Do you have a good STIHL story to tell or an interesting photograph? Send it in, we love to read your letters and might even put it on the STIHL Web site!

Testimonials: "Thank You STIHL!"

I had my son's STIHL string line trimmer that was not running properly. I took it in to J & I Power Equip here in Olympia, WA (I am visiting from Calif). Scott, from the svc dept greeted me courteously and asked how he could help. I explained the symptoms, he correctly diagnosed the ailment, then promptly took out what needed cleaning -- and in 10 minutes we were back at 100% running speed. When I asked Scott what I owed him, all he accepted was my handshake. That's SERVICE -- so let Scott know he made my day -- and when my son fires up that STIHL, we know what kind of people we have standing behind that name. THANK YOU!

Mark Hayward
Reedley, CA

My name is SSgt Cody Feasby, I am currently deployed overseas and have been for sometime now. Myself and a few of the others with me are outdoorsman back in the States. I have owned an 044 for a few years now. I bought it used and will never buy another brand. Since being gone for so long,we have missed the outdoors and our hobbies.

I want to truly thank you for what you and your company have done.You guys brought smiles to a lot of faces. Everything you sent was well appreciated. We have been pretty busy lately, causing the delay in the photos. I want to thank you again for what you have done. Its good to know that there are people and companies that support their troops. Please let me know if you use our photo anywhere.

Thank you again,  
 
SSgt Cody Feasby
64ESFS/S4A
APO/AE 09852

I have the greatest photo of our family pet and thought you might be interested in using it. We have recently purchased many pieces of equipment and the co-op gave us a cap as a thank you. In the photo is Licorice, our 7 yr. old full-blooded lab. My husband had just purchased a blower and a weedeater, got the hat, and when he got home, was about to eat supper and sat it on the floor. Licorice started to sniff around it, and my husband just picked it up and put it on him. I thought it was great and asked him to snap a photo. Thanks again! Monica Todd Albertville, Alabama

Hi, I'm Jordan Richart. I'm 17 years old and my parents own/operate a landscape business.

We mow/landscape for 86 accounts. We have been in operation for nearly 20 years (this year will be our 19th), and we have used STIHL products since our starting year in 1989.

We own trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, hedgetrimmers, hand tools, an edger, a sprayer, and gloves. We also have two STIHL Stools in our garage. My dad and I also wear STIHL hats every single day on the job. I just wanted to share our story with you guys about how we love your products and we will continue to use them. I hope you enjoy my story (because I would never complain about any STIHL product).

I just wanted to say thanks for the great products.

Sincerely,

Jordan Richart
Seymour, Indiana

I recently became a loyal customer and thought you would be interested in the reason. My family owns a heating and cooling company and we are an authorized Trane Comfort Specialist dealer. I fully understand the value of representing a "name" brand of equipment. As a comfort specialist I represent the top 20% of all independent Trane dealers. Several years ago Trane sought our input in regards to partnering with Sears to increase sales volume. At the time I strongly voiced my opinion that the strength of the Trane Company was in a very large part due to the strenght of their independent dealers. Despite the objection of the majority of dealers, Trane proceeded to partner with Sears to sell equipment. The partnership failed due in large part to Sears using unreliable workers to install Trane products.

The reason I reference the Trane-Sears deal is to show why I have chosen to be a loyal Stihl customer. The advertisements you have run over the past year showcasing your 8000 independent dealers is impressive. Despite the size of your company Mr. Whyte, you get it. Stihl is a brand leader today because of the strength of your 8000 independent dealers and equally important the vision of Stihl leadership to play to your strength. I hope 2008 brings Stihl a record breaking year for you and all of your dealers.

James Larch
West Street Weirton, WV

I have bought about $8000.00 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 are outstanding.

I also needed some information and came to your website. I find the site is well-engineered.

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.

Here are two pictures of my son, Nicholas, proudly advertising your company's products! As an aborist, I purchase STIHL products all the time. Hopefully, one day, my son will take over the company and will surely be familiar with the STIHL line.

Joseph and Melissa Noga
Port Washington, New York

Nicholas is 4 ½ months old

I am a very loyal STIHL buyer and user. I have a wonderful STIHL Farm Boss chain saw which I have enjoyed using so much that I am now on my second bar and third chain. I also have your terrific backpack blower and use it every weekend. Your products are great, first quality such that I recommend them to all my friends who want quality equipment, support and service, and several have bought them on my recommendation.

As your ads state so boldly (I see them in the Wall Street Journal), we don't buy your products in the big boxes. Instead, and far better, we buy them from really dedicated, helpful local equipment dealers. The ability to go into a local shop, to talk to real people who know the equipment and consult on my needs is invaluable. I much prefer your current marketing plan and hope you continue it.

