This is the BIGGEST collection of vintage STIHL ads… many of which we’re sure you’ve never seen before.
Original print ads can be found on eBay through sellers like these:
Now, let’s get into the old STIHL Chainsaw ads…
First up is this ad featuring the STIHL 020AV, 051AV, and 090 chainsaws. These saws were made through the 1970s.
Next up, an old advert for the STIHL 040 AV which was only made in 1966 and 67.
The chainsaw featured in the following November 1968 ad, the 61cc 041 AV, had a much longer run from 1967 to 1975.
The 041 AV Electronic version was made from 1968 to 1973.
And this is an ad for the 041 featuring hockey star Gordie Howe. An early example of using sporting celebrities in advertising.
More about the following 041 advert here.
Here’s an ad for the STIHL 020 AV which was made from 1971 to 1979.
This model is different from the better-known STIHL 020 T, which came much later.
The STIHL 08 S is a vintage chainsaw that was made 1965 to 1994.
And this next ad shows how the 08 S can also be used with a Cutquik attachment for “cutting steel, concrete, and asphalt as easily as hardwood.”
Here’s the same ad in pink.
And here is another ad about the STIHL 08 S attachments, specifically the brush cutter.
Next, a July 1988 advert for the STIHL 064 and 034: “Stihl chainsaws pay their way. Fast. Reliably.”
Here’s a long feature ad for the STIHL 023 C from the May 1996 edition of Popular Mechanics.
There was a time when chain saws were strictly for the pros—folks who had serious wood to cut, and spent a lot of time at it. Over the past two decades, however, homeowners and backyard lumberjacks have started demanding tools with slightly more civilized natures—less weight, increased safety and a few creature comforts—without sacrificing power and performance.
The latest in this chain-saw trend is the Stihl 023C. This 10.1-pound model features a 2.45-cu.-in. engine with electronic ignition. It comes with a 14-in. reduced-kickback, sprocket-nose bar and a low-kickback ⅜-in.-pitch chain. The 023 saw also can be fit with a 12-, 16- or 18-in. bar, and at times equipped with chain brake.
Vital statistics aside, this saw also boasts a number of innovative, user-friendly features. In contrast to typical saws, which require a wrench to remove the guide-bar sprocket cover, the 023C has a tool-less system. Just by loosening a retractable wingnut attached to the rear chain-tightening screw, you can remove the cover (Photo 1). And, for those who’ve ever wrestled with fuel and oil caps while wearing gloves, the 023C has captive caps with fold-up handles. These tethered caps eliminate the problem of lost or dropped parts (Photo 2).
Another nifty detail is the saw’s “quick-access” air-filter cover. A simple twist of a large plastic knob removes the cover, allowing you to get to the carburetor and air filter (Photo 3). The 023C also includes a number of operator-friendly features, such as a front hand guard that doubles as a chain brake, vibration-isolating handle mounts, a throttle trigger interlock and a wide-mouth fuel tank.
While all these features make the saw easier and safer to use, they do add a few dollars to the price (the 023C is about $30 more than the 023 model), but without a noticeable loss of power. The 023C and 023L each cost about $350 at authorized Stihl dealers. For more information, contact Stihl Inc., P.O. Box 2015, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.
Photo Captions:
- To tighten the 023C chain, first flip open the retractable wingnut and loosen. Then move the adjuster dial to set the chain tension.
- To prevent loss, both the fuel cap and the oil cap are attached to the chain saw with 3½-in.-long tethers.
- A twist of a knob exposes the carburetor and air filter. The 023C filter can be cleaned with a shot of compressed air.
- The 023C starter handle features Stihl’s Elastostart design. A flexible cord in the handle prevents jarring at startup.
- The Stihl 023C boasts user-friendly features such as a front hand chain tensioner and low-kickback bar and chain.
Here is an old newspaper ad for the 051 AV with a bow bar. This saw was made 1972 – 1985.
Next up, a rare ad for the STIHL 030 AV Deluxe, which was only made in 1970 – 71.
Here’s another…
And another…
A general ad for the STIHL brand.
The STIHL BLITZ and LIGHTNING was the name of the STIHL BLK when it was first sold in the US.
This next 1964 STIHL ad features the 08, 07, Lightning, Lightning GS, and Lightning S.
Now more commonly known as the STIHL Contra, it was called the ‘Lightning’ in the US. See more Contra ads here.
The following STIHL ad features the 011, made in various versions from 1980 to 1996.
“This Stihl 011AV is just getting broken in when most other saws are breaking down.”
Here’s another old STIHL ad featuring the 011.
The 011 is featured again in this ad, with mention of the 009, made 1980 to 2009.
The 011’s little brother is the 37cc STIHL 010.
This ad tells the story of how they dragged an 010 down a “washboard road” and “through a pond” and then started it on the first pull.
The STIHL 015 was made from 1973 to 1983.
The interesting thing about this old advert is the bottom right corner, “Pronounced ‘steel’.”
Here’s an ad for the 47cc STIHL 028 Wood Boss, which was made from 1979 to 1990.
And here’s another 028 Wood Boss ad, this time from 1984.
