Celebrating the STIHL 015

As we celebrate 85 years of STIHL, we thought our fans would enjoy taking a look at some of the equipment that over the years has helped STIHL become the number one selling brand of handheld outdoor power equipment in America.*

Recently we ran a “Name this STIHL” photo challenge on our Facebook page. It didn’t take long for folks to correctly identify this iconic product. The STIHL 015.

But how much do you know about this venerable chain saw? We asked STIHL’s own Eddie Anderson to provide a little background. Eddie is our technical training supervisor and leads our STIHL Gold School service technician training program. He also has a wealth of knowledge and experience with our products.



Introduced in 1973 and manufactured until 1983, the 015 was STIHL’s first small chain saw designed specifically for the “hobby” or homeowner market and was produced in several forms including a top handle version and a rear handle version. It’s power was around 2 BHP with a max RPM of 12,500.  The saw was introduced at an interesting time for the company. STIHL’s founder, Andreas Stihl had passed away in 1973 and his son Hans Peter Stihl had taken over the management of the company with his sister Eva Mayr-Stihl. The STIHL group had also reached the 3000 employee mark. And in 1974 when STIHL opened its U.S. operations in Virginia Beach, Virginia the STIHL 015 was the first product that the new facility assembled.




This unit hangs in our
museum in Virginia Beach

  Known for its power, durability and easy handling the STIHL 015 soon gained widespread popularity. In what perhaps was a precursor to STIHL’s very popular present-day Kombisystem, the 015 also had optional attachments that could allow it to become a brushcutter or hedge trimmer. Another feature that was added to the STIHL 015 AV was the anti-vibration system that STIHL had introduced in its professional saws in 1964. The incorporation of features and technology developed for professional models into homeowner models is a hallmark of STIHL manufacturing and leads some to claim that no matter what STIHL you buy, it’s a professional model.

Be sure to follow our Facebook page as we continue to celebrate 85 years of STIHL and share more products and stories from our past.



Its all about Marketing. This ad was part
of our 50th anniversary

 *"Number one selling brand" is based on syndicated Irwin Broh Research (commercial landscapers) as well as independent consumer research of 2010 U.S. sales and market share data for the gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment category combined sales to consumers and commercial landscapers.

Important Safety Recall Notice to STIHL Customers

We care about our customers’ safety, so in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, we are recalling certain STIHL Yard Power Tools with Toolless Fuel Caps. This recall is for safety reasons. The levels of ethanol, aromatics or other additives in some gasoline sold in the United States may distort parts of the fuel cap, which could make caps more difficult to install and/or remove. If a fuel cap is not properly installed and fuel spillage results, there is a risk of fire if an ignition source is present, which could result in a burn injury to the consumer. We have received no reports of injuries at this time.

If your STIHL product has one of the recalled caps, you should discontinue use of your recalled STIHL product immediately and take it/them to an authorized STIHL dealer. Your dealer will install a new toolless fuel cap without any cost to you.

To determine if your product has the recalled cap, please visit the STIHL product recall page.  You may also call our Customer Service number: 1-800-GO-STIHL, email us using the Contact STIHL form. or take your product to your nearest STIHL dealer. 

Thanks for your comment. To be clear though, what we have found is that the force and sometimes the tools (pliers etc.) that have been used to remove a stuck cap can damage the tank. For this reason we are asking customers to bring the units in and STIHL dealers have been directed to inspect the tank openings as well and take the appropriate corrective actions.