As long as you make such good products and I can go to a local shop with competent advisors to select the right equipment, I will gladly continue to buy STIHL products.

Thank you for making great products and marketing them via local dealers who can help with personal consultation on what is right for my needs. Great job; please keep it up.

Bruce Mackintosh
Raleigh, North Carolina

Greetings from Georgia, May I, Bill S. Askew, take a few minutes of your time to thank all of you for making such fine outdoor power products. Thank you for the hats, toy chain saws, and stickers that you provided after the last time I wrote to you following the purchase of my STIHL FS 55 trimmer.

In March 2006, I went back to see my very dear friends at Bells Ferry Ace Outdoor Power Equipment. David Wilholt and his team do such a fine job with all of their customers. The showroom at Bells Ferry Ace Outdoor Power Equipment is so very clean you could eat off the floor out front or in the back shop area. It is very well organized, especially when you walk in STIHL Country USA.

Anyway, David and I got to talking about chain saws, there in his showroom. He made me an offer I could not refuse. He let me take a MS 250 home overnight and try it out. He said, "See how you like it, and let me know." Well, in the next two days, I went back and bought two STIHL MS 290 chain saws and two STIHL MS 250s from him. Your products are truly champions.

I have used the saws around the house, a time or two. But for the most part, I just have them for show and tell when my friends come over. My nickname is Hoss and my saws are known as Hoss's also.

My collection of STIHL equipment is comprised of an FS 55 Trimmer, BR 380 Backpack Blower, two MS 290 chain saws, and two MS 250 chain saws. I just like to have my tools around the house to piddle with. All of my neighbors like to come over to watch when I'm working in my yard performing leaf removal. I let them try out my backpack blower. Now they both want to go and buy their own STIHL blowers.

God Bless all of you and your families, I love each and every one of you. Thank you all for such wonderful products.

Bill S. Askew
Smyrna, Georgia

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 trailhead 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 STIHLs) 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 have been in the landscape and lawn business for the last 4 years. I started with used equipment, and then went with all Echo small power equipment. As my equipment has worn out I had a friend suggest STIHL. I bought a new pair of gas shears, a FS 80 trimmer and a BR 550 blower. I have got to say that this the very best equipment that I have ever used. It simply blows Echo away. I recently had everything I bought stolen. It was hurtful to use old or repaired equipment to finish my work. I would never go back to anything else. I recently replaced the trimmer with a FS 110 (Love it!) and purchased another BR 550 blower. The shears will have to wait, but I can assure you that I will buy STIHL for all my small power equipment.

Thank you,
Jonathan Branch

I am a Quality/Reliability engineer and have bought a John Deere tractor, an MS 270 chain saw and will be purchasing a STIHL trimmer from Adam's Power Equipment in Poughkeepsie N.Y. The dealer's sales people are friendly and very informative, taking a lot of the guess work out of purchasing power equipment. They take the time to explain their recommendations with no pressure sales. I have found, with these and other purchases from Adam's, the reasons for their recommendations coming to fruition, which I wouldn't have foreseen. I want quality and the right tool to fit the job. I want to be able to have advice from the experts, service (in case I need it), and genuine parts and accessories. I have found that STIHL represents value (quality at a fair price) and Adam's is an outstanding representative for your company.

Paul Margosian
Hopewell Junction, New York

My birthday was last month. I had asked my mom and dad to get me a new pair of sunglasses. When I got them, I saw that they were a pair of STIHL® TIMBERSPORT® Series sunglasses, and that they had the Z87+ code on them. Because of that, I knew that they were safety glasses, but I never thought that they would save my eyes.

While I was at work on May 3rd, a trap machine went off and sent a clay target at my eye traveling at 42 mph. Thank you for making good quality products. Keep it up. And once more, Thank you again for saving my eye.

Adam Schroer
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin

I have to tell you that even us old guys love STIHL!  I should know because I cut a lot of trees since hurricane Katrina knocked down, bent over and made "leaners" out of many tress. Just wanted you to know that I very much enjoy using your great equipment.

Thank you,
Bill Fraley
Slidell, LA

I just have to say, STIHL products are absolutely the best! So far I have purchased a STIHL chain saw which is amazing, and I just bought a new STIHL backpack blower. What a wonderful piece of gear to have! This summer, I am buying a new STIHL line trimmer. I can't wait to get it and get rid of my old Home Depot junker. The old saying holds true to this day, "You get what you pay for", and STIHL is the best you can buy!

Thanks, STIHL!

Kim Kelley
Kenmore, Washington

Left to right are: Kathy Tribby, Paula Gouse and Vicki Barto

This photo was taken at Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge in Malta, MT. Bowdoin NWR has many acres of native prairie which are important for ground nesting waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds.  Russian olives are non-native trees that invade these areas, providing perches and cover for predators. For the last few years we have been removing these trees by cutting them and spraying the stump with herbicide (cut stump method).  Russian olives are tough trees and this is about the only way to control them (and we will be controlling them for many years).

I realize this is probably more information than you needed but we try to explain the importance of these nesting grounds when people ask why we're cutting down "perfectly good trees".

Paula Gouse
Biological Science Technician
Bowdoin NWR
Malta, MT

Air delivery courtesy of Richard Lane and his son from Buzz Off!

Nelson Tree is extremely grateful to Rick Bryan of Bryan Equipment for his support during the hurricane restoration effort.

Rick procured shirts, socks and even one-man tents for Nelson crews, then arranged for them to be chemically treated to ward off insects by a company called Buzz Off!

Rick donated 800 STIHL shirts to the cause and Buzz Off! matched his generosity with another 800! Buzz Off! even flew the shirts and other items to the Hammond, Louisiana, airport personally! From there, the shirts made their way to the crews in Louisiana and Mississippi, where the bugs have definitely earned themselves a reputation!

Our heartfelt thanks go out to Rick for his thoughtfulness as well as for the time and resources he donated. Nelson also thanks Buzz Off! for their generosity, and for doing everything in their power to make sure the men received their items.

Dear STIHL INC,

My name is Sean Parauka and I am a representative of Budget Mowing Equipment in Stratford, CT and the son of Richard Parauka, the President of our company. For years, I have gotten to know your STIHL products very well as I have sold hundreds of your products to so many satisfied customers. As for me, I am a satisfied dealer and a STIHL fan for life.

The first reason why I really admire STIHL is the "Quality". I have used nearly every product that you have made: Chainsaws (The MS 290 Farm Boss, my favorite), Trimmers (FS110R, my favorite), Hedge Clippers, and the Hand-held and Backpack Blowers, with the BG 55, BR 550 and BR 600 as my favorites. All of these products I've ever used have always provided me with the highest performance possible. Part of our business is Rentals, and of course, we rent STIHL chainsaws, cut-off saws, hedge clippers and backpack blowers. Our customers have always been 100% satisfied with how they performed and that has brought many of them to purchase their own STIHL products. Your quality has won the hearts of my customers and, most importantly, me.

The second reason why I love STIHL is because of the 4-MIX® Engine. When you introduced the FS 110 R in 2002, with the new 4-MIX Engine, I was extremely impressed and am still fascinated by this technologically advanced engine today. I was amazed how it is quieter than the traditional 2-Cycle engine, yet had more power and torque. Two, I really like the way it sounds when it runs. Three, the newest addition to your product, line-up, the 4-MIX® Back-pack blower, the BR 550 and BR 600.

Your newest backpack blowers are PHENOMENAL! The design is very unique. First, I like the idea that it looks like a Jetpack with its well-rounded engine shroud. The recoil is a very nice addition as the starting process
has been extremely simplified. No more hard pulls. Two, I thought the automatic ignition switch on the handle was a very smart idea. I've had a few customers over the years that choke the engine until it floods and didn't even turn the ignition switch on. Three, the blowing power is unbeatable. The engine is quiet, yet powerful. Our home is a little over an acre and I did my leaves with this (BR 500) in no time. It was blowing leaves around that were over 20 feet away. How much more power could you ask for? My customers are, too impressed by the quietness of it and yet the power it provides.

Throughout the last four years that I have been working for my father, there is no other product line that I stand behind and am more proud of than STIHL. Every products is quality and I have nothing but compliments of my
personal experiences to share with my customers and that itself wins them over and encourages them to buy a STIHL and they have come back to me telling me that I was right and they are glad that they bought their STIHL.

I do have a couple comments, and or requests. First, I think the 4-MIX® engine should be on as many of your products as possible. Two, I think it would be a good idea and an interesting idea to see STIHL make their own Single-Stage Snow thrower, powered by the 4-MIX engine, or a traditional 2-Cycle engine (similar to a Toro CCR3650). Also, I am glad that you're products are not at Home Depot or Lowe's. Those places bring products down and they don't back up their products like your 8,000 STIHL dealers (like us) do.

Thank you STIHL for the years of quality products,
Sean Richard Parauka
Assistant Manager
Budget Mowing Equipment
Orange, Connecticut

My boyfriend was working in Northern Washington on a demolition job. He experienced a horrible accident at the expense of a co-worker. One of your saws saved him from being completely crushed under a 2,900 lb wall. He was severely injured in the accident, but if it were not for your quality saws and equipment, he would surely have died. He asked me to contact your company, so I was hoping that someone would be able to direct me to the president of the company, so he could personally express his thanks. We would appreciate any response or direction that you could give us. Thank you for your time.

