Best STIHL Petrol Chainsaws UK: Choosing the Right Model for the Job

3 September 2026

The best STIHL petrol chainsaw depends on what you need to cut, how frequently you will use it and your level of experience.

For occasional firewood preparation and garden maintenance, the compact STIHL MS 162 is an accessible entry point. The MS 182 and MS 212 provide more performance for regular domestic work, while the MS 251 and MS 291 suit heavier firewood and land-maintenance jobs.

Professional forestry users can step up to machines such as the MS 261 C-M, MS 400.1 C-M, MS 462 C-M and fuel-injected MS 500i.

Taylormade Garden Machinery stocks a broad selection of STIHL petrol chainsaws for homeowners, farmers, landscapers, arborists and forestry professionals.

Which STIHL petrol chainsaw should you buy?

Here is a quick comparison of some of the most popular options in the STIHL petrol chainsaw range:

Guide-bar options can vary by current configuration. Check the individual product page before ordering.

Why choose a STIHL petrol chainsaw?

Petrol chainsaws remain a strong choice when sustained cutting performance, rapid refuelling and freedom from charging are priorities.

Their main advantages include:

• Strong cutting performance for demanding timber
• Fast refuelling during longer working days
• No dependence on batteries or charging facilities
• A wide range of domestic and professional models
• Different guide-bar and chain configurations
• Proven options for firewood, farming, landscaping and forestry
• Dealer support for parts, servicing and maintenance

Modern STIHL petrol chainsaws also include features such as anti-vibration systems, fuel-efficient 2-MIX engines and convenient control layouts. Selected models add ErgoStart, Quick Chain Tensioning, M-Tronic electronic engine management or electronic fuel injection.

A petrol chainsaw is not automatically the best choice for every customer. Cordless chainsaws may be more suitable for lighter work, short sessions or noise-sensitive locations. Petrol models make the most sense when workload, timber size and working duration justify their additional power and maintenance requirements.

Best entry-level STIHL petrol chainsaw: MS 162

The STIHL MS 162 is a compact petrol chainsaw developed for homeowners. It is suitable for processing firewood, pruning branches, garden maintenance and carefully managed small-tree work.

Its 30.1 cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine produces 1.2 kW of power. The saw is supplied with a 12-inch guide bar and a narrow-kerf 3/8-inch P chain.

Useful features include:

• Side-mounted chain tensioning
• STIHL anti-vibration technology
• Single-lever operation
• A transparent fuel and chain-oil tank
• Tool-free fuel and oil caps
• A combi-lever with stop function

Who is the MS 162 best for?

Choose the MS 162 if you want an entry-level STIHL petrol chainsaw for occasional firewood cutting and manageable garden jobs. Its shorter bar makes it easier to handle than a large forestry machine, but proper instruction and protective equipment remain essential.

Best for: occasional domestic cutting.

Best all-round STIHL chainsaw for home use: MS 182

The STIHL MS 182 is a capable domestic chainsaw for regular firewood preparation, grounds maintenance and smaller timber.

It uses a 35.8 cm³ engine producing 1.6 kW and is available with 14- or 16-inch guide-bar options. That provides more flexibility than an entry-level 12-inch saw while keeping the machine appropriate for domestic and property-maintenance work.

Key features include:

• STIHL 2-MIX engine
• 3/8-inch P saw chain
• STIHL anti-vibration system
• Side-mounted chain tensioning
• Tool-free fuel and oil caps
• Transparent tanks for quick level checks
• Straightforward single-lever operation

MS 182 or MS 182 C-BE?

The standard MS 182 is a strong choice when simplicity and value are priorities. The MS 182 C-BE adds two notable convenience features:

• ErgoStart: designed to reduce the effort needed when starting
• Quick Chain Tensioning: allows the chain to be adjusted without tools

Choose the C-BE model if easier starting and simpler chain adjustment are worth the additional cost.

Best for: regular domestic firewood and property maintenance.

Best powerful homeowner STIHL chainsaw: MS 212

The STIHL MS 212 sits towards the top of STIHL’s homeowner petrol chainsaw selection.

Its 38.6 cm³ engine produces 1.8 kW, making it suitable for regular firewood cutting, pruning larger branches and occasional work on smaller trees. Buyers can choose between 14- and 16-inch guide-bar configurations.

The MS 212 offers:

• More power than the MS 162 and MS 182
• A fuel-efficient STIHL 2-MIX engine
• Anti-vibration technology
• Side-mounted chain tensioning
• A transparent oil tank
• Tool-free fuel and oil caps
• Simple stop-and-restart operation

An MS 212 C-BE version is also available for customers who want ErgoStart and tool-free Quick Chain Tensioning.

Best for: demanding home, estate and smallholding jobs.

Best STIHL petrol chainsaw for firewood: MS 251

The STIHL MS 251 is designed for heavier firewood work and property maintenance. Its 45.6 cm³ engine produces 2.2 kW, providing a noticeable step up from the homeowner MS 182 and MS 212.

