The STIHL 011 AVT EQ is the top-handle version of the 011 model, a small 41 cc chainsaw with anti-vibration mounts (AV) and a QuickStop chain brake (Q).
Its 41 cm³ (2.5 in³) engine (38 mm bore × 36 mm stroke) produces about 2.0 kW (2.7 hp). The saw is very lightweight – roughly 4.6–4.7 kg (10.1–10.3 lb) powerhead – and designed for one-handed (top-handle) use, making it suitable for climbers and arborists.
STIHL’s descriptions list the 011 for light pruning, limbing, and small-tree felling; the top-handle AVT was explicitly intended “for climbing” work. In comparison, the rear-handle 011AV was meant for general trimming. The “EQ” suffix indicates the version has Stihl’s QuickStop chain brake (Q) and Electronic ignition (E).
This 011 AVT is listed on eBay (at the time of publishing) for US $227.00 by seller ‘robertsely’ who has many other chainsaw listings.
STIHL 011 AVT
The eBay listing description:
Stihl 011 AV Chainsaw with 16″ Bar with Chain Cover – Runs Good
- 16″ Bar with Chain Cover
- Runs Good
- See Video
- Made in Germany
Specs and features
The 011 AVT’s engine displacement is 41 cm³ (38 mm bore). It is rated around 2.0 kW (2.7 hp) and turns up to 10,500 rpm (with idle 2,400 rpm).
The fuel tank holds 0.25 L and the bar-oil tank 0.24 L. It uses a fixed-flow diaphragm oil pump and a 3/8″ low-profile chain (0.043″ gauge) on guide bars 30–40 cm (12–16″) long.
The crankcase is die-cast magnesium (unusual for such a small saw), making it sturdier than modern plastic housings. A choke lever and ignition switch are top-mounted on the cover; recommended spark plugs are Bosch WSR6F or Champion RCJ7Y.
The 011 has STIHL’s standard recoil starter (3.5 mm cord) and a flywheel magneto ignition. The AVT model adds STIHL’s foam-isolated anti-vibration handles, and the “Q” chain brake activates if the operator’s grip is lost. Altogether the saw weighs about 4.7 kg (10.3 lb) with chain and a 14″ bar.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 41 cm³ (2.5 in³) |
| Bore × Stroke | 38 mm × 36 mm |
| Power Output | ≈ 2.0 kW (≈ 2.7 hp) |
| Max RPM | ~10,500 rpm |
| Idle Speed | ~2,400 rpm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | ~0.25 L |
| Bar Oil Tank Capacity | ~0.24 L |
| Chain Type | 3/8″ low-profile, 0.043″ gauge |
| Bar Lengths | 30–40 cm (12–16″) |
| Oil Pump | Fixed-flow diaphragm type |
| Ignition System | Flywheel magneto |
| Starter Type | Recoil (3.5 mm cord) |
| Spark Plug Recommendations | Bosch WSR6F or Champion RCJ7Y |
| Anti-Vibration System | Foam-isolated AV mounts |
| Chain Brake | QuickStop “Q” (manual and inertia-activated) |
| Carburetor Type | Walbro WT-29 (or Zama equivalent) |
| Air Filter | Felt pad |
| Crankcase Material | Die-cast magnesium |
| Weight (Powerhead Only) | ≈ 4.6–4.7 kg (10.1–10.3 lb) |
| Weight (w/ 14″ Bar & Chain) | ≈ 4.7 kg (10.3 lb) |
Comparisons to related models
The 011’s 41 cc engine sits between the smaller STIHL 010 and larger 012 models.
The 010 AV has a 36 mm bore (37 cc) with identical stroke, while the 012 AVE/AVEQ is a 45 cc saw (40 mm bore). In other words, the 011 is slightly more powerful than the 010 but less than the 012. (By contrast, the even older STIHL 020 series of the 1970s was only 32 cc.)
In real-world power, users have noted that the 011’s output (2.4–2.7 hp) is modest – it will cut small logs and limbs but feels slow compared to modern saws in the 30–40 cc class. For example, one review observed the 011 cutting a 20-ft gum log without hesitation, but said “you would want something a lot better for regular or bigger work.”
In performance the 011 falls between a classic 009L (≈30 cc) and larger midsize saws like an MS 250 (45 cc).
Applications and use
Because of its size, the 011 AVT EQ is used for light-duty arborist work. It excels at pruning, limbing, and bucking small trees (under 30 cm diameter).
The top-handle version lets climbers operate it one-handed on ropes. Many users describe it as “maneuverable” and fine for home/light-duty tasks. However, it lacks the grunt of later professional saws – it “isn’t an amazing beast,” according to one reviewer, and is “a bit slow” compared to modern saws like an MS 180 (31 cc).
By design it was a “novelty” or homeowner-grade pro saw: suitable for occasional cutting and fun to run, but not intended for heavy work.
Design highlights
The 011 AVT uses a magnesium housing and die-cast parts (e.g. clutch cover), which is surprisingly robust for a 40 cc saw.
It employs a side-mounted chain brake (classified as a “Q” chain brake in STIHL’s naming) that can be activated by hand or kickback force.
The intake is piston-ported, feeding a Walbro or Zama carb (originally Walbro WT-29). Air filtration was by a simple felt pad.
Overall ergonomics are compact: throttle trigger and kill switch are built into the top handle, with the recoil start on the opposite side.
Service
Owners warn that the 011/012 series can be finicky to maintain. Common issues include air leaks under the carburetor gaskets and oil pump wear.
Crucially, many OEM parts are no longer available. The oil-pump diaphragm has been discontinued (STIHL doesn’t sell replacements). Also, the short throttle cable used on the AVT top-handle is now “NLA” (no longer available) from STIHL, meaning owners must resort to generic cables or scavenged parts.
Despite this, most mechanical parts (pistons, rings, filters, ignition coils) can be found via aftermarket suppliers. Notably, unlike some other small saws, the 011 pumps oil to the bar whenever the engine is running (even if the chain is not moving).
In practice, many reports mention oil leaks (fuel into oil tank or oil into fuel) and starting challenges.
Popularity and collector interest
The 011 AVT is relatively rare today. It never achieved the popularity of larger STIHL models, but it has a niche following among vintage-saw collectors.
In online forums and sales, top-handle 011s often command a premium over the rear-handle AV variants. Users report that good-working 011s typically fetch around $100–$175, and pristine or never-run examples (with original case) have gone as high as $250–$300.
By contrast, many non-runners are listed for as little as $20–$50 for parts. The scarcity of OEM parts makes well-maintained units more valuable to enthusiasts.
Overall, collectors appreciate the 011 AVT as a quirky “functional museum piece” and a part of STIHL’s history. (STIHL discontinued the original 011AV circa 1982, though some AVT units may have been produced or sold into the early 1990s in certain markets.)
Today information and support for the 011 AVT live on in chainsaw forums, Facebook groups and Reddit threads where owners share tips on restoration and sourcing compatible parts.
