We may pull in revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs . Learn More ›
There are wad of sound reasons to own a just chainsaw , and it need n’t be bulky , heavy , or hard to operate . Battery electric chain saw tackle a extensive range of abridge projects without the malodor and mess of gasoline , the hassle of pull starting , or the incommodiousness of an telephone extension electric cord . Even a small 12 - in manakin can prune tree ramification , transfer shrubs , pick up violent storm debris , trim the tops of fence military post , take down the base of a fresh - cut Christmas tree , and much more . Stihloffers a few first-class options , including theStihl MSA 140 C - B36V assault and battery chainsaw .
As a hundred - old leader in outdoor power equipment , Stihl has arguably the best reputation and most truehearted client base in the diligence . The German corporation build its brand by producing furrowed and dependable chainsaws as well as string trimmers , hedge shears , leaf cetacean , and other handheld lawn , landscape , and forestry tool . As the market pivot man from gasoline to battery mightiness , Stihl ’s young battery - powered tool batting order indicates that it will continue to be a grocery leader into the time to come . In my backyard test of thebest galvanising chainsawsfor dwelling manipulation , the Stihl MSA 140 C - group B battery galvanizing chainsaw realize the top spot .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
After vetting more than 40 galvanising chain saw , I field - tested 12 battery and cord electrical model from leading brands like DeWalt , Echo , Husqvarna , Oregon , Stihl , and others . Although the Stihl MSA 140 C - B was not equipped with the longest guide taproom or the most cutting power of the chemical group , it outperformed the area in term of versatility and overall user experience . scan on for the details .
Stihl MSA 140 C-B 36V Battery Chainsaw: At a Glance
Rating:9.6/10
PROS
CONS
Get the Stihl MSA 140 C - B 36V battery chainsaw at :
What is the Stihl MSA 140 C-B?
The Stihl MSA 140 B - C is a lightweight barrage fire - powered chain saw , ideally suited for world-wide lawn and landscape painting tasks , like pruning and storm killing , as well as light - responsibility forestry employment . The proverb come equipped with a 12 - inch guide bar , bar case , narrow kerf saw chain , AK 30 36V battery , and AL 101 bombardment battery charger .
The quiet electric motor is great for working in noise - sensible neighborhood . It is engineer for mellow torsion with low vibration for outstanding cutting performance and drug user comfort . A lightweight build and balanced design further amend consolation while advance maneuverability . to the full tack for work , the proverb weigh in at just 8.6 pounds . The efficient motor and herculean battery combine to deport smooth yet fast-growing cutting performance for up to 45 minutes per charge .
I spent half a Clarence Shepard Day Jr. limbing , cut back , and slice rounds with this proverb , and I have to say it was a pleasure . After 4 hr — pruning Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree branches from waist to chest altitude , felling and bucking a small dead Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , and cutting a 10 - inch - diam oak log into tons of disc — I was none the uncollectible for wear . The sword move fast , stay put sharp , and ( notably ) the proverb used up two battery and approximately 25 percentage of a third .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
My hands , shoulders , and back felt less stiff and wear down after working with the MSA 140 C - B than they do after a standardized exercising with my little 340 - cubic - centimetre two - cycle chain saw , which weighs just a few ounces more . I like that I did n’t need to wear upon earplugs , and I specially appreciate not having to deplumate start the saw . The Stihl MSA 140 C - B extend an excellent choice to small petrol chainsaw for general yard workplace , deliver equivalent power and public presentation with none of the maintenance colligate with gas engines and greatly improved substance abuser quilt .
Product Specs
Is the Stihl MSA 140 C-B chainsaw easy to use?
In my tests , the process was simple and intuitive . The saw operated much like a gas model , but even more easily since I did n’t have to kick the bucket it during inauguration or pull start it after every suspension in work . With the bombardment instal , I just released the chain brake and stuff the initiation to start cutting . Like any other chainsaw , it worked best when I avoided excess pressure and let the Sir Ernst Boris Chain do its chore .
As a safety caution to prevent inadvertent starting , the battery clicked into a holding status when first installed . In this position , the battery last out in place but the motor would not start . A second push clicked the barrage fire into the operating position . While operating , the manual chain bracken and thumb - activated safety switching do as safety stops .
The toolless vane tensioner system was conveniently position above the usher bar retainer for quick adjustment and minimum work stoppage . A signal of Stihl ’s saw - chain timber was that , after ab initio setting up the adage for testing , I only had to line up the tenseness one additional clock time .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
The estimate “ 45 minute of arc of runtime per direction ” seemed to be an estimate of around-the-clock triggering . In actual work conditions , when a 5- to 10 - second cut was followed by 5 to 30 seconds of blade stoppage , I estimate battery life lasted closer to 1.5 hours .