Cassie Arnold
Washougal, Washington

Dear Sir:

We believe in giving praise when praise is due; therefore, we want to say thank you to STIHL Incorporated for a wonderful product and to express our sincere appreciation to the staffs of Blue Mountain Equipment and Crader Distributing and to our sales rep. Mark Hillard for a job well done.

We were recently blessed with the "big winds” of Hurricane Rita. Due to her destructive little visit there was and still is quiet a demand for chainsaws. All the freight companies suspended deliveries to our area due to Rita. This could have been devastating to our business. BUT JUST LIKE SUPERMAN, Mark Hillard and the staff of Blue Mountain Equipment came to our rescue. Our business never missed a beat. Blue Mountain delivered to us with their trucks and rental trucks and because of their dedication to their dealers we were able to continue servicing our customers. We were selling chainsaws so fast that we were requiring shipments on a daily basis. They coordinated delivery times with each of us and never failed to deliver the product ordered. They took care of all of us in East Texas (Lufkin, Livingston, Cleveland, Beaumont) They worked and are still working long hard hours to make this difficult, chaotic situation better.

A few years ago we decided to make the transition to STIHL after carrying another line of chainsaws for many years. Hurricane Rita only confirmed that we have made the right decision to turn to STIHL. A company can tell you that they are there to help and support you, but there comes a time in all things when you have to back up the words you say. Blue Mountain Equipment, Crader Distributing, and Mark Hillard are true to their words. We support the company that supports us and that is STIHL and Blue Mountain Equipment.

Just like us your business is only as successful as those who work night and day to make it successful. The staffs of Blue Mountain Equipment and Crader Distributing have done just that for you and your product and in the process their hard work has made our small business a little larger.

We have informed our customers of the benefits of owning a STIHL and the loyalty the STIHL Company has to its dealers. Many of our customers have confirmed that they also want to support the company that supports its dealers.

We continue to pledge our support to the STIHL Company and its product lines. We know for sure that since Rita's visit there are a lot more STIHL products in homes in our area.

We just wanted you to know that Mark Hillard and the staff of Blue Mountain Equipment and Crader Distributing have made this wild ride so much better.

Sincerely yours,

Mike and LaDonna Fuller
Mike's Saw & Supply
Livingston, Texas 77351

Just wanted to thank STIHL for two things.

The STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Event was a tremendous success here in Lake Charles. We look forward to again possibly hosting STIHL at The Lake Charles Civic Center. Your event is still being talked about even though we have had Hurricane Rita here.

We hosted Victims of Hurricane Katrina from New Orleans until Hurricane Rita forced us to evacuate them. We then evacuated our city.

Lake Charles Police, Fire and Public Works, as well as Civic Center Personnel, evacuated north to Oberlin, LA. After the eye of the storm passed, we returned to Lake Charles to provide the essential services. It was necessary to cut our way back into the city. Thanks to our STIHL chain saws, we cleared 41 miles of U.S. Highway 165 in four hours. What the winds put down, STIHL, the Fire Department and Public Works removed.

We continue the job of cleaning our city with over 60 chain saws (ALL STIHL) with no saw failures to date. We ruined some chains on metal in the debris, but that is to be expected. We have months to go before all signs of
damage are gone, but STIHL will be with us as we clean our city.

So thanks again to STIHL for a GREAT EVENT and tough dependable saws.

Denver Kaufman
Lake Charles Civic Center
Lake Charles, LA

I live in North Mississippi. I was not effected by Katrina, but my pastor's family was. They live in Pearl County, which is a very rural area in South Mississippi. They came to my pastor's home while the storm struck and returned the following Tuesday. This was the day that 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, and some other items. I also included instructions to run the chain saw until it quits!

I did not hear from him for four days until he came home on Sunday to preach. The pastor told me that he felt as if I had been with him all week. He said he wore out the old 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 saws he said that 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. (This is 15 year-old chain saw!)

Jim Estes
Horn Lake, Mississippi

To the employees of STIHL,

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 (which is all we heat our house with). I don't know how you make them, but keep doing the same way.

It starts the first time every time, not like the others saws that I've had. I've cut about 50 trees and 20 cords of wood. I'm still cutting for this winter. I also purchased a small 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 STIHL pieces of 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 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

Reece Pearman celebrates his second birthday with a new STIHL cap given to
him by his grandfather, Steve Mabe.

Happy Birthday Reece!

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

Awesome and informative website!!

My boyfriend moved out, but he left me his trimmer. I had no idea how to start it or load the cord. It seems that my ex took the instructions with him (or threw them away like most men do).

Your site walked me through everything, step by step. Thank you very much for helping me to be independent. Who needs that loser!

Thank you again,

Jalaine Meglic
Janesville, Wisconsin

I just wanted to let you know that I first purchased an 028 chain saw in the late 1980's. I am in the military and have moved several times. Each time, when I took out my saw to use, even after leaving it idle for sometimes up to 2 years, I would fill up the oil and gas and it would start right up. It has never been serviced or needed to be adjusted.

