Best Overalll
Stihl MS 250 Gas Chainsaw
Best Bang for the Buck
Stihl MS 170 Gas Chainsaw
Best for Home Use
Stihl MS 180 C-BE Gas Chainsaw
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The market offers numerous professional chainsaw brand choices , but few can rival the public presentation and reliability of a Stihl chainsaw . The company is renowned for the lastingness and reliability of its chainsaw as well as the groundbreaking technologies they put into the tools that make them easier to lock and hold .
Though it ’s unvoiced to go wrong with any of the Stihl chainsaw models , the ship’s company volunteer a broad product line that ranges from small 12 - inch electric chainsaws up to 40 - inch colossus for forestry professional . This can make finding the good outside power equipment a puzzling process . This guide hash out the of import factors to reckon when stag for the better Stihl chainsaw and present some of the fellowship ’s top model by category .
Why Choose a Stihl Chainsaw
Stihl is among the top names in chainsaws and for beneficial reason . In gain to build up honest and durable products , the company has a reputation for innovations that make its chain saw well-off to apply . Technologies such as Easy2Start lead to its gas chainsaws get down without the exploiter having to make multiple pulls , and vibration - jam technology allows the operator to run them with less tiredness , for case .
Stihl chainsaws are also easy to maintain , thanks to toolless chain tightening , automobile chain lubrication systems , easy - to - entree gentle wind filter , and even carburetor that ego - adjust for optimal surgical process . Stihl chainsaw also offer up a all-embracing product line that ranges from 12 - inch electrical chainsaws all the direction up to 40 - column inch monsters for professional foresters , making the company a true expert in the field .
How We Tested the Best Stihl Chainsaws
In reviewing Stihl ’s line of gas and electric - power chainsaws , we consider a variety of criterion , including size , power , and ease of use of goods and services . Since bar size of it largely determines the types of jobs a chainsaw can wield , we chose chainsaw with 12- to 16 - inch lengths for residential use and larger 18- to 20 - in example for farm and professional role .
keep in mind that most people do n’t use a chainsaw on a even base , we selected models with technologies that made them well-off to use , such as light - start pull electric cord , tool - loose string claims adjustor , air filter covers , and vibration - tone down engineering science . We also take Stihl chainsaws that could provide adequate thinning magnate while hold on their weight to a manageable load , serve to prevent fatigue that could make the chainsaw cumbersome to operate for long periods .
Our Top Picks
The products below represent some of the best Stihl chain saw on the marketplace . They consist of chainsaws of various sizes and character . The list include chain saw to meet the needs of DIYers who just need episodic consumption in their landscape painting , those who own large property , and even some professionals .
With its 18 - inch streak and 45.4 - milliliter locomotive engine , this Stihl natural gas chainsaw represents an fantabulous all - around chainsaw that can take down small- to intermediate - size trees . It is heavy duty enough for pro use while still lightweight enough for most user to exert . While its engine and longer bar give it power and cutting ability that can be intimidating to the amateur arborist , Stihl ’s well - renowned vibration - dampening technology make it well-heeled for the episodic chainsaw operator to apply . And though it ’s big than other Stihl models , it remains manageable at a tomentum over 10 pounds .
Despite being large enough for pros to use , our best Stihl chainsaw feature user - favorable features that home landscape gardener and DIYers will appreciate , include a tool - liberal chain tightener , automatic chain lubrication , and an easy - to - access side - access chain tensioner .
Get the Stihl MS 250 chainsaw atNorthern Tool+Equipment , Ace Hardware , orStihl .
Small and easy to apply but with enough power to handle a intermediate - size tree or large limb , the Stihl MS 170 is the ideal choice for most users . It ’s capable of cut tree automobile trunk or branch up to 16 in in diameter , enough for trim a tree or cleaning up after a forged storm . At less than 9 pounds , it ’s lightweight enough to handle for those not used to operating chainsaw . Like most Stihl chainsaws , this model also includes an anti - vibration handle for less tiredness , especially after longer period of time .
