Review of the 10 Best Stihl Chainsaws

A chainsaw is an indispensable tool for summer residents and residents of the private sector. To work with it was comfortable and useful, you need to choose the right model.
Stihl 170 – compact and functional
The compact and ergonomic sawing tool Stihl 170 is suitable for moderate-sized work in the garden or in the country. The chainsaw is equally good at logging and trimming trunks.
Characteristics
- power – 1.8 hp;
- vibration level – 4.9 m/s2;
- oil tank volume – 145 cm3;
- working volume – 30.1 cm3.
pros
- Weight 3.9 kg. It gives simplicity and maneuverability in movements.
- The QuickStop brake automatically disables all running processes on overloads.
- Anti-vibration system.
- Affordable and safe circuit setup.
- The Elasto Start design guarantees a quick tool start.
Minuses
- loud noise when turned on;
- frequent maintenance is required;
- no air and HD2 filters;
- there is no “smart” lubrication system that delivers oil to the right areas.
Stihl 180 – lightness in every movement
The Stihl 180 is designed for low-intensity timber construction and gardening.
Characteristics
- power – 2 hp;
- vibration level – 7.2 m/s2;
- oil tank volume – 145 cm3;
- working volume – 31.8 cm3.
pros
- Weight −3.9 kg.
- Brake QuickStop.
- Anti-vibration system.
- The modified compensator prevents emissions and reduces fuel consumption.
Minuses
- loud noise during operation;
- no air and HD2 filters included;
- there is no “smart” lubrication system and single-lever switching, which makes operation easier and more productive.
Stihl 211 – compact and reliable
Small, but powerful enough for its parameters, the model is designed to work in the garden. Not intended for sawing logs with a diameter of more than 10 cm.
Characteristics
- power – 2.3 hp;
- vibration level – 3.5 m/s2;
- oil tank volume – 265 cm3;
- working volume – 35.2 cm3.
pros
- Single lever control system. Cold and hot start can be done with one click.
- The automated brake stops working in a fraction of a second under extreme loads.
- The advanced anti-vibration system minimizes vibrations for a more comfortable operation.
- With the preheating of the carburetor, the tool is operated even in winter.
- The pre-filtered air filter pushes the heavier particles out.
- The Ematic lubrication system delivers every drop of oil to the correct compartment as precisely as possible. This saves up to 50% on lubrication.
- Four-channel technology increases engine efficiency while reducing fuel consumption.
- The fuel tank opens effortlessly.
- The design of the chain prevents hand contact with sharp parts.
Minuses
- noisy work.
- no HD2 filter.
Stihl 230 – practical and comfortable
Stihl 230 is more versatile than the previous model. Perfectly copes with logging and construction works of any complexity.
Characteristics
- power – 2.7 hp;
- vibration level – 7.35 m/s2;
- oil tank volume – 200 cm33;
- working volume – 42.8 cm3.
pros
- Single-lever push system expands device control options. Automated brake to stop processes under extreme conditions in a few moments.
- An advanced anti-vibration system smooths out strong vibrations that adversely affect human health with the constant use of such equipment.
- Side tension chain design prevents contact with sharp chain.
Minuses
- high noise threshold;
- no air and HD2 filter.
Stihl 250 – unconditional convenience
The power reserve of the Stihl 250 is enough for long-term work on the preparation of firewood, for the construction of a wooden building or cutting down a tree with a diameter of no more than 30 cm.
Characteristics of the chainsaw Stihl 250
- power −3.1 hp;
- working volume – 45.4 cm3;
- mental tank volume – 200 cm33;
- vibration level – 6.2 m/s2.
pros
- Chain brake system QuickStop brake. It instantly stops work in a critical working situation.
- The presence of a primer causes manual fuel supply to the carburetor.
- Pre-heating of the carburetor makes it possible to carry out work even in winter outdoors.
- Fast and easy chain tension function.
Minuses
- noise at work;
- frequent maintenance;
- no additional filters;
- an accurate lubrication system is not provided;
- there is no built-in system for simply opening the fuel tank.
Stihl 260 – reliability proven by experience
The model is popular with those who are often engaged in logging work of any complexity, building from wood, cultivating and thinning dense thickets of various plants, and passing cutting in small forests.
Characteristics
- power – 3.5 hp;
- working volume – 50.2 cm3;
- the volume of the mental tank – 290 cm33;
- vibration level – 4 m/s2.
pros
- System brake QuickStop brake.
