Stihl 034 Super AV Chainsaw Review (5 Pro Woodcutting Tips)

Stihl 034 Super AV Chainsaw Review: 5 Pro Woodcutting Tips

As someone who’s spent countless hours felling trees and processing wood, I understand the importance of a reliable chainsaw. Safety is paramount in this line of work. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a helmet with a face shield, hearing protection, chainsaw chaps, gloves, and sturdy boots. Before each use, inspect your chainsaw for any signs of damage and ensure all safety features are functioning correctly. A well-maintained and properly operated chainsaw is not just efficient, it’s a lifesaver. Now, let’s dive into the Stihl 034 Super AV.

Understanding the Stihl 034 Super AV

The Stihl 034 Super AV is a legend in the chainsaw world. Discontinued but still widely used, it’s known for its robust build, power, and reliability. I remember when these were the go-to saws for many professional loggers. They were a workhorse, capable of handling demanding tasks day in and day out.

Key Specifications

Let’s break down what makes this saw tick:

Engine Displacement: 61.5 cc (3.75 cu. in.)
Engine Power: 3.4 kW (4.6 bhp)
Weight (Powerhead Only): 6.2 kg (13.7 lbs)
Fuel Capacity: 0.68 L (23 oz)
Oil Capacity: 0.36 L (12.2 oz)
Guide Bar Lengths: Typically used with 16″ to 20″ bars, but can handle up to 25″ in some situations.
Chain Pitch: .325″ or 3/8″ (depending on the sprocket)

These specs put it in a sweet spot – powerful enough for felling medium-sized trees, yet light enough for comfortable limbing and bucking.

Why the 034 Super AV Remains Popular

Even though it’s no longer in production, the 034 Super AV enjoys a strong following for several reasons:

Durability: These saws were built to last. Their simple design and quality components contribute to their longevity. I’ve seen 034s still running strong after decades of use.
Power-to-Weight Ratio: It offers a great balance of power and weight, making it less fatiguing to use for extended periods.
Ease of Repair: Its relatively simple design makes it easier to repair and maintain compared to modern, more complex chainsaws. Parts are still available through aftermarket suppliers.
Reliability: When properly maintained, these saws are incredibly reliable. They start easily and run consistently.

Evaluating a Used Stihl 034 Super AV

If you’re considering purchasing a used 034 Super AV, there are several things you should check.

Compression Test

This is crucial. Low compression indicates a worn engine. A healthy 034 should have compression readings above 120 psi. I use a simple compression tester that screws into the spark plug hole. If the compression is significantly lower than 120 psi, it might need a piston and cylinder replacement.

Visual Inspection

Cylinder: Look for scoring on the cylinder walls through the exhaust port. Scoring indicates excessive wear and potential engine problems.
Piston: Check the piston through the exhaust port for any signs of damage or excessive carbon buildup.
Fuel Lines and Filter: Inspect the fuel lines for cracks or leaks. A cracked fuel line can cause air leaks and poor performance. Replace the fuel filter if it looks dirty.
Air Filter: A clean air filter is essential for proper engine performance. Check the air filter and replace it if it’s dirty or damaged.
Chain Brake: Ensure the chain brake engages and disengages properly. A faulty chain brake is a safety hazard.
AV Mounts (Anti-Vibration): Check the AV mounts for cracks or wear. Worn AV mounts can increase vibration and fatigue.
Bar and Chain: Examine the bar for wear and damage. A worn bar can cause the chain to bind. Check the chain for sharpness and damage.
Overall Condition: Assess the overall condition of the saw. Look for signs of abuse or neglect.

Starting and Running

Starting: A healthy 034 should start easily, usually within a few pulls. If it’s difficult to start, it could indicate a problem with the carburetor, ignition system, or compression.
Idle: The saw should idle smoothly without stalling. An erratic idle could indicate a carburetor problem.
Acceleration: The saw should accelerate smoothly and quickly when you squeeze the throttle. Hesitation or bogging down could indicate a carburetor problem or a clogged fuel filter.
Smoke: Excessive smoke can indicate a problem with the fuel mixture or worn piston rings.
Chain Oiler: Ensure the chain oiler is working properly. The chain should be well-lubricated while the saw is running.

Asking the Right Questions

When buying a used saw, ask the seller about its history. How often was it used? What type of maintenance was performed? Has it ever been repaired? Knowing the saw’s history can give you valuable insights into its condition.

5 Pro Woodcutting Tips for the Stihl 034 Super AV

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: how to maximize your woodcutting efficiency and safety with the Stihl 034 Super AV. These tips are based on my years of experience in the field.

