Stihl 064 Chainsaw (Features & Specs)
The STIHL 064 is a professional 85 cc chainsaw with about 4.8 kW (6.5 hp) of rated output and a powerhead weight near 7.4 kg, without bar or chain. Its exact bar and chain fit depend on the individual saw. Check the model’s parts data and condition before buying or cutting.
For a cautious buyer, the appeal is clear: this is a large-displacement saw built for demanding work, not a light general-purpose model. But age, repairs, and different equipment versions make a used 064 harder to assess than a new saw with one fixed specification sheet. A strong engine alone does not confirm that the bar, chain, oiling system, or safety parts are right.
I treat this model as a substantial investment in a proven class of professional equipment, not as a bargain based on its badge. The figures below give you a useful baseline. The saw’s own manual, parts information, and inspection should settle any question about your specific unit.
STIHL 064 specifications at a glance
The 064 is a professional two-stroke chainsaw with roughly 85 cc of displacement. Published power and weight figures can vary by version and measurement method, so use them as a baseline rather than proof of a used saw’s condition or exact equipment.
| Specification | Common published figure | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Engine displacement | 85.0 cm³ | The engine’s swept volume; useful for class comparison, but not a full measure of cutting performance |
| Rated output | About 4.8 kW (6.5 hp) | A published power figure; actual output depends on condition and setup |
| Powerhead weight | About 7.4 kg | Weight without the bar and chain |
| Fuel mix | 50:1 with suitable STIHL two-stroke oil | At this ratio, use 20 mL of oil per 1 L of gasoline |
| Common chain pitch | 3/8 in standard | Must match the sprocket, bar, and chain |
| Common chain gauge | .063 in (1.6 mm) | Other setups may exist; confirm the saw’s parts and equipment |
Displacement describes engine size, not how quickly every cut will finish. A sharp, suitable chain and a sound powerhead matter just as much. Added bar length also raises the load and changes handling, so do not treat a long bar as a simple upgrade.
The weight figure is for the powerhead alone. A bar, chain, and fuel add weight in use. If you compare the 064 with another saw, compare powerhead weight with powerhead weight, then consider the full working setup.
Bar and chain compatibility
A compatible cutting setup needs to match the saw’s bar mount, sprocket, chain pitch, chain gauge, oil-hole position, and chain length. A bar that fits the mount is not automatically a correct match; confirm every part against the individual saw’s manual or parts information.
A common 064 arrangement uses standard 3/8-inch pitch chain and .063-inch (1.6 mm) gauge. But used saws may have different sprockets or other configurations. Standard 3/8-inch chain and 3/8-inch low-profile chain are not interchangeable. Check the markings on the bar and chain, then verify that the drive links match the bar.
Bar length should suit the cut and the operator’s control, not just the engine size. Long bars can help reach through larger wood, but they increase load, weight, and exposure to the bar nose. Hardwood, poor access, and large-diameter cuts add further demands. Keep the chain sharp and use a setup approved for the saw.
Before fitting a bar and chain, confirm:
- The bar mount fits the saw.
- Bar oil holes line up with the saw’s oil outlet.
- Pitch matches across sprocket, bar, and chain.
- Gauge matches the bar groove.
- Drive-link count suits the bar.
- The chain is the correct type for the intended work.
A .025-inch (0.65 mm) depth-gauge setting is a common reference, not a universal rule. The chain maker’s filing chart is the authority for that chain. Likewise, no single oil-flow rate or oil viscosity applies to every bar, chain, temperature, and oil. Use proper bar-and-chain oil and confirm that oil reaches the cutting attachment.
Choosing a setup for the work
These examples show how I compare configurations without treating a bar length as a power rating. They are planning scenarios, not a claim that one bar length fits every 064. Verify the permitted bar range and exact parts for the individual saw before buying or fitting equipment.
| Work scenario | What to check | Practical decision |
|---|---|---|
| Bucking moderate logs | Bar fit, sharp chain, log diameter, safe footing | Use a manageable compatible setup; avoid extra length without a clear need |
| Cutting large-diameter wood | Bar capacity, chain condition, access, wood movement | Confirm the saw is approved for the setup and plan cuts to avoid binding |
| Felling a tree | Tree lean, defects, wind, target area, escape routes, operator training | Do not rely on engine size or bar length to make an unsafe felling plan safe |
| Buying a used saw with a bar fitted | Mount, pitch, gauge, link count, oil alignment, sprocket | Treat the current setup as unverified until each part checks out |
In equipment checks, I start with the parts that can be confirmed: markings, fit, chain tension, bar condition, and oil delivery. A seller’s description such as “long-bar ready” is not a substitute for these checks. If parts data are missing or the setup looks modified, ask a STIHL dealer or qualified saw technician to identify it.
Safety checks before starting and cutting
A safe start begins with a sound saw, suitable protective gear, and a clear work area. The chain brake and other safety parts reduce some risks, but they do not replace training or careful handling. For professional tree work, follow applicable safety rules and use a qualified worker when the job exceeds your skill or control.
Before starting, inspect the chain brake, throttle interlock, stop control, chain catcher, handles, fasteners, bar rails, sprocket, and chain tension. Check oil delivery as well. Wear a helmet, eye and hearing protection, chainsaw-protective legwear, gloves, and suitable boots. Clear bystanders from the work area, check overhead hazards, and plan escape routes and communication.
