Top 15 best chainsaws Stihl: rating 2021-2022 and what professional model is better

The German company Stihl has been on the market for over 80 years and is popular with both ordinary users, professionals and amateurs.

All models are characterized by high quality, excellent ergonomics through vibration dampening technology and ergonomic handles, and excellent performance indicators.

The range of models includes many modifications from light domestic to professional units. But how to choose the right chainsaw of this brand?

To understand this question, we have compiled for you a rating of the best Stihl chainsaws. The choice of models was made taking into account the ratio of cost and quality, performance and technical indicators.

Opinions of professionals and ordinary users, official statistics of purchases from Rosstat were also taken into account. Here you will find only the best models.

Rating of TOP 15 best Stihl chainsaws for 2021-2022

This ranking includes the best Stihl chainsaws according to experts and users for 2021-2022.

How to choose a Stihl chainsaw?

When choosing a suitable chainsaw, you should pay attention to such characteristics as:

• power - for domestic needs are suitable saws with a capacity of up to 2 kW, and professional units have indicators from 3 kW;
• bar length - most often domestic units are equipped with bars up to 40 cm in length, in professional models this indicator can be up to 120 cm;
• weight - the lighter the model, the easier it is to control and the later comes the fatigue during long work, but this indicator depends largely on the tank volume and engine power. The lighter models have less power;
• the availability of additional attachments - depends on the intended use of the saw. Some models are additionally equipped with nozzles for working on stone or concrete, mowing hedges.

Top 5 best Stihl chainsaws by price/quality for 2021-2022

STIHL MS 180 C-BE-16

A light chainsaw with good power to easily handle wood up to 0.4 m thick. This version is available with 16" tire. Equipped with excellent vibration damping, thanks to which even a long work session will not be unpleasant.

The patented QuickStop brake system is designed to stop the chainsaw in case of emergency. Additionally, the saw has a quick chain tensioning system, thanks to which it is popular with both amateurs and professionals.

It is an excellent helper when preparing firewood, construction work and work on the site for clearing thickets. Users note the unpretentiousness, quality of assembly, easy repair and maintenance.

Technical specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 1500 W / 2 hp;
• Chain pitch: 3/8" pitch;
• Chain bar length: 40 cm;
• Fuel / oil tank capacity: 0.25 / 0.145l;
• Weight: 4.2 kg

STIHL MS 180-16

It is a simple model, unpretentious in service, characterized by reliability due to quality components. It is universal in use, suitable for professional work, as well as for domestic use.

Copes well with firewood, trees up to 40 cm in thickness and building materials. It weighs a little, so it can be used in cases where there is no stable position, as well as to cut down high limbs and branches.

Compensator saturates the fuel mixture with oxygen. If the filter is clogged. The main disadvantage users highlight fast fuel consumption, a small tank and instability when starting cold.

Technical specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 1500 watts / 2 hp;
• Chain pitch: 3/8" pitch;
• Busbar length: 40 cm;
• Fuel / oil tank capacity: 0.25 / 0.145 L;
• Weight: 3.9 kg

STIHL MS 170

The junior model and one of the lightest in the range of garden chainsaws. It is in great demand among private buildersThe STIHL MS 170 is a popular choice for home builders, homeowners with stove heating and gardeners.

Has a high performance when cutting firewood and working with building materials, and trimming bushes and trees can be done even with one hand. Equipped with the traditional vibration damping system, the patented QuickStop chain brake technology, and compensators in the carburetor.

Ideal for precision work and cutting high branches, but for thick trees its power may not be enough.

Specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 1300 watt / 1.7 hp;
• Chain pitch: 3/8" pitch;
• Busbar length: 40 cm;
• Fuel / oil tank capacity: 0.25 / 0.145 L;
• Weight: 3.9 kg

STIHL MS 180-14

A domestic chainsaw for construction work or cutting firewood, as well as for work in the garden. Makes an excellent job with pruning For cutting or sawing fruit trees, logs up to 30 cm in thickness, pruning hedges.

Due to the light weight you can work with one hand, does not cause discomfort during long sessions of operation. Automatic chain lubrication is carried out depending on the intensity of work. Smooth start-up is ensured even when the chain is not in use for long periods of time.

The chain is easily tightened without tools. Like all the brand saws, it has a high quality assembly and components, a vibration damping system and a chain brake.

Specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 1500 watts / 2 hp;
• Chain pitch: 3/8" pitch;
• Chain spacing: 3/8"; Bar length: 40 cm;
• Fuel / oil tank capacity: 0.25 / 0.145 L;
• Weight: 3.9 kg

STIHL MS 230.

Low weight and good power margin make this model very relevant on the market in 2021-2022. It has the performance to allow you to Saw relatively large logs without any problems and pauses are not necessary due to the overheat protection. The only thing that requires a break is the need for refueling.

Has no sight-glasses in the tank, so to track the amount of fuel at the moment is difficult. Otherwise, the chainsaw is a great solution for both small jobs in firewood or construction as well as long-term work at logging companies.

Specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 1900 watts / 2.5 hp;
• Chain pitch: 3/8" pitch;
• Busbar length: 40 cm;
• Fuel / oil tank capacity: 0.47 / 0.2 L;
• Weight: 4.6 kg

Top 5 best light chainsaws Stihl

STIHL MS 260

The all-purpose model has good power to work with both logging and firewood and construction work. It has a special attachment for hedge trimming, and the power will be enough for cutting down trees in the garden.

Easy to maintain and operate due to the decompression valve. Does not cause fatigue even with a long session of work, has a relatively low weight. Not prone to breakdowns when used properly; remember that original spare parts cost a substantial amount.

Specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 2600 W / 3.5 hp;
• Chain pitch: 3/8 inch;
• Busbar length: 40-50cm; Fuel/oil capacity: 3/8";
• Fuel / oil tank capacity: 0.46 / 0.29 l;
• Weight: 4,8 kg.

STIHL MS 250

Reliable household chainsaw light format is famous for its versatility of purpose, good ergonomics and quality components. It easily copes with large volumes of firewood, thick limbs and trees in the garden or homestead, it can also be used for cutting hedges.

The low weight and vibration damping ensure high ergonomics and pleasure of working with the machine. Large tank guarantees long periods of operation without refuelling. Conserves fuel economically and greatly reduces exhaust emissions. Oil supply is automatic, which significantly reduces its consumption.

Technical characteristics:

• Engine: gasoline 2300 W / 3.1 hp;
• Chain pitch: 3/8" pitch;
• Busbar length: 40 cm;
• Fuel / oil tank capacity: 0.47 / 0.2 L;
• Weight: 4.6 kg

STIHL MS 230 C-BE

Powerful and reliable gasoline tool. Easily copes with thick building material and firewood up to 30 cm in thickness.

The two-stroke engine has plenty of power, an impressive service life and starts up quickly even in colder climates. Special automatic oil feed technology reduces oil consumption. Stable engine speeds are supported by a heated carburetor.

Low weight and quality vibration damping add to the ergonomics. However, with its power is characterized by a high level of noise, the manufacturer recommends the use of hearing protection during work.

Technical specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 2200 W / 3 hp;
• Chain pitch: 3/8 inch;
• Length of the bar: 45 cm;
• Fuel / oil tank capacity: 0.47 / 0.2 L;
• Weight: 4.9 kg

STIHL MS 211

Like all models of the brand, is characterized by high reliability, quality components and vibration damping system. Allows The lightweight, balanced and ergonomic design allows you to do a wide range of work around the house and outdoors.

Copes well with logs up to 40 cm in diameter, cuts quickly and confidently. Breakdowns most often occur with improper use, but even with errors in the assembly, the model shows itself very effective.

The quality of work is significantly affected by the use of proprietary lubricants, although they cost a little more expensive than usual.

Technical Specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 1700 W / 2.3 hp;
• Chain pitch: 3/8" pitch;
• Busbar length: 40 cm;
• Fuel / oil tank capacity: 0.28 / 0.18 L;
• Weight: 4.3 kg

STIHL MS 250 C-BE.

A functional saw, an excellent solution for a private home or farm. Powerful two-stroke engine copes well both with cutting firewood or building material and with the removal of old branches, dead wood and thinnings.

The model is easy to operate and maintain and is equipped with vibration damping, ergonomic handle, easy chain tensioning and automatic lubrication, typical of all brand models. However, the saw has a high noise level, so the manufacturer recommends the use of hearing protection during work.

Technical specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 2200 W / 3 hp;
• Chain pitch: 0.325 inch;
• Busbar length: 45 cm;
• Fuel / oil tank capacity: 0.47 / 0.2 L;
• Weight: 4.9 kg.

