History

First sawing machines

The first sawing machines put an end to the purely manual forest work. The machines look strange and cumbersome today, but they were the first step in a development process involving generations of engineers and draftsmen, a process which is still continuing today to make the job of forest workers easier and safer.

With his inventions and his company, Andreas Stihl played a decisive part in molding this process.

Bucking chain saw with electric motor

Power output 2.2kW, weight 106 lbs. The first chain saw built by STIHL is a two-man saw for use in mill yards.

STIHL's tree-felling machine Type A

In 1929, Andreas Stihl presents his first chain saw with gasoline engine: the two-man saw has a power output of 6 HP and weighs 101 lbs.

First portable chain saw

STIHL presents its portable gasoline-driven chain saw at the Leipzig trade fair.

STIHL's patented saw chain

The company A. STIHL MASCHINENFABRIK in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt is awarded patent protection in 1932 for its 3-link patented "saw chain" with cutting and raking teeth for more efficient chip discharge.

Automatic chain lubrication

Chain and guide bar are automatically lubricated by an oil pressure lubrication system in the handpiece.

Bow saw BBÜ

This special-purpose saw is used in mill yards for cutting tree trunks to length.

Centrifugal clutch

The centrifugal clutch ensures that the saw chain is automatically advanced as the engine speed increases.

Two-man saw BDKH

The two-man gasoline-driven chain saw has a light aluminium alloy cylinder with chrome-plated surface. The machine weighs "only" 81 lbs. with a power output of 7 HP.

Two-man, gasoline-driven chain saw KS 43

Fan, tank and carburetor housing of the KS 43 (8 HP, 79 lbs.) are made of particularly lightweight diecast magnesium.

All-purpose tractor Type 140

STIHL's tractor is driven by an air-cooled two-stroke diesel engine built by the company.

One-man gasoline chain saw BL

The world's first gasoline chain saw for a single operator (35 lbs.) is equipped with a manually adjusted swivel carburetor allowing the saw to be used not only for bucking, but also for felling.

Earth auger BL 241

An attachment transforms the chain saw model BL into a planting-hole drill.

Two-stroke diesel engine Type 134

STIHL builds the two-stroke diesel engine to drive machines of every kind.

Gasoline chain saw BLK

The first really light chain saw weighs 24 lbs. Its model designation BLK stands for Benzin (petrol) - Leicht (light) - Klein (handy, compact).

Forest combination BLK

The range of uses of a chain saw is considerably enlarged by the use of attachments: clearing saw ("badger")

Release-cutting saw ("marten")

Thinning saw ("beaver")

Post and planting-hole auger

"Trash" pump for suction and delivery

All-position diaphragm carburetor

It is only when equipped with a diaphragm carburetor that the chain saw can be operated in literally any working position (e.g. for felling and bucking trunks without first having to swivel the carburetor by hand).

Gasoline powered chain saw contra

The use of power tools for forest work is finally established throughout the world with the advent of the STIHL Contra (6 HP, 26 lbs).

Chain Saw 07

The gearless 07 is presented at the industry trade fair in Hanover. It is designed for use in medium-density stands.

Chain Saw 08

The model 08 is not simply a chain saw. Its drive unit is designed and built for a variety of applications. Attachments are gradually introduced for new areas of use:

Anti-vibration system

The chain saw is now equipped with anti-vibration handle: carefully calculated buffer elements (red) absorb the vibrations produced by the engine and rotating chain before they are transmitted to the operator.

Chain Saw 040

On the occasion of the company's 40th anniversary, STIHL presents the one-man chain saw 040— it's a technical sensation: with a power output of 3.7 HP, the machine weighs only 15 lbs. For the first time, the power-to-weight ratio has been pushed below the level of 2.0 kg/HP.

Electronic ignition system

The chain saw model 041 AV electronic is the first machine with electronic ignition system ensuring trouble-free starting and optimum combustion.

OILOMATIC^® saw chain with self-lubricating effect

Chain oil is reliably delivered to the chain through precisely calculated oil ducts in the drive links. Advertising slogan at the time: "The chain that oils itself."

