Stihl 028 AV Chainsaw (Used Buyer’s Guide)

A sound, correctly identified Stihl 028 AV is a 47 cc older saw suited to occasional bucking and property work, especially with a compatible 16–18 in. bar. Buy on condition, not nostalgia: verify the model, cold-start it, test its safety features and oiling, and confirm every bar-and-chain measurement before paying. A worn or mismatched saw can cost more than its asking price.

What can a used 028 AV really handle, and how can you tell whether the saw in front of you is a good buy or a repair project? The answers depend on its exact version, condition, and setup. I’d check those before judging a seller’s description, a fresh coat of paint, or a claimed “easy fix.”

Identify the saw before judging the deal

The 028 AV is an older Stihl model, and its related versions are not all the same. A standard 028 AV is about 47 cc, while variants such as the 028 AV Super differ. Confirm the model from its identification plate and available documentation before using specifications or ordering parts.

Start by finding the model and serial information on the saw. Compare the markings with reliable model-specific service information; do not rely on a seller’s listing title or a cover that may have been replaced. The letters and name on a plastic part are not proof of the engine configuration.

Also ask whether the saw has been modified. A different carburetor, cylinder, clutch, or sprocket can affect how it runs and which replacement parts fit. If the seller cannot explain a modification, treat it as an uncertainty, not an upgrade.

I’ve found that the most useful first question is simple: “Can we check the model plate and start it from cold?” A warm saw may still be fine, but a cold start gives you a better chance to assess starting behavior. If the seller refuses a basic inspection, move on.

Check condition, not claims

Condition is the main value test for a used chainsaw. A clean exterior does not prove a healthy engine, and normal scratches do not prove a bad one. Look for safe controls, sound parts, reliable operation, and a seller who allows a careful inspection.

Ask when the saw last ran, what work it did, and what repairs it has had. Ask whether it has been stored with fuel in it and whether the seller has a cold-start demonstration. These answers are clues, not proof, so check the saw yourself when possible.

A compression reading can add information, but only if taken with a suitable gauge and used with model-appropriate guidance. I would not set a pass-or-fail number from a generic online post. If the engine’s health is uncertain, ask a qualified small-engine mechanic to inspect it before you commit.

Be realistic about repair cost. A bargain can become poor value if it needs several major parts, machine work, or hard-to-source components. Parts availability varies by part and location; confirm that the items you need can actually be obtained before treating the saw as a repairable project.

Match the bar, chain, and sprocket

Bar compatibility means more than choosing a length that fits the wood. Pitch, gauge, drive-link count, bar mount, and sprocket must match. Common 028 AV setups use .325 in. or 3/8 in. pitch, with .050 in. or .063 in. gauge, but the exact combination varies.

For general cutting, a compatible 16–18 in. bar is a practical range for a sound standard 028 AV. That is a starting point, not a guarantee that a particular used saw can safely run any bar in that range. Confirm the saw’s actual sprocket, bar mount, and existing parts first.

• Pitch is the spacing of the chain’s drive links. It must match the drive sprocket and bar.
• Gauge is the thickness of the drive links that sit in the bar groove. It must match the bar.
• Drive-link count is the number of links that travel around the bar. It depends on the bar length and configuration.
• Bar mount is the shape and fit where the bar attaches to the saw.

Read the markings on the bar and chain, then check them against the sprocket and model-specific parts information. Do not infer fit from “028” or bar length alone. In particular, do not assume 3/8 in. low-profile chain fits a saw set up for standard 3/8 in. chain.

A longer bar is not a free increase in capacity. It places more demand on the saw and operator, and it can make control harder. If your usual work needs a long bar or frequent heavy cutting, compare the 028 AV with a newer saw sized for that workload rather than buying first and adapting later.

Equipment Setup and Safety Preparation

Setup means confirming that the saw is mechanically sound, correctly equipped, and safe to start before cutting. On a used 028 AV, check the safety parts, chain tension, bar, sprocket, and oiling system as a group. A missing or faulty safety feature is a reason to stop, not a small detail.

Wear a helmet with face and eye protection, hearing protection, chainsaw chaps, gloves, and suitable boots. Identify hazards, an escape route, the intended cut, and the location of bystanders before starting. During felling, keep people at least two tree lengths away and follow applicable OSHA and ANSI requirements.

Before each use, check:

• The chain brake, throttle lockout, stop switch, chain catcher, handles, and fasteners.
• Chain tension and condition, plus the bar rails and groove.
• The sprocket and visible oil passages.
• The air intake and clutch-cover area for debris or damage.

Start the saw on firm ground, with the chain brake engaged and the bar clear, using the starting procedure for that saw. Check that it idles without chain movement, accelerates cleanly, stops on command, and oils the chain. If anything fails, shut it down and investigate before cutting.

A chain brake is an important safeguard, not a substitute for safe technique. Kickback can happen when the upper quadrant of the bar nose hits wood or another object, rotating the saw rapidly toward the operator. Keep the nose clear of the cut, hold the saw firmly with both hands, and avoid tip-first cutting.

