MSA 161 T Top Handle Cordless Chainsaw
SKU: Stihl |
To buy this item, you need a CS39 certificate. Please upload a clear photo or scan showing your name and chainsaw qualification
- Regular price
- £303.00 Ex VAT
- £363.60 Inc VAT
- Sale price
- £303.00 £303.00 Ex VAT
- Regular price
-
- £363.60 £363.60 Inc VAT
Free Delivery Over £75 *
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As a STIHL Approved Dealer, we supply genuine UK-spec machines with full manufacturer warranty, professional preparation, and expert aftersales support.
Product information & specifications
STIHL MSA 161 T Top-Handle Cordless Chainsaw – Lightweight Battery Arborist Saw
Free Spare Chain Available
Worth £20–£40 depending on model
When you add this STIHL chainsaw to your cart, your free matching chain will appear automatically. Simply click "Add Free Item" in the cart to include it with your order.
- Matching chain for this model
- Ideal for quick swaps on the job
- Helps reduce downtime
Your free chain will appear in the cart — just click "Add Free Item" before checkout.
The STIHL MSA 161 T is a lightweight battery-powered top-handle chainsaw designed for professional arborists and tree surgeons. At just 2.1 kg powerhead weight on the 36 V AP System, it is the lightest cordless top-handle in the STIHL AP range, running a 30 cm (12") bar with ¼" STIHL PICCO PM3 chain at 16 m/s chain speed. Runtime of up to 42 minutes with the AP 200 battery, or up to 50 minutes with the AP 300 battery. In stock at Gustharts as an authorised STIHL dealer, with free UK delivery over £75.
Important: Top-handle chainsaws are approved for trained professional arborists working at height only. They must not be operated by untrained users or used as a ground-based rear-handle saw.
Key Features
- 2.1 kg Powerhead Weight – Lightest cordless top-handle in the STIHL AP range; exceptional balance and manoeuvrability for precision aerial work.
- Commercial-Grade Brushless Electric Motor – Consistent cutting speed and efficiency with reduced maintenance versus brushed motors.
- 30 cm (12") Bar with ¼" PICCO PM3 Chain – Fine-pitch chain for smooth, clean cuts in precision pruning and in-tree maintenance.
- 16 m/s Chain Speed – Efficient cutting performance for arborist applications.
- Instant Start – No pull-cord starting; instant on at trigger press — useful for quick task transitions when climbing.
- Quiet Operation – Significantly lower noise than petrol equivalents; ideal for noise-restricted urban tree work.
- Trigger Side-Lock Button and Large Throttle Interlock Lever – Safety features to prevent accidental starts during climbing and repositioning.
- Carrying Ring – Secure harness attachment point for aerial use.
- Ematic Lubrication System – Reduces bar oil consumption by up to 50%.
Technical Specifications
Why Choose the STIHL MSA 161 T?
The MSA 161 T is the entry point into the STIHL AP cordless top-handle range and the lightest option in the battery arborist lineup at 2.1 kg. For arborists doing extended precision pruning sessions where fatigue management is the priority, or working in noise-sensitive environments where a petrol saw is impractical, the MSA 161 T delivers a comfortable, quiet and clean experience. Its 16 m/s chain speed and ¼" PICCO chain are well-matched to fine pruning and detailed in-tree work. Arborists needing more power for larger cuts should step up to the MSA 190 T or MSA 220 T.
Complete Your Kit
- Replacement Chainsaw Chains – ¼" PICCO PM3 chains compatible with the MSA 161 T
- Chainsaw Guide Bars – 30 cm bars for this model
- AP System Batteries and Chargers – AP 200 and AP 300 options for this model
- Arborist PPE – chainsaw helmet, climbing gloves, chainsaw trousers and boots for compliant aerial work
FAQs
How does the MSA 161 T compare to the MSA 190 T?