Mistblower SG 17

With its two-stroke engine, the mistblower SG 17 makes it much easier to spray liquids and granulated material, e.g. for crop protection and fertilization.

Chain Saw 030 AV

According to the trade journal "Holz und Motor," the new lightweight chain saw 030 with 3 HP power output is an "uncomplicated high-speed saw." It is eagerly used by professionals for limbing and thinning, as well as by non-professionals.

Throttle trigger lockout for chain saws

The throttle trigger lockout which is henceforth installed as standard in all chain saws prevents the chain starting up inadvertently.

STIHL Quickstop^® chain brake for chain saws

Triggered via the hand guard in front of the handle

Chain Saw 031 AVE

The 031 AVE with throttle trigger lockout, STIHL Quickstop^® chain brake, hand guard and anti-vibration handle.

Hedge trimmer HS 200

STIHL enlarges its range of garden care and landscaping equipment with the hedge trimmer attachment for the 020 AV chain saw.

Handle heating for chain saws

A switchable handle heating function ensures that the operator always has his machine under complete control, even in cold weather. Part of the exhaust heat is routed through the entire handle system for this purpose (Fig. 1). (From 1978 onward, the handles are heated electrically by means of heating elements, Fig. 2).

Occasional chain saw 015

The STIHL 015 is a chain saw for DIY "occasional" users.

Master Control Lever™ for chain saws

With the Master Control Lever™, the functions (cold start, start, run and stop) are operated easily and reliably via the handle.

FS 80

Already an indispensable machine for all professional garden and landscape maintenance work, clearing saws are now also being used by private gardeners. The FS 80 is one of the first brushcutters, as the particularly lightweight clearing saws are known. This machine can be equipped with a variety of cutting tools.

Blower BG 60

The handheld "air broom" quickly removes fallen leaves from large areas.

Lateral chain tensioner for chain saws

The saw chain is now tensioned through the sprocket wheel cover, preventing contact with the chain.

BioPlus™ chain lubricant

The vegetable chain oil for ecologically aware users is rapidly biodegraded in the ground. BioPlus™ has been awarded the "Blue Angel" ecology mark since 1988.

Multifunction handle for brushcutters

Brushcutters are equipped with the ergonomically designed multifunction handle for easy operation. The various engine functions are controlled via this handle.

Ematic™ system for chain saws

The Ematic™ system helps to protect the environment by reducing chain oil consumption and cutting operating costs.

Clearing saw FR 106

STIHL introduces a brushcutter with a backpack power unit for mowing and maintenance jobs in particularly difficult conditions.

Catalytic converter for chain saws

STIHL develops the world's first catalytic converter for two-stroke engines. It reduces the level of harmful hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas by 70 - 80 percent. The STIHL 044 C is the first chain saw equipped with a catalytic converter.

Saw chains with service mark

The new sharpening and wear marks on the chain teeth make it easier to resharpen the chain and to detect wear at an early stage.

Quiet Line™ for brushcutters

A spiral groove in the "quiet nylon line" reduces the unpleasant high-pitched tones which are produced when the nylon line rotates.

ElastoStart™ starter handle for chain saws and power tools

Starting chain saws and power tools is made much easier, for the damper integrated into the ElastoStart™ starter handle absorbs the peak forces perceived as jerks when pulling the starter rope.

Blower BR 320 L

With its backpack blower BR 320 L, STIHL introduces a low-noise blower specially designed for use in areas where noise is undesirable. The blower removes fallen leaves and refuse from large areas quickly and economically.

New smaller chain saws

A new group of homeowner use chain saws is introduced.

Special saw 020 T

The special saw for tree service is handy and can be guided with great precision. It is specially designed for in-tree use by tree service crews.

High-pressure cleaners and wet and dry vacuums

STIHL introduces high-pressure cleaners and wet and dry vacuums to round off its product range. The range includes hot and cold water high-pressure cleaners for all users. Wet and dry vacuums are similarly offered for both professional and around-the-home use.

STIHL ROLLOMATIC^® light guide bar for chain saws

The lightweight guide bar comprises two steel plates which are extensively cut out and the open areas filled with glass-fiber-reinforced polyamide, yielding a 38% reduction in weight.

