Stihl 048 question

[ross_scott]

I can only seem to find the specs for the 048AVE on acres internet are they the same specs for the non AVE model as I am seriously looking at an 048 that is up for sale I have used an 044 AKA MS440 and quite like ease of maintenance and also like the weight of them. I missed out on the MAC I was interested in (bids got too high) and if I do not end up getting the 048 I will consider putting a holding deposit on a very mint condition PRO MAC 54 (1990's model by the look of the design)

 

[Stihl 041 super]

have you tried the search function?

 

[Al Smith]

An 048 is the same cubic inches as an 046/MS460 and about the same HP rating which is a tad over 6.That model is in essence an overbored 042.
The weak link in these saws is the case seal .I have 1 042 and 2 048's,of which I have replaced the seals on two of them and have 1 more yet to do.
As far as how they cut ,I would have to say great.A 20" bar is about the right size but I have ran a 32" on the 048,buried in maple and it pulls it with no problem.
Unless you are a collector,the draw back to this model would be lack of parts availability.

 

[ross_scott]

Thanks for that AL the main reason I want to get this model stihl is the fact it is the only pro grade saw that I can afford and I am trying to get away from the curse of the homeowner grade saws as I want to use this in the bush as I am getting sick and tired of using saws that other students have bent the bars on through getting the saw pinched while felling trees (some of them cut the hingewood prematurely) the last straw was when the ms440 I was assigned got its bar wrecked by another person while I was away from the course last week.

 

[Al Smith]

Ross,if you get the thing give me a shout.I have the IPL's already downloaded and can forward them,if needed.If the slotted headed case screws are still being used ,replace them with either torx head or socket head cap screws .Another thing to watch is the air filter.There were 2 styles,the wire mesh and the flocked .The flocked is better,of course,but hard to find and is no longer in stock.
The reason I mention the filter is due to the fact that one of mine had a faulty filter ,which caused a bearing failure on the chain side of the saw.How I repaired it would take about one whole page to explain .

 

[ross_scott]

No worries AL I decided I would not pursue this model saw after I made a phone call to the local stihl agent to check parts availability and over here the 048 parts are nearly dried up due to the fact that not many were imported to new zealand. In saying that I have found something else that I know I want and is also in my affordability and that is an 028AV Super (MS280?) I think this saw is around 54cc or something like that this saw has currently got 325 chain on it but I want to change the drive sprocket and bar(wanting to go 20" if i can get away with it) over to run 3/8 stihl chain as I am able to get chains to use (tons of spares that are almost new and possibly at a small cost/donation) via the course I am doing as I intend to use it for felling pines when we are out at our job site (thinning a forestry block) aswell as at home

 

[pinus]

No worries AL I decided I would not pursue this model saw after I made a phone call to the local stihl agent to check parts availability and over here the 048 parts are nearly dried up due to the fact that not many were imported to new zealand. In saying that I have found something else that I know I want and is also in my affordability and that is an 028AV Super (MS280?) I think this saw is around 54cc or something like that this saw has currently got 325 chain on it but I want to change the drive sprocket and bar(wanting to go 20" if i can get away with it) over to run 3/8 stihl chain as I am able to get chains to use (tons of spares that are almost new and possibly at a small cost/donation) via the course I am doing as I intend to use it for felling pines when we are out at our job site (thinning a forestry block) aswell as at home

028AV is not predecessor for 270/280, which are completely new design saws from Stihl..

 

[ross_scott]

028AV is not predecessor for 270/280, which are completely new design saws from Stihl..

oops...sorry about that I thought they had only gone through and modified the model numbers didn't realise thay had changed the design

 

[SawTroll]

028 were made in 43, 47 and 51.5 cc versions.
As the one in question is named "Super", it probably is 51.5 cc.

 

[ross_scott]

My Mind is made up I am going for the 028AV super (this will be my first stihl) I want to convert it to run 3/8 chain as I have a funny feeling that it will have 325 chain on it according to all the 028 specs i can find. Also I am wanting to put a 20" bar on it as I do not know when the 18" that is currently on it was last changed am I able to get away with running 20" on this saw if not I am happy to stick with 18" but still want to go 3/8 chain if the chain sprocket that goes on the PTO is available.

 

[SawTroll]

Also I am wanting to put a 20" bar on it .......

If it is the 51.5 cc version, it was rated at about 3.4 hp.
I think a 20" bar (and even 18") is a bit much on a 3 cube saw for everyday use, as it will slow down the cutting speed even in smaller wood due to increased friction.

It would be better to have a 15-16" bar for everyday use, and a spare 18-20" for the occations when it is really needed.

If much of your cutting calls for 18-20", get a bigger saw!

 

[HerdBull99]

have you tried the search function?

I RETIRED A PRO LOGGETIMBER FELL'ER LIMBER, BUCKER!! I BOUGHT A NEW O48AVE IN
1980 AT PORTLAND, ORE.
STIHL $500.00 DEC-1980
IT CAME WITH A 32" BAR.
77 CC. PULLS 32" FINE!!
LOVE [email protected]

 

[pioneerguy600]

18 YEAR OLD THREAD, not a record but well up there.

 

[stihltech]

Funny, I have three of those in the parts saw stock that would run with a new case gasket. Just need time....

 

[J D]

Funny, I have three of those in the parts saw stock that would run with a new case gasket. Just need time....

They may just need the screws changed out for torx ones... the early saws had pan heads that caused issues