Testimonials: Chain Saws
Experience the best in chainsaws. From the moment you hold a STIHL chainsaw, your hands know the German engineering
thats synonymous with it's name. Your eyes behold the beauty and craftmanship while your mind relaxes in the confidence of a well built machine. A calmness settles over you as your inner woodsman breaks out and yells, FIND ME A TREE!!! Live the legend, experience the best saw money can buy, try a STIHL today.
Robert Thompson
Fruita, CO |
I realize that you folks probably get unusual pictures for your saws every day and this is not all that. I really felt safe and in control with my .021. My safety equipment is somewhat unusual. but I did have a face screen and gloves! Thanks for the light and powerful .021.
Ron Handel
Weiser, ID
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On or about the 18th of June I visited our local Quality Supply store to get some catalogues on chainsaws for a friend of mine whose chainsaw was getting on the old side. I received yours and a competitor's. I visited the friend and we looked at and discussed the saws and catalogues. He eventually purchased the competitor's and is sorry he did now. I, on the other hand, purchased your model MS 361. WOW!
I have my Dad's old McCulloch, a Pro Mac 700, that he purchased, used, back in the late 60's or early 70's. It has been a very good saw for me particularly with it's 28" bar and skip tooth chain. I also inherited a Jonsered 70E from a close friend. Both saws perform very well, particularly since I switched to synthetic 2-cycle mix oil. I needed another chainsaw like I needed another hole in my head. My wood cutting has been only for personal use for 30+ years. But!
I was so impressed with your 2007 catalogue that I had to purchase one of your saws. I guess it is my engineering education and background that your catalogue impressed me so. All the necessary information for selecting a saw was at my fingertips. The local sales person had just purchased your MS 441 and since I was looking for a saw with the power for a 28" bar and chain he suggested it. He also gave me the name of one of your independent dealers to call, Matt's Saw Shop in Belgrade, MT. That is the second reason for writing this letter.
I called Matt's and talked with Dale. I was very impressed! After talking with Dale and finding out the price of he 441 I went back to the drawing board (you see I am retired and living on a small annuity and SS). I selected a model and called Dale back. He did not recommend the model I had selected but when I mentioned that the local Quality Supply store had a MS 361 with a 25" bar and chain in stock, he said I would be more than happy with it (I now have three saws. A 20" bar, 25" bar, and 28" bar). I have called Dale from time to time for his expertise and he has been more than willing to answer my questions. That is to his credit and to yours for having such a helpful representative even though I have not spent a dime at Matt's, but I can tell you I will!!!!
Sincerely Thank You,
Ed Flanders
Dillon, MT |
Monday July 21st we had a very bad storm come through—
it had 100 mile/hr winds. We had a 75 foot by 3 foot oak tree that was destroyed.
My husband and his friends used their STIHL chain saws— they were all happy about
how well their chain saws performed. My husband is now thinking about getting a
bigger one.
We just thought we would let you know your product is GREAT!!!!
Thanks
Trevis & Kerry Riley
Geneseo, IL
(Kerry adds, "I thought this was a cute picture of my husband Trevis and our little boy Kaden. Again we are very grateful that STIHL has made such a great product.")
Editor's note: Please keep children away from all outdoor power equipment. |
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Our county has encountered a destructive storm in May and my parents were hit hard losing four 50 year old trees in their yard, an oak tree landing on and destroying their front porch (this is an unbelievable picture!), a beautiful pine landing on their neighbors house, and another oak and pine being uprooted in their backyard. Since there are 6 of us kids, we all came together and had a "tree party" to help defray the cost for our parents and removed the two trees in their backyard. It only took us 2 hours to get the job done with the help of 3 chain saws, and coincidentally enough, the 3 bro-in-laws all had "Stihl" brand chain saws. The "humming" of the saws working in unison was awesome! I guess a catch phrase for this would be "There's nothing like the sound of a Stihl" or "the family that works together, is Stihl together", or "the Stihl of the day".
Thank you.
Nancy Medlen
Clarkston, Michigan
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When you make you living with a chain saw, nothing will keep you living like a STIHL. No bogging or quitting when every cut counts.
Thanks,
Custom Cut Tree Service LLC
Baltic, Connecticut |
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| Editors Note: STIHL always recommends the use of proper protective apparel when using any outdoor power equipment |
I am very pleased
with the Stihl product especially after what
happened! I was at Chotard Lake and had taken
my saw with me to cut out a chute that goes from
Chotard to the Mississippi River. While cutting,
I went overboard with my saw in my hand. The
water was 38 ft. deep. The saw ran under water
for several seconds, then I lost it!! Yep, dropped
it. Five days later I went back up to the camp
(Lake Chotard) to retreive my saw with a hook
that I had built. After fishing for the saw for
45 min. Guess what? I hooked it and brought it
back up to the surface. When I got back to the
camp, I took the spark plug out of it and dried
it out, sprayed the carburator, and believe it
or not, there was no water in the gas or the
oil!!!! The next day, I put a new spark plug
in and it cranked right on up!!! What a wonderful
surprise it was to me. Thanks for making such
a wonderful product that can withstand everything
I can put it through.
Des Lee
Heidelberg, Mississippi
Editors note: STIHL does not recommend
the use of chain saws in a boat. |
Dear STIHL,
Just a short note, to express how
much I sincerly love your product.
I have two STIHL saws, the first and oldest
is an 041 Farm Boss that was purchased new
in the late 70's or early 80's. This saw was
first purchased by my father and later sold
to me, and through the years has been the toughest,
most powerful saw ever and has seen countless
hours of use in cutting firewood and in demolition
and renovation projects. This saw has been
completely rebuilt one time in its life, and
I hope to
have many more good years of service before
I have
to finally replace it.
My second saw is a
newer MS170, and I have found this to be a
very powerful little saw and quite versatile.
This saw is very handy on small jobs and in tight
spaces for cutting brush or trimming trees.
In closing, I would like to express my sincere
thanks to my local STIHL dealer - Western
Chainsaw of Eureka, California - ethey always
go above
and beyond in my opinion in both having a warm
and friendly atmosphere in their shop, to
finding parts for my 041 which are getting scarce,
and
I sincerely hope that they will continue to
be there for all my future cutting needs.
Sincerely,
David Davenport
Eureka, California |
| My name is Chris and I would just like to say thank you STIHL for the quality tools you make. I own a MS 170 with 14" bar, a MS 270 with 20" bar, and a SH 85 blower and not one of them has failed me yet. I run my MS 270 almost every day and it just keeps on going and going. I cut and sell a lot of fire wood and kind of got it made. You see, I cut a lot of timber for a local saw mill and what does not go to the mill is cut for fire wood, which is why I bought a MS 170. I use it to cut up the tops and use the MS 270 to cut the timber. I use a system of two
people: me and my father. After I fell and buck the first tree for timber, he goes in and cuts up the top and loads it onto the truck and loads the timber to my deuce and a half 6x6. He does not like running the saw because he just does not like cutting fire wood. But to him, it is almost free money so he does it. I have gone through countless chains on both saws just because I use them so much. The only thing I do not like right now is the fact that I want and need a pair of STIHL protective chaps but i guess you make do with what you got. I just love the STIHL RS full chisel chain, I have never had a chain cut as fast as one of those. STIHL chains are far better than any other chain. Long story short, thank you for making quality tools that will last me more than a month.
Sincerely,
Chris
Winifrede West Virginia
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You may not be aware of that we use Stihl chainsaws in our industry, which is log home restoration and repair. I have used other brands, but nothing holds up, dollar for dollar like a Stihl. I frequently use a 14" saw to remove & replace thousands of feet of logs every year.
Thanks,
Wally
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| In 1983 I was using a stihl farm boss chainsaw up in an oak tree 40ft off the ground.The saw belonged to my father-inlaw.I accidently dropped the saw from 40ft up and watched in horror as it landed on the engine and bounced once sticking in the ground with the bar.I checked it over just knowing it was damaged beyond use. The engine was unaffected. I sharpened the chain and cleaned the dirt from the bar and finished cutting the 80ft oak down.I have used stihl ever since.I now use stihl weed eaters for my lawn trimming.I own a farm boss and a wood boss.Thank you stihl for the greatest equipment.
Kim Strayer
Cleburne, Texas
Editors note: STIHL does not recommend the use of chain saws in a tree unless you are a trained professional.
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Dear STIHL,
My name is Zep Graff and I am from West Branch, Michigan.
I and my dad run a small logging operation. I have
been running a chain saw since I was 12 years old.
I have run many different brands of chain saws, and so
far I find yours the most impressive and dependable.
Just this summer my dad and I ran a brand new STIHL and
we both are now hooked on your saw. I like it so much
I wish we would have started buying STIHL a long time
ago.
The thing I like the most about your saws is that you
can run them all day, set them down, and it will just
sit there and idle. Also, I have not experienced any
bar lube clog.
I am now 17 and when I work up enough money I plan on
buying a short wooder and two brand new STIHL chain saws.
I just thought I would write this letter to you telling
you how much I appreciate the engineering and craftsmanship
put into your chain saws.
