The STIHL 048 AVE was produced in the early to mid-1980s and came in various versions.
It’s not known as the best STIHL chainsaw, but it wasn’t bad. Some will say it’s a “boat anchor,” but most haven’t had any problems with it.
STIHL 048 versions
Versions of the 048:
- STIHL 048 AVE
- STIHL 048 AVEQ
- STIHL 048 AVEQ with heated handles
- STIHL 048 SUPER EQ (very rare)
The base model 048 is the 048 AVE. There are no non-AV or non-electronic 048s as there are for other earlier STIHL models.
The AVEQ has the standard AV system and electronic ignition, but also has the Quickstop Chain Brake feature.
The 048 is featured in this old STIHL advert (“printed in West Germany”). It’s the bottom left saw, described as a STIHL Multipurpose Saw.
Here is the listed info:
STIHL 048 AVE
4.63 cu. in. (76 cm3)
3.6 kW (4.9 HP)
9.0 kg (19.8 lb)
It then has symbols designating the available options, which are ‘Quickstop chain brake’ and ‘Heated handles.’
Heated handles were eventually designated with a ‘W,’ but I’m not sure if that was the case with the 048. I haven’t seen any tagged ‘048 AVEQ W.’
And by far the rarest version, the SUPER, which we’ll have a separate article on (linked here when it’s up).
Specifications
| Specification | STIHL 048 AVE |
|---|---|
| Manufactured by | Stihl Andreas Maschinenfabrik (Stuttgart, Germany) |
| Series / assembly number | 1117 |
| Years produced | 1980 – 1985 |
| Engine displacement | 76 cc (4.64 cu in) |
| Number of cylinders | 1 |
| Cylinder bore | 52 mm (2.05 in) |
| Piston stroke | 36 mm (1.42 in) |
| Piston ring thickness | 1.5 mm |
| Cylinder type | Aluminum with chrome-plated bore |
| Intake method | Piston ported |
| Manufacturer advertised horsepower | |
| Weight (powerhead only) | 7.7 kg (17 lb) |
| Operator configuration | One-man operation |
| Handlebar system | Anti-vibration |
| Chain brake | Yes |
| Clutch | Centrifugal |
| Drive type | Direct |
| Construction | Die-cast magnesium |
| Magneto type | SEM electronic system |
| Carburetor | Walbro WS series |
| Air filter system | Nylon mesh cartridge |
| Starter type | Stihl automatic rewind |
| Oil pump | Automatic |
| Maximum engine rpm | 12,000 |
| Idle rpm | |
| Ignition timing | 2.5 mm (0.098 in) before TDC |
| Breaker point setting | |
| Flywheel / coil air gap | |
| Spark plug type | Bosch WSR6F; Champion RCJ7Y |
| Spark plug gap | 0.51 mm (0.020 in) |
| Crankshaft main bearings | Ball |
| Fuel tank capacity | 0.82 L (0.93 US pint) |
| Fuel/oil ratio | 40:1 |
| Recommended fuel octane | Regular |
| Mix oil specification | Stihl two-cycle chainsaw mix oil |
| Chain pitch | 3/8 in, 0.050 gauge |
| Chain type | Stihl |
| Bar mount pattern | 31 |
| Shortest guide bar supplied | 40 cm (16 in) |
| Longest guide bar supplied | 91.5 cm (36 in) |
From the STIHL 042 service manual:
Model 042 have substantially the same construction features as the model 048 chainsaws. This service manual can therefore be used for the 048 chainsaws as well.
STIHL 048 reviews
We have shared many posts about the STIHL 048 on our Facebook page, where followers have shared plenty of reviews.
- Stan said, “Wore out 1, it was a an ok saw.”
- Mike said, “Not one of STIHL’S better saws, kinda a boat achor…”
- Stihl Bill said, “Sounds like a Harley.”
- Scott said, “The 048 was a workhorse.”
Ninoslav shared:
I still run this old banger from time to time… It’s a bit tired and a bit heavy, but still is chipping its way through timber.
Needs a little love, those rubber parts deteriorated over time, and I should replace diaphragms, other than that is kinda ok…
That AV stands for Always Vibrates 😄
Rory said:
048s and 042s were a big deal for Stihl. It was a totally new design coming from the Era of saws like the 031s to 076s with horizontal cylinders.
The 048 design is still what they use today as far as a 2 piece saw with tank and crankcase separated.
Adam said:
I have the one my pops bought new in 82. Rebuilt it a few yrs ago with a mild port job and she’s a screamer.
I dont use it much anymore. But its cut a ton of wood over its life.
Gary said:
Yes, it was the first Stihl saw with the modern architecture.
Upright cylinder, front facing muffler (similar to the original Lightning Contra, 07, and 08s), fully integrated anti vibration system, internal clutch and chain brake. The chain brake was a nightmare, it was a very sophisticated but delicate mechanism that disconnected the clutch from the drive.
The 042/048 became the template for many great Stihl saws over past forty plus years.
All in all, the 048 is another cool piece of STIHL Chainsaw history.