- Lightweight and safe anti-vibration design.
- The depression valve reduces the force and intensity of pressing the start button.
- Accurate dosage of oil.
- The compensator regulates all working processes in the carburetor, which ensures long-term operation without breakdowns and frequent maintenance.
- Quick, easy and safe chain tension design.
- A catalyst is a device that reduces emissions by 80%.
Minuses
- noise at work;
- not equipped with air and HD2 filters;
- there is no built-in precise lubrication system.
- decent cost.
Stihl 361 – special dynamics
The Stihl 361 is designed for comfortable harvesting, thinning loose vegetation and timber.
Not recommended for cutting trees with a trunk diameter greater than 30 cm.
Characteristics
- power – 4.6 hp;
- working volume – 59 cm3;
- the volume of the mental tank – 325 cm33;
- vibration level – 3.6 m/s2.
pros
- advanced anti-vibration system;
- the depression valve reduces the level of starting pressure, which simplifies the process of work;
- the QuickStop brake system provides an instant stop of work;
- oil supply pump with high precision dosing of lubricant;
- four-channel system increases engine efficiency and reduces fuel consumption;
- the weight of 5.6 kg makes it possible to work continuously.
Minuses
- noise during operation;
- high price;
- no air and HD2 filters;
- there is no “smart” oil supply system.
Stihl 362 – innovations that make work easier
The medium-duty Stihl 362 handles all types of forestry work. But at the same time, you can not cut wood with a diameter of more than 30 cm.
If you need a tool for small cuts and neat refining, then the model in question will not work.
Characteristics
- power – 4.8 hp;
- working volume – 59 cm3;
- the volume of the mental tank – 325 cm33;
- vibration level – 3.5 m/s2.
pros
- The M-Tronic system automates engine start and adjusts fuel consumption depending on the operating mode.
- The combo lever is the same for cold/hot start, as the automatic system recognizes the operating mode, so manual switching is not required.
- The HD2 filter effectively filters even fine particles, while being easy to clean and replace without the use of additional tools.
- The pre-filtered air filter removes heavier particles to the outside.
Minuses
- noise at work;
- high price;
- there is no device for accurate dosing of oil into the desired area of the equipment.
Stihl 440 – versatility and high performance
Differs from previous models in high performance. Handles any gardening job and cuts down medium trees in lightly planted forest.
Characteristics
- power – 5.4 hp;
- working volume – 70.7 cm3;
- the volume of the mental tank – 275 cm33;
- vibration level – 7.5 m/s2.
pros
- simple and quick start is provided by a depression valve;
- additional functions in the form of warming up the carburetor ensure uninterrupted operation of the tool at sub-zero temperatures;
- automatic brake for safety;
- the compensator regulates the operation of the carburetor, extending the life without additional maintenance;
- safe chain adjustment system;
- quick opening of the fuel tank without additional devices.
Minuses
- M-Tronic system is not provided;
- noise at work;
- lack of air and HD2 filters;
- there is no precise oil supply system.
Stihl 660 – reliability and professionalism
The model is often found in sawmills, when felling timber. This equipment has been assigned a professional consumer class.
Characteristics
- power – 7.1 hp;
- working volume – 82 cm3;
- the volume of the mental tank – 360 cm33;
- vibration level – 7 m/s2.
pros
- modified design that suppresses strong vibrations;
- built-in depression valve makes work more efficient;
- an easy start function is provided;
- improved lubrication system extends the life of the equipment.
Minuses
- Weight 7.2 kg.
- High noise level.
- No air and HD2 filters.
Which chainsaw is better to buy
A universal chainsaw with acceptable technical characteristics and a high level of equipment is the 362 model. It is good for those who often use such a tool in their area and in the professional field.
If the work on the garden plot does not differ in duration, then the 180 model will be the best option. For finer and more maneuverable work, the 170 modification is ideal.
For those who constantly use such a tool at a professional level, the most powerful version of the 660 configuration will be ideal. Almost identical to the 440 model, but it is inferior to the previous one in power.
Model Rating
- Stihl 362;
- Stihl 211;
- Stihl 250;
- Stihl 660;
- Stihl 440;
- Stihl 361;
- Stihl 180;
- Stihl 170;
- Stihl 260;
- Stihl 230.
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