Did you know chainsaws were originally used for surgery? A German orthopaedist, Bernhard Heine, developed the first chainsaw, which he called osteotome, meaning bone cutter. But people nowadays use chainsaws for tree felling, pruning, and bucking. Chainsaws can also be used for cutting ice and sculpting.
There are a variety of chainsaws on the market, both professional chainsaws, and homeowner saws. Several companies have specialized in the production of these chainsaws.
But Stihl is by far the best and most reputable manufacturer of quality chainsaws. They don't just manufacture chainsaws for the money.
In this guide, we will have an in-depth discussion of some of the best Stihl chainsaws on the market. But before that, let us look at types of chainsaws.
Types of Chainsaws
Gas-Powered Chainsaws
Just as the name suggests, these chainsaws use gas to operate. They are quicker and can be used for heavy work, but they are also noisy and heavy. They are also not friendly to the environment as they produce harmful carbon monoxide gas.
Electric Chainsaws
There are two types of electric chainsaws: battery-powered and corded chainsaws. Battery-powered saws are cordless, which makes them portable, but the corded chainsaws are more lightweight.
The cord is used to connect to a power source and supply power to the chainsaw. The performance of these two is good and their price is the same.
About the Brand Stihl
Stihl was started in 1920. But it was not until 1926 that the founding father, Andreas Stihl, invented the first electric chainsaw. In 1929, he introduced the gas-powered chainsaws, which can cut more quickly, making work a lot easier.
Over the years, the company has become highly reputable, and for good reason. They produce some of the most reliable and durable chainsaws with innovative technology, and they cater to every need. So whether you want a chainsaw for home use or use professionally, they've got you covered.
What Makes Stihl Chainsaws So Great?
Stihl sets out to ensure that all of its products are of the highest quality. They assemble their saws domestically, and mostly with parts acquired locally. For parts that are not made locally, they ensure that the highest standards are met during manufacture.
For example, their carburetors are from Chinese manufacturing plants, but to ensure quality, Stihl bought the plants. They also get their chains from top manufacturers in Switzerland.
But other than quality, what are some other features that put Stihl saws at the top?
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Torque
To know the type of wood or tree that a chainsaw is can cut, you have to know its torque. Stihl prides itself in manufacturing powerful saws with low-end torque. They are, therefore, able to cut through sturdy wood and knots without getting stuck or even stalling.
This quality makes these saws the best for cutting through dense forests.
Fuel Capacity
Stihl caters to the needs of all its customers. Whether you are looking for a chainsaw for homeowners, or you want a professional chainsaw, you will probably find it at Stihl.
They have chainsaws with a small fuel tank capacity which are perfect for use around the house or in small properties. They also have some of the best professional use saws with large fuel capacities.
Power Source
Stihl has a huge lineup of chainsaws, which run on multiple power sources. Some Stihl chainsaws run on gas, others on battery, and others on electricity. Those that are battery-powered are also rechargeable. Different power sources mean different performances, and you can choose based on your needs. And even though the performance is different, it is still stellar.
Weight
Stihl has every type of user in mind, and that is why they are dedicated to manufacturing lightweight chainsaws. Smaller people or even those with limited mobility can use their saws. This has made Stihl chainsaws the best-selling saws.
Continuous Innovation
Stihl is currently at the top of the game in the chainsaw production industry. But despite this, they continue to make more innovative designs that are powerful and easier to use.
For example, since their saws use powerful motors, heat and friction can easily build up on the chain. This has led Stihl to create self-lubricating chainsaws.
Lubricating oil is kept in mini reservoirs on the chainsaw for easy lubrication on the chain.
Stihl also has self-sharpening chainsaws. They have a lever that starts up retractable steel to sharpen your chain while you are using it.
Price
Stihl is a private company, unlike most others. Because of this, they have more control over the price of their products without external influence. Stihl ensures you can only get their products from authorized local dealers. You will hardly find Stihl chainsaws in most of the online shopping stores.
It has also ensured that customers always get the best service, even if they encounter problems with their saws in the future.
So even though Stihl products are not the cheapest in the market, they offer great value for money.