The MS 170 includes other utilitarian feature for amateur chainsaw operators , include a agile - start ignition that is easier to get running than other gas chainsaws , a carburettor that automatically regulates the locomotive to prevent stalls , and an reflexive concatenation lubrication system of rules . Keep in psyche that the MS 170 ’s smaller size also means it has a smaller gas armoured combat vehicle , which can be a bother if cutting a large amount of firewood .
Get the Stihl MS 170 chainsaw atAce Hardware , Blain ’s Farm & Fleet , Northern Tool + Equipment , orStihl .
One of the things that sets Stihl ’s chainsaws asunder from other brands is the technology that the ship’s company includes so that the saw are leisurely for amateurs to utilize . Sometimes just getting a chainsaw up and running is a major engagement . With its Easy2Start system , the MS 180 does n’t require a batch of effort or many pulls to pop out the locomotive . Once started , an anti - vibration handle improve comfort while exploit with the chain saw , allowing the operator to work longer .
criminal maintenance is also easier , thanks to a Quick Chain Adjuster that countenance the user to alter the tension on the saw ’s 16 - inch taproom without tools . The MS 180 ’s carburettor will even self - adjust so it continues to maneuver swimmingly even when the air filter becomes clogged with dust . All these features add up to a chainsaw that ’s reliable , easy to use , and requires less maintenance than many , an ideal combo for the average home user .
Photo: acehardware.com
Get the Stihl MS 180 chainsaw atAce Hardware , Northern Tool + Equipment , Blain ’s Farm & Fleet , orStihl .
Best Farm/Ranch
Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss Gas Chainsaw
farm , ranches , and other large properties ask a chainsaw that can handle steady use and big trees . With its 50.2 - ml engine and 18 - in prevention length , the Stihl Farm Boss is up to the task . And while this chain saw is intend for use by those with more experience cut large branches and felling trees , it includes feature for repose of manipulation , such as Stihl ’s anti - vibration system and a large front handgrip that ’s rubberized and ergonomically angle for improved consolation and safety while operate the chainsaw .
The Stihl MS 271 is also easy to maintain , thanks to a side - access mountain range tensioner that ’s easier to access with a bar wrench and an air filter cover that the operator can remove without a prick to easy clear debris on the fly . The MS 271 also features a high - efficiency locomotive engine that allow for for 20 percentage longer runtimes between refueling .
Get the Stihl MS 271 atAce Hardware , Northern Tool + Equipment , orStihl .
Photo: northerntool.com
Best Electric
Stihl MSA 140 C-B Battery Chainsaw
While gaseous state chainsaw have ample power and can run for hour with a full tank of fuel at the quick , they require a pregnant amount of alimony and can be difficult to start . Those looking for an gentle - to - use chainsaw for pruning branches or cutting down small trees can look to Stihl ’s battery - powered MSA 140 as a great pick . This adage will track down for up to 45 minutes on a exclusive commission , which is suitable for trim limbs or cleaning up after a storm .
With its unclouded 8.6 - pound weight and inadequate 12 - inch thinning bar , this Stihl chain saw is easier to maneuver than sullen and long chainsaws . Its galvanising inflammation starts at the push of a push button , saving one ’s back from a pull - commencement engine ; plus , it bring forth no exhaust fumes . Other exploiter - well-disposed feature include a Sir Ernst Boris Chain brake that can check the chain in a fraction of a 2nd and a rubberize software for easy grip and a more comfortable hold .
Get the Stihl MSA 140 C - B chain saw atAce HardwareorStihl .
Photo: northerntool.com
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Stihl Chainsaw
realize the different character ofchainsawsStihl offers and considering the various Browning automatic rifle sizes , weights , and office reference is vital to making the right option .
Types of Stihl Chainsaws
Stihl ’s ware lineage is made up of small chainsaws designed for trimming branch and small Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree remotion , midsize chainsaw for farm and spread use , and orotund models for professional arborist and forestry worker . Below , learn more about Stihl ’s broad intersection line .
Power Sources
Stihl chain saw come with three office source options : electric , gas , and battery . Stihl gun chainsaws are the company ’s most powerful models and can be found in its homeowner , rancher , and professional business . Its electric andbattery modelsoffer the convenience of easy starting and crushed maintenance but do n’t have the same raw world power as its gas - engine powered chainsaws . As such , galvanizing chainsaws are only found in the caller ’s householder line of business .