A durable .325-inch cutting attachment makes it well suited to regular timber processing. Depending on the selected version, available features can include:

• STIHL ErgoStart
• Quick Chain Tensioning
• Anti-vibration technology
• STIHL 2-MIX engine
• Tool-free fuel caps
• Efficient chain lubrication

The MS 251 is a compelling option for customers who regularly prepare their own logs and want greater capability without moving immediately to a professional forestry saw.

Best for: frequent firewood harvesting and substantial property maintenance.

Best petrol chainsaw for farms and larger properties: MS 291

The STIHL MS 291 is a powerful all-rounder for firewood harvesting, agriculture, construction, horticulture and larger-scale property maintenance.

It is built for users whose workload exceeds ordinary garden cutting but who do not necessarily require a highly specialised professional felling saw.

Important features include:

• A heavy-duty 3/8-inch saw chain
• 16- and 18-inch guide-bar options
• A long-life air filtration system
• Strong performance for regular timber processing
• Practical suitability for farms and smallholdings

Best for: farmers, landscapers and landowners with regular cutting demands.

Best all-round professional STIHL chainsaw: MS 261 C-M

The STIHL MS 261 C-M is a professional petrol chainsaw designed for forestry and tree maintenance in small- and medium-density stands.

Its 50.2 cm³ engine produces 3 kW, while the powerhead weighs approximately 4.9 kg without the guide bar and chain. This balance makes the MS 261 C-M a popular professional all-rounder for felling smaller trees, delimbing and processing timber.

Its professional features include:

• STIHL M-Tronic engine management
• Light 04 guide bar
• .325-inch RS Pro chain
• HD2 air filter
• Adjustable oil delivery
• Captive sprocket-cover nuts
• Anti-vibration technology
• 14-, 16- and 18-inch guide-bar options

M-Tronic automatically manages ignition timing and fuel metering as operating conditions change. This helps maintain consistent engine performance without repeated manual carburettor adjustments.

A heated-handle and carburettor-heating version is available for professionals working in colder conditions.

Best for: everyday professional forestry and tree work.

Best professional 60cc STIHL chainsaw: MS 400.1 C-M

The STIHL MS 400.1 C-M is designed for professional felling, delimbing and timber preparation.

Its 62.6 cm³ engine produces 3.9 kW, while the powerhead weighs approximately 5.5 kg without the bar and chain. STIHL positions it as having the best power-to-weight ratio in its 60cc displacement class.

Professional features include:

• STIHL M-Tronic electronic engine management
• HD2 air filtration
• Adjustable chain-oil delivery
• Captive sprocket-cover nuts
• Side-mounted chain tensioning
• Carburettor heating
• Anti-vibration technology
• 16-, 18- and 20-inch guide-bar options

The MS 400.1 C-M fills the space between lighter professional all-rounders and larger high-output felling saws.

Best for: professional forestry users wanting strong performance with agile handling.

Best STIHL chainsaw for larger timber: MS 462 C-M

The STIHL MS 462 C-M is a high-performance professional forestry chainsaw for felling and delimbing in medium- and high-density stands.

Its 4.4 kW engine delivers fast acceleration, while STIHL M-Tronic helps optimise performance as conditions change. Bar options of 18, 20 and 25 inches allow the machine to be configured for substantial timber.

Choose the MS 462 C-M when:

• Larger timber is a regular part of the workload
• Professional felling performance is required
• Fast acceleration and a strong power-to-weight balance matter
• A choice of longer guide bars is needed

This is a specialist professional machine rather than a general garden chainsaw.

Best for: professional felling and processing larger timber.

Best fuel-injected STIHL petrol chainsaw: MS 500i

The STIHL MS 500i was the first production chainsaw to use STIHL’s electronically controlled fuel-injection technology.

It is designed for professional forestry, arboriculture and the harvesting and processing of large timber. Rapid acceleration and a strong power-to-weight ratio make it a highly specialised option for experienced users.

Notable features include:

• STIHL electronic fuel injection
• Rapid throttle response
• HD2 air filtration
• Adjustable oil delivery
• Captive sprocket-cover nuts
• Tool-free fuel and oil caps
• 20- and 25-inch guide-bar options

The MS 500i is not necessary for occasional firewood cutting. Its performance and price are aimed at trained professionals whose daily workload justifies a high-output machine.

Best for: demanding professional forestry and large timber.

What about STIHL top-handle petrol chainsaws?

Taylormade also supplies specialist top-handle models, including the STIHL MS 151 TC-E, MS 194 T and MS 201 TC-M.

These compact chainsaws are built for professional tree maintenance and aerial work. A top-handle saw should only be used by trained arborists with the appropriate qualifications, equipment and working procedures. It is not a lightweight domestic alternative to a rear-handle chainsaw.

Ground-based users should choose a suitable rear-handle model instead.

What do the letters in STIHL chainsaw names mean?

Understanding STIHL model names makes comparing the range easier:

• MS: petrol chainsaw
• C: Comfort feature designation
• B: Quick Chain Tensioning
• E: ErgoStart
• M: M-Tronic electronic engine management
• T: top-handle tree-maintenance model
• V: heated handles
• W: carburettor heating

The exact feature combination varies by model. Always check the individual specification before buying.

