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Best STIHL Chainsaws 2019 – Electric, Gas, Battery-Powered Reviews
The STIHL Company began producing chainsaws in the 1960s and has become a reliable and sought-after brand for professionals and DIYers alike.
Their chainsaws come in different sizes and power levels, and this we wrote this guide to outline the best STIHL chainsaws and their features so you can know what model fits to your needs. We researched and tested some models, and we found most of them being durable, powerful and worthy chainsaws.
Our favorites are the MS 170, a light and fast-cutting chainsaw, and the MS271, a powerful backwoods and farm tool that makes cutting firewood easy.
STIHL MS 170 REVIEW
This model has a 30.1 cc motor that is powerful enough to feeling, trimming and pruning small tress and cutting firewood. It’s a lightweight and compact model that comes with an anti-vibration system that helps keep your hands and arms from getting tired while cutting, and can be equipped with a 12,14 or 16 inch guide bar.
We tested the STIHL MS 170 and we found it was light, maneuverable and fast, so if you want a professional grade tool for an affordable price, this is a good model.
STIHL MS 250 REVIEW
The MS 250 features a 45.4 cc motor ideal to cut medium to large firewood and moderate trees. It can be equipped with a 16- or 18- inch bar, and there’s a side-access chain tensioner that makes it easy to adjust the chain tension with a bar wrench, and the fuel and oil caps can be accessed without using any tool.
STIHL MS 271 REVIEW
The MS 271 is known as the Farm Boss because it combines power and portability. It has a 50.2 cc engine that can cut large logs and medium-sized trees when necessary, and it’s similar to the MS 290 and MS 029 that are no longer in production, just that it weighs less, so it’s more portable, fuel efficient and better than its predecessors. But you should keep in mind that its powerful engine also makes it loud, so we don’t recommend you to use it for light yardwork around your home.
STIHL MS 170 C-BQ REVIEW
This is a good model for homeowners. It’s electric but features a good amount of power. The 13.1 amp motor can handle jobs like medium tree felling, trimming and cutting medium-sized firewood (around 10-inch logs). It comes with a two-year warranty and can be equipped with a 12 to 16 inch guide bar. It weighs only 9.4 pounds, so it’s maneuverable, and it also comes with a chain stopping system (STIHL Quickstop) that can prevent injuries during chain kickback.
STIHL MSE 250 C-Q REVIEW
This is another electric model, but it’s suitable for professional use. It features a 15.0 amp motor and can use 16 to 20 inch guide bars. It weighs around 11 pounds, so it’s a heavy chainsaw. You just have to plug it in, press the start button and that’s it, it will be running. There’s a red LED light that indicates when the motor starts to run too hot, so you can prevent motor damage.
STIHL MSA 160 C-BQ REVIEW
The MSA 160 C-BQ is easy to start and easy to handle. It features a built-in battery that offers up to 50-minutes of operating time, depending on the usage. It weighs 6.8 pounds without the battery, so almost anyone can use it. It comes with the Quickstop feature to prevent you from getting hurt in case of chain kickback, and it also has a chain adjuster that enables you to adjust the tension without using any additional tool. It’s a cordless model and you should note that the battery and the charger are not included with the purchase.
STIHL MS 150 T C-E REVIEW
This is a top-handle chainsaw that only weighs 5.7 pounds and has a 23.6 cc motor that is gas powered and great for in-tree branch cutting (Note: this activity should only be attempted by professionals). The size and power combination makes this one of the best models from STIHL.
STIHL MSA 200 C-BQ REVIEW
Stihl MSA 200 C-BQ
- Power: 36V
- Power source: Battery
- Runtime: Up to 45 minutes
- Bar size: 10-14 inches
- Weight: 8.19 lbs
- Warranty: 3 years
PRO TIP
This is one of the best battery-powered chainsaws because of its light and small design. It’s suitable for pruning, limbing and chopping up firewood, but it can only use up to a 14-inch bar. However, it’s a great model for easy jobs, since it’s quieter than most of the bas powered chainsaws and can be used in suburban spaces. The battery can last about 45 minutes per charge, which is enough time for most tasks. Its chain isn’t as durable as others, so you will have to sharpen the teeth or replace the chain often.