023 L - the quietest gasoline chain saw in the world

The model 023 L is the quietest gasoline chain saw in the world.

Quick chain adjuster (QCA) for chain saws

When working with a chain saw, the chain stretches and must be retensioned from time to time. With the quick chain adjuster function, this can be done without any tools via a single adjusting knob. This extra convenience is first offered with the Compact chain saw 023 C and later also with the professional chain saw 026 C.

STIHL Quickstop^® Chain Brake System for chain saws

STIHL chain saws come equipped with a STIHL Quickstop^® chain brake designed to reduce the risk of injury in certain kickback situations. Some chain saw models have the Q system consisting of two braking systems.

STIHL Quickstop^® Chain Brake

Front hand guard activated either by manual movement of the hand guard forward or by inertia if there is sufficient force in the kickback. This system is designed to stop the chain within a fraction of a second.

STIHL Quickstop^® Chain Brake Q Braking System

(on selected products)
The large throttle lockout lever activates the second brake system. The right hand must be completely removed from the rear handle. This system is designed to stop the chain within one second.

Cut-off machine TS 400

The TS 400 cuts through steel as easily as through stone - a standard machine for the building trade, road construction, fire services and technical maintenance personnel.

Earth auger BT 106 C

The BT 106 C is the first earth auger in the world to be equipped with the STIHL Quickstop^® brake. If the drill jams in the earth, the drill brake is designed to trip before the operator loses control of the machine.

Pole pruner HT 75 and special hedge trimmer HL 75

With their long reach, these landscaping machines make it possible to service trees and trim tall hedges without leaving the ground.

Toolless Tank filler caps

New toolless filler caps for fuel and oil tanks are introduced for the first time on the model 029 and 039 chain saws. These caps can now be opened and closed without requiring tools.

Emergency "RESCUE" saw MS 460

The MS 460 is the first emergency rescue saw designed to meet the needs of such rescue services as the fire service, technical maintenance personnel and emergency services.

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Catalytic converters for occasional chain saws

STIHL now also supplies its chain saws for occasional users and other power tools with low-emission catalytic converter.

4-MIX^® engine

The revolutionary mixture-lubricated four-stroke engine combines the advantages of two-stroke and four-stroke units: fewer emissions, lower weight, higher torque.

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Easy2Start™

The clever starting aid for compact chain saws and light brushcutters makes it much easier to start the machines.

STIHL YARD BOSS^®

Engine + Tool = YARD BOSS^®. The YARD BOSS^® has a power output of 0.75 kW and can be combined with the appropriate attachment for almost any landscaping job. Changing tools takes next to no time. Designed for universal use, this system has numerous applications such as lawn care, breaking up the soil and cleaning paths and patios. The frame simply folds down for convenient carrying, transport and space-saving storage.

Chain Saw MS 880

With a power output of 6.4 kW (power to weight ratio 1.6 kg/kW) the MS 880 chain saw is the range-topping model in STIHL's chain saw line. Designed for tough demands and extreme stresses when working in hard wood.

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Cut-off machine TS 700

From steel to stone, concrete or asphalt, the STIHL TS 700 with its 5.0 kW power output copes effortlessly with even the toughest applications. The redesigned two-stroke engine with stratified scavenging technology already complies with the strict future exhaust emission limits. The long-life air filter system with cyclone air routing enables long filter life. The FW 20 cart was developed specially for use with the TS 700.

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Handheld Blowers and Shredder Vacs set new standards

As compared to previous models, the new STIHL BG 86 and BG 86 C-E handheld blowers and the SH 86 C-E shredder vac provide the same level of performance while offering a 20% reduction in fuel consumption, which lowers operating costs and significantly reduces exhaust emissions.

STIHL Earns Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award

Popular Mechanics honored STIHL with a 2010 Breakthrough Award for the STIHL HSA 65 hedge trimmer, the first product with 36-volt STIHL Lithium-Ion battery-power technology. The HSA 65 was one of only 10 products recognized with a Breakthrough Award which celebrates the “most brilliant innovators and products of the year.”