Zep Graff
West Branch, Michigan
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Hi there! I have a testimonial to your great chain
saws.
I am a 16-year-old boy who has grown up around your
products. I myself have two chain saws: the MS 180C
and the MS 390. My dad has a 038 that he bought new
and has never had to do anything to, except replace
the chain and bar. He never even replaced the spark
plug.
Earlier in the winter we had a thaw, so I thought
I would take the MS 180C and clear some brush. Well,
I got done and put the saw in the bucket of the tractor.
I started back to the garage and put the tractor in
the garage. I left the saw in the bucket because I
intended to use it later. The next day we got 2 feet
of snow, so I went out and plowed. Yesterday I went
out to get the saw and couldn't find it.
I got thinking about where I saw it last I said to
myself, "In the bucket, so it must be in the
snow bank.” I went out today and started digging
in the bank—well I found it! I brought it inside
and let it thaw. Once it dried out, I took it outside
put gas in it and it started up after about eight pulls.
The saw was in the snow bank for about two months.
This is just a little story about how great your products
are. Thanks for the great equipment.
Collin Allen
Hannibal, New York |
I inherited a STIHL 026 chain saw.
I had never had one, and this one had been sitting
for several years
and
had parts missing. I took it to Mason's Saw in
El Cajon, California. They were very helpful, serviced
the saw,
sharpened the chain and replaced missing parts.
They
were very patient to explain how it works—all
for under $100.00!
Dan Willsey
Jamul, California 91935 |
I was a little concerned that I couldn't buy
on-line, but now I understand. The service and price
at the dealer was excellent. The chain saw, an MS 210
C-BE, was everything I needed and more.
Starting is almost unbelievably easy, but I just love
the chain adjuster. All the reviewers of your chain
saws spoke about the reliability and ease of use. Boy,
were they right—STIHL makes the best chain saws.
Thank you.
Dave Stanford
Richfield, North Carolina 28137
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Yesterday, I went to Moulton in Lawrence county Alabama,
where they had several tornados touch down Wednesday,
and asked if they needed a grandpa with a chain saw.
I had a 16" that I bought last year (STIHL) and
when I arrived at the site they said, "Oh good
you have a real chain saw. You can handle the bigger
stuff.”
I cut for 7 hours—and cut trees that a 16" chain
saw was never designed to cut. I worked on a 150-year-old
tree that was five FEET in diameter. I would make one
cut down one side, one cut across the top, and
one cut down the other side. Then a Bobcat® would
come in and lift it and snap it along my cuts. Me and
my STIHL had quite a workout and it's going to
take this 63 year-old-man longer to recover then it
will the chain saw.
James MacIlveen
Decatur, Alabama 35603
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I have a Stihl chain saw that was purchased around
1974 and currently I am having a set of points put
in. I have only spent about $150.00 every 3 to 4 years
as regular maintenance. It has been used every year
since it was purchased. It has been a great saw.
Thanks Stihl!
Mark Leavell
Braxton, Mississippi
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My wife and I were visiting our daughter and family who recently moved
to Australia. They took us on a trip to the Dandenong Mountains east
of Melbourne one day. While on the mountain road, we noticed the gum
trees (euclalyptus) which were damaged by a recent storm. As we pulled
around a bend, we saw a team with hats on and Stihl saws. So, we backed
up and I struck up a conversation with the person in charge. I told him
I had never seen a chain saw that large. He and his team were in charge
of cleaning up the area and were dressed in all the safety garments required.
I asked if I could have my photo taken with the team so as to show my
hunting friends back in Michigan. He said, "Why don't you hold this saw
and we'll stand behind you".
I could hardly hold it up, it was so heavy. And then they told me
to take the shield off so the blade would show in the photo! What a
picture
it is! It is my screensaver on my computer, and I have e-mailed every
one of my friends in Michigan that own a chain saw. I own 10 acres of
wooded property which backs up to the Manistee Forest (near Lake City,
Michigan) and I take pride in the fact that I always cut enough wood
to supply us in the winter months when we go hunting and cross-country
skiing. But, my chain saw looks nothing like the one in the photo!
The Aussies were very friendly and this photo shows it. They took time
from their work to share their experience in the woods.
Jack Cleveland
Saginaw, MI |
My Dad is a retired timber faller (50 years) who still sharpens saws for
the loggers in the neighborhood. He's the best and he'll only use Stihl.
I took a little video of him in his shop, sharpening a saw. He is 82 and
he shouldn't be kneeling on a high swivel stool to work, but insists
that it's the closest thing to bracing himself over a log like he used
to do in the woods. My brother wired his little shop so his radio comes
on when he turns on the light (and goes off when he fires up the air
compressor), so the music you hear is actually what was playing when I
took the little video (on my digital camera). He's such a good
guy...think you'll enjoy this. He's the father of nine (7 adopted),
grandfather of 19, greatgrandfather of 5. And we call him Saint Frank.
You can find the video on YouTube, it's called Frank in his shop
Please check it out...the Stihl saw is front and center.
Christine Thomas
League City, Texas
Tuesday, 25 Sep 07, My German Shepherd dog went missing at about 2 p.m. We looked throughout the night but could not find her. The next day, I had to be at work (I'm in the US Air Force) so my wife dropped the kids off at school and returned with her friend to continue with the search to include flyers in mail boxes and walking endlessly through the woods calling her name. Needless to say, nothing. I arrived home at about 9 p.m. that night to discover that my wife had just found her, she was stuck not 30 feet from her kennel.She was stuck in a wood pile which consisted of 15 to 30 foot log lengths -about 30 plus of them and the pile was about 12 feet high - which I use for my outdoor wood stove. I discovered I could not get her out so I decided to call 911 and the local volunteer fire department arrived within minutes to my home. You would 't believe the response - about 25 volunteers showed at my doorstep and the wife began to make coffee as we knew they would be there for a while.
Fortunately, one of the volunteers was a logger and
spearheaded the operation. He called for the
chain saw from his fire truck and was disappointed
at what he received. He knew that the saws they
carry where not up to the job at hand. I then mentioned
to him that I owned a STIHL model 360 and he then said "Now
that's a saw". Needless to say that 3 hours
later we freed my dog and the crowd cheered. It was
after 1 in the morning and she had been trapped for
over 30 hours. The local vet even showed up to ensure
all was ok and she received a good bill of health after
revisiting and getting x-rays done. Another of
the volunteer fire fighters is also a freelance photographer
for the local paper and took some great pictures. The
purpose to this story is to let you know what a great
product you have. I had owned numerous chain saws in
my day until I realized that Stihl was the way to go. I've
had my saw for over 4 years now with not one glitch.
Hugo Ramirez, MSgt, NYANG
Wurtsboro, New York |
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Three STIHL saws
worked hard :)
This picture is of my uncle, brother and myself with
3 STIHL saws on a pile of wood we cut.
Dan Mccoy
Scappoose, Oregon
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| (Editor's Note: STIHL always recommends the use
of protective apparel when using outdoor power equipment.
Please see you instruction manual for complete information) |
I
was in the market for a chain saw and went to a store to
get one, but I found out they did not carry STIHL products.
At that time, I was unaware of how great STIHL products were.
The store I went
to had zero customer service, and the chain saws were like any
other product on the shelves, "just buy
at your own risk".
I was not going to purchase a chain saw without some education about it, so I left and went to
an authorized STIHL dealer. They had already closed for the day; however, there were still cars in
the parking lot and I knocked on the door.
A salesman opened the door and I explained I needed a chain saw. Even though the store was
closed, he welcomed me in and educated me about chain saws. That day I bought a STIHL MS 250 chain
saw. It is a great tool. The salesman took me outside and showed me every detail about the saw.
The saw was so good and the service was so good, I later came back and bought a STIHL weed trimmer,
which works great as well. Thank you for such great tools.
Brian Eyer
Waverly, Illinois
I have a good friend of mine (Wade McNutt) who is
a former member of The Doug Moreland Show (a band that
is sponsored by STIHL). He recently made a chain saw
carving for me
using your chain saws.
Here 's the photo.
Matthew Wood
Midland, Texas |
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I just wanted to drop a line and let you know how pleased I am with the performance and toughness of the STIHL chain saws.
I used a STIHL when I peeled pulp in Michigan about 10 years ago. I am still using the same chain saw today...it has a lot more
miles on it (and a few spare parts) but it continues to get the job done.
Thanks for producing a quality product.
Steve Baumgartner
Vicksburg , Mississippi
I remember the day that I bought my first STIHL chain saw. It was a STIHL 028 Super and it lived up to its name. Around the farm, I used it to cut firewood and clear fence rows. Wind damage is frequent here in Oklahoma.
One day a tornado hit and left the area impassable, blocked by downed trees and utility poles. There was an urgent community effort to clear the roads. Even though everyone had a chain saw of their own, the month-old STIHL 028 Super was the tool of choice. When I needed a break, somebody else was eager to get to use it. The saw impressed the other farmers so well that they purchased STIHL chain saws for themselves.