The MSA 190 T delivers 1.20 kW versus the MSA 161 T's lower output, runs at 20 m/s chain speed versus 16 m/s, and accepts 30–35 cm bars. The MSA 161 T is lighter at 2.1 kg versus 2.6 kg and better suited to precision fine pruning. For general arborist climbing work, the MSA 190 T is the more versatile option.
Does the MSA 161 T come with a battery and charger?
No — it is sold as a body-only tool. AP System batteries and chargers are available separately at Gustharts.
What is the runtime on the MSA 161 T?
Up to 42 minutes with the AP 200 battery, or up to 50 minutes with the AP 300 battery.
What chain does the MSA 161 T use?
The MSA 161 T uses a 30 cm (12") bar with ¼" STIHL PICCO PM3 chain. Replacement chains are stocked at Gustharts.
Is the MSA 161 T suitable for homeowners?
No — it is a professional top-handle climbing saw for trained arborists only. For domestic garden use, a rear-handle battery saw such as the STIHL MSA 80 C-B is the appropriate choice.
Specification
| Bar length | 25-30 cm |
| Bar length | 10-12 " |
| Power | 1 kW |
| Rated voltage | 36 V |
| Weight | 2.1 kg |
| Weight | 2.42 / 2.47 kg |
| Length with bumper strike | 306 mm |
| Sound pressure level | 83 dB(A) 1) |
| Sound power level | 94 dB(A) 2) |
| Vibration levels left/right | 2.1/2.2 m/s² 3) |
| Saw chain pitch | 1/4"P |
| Recommended battery | AP 200, AP 300 |
| Battery working time AP 300 S (Power level 1) | up to 62 min 4) |
| Battery working time AP 500 S (Power level 1) | up to 74 min 5) |
| Battery working time AR 2000 L (Power level 1) | up to 195 min 6) |
| Battery working time AR 3000 L (Power level 1) | up to 300 min 6) |
| Battery system | AP |
| IPX Rating | IPX4 |
1)K-Wert nach RL 2006/42/EG = 2,5 dB(A)2)K-factor according to DIR 2006/42/EC = 2.5 dB (A)3)K-factor according to DIR 2006/42/EC = 2m / s ²4)Battery working times are approximate and may vary depending on application5)Working times can vary depending on use and application6)Working time may vary depending on the application
STIHL MSA 161 T Top-Handle Cordless Chainsaw – Lightweight Battery Arborist Saw
Free Spare Chain Available
Worth £20–£40 depending on model
When you add this STIHL chainsaw to your cart, your free matching chain will appear automatically. Simply click "Add Free Item" in the cart to include it with your order.
- Matching chain for this model
- Ideal for quick swaps on the job
- Helps reduce downtime
Your free chain will appear in the cart — just click "Add Free Item" before checkout.
The STIHL MSA 161 T is a lightweight battery-powered top-handle chainsaw designed for professional arborists and tree surgeons. At just 2.1 kg powerhead weight on the 36 V AP System, it is the lightest cordless top-handle in the STIHL AP range, running a 30 cm (12") bar with ¼" STIHL PICCO PM3 chain at 16 m/s chain speed. Runtime of up to 42 minutes with the AP 200 battery, or up to 50 minutes with the AP 300 battery. In stock at Gustharts as an authorised STIHL dealer, with free UK delivery over £75.
Important: Top-handle chainsaws are approved for trained professional arborists working at height only. They must not be operated by untrained users or used as a ground-based rear-handle saw.
Key Features
- 2.1 kg Powerhead Weight – Lightest cordless top-handle in the STIHL AP range; exceptional balance and manoeuvrability for precision aerial work.
- Commercial-Grade Brushless Electric Motor – Consistent cutting speed and efficiency with reduced maintenance versus brushed motors.
- 30 cm (12") Bar with ¼" PICCO PM3 Chain – Fine-pitch chain for smooth, clean cuts in precision pruning and in-tree maintenance.
