The STIHL 045 AV and 045 AVE are the first two versions of the 045, which we are dealing with here. The 045 Super and Super II are later versions.
All 045s had the AV system as standard. The ‘E’ version designates an electronic ignition. As far as I’m aware, there is no 045 AVEQ version with a Quickstop Chainbrake.
Specifications
| Specification | STIHL 045 AV | STIHL 045 AVE (Electronic) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | STIHL (Andreas Stihl) | STIHL (Andreas Stihl) |
| Country of manufacture | West Germany | West Germany |
| Production era | 1974 – 1980 | 1974 – 1980 |
| Engine type | Air-cooled, single-cylinder, two-stroke | Air-cooled, single-cylinder, two-stroke |
| Displacement | 75 cm³ (4.57 cu in) | 75 cm³ (4.57 cu in) |
| Cylinder bore | 50 mm (2.0 in) | 50 mm (2.0 in) |
| Piston stroke | 38 mm (1.52 in) | 38 mm (1.52 in) |
| Carburetor | Tillotson HS, all-position diaphragm | Tillotson HS, all-position diaphragm |
| Air filter | Wire gauze filter | Wire gauze filter |
| Fuel mixture | 1:25 | 1:25 |
| Fuel mixture | 1:40 | 1:40 |
| Fuel tank capacity | 0.82 L (≈1.73 US pints) | 0.82 L (≈1.73 US pints) |
| Fuel consumption | ~2.3 US pints/hr (≈1.1 L/hr) | ~2.3 US pints/hr (≈1.1 L/hr) |
| Ignition type | Bosch flywheel magneto | Bosch magneto electronic (thyristor) |
| Ignition timing | 2.7 mm (0.108 in) BTDC | 2.7 mm (0.108 in) BTDC |
| Breaker point gap | 0.35–0.40 mm (0.014–0.016 in) | — |
| Spark plug | Bosch WKA 175 T6 | Bosch WKA 175 T6 |
| Spark plug gap | — | 0.5 mm (0.02 in) |
| Anti-vibration system | STIHL AV system | STIHL AV system |
| Chain brake | Optional “Quickstop” | Optional “Quickstop” |
| Chain brake type | De-clutching chain brake | De-clutching chain brake |
| Chain lubrication | Automatic oil pump | Automatic oil pump |
| Oil pump | Fully automatic, plunger type | Fully automatic, plunger type |
| Oil delivery | Speed-dependent, pumps only when chain rotates | Speed-dependent, pumps only when chain rotates |
| Oil quantity adjustment | Adjustable via control bolt | Adjustable via control bolt |
| Oil tank capacity | 0.35 L (0.74 US pints) | 0.35 L (0.74 US pints) |
| Chain pitch | 3/8 in | 3/8 in |
| Chain type | Oilomatic chisel chain | Oilomatic chisel chain |
| Safety chain option | Oilomatic-S safety chain | Oilomatic-S safety chain |
| Chain models | STIHL 3825 / 3845 | STIHL 3825 / 3845 |
| Chain sprocket | 8-tooth | 8-tooth |
| Guide bar types | Duromatic, Rollomatic | Duromatic, Rollomatic |
| Duromatic features | Induction-hardened rails, stellite tip | Same |
| Rollomatic features | Star-shaped roller nose | Same |
| Bar lengths (Duromatic) | 35, 40, 45, 50, 63 cm (14–25 in) | Same |
| Bar lengths (Rollomatic) | 33, 37, 40, 45 cm (13–18 in) | Same |
| Handle heating | Optional | Optional |
| External design | Smooth housing, no exposed oil lines or linkages | Same |
| Noise reduction | Large triple muffler | Large triple muffler |
| Dry weight (with 33 cm bar & chain) | 8.4 kg (18.48 lb) | 8.4 kg (18.48 lb) |
| Quoted brochure weight | 18.5 lb (8.8 kg) with 14 in bar | 18.5 lb (8.8 kg) with 14 in bar |
STIHL 045 AV Brochure
A real “all-around” saw – with smooth, quiet extra power it is ideal as a felling saw in heavy timber, yet light and handy enough for limbing!
Originally the STIHL 045 AV was specially designed for Australian pine forests. Timber cutters in this rugged terrain usually would carry two different saws – one for felling, the other for limbing. This is why we designed the STIHL 045 AV as a “universal” saw – a saw whose development was a real challenge to our STIHL engineers. Its versatility has since been discovered by timber cutters all over the world!
An engine that develops great output even after continuous operation without overheating cannot be built like a lightweight. With its extra torque and lugging power neither the crankshaft nor the clutch are of standard construction. Despite these “musts” our STIHL engineers succeeded in building a saw that is a light 18 1/2 lbs. (8.8 kg) with 14″ (35 cm) bar and chain – a fine engineering accomplishment!
1. The STIHL 045 AV is also a leader in safety. The throttle trigger inter-lock prevents accidental rotation of the chain: the throttle trigger can only be operated when the hand is firmly in place on the pistol grip. The hand guard ahead of the front handle bar prevents the hand from slipping against the running chain in the event of kick-back of the saw. When cutting with a dull or incorrectly sharpened chain it is possible for the chain to break and be thrown back. An additional hand guard at the right side of the rear handle prevents the hand from possible injury.