That saw served me well for sixteen years before I finally wore it out. That was a sad day. Through hard labor, and occasional adventures, the saw was like trusted friend. I hated to give up on it but I scorched the cylinder using a bad mix of fuel. I replaced it with an MS 280.
The new saw was an improvement but it lacked the battle scars of its predecessor. It is nearly impossible to tell adventure stories about a new chain saw. About a month later the severe ice storm of January 2007 hit. The weight of the ice striped branches off nearly every tree and even felled many of the big ones. Power lines had collapsed and roads were blocked once again. It took a week to restore power and everyone had to heat with wood. The new STIHL served heroically.
Needless to say the new MS 280 grew dear to me rather quickly. I still have many large trees to remove because of the ice storm. All of them are so thick in the trunk and some of the limbs that the MS 280 couldn't cut through with a sixteen-inch bar, so I purchased a STIHL MS 441 Magnum this afternoon. As I wrote out the check, it occurred to me that today was seventeen years to the date that I bought the old STIHL 028 Super.
Bobby Gann
Pryor, Oklahoma
I have bought about $8,000.00 worth of your equipment in the last two years.
I started a landscaping business after retiring and going to school for horticulture.
All my purchases have been from Bowen's Farm Supply in Annapolis, Md.
I find your products the only name I will buy in your field. The design, toughness,
practicality, and availability of parts and service is outstanding. I also
needed some info and came to your website, and I find that well-engineered
also. Stihl is the only name I will buy in the future
My thanks for providing a good product in a world where that is all too rare.
Joseph Wing
Annapolis, Maryland
I don't remember when I bought my Stihl chain saw but it is several years
old. If this had been a new one, maybe this story wouldn't have amazed me like
it did. Here it is. My saw has always cranked on the second pull just like
every other Stihl saw I've worked with has. My son and I went camping sometime
in October 2006 and I had taken the saw to cut some firewood. When we left,
I inadvertently left the saw sitting on the ground next to a tree I sawed.
It was out in the wide open - no shelter whatsoever. I did not need the saw
again until the end of May 2007 and couldn't find it. I thought about it for
a while and finally remembered I had taken it camping and hadn't seen it since.
I went back to the campsite and there it laid a little rusty with dirt all
over it and semi-covered w/ leaves. We had gotten worse than usual weather
during the fall, winter and spring and I didn't think there was any way it
would crank, much less run and be usable. I choked it and pulled the rope and
could not believe it started on its regular second pull. Not only did it start
but I took it and used it just like nothing had happened. I'll never own anything
but a Stihl now.
Brian Hardy
Ivanhoe, Texas
I just wanted to take a few minutes to drop you a short note to let you know how pleased I am with the quality and durability of my STIHL Farm Boss MS 290 Chain Saw. Please allow me to explain:
In the past 20 years, I’ve owned 3 other brands of chain saws: Poulan, McCulloch, and Husqvarna, and none of those ever came close to the performance I’ve received from your product! Granted, the first two mentioned were not in the same price category. But aside from the price, the cutting ability and durability of your saw is far and away superior to the others, even factoring in price.
Talk about durability and strength of product. I recently had an experience with your saw that proves how strong and durable your MS 290 Farm Boss is. I was felling a large pine tree, doing everything by the book, and had the tree fall away from the intended direction. My saw got hung-up in the process and the tree (at the base) fell on my chain saw pinning it into the ground. A few tons of weight from the tree fell directly on my saw. When I saw what happened, (I was helpless to stop it in any way), I figured my rather new chain saw was gone. I proceeded to stabilize the fallen tree by putting “shims” under it at various points.
I then had only one option to free my saw. I dug a large hole under the saw and managed to dig it loose. Fearing the whole saw was ruined, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I realized that the only thing broken on the saw was the plastic (black) front handle housing. My next thought was "Will it start?" Here I am with a fallen 60 ft. tree, and I might have no way to get rid of it. I put my duct tape around the broken handle and began the starting-up process. Much to my amazement, the saw started and I was able to cut-up the tree and dispose of it that very day! I couldn’t believe the strength & durability of this machine!!! Great product. I won’t buy any other brand!
E. Matisak
Sugarleaf, Pennsylvania
Last year I was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While I was in Balad, Iraq for a year, my wife bought a STIHL chain saw to cut a whole load of timber so she could heat the house. The load was over 60 full size trees. Your STIHL got her through that safely.
This year she is in the process of cutting another full load of trees for firewood. I will leave her again in June to deal with all of her duties as a wife and as a mother of 2 small children.
She loves her STIHL and would not think of using anything else.
1SG B. (name withheld) - stationed outside of the U.S.A.

In the mid 1980's, I purchased a STIHL 028 WB chain saw. At that time we
lived on several acres, and I used the chain saw to cut firewood for a wood
stove.
In 1985, we moved from that property to a smaller lot, but I still used the
saw to cut firewood. In 1997, I installed a new gas fireplace and gave up
cutting wood.
In 2000, we moved again to a smaller lot on Lake Norman. I stored the saw in
the basement, and never used it.
However, I am now building condominiums along the North Carolina coast, and
these buildings are constructed on pilings. The construction process
requires the pilings be notched. The easiest way to do this is with a
chain saw. So, I pulled the old 028 WB out of the basement and took it to
the coast. A 22-23 year old chain saw with 10 year old oil/gas mixture in the
tank. Same old spark plug.
We installed our pilings yesterday and this morning I pulled out the saw.
It started up on the second pull!!! I used it all day, notching 8X8
pilings.
Would I buy another STIHL chain saw? You bet I would.
Thanks for making such a good product.
Phil Schroeder
Stanley, North Carolina
I had acquired a STIHL 045 Supersaw that had been seized up for a couple of
years. I wasn't really optimistic about it, but it was free so I had nothing to
lose. I pulled the spark plug, poured some oil in the cylinder, used a ratchet
to turn the crank, and broke the piston free. Then I drained the old gas, added
some new, pulled the cord about six times, and the old beast took right off,
hardly missing a beat. I am really impressed by that kind of dependability. I
thought you just might want to know. In my opinion, you can't hold a STIHL down!
Thanks for a great saw.
Tim
Fenton, Michigan
I saw the testimonial part of your web site and could not wait to see
everyone's pictures. I chose STIHL simply because it was the saw
people around me used, and I soon learned why. In trusting your saws, I also trust
your products. Keeping with this, I have a STIHL helmet and camo chaps. Can't
wait to see the future products STIHL has to offer!
Sincerely,
Brandon Adams
I bought a 47-inch bar and 2 chains for my STIHL 84 Magnum chain saw. Mark
at Woodcutters in Akron NY tuned the saw to the 47 inch bar. A neighbor had
a large hard maple tree lose a limb on her pick-up, the town cut the tree
down, but would not cut it up because their chain saw did not have a large enough bar. A
friend contacted me and asked if I would cut it up. I did, and was
pleasantly surprised at how well the 84 did with the solid nose 47 inch bar
and chain.
The tree was 56 inches at the base, then 49-50 inches. We drew
a small gallery to watch the saw in action. People were impressed; most had
no idea that such a long bar was made. They were really impressed when they
saw my 59-inch bar and chain. That will be going on a new STIHL MS 880 next
month.
My continuing compliments on a superior product that gets a big job
done. And it makes it all easier when we have a dealer and technician in Brian
Domon and Mark at Woodcutters in Akron NY.
Like the old saying goes "When the going
gets tough, the tough (like my 84 Magnum) get going". Your website is on my favorites
list.
William J. Loucks
East Pembroke, New York
This is a picture of my wife and I working on our land in Hayward, WI.
We are clearing it for our new home. The date is April 6, 2007. Just thought it looked fun!
Thanks
Robert and Sandra Petersen

After Hurricane Katrina, my "big box store" saw wasn't up to the task of
cutting up all the downed oaks on our property. Since I'd always gotten
great service on other items at Daveid's Chainsaw & Lawnmower in Kiln, MS, it
only made sense to go to them for a new saw. They took their time,
explaining the features of various models, and I ended up coming away with a
new MS 290. I've been delighted with that saw. Starts every time, and if it
stops, I know I'm out of fuel! Since then, I've gone back for an FS 55
brushcutter, and I've got my eye on an MS 660 now.
Billy Chambless
Kiln, Mississippi
I am 17 years-old, and my dad bought his first STIHL 029 Farm Boss 16 years
ago. My grandpa, a former Echo dealer, didn't like that though. My dad used that
saw to death, so we could heat our house in the harsh northwest Missouri
winters. Now my dad is 48, and he has switched over to an older STIHL 015 L
so that he can do the light work. I now use his 029. The only things that I have ever done to the
saw have consisted of cleaning the exterior, cleaning the air filter, and replacing the sparkplug.
I am the "go-to guy" for saw repair around my hometown. I have worked on many saws. I know the
pros and cons of every brand of saw, but so far I have not found any cons for the STIHL brand. If anyone does let me know.
Bryan Hamilton
Hopkins, Missouri
P.S. My favorite saw is a 041 AV redhead 1968, with a 20" bar and the RS
STIHL chain. I call it "my baby".