- 16 m/s Chain Speed – Efficient cutting performance for arborist applications.
- Instant Start – No pull-cord starting; instant on at trigger press — useful for quick task transitions when climbing.
- Quiet Operation – Significantly lower noise than petrol equivalents; ideal for noise-restricted urban tree work.
- Trigger Side-Lock Button and Large Throttle Interlock Lever – Safety features to prevent accidental starts during climbing and repositioning.
- Carrying Ring – Secure harness attachment point for aerial use.
- Ematic Lubrication System – Reduces bar oil consumption by up to 50%.
Technical Specifications
Why Choose the STIHL MSA 161 T?
The MSA 161 T is the entry point into the STIHL AP cordless top-handle range and the lightest option in the battery arborist lineup at 2.1 kg. For arborists doing extended precision pruning sessions where fatigue management is the priority, or working in noise-sensitive environments where a petrol saw is impractical, the MSA 161 T delivers a comfortable, quiet and clean experience. Its 16 m/s chain speed and ¼" PICCO chain are well-matched to fine pruning and detailed in-tree work. Arborists needing more power for larger cuts should step up to the MSA 190 T or MSA 220 T.
Complete Your Kit
- Replacement Chainsaw Chains – ¼" PICCO PM3 chains compatible with the MSA 161 T
- Chainsaw Guide Bars – 30 cm bars for this model
- AP System Batteries and Chargers – AP 200 and AP 300 options for this model
- Arborist PPE – chainsaw helmet, climbing gloves, chainsaw trousers and boots for compliant aerial work
FAQs
How does the MSA 161 T compare to the MSA 190 T?
The MSA 190 T delivers 1.20 kW versus the MSA 161 T's lower output, runs at 20 m/s chain speed versus 16 m/s, and accepts 30–35 cm bars. The MSA 161 T is lighter at 2.1 kg versus 2.6 kg and better suited to precision fine pruning. For general arborist climbing work, the MSA 190 T is the more versatile option.
Does the MSA 161 T come with a battery and charger?
No — it is sold as a body-only tool. AP System batteries and chargers are available separately at Gustharts.
What is the runtime on the MSA 161 T?
Up to 42 minutes with the AP 200 battery, or up to 50 minutes with the AP 300 battery.
What chain does the MSA 161 T use?
The MSA 161 T uses a 30 cm (12") bar with ¼" STIHL PICCO PM3 chain. Replacement chains are stocked at Gustharts.
Is the MSA 161 T suitable for homeowners?
No — it is a professional top-handle climbing saw for trained arborists only. For domestic garden use, a rear-handle battery saw such as the STIHL MSA 80 C-B is the appropriate choice.
Specification
| Bar length | 25-30 cm |
| Bar length | 10-12 " |
| Power | 1 kW |
| Rated voltage | 36 V |
| Weight | 2.1 kg |
| Weight | 2.42 / 2.47 kg |
| Length with bumper strike | 306 mm |
| Sound pressure level | 83 dB(A) 1) |
| Sound power level | 94 dB(A) 2) |
| Vibration levels left/right | 2.1/2.2 m/s² 3) |
| Saw chain pitch | 1/4"P |
| Recommended battery | AP 200, AP 300 |
| Battery working time AP 300 S (Power level 1) | up to 62 min 4) |
| Battery working time AP 500 S (Power level 1) | up to 74 min 5) |
| Battery working time AR 2000 L (Power level 1) | up to 195 min 6) |
| Battery working time AR 3000 L (Power level 1) | up to 300 min 6) |
| Battery system | AP |
| IPX Rating | IPX4 |
1)K-Wert nach RL 2006/42/EG = 2,5 dB(A)2)K-factor according to DIR 2006/42/EC = 2.5 dB (A)3)K-factor according to DIR 2006/42/EC = 2m / s ²4)Battery working times are approximate and may vary depending on application5)Working times can vary depending on use and application6)Working time may vary depending on the application
STIHL Warranty
STIHL offer a 1 year professional warranty or 2 year domestic warranty with all of their machines.