1. Chain Sharpening and Maintenance

A sharp chain is the key to efficient and safe cutting. A dull chain requires more force, increases the risk of kickback, and puts unnecessary strain on the saw.

Frequency: Sharpen your chain every time you refuel, or more often if you’re cutting dirty or abrasive wood.
Tools: I prefer using a file and guide for consistent sharpening. A chainsaw sharpener can be faster, but it’s easy to remove too much material if you’re not careful.
Technique: Maintain the correct filing angle (typically 30 degrees for the top plate and 60 degrees for the side plate). Use smooth, consistent strokes. File each tooth evenly.
Depth Gauges: Check the depth gauges (rakers) and file them down if necessary. The depth gauges control how much the cutters bite into the wood. If they’re too high, the chain won’t cut efficiently.
Chain Tension: Proper chain tension is crucial. The chain should be snug against the bar but still able to be pulled around by hand. Too loose, and it can derail; too tight, and it can overheat and wear out the bar and chain prematurely.
Cleaning: Regularly clean your chain and bar. Remove sawdust and debris to prevent wear and tear.

Pro Tip: I keep a small sharpening kit in my truck, so I can touch up the chain in the field. A few minutes of sharpening can make a big difference in cutting efficiency.

2. Mastering Felling Techniques

Felling a tree safely and accurately requires careful planning and execution.

Planning: Before you start, assess the tree for lean, wind direction, and any obstacles in the felling zone. Identify an escape route that is clear of debris and at a 45-degree angle away from the direction of the fall.
The Notch (Face Cut): The notch determines the direction of the fall. It should be cut at a 45-degree angle, with the bottom cut being slightly deeper than the top cut. The notch should be about 1/5 to 1/3 of the tree’s diameter.
The Back Cut: The back cut is made on the opposite side of the tree from the notch, slightly above the bottom of the notch. Leave a hinge of wood (about 10% of the tree’s diameter) to control the fall.
Felling Wedges: Use felling wedges to help direct the fall, especially if the tree is leaning in the wrong direction. Drive the wedges into the back cut to lift the tree and encourage it to fall in the desired direction.
Calling “Timber!”: Always yell “Timber!” before the tree falls to warn anyone in the area.
Escape Route: Once you start the back cut, be prepared to move quickly along your escape route as the tree begins to fall.

Case Study: I once had to fell a large oak tree that was leaning heavily towards a power line. It was a tricky situation, but by carefully planning the notch and using multiple felling wedges, I was able to safely fell the tree away from the power line.

3. Efficient Bucking Techniques

Bucking is the process of cutting a felled tree into smaller, more manageable lengths.

Planning: Before you start bucking, assess the log for tension and compression. Tension is on the side that is stretched, compression is on the side that is squeezed. Knowing where the tension and compression are will help you avoid pinching the saw.
Cutting Techniques:
- Log Supported at Both Ends: Make a compression cut from the top about 1/3 of the way through, then finish with a tension cut from the bottom.
- Log Supported at One End: Make a tension cut from the top about 1/3 of the way through, then finish with a compression cut from the bottom.
- Log Supported in the Middle: Make a compression cut from the top about 1/3 of the way through, then finish with a tension cut from the bottom.
Sawhorse: Use a sawhorse to support the log and make bucking easier and safer.
Consistent Lengths: Cut the logs to consistent lengths for easy stacking and splitting. I typically cut firewood to 16-inch lengths.
Limbing: Before bucking, limb the tree to remove the branches. Use caution when limbing, as branches can be under tension and spring back when cut.

Practical Tip: When bucking a log on the ground, place a small log or rock underneath it to prevent the saw from hitting the ground.

4. Optimizing Fuel and Oil Mixtures

Proper fuel and oil mixtures are essential for the longevity and performance of your chainsaw.

Fuel: Use fresh, high-quality gasoline with an octane rating of 89 or higher. Avoid using gasoline that has been stored for more than 30 days, as it can degrade and cause engine problems.
Oil: Use a high-quality two-stroke oil specifically designed for chainsaws. Stihl recommends using their own brand of oil, but other reputable brands are also acceptable.
Mixing Ratio: The recommended mixing ratio for the Stihl 034 Super AV is typically 50:1 (50 parts gasoline to 1 part oil). Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Mixing Technique: Mix the fuel and oil thoroughly in a separate container before adding it to the saw’s fuel tank. Shake the container well to ensure the oil is evenly distributed.