I live in Alaska and my main source of heat is wood. I also hunt down
and finish Diamond Willow wood for extra money and as a hobby. I recently traded
some of my Diamond Willow woodwork for an old STIHL 032 AV chain saw. It
started on the first pull in cold weather. And after putting a new bar and
chain on it, I retired my old piece of junk (I won't say the brand) saw.
I began using the STIHL, with much better results. I love the saw so much that I
just found the same model on eBay and bought it. I also bought a brand new
STIHL MS 290 chain saw at my local dealer. Unfortunately, I have been very busy fixing cracked
plumbing from a recent 40-below cold front we had, and I haven't been able to try
it out yet.
I am amazed at how excited a chain saw can make a guy. I am dying
to get my hands on that new saw. So I'm guessing I will have some more
compliments for you soon. Thanks for making a great saw.
Clarence
Wasilla, Alaska
I moved to Washington State in September of 1991. I needed a chain saw so I could cut some fire wood. I went to Sears and bought a Craftsman 18 inch chain saw. As I used it, it froze up on me. It pissed me off, so I took it right back to Sears and told them that I wanted my money back. The sales man tried to get me to take home another one.
As soon as I got my money back, I went to Peninsula Feed in Port Orchard where they sell STIHL Equipment. I did not hesitate to purchase my 18-inch STIHL chain saw, a purchase that I will never regret.
I called my buddy and told him that I knew where we could get a ton of fire wood. The next morning, we were out early chopping up firewood. We cut a lot of wood that week, never having any difficulty with our saws.
My buddy has a 24-inch STIHL chain saw. We were talking about our chain saws, and he stated that he purchased his almost ten years earlier, and that he would not have purchased any thing else.
I became a volunteer fire fighter in South Kitsap. As we would go through the seasons, trees would fall onto the power line wires. I was always the first one to arrive, waiting for the fire department with the engines. The property owners would let me chop up the wood. I got more free wood that way. In fact, I am still using the fire wood that I cut ten years ago.
My normal occupation caused me to leave Washington State for some time. I placed my chain saw into my shed, and left it there. A few years later, I needed to chop down a tree in my yard. I went to my shed and got my saw. I thought I would have to do a lot of work to it to get it to start. I pulled on the cord a couple of times and it started right up. This chain saw continued to work like it did the first
time.
This was the best purchase that I ever made. I would never try to sell it, and I recommend STIHL to my friends.
Don Langman
South Colby, Washington
I purchased your saw after retiring my Homelite XLR (which I purchased in about 1965). It served me well and is now hung permanently on my garage ceiling.
My new saw is a joy to behold. I highly recommend to my friends that STIHL is the way to go.
Don Peterson
The company that I am with builds seawalls, docks, and drives wood pilings. These pilings must be cut to grade.
My STIHL 026 chain saw (purchased in 1995) was running when it vibrated off of a seawall. It fell in
about 4 feet of water (salt water). But after several pulls it started up again.
I then rinsed it with fresh water and sprayed it down with WD-40. To this day, it runs fine.
Recently a close friend who has an old STIHL 08 chain saw had the same thing
happen. Afterwards, his saw also started back up.
Philip Dicarlo
St.Petersburg, Florida
I have had my chain saw since 1989. I'm one of those folks who takes almost too good of care with my power tools. I take it apart and clean it after each use. The chain saw is used mainly when I do volunteer work on a hiking trail system that is nearby, The Pine Mountain Trail in FDR State Park, near Pine Mountain Ga. We get quite a few of what we call "blow-downs" across our trails and thus my STIHL has been of use on the trail for years. When we have a bad storm or a hurricane blow through, it usually takes about 500 man hours for all us volunteers to clear the trees blown down along our 43 miles of trails. I even came up with a "chain saw" backpack carrier to carry our saws in on treks that are sometimes 2-3 miles.
Recently we cleared a new trail head area in the state park and had to clear out about 200+ trees. Mainly chestnut oaks and hard hickory. All with our STIHLs...
Last year we awarded our trail maintenance supervisor volunteer a new chain saw and of course it was a big new STIHL. We also bought 2 brushcutters last year (both STIHL's) mainly because my STIHL brushcutter is still going strong after 23 years! My big STIHL backpack blower is also now 14 years old. I own a Honda lawnmower (now 10 years old) only because STIHL doesn't make one!
So as you can see I'm a STIHL person.
Thanks again for your help.
Jim Hall
President of the all volunteer Pine Mountain Trail Association - (www.pinemountaintrail.org)
I received your letter last week thanking me for my purchase of your BG 55 Blower. I was surprised to receive your letter since in recent years no company has every responded to any of my purchases other than a new car. It shows me you care about your business and customer support. It also says that Linda Saw sent in my registration card and suggests they support your customer service policies. I feel good that they will support me as a customer.
My heritage is German and I love to brag about German mechanical abilities and I have in the past 15 years told the following story to anyone who will listen about my remarkable STIHL chain saw purchase years ago.
In 1972 my wife and I were getting ready to build our 2nd house in Santa Cruz, CA. I had to clear several trees on our 1 acre parcel for our house and I decided to get a Homelite chain saw from Dave’s Motor Clinic in Soquel, CA. While we were in the store talking to the owner and trying to select the appropriate saw, a man came over to the owner and asked if he could talk to us. The owner gave him the OK and went back to work in the rear of the shop. The man introduced himself as the local STIHL representative and asked if he could give us some information on STIHL Saws. He told us about all the great features of STIHL saws and showed us the new thin chain on STIHL 020 AV. Although the price was a little more than we expected to pay, we agreed to take it anyway because of the features brought to our attention by the rep. He told the owner to put an 18” bar on it and told us this saw would be the last saw we would ever buy.
Well it’s 2006 and the saw has been in use for 34 years to clear property for 4 new homes. And since we always heat our houses with wood it has cut all our heating wood for 34 years. It has been used to clear property for friends and general use in my handyman business. It has definitely paid for itself many times over.
I was able to do most of the repairs on the saw myself. In 1987, I dropped it about 35 feet onto a paved road below the tree I was cutting and thought it was finished. Well I replaced an exterior casting and it has been going strong since then. I am just at the end of the 3rd chain and the saw still has the original 18” bar and sprocket. They of course do need to be replaced.
I just turned 70 this month and the saw has developed a high speed miss. Unfortunately, Linda Saw says it will be too costly to repair if I do all the necessary work like a new sprocket, bar etc. All I can say is the rep was almost right, most people at 70 would not still be cutting wood. However next spring, I will get another STIHL saw and will be wishing I could out live another STIHL saw.
In passing, my father is 95 years old living on 40 acres in the Sierra’s and still cuts his own wood with his 2nd STIHL saw, About 6 years ago he changed to a smaller saw because he could not start the original bigger saw.
Bottom Line: The Dieckmann’s are sold on STIHL products. The 020 AV has been an exceptional saw for me and many thanks to STIHL for its long life and reliability.
Clay Dieckmann
Browns Valley, California
I just wanted to drop a quick line to you about the new MS 460 that I
purchased.
It's just incredible, fantastic. I also have a MS 290 STIHL Farm Boss®, and there is just no
comparison. (The MS 290 is a work horse too.) The 460 is dropping and cutting through large timber, like a hot knife through warm butter.
Again, just a wonderful product.
Al Bloom
Millbrook, New York
I would like to compliment STIHL by telling you about my husband's 27
year-old Model 041 Farm Boss chain saw. Rick purchased the chain saw in May
1979 in Warrenton, Virginia, for around $350. At that time, money was very
tight for us. We had just had our second child on April 19th, and I was
staying at home with our two small children. We were heating our house
entirely with a wood stove, and Rick really wanted (and needed) a good chain
saw. I was not very happy when he told me he spent $350 for a chain saw.
But I just wanted you to know that 27 years later, he continues to use that
same chain saw. We still heat our house with a wood stove, and we have
a fireplace, even though we now have alternative heat options. In every house we
lived in, we’ve used a wood stove. And that saw has been used to cut wood for us,
our family members, and many friends.
For many years, Rick had a little business on the side selling wood to other people. He has had the saw serviced properly and takes very good care of it. I recently asked him if he would like a new chain saw for his upcoming 55th birthday on October 25th, and he said absolutely not. He said that he had a perfectly good chain saw that he loved, and he did not want any other. I don't know how many chains it has been through, but quite a
lot.
Just today, our daughter (the one who was born on April 19th) and her
husband, along with their 15 month old daughter, came to our house to help
cut wood for us, and for their fireplace. Our daughter, Kelly, commented on
her dad's chain saw, too. She has spent many hours helping us get wood in during
her 27 years, and now our granddaughter was helping today. Kelly said that I
should tell someone at STIHL about it. So that's what I just did. And, by
the way, I think our $350 investment in the saw 27 years ago was a very good
one. Thank you for such a fine product.
Judy Rinker
Strasburg, Virginia
Want to hear of an amazing story? Our crew ran over a STIHL chain saw with a
dozer out in the woods. It broke it up pretty badly. I put it in the back
cab of my truck after this happened, thinking that the saw was finished. So I went out and bought another saw just like it.
