What is the Best Professional Chainsaw for You?
Whether you're tidying up after storm damage, maintaining properties, logging, or spending most of your time performing in-tree care, STIHL offers a wide range of chainsaws for virtually any woodcutting task. Not only is STIHL the number one selling brand of gas-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America,* STIHL is also an innovator in battery power—as the number one selling brand of battery-powered handheld outdoor power equipment among landscape and tree care professionals in America.** STIHL offers a strong reputation and a wide selection of battery-powered chainsaws. Read on to discover how to find the best all-around professional chainsaw for your work.
*“Number one selling brand” is based on syndicated and commissioned surveys conducted by Irwin Broh Research among U.S. professional landscapers, as well as independent consumer research of 2009-2023 U.S. sales and market share data for the gas-powered handheld outdoor power equipment category combined sales to consumers and commercial landscapers.
**“Number one selling brand” is based on 2023 surveys conducted by Irwin Broh Research of the U.S. professional landscaper and tree care markets.
How STIHL Pro Saws Deliver on Performance
Three things you’ll find with STIHL professional chainsaws are power, enhanced comfort, and safety features.
Powerful Pro Saws
STIHL chainsaws are built on a long history of cutting-edge engine technology. Created with durable components and robust engineering, you can count on the long-lasting power of STIHL professional chainsaws to get you through the workday.
Operator Comfort
With an ergonomic design and easy-to-start features, STIHL prioritizes operator comfort knowing that reduced user fatigue means improved focus and the ability to get the job done right.
Safety Features
Choosing the best professional chainsaw means checking for safety. Automatic stopping features like STIHL Quickstop® help reduce the risk of injury in some kickback situations, allowing operators to work with confidence.
Features of STIHL Gasoline-Powered Commercial Chainsaws
As a leading innovator in outdoor power tools, STIHL has developed and implemented a variety of professional chainsaw features to help with efficiency, quality, and safety. Look for the following features on many models of STIHL chainsaws.
Ematic™ Bar: Reservoir holds bar oil until it can be picked up by the passing chain, reducing oil usage by up to 50%.
STIHL M-Tronic™: This microprocessor-controlled engine management system adjusts to compensate for changes in operating conditions.
Master Control Lever™: One lever operates the choke, starting throttle lock, run, and on/off switch.
OILOMATIC® Saw Chain: Specially engineered grooves are designed to channel oil to critical wear areas.
STIHL Quickstop® Chain Brake System: This feature stops the chain within a fraction of a second to help reduce the risk of injury in some kickback situations.
Anti-Vibration System: Limited vibration helps reduce operator fatigue.
STIHL ElastoStart™: The starting grip features a built-in shock absorber that reduces start-up effort.
IntelliCarb™ Compensating Carburetor: This innovative technology automatically adjusts the fuel/air ratio when the air filter clogs to maintain the correct RPM.
Decompression Valve: The decompression valve reduces the compression in the combustion chamber during cranking and helps reduce the effort needed to pull the starter rope.
High Power-to-Weight Ratios: By minimizing fatigue, these ratios allow users to get more done.
HD2 Air Filter: Washable for long life and low maintenance, these filters feature a large surface area for long run times.
Magnesium Alloy Piston: The magnesium alloy piston is lighter in weight than equivalent size aluminum alloy pistons.
Electronically Controlled Fuel Injection: Featuring sensor-controlled fuel metering, this features offers the right injections of fuel and rapid acceleration for excellent cutting performance.
Battery and Gas Chainsaws
STIHL offers chainsaws in both gas and battery power. The AP Professional Battery System features interchangeable batteries with long run times and no drop-off in power as the charge depletes. The STIHL naming system designates gas-powered chainsaws with an MS and battery-powered chainsaws with an MSA.
AP System Battery Chainsaws
STIHL is committed to providing environmentally responsible tools that deliver the powerful performance you need in a cleaner, more sustainable way. The MSA 161 T and MSA 220 TC-O battery chainsaws qualify for alternative fuel tax credits and are ideal for work zones with noise and emissions restrictions. Learn more about the STIHL Green Zone Credit program and how you can save on STIHL battery power.
5-Star Reviews
MS 500i | Anything else is just a chainsaw
The best chain I ever bought. Easy to start and lightweight. Rugged and balanced well. Running a 36". Cut down 107 trees right out of the box at my house.
Anonymous
MS 462 R C-M | Great saw!
We replaced an older saw with this model and we are not regretting the purchase! All the power and then more and the rugged construction as well that it has endured so far has proven a well built tool. The local dealer was great to work with and delivered when no one else could!
RTFD
MS 462 C-M | Solid performance
Initially purchased as a stand-by saw to free my 066 should my 550i fail to start. It has quickly become my go to. Reliable and light with performance that exceeds expectation, this one is a homerun.
Aneatanga
MSA 160 C-B | Very Reliable
Great for topping and smaller trees. Runs strong well over an hour on one battery.
The Birdman
Check out these reviews and others on the individual product pages.
The Right Chainsaw for the Job
Different outdoor professionals require different types of chainsaws. Whether you’re an arborist, logger, or landscape professional, STIHL has a saw for you.
storm cleanup and firewood cutting
The MSA 220 TC-O is for in-tree, professional use only.
Larger woodcutting jobs and firewood business
arborist and tree cutting services
Top-handle chainsaws (T) are for in-tree, professional use only.
