STIHL 011 AV Chainsaw Review: Specs, Features, Years Made, Price. Skill chainsaw

STIHL 011 AV Chainsaw Review: Specs, Features, Years Made, Price

I picked up a Series 1120 STIHL 011 AV off of eBay recently and have really enjoyed testing it out.

It cost less than 100, was in good condition, and I got to meet an interesting chainsaw enthusiast in the process!

I’ve used the 011 AV a few times now for pruning trees and bucking small logs. The chainsaw sounds great (video to come), is nice and light, and has that awesome old STIHL chainsaw style.

STIHL 011 Chainsaw

The 011 had quite a long production period from 1980 to 1996, but there were a few different versions over the years (AVEQ, AVT, and AVET) – find out more about the model production years here.

It’s a 41cc chainsaw that weighs around 9.7 lbs – the 010 AV is an almost identical saw that is a 37cc saw.

One of the things I like about it the most is its magnesium casing, something that isn’t commonly found on low-powered saws.

And while many old STIHL chainsaws are quite heavy and cumbersome to use, this one is not bad at all.

I cut up this 20 ft gum log with the 011 AV in about 15 – 20 minutes.

The saw didn’t hesitate and got through it even better than I was expecting.

It’s going to be a good little firewood saw!

STIHL 011 Specs And Features

The 011 choke switch is on top and the power switch is below that.

stihl, chainsaw, review, specs, features

It has a trigger lock which comes in handy for starting the chainsaw as well.

The 011 has a chain brake and can be used with a 12 – 16 inch bar.

It has a felt air filter and an automatic diaphragm-style oiler.

  • 41cc, 2.5 cu in
  • 9.7 lbs
  • Centrifugal clutch
  • Magnesium casing
  • 38 mm bore, 36 mm stroke
  • 12 – 16″ bar
  • Bosch WSR6F or Champion RCJ7Y spark plugs

My 011 has been well maintained and runs really smoothly. It starts quickly every time. No problems yet.

Well… other than that it leaks bar oil if stored flat!

STIHL 011 Chainsaw Review

I’ve been really happy with this STIHL 011 AV.

It’s light, maneuverable, reliable, and looks like it would stand up to some hard work.

My only two complaints are:

The guy I bought the saw off had done some work on the oiler and I haven’t had a chance to see what’s going on there yet, but if I store it on its side it doesn’t leak at all.

It does still oil correctly when the saw is running, so it’s not a big issue at this stage.

The emissions are also pretty standard for a saw of this age. When you compare the aroma from one of the 30 – 40-year-old chainsaws with that of a brand new modern chainsaw, there’s a difference.

I also bought a new DeWALT 20v Max XR chainsaw, and as you can imagine, there’s a big difference there with the zero emissions.

However, I also just acquired a McCulloch 610 which is a similar era to the 011. It weighs a ton and also puts out a decent amount of stink!

However, all that’s beside the point. If you see a tidy STIHL 011 for sale, I’d grab it!

It’s a good little chainsaw that goes hard and performs well.

STIHL 011 Price

I wouldn’t hesistate to recommend this saw if you see it listed for a fair price.

As I said, I paid a little under 100 for this saw, and wouldn’t have paid much more than that.

However, you might see it listed for as low as 50 and as high as 200, depending on the condition of the saw and your location.

Some parts of the world command higher prices!

I’ll use this saw for a month or two and then I’ll sell it on so I can pick up a different model. I could keep it, of course, but I’m starting to run out of room.

STIHL 021 Chainsaw

The STIHL 021 chainsaw is classified as a hobby saw, but don’t make the mistake of thinking that means low quality and mediocre performance.

On the contrary, the STIHL 021 model, which was manufactured in the 1990s, packs plenty of power to accomplish the basic, everyday jobs of the typical homeowner.

You can count on STIHL to make a chainsaw like the STIHL 021 that can stand the test of time.

The German-based company will be celebrating its 100 th year in business in a few years.

A company can’t stay in business that long unless they are doing something right.

In the case of STIHL, those ‘right things’ include producing top-quality machines that are easily maintained and reliable.

The company, which was founded by Andreas STIHL, practically wrote the book on single-operator power saws.

Until STIHL started his business in 1926, all power saws were designed to be operated by two people.

In no time at all, STIHL chainsaws were being sold across the globe.

Since 1971, STIHL has held the title of the world’s largest chainsaw manufacturer.

Features On The STIHL 021 Chainsaw

The STIHL 021 chainsaw was designed to fill a need.

Homeowners wanted a chainsaw with a 16-inch bar that was powerful enough to tackle yard maintenance and had many of the desirable features found on larger models.

Those features include STIHL’s patented anti-vibration system.