Weeks later, I was looking at the old saw and wondered if it would start. After two
pulls, it fired right up. It looks like a junk yard dog, but it runs like a
spotted assed ape. Since then, it’s been used to cut some pretty big trees.
You make a great saw. I have owned several thru the years.
Ron Johnston
Franklin, Tennessee
My husband has used STIHL chain saws for over 30 years. Recently, he was
watching a tree fall that he had notched and didn't see a large dead limb
from an adjacent tree coming right at him. He was holding his chain saw
against his left hip across the front of his body. The limb hit the saw
directly and knocked him back several feet and to the ground. I believe the
strength of the case literally saved his life! The case is ruined, but the
saw still works. Thank you for your quality products.
Meredith Williams
Rexford, New York
I just wanted to let you know that I just purchased my first STIHL product.
For me, the choice was easy. My father has had a STIHL chain saw for over 25
years, and it's still going strong.
I chose the MS 390 chain saw. All I can say is "wow". What an excellent
machine! The first day, it eagerly gobbled up a cord and a half which is
now ready to be split. And now that the engine break-in is complete, I can get
some cutting done.
I look forward to a lifetime of service from this excellent saw, and I know
who I'll be going to for my other equipment needs.
Thanks for an excellent product.
Mike Curtis
Bremerton, Washington
I finally purchased a STIHL chain saw for home owners.
I am really impressed with it. I consider it a piece of art. It cuts quickly and
cranks up just like the saws that rescue workers use on TV.
I would recommend it to anyone. Pay a little more and get a lot in return. I am absolutely sold on STIHL Products.
Dale Fedrick
Morton , Mississippi
I'd like to tell you about my STIHL 032 chain saw that I purchased in 1977.
She is still going strong after 29 years. I just thought that I would share that with
you. I wish that I could buy a new one just like it today. It still has the original
sprocket but it has gone through numerous bars and chains.
Jim Anderson
Hardin, Kentucky

In June of 2006 I was part of a very large volunteer effort across the city
of Rochester, MN (see www.rochestercarefest.org for
details). My role was as the project leader at a city park. Tasks at the park
included painting,
mulching, and cutting out of unwanted locust trees. At the end of day, we
took a group photo of the 5 of us who were the lumberjacks for the day.
When I saw the photo, what I saw was a bunch of happy, sweaty STIHL chain saw
owners.
Thanks!
Kevin Zemanek (on the far right in the photo)

Around 1985, I bought a 028 Farm Boss chain saw with a 16" bar. I've
consistently cut 30 to 50 face cords of wood every year with that saw. I've gone through at least 3 bars and countless chains. I'm very happy!
It still runs well. Not quite as good as it once did, but then again, neither do I. I
keep thinking that it will blow up soon, but it never does. Thanks for making a
great saw. When it finally does die, I will be at one of your dealers getting a
260 Pro. Thanks again.
Doug Richardson
Hilton, New York
The Crestline Fire Department recently used donated funds from local
organizations and fund raisers to purchase new equipment to help gain access
to fire scenes. Two new power saws, a STIHL Magnum™ Rescue chain saw and a
STIHL Cutquik® enable access through wood, plaster and metal. Axes, pry
bars, pike poles, lights and a battering ram were also purchased. All
donations are greatly appreciated by the members of the CFD. Displaying the
new equipment are, from left to right, firefighters Joe McElvain, Jeff
Vanderpool, Mike Weisman and Asst. Fire Chief Bill Sharp.
Photo & caption courtesy of the Crestline Advocate.
I would just like to say thank you for making great products. I purchased a
BR 550 backpack blower last fall and it worked better than expected. I can't
believe the power of this blower. It starts every time I need it. This
spring, I had to do some yard clean up, and I needed to cut a few trees. My
father-in-law gave me his old McCollough MAC 3200 because it wouldn't start.
Well I got it running, but I could not get it tuned correctly. So instead
of spending the day tuning the Mac, I purchased a MS 250 with an 18 inch bar.
What a great homeowner saw! It has great power, starts right up, and works
like a champ. Thanks again
Dennis Lardizzone
Sturbridge, Massachusetts
I wanted to take a couple of minutes and thank you for providing an outstanding product. I have owned my STIHL chain saw for 23 years. It is a
model 024 Super. For many years, I depended on it to cut firewood for my
parents and my family. We heat our homes solely with wood heat. I also use it
on my farm for work. It has never let me down. To this day, I can start it
and work all day with it. Someday, I will pass it down to my kids with the
knowledge that they will be able to use and depend on it for their work.
Thank you again for designing and manufacturing such great products.
James Markin
Bethel Springs, Tennessee
I have had a Homelite saw for years. In fact, I have had a couple of them.
A couple of days ago, I purchased a MS 260 PRO with a 20" bar.
Today was my first experience using my new STIHL chain saw. I cut up the trunk of a large oak
tree into manageable sized logs and cut down a large ash tree. I felt it
necessary to take time to write and tell you that my MS 260 PRO is great. I
wish that I would have purchased one sooner. Whoever is involved in
designing, engineering, and manufacturing these units; please tell them
"nice job."
John Harris
Rochester, Michigan
Every fall, in October, my brothers and cousins get together and cut wood
for winter fuel for our cabin. This year, we cut and stacked about three
cords worth. My daughter, 11 months old at the time, even got in on the
action. Thank you for making such a dependable and powerful product. I've
used STIHL products for over ten years now, and I won't use anything else.
Michael Hoy

(Editor’s Note: STIHL always recommends the use of protective apparel when using outdoor power equipment.
Please see your instruction manual for complete information)
Well it took almost two years but I found it, my STIHL 026 that is.
We had a very
bad flood on August 30, 2004 and I lost almost everything I owned. Well the
first thing I did was bought a new STIHL 029 Farm Boss®. FEMA actually reimbursed me
$218 for it. (Who said FEMA doesn't pay?) We had to clear a lot of debris, and
then it was rebuild time. Unfortunately, home-owners flood insurance does
NOT cover flood damage.
Well I still missed my STIHL 026. I had bought it new in 1990, and it always ran
perfectly! Never adjusted the high/low, never changed the plug, never changed
the air cleaner, and it always started up on the 2nd-4th pull.
Luckily, I recovered my beloved saw. I found it embedded in the stream bed located 250 yards from
where my garage stood. It doesn't look all that bad. (Which is more than I
can say about the 14v. DeWalt drill, that I found laying next to it. After giving it a quick
washing off and removing the filter cover (but not the filter), I discovered that all of the
triggers and switches still work. The fuel still smelled and looked good. But the oil
reservoir was a little milky. The cord still pulled, but it didn't retract.
I can't wait to bring it to John Eschenberg in Callicoon N.Y. These guys
just set up my STIHL 029 with a sawmill/ ripping bar and chain. (It works great) They also
showed me all the steps necessary to switch the two different
bars/sprockets etc...
What I'm saying is thanks for a great product that is always 100%
reliable and for an independent sales staff that is very knowledgeable. (Yes, I heard
your recent commercials on the radio). I'll let you know how thing turn out,
thanks again.
James Mathiasen
Westbrookville, New York
Alan Keller has been a chainsaw carver for 2 decades. He prefers the STIHL chain saw -- we call it "20 years of Stihl" as he only uses dead/downed trees. While your timber series is certainly exciting, there's a story of rebirth, dependability, spirit and constancy in what Keller does.
Mr. Keller's contact information is Alan Keller, 941-447-1309 * POB 81,
Cortez, FL 34215
Rhonda K. Kitchens
Cortez, Florida
We have 15 acres of trees in the Sierra
foothills. My wife has always been
afraid of chain saws. When she saw
how safe and easy to use the STIHL 23
inch chain saw is, she told me to
buy a 12 to 14 inch chain saw for her. She
actually wants to help manage our
forest. Thank you for such an
impressive product. If I wasn't already
gainfully employed, I would not
hesitate to become a STIHL dealer.
Thanks for your fine product.
John G. Reynolds
San Ramon, California
I am a pro chain saw carver with 32 years of experience. The carving in the
picture was carved in 4 days using only one saw,the STIHL MS 170 with a 14"
STIHL ROLLOMATIC® Mini guide bar and STIHL PICCO™ saw chain. (The chain only required 1 sharpening on day
4.)
Michael Copas
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
I have owned a STIHL 025 chain saw for 12 years now. In that amount of time, I have cut 10-15 cords of firewood a year. Other than normal wear and tear, I've only had to put one sparkplug in it! I swear by STIHL products. I now own a 420 C
blower, an MS 029 Farm Boss® chain saw, and what the wife and I call "Grandpa",
the 025. Always use STIHL oil, and 92 octane. Problems? None.
Jim Grosskreutz
Rice Lale, Wisconsin
I have been meaning to send you a note for some time, but have been pretty
busy.
We live in Slidell, Louisiana which was hit very hard by Hurricane Katrina. We
were one of the many victims of flooding. In my garage, which had 2 feet of
water, was my STIHL model 021 chain saw, which I have had for a number of
years. The saw had been totally submerged during the storm.
