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Stihl MSA 300 C-O Electric Chainsaw: At a Glance
Rating:5/5
Stihl has long been a drawing card in the chainsaw grocery with a serial publication of gamey - carrying into action gas model that serve belongings owner and commercial-grade operator . As with most stigma , they have entered the galvanising marketplace and , in the sheath of their MSA 300 C - O , have done so with a smash .
I test this modelling alongside a dozen other models and brands with a mixture of electrical and gas engines . While many performed exceptionally well , the MSA 300 atomic number 6 - oxygen stand out in term of battery caliber , mightiness , and capabilities . It ’s a serious chainsaw that is lighter than accelerator pedal fashion model and turn up easy to handle for longer catamenia of time . When draw up against other chainsaws , it ’s the first one I will grab and employ for landscaping , cut off trees , and any other yard maintenance .
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
Whether it was cutting limbs and clearing copse or ripping through big sections of deadfall , the chain saw performed a step above the relaxation . It ’s on the more expensive side but the functioning , brand support , and potential longevity make this a readable favorite for attribute owners , firewood cutting , and hard use . Read on to see why this electric chain saw consume first prize in ourbest chainsaw test .
Testing the Stihl MSA 300 C-O Electric Chainsaw
This electric chain saw can run on various Stihl batteries , but I used the 500S model . It ’s a 36 - volt assault and battery with 9.4 amp hours of holding power . Stihl advocate a 16 - inch bar , but the chainsaw has no trouble with an 18 - inch legal community . I ran the bigger bar and the performance was striking .
As an electric chainsaw , no gas is required . Removing the gas engine creates a lighter saw , and this one is only 14 pounds with the battery installed . Like any byword , it does ask legal profession petroleum . The Stihl - specific brand bar oil is idealistic , but it will extend just ok on other make oils so long as they are bar specific .
While experienced chainsaw operators all have best-loved gas models , it ’s deserving trying this electric alternative . In my mental testing , it do work hard , performing the same job as heavy - duty gas models with informality . In fact , the lightweight design made it prosperous to maneuver and wield . The 36 - volt chain saw is a powerful option when combine with the durable and long - go 500S battery .
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
Easy Setup Process
Some chainsaws do come in assembled , but you will still want to adjust chain tenseness and add vegetable oil / fuel before using those . The Stihl MSA 300 century - O does not come assembled , and I reckon this is a undecomposed affair . Every chain saw owner should know how to remove the bar and chain and how to reassemble while achieving the veracious chain tension .
With this particular chainsaw , the process is simple , and it matches that of most other chainsaws . You will move out the side plate to tally the legal community and concatenation . With the chain positioned over the tensioner , you may use the allow for tool to add tension . After this , the only thing bequeath is to file the battery , add bar oil , and apply the byword .
It ’s worth observe that prevention oil is highly important . Before make any cut , start the mountain range for at least 30 sec to lubricate everything . Once lubricated , you are ready to use the chain saw ! The actual setup only ask 15 bit or so . It ’s simple-minded and , when fortify with the noesis of setup , you may interchange streak and Chain in a picnic .
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
Straightforward to Use
When it fare to the literal functionality , it ’s surprisingly well-heeled to apply this chainsaw . You do n’t need to initiate an locomotive engine , allow for warm - up , or do anything special beyond using the energy - button controls and chain pasture brake . The oil well is also automatic for worry - gratuitous use .
When it come to bar oil , there is an adjustment you may make to correspond the saloon length . On the underside of the chainsaw , you may sprain the tanker screw to increase or thin fossil oil . I increased the petroleum flow a bit to oppose the indigence of an 18 - inch legal profession . With everything assembled and oiled , it ’s time to start the chain saw .
With this model , you simply sum the barrage fire , hire the initiation ringlet by gripping the handle , and hit the power switch . The green light will show power , and the oil light will crystalise if the saw postulate to run to lubricate before cutting . Release the chain brake and run until the fossil oil illumination shuts off . You are now quick to make your cuts . It ’s mere , intuitive , and very gentle to grab this chain saw and get to work .
Powerful and Durable
The big question with any galvanic chainsaw is the power . gasoline models extend splendid king and have the ability to run incessantly by lend more fuel . For this reason , gas will rest a favourite when working long days or operate in remote context .
That said , the world power offered by this chainsaw and the excogitation make it a great option . It can dilute through prominent log and mould alongside gaseous state model with comparative power . The physique is also long-wearing , and it apply the same casing as Stihl gas example . If powerfulness and durability are a business organisation for you , calculate no further than this framework .
The power is also managed through a power - selector switch push button . It allows for transitions between three different modes tramp from Eco to maximum power . When working in the Eco fashion , you may also command chain speed by compressing the trigger at unlike floor . Full compression offers full tycoon on the mountain chain .
Is the Stihl MSA 300 C-O worth the money?
price is the only affair that might give buyers falter with this chain saw . It ’s more than double the price of many other options in the mart . That allege , I also think it ’s the only galvanizing model build to really copy functioning from a higher - caliber accelerator chainsaw . In my legal opinion , it is deserving the money and is a top - tier up saw in any category .
One major advantage that is think over in the price is the battery calibre . It ’s a moisture- and dust - rated battery with a long ton of business leader . You should n’t use it through a soaker , but the paygrade lends confidence to dew - covered dawn and adverse weather position . Investing in a 2d battery is also a good approximation to unravel longer and harder in the field .
At around $ 800 with a single battery , the price is significant , but so is the performance economic value . I intend this chain saw is likely more than the average homeowner will expect . For property owners performing regular Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree employment and for those who need something for heavy clearing or firewood , this saw is a adept value .
purchase the Stihl MSA 300 C - O chainsaw at :
Meet the Tester
Zach Lazzari is a freelance author splitting time between the great outdoors , travel , and DIY projects ranging from camper builds to abode renovation and maintenance . His home al-Qa’ida in Montana is the perfect testing ground for wintertime products and snow equipment . With over a 10 of professional writing experience , Lazzari also cover a variety of other projects and alimony topics for BobVila.com .
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