The STIHL company developed and patented the industry’s first anti-vibration system, which uses rubber elements to keep the handle and engine apart from each other, drastically reducing the level of vibration and decreasing the fatigue that chainsaw users were experiencing.

Another sought-after feature that has been included on the STIHL 021 model is the STIHL QuickStop chain brake technology.

This technology reduces the chances of injury by halting the rotation of the chain immediately if the chainsaw kicks back or if the operator activates the manual QuickStop shut-off.

In addition to the anti-vibration system and the QuickStop chain brake feature, the STIHL 021 model also includes STIHL high-quality automatic chain lubrication feature, lateral chain tensioner, and electronic ignition system.

The 16-inch bar of the STIHL 021 is powered by the chainsaw’s single-cylinder, two-stroke engine with its impregnated cylinder bore.

The maximum engine speed with the bar and chain fully engaged is 11,500 rpm and the engine idles at 2,800 rpm.

It has a displacement of 35.2 cubic centimeters.

Buying A STIHL 021. Key Factors To Consider

Folks looking to add a chainsaw to their arsenal of outdoor power equipment tend to FOCUS on four key factors – cost, power, usage, and maintenance.

Here’s how the STIHL 021 checks these boxes.

Both new and used, chainsaws can run the gamut from inexpensive 100 models to brand-new, industrial-grade 1000 models.

The good news is a STIHL 021 won’t break the bank.

It is a smaller, hobby-grade chainsaw so it is not as costly as the big boys.

The STIHL 021 model is no longer being manufactured by STIHL but that doesn’t mean they are hard to find.

You should have no trouble finding used ones for sale in your area.

Since this is a smaller chainsaw, you can expect a lower price than a larger, more powerful STIHL chainsaw.

Expect to spend between 150 and 200 for a STIHL 021 that is in good condition.

The size and output of a chainsaw’s engine determine its power.

When you are doing your comparison shopping for a 16-inch chainsaw, you will see a cc number as well as a rpm number.

The cc number is the unit of measurement for the volume of an engine.

An engine with a larger volume will have more power than one with a smaller volume.

The STIHL 021 chainsaw has a 35.2 cc engine.

The engine of the STIHL 021 is lighter than the engines of other models.

That makes the STIHL 021 an ideal choice for tree trimming and other light duties.

The STIHL 021 is part of STIHL’s homeowner line of chainsaws.

In fact, it is referred to as a hobby chainsaw.

Although you will find plenty of fans of the STIHL 021 who will swear to using their STIHL 021 on a daily or weekly basis, the chainsaw is really designed for occasional use.

Did last week’s storm knock down a few limbs?

Do you need to trim the branches on a fast-growing tree?

Do you want to cut down a dying sapling?

The 16-inch bar is adequate for most jobs around the house.

Відео-огляд Бензопили STIHL: MS 361 / Видео обзор бензопилы

A larger, more powerful chainsaw is recommended if you need to cut wood to heat your home, but the STIHL 021 should be just fine for cutting enough firewood for your Saturday night bonfire or your next weekend camping trip.

STIHL chainsaws are well-designed and solidly built machines.

Even so, the STIHL 021 and other chainsaws require routine maintenance to keep them in good working order.

You certainly don’t want a chainsaw that breaks down on you when you’re out in the woods.

You also do not want to cut short the life expectancy of your STIHL 021 by failing to keep it properly maintained.

You don’t need a lot of small engine experience to be able to check your STIHL 021’s chain brake, tension, and lubrication system.

Read the owner’s manual or watch a few YouTube videos and you should be able to change the sparkplugs, as well as the oil, fuel, and air filters of your STIHL 021 chainsaw.

When buying used chainsaws, you may not get an owner’s manual.

All the STIHL maintenance manuals are on the internet and can be easily located with a quick Google search.

Unless you are well-versed in small engine repair, you should plan to have your STIHL 021 inspected and services once a year by a certified, experienced small engine repairman.

Repairs and maintenance are generally not terribly expensive and will help to keep your STIHL 021 in good working order for years.

STIHL Model 021 Chainsaw. Overall

For the average homeowner looking to keep their yard cleaned up after a storm, or if you simply want to cut up a medium sized tree for a campfire wood, the STIHL 021 chainsaw is a great choice.

STIHL is a trusted name in the chainsaw industry with a proven track record of reliable equipment.

Just remember, the 021 model is a smaller saw, so if you’re primary goal is to heat with firewood, a bigger saw is a better choice.

However, if just need a saw for for occasional use, you won’t be disappointed with the STIHL 021 chainsaw.

STIHL vs Husqvarna: Which chainsaw is a cut above the rest?

Revving to know whether a Husqvarna vs STIHL chainsaw is best? We dive full throttle into the facts to give our verdict.