We had evacuated for the storm, and it was approximately 3 months later that
I had a chance to take a look at it to see if any thing could be done to
salvage it. After checking the carb, cylinder, plug, wiring, and fuel and
oil tanks, I could find no visible damage. After fueling with fresh gas and
oil, it stared right up after a few pulls, and has been running ever since.
I have used it to cut and clear approximately 25 trees so far, and the only
problem that I am having is that some of the trees are getting to big for
the saw (16" bar).
You can bet that when I have the need to get another saw, it's going to be a
STIHL.
Best saw I ever owned, hands down.
Wayen Williams
Slidell, Louisiana
My wife and I have 17.5 acres in central Wisconsin that went though the worst forest fire in the past 25 years of Wisconsin's history this past spring. I
purchased a STIHL 250 chain saw for the clean up. The fire created so much
loss for my family and I, but the new chain saw has performed like a ray of
light through the burned forest. Since seeing the STIHL perform, my
neighbors are sold on STIHL. I am currently saving for a STIHL
brushcutter/trimmer. I just know I will be the envy of the neighborhood.
Hats off to STIHL and its employees.
Scott Draves
Janesville, Wisconsin
My experience with STIHL products was not long after Hurricane Bob. I think
it was 1991 or 92. (Yikes that means my saw is 15 years old!! It still seems like
new.) I was forced to go out and get a new chain saw. The dealers on the Cape didn't have any available. So I had to travel off Cape and get a brand that I was unfamiliar
with---STIHL. (I was told by a friend that if it was not a McCullough it was
worthless. Boy, was he ever wrong!) My experience with the STIHL saw was a
welcome surprise. It was a powerful tool that cut oak like it was
pine. I have used the same saw for years now, and it has never failed me.
Embarrassing to admit, but I do not have it serviced as often I should. In over 15
years, it's been serviced once. It's like the battery bunny; it keeps on going and going and going... After all these years, the only problem I've had was a tiny leak in a rubber hose --- not too shabby!!
I have since purchased a STIHL trimmer. I have had that for quite a
few years now. The only problem with that tool is that it is too good. I
start flying around with it, and if I am not careful, I trim more than the
weeds!!
The bottom line is as I see it ---- STIHL makes a good Product!!!
Barry Chaves
Sheldonville, Massachusetts
My son was cutting trees on our property and had the misfortune
to tip our IH706 tractor on its top in the ditch. We were
using a STIHL Farm Boss® to
clear out trees to aid in the recovery of the tractor and
had set it down while in the process of putting the tractor
back on its wheels. Once the
tractor made its final "tip" on all four wheels it proceeded
to roll further backwards down the ditch and did not stop
until the rear tire (with
chains on) landed on top of my chain saw! I thought for sure
now along with the damaged tractor I also could add my STIHL
saw to the list! What a surprise
when we rolled the tractor off the saw the only damage was
a bent handle. The best part was the saw started right up!
It took a lickin' and kept on tickin'! Timex has
nothing on the STIHL chain saw!
Great product line!
Randy Carlson
Hokah, Minnesota
I just got a STIHL MS 290 Farm Boss® with an 18 inch bar and chain for
christmas and I used it to cut some wood to try it out. Man, what a saw it
is! I have an old Echo 452vl and I thought that was a good saw, but my new
farm boss is a lot better in so many ways. Thank, STIHL!.
Me and a buddy were
out a few weeks ago cutting a tree up that had fallen down and I was cutting
a piece of the tree off. It must have let enough weight off the tree and
it let loose and came right into my chest. The branch knocked me down and then fell
on top of me. It was a pretty big tree and if it was not for my new Farm Boss® I might have died. But my friend grabbed the saw that was still running after
an 8 foot fall to the ground and it did not even crack or damage the chain saw, thank god! My friend then cut me out. I made it out with a few scrapes and cuts;
no broken bones or hurt lungs or any thing!
THANKS AGAIN, STIHL, FOR MAKING A
CHAIN SAW THAT I CAN DEPEND ON AS WELL AS MANY OTHER CHAIN SAWS I CAN DEPEND ON, TOO!
By the way, I also had one of your guys' STIHL forestry helmets on and if I was
not wearing it I would have cracked my head open on the ground. So thanks for
that, too!
P.S. I will be buying stihl chain saw chaps and gloves
soon!
Adam Speck
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
I purchased an MS 290 a few months ago to cut firewood and
thought you might like to know why. A friend of mine bought
a new 029 several years ago. The first day out, his nephew
dropped it almost 40 feet from a tree. They picked it up,
dusted it off, pulled it a couple of times and it started
and ran.
We've had two floods in this area since then, which brought
down large trees and the creek bank behind his house. While
standing on a large log that spanned the creek and as he was
sawing on another, he dropped the chain saw. The water was
too high and swift to see through. Nine days after the saw
fell, he was able to find and retrieve it. He took the saw
in the garage drained the fluids, blew out the carb with an
air hose, replaced the air filter and after a few pulls, the
saw ran. He then took a paint marker wrote LUCKY on the saw,
put it under the work bench, and went to the dealer and bought
a new MS 290.
Since then he has purchased a used 029 and a used 026. We've
used LUCKY along with my 290 and his other saws to cut firewood
during the Christmas holiday, they all run like new. Thanks
for such a great product.
Mike Rose
Anawalt, West Virginia
First of all, the chain saws that you make are the greatest
tools that a person could have. I'm proud to say that I cut
wood with STIHL chain saws. When the wind blows hard, the
night sets in, and the trees begin to fall, I'm glad that
I have great saws in my side box.
Charles Ridolf
Forester of the City of Newport, Rhode Island
Gentlemen, I had owned a STIHL WOOD BOSS®. I would cut 6 or 7 pick-up loads
of wood with it at a time, and I NEVER had a problem with the saw. But because of a disability, I
gave the saw to my nephew who builds homes.
Later, I found that I could again use a chain saw, and I decided to look at the STIHL MiniBoss™. I knew right away that I was going to buy
it. I went to Kramer's Power Equipment in Schuylkill Haven, and the sales staff went over the workings of the saw from top to bottom. (The Easy2Start™ system REALLY helps.) As with my other STIHL chain saws, the only problem that I encountered with my chain saw was not with its wood cutting ability, but that eventually it will run out of gas.
Bill Tihansky
Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania
I usually would not write, but I felt that you should be patted on the back.
My grandfather purchased a new STIHL chain saw in the early nineties, and when
he
died, it was passed to my uncle, and then last year, it was passed to me. It
has been used
a lot and still runs great.
Last week while building a stock tank it was run
over by a dozer. (Not the blade just the engine.) The dozer passed fully over
it, and I surely thought it was over with. But to my surprise it was only lightly
scratched and started right up. I wish that I would have taken a photo, but
I didn't. Anyhow, your company makes a great product, and I thought you should
know!
Shawn P Monohan
Harwood, Texas
I own a tree service business in Columbia, Connecticut. I use STIHL
chain saws exclusively. I had a Farm Boss® 029 that I had for 5 years. That
saw was the best all-around saw I ever had. A couple of months ago, I had a
momentary lapse of judgment and left the saw on the tracks of my bulldozer
and ran over it. I mourned it for a week, until I finally went and bought a
new 029.
Anyhow, my wife was working with me clearing an 8 acre parcel on our farm. She had her digital camera in her hand and saw this
picture. It was about being at the right place at the right time. It is our dog,
Jake, sitting by my little STIHL MS 250 and a gallon of STIHL bar oil. (Jake works with me
almost every day. He even knows when to go sit somewhere clear of where I
am working. I wouldn't have it any other way.) She
quickly piled a few sticks with the dog and snapped several epics. This is the best one. It was so good that I had it professionally altered so that the photo is black and white with only the dog and the STIHL chain saw in color.
I am having post cards made up with our name and standard
marketing material on the back. It is an eye catcher. This should be used by your
marketing department! 
Paul J. Palletize
Jake's Berry Patch Farm
Columbia Area Tree Removal
Columbia, CT
Twenty years ago I purchased a STIHL 024 AV chain saw. After
using it to cut firewood for eight or nine years, it has been
in the garage collecting dust. A week or so ago my son got
it out, put gas in it, pulled the cord twice and it started
right up and ran great! I wish everything was built like a
STIHL! Thanks for a great product.
Thomas Ryan
Merced, California
I, like many others in South Florida, was recently visited
by Wilma. I pressed my old 020 AVP electronic trim saw into
service that I have owned for about 33 years. It was my boyhood
saw and it has served me well for the duration. That saw,
plus a recently purchased MS 250, help me clear all the yards
in my immediate area and I was able to then team up with a
friend and go around to help others who were unable to do
this type of work. During this, I saw all types of saws being
used, but my STIHL's out-cut, out-lasted, and out-classed them
all, even the bigger saws of the competition. I now plan on
a 460 MAGNUM! Keep up the good work. My heartfelt thanks to
all the STIHL employees who supplied saws to the many hurricane
ravaged areas this season produced. Your hard production work
helped a lot of people in many ways!