Top Rated Stihl Chainsaw Reviews
With such a wide selection of chainsaws out there, it can be quite taxing, especially for a new user, to decide which one to buy. But we have already determined that Stihl has the best chainsaws. So the dilemma is in now choosing the perfect Stihl chainsaw.
We have conducted Stihl chainsaw reviews, and come up with the top 6 best Stihl chainsaws.
1. Stihl MS 170
The Stihl MS 170 is a gas-powered chainsaw. If you have never used a chainsaw before, this is the best one to start with. It is a small and lightweight homeowner saw.
For its small size, this Stihl MS 170 is quite capable. Depending on the guide bar and chain you use, it can handle a bar length of between 12 and 16 inches.
With this cutting length, you can trim trees or even clear out storm debris and other minor tasks around your yard. But it is can handle bigger tasks once you are familiar with how to use it.
Another advantage of the MS 170 is that it starts quickly. You only need less than three pulls of the ignition line to fire up your Stihl MS 170. It also has an anti-vibration and chain brake system.
The chain brake system is designed to stop the chain when it is activated, whether by hand or inertia, increasing the safety of the MS 170.
Unfortunately, because of its small size, this MS 170 has a tiny gas tank. This means constant refilling, which can be annoying time-consuming if you have a lot of tasks to do.
Pros
Cons
The Stihl MSA 140 C-BQ is a small, battery-powered saw. It is compact and weighs just 8.19 lbs (3.7 kgs), but it packs more power than its weight. It performs light tasks such as climbing bucking and pruning quite well. This MSA 140 is also great for cutting firewood, making it the best Stihl chainsaw for firewood.
Its cutting performance is limited as the chainsaw has a bar length of between 10-14 inches. It is therefore not capable of cutting thick trees.
This Stihl MSA 140 uses a 36V lithium-ion battery. Having a lithium-ion battery means that it will run until the battery is fully depleted, with no drastic drop in power when in use. It can last for about 45 minutes on a full charge, although it will drain faster if you are cutting thick wood.
Since it is battery-powered, the Stihl MSA 140 is much quieter than gas saws. The battery and charger are sold separately from the chain saw, which are expensive.
Besides being expensive, the Stihl MSA 140 C-BQ also has a weak chain, which means the chainsaw should be sharpened more often, or you will need to replace the chain constantly, which is an added expense. But the saw also comes with a three-year warranty.
Pros
Cons
The Stihl MS 251 C-BE is an impressive gasoline-powered chainsaw. It's lightweight, with a weight of about 11.9 lbs (5.4 kgs), so you can easily move it around. The MS 251 C-BE is also powerful enough to handle a 16-18 inch bar. It can cut fell small trees, prune, thin, and firewood cutting with great ease and efficiency.
Its other amazing features include a powerful engine, a gas and oil cap that is easy to remove put back. It is also easy to fire up and features a chain fastener. This is very convenient because you do not have to use a separate tool for the same.
The gas-powered Stihl MS 251 has low carbon emissions making it an environmentally friendly saw, as well as user-friendly because of its anti-vibration system. This means you can use it for longer periods without getting uncomfortable. It strikes the perfect balance, as it can be a chainsaw for homeowners, and can also be put into professional use.
However, the MS 251 C-BE is a fuel guzzler and has a one-year-only warranty, yet it's quite expensive.
Pros
Cons
Featuring a 50.2cc engine, this Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss is a gas-powered chainsaw. There is no saw capable of handling your heavy farm tasks better than this Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss. It is the best Stihl chainsaw when it comes to power.
Its engine capacity ensures that it runs longer in between refuels, and can hold a 16-20 inch bar.
This MS 271 comes with a pre-separation air filtration system. Its purpose is to make sure that the saw remains clean and runs more efficiently hence higher performance.
This filtration system also allows the machine's air filters to last longer. The chain brake system is also an added safety feature.
The Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss has an enormous engine, and therefore it is also heavy to ensure optimal power to weight ratio. It weighs 12.3 lbs (5.6 kgs). It also has an easy-start feature, which sometimes is not so easy to use.
