.
It also features Stihl’s Quickstop Plus chain brake, which stops the chain immediately upon release of the rear handle, increasing user safety. The Stihl 064 AV is priced at around $1,200.
11. Stihl 075 AV
The Stihl 075 AV is a professional-grade chainsaw with an 8.3 horsepower engine and a 36-inch bar and chain.
This saw is a popular choice among loggers and tree service professionals due to its power and longer bar length. The Stihl 075 AV uses a two-stroke engine with a carburetor that mixes fuel and air.
The engine drives a centrifugal clutch, which transfers power to the chainsaw’s chain.
It also features Stihl’s Anti-Vibration System, which reduces operator fatigue and increases user comfort during extended use. The Stihl 075 AV is priced at around $1,500.
12. Stihl 090 AV
The Stihl 090 AV is a professional-grade chainsaw with a 9.0 horsepower engine and a 42-inch bar and chain. This saw is a favorite among loggers and tree service professionals due to its power and longer bar length.
The Stihl 090 AV uses a two-stroke engine with a carburetor that mixes fuel and air.
The engine drives a centrifugal clutch, which transfers power to the chainsaw’s chain.
It also features Stihl’s Quickstop Plus chain brake, which stops the chain immediately upon release of the rear handle, increasing user safety. The Stihl 090 AV is priced at around $2,000.
Overall, each of these Stihl chainsaws is designed for a specific user, based on their power, bar length, and features.
For homeowners looking for a reliable chainsaw for occasional use, the Stihl 031 AV and 032 AV are excellent choices, offering enough power to tackle most tasks around the yard without breaking the bank.
The Stihl 042 AV is a good option for homeowners who need a more powerful saw for larger tasks but still want an affordable price point.
For those who require a more heavy-duty chainsaw, the Stihl 048 AV, 056 AV, 064 AV, 075 AV, and 090 AV are professional-grade saws designed for loggers and tree service professionals.
These saws have more power and longer bar lengths to tackle larger tasks, such as felling larger trees or processing large amounts of firewood.
One notable feature across several of these saws is the Anti-Vibration System, which reduces operator fatigue and increases user comfort during extended use.
The Quickstop Plus chain brake is also a common feature, stopping the chain immediately upon release of the rear handle to increase user safety.
In terms of pricing, the Stihl 031 AV and 032 AV are the most affordable options, priced at around $200-$300.
The Stihl 042 AV and 048 AV are priced at around $800-$900, while the Stihl 056 AV, 064 AV, and 075 AV are priced at around $1,000-$1,500. The Stihl 090 AV is the most expensive option, priced at around $2,000.
To summarize the key features and specifications of each of these older Stihl chainsaws, we’ve created a table below:
| Model | Power | Bar Length | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 031 AV | 3.0 HP | 16 in. | – | $200-$300 |
| 032 AV | 3.4 HP | 18 in. | – | $200-$300 |
| 038 AV | 4.4 HP | 20 in. | – | $400-$500 |
| 042 AV | 4.4 HP | 20 in. | – | $800 |
| 048 AV | 5.1 HP | 24 in. | Quickstop Plus chain brake | $900 |
| 056 AV | 6.1 HP | 28 in. | Anti-Vibration System | $1,000 |
| 064 AV | 6.3 HP | 28 in. | Quickstop Plus chain brake | $1,200 |
| 075 AV | 8.3 HP | 36 in. | Anti-Vibration System | $1,500 |
| 090 AV | 9.0 HP | 42 in. | Quickstop Plus chain brake | $2,000 |
How to choose the right chainsaw
When choosing a Stihl chainsaw, it’s important to consider your needs and budget.
If you’re a homeowner looking for a reliable chainsaw for occasional use, the Stihl 031 AV, 032 AV, or 038 AV are excellent choices.
For more heavy-duty tasks, the Stihl 048 AV, 056 AV, 064 AV, 075 AV, or 090 AV are professional-grade saws designed for loggers and tree service professionals.
Each of these saws offers different features and specifications to suit different needs, so it’s important to consider which model is best for your specific requirements.