How to choose the correct STIHL petrol chainsaw

1. Start with the work, not the largest engine

A larger chainsaw is not automatically better. More power normally means additional weight, cost and responsibility.

For occasional garden work, a smaller machine can be easier to control. Professional models are justified when cutting volume, timber size and working frequency demand them.

2. Match the guide bar to your typical timber

A longer bar can handle larger timber, but it also changes the saw’s weight and handling. Choose the shortest suitable bar for the work you regularly complete rather than buying extra length without a clear need.

3. Consider frequency of use

Occasional users may be well served by the MS 162 or MS 182. Regular firewood cutting may justify the MS 212, MS 251 or MS 291. Daily forestry work calls for professional construction and features found on models such as the MS 261 C-M and above.

4. Decide which convenience features matter

ErgoStart and Quick Chain Tensioning may be valuable for domestic users prioritising convenience. Professional operators may benefit more from M-Tronic, advanced filtration, captive nuts and adjustable oil delivery.

5. Allow for protective equipment and maintenance

Your budget should include appropriate chainsaw protective trousers, boots, gloves, hearing protection and head and eye protection. You will also need the correct fuel, chain oil, sharpening equipment and replacement chains.

Chainsaw safety: what buyers need to know

A chainsaw can cause severe injury if it is used incorrectly. Instruction is necessary to recognise and assess its hazards.

Before operating a chainsaw:

• Read the manufacturer’s instruction and safety manuals
• Obtain suitable training for the work
• Wear appropriate chainsaw protective equipment
• Check the chain tension, lubrication and condition
• Keep other people away from the working area
• Never cut above shoulder height with a standard chainsaw
• Do not use a top-handle chainsaw unless properly trained
• Never attempt work beyond your competence
• Use a qualified tree professional when the site or tree presents additional risk

Protective equipment reduces risk but does not make unsafe working acceptable.

Why buy your STIHL petrol chainsaw from Taylormade?

Taylormade Garden Machinery is a family-run garden machinery specialist based near Uttoxeter in Staffordshire.

Customers benefit from:

• A broad selection of STIHL petrol chainsaws
• Advice on choosing the correct model and guide-bar size
• Domestic and professional machinery options
• Garden machinery servicing and repairs
• A fully equipped workshop
• Access to replacement parts and consumables
• Click and collect
• Mainland UK delivery, subject to current terms and postcode restrictions
• Friendly support before and after purchase

Buying from a machinery specialist means you have access to informed advice when choosing, maintaining and servicing your chainsaw.

Browse STIHL petrol chainsaws for sale

Frequently asked questions

What is the best STIHL petrol chainsaw for home use?

The MS 182 is an excellent all-round home chainsaw for regular firewood preparation and garden maintenance. The smaller MS 162 may be sufficient for occasional work, while the more powerful MS 212 suits demanding domestic jobs and smallholdings.

What is the best STIHL chainsaw for cutting firewood?

The answer depends on log size and frequency. The MS 162 and MS 182 suit smaller domestic workloads. The MS 212 offers more power for regular cutting, while the MS 251 and MS 291 are better matched to frequent or heavier firewood processing.

Which STIHL petrol chainsaw is best for professional forestry?

The MS 261 C-M is a versatile professional all-rounder. The MS 400.1 C-M provides more capacity in the 60cc class, while the MS 462 C-M and MS 500i are designed for larger timber and higher-output professional work.

Is a longer chainsaw bar always better?

No. A longer guide bar can handle larger timber, but it also affects weight, balance and manoeuvrability. The safest and most efficient option is generally the shortest bar suitable for the timber and work being undertaken.

What is the difference between the MS 182 and MS 212?

The MS 212 has a larger engine and greater power output, making it better suited to demanding home and smallholding work. The MS 182 is a balanced choice for regular domestic firewood and garden maintenance.

What is the difference between MS 182 and MS 182 C-BE?

The MS 182 C-BE adds STIHL ErgoStart and Quick Chain Tensioning. These features reduce starting effort and allow tool-free chain adjustment. The standard MS 182 offers similar core cutting capability without these additional convenience features.

Are petrol chainsaws better than cordless chainsaws?

Petrol chainsaws are often preferred for prolonged work, larger timber and sites without charging access. Cordless chainsaws are generally quieter, simpler to start and lower maintenance. The best power source depends on workload, location and frequency of use.

Does Taylormade service STIHL chainsaws?

Taylormade services and repairs a wide range of garden, horticultural and landscaping machinery from its workshop near Uttoxeter. Contact the team to confirm requirements and arrange a service.

Find your STIHL petrol chainsaw at Taylormade

Still unsure which STIHL chainsaw is right for you?

For occasional domestic work, start with the MS 162. Choose the MS 182 for balanced all-round home use or the MS 212 when you need more power. For heavier firewood and land maintenance, consider the MS 251 or MS 291.

Professional users can compare the MS 261 C-M, MS 400.1 C-M, MS 462 C-M and MS 500i according to their timber, workload and preferred guide-bar configuration.

For personal advice, call Taylormade Garden Machinery on 01889 591241 or visit Taylormade House, Beamhurst, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, ST14 5EA.