Stihl 028 Chainsaw Review

Stihl 028 Chainsaw

Stihl 028 Chainsaw

Even though the Stihl 028 chainsaw was first introduced over four decades ago it remains a really popular saw.

It’s renowned for being a tough, virtually bullet proof and easy to use chainsaw.

Of course because of it’s venerable age it does lack some of the more modern technical and safety features of Stihl chainsaws.

The Stihl 028 was first introduced around 1977 and many of these saws have had very long, productive lives.

Who is the Stihl 028 Suitable For?

A well maintained Stihl 028 is the perfect chainsaw if you are looking for an easy to use saw. It’s a perfect homeowner saw for cutting firewood or general property maintenance.

Stihl 028 Chainsaw Features

The model was so popular that Stihl revamped it more than once. Improvements were made to replace the mechanical points ignition and add anti-vibration mounts.

The power head is largely constructed from metal alloy so the 028 is a good few pounds heavier than an equivalent modern saw. It might be a little overweight by modern standards but at 12.6 lbs the 028 is still light enough for anyone to use easily.

Stihl 028 Availability and Spares

Be aware that saws purchased before 1986 are not covered by the Stihl lifetime warranty on ignition parts that Stihl operated from 1986 until 2003.

Used 028’s are still widely available on Ebay and other classified advertising sites.

Replacement Parts on Ebay

Stihl 028 Chainsaw Cylinder and Piston Kit
Cylinder and Piston Kit
Stihl 028 Replacement Carburetor
Replacement Carburetor
Stihl 028 Carburetor Repair Kit
Carburetor Repair Kit
Stihl 028 Replacement Air Filter
Replacement Air Filter
Stihl 028 Replacement Ignition Module
Replacement Ignition Module
Stihl 028 Spark Plug Bosch WSR 6 F
Bosch WSR 6 F
Stihl 028 Spark Plug NGK BPMR 7 A
NGK BPMR 7 A
Stihl 028 Replacement Muffler
Replacement Muffler

Stihl 028 Manuals

Stihl 028 Operators Manual
Operators Manual
Stihl 028 Parts Manual
Parts Manual

Stihl 028 Chainsaw Specifications

Model NameStihl 028
Engine Typesingle-cylinder two-stroke
Engine Capacity47cc, 2.86 cu.in
Cylinder Bore44mm, 1.73 in
Piston Stroke31mm, 1.22 in
Ignition TypeBreakerless magneto (later models)
Spark Plug TypeBosch WSR 6 F / NGK BPMR 7 A
Spark Plug Gap0.5mm (0.02in)
Carburetor TypeTillotson HU-40D / Walbro WT-16
Fuel Tank Capacity0.5 litre
Fuel Mixture50:1 with Stihl two-stroke oil
Weight5.7kg (12.6lb)
Catalytic ConverterNo
Chain Lubrication TypeAutomatic oil pump
Oil Tank Capacity0.3 litre

Positive comments about the 028

  • Metal alloy construction. Virtually bullet proof.
  • Later models featured electronic ignition.
  • Later models were fitted with anti-vibration mounts.
  • 028’s usually start easily after just a couple of pulls even in the cold.
  • Most machines run well without constant adjustment.
  • Minimal maintenance required during their lifetime other than replacing the obvious consumables like oil, spark plug, filters, chain, bar and sprocket.

Negative comments about the 028

  • On the heavy side for a small saw compared to it’s modern equivalent.
  • Early models featured mechanical points ignition. Slightly less reliable than the later electronic ignition module.