Thread: Stihl chainsaw choice

older brother cut cord of kanuka with 1 and a bit batteries...so milage does vary.

The battery MSAs are like any other tool, use them in a situation for which they are suited and they will significantly aid productivity. I got mine after the boss at the local sawmill had to step in cause the guys tailing out were scrapping to get the battery saw - it was that good. Doing rail work mine will go all day cutting both ends of every rail - and we usually get through at least a pack and a bit a day - sometimes I'll get into the second battery. Cutting heavy firewood I doubt we'd get past smoko before needing the third one ... but you'd be farken stupid to start with a battery saw.

I have had a MS180C for a few years now.
Replaced a Husqvarna 45 that had done a lot of work.
Went with this as at the time liked it better than the equivalent Husky.
Liked the "finger" wheel chain tensioner it is bloody quick.
Main reason I got it is that it balances well bar doesn't drop or come up when holding in one hand.
I use a bigger Husqvarna to knock down big gums then do a lot with the little Stihl.
Agree with one comment earlier the chains are pissy little things and you have to allow for that.

@7mmsaum. Yes, Husqvarna do have the advantage of higher battery capacity 337 versus 281Wh at higher initial $ outlay. Pruning wood like pictured the Stihl unit is good for 150-160 cuts, Husky probably do a few more. Would be interested to know battery life doing full length bar cuts through dry pine logs as a comparison.
PS. I'm not trying to start a Husky/Stihl shitfight, just interested.

Originally Posted by woods223

@7mmsaum. Yes, Husqvarna do have the advantage of higher battery capacity 337 versus 281Wh at higher initial $ outlay. Pruning wood like pictured the Stihl unit is good for 150-160 cuts, Husky probably do a few more. Would be interested to know battery life doing full length bar cuts through dry pine logs as a comparison.
PS. I'm not trying to start a Husky/Stihl shitfight, just interested.

Stihl are bringing out 500s battery.
Not sure on the improvement but will be better again than the 2 previous versions.
I love my stihl battery saw and it gets thrashed at work and home.
Just bought the hedge trimmer skin and that goes well to.

Sent from my SM-A226B using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by Tentman

Unless you're cutting a winters worth of firewood I'd get a Sthil battery MSA 200 with 2 or three batteries. I use mine everyday in my fencing business and have only used my big saws once or twice a year in the last 5 years. As a fencer I get quite a bit of tree work and the battery saw handles it all. They do need to be kept razor sharp and consequently I'd say chains only last about 2/3s of a normal one.

I’ve gone electric and I love chainsaws. Your son has a bigger saw if needed, and I am blown away how easy and effective the modern battery saw is. You get tired before running out so time for a rest and battery change/charge

Originally Posted by erniec

I have had a MS180C for a few years now.

Agree with one comment earlier the chains are pissy little things and you have to allow for that.

go see an old school saw guy..and see if can change that...sometimes its as easy as change sprocket and bar....

Nah it is all good just have to be aware of them.

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I ran 2 Ms 170 & put a carving bar on then for work fencing then after bot 2 years the fencing one comes home for firewood & hunting & what ever else I can cut can't complain bout them at the price off them with new bar & chain I wouldn't take them to shop to fix when they play up time for new one. If you don't like the size of bar or chain talk to your local shop they should change to what you want me local Stihl shop have just bot change all the saws bars that iv brought

For the money hard to go past the 170. Think I got mine on a gst free deal and was under $300. About 6 years old and still going strong.

They want the same money second hand. I could sell it and throw another $100 in to buy a new one.

Thanks to everyone for their input. A mate has GIVEN me a Stihl 211. That will do for the trimming and a couple of fellings, before being cleaned and stored for next season. I appreciate that battery tools are the way to go, but the 211 will do the work.

photo needed....

Originally Posted by Ingrid 51

Thanks to everyone for their input. A mate has GIVEN me a Stihl 211. That will do for the trimming and a couple of fellings, before being cleaned and stored for next season. I appreciate that battery tools are the way to go, but the 211 will do the work.

I dunno, petrol power works for me - unless I had two chargers and a fleet of batteries a cordless wouldn't do the job unless it was a quick trim of a busted branch and in that case I often reach for the Sabre saw as its more accurate and can fit into tight spaces without unintentional side chops...