2. Additional safety is provided with the exclusive “Quickstop” chain brake which can be purchased as a low cost accessory. In event of kick-back the saw stops the rotating chain within a split second, yet the engine keeps running. When carrying the saw from tree to tree with the engine running the chain brake is a real safety benefit. A small push on the lever positively locks the chain. When you are ready to cut, the brake is disengaged with one light finger touch. Starting the saw (even at full throttle) is completely safe with the chain brake engaged.
3 & 4. The unique STIHL AV anti vibration system is an extremely important contribution to operator comfort. The universal STIHL 045 AV offers this superior AV system to absorb harmful vibrations of the engine and the chain. (Vibrating mass is pictured in blue, shock absorbers in red.) The carburetor, the air filter (also easily accessible for cleaning) and the fuel tank have been integrated into the AV system, reducing the vibrating mass to a minimum.
5. Moreover, you will be very pleased with the low noise level of the 045 AV (it has an extra large, triple muffler) and that the sprocket cover is of self-cleaning design so that even when rip cutting there is no plugging from long shavings.
6. The external design of the 045 AV is unusually smooth and clean with no sharp corners or projections, no exposed linkages or oil lines to snag on brush or clothing. As a result the saw is not only safer – but a pleasure to handle!
The ignition system is extremely reliable and protected against dust and moisture, but the 045 AV is also available with an electronic ignition system with no mechanically moving parts. Therefore it is absolutely impervious to moisture and temperature changes. This model is called the STIHL 045 AV “electronic”.
STIHL 045 AV Specifications
- Air cooled, single cylinder – two cycle gasoline engine
- Piston displacement: 4.6 cu. in. (75 cm³)
- Fuel tank capacity: nearly 1 U.S. quart (0.82 l)
- Oil tank capacity: 3/4 U.S. pint (0.35 l)
- Fuel consumption: 2.3 U.S. pints/h (1.1 l/h)
- Fuel mixture: 1:25 (1:40 when using STIHL special two cycle motor oil)
- Weight: 18 1/2 lbs. with bar & chain (8.8 kg)
- Bar lengths: 14, 16, 18, 20 & 25 inch (35, 40, 45, 50 and 63 cm)
- STIHL-AV anti-vibration system with hand guard and throttle trigger inter-lock, automatic chain lubrication with adjustable quantity control, all position diaphragm carburetor, self-lubricating oilomatic chain.
- Options available: electronic ignition system, “Quickstop” de-clutching chain brake, and handle heating system.
Saws, Bars & Chain STIHL Engineered… for Better Service
For nearly 50 years STIHL has manufactured not only power chain saws, but also precision matched guide bars and chain. STIHL is also the second largest saw chain manufacturer in the World.
The STIHL Duromatic and Rollomatic guide bars are made of special wear-resistant steel. Induction-hardened guide rails and glide surfaces on the Duromatic guide bar with additional stellite tipping at the bar nose assure longer service.
The STIHL Rollomatic guide bar is especially designed for cutting jobs with the main stress at the bar nose. A star-nosed roller in the bar nose lowers the chain drag friction and thus helps to decrease wear.
The guide bar and chain need the proper type sprocket. The STIHL chain sprocket is precision made of special steel.
For several years now all STIHL chain saws have come equipped with Oilomatic chain, which provides better and more reliable lubrication thru oil grooves that are positioned in the bottom of each drive link.
Our new Oilomatic S chain is a new type of safety chain that helps to avoid sudden kick-back of the saw.
STIHL saw chains come packed in clear plastic boxes that are gasoline and oil proof and are great for carrying and maintaining the chain.
Common practice used with other types of chain of sharpening before the first cut is not needed with STIHL Oilomatic chain.
Our new production methods have your Oilomatic chain properly pre-sharpened at the STIHL factory.
STIHL 045 reviews
We’ve shared about the 045 numerous times on our Facebook page and users have left many reviews.
Here are some typical comments:
- Jason said, “Those are great saws. We had a neighbor that used to cut pulpwood with an 045 back in the early 80s.”
- Gary said, “I had a couple of them then I had a couple 056 saws heavy but I liked mine.”
- Gerard said, “Fabulous saw, beautiful just to look at.”
- James said, “What a great saw I got 2 of them.”
- Terry said, “Most are missing the filter cover they fell off in the brush.”
- Steve said, “Still my favorite saw I remember when they came out.”
Bruce said:
I still have mine, bought it September 1977 while in high school and started cutting firewood as a business. Times were so much simpler then.
Stephen said:
I bought my first one in 1979 then bought another one I 1980 followed by two 056 still working up to 2015 couldn’t get the electric coils fixed.
All my saws now not a patch on those built then.
And Jim said:
Had an Uncle that had that saw, we cut SEVERAL loads of wood with that saw.
The saw has been passed down to one of my brothers, but it’s still rolling along. It’s a great saw.
The 045 AV is another cool vintage STIHL Chainsaw that’s worth collecting and preserving, if not using!
Next, check out the STIHL 045 AVEK, which is actually an 064, but tagged 045.