Field Cutting and Landscaping Operation

Field use means matching the work to the saw, its condition, and your skill. A well-maintained 028 AV may suit occasional bucking and property work, but a used saw’s age and unknown history matter. Do not treat displacement or bar length as proof that it can handle every tree or cut.

Use a sharp, correctly tensioned chain and a stable stance. Avoid pinching the bar, forcing a dull chain, or cutting above shoulder height. Keep the bar nose out of contact with wood and other objects, and stay alert to how the log may shift as the cut opens.

For tree work, assess lean, overhead hazards, wind, ground conditions, escape routes, and nearby people or property. Felling requires training and sound judgment; do not attempt a tree beyond your skill, the site conditions, or the equipment’s capability. A used saw is not a reason to take on a higher-risk job.

Think of a typical buyer’s scenario: you plan to buck firewood a few times each season and clear small limbs around a property. If the saw passes inspection and has a correctly matched 16–18 in. setup, it may fit that use. If it struggles, leaks, or needs an improvised chain combination, pause and price repairs before deciding.

Maintenance, Sharpening, and Carburetor Checks

Maintenance keeps a usable saw working and helps reveal problems early. On an older machine, clean parts and correct adjustments matter, but they cannot make worn components sound. Follow the applicable manual and chain-maker instructions; do not use a generic setting when the exact model or chain requires something else.

Use the fuel ratio specified in the applicable manual. Current Stihl oil guidance uses a 50:1 gasoline-to-quality-air-cooled two-stroke-oil mix; at that ratio, measure 20 mL of oil per 1 L of gasoline. If the saw’s applicable manual specifies otherwise, follow it. Never use an unverified fuel mix.

Use dedicated bar-and-chain oil, and confirm visible oil delivery rather than assuming it works. Check the chain’s depth gauges against the chain maker’s specification. About .025 in. (0.65 mm) is common, but the chain type controls; use its instructions rather than treating that figure as universal.

Common service references list about 2,800 rpm idle and 12,500 rpm maximum for the standard 028 AV. Verify the exact version and service data before adjusting. Maximum speed must be checked with a tachometer and the correct specification, not tuned by ear. If you lack the tools or service information, have a qualified technician handle carburetor adjustment.

After cutting, engage the brake, stop the engine, let the saw cool, and clean the air intake, clutch cover, bar groove, and oil passages. Recheck chain tension after cooling. Refuel only with the engine stopped and cool.

Storage and Seasonal Care

Storage care helps reduce avoidable trouble between uses. Before putting an older saw away, clean it, inspect it, and follow the applicable manual for fuel handling and storage. Do not assume a seller’s storage method was correct or that old fuel is ready to use.

Keep the saw in a dry, secure place, away from children and ignition sources. Protect the bar and chain, and note any repair or maintenance work still needed. Before the next season, repeat the safety, chain, and oiling checks rather than relying on how the saw ran months earlier.

Is a used 028 AV the right buy?

The 028 AV makes most sense when you find a correctly identified, mechanically sound saw with a compatible setup and a workload that suits it. Its 47 cc standard engine and common 16–18 in. bar range can fit occasional property cutting, but condition and fit determine whether a specific saw is a sensible purchase.

I would proceed only after confirming the model, checking safety and engine behavior, and verifying replacement-part compatibility. If the seller will not allow a cold start or the saw needs uncertain engine work, compare its total repair cost with a different used saw or a newer model sized for your needs.

Frequently asked questions

How many cc is a Stihl 028 AV?
The standard 028 AV is about 47 cc. Related versions, including the AV Super, differ, so confirm the model plate and version before using specifications.

What bar length suits an 028 AV?
A compatible 16–18 in. bar is a practical general-use starting point for a sound standard saw. Confirm the exact mount and chain setup before fitting one.

Does every 028 AV use the same chain?
No. Setups vary. Check pitch, gauge, drive-link count, bar mount, and sprocket. Common configurations include .325 in. and 3/8 in. pitch, with .050 in. or .063 in. gauge.

Can I use 3/8 in. low-profile chain?
Do not assume it fits. Verify the chain, bar, and sprocket specifications for that exact saw.

What fuel mix should I use?
Use the applicable manual. Current Stihl oil guidance uses 50:1 with quality air-cooled two-stroke oil, equal to 20 mL per 1 L of gasoline. Follow the saw’s manual if it differs.

What should I test before buying?
Check the identification plate, safety controls, chain and bar, sprocket, cold start, idle, acceleration, stop function, and visible chain oiling. Investigate faults before buying.

What are the standard 028 AV rpm figures?
Common service references list about 2,800 rpm at idle and 12,500 rpm maximum for the standard version. Verify the exact model’s service data; use a tachometer for maximum-speed checks.

Is a used 028 AV suitable for tree felling?
Only when the saw is sound and the operator has the skill and training for the tree and site. Do not fell beyond your ability, equipment, or conditions.

(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Marcus Thorne. Visit our Meet the Team page.)