John Gondola
Sunrise, Florida
I'am in Weaver, CA tonight, and I heard a great
Easy2Start™ story from the dealer here.
A 90 year-old man came into their shop for something or
another. He was a little down in the dumps because he had
to quit cutting
wood. He can't start any chain saws anymore. He has
tried them all (or so he thought). Ralph (the dealer) said: "I
bet I'Ave got a chain saw you can start.”
Ralph said he could see the years fade back off of the old
man when he started the MS 250 C-BE on the second pull. Of
course, he bought it.
It's great that we can help older folks feel useful
again. Who would have ever thought you could make such a contribution
to someone's life, just by making a chain saw that they
can start?
Needless to say, Ralph tells the story much better than I
can recount it. He says the customer is still around, too.
I'am sure you have plenty of Easy2Start™ testimonials,
but I liked this one.
Thanks,
Jake Brandishing
STIHL Inc.
STIHL received a call from Captain Julian Massey in Fort
Lauderdale, Florida and he said that he has used his chain
saw
four times a day. He wanted to let us know that his MS 310
has helped him through storms, cutting down 20 trees and
limbs.
Captain Massey has found that the Easy2Start™ system
was a great help. It is also user-friendly.
Over 20 years ago, I purchased an 041 AV Farm Boss chain
saw and it still performs as well as the day I bought it.
Amazing! You make a great product. After the recent hurricane,
it paid for itself again and again as many trees on my property
fell and I needed a heavy duty saw that could cut them up
like butter.
Thank you STIHL!
Robert Overseen
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
I had three trees cut (felled) down by a professional company.
I went to Home Depot to rent a chain saw so I could cut the
trees and get myself some fire wood when dry. I rented a Ma kita.
I have some of their wood-working tools which are good, but
their chain saw was very disappointing. My wife told me about
an ad in the newspaper where Ace Hardware had STIHL chain
saws. I bought the STIHL MS 290, read your manual cover to
cover, and went at cutting up the logs that the tree guy's
left in my yard. The saw is awesome. I adjusted the tension
as needed and put STIHL oil lubricant with every tank of gas/oil
mix. This is probably the best tool I have ever purchased...and
I have a lot of tools. If I ever need another tool, I will
be sure to see if your company makes it before I go shopping
at Home Depot.
Thank you for making such a great product!
Sincerely,
Douglas Morris
Woodstock, Georgia
Hello! My name is Norman Minton, Jr. and I live in Loxahachee
FL. Monday we endured Hurricane Wilma and unfortunately I
lost a 20 X 20 ft. building which blew into the canal behind
my house. The worst part is that my STIHL MS 250 was on a
shelf and also landed in the canal. The day of the hurricane,
I looked for the saw but was unable to locate it because of
the murkiness of the water.
My first trip was to the local hardware store that sells
STIHL products - they were out of them. I was looking to purchase
the MS 290. But here's the good part of the story - yesterday
(Friday) the water cleared enough for me to catch a glimpse
of the orange saw in the middle of the canal. Needless to
say, I went swimming and got the saw out the bottom, it was
encased in muck. I pulled the spark plug and exhaust, and
pulled the cord and a ton of water came out. I sprayed WD40
down and put new gas in. On the second pull, my STIHL fired
up and I was able to cut the trees that had fallen in my yard.
Today, I am going over to neighbors to cut trees down. Thanks
for a great product!
Sincerely,
Norman Minton, Jr.
West Palm Beach
The chain brake technology built into my STIHL 029 chain
saw kept me from losing at least half of my right foot yesterday.
Living in Wisconsin, and using
firewood as my primary source of
home heating, I cut a lot of wood. My
029 has preformed flawlessly for well
over ten years, and has paid for itself many times over in the money I save
on fuel oil. Yesterday, this fantastic chain saw earned even more of my
respect, when a twisted branch that I was cutting sent the spinning chain
bucking wildly upward and then downward. The end of the bar impacted with
the toe of my White's Smoke Jumper boot. The chain was sharp, and sliced a
two-inch cut into the toe leather of my boot, but because the chain was
immediately stopped by the chain brake, the consequences will be a trip to
the shoe shop instead of the emergency room, or the funeral home.
After I shut down the saw, and
inventoried my toes, I took a few
minutes to appreciate the fact that I
hadn't been critically injured, and that I wouldn't be spending the next
year learning to walk with half a foot, and that I wasn't bleeding to death,
and that I had bought a STIHL.
Thank you,
Jim Atkins
Frederic, Wisconsin
I purchased my first STIHL chain saw after the 1997 ice storm that afflicted
our area. (Southeast Texas Gulf Coast) That 029 Farm Boss is still in
service, and I could not be more pleased with how it has served me. It is my
favorite tool.
Rita made the '97 ice storm look like a picnic. You can not imagine the tree
damage down here. I'm older and fatter than I was in 1997. So I asked my
brother-in-law, who was in a non-affected area, to pick up a smaller saw for me.
(Of course it had to be a STIHL.)
He bought me a MS 180 C STIHL MiniBoss™ with a 14" bar. What an awesome little
saw! It is performing very well. You can cut with it all day! It starts
easily, sips gas and cuts extremely well. I am very pleased. You should be
proud of this product. I am.
Mitch Templeton
Beaumont, TX.
I am a volunteer disaster relief worker who responded to Gulfport,
Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. Our crew was a tree crew that removed
downed trees from people's homes in the area. I would like to give credit to
your products. We were loaned two STIHL chain saws that
absolutely worked flawlessly. What a joy to work with the easy
adjustments! Great job, STIHL! We will definitely buy STIHL products when we
purchase for our relief unit.
Cliff Bishop
Morris, Alabama
As you know we got hit hard by the storm last month. I had
to go out of state to buy a saw. To make a long story short,
I purchased a larger saw this time, an MS 290. The saw is
good, I expected that, but I didn't expect to run over it
with my tractor! I had just pushed a pine tree stump out of
the ground and was backing up and felt a bump, like I went
over something. I knew there were no roots and there was no
pile of dirt there, so when I looked down I was shocked to
see my new saw had fallen from the carrying box on back of
my bionic blade and had been ran over. It was too dark to
even look at the damage that night, but the next morning I
checked it out. To my surprise, there was no damage! For the
last three weeks, the saw has been used (on and off) for about
seven hours a day, and it's still running! I knew the saws
were good, but for a L4400 Kubota tractor with a front end
loader, bionic blade, and water in its tires to have run over
it, I either got lucky or it's a better saw than I thought.
Larry Haddox
Picayune, Mississippi
I bought a MS 290 chain saw when (Hurricane) Rita hit my
house. It made life much easier. After the storm, I had over
12 large trees down in my yard. I am glad that I spent the
extra money over the cheaper brands. I will be ordering safety
supplies from STIHL as soon as we get back on our feet.
Scott Hart
Beaumont, Texas
Recently, STIHL had a TIMBERSPORTS event in Lake Charles. I was there and
noticed that your saws really perform. I have an 18" "Brand X" chain saw, but it was
alright because I really just used it a little bit. Well Hurricane Rita
struck and left a 20" wide tree on my roof and trees and limbs all over my yard.
It took me a whole day to cut up the tree on the roof using my "Brand X" chain saw.
The heat index was well over 110 degrees. That did it. I went over to
Boudreaux's Lawn Mower shop in Lafayette, LA and talked with those fine
people. I bought a STIHL 290. When I got back I started cutting with it.
In 30 minutes, I had cut more wood than I had done in a whole day with that
piece of junk "Brand X" saw. The thing that amazes me is that I have bought
several "Brand Y" products (chain saws) thinking that a quality saw would
be too expensive. I can't thank you all enough for the saw that I bought.
Typing is not the same as talking. In person, I could tell you how I really feel
about "Brands X & Y".
Keep up the good work. And remember, Hurricane Katrina is only one hurricane
that hit the gulf coast. Rita was a lot worse as far as damage around here.
Paul Ogea
Lake Charles, Louisiana
I live in North Mississippi and was not effected by Katrina, but my pastor's
family was. They live in South Mississippi, in Pearl County. This is a very
rural area. They came to my pastor's home while the storm struck and
returned the following Tuesday. This is the day the levees broke in New
Orleans.
My pastor went home with his parents, who are in their 70's, to help them and his
brother. He called around to borrow some things that he knew he would need.
I loaned him my 025 STIHL chain saw with one sharp old saw chain, a new saw chain, gas,
mixing oil, bar oil, plus other items, and instructions to run the chain saw until
it quits!
I did not hear from the pastor for four days until he came home Sunday to preach. He
told me he felt as if I had been with him all week. He said that he wore out the
old saw chain and changed over to the new one. The pastor said that he thought he was going
to wear out the saw so he quit using it and used some other brands that
other people had.
After a couple of hours of using the other chain saws. My pastor said he couldn't stand
the problems that he was having and picked up my STIHL and used it until about a
week ago.
It never quit, stalled, missed, jammed, had the chain jump off, or failed to start. Good gas, good oil, excellent saw!
Thank you for an excellent saw that I could loan with confidence and know it
would not fail. To think, it's about 15 years-old!
