The STIHL 036 is a fantastic 61.5 cc 4.4 hp chainsaw that was produced between 1991 and 2002.
It can be run with a 16″ – 28″ bar, weighs only 12.5 lbs, and is excellent for use as a “go all-day” firewood chainsaw or for dropping mid-sized trees.
The 036 is a pro-grade chainsaw, so it’s built better and tougher than homeowner saws, and can be expected to last for decades if treated right.
036 owners and users love this model:
One of the best pro model firewood saws Stihl ever produced.
The 036 Pro that I bought new has been absolutely fantastic.
A friend had one for his tree trimming business. Ran it for 21 years before she blew.
STIHL 036 versions
There are three different versions of the 036:
- 036
- 036 Pro
- 036 QS
What’s the difference between the STIHL 036, 036 QS, and 036 Pro?
The saw was produced for over a decade, so it did go through some changes over this period.
The base model and the PRO are basically the same saw, but the PRO has a decompression button and a slightly different air filter. Some say the Pro has an adjustable oiler, whereas the base model does not, but this doesn’t appear to be true unless only the very earliest 036s were sold without an adjustable oiler.
Some people also believe the base 036 is a homeowner series saw, while the 036 Pro is the professional version, but this is not the case. Both are pro-level saws; the Pro version simply has extra features. Most (if not all) of the base model 036s have adjustable oilers as well.
Another version is the 036 QS…
The QS designates the additional Quick Stop Brake feature, which is an additional chain brake system stopping the chain within one second of taking your hand off the rear trigger. The 036 was actually the first STIHL chainsaw with the Quickstop Chain Brake feature, as you can see in the above poster.
The QS version is the same 61.5 cc chainsaw as the Pro, but it weighs slightly more – 12.8 lbs compared to 12.5 lbs.
Sometimes you’ll see people talk about an 036 AV or 036 Super, but there were no 036s designated Anti Vibration on the model name/number (though it did have an AV system) or Super (which designates a larger bore or stroke).
You might also see mention of a 036 AVSEQ, but I’ve not come across one of those either.
Specs and features
STIHL 036 specs:
- 61.5 cc / 3.75 cu in displacement
- 4.42 bhp / 3.3 kW of power
- 12.5 lbs / 5.7 kg (the QS is slightly heavier)
- 16 – 28″ bar
- 20″ recommended bar size
- 48 mm/1.89″ cylinder bore
- 34 mm/1.34″ piston stroke
- Bosch WSR6F, NGK BPMR7A, Champion RCJ7Y spark plugs
- ZAMA C3A-S39-B series carb
- Nylon mesh air filter
The following screenshot comes from the Stihl website in 2001 when the 036 Pro and QS were available for sale new.
They said:
Designed for professional pulpwood and firewood cutting. Good power to weight ratio. Includes IntelliCarb compensating carburetor with decompression valve and adjustable oil pump.
Here are the 036 QS specs.
Of which they said:
Featuring dual chain braking system.
Depend on Stihl – the first saw manufacturer to offer a chain brake – to come up with an exclusive braking system on the 036QS. As is true on other Stihl saws, the chain brake can be activated via the front handguard or by the inertia in certain kickback situations. Includes decompression valve for easier starting.
The braking system on the 036QS can also be activated with the interlock lever by removing your right hand completely from the rear handle.
Reviews
It’s a great saw for firewood – much more powerful than other old models like the 018 or the 026. Especially if you’re cutting thinner-width trees and logs, the 036 really rips through them quickly.
Pros:
- Pro-grade saw extra durable and reliable
- Powerful and can be used extensively
- Most parts can be found easily
Cons:
- Some parts are difficult to find
- Heavier than the modern replacements
Here are some positive and negative comments from real users of the 036. Find many more 036 reviews on our FB page here.
Positive:
- “Best firewood saw ever…”
- “Great saw. Mine is 30 years old and still has 160 PSI compression.”
- “Mine is not a pro but she runs great with a 20” bar.”
- “Great saws if they’re not worn out!”
- “My favorite piece of hardware.”
- “It’s not a showpiece but she’s a worker and a strong runner.”
- “I have an 036, but not a Pro. Beast of a saw. Haven’t found anything to slow it down yet.”
- “I have a ported 036 that’ll hang with a stock 462. I’m my opinion, the best firewood saw ever made. They run forever.”
- “I own a 036 red lever and it’s a fantastic saw it runs a 25-inch bar with a skip tooth chain. It’s a great saw.”
Eric has fond memories:
That was my favorite saw until somebody came to my house and took it out of the back of my pick up truck in my driveway.
I almost liked it more than my 661. Obviously not as much power but all around amazing saw. I’m looking for another. Was 20 years old.
And here are the not-so-positive comments, which are much harder to find.
Negative:
- “Find a 360. The is a 036 good saw just not as good as a new model.”
- “The only con is if they want too much money.”
Besides the fact that parts are harder to find for old models than new models and that it doesn’t run as smoothly as a new perhaps, there are very few cons.
Pictures from FB page followers
Thanks to all those who shared these great pics in our 036 threads on FB!
I’m on my 2nd 036. My first was an excellent used saw that was stolen along with my deceased dad’s 028 from my mom’s garage– friends of my nephew’s that obviously weren’t to be trusted. I lost 2 saws and a rebuilt Evinrude foldable 3hp outboard. These were very emotional losses, but better to lose than the 2 $5,000 french saxophones that I am understandably even more attached to.
I ve had my 036 for 25 years.i just turned 67 and still use it to drop but buying a Stihl battery for limbing.
I heat my house exclusively with wood .Specifically locust wood .hotter than hades but tough on a saw. I purchased a carbon chain from Vancouver. Between the chain and the saw I have a beast that’s very dependable. I figure I’ll be gone before my saw gives out lol!
Best purchase I ever made.
I have a 036 pro purchased it in 1999, I heat my cottage with wood (Spruce, Tamarack and Birch) I cut 4-6 cords a year, the saw starts every time on the second pull and has tons of power, of the 4 STIHL saws I own it’s the best purchase ever, that saw owed me nothing, if you can find one in good condition buy it, you won’t be disappointed.