As expected, this is a high-performing machine, so it's also quite expensive. But it also comes with a one-year warranty. If you are looking to buy a Stihl power saw, this is the best Stihl chainsaw ever made.
Pros
Cons
5. Stihl MS 461
If you are looking for a professional-grade chainsaw, then this MS 461 is the best Stihl chainsaw. It is a top-reviewed, and not just a chainsaw for the money.
This Stihl MS 461 is a gas-powered chainsaw. With a 76.5cc power engine, this machine is quite heavy but is also very much able to handle any heavy job you throw at it.
This is also thanks to its 32-inch bar. This chainsaw also features an easy start and decompression. And like most Stihl saws, it has a chain brake system.
On the flip side, this Stihl MS 461 chainsaw is rather costly, and its chain needs to be tightened regularly as it keeps slipping off.
Pros
Cons
The last chainsaw on this list is the Stihl MSE 170 CB-Q. This is an electricity-powered chainsaw, and it is quite small. It has a weight of 8.4 lbs (3.8 kgs) and is easy to use, making it the perfect Stihl chainsaw for a beginner.
It is a corded electric chainsaw, meaning that it does not require gas or a battery. You need to plug it into a power source. 13.1 amps provide enough power to run it smoothly. So you can forget about the cost of gas or replacing your battery.
This MSE 170 is lightweight and doesn't have too much power. It can only complete light jobs around the house. This is because it can only hold a 12-16 inch bar.
It also features a tension adjuster, which is used to make the chain tighter. You do not have to use other separate tools if your chain loosens.
The Stihl MSE 170 C-BQ also has an additional safety feature, the Stihl Quickstop chain brake. This chain braking system ensures that the chain stops immediately when there is an emergency. This makes this MSE 170 C-BQ the best Stihl chainsaw for home use.
Taking Care of our Stihl Chainsaw
Even if you have the best Stihl chainsaw available, if you do not take care of it, it's not going to last long.
Proper maintenance is required for durability, and Stihl has come up with guidelines on taking care of your saw. We’ve made things easier for you by summarizing the best practices:
Store Your Chainsaw Properly
First, always make sure your power tools are out of children's reach
For optimal power performance, you should always ensure that your chainsaw is kept in a properly ventilated room. This keeps your saw from growing mold and getting moisture, which can cause it to rust. It should also be away from direct sunlight, which can make it fragile.
It would be wise to purchase a storage bag together with your Stihl chainsaw. This will help protect your saw from these elements and keep it from accumulating dust.
Clean the Fuel Tank
Every once in a while, empty the fuel tank and give it a good clean. This helps keep oil from building up, which can ultimately affect the performance of your saw.
Chain Sharpening
For the best performance from Stihl power tools, whether gas or battery-powered, learn how to sharpen your saw regularly.
Spend money buying sharpening tools like a Dremel, a round and flat file. This is more cost-effective in the long run than having to buy new chains for your saws.
Regular Dismantling
Cleaning your chainsaw is important to remove any debris. Dismantle the machine and clean individual parts. As a general guide, separate the main motor body from the chain and the guide bar(what are guide bars?). Then clean each part and then coat with mineral grade oil.
FAQs
What is the best Stihl chainsaw of all time?
Based on the Stihl chainsaw reviews above, this honor goes to the Stihl MS 251. It is a versatile machine that can be used professionally thanks to a powerful engine and a 32-inch bar. But it is also not too heavy, so it can be used for longer periods before one gets tired.
What's the most powerful Stihl chainsaw?
The Stihl MS 461 is the most powerful Stihl chainsaw. It is a professional-grade gas-powered chainsaw with a 76.5 cc engine, and a bar length of 32-inches. It can be used for any type of work, no matter how heavy.
What does MS mean on a Stihl chainsaw?
MS stands for motorsagen, which is German for motor saw.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Stihl is a reputable chainsaw production company that has produced top-rated power saws in the world. But the ones mentioned above are among the best Stihl chainsaws.
These power tools feature some high-end technology, such as anti-vibration, are environmentally friendly, and the ones powered by gas have high fuel efficiency. So whether you are a professional or a homeowner, if you use Stihl products, you will never be disappointed.