How Old Is My Stihl 015AV?

[Walleye Guy]

I inherited a Stihl 015AV from my grandfather when he passed away a few years ago and I'd like to know how old it is. The SN is difficult to read but I believe it is 7409149.

I contacted Stihl and they said "Regarding your inquiry, we would like to inform you that older models used to have either seven or eight digits long serial number. Unfortunately, this particular unit is not entered in the system, and therefore we cannot determine its exact year of production, only production years of the model which were from 1976 to 1983." So the best they can do is tell me it was made sometime between 1976 and 1983. Am I missing a digit or is this one really just too old to be in their system? I attached a picture of the stamping pad below. I remember using this with my grandpa in the 80's when I was in grade school and at that time it wasn't very old. Maybe a Stihl guru out there somewhere can help me? Maybe there are design features that would give some clues? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[farmer steve]

Unfortunately stihl didn't keep individual DOM records. Even if the saw was registered when sold they may not have that info being so old.

 

[Walleye Guy]

I agree...that's a bummer. I was hoping someone on this forum might have way to decode the serial number.

 

[HarleyT]

7 digits means that it is pre-1981.

https://www.arboristsite.com/threads/good-stihl-info.329254/

 

[farmer steve]

7 digits means that it is pre-1981.

https://www.arboristsite.com/threads/good-stihl-info.329254/

I knew you'd be here sooner or later. Is that 7 digit thing for all pre 81 saws?

 

[stihltech]

I started in 1981 and that is when the 009 started to replace the 015. And right now I received to small totes of both. Trying to resist the urge to repair......

 

[HarleyT]

I knew you'd be here sooner or later. Is that 7 digit thing for all pre 81 saws?

yeah, the tech bulletin is in the "Good Stihl Info" thread.

 

[Walleye Guy]

HarleyT, thank-you that's very helpful. Any other advice on how to narrow down the age even more? Also, where can I find that tech bulletin?

stihltech, I might need a few parts for mine. Not sure if you're interested in selling some of the parts in those totes...

​

 

[HarleyT]

The tech bulletins are from the old Mediacat disc, the real old tech bulletins are referred to, but not able to be looked at. Like this one referring to the electronic conversion kit, it gives the tech bulletin number, but you cannot click on it to read it.

 

[HarleyT]

The newer models, you can look at and download, they have the number underlined, and you just click on it.

 

[Walleye Guy]

Thanks HarleyT. So the tech note about the 7 digit serial number is in the "too old/can't click on it" category?

 

[HarleyT]

Thanks HarleyT. So the tech note about the 7 digit serial number is in the "too old/can't click on it" category?

The tech bulletin is on the "Good Stihl Info" thread I gave the link to.

In the mediacat disc, If a tech bulletin is not underlined, then you cannot click on it and read it, like this one on the ignition.

 

[Walleye Guy]

I see it now, thanks HarleyT