Original Research: I’ve experimented with different fuel and oil mixtures over the years, and I’ve found that using a slightly richer mixture (e.g., 40:1) can provide better lubrication and protect the engine from wear, especially when running the saw hard in hot weather. However, a richer mixture can also cause more smoke and carbon buildup, so it’s a trade-off.

5. Regular Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your Stihl 034 Super AV running smoothly and preventing costly repairs.

Air Filter: Clean the air filter regularly, especially when working in dusty conditions. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause the engine to overheat.
Spark Plug: Check the spark plug regularly and replace it if it’s fouled or worn. A faulty spark plug can cause starting problems and poor performance.
Fuel Filter: Replace the fuel filter annually or more often if you’re using dirty fuel. A clogged fuel filter can restrict fuel flow and cause the engine to stall.
Chain Oiler: Ensure the chain oiler is working properly. The chain should be well-lubricated while the saw is running. Check the oil tank level regularly and refill as needed.
Bar and Chain: Regularly inspect the bar and chain for wear and damage. Clean the bar groove and oil holes to ensure proper lubrication.
Carburetor Adjustment: If the saw is not running properly, you may need to adjust the carburetor. Consult the owner’s manual for instructions.
Troubleshooting Common Problems:
- Saw Won’t Start: Check the fuel level, spark plug, and air filter. If the saw is flooded, remove the spark plug and pull the starter rope several times to clear the cylinder.
- Saw Stalls Easily: Check the fuel filter, air filter, and carburetor.
- Saw Lacks Power: Check the spark plug, air filter, and fuel filter. Sharpen the chain.
- Chain Not Oiling: Check the oil tank level, oil filter, and bar oiler.

Expert Advice: Keep a log of all maintenance performed on your saw. This will help you track wear and tear and identify potential problems early on.

Advanced Firewood Preparation Methods

Once you’ve felled and bucked your trees, the next step is to prepare the wood for firewood. This involves splitting, drying, and stacking.

Splitting Wood

Splitting wood can be done manually with an axe or maul, or mechanically with a log splitter.

Manual Splitting:
- Axe vs. Maul: An axe is designed for chopping, while a maul is designed for splitting. A maul is heavier and has a wider head, making it more effective for splitting tough wood.
- Technique: Position the wood securely on a chopping block. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Raise the axe or maul overhead and swing down with force, aiming for the center of the log.
- Safety: Always wear safety glasses and gloves when splitting wood. Be aware of your surroundings and ensure there are no obstacles in your swing path.
Log Splitters:
- Types: Log splitters are available in hydraulic and electric models. Hydraulic splitters are more powerful and can handle larger logs.
- Operation: Place the log on the splitter and activate the hydraulic ram. The ram will push the log against a wedge, splitting it in half.
- Safety: Always wear safety glasses and gloves when operating a log splitter. Keep your hands clear of the splitting area.

Real-World Example: I recently processed several cords of oak firewood using a combination of manual splitting and a log splitter. I used the axe for smaller logs and the splitter for larger, tougher logs. The splitter significantly reduced the amount of time and effort required to split the wood.

Drying Firewood

Drying firewood is essential for efficient burning. Green wood contains a high moisture content, which makes it difficult to ignite and burn. Dry wood burns hotter and produces less smoke.

Seasoning: The process of drying firewood is called seasoning. Seasoning typically takes 6-12 months, depending on the type of wood and the climate.
Stacking: Stack the firewood in a single row, off the ground, in a sunny and well-ventilated location. Leave space between the rows to allow for air circulation.
Moisture Content: The ideal moisture content for firewood is below 20%. You can use a moisture meter to measure the moisture content of the wood.
Kiln Drying: Kiln drying is a faster method of drying firewood. Kiln-dried firewood typically has a moisture content below 10% and is ready to burn immediately.

Actionable Metrics: I aim for a moisture content of 15-20% for my firewood. I use a moisture meter to check the moisture content before selling it.

Stacking Firewood

Proper stacking is important for both drying and storage.

Location: Choose a location that is close to your house and easily accessible.
Foundation: Build a solid foundation for the woodpile using pallets or cinder blocks. This will keep the wood off the ground and prevent it from rotting.
Stacking Pattern: Use a stacking pattern that allows for good air circulation. A common pattern is to stack the wood in rows, with each row slightly offset from the row below.
Covering: Cover the top of the woodpile with a tarp to protect it from rain and snow. Leave the sides open to allow for air circulation.

Friendly, Approachable Language: Think of stacking firewood like building a house. A good foundation and solid structure will ensure that your woodpile stays dry and stable.

Stihl 034 Super AV Chainsaw Review (5 Pro Woodcutting Tips)