PROS
- Cuts with ease
- Long-lasting battery
- Quiet operation
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
CONS
- Pricey extras needed
- The chain is a bit weak
STIHL MS 251 C-BE REVIEW
Stihl MS 251 C-BE
- Power: 45.6cc
- Power source: Gas, oil
- Bar size: 16-18 inches
- Weight: 11.9 lbs.
- Warranty: 1 year
The STIHL MS 251 C-BE powered gas powered chainsaw has received good reviews from most costumers. It can use 16-to 18 inch bar and comes with a chain-tightener that doesn’t require you to pull out a separate tool.
It produces fewer emissions than older models and has reduced vibration to make it more comfortable. The easy to start feature works most of the time, but some people had issues with flooding from time to time. On the downside, it’s expensive and comes with a one-year warranty, but you can use it for years if you maintain it.
PROS
- Tension adjuster
- Easy to start
- Powerful
- Reliable
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
CONS
- Expensive
- Gas guzzler
PRO TIP
For a classic gas-powered chainsaw that should cut through two-feet thick trees, you might want to consider this Stihl machine.
STIHL MS 271 FARM BOSS REVIEW
Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss
- Power: 50.2cc
- Power source: Gas, oil
- Bar size: 16-20 inches
- Weight: 12.3 lbs.
- Warranty: 1 year
If you are looking for a powerful chainsaw that is reliable and easy to start, this is the best model for you. The MS 271 features a 50.2 cc engine and can hold a 16- to 20 inch bar and should be enough for all the tasks in a farm or ranch. It also features an air filtration system to keep the chainsaw clean and running well.
However, you should take into account that it had some problems to start, in spite of its easy start feature. It’s more expensive than big-box options out there, and comes with a 1 year warranty.
PROS
- Good size
- Powerful
- Air filtration system
- Easy to use
CONS
- Expensive
- Harder to start
PRO TIP
If you need a robust gas-powered chainsaw for the bigger jobs on your land, this Stihl may be worth considering.
STIHL MS 461 REVIEW
Stihl MS 461
- Easy to start
- Powerful
- Reliable
- Easy to use
- Versatile
CHECK THE PRICE
The MS 461 is a professional-grade chainsaw from STIHL that is 20% more fuel-efficient than older models.
It can hold up to a 32-inch bar, but it’s a bit heavy. It’s easier to start thanks to the decompression feature. It has a 76.5 cc engine that is powerful enough for most jobs. The issues reported are the cost of the chainsaw and that the chain slips a bit and needs to be tightened often.
PROS
- Easy to start
- Powerful
- Reliable
- Easy to use
- Versatile
CONS
- Expensive
- The Chain needs adjustment often
PRO TIP
If you’re in the market for a professional-grade chainsaw, this Stihl gas-powered one that can hold up to a 32-inch bar might be right for you.
STIHL MSE 170 C-BQ REVIEW
Stihl-MSE-170-C-BQ
- Power: 13.1 amps
- Power source: Electric
- Bar size: 12-16 inches
- Weight: 8.4 lbs.
- Warranty: 1 year
This electric model is easy to use and is smaller size, capable of handling a 12- to 16 inch bar. It’s meant to be used around the house (even in indoors spaces), on little projects and for pruning and cutting up firewood. It starts with the push of a button and it’s easy to maintain. It doesn’t require gas, but it needs oil for the chain and bar.
It’s equipped with a chain brake to ensure you can stop the chain immediately in an emergency. Moreover, it comes with a tension adjuster so you can tighten the chain easily without using tools, but you will need an outlet to power this electric chainsaw.
PROS
- No fumes
- Easy to start
- Tension adjuster
- Chain brake
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
CONS
- Expensive
- Requires an outlet
PRO TIP
If you’re looking for a small, lightweight, easy to use, and eco-friendly chainsaw, this Stihl electric one might work well for you.