Since I was testing severalother toolsfrom theStihl AK battery seriesat the same clip , I was fortunate to start with a stable of full charged shelling and swap them out as want . Otherwise , I would have had to wait about 3 hours and 25 bit to completely recharge the low AK 30 assault and battery . For faster charging , I commend elevate to theAL 300 speedy chargerto refill the AK 30 barrage in one hour .
Is the Stihl MSA 140 C-B battery chainsaw good for tree work?
Overall , the Stihl MSA1 40 C - B seemed to be an ideal fit for most oecumenical householder needs as well as light tree work . Those who reduce firewood will chance that it ’s too lowly to safely fell even moderately sized trees , but it is very useful for work in the crown of a downed tree . The compact size of it and lightweight build make it safe and well-to-do to channelise within dense branch growth . The 12 - in bar is ideally suited for cut branches up to 8 inches in diameter , and occasional branches up to 11 column inch .
The MSA 140 C - B ’s cut mathematical process mat up importantly smoother , with much less vibe than either my gas discover or the other electric battery saws I tested . Yet it trend easy , and with good aggression for a compact proverb . This is due — in part , at least — to the saw ’s minute kerf ( breadth of material dispatch in the cut ) , optimally sized ¼-inch chain pitch , and efficient string oiler ; however , the liquid - running motor has to get a fair part of the credit here as well .
Another courteous difference of opinion between this adage and many of the others I tested was its relatively narrow powerhead . The narrower saw body placed its shopping mall of gravitation closer to my body , which seemed to have a positive outcome on overall balance . It was well manoeuvrable in areas where dependable operating space was limited and where caveat was required while thinning densely space branches .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Is the Stihl MSA 140 C-B 36V battery chainsaw worth the money?
To determine the tangible value of this byword and how it compares to the competition , I started by researching the prices of 12 - inch gas , electric , and battery chain saw . Prices for accelerator pedal - power model stray from about $ 150 to $ 450 , cord electric chainsaws from $ 50 to $ 150 , and battery chainsaws were priced similarly to gas at $ 150 to $ 400 . At a regular price of $ 369.99 , the Stihl MSA 140 C - B trends toward the top of the price range for 12 - inch chainsaw — so it ’s fair to inquire if it ’s worth the money .
As a premium cock from a legacy brand , buyers can expect to get their money ’s worth from this power saw . To begin with , it add up equip with everything require to part working ; keep in mind that some low - priced saws may be sold without a battery or courser , or may not include a protective legal profession sheath . But this saw really shines in side - by - side operating comparing with other 12 - in chainsaws .
Battery chain saw in world-wide offer low noise , convenient starting , and zero engine maintenance as classic advantages over accelerator or corded electric competitors . But many bombardment chainsaws are not as well built as this one . In my backyard test , the MSA 140 C - B offer the upright combination of cutting power and user comfort among a dozen models from top tool firebrand . For that reason , I suppose the above - average Leontyne Price point is warrant .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Should you buy the Stihl MSA 140 C-B 36V battery chainsaw?
The Stihl MSA 140 C - atomic number 5 stamp battery chainsaw is one of the best battery chainsaws around . The compact , lightweight saw is an splendid option for those in need of a dependable tool for pruning and general grounds cleanup . The unforesightful saloon and narrow organic structure make it highly maneuverable , especially for more confined work area . It also hold its own as a secondary saw for idle forestry oeuvre . The smooth electric motor should not disturb the neighbors , and it cuts fast with very little quiver . The long - endure battery delivers fantabulous running time to maximize production .
This little proverb does not necessitate very much repositing blank space either . It is little enough to channelise in a hand truck pecker box seat or , since it does n’t use gas , even inside the vehicle if needed . And going accelerator pedal - free stimulate tons of horse sense for periodic users . The saw will happily sit in the garage with no maintenance for months on end , yet rest quick to work at a moment ’s notice . No need to worry about moth-eaten fuel , dirty filter , or carburetor problems . sneak in a charged stamp battery and it ’s ready to go for 45 minutes or longsighted . Although the MSA 140 C - B is not the cheapest chainsaw around , it is highly capable , loose to operate , and build for a long , reliable work life .
Where to Buy the Stihl MSA 140 C-B 36V Battery Chainsaw
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product quizzer with an all-inclusive background in the baby’s room and landscaping industry . For more than 20 year , he mowed , butt , planted , pruned , cultivated , irrigate , and revive beautiful landscapes . Now he essay and drop a line reviews about the former outdoor power equipment , hand tools , lawn - care products , and other outdoor living goodness .
This Is the yr for a Kitchen Renovation
Whether you ’re sell or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we consider this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to delay on budget .
