Stihl's machinery has been produced for over 80 years and is very popular among amateur and professional craftsmen. The brand has long become synonymous with timeless quality, excellent ergonomics and high performance. The secret of success is total quality control of products at the stage of selection of raw materials, and Stihl's production facilities are located in Germany, USA, Brazil, China. The company specializes in the production of garden equipment, in particular, gasoline chain saws. The model series includes dozens of different modifications: from light “home” ones to powerful ones suitable for rescue operations, felling and construction. Our editorial team studied the features of all models and selected the TOP of the best Stihl chainsaws in 2020.
Rating of the best Stihl chainsaws
In terms of reliability, the saws of the German manufacturer are the best on the market. Regardless of the class and technical characteristics, the user receives an excellent unit with a long working resource. Therefore, different models were included in the review - light, medium and heavy saws. They are the best representatives with the optimal combination of power and performance.
1. STIHL MS 880-36
The best professional Stihl chainsaw is able to dramatically reduce the usual turnaround time due to outstanding performance. Its high technical equipment, real German quality and performance fully justify the impressive price. In its arsenal there are summer and winter operating modes, heating the carburetor, all kinds of security systems. The filter element filters out even the smallest dust particles, significantly extending the service interval. The power-to-weight ratio of the chainsaw is such that the density and diameter of the wood does not matter to it. One of the heaviest chainsaws starts in all conditions the first time. To harness this power (8.7 HP), the manufacturer has equipped the tool with very effective vibration damping and emergency stop systems in the event of abnormal situations.
Advantages:
- highest power;
- big cut;
- reliability;
- effective vibration damping system;
- electronic engine control;
- heating the carburetor;
- easy start;
- Convenient control allows you to hold the saw with two hands during any manipulation.
Disadvantages:
- high price;
- increased noise level;
- demanding on fuel quality.
2. STIHL MS 661-28
The MS 661-28 is the ideal combination of high power (7.3 hp) and maximum ergonomics. The saw weighs 7.4 kg, but the design is so well thought out and convenient that it is very comfortable to work with it. Electronic engine management ensures power is maintained and 2-MIX technology has reduced fuel consumption by 20%. The set of advantages is complemented by the latest development - 2D filters, which absorb the finest dust, and the M-Tronic easy start system from Stihl. The chainsaw is designed for extreme loads, according to reviews, it is unpretentious to weather conditions and, with proper maintenance, works flawlessly.
Advantages:
- convenient for long-term use;
- low vibrations;
- optimal tire size;
- more economical than models with a conventional 2-stroke engine;
- electronic regulation of fuel supply;
- wear-resistant starting system.
Disadvantages:
- requires competent service.
3. STIHL MS 361-18
Hidden under the body of this powerful and dynamic chainsaw is 4.6 HP, which greatly expands the range of use. A quality saw will easily cope with any gardening work, suitable for thinning medium-density plantings, construction. The main features of the model are a robust body and a reliable design, ultra-low vibrations. The manufacturer has increased the efficiency of the engine by introducing the technology of four-channel fuel mixture supply.The special design of the engine has significantly reduced fuel consumption, which is confirmed by numerous reviews from buyers. Also, the owners claim that the saw is unpretentious and trouble-free.
Advantages:
- high performance and power;
- dynamic acceleration;
- efficiency and increased torque in a wide rpm range;
- well-developed lubrication system;
- effective anti-vibration system;
- endurance and reliability in various working conditions.
Disadvantages:
- high price.
4. STIHL MS 260
This versatile chainsaw has become very popular, the model is suitable for domestic use, small construction, harvesting firewood, cutting through thickets, as well as for cultivation and thinning. The saw combines all the best from Stihl - the ElastoStart easy start system, which reduces the load on the hands, the high-quality Ematic chain lubrication system, and the QuickStop brake. The chainsaw is unpretentious in operation, cleaning the filters is required only in case of serious contamination, it is equipped with an anti-vibration system and a heated carburetor.
Advantages:
- easy start in any climatic conditions;
- good power reserve;
- oil supply adjustment;
- reliability and practicality;
- really low vibrations;
- comfortable design.
Disadvantages:
- tangible weight;
- high noise level.
5.STIHL MS 201 TC-M
According to user reviews, this chainsaw is most suitable for use on a personal plot or a small farm. Thanks to the short base, the tool is very maneuverable, which is especially important when looking after trees and shrubs, as well as in construction, when it is often necessary to work in confined spaces. A high-quality saw is made in the best traditions of the brand, all parts are tightly fitted, operation is simple and convenient.
Advantages:
- short base;
- light weight;
- great resource;
- ease of maintenance;
- decent performance;
- ergonomics.
