What Is Stihl’s 064 W Chainsaw? (Specs & CC)

The STIHL 064 W is a legacy professional chainsaw with an 84.9 cm³ two-stroke engine, often rounded to 85 cc. Its “W” usually points to winter equipment such as heated handles, but check the model plate and fitted parts to confirm. It is a high-power saw for demanding felling and bucking, not a light-duty yard saw.

A model letter can make an older saw seem like a mystery, especially when the manual is hard to find. The key details are straightforward: the 064 W has a large engine, and the bar, chain, fuel mix, and safety equipment must suit the exact saw. Below, I’ll explain the known specifications and what to verify before use.

What the STIHL 064 W is

The STIHL 064 W is a professional-grade gasoline chainsaw from an older model family. Its engine displacement is 84.9 cubic centimeters, or about 85 cc. The “W” generally refers to winter equipment, but the suffix alone does not prove which features remain on an individual saw.

This is a powerful saw made for demanding cutting work, such as felling and bucking. It is not a small pruning saw or a general-purpose landscaping tool. Its age and condition also matter: two saws with the same model name may have different parts or repairs.

“Displacement” means the total volume swept by the engine piston as it moves. It helps describe engine size, but it does not tell you the saw’s full condition or cutting ability. A worn engine, dull chain, or poor setup can change how the saw performs.

STIHL 064 W specifications

The table gives core figures commonly associated with the 064. Market versions and fitted parts can vary, so treat the model plate, correct manual, and part markings as the guide for your saw.

“Pitch” is the spacing measurement used to match a chain to its sprocket and bar. “Gauge” is the thickness of the chain drive links that sit in the bar groove. They are not interchangeable measurements: the chain must match both the sprocket pitch and bar gauge.

064 W setup, bar/chain matching, and safety preparation

A correct setup means the saw’s chain, bar, sprocket, and safety parts work together as intended. Do not choose a chain by model name alone. Read the bar stamp, check the sprocket, and confirm the exact chain details in the applicable STIHL information for the saw.

Before work, check the chain brake, throttle lockout, chain catcher, controls, fasteners, bar rails, chain tension, and oiling. Wear suitable chainsaw protective equipment and plan a safe work zone, escape routes, and communication with others. Follow applicable safety rules; OSHA 1910.266 applies to covered logging work.

Match the bar and chain

The bar stamp normally provides key information about the bar and chain fit. Compare it with the chain packaging or chain markings. The drive-link count changes with bar length, so do not assume that a chain from another bar will fit.

• Confirm the chain pitch matches the drive sprocket and bar.
• Confirm the chain gauge matches the bar groove.
• Confirm the drive-link count matches the bar.
• Use a longer bar only when the job, operator training, and an approved setup justify it.

A longer bar is not automatically a better choice. It changes the reach and the way the saw is handled. If the markings are missing or unclear, have a qualified service shop identify the bar, sprocket, and chain before cutting.

Two setup examples

These examples show how to check a setup, not a claim that every 064 W came with the same parts.

• A bar stamped for 3/8-inch pitch and .063-inch gauge: Select a chain with those matching values, then confirm its drive-link count for that specific bar.
• An unstamped or replacement bar: Do not guess from its length or appearance. Identify the bar and sprocket, then find the matching chain details before use.

Field cutting and felling operation

Safe cutting starts before the chain touches wood. The operator needs a sound saw, a sharp and correctly tensioned chain, a clear work area, and a plan that fits the tree and site. If the tree, wood, or surroundings are uncertain, stop and get qualified help rather than improvising.

Fuel and oil the saw on level ground away from ignition sources. Move to a clear starting area and use the prescribed cold- or warm-start procedure from the correct manual. Before cutting, confirm the engine idles steadily, the chain stays still at idle, and lubrication and the chain brake work.