This next ad is for another version of the 028, the Super.
The 028 Super was 51.5 cc and 3.2 hp to the 028 Wood Boss’s 47 cc and 3 hp.
Another ad for the STIHL 015AV, but this time it’s the rear-handle version.
This next ad is for the Farm Boss chainsaws, which come in many models.
Another one with the Lightning, BLK, and electric STIHL ELS.
An ad for the 111cc STIHL 075, which was made 1974 – 1980.
STIHL feature in the April 1977 edition of Popular Mechanics.
Stihl has added a couple of new wrinkles to its extensive line of chain saws. The first is an improvement in the safety chain-stop system. They’ve cut the time it takes the chain to stop from 125 milliseconds to 60 (six hundredths of a second). It may seem like hairsplitting, but if you get into a situation where your foot slips as you’re cutting and the chain starts coming back on you, those fractions of a second become precious.
The Stihl 031AV we tested sells for about $300 with electronic ignition and the chain stop. It’s a hefty, well-balanced machine that gives you a solid feeling of control. With a 14-in. bar, it performed well cutting firewood and old oak railroad ties we ran it through.
Many saws use a brake system that clamps the crankshaft. Stihl’s clutch disengagement device overcomes the problems these other brakes can develop from crankshaft stress and slippage from lubrication leaks. Remember that chain saws pack a lot of power and sharp teeth. Manufacturers stress safety in their designs, but safety in the field is up to you.
The other development is a master control button within thumb reach so you don’t have to let go of the handle to operate it. The single lever has a start position, four semichoke levels, full choke and fast idle settings.
The innovation is convenient, and also adds a degree of safety since you can keep both hands on the saw all the time. Now the switch is standard only on the 042AVEQ model, a professional-quality saw. But Stihl plans to build it into every saw in its line. — M.M.
Captions under images:
- Stihl’s chain stop instantly disengages the clutch when hit. Forward, it locks the chain even while the motor is on.
- The double trigger includes a standard throttle control, throttle lock button and a half-power lock for starting.
- The 15½-lb. saw is easy to control. In case you slip or the saw kicks back, your forward hand hits the chain stop.
Here’s an old ad for the STIHL 050 AV, which is printed onto a metal sign. Check it out on eBay here.
Here’s a very old STIHL ad for the 090 gear-driven version.
This next image of Andraes Stihl with the Contra is often used in STIHL advertising.
Here’s an ad for the 024: “The new Wood Boss. Lightweight, but mean.”
Here’s an ad or catalog for the STIHL 090 and 070.
Following on with this page references the 041, 041 AV, 041 AVE, 050 AV, and electric STIHL E30.
And on the final page, the STIHL 08 S, S10, and electric E15.
The 015 again: “I’ve got two power saws. One that won’t start. And a Stihl. The one that won’t start is for sale.”
Yet another ad for the 015!
Next up is one of my favorite STIHL ads, which shares how an 031 AV survived the eruption of Mt St Helens.
And along the same lines, this ad tells how a STIHL Chainsaw survived a fire.
And the last in this series (that I’m aware of) is this account of an 020 AV that survived a 100 ft fall into a lake.
This next ad for the 045 may not be an ad but rather the cover of the manual…
Another ad for the 041 AVE.
The 041 AV was the first STIHL saw with Anti-Vibration.
There are a bunch of models featured in this next advertisement: the 010 AV, 038 AVE, 015 AV, 032 AVE, 028 Wood Boss, and the Farm Boss.
This old ad mentions the 009 L, 010 AV, 024 AVE, 028 WB, and 032 AV. All STIHL saw production years here.
Here’s a cool trimmer advert.
“When does a cheap saw cost too much?”
STIHL 028 Wood Boss ad.
The STIHL BLK, ESL, and Lightning.
The 031 AV.
Here’s an unusual ad for trimmers featuring a chainsaw.
The next handful of STIHL ads all originated from the same 1967 issue of Popular Mechanics magazine.
Here’s a cool old advertising brochure from the early 80s featuring some great saws.
There are the “Mini-Saws” like the 009 E through to the 020 AVPSE. There are “Multipurpose Saws” like the 024 AVEQ through to the 048 AVE. The “Production Saws” like the 056 AVE/AVSE, 076 AVE, and even the 070 and 090. And lastly, the “Electric Saws,” the E10, E15, and E30.
Here’s the specs and info sheet for the Lightning G-S and G.
The 137cc Lightning “S”.
Next up, the legendary 599cc STIHL MS 991 XXL. It has to be seen to be believed.
“The easiest way to get a hippie off a tree.”
“Don’t spend your life at work.”
I think the idea with the next one is that anyone would be happy to receive a STIHL, even if there’s nothing to cut.
STIHL cuts so fast the tree is gone but the reflection is still there?
The next three are from the “Let there be light” campaign.
And some more self-explanatory modern STIHL ads.
So, that’s almost 100 old STIHL ads, with a few modern ones at the end.
If you have any others, email them to us and we’ll add them in.
Also check out these vintage Husqvarna Chainsaw ads or these old Poulan ads.