Jim Estes
Horn Lake, Mississippi
I received your thank-you letter in the mail the other day, for the purchase
of my 2nd chain saw. A little over a year ago I purchased a STIHL Farm Boss
for cutting firewood(this is all we heat our house with).
I don't know how
you make them, but keep doing the same way. My chain saw starts the first time
every time, not like the others saws I've had. I've cut about 50 trees and 20
cords of wood. And I'm still cutting wood for this winter.
I also purchased a MS 170 for cutting small stuff.
So far I've been working it for the last 2 weeks. It works great! Thank you for making a very good product.
Mark Kozubal
Trafford, Pennsylvania
I am a Certified Quality Engineer. I own three pieces of STIHL equipment:
a chain saw, a weed eater and a limb trimmer. I know quality when I see it and
use it. I would just like to say that your machines are fantastic and a
pleasure/joy to use. My favorite tool? It is the one I am using at the
time. Thanks
Ron Young
Mulberry, Arkansas
I received your letter recently, and I decided to acknowledge it with a word about the quality of your products.
I own a number of STIHL products: chain saws, chain sharpeners, pole pruners, etc. I'm not unique in owning STIHL products. My whole family owns STIHL chain saws. The reason being, they can cut the mustard. We saw our first STIHL chain saw about 20 years ago, and we were impressed by what this product could do. I don't mind paying the price for quality, and the employees at STIHL do make a fine product.
I also like the way that you sent me a letter of thanks after each of my STHL purchases. This loyalty that you display to your customers is another feather in your hat. Please keep up the good work. People appreciate quality at an affordable price.
So have a good day, and thank you.
Rick Kissinger
I bought a STIHL MS 310 yesterday. I went to cut wood for the winter, and I'm telling you that it is the most comfortable saw that I have ever used. The weight of the saw was evenly balanced, so I felt less fatigued. And the power was just amazing! Cutting wood was like passing a hot knife through butter! I love this saw. If anyone
has a chance, I recommend that you get one for yourself. Even the price was incredible!
Richard Kelley
Solon, Maine
I just received a letter from STIHL regarding my latest purchase of a STIHL FS 55 trimmer. I was actually glad when I bid my last string trimmer "farewell", because I've had my sights on the FS 55 for over a year
now. (The previous trimmer was NOT a STIHL.)
I've also got a STIHL 030 AV chain saw that was purchased by my father back in October of 1971. And I still have
the original receipt. I was about a year old when he bought the saw, and I watched him cut with it my entire life. Now it is in my possession (It has been for some time now.), and it is still cutting just as well as
it did when my father bought it. Given its age, it still looks new. This is because my father always cleaned it up after every use.
I just wanted to let you guys know that you make the best power equipment on the market. And though some of it might cost a little bit more on the front end, I'd like to point out that my 33 year-old chain saw is still
buzzing away! Materials and manufacturing might have changed a bit since the early
70's but your equipment will still outperform anything that I've come across.
Keep up the good work and let the people and employees of STIHL know that they are making one of the best, as well as one of the best QUALITY, products in America.
Thanks,
Daniel Lewis
Louisville, KY
Sir Robert, of the McFarland clan, and a knight of the Imperial
Constantinian Military Order of Saint George, is pictured here with his
Stihl 015AV. While he's much too young to have marched with Constantine in
the crusades, he did fight in the Battle of the Bulge.
Sir Robert was officially knighted in 2000. When asked the most significant
aspect of being a knight, he grins and says in a soft voice, "Well, my wife
is finally a Lady."
Stan and Debbie Crader, who purchased Sir Robert and Lady Shirly McFarland's
home in Estes Park, Colorado, discovered the saw tucked away in a garage
closet. The 015AV was purchased by Sir Robert in 1979 and hadn't been run
for at least ten years. Stan fueled it and the reliable Stihl started on
the fifth pull.
Sir Robert remembers the saw being rated number one by a leading consumer
magazine at the time of his purchase. Being a true Scotsman, he only
purchases the best and then takes very good care of it.
The saw still looks and runs like new.
My wife and I went tubing down the Platte River over the 4th of July
weekend. When we were 3/4 of the way down the river we stopped at a sandbar to
have a beer, when out of the corner of my eye I saw something in the water
that was white and orange. At first, I thought it was a minnow bucket because
I saw an orange handle and white vents. But as I was pulling it out of the
sand and water I found out that it was a STIHL chain saw. The only part of the
saw that was not buried in the sandy river bed was the side with the recoil
and part of the handle. The whole thing was underwater. I pulled it out
and set it on the side of the river, since I had no way of getting it back to
my campsite on a rubber tube. The next day, I went tubing again, this time
bringing a extra tube and cooler to put the chain saw in. The kill switch was
in the off position when I found it (lucky me!) and the label had a 2002 manufacture date. I brought the saw home and over the last few weeks I have been rebuilding the it.
I tore down the saw and rebuilt it. The only thing that I did not take apart was the cylinder. I blew a ton of sand out of the saw and scrubbed a lot of green stuff off of it. It now looks almost like new. I did not replace any parts on it; I only cleaned them and put them back together. I even have the same spark plug and coil in it.
Tonight, I decided that it was time to finish putting it back together. When it was
apart the cylinder looked very clean through the exhaust and intake
ports. I have never worked on small engines before, so at this point I was
preparing myself for disappointment. I went out and bought some 2 cycle oil, a
1 gallon gas can, and some chain oil. I put the gas oil mixture in and added
some bar oil. To my surprise, it started up on the 7th pull.
I almost had a heart attack when it started. It shot out some blue smoke from the extra
oil that I poured down the cylinder during the rebuilding, but it ran
well. I adjusted the low idle a little, and it runs perfectly. I can't believe that it runs.
I ran it for a while tonight to make sure that it is okay, but I can't wait to go try it out
on a tree.
The saw is a 029 super. I downloaded a manual from your site to
learn more about it. If you would like some pictures just drop me an e-mail
or call. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed my story as much as I
have enjoyed my journey with my new saw and best of all, I got it for FREE!
Mark Grotte
Saint Cloud, Minnesota
This past weekend, I bought my second STIHL MS 290 chain saw. My wife
and I had a tremendous amount of wood to cut and I wouldn't think of going
anywhere else but STIHL.
Additionally, Sam, a co-worker of mine, bought a competitor's saw from The Home Depot and was not very happy with it. I suggested that he return that saw and save up his pennies for a STIHL. Hopefully,
Sam & I will be going to The Sharp Shop in Midland Park, NJ sometime next week during lunch, so that he can get himself an orange, wood-eating monster of his own.
Jim McDonough
Wyckoff, New Jersey
I have been clearing off three acres to move on to, cutting
trees on weekends since October 2004. I have an MS290 Farm
Boss. These pictures will show the amount of wood that was
cut. I have owned several other chain saws, but the STIHL MS
290 Farm Boss is by far the best that I have ever used!
Robert Sharp
Vichy, Missouri

My neighbors had ten 100-year-old walnut trees removed that
were situated along our common fence line. They took the trunks
and left the rest for anyone who wanted them.
Unfortunately, in this weather, firewood is not in big demand. (The temperature hit 92 degrees today.) It took four days to clean up the mess. A job this big, definitely required my two STIHL chain saws.
I currently own a STIHL 017 chain saw that I got last year, and I also have a 025 chain saw that is four years-old. Maybe next year, I'll get a larger STIHL saw, possibly one with a longer bar. (The 025 came with a 18-inch guide bar.) I have three acres of land and live in a heavily timbered area. So there are a lot of old trees that need to be removed.
Here is a picture of me and the big pile of wood. By fall, I expect that this pile will
grow five times as large. I am 74 years-old, and I believe that wood cutting keeps me young.
Keep making good saws. Thank you.
Larry Allen
Ankeny, Iowa

Just discovered the testimonial section and I wanted to put my two cents in. I'm
considered "crazy" by all my friends, but my hobby has long been "lumberjacking". I don't have enough fingers and toes to count how many of
your competitors' saws that I have "used up" since I started this unusual hobby in
1980. I got wise in 1990, and decided that I "couldn't NOT AFFORD a STIHL" any
longer.
I bought a 025 because it seemed to fit me in regards to size, weight, power
etc. A love affair began, and with "her" I have cleared too many building
lots to remember. And I've cut tons of discarded pallets to save them from
landfills and given friends & acquaintances fuel-wood that they couldn't afford
to buy.
Two years ago we were ripped by Hurricane Juan and the Provincial
Gov't. said that we conservatively lost ten million trees. Pals said I'd died
and gone to heaven. I have set out to try and clean-up as many of those
10 million trees as I can! Some of these trees are huge, of course, so I got my 025 some help in the form of two 028 saws. I fitted one with a 20" guidebar, the other an 18" guidebar. The 025 originally has a 15" guidebar so I bought
another one and put a new 16" on her, and I've been a whirling dervish ever
since.
My wife threatened divorce me if I didn't slow up a little, so I have
scaled back now to just helping out two deserving land-owners. One's a
gentleman with MS; he has about 7 acres. The other is an 87 year-old lady
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