What Are The Sizes Of Stihl Chainsaws?
First, you need to decide how you plan to use it. Stihl chainsaws come in five categories
- Homeowner – for small jobs around your house. Not designed for daily use
- Farm/ranch These are durable chainsaws made for everyday use. These can be used to cut firewood and fell trees.
- Professional – These are the most powerful saws and are used for cutting large firewood, tree services, and logging. Stihl also sells in-tree saws that are shorter, lightweight, and have a top handle
- Battery – Most of these are intended for homeowners-light cutting and storm cleanup as well as firewood cutting. Stihl just introduced the MSA 161, which is a battery-operated, professional-oriented chainsaw.
- Electric -these models require electricity and can be used for small jobs around your house. However, the MS 211 or MS 250 can handle bigger jobs.
- For more information about chainsaws, see Chainsaws Everything you Need to Know.
This table will help you to get an idea of the numbers you should be looking for when you shop around at Stihl’s dizzying range of models.
The Best Stihl Saws In Every Category
These are our top picks based on customer feedback and features
Homeowner
The winner is the MS 251. We love the 20% fuel consumption reduction, which allows for more fuel cutting per tank. Additionally, it reduces fuel emissions by 50%. 2.2 horsepower, it weighs 54 kg, holds 374 grams of fluid, and uses 16 to 46 cm guide bars.
It also features the Stihl Easy2Start option, the Quick Chain Adjuster, and a Master Control lever, which allows the user to operate the choke, starting throttle lock and on-off switch with a single lever.
What We Like
- It’s easy to get started. Usually one or two easy pulls
- Lightweight. A chainsaw under 5 kg means you can work longer
- Effective vibration damper. The better the vibration of a saw,
Farm/Ranch
Here is the MS 271 Farm Boss. Along the same fuel reductions as the MS 251, this chainsaw has an innovative air filtration system that allows the air filters to last five times as long.
This saw is rated as having 2.6 horsepower, weighs 56 kg, and can handle guide bars between 16 and 51 cm. The fuel capacity is much higher at 479 grams. Along with the pre-Separation filtration system, the MS 271 also has a side-access chain tensioner and anti-vibration system.
What We Like
- Reliability. Reliability. A saw that cuts 6 firewood cords year after year is reliable.
- Performance. There arent too many chainsaws that can cut 100 cords of wood without needing repairs.
Professional
MS 261 C-M. This saw also has an onboard microprocessor, which allows for increased fuel system, lower emissions and emission reduction. Changes in work conditions, such as temperature, elevation, octane levels, dirty air filters, even elevation, are monitored by the Stihl M-Tronic system. To improve power-to-weight ratio, the MS 261 C-M has a slimmer housing.
Because of this, the MS 261 C-M weights 49 kg, a pound and a half less than the MS 271. It also has the largest fuel capacity at 479 grams. This model also features a decompression valve or deco valve.
What We Like
- We love the microprocessor. A chainsaw that adjusts to work conditions means a professional can be more efficient going from job site to job site
- Weight. Having a lighter saw makes difficult work easier
What We Dont Like About Stihl Chainsaws
There are so few negatives about Stihl chainsaws. Here are the two things we didnt like overall:
- The price. Stihl chainsaws are pricey. If models are on sale, you can find them at big box stores like Lowes or Home Depot. You can expect to pay around €70 for the smallest Stihl.
- Locating them. You cant order them online, nor can you drop by Home Depot and pick one up.
What Are The Prices Of These New Chainsaws?
Good question. Websites are a great place to find prices. The Stihl website has a map which shows you where different dealers are located. Don’t waste time. The map wont show them.
As weve said elsewhere, Stihl does not sell equipment online, nor does it provide prices for chainsaws, or anything other tools. Any link that reads Find dealer price will send you to the pointless map.
To locate new Stihl chainsaw prices, you have three choices:
- Go to the Ace hardware website. This is the easiest choice because it requires no additional searching. You should be able find the model you are looking for once you have identified it. You can also call your local shop if you don’t know the model you want.
- Find a dealer. You might not be able to find the answer. To find an authorized Stihl dealer, you will need to type authorized Stihl dealers into your web browser. One might even have prices. If you find a photo of the model with the price written on it, don’t be surprised. Once again, youll have to find your phone.
- Go to the store. Might as well because theyre not going to ship it to you. Make sure the store is open and head out. You wont need your phone unless youre the type that relies on Google Maps to get you anywhere.
Stihl Chainsaws On Sale: When?
This is possible at any time. Stihl products are sold directly to their authorized dealers, and it is up to the dealers to decide how to price them so they make a profit.
Bottom Line
Stihl still believes that face-to-face interaction is the best way to buy and sell a product. Thats why they dont sell their products online. Even if you use the Ace website to find a chainsaws price, you wont be able to buy one without going to talk to the helpful hardware folks. Are you looking for the best Stihl chainsaw? Check out, Best Stihl Chainsaws: Tops Picks & Reviews.