Top 5 best powerful Stihl chainsaws

STIHL MS 880-47

Professional chainsaw for long-term work withstands even extreme load, copes with even withstands extreme loads and can handle large wood. High performance is provided by the powerful engine.

The model is equipped with brand-specific systems for vibration damping, chain brake and automatic oil supply.

The chain is tensioned on the side, so there is no contact with the cutting parts. Smooth engine start is ensured by a decompression valve.

The chainsaw is quite heavy, but the comfortable handle guarantees comfortable use. The small tank requires regular refueling during prolonged work, but this volume is precisely designed for pauses in operation to avoid operator fatigue.

Technical Specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 6,400 watt / 8.7 hp;
• Chain pitch: 3/8 in;
• Bus length: 120 cm;
• Oil tank capacity: 0.7 l;
• Weight: 10 kg.

STIHL MS 880-36

Powerful professional chainsaw able to cope with large amounts of work, thick trees and hardwoods. It has excellent balance and is very comfortable to use despite its weight.

Has an increased chain pitch. The chain cuts through wood effortlessly with timely sharpening. It is reliable and easy to maintain, there are practically no weak points.

However, during the work is noisy enough, so it is recommended to use protective devices for hearing. The small volume of the tank is not enough for long-term work, with large volumes it is necessary to refill regularly.

Technical specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 6400 W / 8.7 hp;
• Chain pitch: 3/8" pitch;
• Bus length: 91 cm;
• Oil tank capacity: 0.7 l;
• Weight: 10 kg.

STIHL MS 661-28

Powerful chainsaw designed for professional work or for large volumes. A good solution for forestry and For forestry and forestry operations as well as large construction projects.

Time for cutting is minimal due to the high torque and it requires very little effort from the operator. However, the saw is heavy enough that it can be a bit difficult to handle without skill.

It starts up very quickly even after long idle times thanks to the easy-start hand start. The proprietary vibration dampening system is complemented by a well-balanced start system for good ergonomics. The accidental start lock and emergency brake system are available.

To avoid clogging the carburetor when not in use for more than a day, it is recommended to drain the fuel.

Specifications:

• Engine: 5,400 watt / 7.3 hp gasoline engine;
• Chain pitch: 3/8" pitch;
• Length of bar: 71 cm;
• Weight: 7,4 kg.

STIHL GS 461.

Professional model for felling large diameter trees, crosscutting tree limbs, sawing of hardwoods. hardwood, butt ends. Can be fitted with nozzles, not only with wood but also with concrete, brick, and stone.

Equipped with a system of automatic oil supply on the principle of "more speed - more oil", there is also a manual adjustment of the feed. There are two operating modes - winter and summer, in winter mode, the carburetor is heated by the exhaust gases.

Technical specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 4300 W / 5.8 hp;
• Chain pitch: 3/8" pitch;
• Length of the bar: 40-50 cm;
• Fuel/oil tank capacity: 0.8/0.325 L;
• Weight: 7.6 kg.

STIHL MS 661-20

High-performance saw for semi-professional use, equipped with a powerful engine with 2-MIX system For a quick and precise cut. Withstands long sessions of work, cutting large-sized wood.

Special technology M-Tronic provides hot and cold start and maintains the stability of the speed, improves accelerating performance. Equipped with additional automatic fuel system. Suitable for work with firewood and building materials, as well as for operation in logging conditions.

Technical characteristics:

• Engine: gasoline 5,400 W / 7.3 hp;
• Chain pitch: 3/8 in;
• Bus length: 50 cm;
• Weight: 7.4 kg.

Which firm is better - Stihl, Husqvarna or Makita?

These brands of saws, according to statistics, are some of the most popular and affordable. However, each firm has its own advantages and disadvantages in comparison with each other. Let's understand a little more about this issue.

The Husqvarna brand has Swedish roots and annually launches both the newest models and updated units. Gasoline saws are classified according to their purpose - there are both ranges of household units and powerful professional models. Even the simplest saws are of high quality and affordable prices. However, users complain about regular oil and gasoline leaks through plugs and leaking hoses, unpredictable starting and poor quality chains.

The Japanese company Makita not only puts chainsaws on the market, but also other equipment - drills, bolsters, grinders, etc., but saws are their priority. The company is stable on the market, has a high quality level, and regularly updates its assortment. There are household, farm, semi-professional and professional lines. They are distinguished by modern production technologies and high quality of assembly. However, the cost of both the models themselves and their accessories is very high.

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