5 Of The Best Stihl Chainsaws For Different Types Of Users

Stihl is one of the most popular power tool manufacturers in the world. The brand has been going strong since 1926 and makes some of the most powerful gas-powered chainsaws on the market. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Stihl came out on top in our rankings among major chainsaw brands. Professional arborists and homeowners alike turn to the Stihl name to provide essential cutting power when tackling all kinds of yard work requirements. The saws from this iconic maker fit right at home in the garage of suburban homeowners with a bit of a green thumb, rural homesteaders trying to manage the complex tasks of survival off the land, and professional tree trimmers. 

But there remains a question over which tool might be best for the individual user, because there is not a one-size-fits-all chainsaw — people's needs vary. These are five of the best Stihl saws on the market, and a general user profile that might get the best experience out of each tool.

A typical homeowner seeking solid cutting power to tackle standard yard maintenance tasks might consider reaching for the MS 180 C-BE. The 'C' in the model's name indicates that it brings comfort features into the design, an ideal consideration for users who need the power tool occasionally and want 'quality of life' features that tend to target consumer tool users rather than pros looking for more complicated systems that can be tinkered with more comprehensively. This chainsaw is ideal for a homeowner or any other light duty users who might want to cut firewood on occasion, perform routine tree trimming tasks around the yard, or even leverage the saw's power for basic demolition work when the need arises.

With Stihl's Easy2Start feature, users grabbing the MS 180 C-BE won't have to fight with the machine to get it running. This is a significant helping hand that will get the casual user ready to cut without the rigmarole that tends to factor into gasoline powered outdoor tool platforms. It also features a quick chain adjuster and vibration control that make operating the saw a smoother process. The saw's powerhead weighs 9.3 pounds, making it a light option that still produces 2 bhp through its 31.8cc motor. The recommended guide bar length is 16 inches, although it can accept a 12-inch alternative for those with even smaller demands on the tool.

Stihl is best known for its potent gasoline powered chainsaws, but the brand has dabbled in alternatives, too. For those hoping to bring in a greener option to the garage (or even the jobsite), Stihl's MSA 300 C-O chainsaw model offers a dynamic change of pace. The saw is Stihl's most powerful option running on the brand's AP battery system, and Stihl notes that it remains "truly a professional-grade chainsaw," even though its power source breaks the mold. The American Green Zone Alliance has certified the saw, giving it additional legitimacy for those seeking to replace their dependence on gasoline power.

The saw's powerhead weighs 9.9 pounds (14.1 pounds with a battery), making it reasonably easy to maneuver for a versatile professional cutting solution. The saw can provide up to 44 minutes' runtime when paired with Stihl's AP 500 S battery pack (running on a 36V system). The saw operates with a recommended 16-inch bar but is compatible with up to 20-inch alternatives. Built into the handle, users will discover the saw's electronic operating system, featuring a readout that displays the tool's performance metrics.

A niche chainsaw option, the Stihl MS 151 T C-E features a lightweight build and a 12-inch bar recommendation with additional compatibility for a 10-inch guide bar. The saw weighs just 5.7 pounds and offers a 23.6cc displacement (delivering a 1.3 bhp output). Upon initial inspection, it might seem odd to intentionally select a chainsaw that's smaller than average and produces less power than its Stihl peers. But not all chainsaw jobs require brawn and power — some can be performed more confidently with a compact saw like this one. 

For example, if you have to hoist yourself up a tree, a smaller chainsaw is almost always the appropriate solution. Up in the brush above, tree limbs are smaller, meaning a large bar won't produce the same kind of speed and power benefit that's useful when tackling thicker parts of the trunk. Similarly, a lengthy, heavier bar makes maneuvering in the tree harder and even dangerous.

This Stihl solution is a professional-grade option with increased fuel efficiency over its predecessor and a reduction in exhaust emissions. The top handle (noted by the 'T' in its naming convention) makes it even easier to handle in this challenging environment, and integrations like the QuickStop and Easy2Start functions improve safety and ease of use. 

Homesteaders and those living and working in agricultural settings can gain much from the addition of the MS 271 'Farm Boss' model from Stihl. As is the case with many other Stihl models, the name begins with the 'MS' designation, an abbreviation of the German 'chainsaw' (Motorsäge) and a nod to its heritage. However, unlike many Stihl options, the Farm Boss model doesn't include lots of additional letter indicators. It's a straightforward solution that excels at what it does. 

The saw includes heavy duty features that aren't present on more pedestrian and consumer-friendly models, adding essential coverage for those who will rely on their chainsaw for more significant clearance or felling tasks. The bumper spikes are a great example of this featural update. For everyday users chopping through smaller tasks, this inclusion simply isn't necessary. However, major shearing jobs — like those involved in the cleanup process on a farm after storm conditions — call for greater cutting force and added protective enhancements. These go a long way for users who will leverage the entirety of their guide bar and chain more frequently.

The MS 271 offers a side-access chain tensioner and an enhanced, pre-separation air filtration system. The saw boasts a fuel efficient engine that offers a 20% runtime improvement over the prior model. It's a middle-heavy weight option, coming in at a 12.3-pound powerhead, and provides 3.5 bhp through its 50.2cc displacement rating. It operates with an 18-inch bar.

Users who need the best in Stihl's lineup will often reach for the MS 881 R Magnum. This is Stihl's most powerful saw and features a wrap handle for coverage across numerous orientations you might require of the cutting chain. The saw is no joke, though, weighing 22 pounds and running with a recommended 25-inch guide bar (and offering compatibility with bars ranging from 21 inches all the way up to 41 inches). This is a professional chainsaw through and through, serving experienced tree service technicians and arborists throughout the trade landscape.

A 121.6cc, 8.6bhp engine powers the saw, and it features large bumper spikes that help users confidently work through the entire bar while cutting large diameter timber. It also operates with a reduced emission load and better fuel efficiency than its predecessors. Admittedly, this saw won't be the tool of choice for most users. Homeowners looking for a landscaping tool will want something more manageable, and even gardeners who don't specialize in tree trimming may want to pass on the mammoth solution. But for those who spend their days felling trees and tackling overgrown landscapes, this robust Stihl offering may be the perfect companion.