For a cut, keep a firm two-handed grip and use a sharp chain that is correctly tensioned. Plan each cut for the tree’s lean, wood load, and escape path. For felling, plan the notch and back cut and preserve a sound hinge. Do not make a cut if you cannot control the likely movement of the tree or wood.

Watch for kickback

Kickback is a rapid movement of the saw toward the operator. It can happen when the upper part of the bar nose contacts wood or another object. Keep that part of the bar clear, hold the saw with both hands, and do not cut above shoulder height.

A chain brake is a safety feature, not a substitute for safe technique or a sound saw. Check its operation as directed in the manual. If it fails, or if a control or safety part is damaged, stop using the saw until it has been repaired and checked.

Maintenance, chain sharpening, and carburetor verification

Routine checks help catch wear before it becomes a safety or performance problem. Use the correct manual for service steps and limits. For settings that need a specific measurement, such as idle speed or maximum RPM, use the stated specification or have a qualified technician verify them with suitable equipment.

After use, inspect the chain, bar rails, sprocket, fasteners, and safety parts. Keep the chain sharp and set its depth gauges to the specification for that chain. Depth gauges control how much wood each cutter takes; their clearance is not a value to guess.

Check that the chain receives bar oil using the method in the manual. Do not assume oil flow is correct just because the tank contains oil. If lubrication appears poor, stop and inspect the oiling system or have the saw serviced before cutting.

Do not copy a carburetor setting from another 064 W or turn adjustment screws by guesswork. Carburetor settings can depend on the saw’s version and condition. If the saw does not run or idle properly, use the correct service information or have a technician measure and set it.

Storage, fuel handling, and seasonal care

Fuel and storage practices must follow the manual for the saw and the oil being used. Do not use straight gasoline in a two-stroke engine. Do not assume one fuel-to-oil ratio applies to every older saw or every oil; verify the required mixture before filling the tank.

Use the fuel mixture and bar oil specified for the applicable 064 manual. A 50:1 mix applies only when specified for the chosen STIHL two-stroke oil. If you cannot confirm the correct instructions, ask a STIHL dealer or qualified service shop before running the saw.

For seasonal care, clean debris from the saw, inspect for wear or damage, and store it securely. Before transport, engage the chain brake as appropriate and protect the chain. Let the saw cool before refueling or servicing, and keep fuel away from ignition sources.

Frequently asked questions

How many cc is a STIHL 064 W?
The STIHL 064 W has 84.9 cm³ of displacement, commonly rounded to 85 cc.

What does the “W” mean on a STIHL 064 W?
“W” generally indicates winter equipment, often associated with heated handles. Check the model plate and installed parts to confirm the features on a particular saw.

How much power does the 064 W make?
Published specifications commonly list about 4.8 kW, or 6.5 hp. Figures can vary by market or version, so use documentation that matches the saw.

What chain pitch does a STIHL 064 use?
The typical pitch is 3/8 inch. Confirm the fitted sprocket and bar markings before buying a replacement chain.

What chain gauge does the 064 W need?
Gauge depends on the fitted bar. Some setups use .063-inch gauge, but the bar stamp is the key check. Match the chain gauge to the bar groove.

How many drive links should the chain have?
That depends on the bar length and exact setup. Check the bar stamp or the chain details for that bar rather than relying on the saw model alone.

Is the 064 W suitable for a beginner?
It is a high-power professional saw for demanding work, not a light yard saw. Anyone without suitable training should not attempt felling or other high-risk cuts with it.

Can I use a 50:1 fuel mix?
Only if the applicable 064 instructions specify that ratio for the two-stroke oil being used. Verify the manual and oil directions; do not guess.

Why does the chain move at idle?
A chain that moves at idle needs attention. Stop using the saw and follow the correct manual or have a qualified technician inspect and adjust it.

What should I check before using an old 064 W?
Confirm its identity and parts, inspect its safety features and condition, match the bar and chain, and verify fuel, oil, and service instructions. If any key detail is uncertain, have a qualified shop check the saw before operation.

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