Popularity rating
This rating of Shtil chainsaws is based on reviews from users who actually made a purchase and used the tool for some time. Technical characteristics, level of service in Russia, availability of the model and its popularity were also taken into account. You must understand that the information is current at the time of writing the article. The company is constantly improving its products and offering new devices. Thus, tomorrow it can offer something new that will be significantly better than all previous chainsaws.
MS 170
This is a compact household model that is very popular among users. It has a low price and quite wide functionality. It is recommended to use it to solve current issues at the dacha or in an individual home.
Here are the main advantages of this tool:
- Power 1,300 W.
- Fuel tank 0.25 liters.
- Tire length 40 cm.
- Weight only 4 kg.
- Ease of use.
- Good balancing.
However, there are several disadvantages to this tool:
- Over time, the chain stretches greatly and becomes unusable.
- The key bracket is not included in the basic configuration.
- Quite strong vibration.
MS 180
This chainsaw is often purchased by owners of individual houses, because it allows them to solve most of the current problems associated with the need to cut something down. Ease of operation, ergonomic design and German reliability make the unit quite competitive in the market.
Here are the characteristics of this tool:
- Power 1,500 W.
- The fuel tank capacity is 0.25 liters.
- Tire length 40 cm.
- Weight almost 4 kg.
The advantages include:
- The model is resistant to external factors.
- Easy Start system.
- Low vibration.
- Low noise level.
- Easy to use.
MS 181 C-BE
This model has an excellent anti-vibration system. It is reliable and suitable for most tasks. Experts classify her as semi-professional. Power 1,500 W. The fuel capacity is 0.28 liters. The tire is 40 cm, and the entire product weighs just over 4 kg, so it is suitable for beginners.
Here are the main advantages of this chainsaw:
- High performance.
- Work at temperatures down to -25 degrees.
- Quick start system.
- Maneuverability and ease of operation.
MS 271
One of the most economical models, as it has very low fuel consumption. It is included in the middle price segment and is classified as semi-professional. It has a power of 2,600 W, a fuel tank of 0.5 liters, and a tire length of 50 cm. The device weighs just over 5 kg.
Here are the advantages of the STIHL MS 271:
- An excellent air filter reduces the emission of harmful impurities into the atmosphere by almost 70%.
- Vibration absorption system.
- Convenient access to the fuel tank.
- High efficiency of the tool.
- The automatic chain brake ensures a high level of safety.
- Low level of gas emissions into the atmosphere.
MS 310
This is a universal chainsaw that can be used for domestic purposes and in the professional field. It has a large power reserve (3,240 W). The tire length is 45 cm, the weight is almost 6 kg, and the fuel tank is designed for 0.7 liters, so you can work for quite a long time without refueling.
The main advantages of this model include the following:
- Excellent endurance and performance.
- Easy to use.
- Ergonomic design.
- There are summer and winter operating modes.
- Reasonable price.
MS 461
This is a powerful professional device that has been used in Russia for a long time. Many people prefer it as it is quite reliable. This chainsaw can be used to cut large logs and hardwoods. The power is 4,400 W, and the tank holds 0.8 liters of fuel. The tire is 45 cm long. The device weighs 6.5 kg.
Here are the main advantages:
- Reduced fuel consumption
- Low noise level.
- