Chainsaw Buying Guide: How to Choose a Chainsaw

STIHL MS 171, MS 181, MS 211 are lying on tree trunks in forest

THE RIGHT STIHL CHAINSAW FOR YOUR JOB

Choosing the right STIHL chainsaw is a significant decision, especially for first-time users. Our extensive range features petrol, battery, and electric models, spanning from compact garden tools to professional-grade saws for forestry work. This guide helps you navigate our diverse options to find the perfect fit for your needs.

It is essential to consider what material you will be cutting, the type of property you have, how often you will be using your chainsaw and the specific power type you are seeking. Take our quiz to match up the best chainsaw for your needs:

As the No. 1 petrol Chainsaw manufacturer in the world, STIHL knows a thing or two about Chainsaws so check out our Chainsaw buying guide below.

HOW LONG ARE YOU GOING TO USE THE CHAINSAW FOR?

Are you going to be using your Chainsaw all day every day? Or only once or twice a year? Chainsaws that are designed to be used for long durations have higher quality components and therefor cost more, they can also be heavier. If you are only going to be using your saw a few times a year for trimming branches and general clean up work a home user Chainsaw will be sufficient. However, if you use your Chainsaw regularly for long durations, you will appreciate the extra power and features of the Chainsaws in the Farming Range ↓. These models are more robust and are designed to withstand the demands of frequent use, though they can be heavier. The additional power and enhanced features make them ideal for those who require reliable performance for extended sessions.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO BE CUTTING?

The most important thing to consider is what you will be cutting. Will your saw be used to prune small branches from larger trees or shrubs? Will it be used to fell small trees in the garden? Or will it be used to saw your own firewood, turning the bigger logs into the perfect size for the fire?

If you know you need to get through larger branches or logs, the best Chainsaw for you may be one with a bit more power. But if the timber you are sawing is smaller, then one of our lighter weight or battery models will be ideal. Although it may be tempting to think bigger is better, we would always suggest that you use the lightest saw for the job. A saw that is comfortable to use is also safer to use. Find a well-balanced machine with a good power-to-weight ratio: light enough to handle with the power to do the job.

Another good tip is that although it is not as convenient a larger saw can always be used for smaller work but it is not possible to use a small Chainsaw to cut big logs, so always select your Chainsaw based on the largest jobs you are likely to do.

Woman cutting firewood with STIHL MSA 200 in her garden front view

FACTOR IN CHAINSAW COSTS FOR YOUR NEEDS

What can you afford? Consider the life time you want from your Chainsaw and remember, ”you get what you pay for”. The question to ask yourself is “how often will I be using it”? If you will be using the saw regularly then you should consider buying a more robust model. If you are only using the saw occasionally we recommend buying the entry level model of the power class you need.

HOW MUCH POWER DO I NEED?

Larger wood needs a larger bar and chain and therefore more power to drive it. STIHL chainsaws are always spec’d with the ideal power for the bar that comes standard when you purchase the saw. Consider the bar length you need as a guide but be mindful that whilst it can cut through larger logs, the larger the bar, the heavier and more cumbersome the saw is to handle, making it less manoeuvrable.

DOES THE WEIGHT OF MY CHAINSAW MATTER?

A heavy Chainsaw may have more power, but it can also be more tiring to work with. Safe operation of the saw requires that you can confidently hold onto it for the duration of your work. STIHL offers a range of models, from lightweight options ideal for general garden tasks to robust chainsaws suited for demanding work. Always consider your comfort level and strength when choosing the best chainsaw to buy; a model that is easy to control is safer and less tiring.

BATTERY vs PETROL CHAINSAWS

Both battery chainsaws and petrol chainsaws offer distinct advantages, making each suitable for different applications.

STIHL battery chainsaws are ideal for smaller garden and household tasks. They deliver quiet, low-maintenance performance with excellent ease of use, making them perfect for homeowners who value convenience, portability, and quick start-up without the need for fuel.

In contrast, petrol chainsaws provide greater cutting power and longer runtime. This makes them the preferred choice for professional landscapers, arborists, and forestry work. For heavy-duty jobs or extended cutting sessions, a petrol chainsaw offers the strength and durability required.

STIHL BATTERY CHAINSAWS

Close-up: Sawing slat with MSA 140 C-B in garage

Our cordless battery chainsaws are among the lightest in the STIHL range, offering exceptional convenience. With no fuel mixing required, simply insert the battery and start cutting at the push of a button.

These chainsaws operate very quietly with zero exhaust emissions, making them ideal for residential areas. Models like the MSA 60 and MSA 70 are part of the AK System , providing excellent performance for cutting firewood, branches, and general garden maintenance.

On a single charge, you can achieve approximately 100 cuts of 10cm x 10cm timber (depending on wood type). These saws can comfortably handle branches up to 30cm in diameter, making them a versatile option for everyday use.

Both models feature STIHL’s quick chain tensioning system, allowing for easy, tool-free adjustment. Batteries are interchangeable across the AK System range , so you can seamlessly switch between tools such as blowers, line trimmers, lawn mowers, and hedge trimmers.

The MSA 70 offers slightly more power than the MSA 60, while the MSA 80 steps up further with increased performance and a longer guide bar for more demanding tasks.

If you need to cut larger logs and branches or even fell small trees, then the MSA 160, MSA 200 C-B, MSA 220 and MSA 300 are great options, part of the AP System , alongside over 25 other battery-powered tools, these three saws offer more power than the AK range.