IT IS WITHOUT A DOUBT, THE BEST TOOL THAT I HAVE EVER BOUGHT IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. I WISH STIHL HAD MADE ALL THE TOOLS THAT I HAVE EVER PURCHASED. My son is now looking at buying a saw for himself, and I told him not to buy anything else but a STIHL. He is currently going to college full time and is working part-time to save up to buy a STIHL. I am 100% sure he will be as happy with his as I am with mine.

Thanks again for such a great dependable tool.

John Baranello

I wanted you to know how much I appreciate the quality and ease of use of your chain saws. Until the hurricane hit on Sunday, I had never used a chain saw. But when our road department decided that it was too dangerous to go out, I along with two other deputies (and some borrowed STIHL chain saws) headed out to clear our roads so that our units and fire/rescue units could get to people who needed our help. After a ten minute lesson, three of us with three saws and 10 gallons of gas cleared over 80 trees and poles from the roadway in 9 hours, opening the roads for emergency traffic.

I do not own a chain saw, but I will be buying one. It will definitely be a STIHL.

Just thought you would like to know.

Deputy Sheriff Greg Suchy
St. Augustine , Florida

Dear STIHL,

I would like to take this time to express my compliments to you on doing what very few manufactures do today. That is, put their customers first. I say this because in today's market of mass produced merchandise, it is hard to find a product that is built to be put through its paces day-in and day-out. Case in point, I have three "mass market" chain saws that are all inoperable. That is, until recently, when I brought one of your MS 660M chain saws and I'm happy to say that in just a few weeks of ownership it has already outperformed and outlasted my three other saws.

I'm so impressed with your product that I'm going to be purchasing a TS 510 cutquik along with an MS 880 chain saw here in the near future. Rather than the Makita cut-off machine that I was originally looking at. Thank you all for looking out for all of us working men and women who depend on their equipment day-in and day-out.

Michael Calvillo
San Antonio, Texas

My friend Kaikaa was in a very bad industrial accident. He actually died 5 times and has pins throughout his body. The reason I am writing you is to tell your headquarters that his STIHL 660 chain saw saved his life! A two ton wall was dropped on him by a crane operator that was high on meth. Kaikaa had the chain saw in his hand and when the wall hit him the saw fell by his head and held the wall up and saved his life. Kaikaa is very very lucky to be alive and would like to thank STIHL himself.

He is a very wonderful man and he really owes his life to your saw, so thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Kaikaa Burke,
Washougal, Washington

Dear STIHL,

I am writing as a very satisfied, loyal customer of your products. Living in the Northern Midwest, we are subject to violent weather. And last Friday, a tornado wiped out the town of Bradgate, Iowa. A call went out for volunteers to help clear trees and debris. I grabbed my trusty 034 AV and went to help. On the way to the scene, I stopped at a local STIHL dealer. I picked up some items and was waiting in line. The clerk was busy with some other customers but asked if I was going to Bradgate. I nodded, and he waved me through. This only served to make me even more of a fan of your company and products.

Needless to say, words couldn't describe the state of the town that morning. But to make a long story short, my 10 year-old, very broken-in saw worked flawlessly in heavy duty conditions. While lots of well meaning people with "Wal-Mart" equipment fumbled and sputtered, the "old" saw shined, and cut up tons of wood. I also noticed that the professionals, who do this stuff for a living, were all using STIHLs.

I still wish you would build a pickup.

Sincerely,
John Harlan
Eagle Grove, Iowa

The weather was perfect. Red Wing Golf course was the site. Seventeen students were in attendance. And there were no equipment problems. The team welcomed a special guest from STIHL; Tom Trebi stopped by and made a positive impact on the students and the instructional staff. Thanks, Tom, from all the instructors! The time you spent with our four teams was great and was much appreciated by the students.

There is an upcoming class scheduled for April 28th. The class closed out with 100 students signed up.

Thanks Again to all that support this team.
G.Umphlett VBFD 9-A

The chain saw safety team has started the new year with 18 recruits from the VBFD.The class went well no problems. The equipment is performing great as expected. This year is going to be a busy one with the passing of the storm. The team will be teaching the CERT group (citizens emergency response team) there are three classes scheduled and two are full with 6 openings on the third left. The team as always will promote chain saw safety and the products to highest degree. The team thanks all for the support.

Thanks,
Gary Umphlett
Virginia Beach Fire Department 9-A

Bob Plummer or Mooresville, NC sent in this photograph of a bear he carved with a STIHL MS 180 chain saw. Although we have seen a lot of carved bears here at STIHL we have never seen one holding a chain saw. To see this unusual carving in person stop by Lake Norman Power Outlet in Mooresville, NC. Tell them Bob sent you.