The following exceptions apply:
- AK System, AS System and AI Line cordless products aren't covered under warranty when used by professionals
- AP System machines, batteries and chargers - 2 year professional warranty
- Pressure washers - 2 year professional warranty or 3 year domestic warranty
- Mowers, tillers, shredders, scarifiers & iMOW machines - See STIHL's website here
Extend your Stihl warranty by an additional year when purchasing a STIHL Smart Connector with selected machinery from the petrol and cordless range. Extends your petrol warranty from 1 to 2 years AND 2 to 3 years on select cordless tools.
STIHL offer a 1 year professional warranty or 2 year domestic warranty with all of their machines.
The following exceptions apply:
- AK System, AS System and AI Line cordless products aren't covered under warranty when used by professionals
- AP System machines, batteries and chargers - 2 year professional warranty
- Pressure washers - 2 year professional warranty or 3 year domestic warranty
- Mowers, tillers, shredders, scarifiers & iMOW machines - See STIHL's website here
Extend your Stihl warranty by an additional year when purchasing a STIHL Smart Connector with selected machinery from the petrol and cordless range. Extends your petrol warranty from 1 to 2 years AND 2 to 3 years on select cordless tools.
Delivery & Returns
UK Delivery
Fast, reliable delivery from our UK warehouse.
- Free UK delivery on eligible orders over £75 +VAT. Long, heavy or oversized items may incur an additional delivery charge, shown at checkout.
- UK Standard Delivery from £3.60 + VAT
Estimated delivery: 2–4 working days - Next Working Day Delivery – £6.00 + VAT
Order before 3:00pm (Monday–Friday) for next working day delivery
All UK orders are dispatched Monday–Friday and sent via a tracked courier service.
International Delivery
We ship worldwide from the UK.
- Europe from £10.00
Estimated delivery: 2–7 working days - Rest of the World from £12.00
Estimated delivery: 2–11 working days
Shipping costs and delivery times are calculated at checkout based on destination and order contents.
Customs, Duties & Taxes
International orders may be subject to local import duties, taxes, or customs charges.
When UPS is selected at checkout, applicable duties and taxes are included in the total price. For other shipping services, duties and taxes may be charged separately on delivery and are the responsibility of the recipient.
Customs processing times may affect delivery estimates.
Returns
30-Day Return Policy
- Items can be returned within 30 days of delivery
- Products must be unused and in original condition
- Return postage costs apply unless the item is faulty or incorrect
For full details, please visit our Shipping & Returns page.
UK Delivery
Fast, reliable delivery from our UK warehouse.
- Free UK delivery on eligible orders over £75 +VAT. Long, heavy or oversized items may incur an additional delivery charge, shown at checkout.
- UK Standard Delivery from £3.60 + VAT
Estimated delivery: 2–4 working days - Next Working Day Delivery – £6.00 + VAT
Order before 3:00pm (Monday–Friday) for next working day delivery
All UK orders are dispatched Monday–Friday and sent via a tracked courier service.
International Delivery
We ship worldwide from the UK.
- Europe from £10.00
Estimated delivery: 2–7 working days - Rest of the World from £12.00
Estimated delivery: 2–11 working days
Shipping costs and delivery times are calculated at checkout based on destination and order contents.
Customs, Duties & Taxes
International orders may be subject to local import duties, taxes, or customs charges.
When UPS is selected at checkout, applicable duties and taxes are included in the total price. For other shipping services, duties and taxes may be charged separately on delivery and are the responsibility of the recipient.
Customs processing times may affect delivery estimates.
Returns
30-Day Return Policy
- Items can be returned within 30 days of delivery
- Products must be unused and in original condition
- Return postage costs apply unless the item is faulty or incorrect
For full details, please visit our Shipping & Returns page.

