Description
STIHL MSA 70 C-B Cordless Chainsaw — 30cm Bar, AK System
The MSA 70 C-B sits a step above the MSA 60 in the STIHL AK System, delivering roughly 25% more cutting performance without adding weight. It’s the natural choice if you regularly cut firewood, prune established trees or maintain a larger garden or smallholding, but don’t want the noise, fuel and servicing that comes with a petrol saw.
Power comes from a brushless EC motor rated at 0.90 kW. It’s compact, energy efficient and needs virtually no maintenance, and it runs quietly enough to use early in the morning or close to neighbours. The 30cm Rollomatic E Mini guide bar and slim ¼” PM3 saw chain give clean, precise cuts with low vibration.
The variable-speed trigger lets you control chain speed smoothly, which helps when working near shrubs or making finer cuts. STIHL’s Quick Chain Tensioning system means the chain can be re-tensioned by hand with no tools, and the transparent oil tank lets you check chain oil at a glance. The QuickStop Super chain brake stops the chain as soon as you release the rear handle.
As part of the STIHL AK System, the same battery runs other AK tools — hedge trimmers, blowers, grass trimmers and mowers. If you already own AK kit, the bare unit is the sensible buy.
Key Features
- 25% more cutting performance than the MSA 60 C-B, at the same 2.9kg weight
- 0.90 kW brushless EC motor — efficient, quiet and maintenance-free
- 30cm (12″) Rollomatic E Mini bar with ¼” PM3 saw chain for clean, precise cuts
- Tool-free Quick Chain Tensioning — re-tension the chain by hand in seconds
- QuickStop Super chain brake stops the chain the moment you let go of the rear handle
- Transparent oil tank for instant chain oil checks
- Variable-speed trigger with potentiometer function for precise control
- Soft-grip handle with Ergo lever for comfort and secure grip, even in the wet
- Up to 45 minutes of run time with the recommended AK 30 S battery
- Zero exhaust emissions and low noise — no fuel mixing, no pull cord
- STIHL AK System compatible — one battery platform across the range
Bare Unit or Kit?
| Option | What’s included | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bare unit (tool only) | Chainsaw, 30cm bar, chain and chain guard. No battery or charger. | Existing STIHL AK System owners |
| Kit with battery and charger | Chainsaw plus AK battery and AL 101 charger | First-time buyers — everything needed to start |
The recommended battery is the AK 30 S. The MSA 70 C-B will also run on a smaller AK 20 with a correspondingly shorter run time.
Who Is It For?
The MSA 70 C-B suits homeowners with larger gardens, smallholders and anyone regularly preparing firewood or pruning mature trees and shrubs. If your cutting is lighter and more occasional, the MSA 60 C-B will do the job for less. For all-day professional use or larger timber, look at the MSA 200 range or a petrol MS model.
Full Specification
| Model | STIHL MSA 70 C-B |
|---|---|
| Product type | Cordless (battery) chainsaw |
| Battery system | STIHL AK System |
| Rated voltage | 36 V |
| Maximum voltage | 40 V |
| Power output | 0.90 kW |
| Motor type | Brushless EC electric motor |
| Guide bar | 30 cm / 12″ Rollomatic E Mini |
| Saw chain | ¼” P Picco Micro 3 (PM3) |
| Chain oil tank capacity | 110 cm³ |
| Weight | 2.9 kg (without battery, with bar and chain) |
| Sound pressure level | 83 dB(A) |
| Sound power level | 91–94 dB(A) |
| Vibration level, left / right | 3.2 / 3.4 m/s² |
| Recommended battery | AK 30 S |
| Run time (AK 30) | Up to approx. 45 minutes |
| Chain brake | QuickStop Super |
| Chain tensioning | STIHL Quick Chain Tensioning (tool-free) |
| Oil tank | Transparent, with viewing window |
| Speed control | Variable, via potentiometer trigger |
| Chain lubrication | Automatic |
| Exhaust emissions | Zero |
Run times are approximate and vary with cutting conditions, wood type and battery condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the MSA 70 C-B come with a battery?
Only on the kit options. The bare unit is tool-only — no battery or charger included.
What’s the difference between the MSA 60 and MSA 70?
The MSA 70 C-B offers around 25% more cutting performance (0.90 kW vs 0.70 kW) at the same 2.9kg weight. Both use the same 30cm bar and ¼” PM3 chain.
Which battery should I use?
The AK 30 S is recommended and gives up to around 45 minutes of use. An AK 20 also fits, with a shorter run time.
Can I use my existing STIHL battery?
Yes, provided it is a STIHL AK System battery.
Do I need tools to tension the chain?
No. The Quick Chain Tensioning wheel is adjusted by hand.