To whom it may concern:
My son and I bought the STIHL Forestry Helmet System, and it saved my son's life. We work in the trimming service. I was cutting a limb off and it came down on my son, hitting him in the face. It was about 70 lb. limb and about 40ft in the air. The face shield took most of the blow and he suffered a broken nose and cuts. He was knocked out. It is my belief (and others as well) that if he was not wearing the STIHL Forestry Helmet System he would have had more injury or may have even killed him. Thank you for making such a fine product, we will never wear any other kind of safety helmet.

Thank you so much!
Richard Alcorn
Newport, Kentucky

Dear STIHL Incorporated,

My dad owns an excavating company. I work for him and we are very impressed with your products. My dad has bought your chain saws and cement saws for many years. We like how they hold up so well and how they work well in any sort of condition. Dad likes your saws so much that he put a cement saw and chain saw in every one of his work trucks.

We also really like how your lawn tools help us keep our house and lawn looking great. We own some of your leaf blowers and trimmers and they work spectacularly. We never have any trouble with them. They are all really easy to start and maintain.

All in all, I just wanted to tell you what a nice job you are doing on your products and how we will continue to buy STIHL products because they are durable, dependable, and affordable. I have also been to your website and you have some really neat stuff.

Sincerely,
Jordan Miller
St. Johns, MI

These are some of the more interesting photographs we have been able to put into the scrapbook. How many ladies out there would be thrilled to receive new STIHL chain saw as a wedding gift? Well Linda Brown was. You see, she is a wildland fire fighter and the Tahoe hotshots gave her this as a wedding present.

It seems much more practical for her than a toaster. Perhaps she will even let her husband use it from time to time, if he asks nicely.

Dear STIHL employees,

In this day and time where everyone is suing one another and complaints abound, I thought I would send your company a compliment. In complying with ISO requirements, companies always have to respond back on an abundance of forms as to what happened and a corrective action when a problem arises. I know because I used to deal with it daily. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming and it is nice for someone to respond positively.

Back in May, 1999 I purchased a STIHL 029 Super Farmboss chain saw and a FS 80 trimmer. I have thoroughly enjoyed using these fine power tools, but it wasn't until recently that I realized just how much I value them. A few weeks back I helped one day in the Hurricane Isabel relief effort through the North Carolina Baptist Men Disaster Recovery. They dispatched 13 of us near Ahoskie, North Carolina. Our first job of the day was for a 100 year old lady who still lived on her own. She had 2 huge cedar trees and a large oak tree down in her back yard. Of the 13 of us, 5 of us were running chain saws. Of the five saws, 4 were STIHL! It sounded like a swarm of mosquitoes on steroids with all 5 saws going at once. My saw performed flawlessly, of course, as it has since the day I bought it. As we were leaving this lady's house, she met us out front and with tears in her eyes she thanked God above for sending us there and helping here out.

I just wanted to let STIHL and its employees know that they indirectly had a part in helping that lady out that day and probably thousands of others throughout the Hurricane Isabel disaster relief, as well as the many other hurricanes that have hit over the past few years. Thank you for building a quality product that will, and does, stand the test of time.

I don't know what your policy is for sharing these stories with the employees, but if this could find it's way to a bulletin board or a break room somewhere it would be appreciated. The workers are the heart and soul of the company. Let them know how much they are appreciated.

Happy holidays,
Sincerely,
Jeremy Coe
North Carolina

Zach is an autistic 12-year-old and a big STIHL fan. His mother says he loves to draw pictures of STIHL products, especially backpack blowers. He loves to visit the STIHL website and when his father purchased a new STIHL Chain saw, he rushed to his catalog to look up the specifications. When Zach was asked what he wanted for Christmas he said "Backpack blower. Hold it like this. Whoosh, STIHL orange." Looks like STIHL runs in the family.

The City of Virginia Beach Chain Saw Safety Class has received new interest. Recently, a large storm passed through the city. We were fortunate because the access control plans that we had in place worked very well and the clean up process proceeded nicely.

This year`s class had some special guests from the Virginia Department of Labor. The chain saw safety team is looking forward to receiving their suggestions for improvements.

2004 is approaching and the time for updating the class is upon us. There are several work shops in development for the new year.

Class participants for this year included members of the Va Beach Police, Marine Science Museum, Parks Services, Landscape Services, School Ground Services, and Public Works: all total 45 students. Luckily the weather was favorable, and the equipment worked great. No problems.

I like to thank STIHL Incorporated for all their support and the representatives from the Virginia Department of Labor for their interest in this training.