The MSA 220 is a professional grade battery Chainsaw, when used with the AP 300 S battery it offers performance that matches the high levels of our petrol range, this is a very popular option for Farmers and Fencers. The MSA 300 is the most powerful battery Chainsaw in the STIHL range, paired with the AP 500 S Battery it offers unparalleled cutting performance. The MSA 161 T is also a top handle saw and a great option for Arborists working in noise sensitive locations.

All of these saws benefit from low vibrations and zero emissions. They are easy to start and use for those not confident in handling a petrol machine, with no need to pre-mix fuel and no risk of fuel going stale in your machine if you only use it occasionally. You will need to top up the chain oil but STIHL’s Ematic chain lubrication system provides maximum lubrication, longer wear and less oil consumption than conventional methods of chain lubrication. The transparent oil tank also means that you can easily see when you need to top up. We generally recommend topping up the oil when you swap or recharge the battery.

STIHL PETROL CHAINSAWS

A man using the MS 170 to cut tree branche

Petrol Chainsaws are the best choice if want to work for a longer amount of time away from a power source as you can take fuel with you and mix it on the go! Based on the current capability of battery, petrol also offers a wider range of power options (particularly higher power / larger saws). The down side to petrol is the higher maintenance requirements and the need to mix and store fuel. Also there is the noise, exhaust and environmental considerations.

To operate your petrol chainsaw you need a mix of petrol and engine oil to power and lubricate the engine. The recommended mix is 1 part engine oil with 50 parts petrol when using STIHL HP or HP Ultra 2-stroke oil (100ml oil to 5L petrol).

HOME USER PETROL CHAINSAWS

The Chainsaws in the Home User range are designed for cleaning up around the house and cutting firewood to size. Entry level petrol Chainsaws like the STIHL MS 162, MS 172 and MS 182 are a great value / low cost option for those with larger gardens or life style blocks.

The STIHL entry level Chainsaws have many of the same design features as the STIHL professional saws used by forestry workers, these include:

ANTI-VIBRATION SYSTEM

Vibrations from power tools can lead to negative effects on blood vessels. STIHL has developed a system for minimizing the levels. This also helps reduce operator fatigue and provides a more comfortable working experience.

SINGLE MASTER CONTROL LEVER

All the important functions of start, choke, throttle and stop are operated via a single lever.

EMATIC CHAIN LUBRICATION SYSTEM

A reservoir holds bar oil until it is picked up by the passing chain. This achieves maximum lubrication resulting in longer wear and less oil consumption.

ADDITIONAL STIHL CHAINSAW FEATURES

For those of you that want your Chainsaw to work just that little bit harder for you, as you move up through our range the models include additional features, these are sometimes indicated by the letters at the end of the model names. Here’s a quick guide to some of these features:

MS 181 C with comfort features

C = COMFORT

A C at the end of a model name denotes that the saw is a Comfort model, it has additional features to make it more comfortable to use.

ERGOSTART & PRIMER

E = ERGOSTART & PRIMER

STIHL’s innovative technology designed to make starting a petrol saw easier. The secret is an additional spring between the crankshaft and the starter rope rotor and when you push the primer button a small fuel pump delivers fuel to the carburettor. As a result the machine is easier to start.

QUICK CHAIN TENSIONING

B = QUICK CHAIN TENSIONING

Makes it very easy to tension the chain. Simply release the sprocket cover and turn the thumbwheel to set the optimum tension. You should never operate a saw with a loose chain, however, no tools are needed to tighten the chain on any of the saws with a B in their model name so it couldn’t be easier to ensure safe working.

SIDE CHAIN TENSIONING

There is a tensioning screw on the side of the Chainsaw through the sprocket cover. This is easy to use and removes the need for contact with the sharp saw chain.

2 MIX ENGINE

Modern, powerful and economical engine. Provides fuel savings and reduced emissions.

EASY OPEN FUEL AND OIL TANKS

Special caps on the fuel and oil tanks allow for easy opening and re-fueling

FARMING CHAINSAWS

Farming Chainsaws offer more power to handle more demanding jobs. They are great for tree felling, clean up, and firewood cutting. Farming saws are designed for more frequent use, and can be operated day in and day out. Homeowners with lots of firewood to cut or regular tree felling to do around their home will appreciate the extra power and durability of the saws in this range.

SUMMARY: SELECT THE BEST CHAINSAW WITH STIHL SHOP

When choosing a chainsaw, it’s essential to match the tool to your task, usage frequency, material, and comfort level. STIHL SHOP offers an extensive range of chainsaws, ensuring you’ll find one suited to both light and heavy tasks. For garden trimming, lightweight battery models are easy to handle. For larger projects, a more powerful petrol model might be the better choice. No matter the job, STIHL SHOP’s chainsaws combine durability and expert engineering so you can find the best chainsaw to buy for your needs. Visit STIHL SHOP online to explore our chainsaws and find the perfect match for your outdoor tasks.

Select a chainsaw based on the largest material you plan to cut.
Choose the lightest, saw that still delivers the required power.
Get a robust, higher-quality model for frequent use; entry-level for occasional tasks.
Use battery models ease of use; petrol for heavy, long-duration work.
Match bar length to log size, longer bars increase weight and reduce manoeuvrability.

Chainsaw Buying Guide: What Chainsaw should I Buy?