Husqvarna and STIHL are titans of the chainsaw world. and we pitted two of their best models against each other to see who cuts the competition down to size.

These industry leaders are well-known for producing some of the best chainsaws on the market today, but it can be hard to know which is right for you. We asked Nick Greenway, chainsaw expert and founder of both firepitfanatic.com and firewood-for-life.com, for his thoughts on what to consider when finding the right one:

“A good quality chainsaw produced by a reputable manufacturer can last a long time, while an inexpensive version might only last a few years.”

Swedish-based Husqvarna and German-based STIHL are both reputable brands, so we are off to a good start. Husqvarna produces popular high-quality gardening tools like strimmers and mowers as well as chainsaws. STIHL is also an expert in the gardening field, providing a host of excellent and durable tools to help you get the job done.

Both brands are experts at creating quality gardening tools that are built to last. In fact, we have discussed the brands as a whole, but it’s time to get down to the woodgrain. Is the STIHL MS 211 or Husqvarna 440 best? Let’s dive full throttle into the competitors’ best chainsaws and see whether the MS 211 or 440 comes out on top.

Type: Gas powered Bar size: 18in Weight: 12.3lbs Emissions: Low emissions Battery capacity/fuel tank volume: 16.9oz Engine power: 2.6 kW Safety: Mechanical safety brake Settings: Summer and winter starter

Weighing in at just over 12 lbs, this is not a saw for the faint-hearted. But in actual fact it’s a decent weight for such a capable tool, and with an ergonomic design and anti vibration technology, it is designed to be as comfortable to use as possible, despite its size.

stihl, chainsaw, review, specs, features

With the capability to clear medium sized trees, it has some cool features. including winter and summer settings to ensure it won’t let you down when you’re firing it up in varied conditions. And they stand it in good stead, because user reviews are all really positive.

Against

Type: Gas powered Bar size: 20/24in bar available Recommended max cut: 44 inches Weight: 13.2lbs Power: Max power 9000 rpm Horsepower: 3.62 Fuel consumption: 437 g/kWh Vibration: Front handle at 3.8 m/s². rear handle at 6.9 m/s² Noise: 104 dB Warranty: 2 years

Husqvarna is a brand well-known for its quality. and this model is no exception. It sits at the top end of the models designed for amateur use (both brands produce ‘professional’ models made for those working as arborists or in similar roles). However, it now only seems to be offered with 20 or 24 in blades (and users in the UK may have trouble sourcing it, so we suggest looking for the 455 model instead).

Recommended for tidying up small to medium trees and cutting up firewood, it boasts good fuel efficiency, decent safety features and low emissions. and promises to be a good starter.

STIHL vs Husqvarna chainsaw: Performance

Chainsaws can make felling trees or trimming branches a much quicker and simpler task. As Nick Greenway puts it: “You can do a lot of work in a short amount of time using a chainsaw. Whether you’re trimming some branches or cutting down full-sized trees, a chainsaw is an amazing tool to have around your home.”

When it comes to your chainsaw, you want something with enough power to get the job done but is not difficult to operate or use safely. In terms of raw power, the Husqvarna 440 just edges out the STIHL MS 211. The 440 has an engine power of 2.4 horsepower and a displacement of 40.99 cc. The STIHL MS 211 is just behind with 2.3 horsepower and a displacement of 35.2 cc.

The lightweight MS 211 can cope with a range of tasks and can cut through wood with ease. It is a great all-rounder to have on hand when you want to fell small-to-medium trees or cross-cut and debranch them. This chainsaw is conveniently sized and easy to start to make getting the job done as simple as possible.

The Husqvarna 440 is incredibly easy to start and operate thanks to its wide variety of features. It is also two pounds heavier than its MS 211 counterpart, coming in at 9.7 pounds total. It is still very easy to lug around from job to job and is well-balanced during use.

In terms of negatives, there are a couple of things to bear in mind with each model. The MS 211 has sluggish tension in the chain and a knob that could be softer. The On button could also be more visible and large for those using gloves. On the other hand, some customers have reported that the Husqvarna 440 can have some idling issues out of the box and may need time to warm up before hitting its best performance.

With all this in mind, it is a close call. However, we think the STIHL MS 211 just edges out the Husqvarna due to its sheer power and ease of use.

STIHL vs Husqvarna chainsaw: Features

Modern chainsaws come with a wide range of features to make them easier and safer to use. who comes out on top when it comes to handy features?

The Husqvarna has no shortage of convenient features. The SmartStart Technology ensures that starting your 440 chainsaw takes minimal effort from you. At the same time, the QuickStart with Air Purge removes air from the carburetor and fuel system to add to that easy start feeling. The combined choke and stop control make starting easier and reduce the risk of engine flooding during use.

