Choosing the best Stihl chainsaw for your needs can make all the difference in efficiency, safety, and performance. Whether you’re a homeowner looking for a reliable saw for firewood or a professional arborist in need of a powerful tool, selecting the right chainsaw is crucial. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to find the best chainsaw for your specific requirements.
1. Types of Chainsaws
Before purchasing a chainsaw, consider the different types available:
Petrol Chainsaws
- Best for heavy-duty cutting tasks
- High power and long runtime
- Ideal for professional and forestry use
Petrol-powered chainsaws provide maximum power, making them the top choice for cutting large trees, processing firewood, and forestry work. The STIHL MS 500i is one of the best petrol chainsaws for professional use.
Battery-Powered Chainsaws
- Cordless convenience with no fuel emissions
- Low noise and minimal maintenance
- Ideal for home and farm use
For homeowners and occasional users, a battery-powered chainsaw like the STIHL MSA 220 C-B offers a perfect balance between power and ease of use, whilst the STIHL MSA 70 C-BE, is perfect for occasional cutting tasks like pruning and light firewood cutting.
2. How to Choose the Best Stihl Chainsaw for Your Needs
A. Power and Engine Size
The power of a chainsaw is measured in cc (petrol) or volts (battery). A higher cc or voltage means more cutting power, which is necessary for heavy-duty tasks.
B. Bar Length
The length of the guide bar determines the size of wood you can cut. Typical options include:
- 12″-14″ – Best for pruning and small branches
- 16″-18″ – Ideal for cutting firewood and medium trees
- 20″+ – Best for large trees and professional forestry work
C. Safety Features
Look for essential safety features such as:
- Chain brake – Stops the chain in case of kickback
- Anti-vibration system – Reduces hand fatigue
- Easy-start technology – Ensures effortless startup
D. Weight and Ergonomics
A lighter chainsaw is easier to handle, especially for long hours of use. Battery-powered chainsaws are typically the lightest, followed by petrol models.
3. Best Stihl Chainsaws for Different Users
Best Chainsaw for Homeowners:
STIHL MSA 60 – A lightweight and user-friendly tool, perfect for cutting firewood and garden maintenance.
Best Chainsaw for Firewood:
STIHL MSA 70 C-BE – A lightweight and versatile tool, perfect for homeowners tackling garden maintenance or cutting firewood.
Best Chainsaw for Professionals:
STIHL MS 500i – A powerhouse designed for professional forestry work in medium-density stands, combining robust performance with intelligent engineering
Best Budget Chainsaw:
STIHL MS 172 – A powerful and easy-to-use chainsaw designed for cutting firewood and felling small trees.
4. Chainsaw Maintenance Tips
To keep your chainsaw performing at its best:
- Regularly clean the air filter (for petrol models)
- Sharpen the chain for optimal cutting efficiency
- Use the right fuel mix for petrol chainsaws
- Check and tighten the chain before each use
- Store the chainsaw properly to prevent damage
Final Thoughts: Find the Best Stihl Chainsaw for You
Finding the best chainsaw depends on your needs, budget, and experience level. Whether you need a battery-powered chainsaw for garden maintenance, a petrol chainsaw for firewood, or a high-performance professional chainsaw, there’s a perfect option available.
For expert advice and to explore the latest STIHL chainsaws, visit our Swingfield depot.