Disadvantages:
- demanding on the quality of chain sharpening.
6.STIHL MS 193 C-E-14
Lightweight - less than 4 kg in running order, and the handy small-class chainsaw is designed in such a way as to provide maximum comfort when working. Low noise level and complete absence of vibrations, ideal weight distribution, starting "from half a turn" in any weather, tensioning the chain without tools make it possible even for women to work as a saw. At the same time, like other similar tools from Shtil, this model has good performance and the highest quality. The downside is the high cost of service in branded centers, but original consumables and oils significantly increase the service life.
Advantages:
- lightweight design;
- lack of vibrations;
- simple control;
- hardy engine;
- easy start;
- excellent weight distribution reduces stress on the hands.
Disadvantages:
- high cost of maintenance and original spare parts.
7. STIHL MS 250 C-BE
Optimum for private use characteristics and weight allow you to use this saw very intensively. A sufficiently powerful gasoline engine will not save you in front of difficult tasks and will easily cut several cubic meters of firewood in one day, will help in building a house or a bathhouse and will not overheat when felling wood. Also, to make the operator's work much easier, this is the best price ratio - the quality of the chainsaw is equipped with an ErgoStart system, keyless chain tension adjustment and a powerful brake that is responsible for safety in emergency situations. And the adaptive lubrication system saves chain oil by adjusting the flow based on the load.
Advantages:
- winter / summer mode;
- lightweight cold start;
- chain tensioning without tools;
- anti-vibration system;
- capacious filling tanks for continuous operation at one filling;
- the lubrication system reduces the oil supply when the load is reduced.
Disadvantages:
- systematic cleaning of the drive sprocket from sawdust is required.
8. STIHL MS 230
The popular MS 230 model is equipped with an unpretentious 2.5 hp gasoline engine, sufficient for cutting small trees, dead wood, harvesting birch firewood and other works on a personal plot. Small weight and dimensions allow you to easily transport the saw in the trunk of a car, take it to the dacha or fishing. The time-tested design is very reliable, but not without drawbacks; the absence of viewing windows makes it difficult to control the remaining fuel and oil. The saw has no other disadvantages.
Advantages:
- easy start function;
- combination of price and opportunity;
- excellent build quality and components;
- copes with hard wood;
- low noise level;
- anti-vibration system.
Disadvantages:
- there are no inspection windows to check fuel and oil residues.
9. STIHL MS 180-16
One of the simplest models of the company, it has such valuable qualities as unpretentiousness and reliability. Its capacity is not enough for logging, but in everyday life this tool is optimal. An inexpensive and good saw can cut firewood, knock down a dead tree in an area, or cut down obstructing branches. The chainsaw is also irreplaceable during construction. Unlike the more powerful models in the range, the MS 180-16 weighs only 4 kg, which allows it to be used when the operator does not have a stable position. Another important feature is a compensator that saturates the fuel mixture with oxygen when the filter is clogged. According to user reviews, this Stihl chainsaw does not have significant drawbacks, the main disadvantage is called a small tank volume and an unstable cold start.
Advantages:
- low price;
- light weight;
- moderate fuel consumption;
- one-handed operation;
- well-developed ergonomics;
- can work with a clogged filter.
Disadvantages:
- small tank 0.25 l;
- the first start is difficult in cold weather.
10. STIHL MS 170
The lightest chainsaw in the range is perfect for carpentry and other jobs where high precision and cut quality are required. To compensate for the low power, the manufacturer increased the engine speed and installed a narrower chain, which ultimately had a positive effect on productivity and cleanliness of the cut. Although the saw is selling for a low price, the quality of its workmanship lives up to the brand's impeccable reputation. With this chainsaw, you will not encounter common problems such as oil leaks or difficult starts. The only drawback of the chainsaw is a plastic toothed stop, metal is installed on top, but you have to buy it separately.
Advantages:
- convenient control;
- light weight;
- affordable price;
- high quality workmanship and resource;
- smooth cut of any materials without chips;
- profitability;
- no chain oil leaks even during long storage.
Disadvantages:
- the delivery does not include a metal spike.
Which chainsaw is better to choose
Lightweight household Stihl chainsaws are perfect for home use - various gardening and dacha works, preparing firewood, private construction. They are distinguished by their low weight, compact design, and short tire length. Mediums are suitable for private construction and rare use in industrial conditions. Heavy and powerful saws are ideal for use in harsh conditions:
- in construction;
- when felling wood;
- for rescue and other work where maximum performance is required.
Our rating of Stihl chainsaws, which united the top models, will help in choosing the best unit. Which is better is up to the buyer. Having familiarized yourself with the pros and cons of gasoline technology, it is easier to understand a wide variety of modifications and make a good purchase.