Once you get going, the Low Vibration Technology places dampeners between the engine and the chassis, reducing fatigue and making the chainsaw more comfortable to hold during use. The Fuel Indicator system ensures that you are never caught out mid-job again. The X-Cut Dedicated felling marks keep your incredibly sharp and durable X-Cut chain precise every time.

When you need to idle your 440 chainsaw, the chain oil pump disengages with the engine to reduce oil consumption and emissions. This is not even counting the maintenance features incorporated into the design.

STIHL’s MS 211 chainsaw, on the other hand, keeps it short and sweet when it comes to features. Made in the USA, the MS 211 has the exclusive ElastoStart handle with starting grip and built-in shock absorber designed to reduce the effort when pulling on your starter cord.

Once you are raring to go, the MS 211 chainsaw has an anti-vibration system to keep you comfortable and minimize fatigue during a job. The Ematic lubrication system and guide bar provide proper lubrication and work to minimize oil consumption by 50 percent. The Master Control Lever is a single-use lever that operates the choke, works the throttle lock, and the on/off switch for convenient handling. Should you need to stop suddenly, the Quickstop chain brake will stop chain rotation if manually activated or by inertia if there is a strong enough kickback.

With all this in mind, we have to give it to the Husqvarna 440 for its wide range of handy features.

Husqvarna vs STIHL chainsaw: Price

Price is a big factor to consider when considering chainsaws. Nick Greenway agrees, stating that: “When shopping for a new chainsaw, you should consider how much you want to spend. Both gas and electric chainsaws have a wide range of prices. As with any tool, you get what you pay for, and chainsaws are no exception.”

When it comes to the price tag, both the STIHL MS 211 and the Husqvarna 440 are very similar. The Husqvarna is the more expensive one upfront, coming in at 359.99. STIHL’s MS 211 is a little trickier to pin down as they tend to sell through approved dealers who mark the price individually. We checked STIHL’s website and found that the price tends to be around 319.99-339.99 depending on the retailer. We recommend shopping around the verified dealer list to find a price suited to your budget.

Stihl 011 AV Vintage 41cc Chainsaw Ressurection, will She Run?

Getting a chainsaw is not just about the upfront costs. fuel and maintenance costs also play a role in how much a chainsaw will cost you. Husqvarna’s shop has various chainsaw fuels, lubricants, and oils available in a range of sizes and for your convenience. Husqvarna even lets you finance your 440 chainsaw over time if that is best for you.

STIHL also has a range of oil and lubricants in various sizes. The price can be tricky to pin down due to STIHL’s insistence on using verified dealers. However, some oils tend to be priced between 2.50 and 17.99 depending on the price. We recommend shopping around for fuel, gear, and lubricants from the verified seller list to find items in your budget.

Overall, we would suggest that Husqvarna is the better choice despite its higher upfront cost due to its convenience and ease of financing your purchase and getting parts. STIHL is still excellent and cheaper upfront but requires some shopping around to make any purchase.

Husqvarna vs STIHL chainsaw: Care and maintenance

Chainsaws need regular maintenance to stay in top shape. While most chainsaws have similarities in their care routines, each model will have little key differences that you need to bear in mind.

To make this easier, both models’ manuals lay out a maintenance schedule and details on what care to perform and when; this makes it a breeze to input into your calendar so that you do not forget. The 440 even goes a step beyond and has included multiple points of easy access and cleaning into its ergonomic design so you can perform these routines with ease.

In terms of warranties, STIHL’s MS 211 is covered for up to a year as standard, but this warranty can be extended under their STIHL Ultra Limited Warranty by buying a certain fuel with your chainsaw. Husqvarna’s 440 model, on the other hand, is covered for two years but can be extended by one to three years.

The average length of warranty for a chainsaw tends to be between one and six years, with some parts only being covered for one to six months. This means that STIHL and Husqvarna are about average when compared to their competitors.

Overall, Husqvarna’s 440 just edges the MS 211 due to its long warranty, maintenance-boosting features, and ease of getting new parts.

Husqvarna vs STIHL chainsaw: Verdict

Husqvarna and STIHL are both famous producers of quality chainsaws that will help you get the job done. However, after considering the price, features, and performance of the 440 and MS 211, we think the Husqvarna 440 comes out on top.

This is not to say that you should not think about getting STIHL’s MS 211; there are plenty of jobs that the MS 211 is perfect for. It is just that the Husqvarna is perfect for beginners while the MS 211 is better for felling trees efficiently in domestic situations.

No matter which model you pick, it is vital to do your research and learn how to handle a chainsaw correctly before use. As Nick puts it: “Chainsaws can cause a lot of harm, especially if you’re an inexperienced operator.” Make sure to read the instructions thoroughly and register your warranty before cutting to the wooden chase.

stihl, chainsaw, review, specs, features