Anti-Vibration Technology

Smooth Moves

It's often hard to notice when something works smoothly. When you start your chainsaw, you just expect it to work. You might not think about the STIHL anti-vibration system while you cut, but it's hard not to appreciate the control and reduced fatigue that results from it.

An anti-vibration system is a standard feature on most modern chainsaws. But that hasn't always been the case. In fact, STIHL was the first company to introduce the technology over 50 years ago.

Patented System

In 1964, STIHL filed a patent for an anti-vibration system for chainsaws. The patent included the use of rubber elements to separate the handle from the engine, cutting the vibration level in half.

In 1965, production started on a STIHL Contra equipped with the new feature – now known as the anti-vibration (AV) system. The new feature was a great success and by 1967, the AV feature was also standard on the 041 chainsaw.

Dr. Rüdiger Stihl had this to say about the AV system: "The anti-vibration system is a good example of my father's inventiveness. He cared deeply about society and was always concerned about the well being of others. His aim was to improve products in such a way as to make it easier for users to work with them. The anti-vibration system helped make the hard forestry work more comfortable."
Pioneer to Leader

In the early 1970s, STIHL continued to stay ahead of the industry with a completely redesigned approach to anti-vibration technology. A more robust method was developed, further reducing handle vibrations. The new system was first introduced in the 042 chainsaw, which featured a stable handle housing with built-in fuel tank. This design is still used today.

Although the design has remained mostly the same, STIHL has continued to improve and evolve the technology to further reduce vibration. Magnesium was replaced by polymer on the 024 chainsaw in 1982. In the late 1990s, steel springs were added to assist the rubber buffers in shock absorption. Today, STIHL chainsaws feature a complex shock absorption system, consisting of steel-spring elements, rubber and hard-foam buffers.
Legacy of Innovation

Anti-vibration is one of over a dozen patented technologies STIHL has introduced over the decades. Whether it's anti-vibration, OILOMATIC® lubrication or the STIHL Quickstop® chain braking system, our technologies continue to redefine and set the example in the chainsaw industry. So when you start your STIHL chainsaw, the only thing you have to worry about is the task at hand.