G.Umphlett VBFD 9-A

Dear STIHL Representative

I have bought yet another STIHL product and thought you might enjoy a picture of my STIHL collection. I still have my STIHL FS 51 gas trimmer that I bought in 1986, and it works perfectly after eons of use.

There are a lot of manufacturers of yard equipment out there - but none like STIHL!

Best Regards,
John C. Pino

Sixteen years ago, I bought a FS 66 weed eater from a dealer here in town. One of my friends and I started mowing lawns part-time. The business grew until we couldn't take on any more work. Not long after that, I was offered a job that I just had to take. I told my friend that I had to stop mowing with him because the commute to and from my new job took too long. I kept my mower and weed eater, and I mowed when I could. To make a long story short, I am still using the same STIHL weed eater that I bought so long ago, today! It has NEVER failed to start! And I have only changed the spark plug once.

The only problem that I have had with my weed eater was when I dropped it and broke the carb adjustment screw. This is the only weed eater that I have ever purchased, and I use it a lot! It has been especially useful for the regular trimming I do around a certain pond. My only question is: "Why would anybody buy any other brand?"

A good friend of mine is in the tree business and the only brand of saws that he uses is STIHL. He takes good care of his saws, so when he offered to sell me his STIHL 036, I jumped on it. I'm glad that I did. That's one hell of a saw! I would like to thank everyone at STIHL for making what are in my opinion, the best weed eaters and chain saws ever made.

Thanks again,
Michael Crouse, Burlington, North Carolina

Since Hurricane Isabel hit our area, I have been working daily, clearing trees for friends and family. To this point, not one of the STIHL products that I purchased from Morton's Equipment has failed me. My 041 Chain Saw, my FS 80 Brushcutter, and my HS 45 Hedge Trimmer have all been through the mill and have worked as hard as I have.

Today, I gave all my STIHL tools the day off; I figure that they've earned it. But on October 2nd, we'll all go back to work. Y'all keep up the good work and keep making great tools for hard working people. God knows, those of us who work hard want our tools to last. We don't mind spending money for quality.

I'm off to Mortons to buy a new STIHL hat. My green one got misplaced somehow, and I don't want people to think that I use anything else but STIHL.

Y'all be good,
Brad Griffin

To the Employees of STIHL,

I want all of you to know that I have purchased weed eaters of every name brand.

I'm going to be 64 on July 5th. During all of my years, I have bought electric weed eaters of every name brand that some of my so-called friends said to buy.

And now I want all of you there to know that the money that I spent for my STIHL was well spent.

Every time I'd get ready to weed with any of the other brands, there would be carburetor problems, the engine would fire out, or the spools would wear out in nothing flat.

Thank you for the nice letter you sent me. And I want you to know that for all those years that I purchased those bad brands, I could kick myself in you know where for not purchasing STIHL. I don't know what to tell you to improve, "So don't," ok? Thanks again. I'm with STIHL ALWAYS, AND I'LL TELL EVERYONE ELSE.

Sincerely,
Joseph C. Dobis
Thanks Again

Dear old friends at STIHL Incorporated,

Thank you for the letter that I recieved from you on June 9th. Yes, I am enjoying my new STIHL FS55R weed eater or trimmer. It really works great. In the fall I also enjoy the new STIHL Farm Boss MS290 chain saw that I bought from Race Brothers Farm Supply Co. in Springfield, Mo. If no one has told you that they appreciate your fine power equipment, then let me be the first!

Thanks again,
From a Big Fan of yours,
David R. Mason

Say hello to the 2003 IRONJACK STIHL Masters Champions. The two top athletes in each of the ten IRONJACK disciplines square off in this head to head competition. The winners each received an MS 290 STIHL FARM BOSS. There was an additional $30,000 purse up for grabs in the IRONJACK Decathlon during the three day event. The competition was held at The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show Sports Arena in Ketchikan, AK and was filmed for television by the Outdoor Life Network and is one half hour program in a ten show series.

Left to right are STIHL Masters Champions Brian Linville-AK (obstacle pole), Tony Bush - MT (axe throw), Andy Colle - WI (hot saw), Brian Bartow - OR (tree topping & speed climb), Rob Waibel - OR (spring board & underhand), Dwight Severson - OR (single buck), Wade Stewart - BC (log roll) and Darren Hudson - NS (speed birl)

For more information on IRONJACK & IRONJILL contact Rob Scheer at rob@lumberjacksports.com

"....... the finest pieces of equipment on the market. I purchased my first STIHL product (FS65 brushcutter) eight years ago. It has done everything I ever expected it to do and more......."
L.W. Newton, NJ

"I have 8 STIHL products. No breakdowns in 6 years.......... Great equipment."
J.R. Afton, VA

"We are a solid member of the STIHL family. STIHL is the best in our line of work. All landscape contractors can rely on STIHL products' dependability and durability."
J.M. Elgin, IL

".........once a STIHL owner always a STIHL owner...."
C. M. Toccoa, GA.

