Description
Designed for professional forestry and high-output cutting, the STIHL MS 500i-W is built around a simple idea: deliver maximum cutting performance without the sluggish throttle response you can get from traditional carburettor setups. It achieves that with electronically controlled fuel injection (STIHL Injection), which continuously calculates fuel delivery and ignition timing using sensor inputs, helping the saw respond quickly and run cleanly across changing conditions.
With 79.2 cm³ displacement and 5.0 kW of power, the MS 500i is “at home” in hardwood and larger timber where torque and consistent chain speed matter most. Despite its output, the lightweight design keeps handling sharp and agile, with STIHL quoting an impressively low power-to-weight ratio (1.24 kg/kW) and very rapid acceleration.
Day-to-day usability is clearly aimed at working pros. Starting is straightforward (no dedicated start position required), and sensor-based fuel measurement helps the saw adapt the mixture to operating conditions. Practical touches like side-mounted chain tensioning, tool-free tank caps, and captive nuts make routine adjustments and maintenance quicker, while the STIHL anti-vibration system helps reduce fatigue over long sessions.
Lubrication is handled by the STIHL Ematic system, designed to get oil where it’s needed efficiently, with STIHL stating it can reduce oil consumption by up to 50% (depending on setup and conditions). For felling and cross-cutting, features like the optimised bumper spikes help the saw bite and hold position securely against the wood for controlled, accurate cuts.