Bar Size and Handles
The bar distance on a chainsaw determines the maximal diam a chain saw can rationalize . An 18 - inch chainsaw , for example , can cut through an 18 - inch - diameter Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree trunk . Chainsaw ginmill lengths on Stihl chainsaw models range from 12 inches for small electric models all the way up to 29 inches for orotund gas - power forestry chain saw . Generally speaking , prevention lengths of 12 to 14 column inch are idealistic for light - obligation applications such as trimming and cutting up branches after a storm . ecumenical - determination chainsaw for cutting small trees and firewood compass from 16 to 20 inches , while pro models extend beyond 20 inches .
Chainsaws let in two handles — a trigger handle that includes the chain control and a wraparound handle that stabilizes and directs the leaf blade . The trigger on the hold requires the user to hold in a button or lever to lease the chain . The large wraparound handle allows the exploiter to make cuts at various Angle while still maintain a firm grip on the saw .
Weight
Stihl uses streamlined designs to keep its chainsaw lightweight . Generally speak , the longer a chain saw ’s bar , the big its engine and the heavier its overall exercising weight . Smaller electric and barrage - power chain saw weigh around 8 pound , and Stihl gas - powered models lay out from 9 pounds for the smallest up to 22 Lebanese pound for the companionship ’s largest professional model .
Additional Features
One of the thing that sets Stihl ’s chainsaws aside from other mark is the innovative technology the fellowship apply in its products to ameliorate ease of enjoyment . This includes such lineament as Easy2Start technology for easy starting of Stihl petrol - powered chain saw and anti - vibration engineering , which reduce hustler weariness by creating low trembling transferred from the motor and stripe to the handle .
The company also includes features to make the products easier to maintain . These admit toolless chain adjusters , easily accessible air filter , and self - lubricatingchains .
FAQs
If you ’re wonder what Stihl ’s production titles intend or how to maintain your new Stihl chainsaw , then show on for solvent .
Q. What does MS mean on a Stihl chainsaw?
Each model telephone number on a Stihl chain saw means a different category of chainsaw : MSA , MSE , and MS . The MSA models are battery chainsaws , while MSE means it is an electrical chainsaw . The MS actually stands for “ Motorsage , ” which is German for “ chainsaw . ” So the “ MS ” model numeral will signal that the given model is a chain saw .
Q. Do all Stihl chainsaws come with a warranty?
All Stihl chainsaw get with a 2 - yr warranty from the date of purchase from the original retailer as long as the ware has been used for its intended purchase for domestic use .
Q. How long do Stihl batteries last?
The longevity of a Stihl lithium - ion electric battery can not be generalized since this typically count upon how much the battery is used . But for a professional user , a lithium - ion battery will typically last between 2 and 3 years or 1,200 charge cycles . As for DIY exploiter that typically apply their Stihl products less frequently , the batteries could last for up to 10 years .
Q. What is the minimum compression of a Stihl chainsaw?
According to Stihl , the minimum compressing of its chainsaw is around 110 psi . However , some of the models may run higher or depressed , and the temperature can affect the readings of the putz .
Q. What file size should I use to sharpen a chainsaw?
Use a round file cabinet that ’s about 3/16 inch in diam whensharpeningthe cutting edges of your Stihl chain saw . recall to alwayssharpen a chainsawat a 90 - degree slant to the guide barroom , wearchainsaw chaps , and only sharpen on the advancing stroke .
Q. How often should a Stihl chainsaw be tuned up?
This depends on use . A chain saw should be serviced every few months for heavy use and about once a year for tripping use . For melodic line - ups , user should have a canonic set of tools , a scrench , and at least an hour .
Q. Where can I service and repair my Stihl chainsaw?
Service a Stihl chain saw at one of the company ’s licensed dealers , which include national retailer such as Ace Hardware and Northern Tool , as well as numerous local principal .
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Photo: acehardware.com
Photo: northerntool.com
Photo: acehardware.com
Photo: acehardware.com