" Until recently I have always purchased Homelite products, but now they seem very primitive compared to STIHL. You not only sold a saw, but my next string trimmer will be a STIHL."
R.H. Greenup, IL.

"Thanks for providing such a rugged tool for your customers."
B.B., Westerville, Ohio

"STIHL is the best. Powerful, reliable, well-balanced."
R.S., Asheville, NC

"I bought the STIHL FS44 trimmer because my STIHL 020 chain saw has given me good service for nineteen years. Quality does count. That is why I bought STIHL again."
J.P., Bath, Ohio

"With STIHL's continued support of the independent dealer and your new "STIHL Satisfaction Guarantee" program, I think STIHL will continue to dominate into the next century."
D.J.A.,Federal Way, Washington

"I've owned and used hundreds of STIHL products ...........never had a 5-cent problem. Thanks for a heck of a saw!!"
E. T., Boulder Junction, WI

"All your attention to quality and detail make your products our saw of choice. And the class act of a letter thanking us is icing on the STIHL cake. We thank you."
G.H., Millerton, NY

The Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department responded to a structure fire on September 8th of 2006. Our two STIHL MS 460 Rescue Saws were put into service at this fire. Before I explain how the MS 460s performed, I need to explain the problems we had with prior saws.

We were having problems making multiple cuts while performing vertical ventilation on roofs at structure fires. The saws we used were a hopped up STIHL and a Jonsred 670. The STIHL was a used saw that was given to use by a fire service dealer. The STIHL had plenty of power, but you could hardly pull the starter rope due to the increase in compression. The Jonsred was under powered. There was not enough chain speed to rip through chingles, roof boards, etc.

Using a regular wood chains was the cheapest route to go, we thought. We could get maybe 3 to 4 sides of a 4 foot square vent hole on a roof. Then put a new chain on. We would go through at least 4 chains per fire. We thought about using a carbide tip chain which is around 85 dollars to get more cuts. It was determined that using a none-carbide tip would be the cheapest way to go.

The firefighters were complaining that we were not getting enough cuts out of the saw. I felt that the men were on the roof too long making cuts. You need to get your cuts made as quickly as you can and get off the roof.

The chainsaw concerns were brought to our department's "Fire Vision Committee". This committee looks at all avenues how to rectify a problem when it occurs. Being on the committee and an owner of many STIHL products. I went to your web site and found that STIHL had just come out with the MS 460 Rescue Saw. I went to the local dealer, which is Rapids Rental, they gave me the information and price for the saw and I brought it back to the committee. Many of the committee members were sold on the idea of a saw that is strictly made for ventilating roofs. I informed them of the quality of the STIHL chain saws, and let them know that if anything went wrong with the saw, Rapids Rental would take care if it right away. The committee agreed to purchase the saw. The saw worked great, but we found that replacing the chain that is recommended for the saw would be $200.00 a chain and was not cost effective. So, we went with the standard chain and the complaints started again about the poor performance. We purchase a second MS 460 Rescue Saw. Due to the price of the required chain for the MS 460, we decided to go with the standard carbide tip to hopefully get a few extra cut out to the chain. Once again, the complaints of poor performance started. We then decided to go with the chain recommended for the MS 460.

The fire that the I mentioned earlier, was a strip mall building with eight businesses in it. The fire started in the center of the complex. Firefighters entered the building and were driven out by the intense heat. A defense attack was ordered, which in this instance meant a trench cut in the roof was made to stop the aggression. Cuts were made with the MS 460 totalling 80 feet before the chain had to be changed. I talked to the firefighter who made the cuts. He said the saw was cutting through tar, roof boards, nails and who knows what. He also said that he saw a lot of sparks flying at one time. The trench cut saved two businesses from being destroyed. The MS 460 performed flawlessly. The men made the cuts and were off the roof before it became dangerous to be on it. I was informed that the the MS 460 that made all of the cuts was used at a fire the week prior. The men were cutting with a used blade.

The WRFD feels that the MS 460 Rescue Saw with the RDS chain is the best ventilation saw you can get. The power and cutting ability speaks for itself. The price of the chain at $200.00 is minimal when we are able to save businesses from being destroyed. Also, the safety factor for us is priceless. We plan on getting a third MS 460 next year. That way, all of our saws will be the same.

Also, I would like to add how wonderful Rapids Rental has been as a STIHL dealer to this department. Their knowledge of the full line of STIHL products and services has been excellent. Many of the firefighters here own STIHL products for the quality and the service we get from Rapids Rental.

Respectfully yours,
Thomas Hansen, Captain
Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

The MS 460 Magnum Rescue Chain saw is designed for use by professionally trained rescue services and is not to be used by untrained operators under any circumstances.