Start the saw on firm ground using the procedure for that model, with the chain brake engaged. Never drop-start it. After starting, check that the chain stays still at idle and that the cutting attachment receives oil. If the chain moves at idle or the saw races, stop and have it checked rather than trying to work around the fault.
Kickback can occur when the upper quadrant near the bar nose contacts wood or another object. The saw may move quickly up and back toward the operator. Keep the nose clear, use a firm two-handed grip, and avoid cutting above shoulder height. A working chain brake helps limit risk but does not make poor technique safe.
Felling needs a separate risk assessment. Check lean, wind, defects, the target area, and escape routes. A failed or weak hinge, especially in a forward-leaning tree, can cause barber-chairing: the trunk splits upward with great force. Do not fell a tree beyond your training, equipment, or control. Use a qualified tree worker and suitable rigging when needed. Follow ANSI Z133 and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.266 where they apply to the work.
Maintenance, sharpening, and storage
Routine care helps preserve performance and gives you a chance to spot damage before the next cut. Clean key areas, inspect wear, and use service data for the exact saw. Do not rely on generic engine-speed targets or a one-size-fits-all sharpening setting.
After work, clean the air filter, cooling fins, clutch cover, oil passages, and bar groove. Inspect the bar rails for wear and burrs, and rotate or replace the bar as its maker directs. Check chain tension often, especially when the chain is cold. Stop the engine before tensioning or handling the chain.
Sharpen with the file size, angle, and depth-gauge setting specified for the exact chain. Keep cutters even and depth gauges correctly set. A dull, uneven, or over-lowered chain can raise vibration, increase cutting load, and make control harder.
Carburetor settings and engine-speed limits depend on the saw’s version, carburetor, ignition, and condition. Use the relevant STIHL service data and a tachometer; do not apply a generic RPM figure. If tuning is uncertain, or the saw races or the chain moves at idle, stop and arrange service.
Use fresh, correctly mixed fuel and suitable bar-and-chain oil. Follow the manual and fuel or stabilizer maker’s directions for storage and fuel-system care. After use, stop the engine, let it cool, clean and inspect the saw, and store it dry with the chain covered and out of children’s reach.
Buying a used STIHL 064
A used 064 is worth assessing as a complete machine, not just an engine size and price. I would verify the model and parts configuration, inspect safety and cutting components, and arrange a qualified service check if the saw’s history or condition is unclear.
Ask what work the saw has done, what repairs were made, and whether service records or parts information are available. Inspect the case, handles, fasteners, bar, chain, sprocket, and safety parts for damage or mismatched components. A clean appearance does not prove internal condition, and a seller’s claim about output does not replace proper testing.
A practical pre-purchase checklist:
- Confirm the model and identify the saw’s equipment version.
- Check that the bar, chain, and sprocket match in mount, pitch, and gauge.
- Verify the bar’s drive-link requirement and oil-hole alignment.
- Inspect chain brake, interlock, stop control, catcher, and handles.
- Ask a qualified technician to assess engine condition if service history is absent.
- Confirm that the saw idles without chain movement and oils the bar correctly.
If you cannot confirm that a key part is compatible, include the cost of professional inspection or replacement in your budget. That is more useful than assuming a low asking price makes an unknown setup a good deal.
Frequently asked questions
These short answers cover the main specification and setup questions buyers ask about the 064. Use them as a starting point, then check the manual and parts information for the exact saw, since equipment and prior repairs can change what is fitted.
How many cc is a STIHL 064?
The 064 has a published displacement of 85.0 cm³. Confirm the model identification on the saw, especially when buying used.
How much power does it make?
A common published figure is about 4.8 kW, or 6.5 hp. Condition and measurement conventions can affect how that figure compares with another saw.
How much does the powerhead weigh?
The common figure is about 7.4 kg without the bar and chain. A ready-to-cut saw weighs more once the cutting attachment and fuel are included.
What fuel mix does the 064 use?
The baseline is 50:1 with suitable STIHL two-stroke oil, equal to 20 mL of oil per 1 L of gasoline. Follow the manual for the specific saw and oil.
What chain pitch is common on the 064?
Standard 3/8-inch pitch is common. Check the sprocket, bar, and chain as a set; 3/8-inch low-profile chain is not interchangeable with standard 3/8-inch chain.
Does the 064 use .063-inch chain gauge?
That is a common setup, equal to 1.6 mm, but other configurations may exist. Match the chain gauge to the bar groove and verify the saw’s parts.
What bar length can I use?
There is no safe answer from displacement alone. Check the permitted range for the exact saw and confirm the bar mount, chain setup, and intended cut.
What depth-gauge setting should I use?
A .025-inch (0.65 mm) setting is a common reference, but the chain maker’s chart takes priority. Use the correct gauge tool for that chain.
How can I tell whether the saw is oiling the chain?
Use the manual’s check procedure and confirm oil delivery before cutting. If lubrication is uncertain, stop and inspect the oil path or have the saw serviced.
Should I buy an 064 for occasional work?
It may be more saw than some occasional jobs need, given its powerhead weight and professional class. Compare the work, full operating weight, condition, and required cutting setup before deciding.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Marcus Thorne. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
