STIHL CHAINSAWS
The "best" STIHL chainsaw depends on your needs. For homeowners, the STIHL MS 172 (petrol, approx. 4.5kg without fuel/bar/chain) or the lighter MSA 60 C-B (battery, approx. 2.9kg without battery/bar/chain) are excellent. For semi-professional use, the MS 251 (petrol, approx. 4.8kg) or MSA 220 C-B (battery, approx. 3.1kg without battery) offer more power. Professionals favour the versatile MS 261 C-M (petrol, approx. 4.9kg) or the powerful MS 500i (petrol, approx. 6.3kg), while the MSA 300 (battery, approx. 4.5kg without battery) is STIHL's top cordless option. Always match the saw to your task and prioritise chainsaw safety and PPE.
On STIHL chainsaws, "MS" is an abbreviation for "Motorsäge," which is German for "chainsaw."
It's the core identifier for their petrol-powered chainsaw models. You'll also see other prefixes like:
- MSA: Indicates a battery-powered chainsaw
- MSE: Indicates an electric (corded) chainsaw
The numbers and additional letters that follow (e.g., 172, 261 C-M, 500i) then denote the specific model, its power class, and various comfort or advanced features.
For optimal performance and chainsaw safety, a STIHL chainsaw requires regular servicing. After every use, clean the saw thoroughly (bar, chain, air filter, cooling fins), and check chain tension/sharpness. Every 10-20 hours, inspect/sharpen the chain, check the guide bar, and clean/replace air and fuel filters. Annually, a comprehensive service by an authorised STIHL dealer is highly recommended, involving engine inspection, carburettor adjustments, and component checks to ensure longevity and peak performance.
In the UK, STIHL chainsaw warranties typically last 2 years for domestic users and 1 year for professional users on petrol models (AP System battery tools for pros get 2 years). Domestic warranties can extend to 3 years if purchased with 5 litres of STIHL MotoMix® fuel. Professional users can often extend their warranty by an additional year (e.g., to 2 years for petrol, 3 years for AP System) by purchasing a STIHL Smart Connector with qualifying machines. Always confirm terms with a dealer.
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