STIHL 015 L Chainsaw: What the ‘L’ Means and Does Not Mean

This post is dedicated to presenting what the ‘L’ means on the STIHL 015 L, because it’s not clear elsewhere. 

I’ve seen people say the ‘L’ designates a range of things:

1. Limbing saw
2. Loop handle
3. Longer
4. Lightweight
5. Inter-Lock
6. Low noise

Let’s consider all the options, and then I’ll share why it definitely means LOW NOISE!

More on the 015: STIHL 015 review, 015 L restoration, or a cool vintage 015 ad.

1. Limbing saw

We can rule out ‘Limbing saw’ because the same top-handle design is used on both ‘L’ versions and other versions. The base model 015 has the same design.

Also, the 015 AV version, which has a top-handle, would arguably be a better limbing saw than the top-handle L version. There is no 015 AV L.

2. Loop handle

We can rule out ‘loop handle’ as well. 

The handle design on the 015 and 015 L appears identical to me.

I’ve not seen a different sytle handle on an 015.

3. Longer

The idea that ‘L’ stands for longer comes from adverts like this, which say:

Our lightweight 015L has been designed to last at least two times longer…”

It could mean this, but it’s a bit weird and would be a first. So I think not.

4. Lightweight

We can also rule out ‘Lightweight,’ which was also a term used to describe the 015 L in the advert above (“Our lightweight 015”), because the ‘L’ version is heavier than the base model. 

In this specs chart, you can see:

Weight

With 10 in. (25 cm) bar and chain:

• 015 – about 8.2 lbs (3.7 kgs)
• 015 L – about 8.6 lbs (3.9 lbs)

So let’s forget that one.

5. Inter-Lock

The 015 LE did have a trigger-interlock, as described in this clip from the manual.

Here’s what it says:

Our experience of many years in the production of professional chain-saws has been taken into consideration when designing the chain-saws of model STIHL 015 and 015 L electronic. These saws incorporate all advantages of a professional saw except that they are smaller and handier.

The STIHL 015 is equipped without throttle trigger inter-lock and without hand guard.
The STIHL 015 L electronic, however, comes as standard equipment with the successful throttle trigger inter-lock which avoids unintentional throttling and with a hand guard as well as with a very efficient low-noise muffler. On the following pages of this instruction booklet you will find valuable hints for maintenance and service of the chain saw.

Before you start to work with your saw please read this instruction manual carefully. You will find in it valuable hints and instructions on how to operate your STIHL 015 or 015 L electronic correctly.

So the trigger inter-lock is a feature on the 015 L electronic, and it’s not on the base model. But it also has the added hand guard and low-noise muffler.

So, it’s inconclusive as to whether L designates inter-lock, but let’s just say inter-lock doesn’t start with an L, but an I.

6. Low-noise

‘Low noise’ is the most likely meaning of the L designation, though it’s not spelled out clearly anywhere. However, we’ve seen mentions of it being low noise in the manuals. The 015 L was 100% a noise-dampened model.

Additionally, I think “L” is short for “Leise,” the German word for “quiet” or low-noise. The addition of the special muffler (along with safety upgrades like the chain brake hand guard and throttle interlock) distinguished the 015 L from the base 015.

It is clearer on the STIHL 023 L in this specs chart from the old STIHL website.

023L Chain Saw

The world’s quietest, gas-powered chain saw. Just 92 db(A) at 50 feet. A quieter muffler, modified air filter cover and Stihl’s new Picco Micro narrow kerf saw chain help make this possible.

The emphasis is on how quiet it is. So I believe that’s what it means.

Does it matter? 

Not really. But I have fun looking into it, at least!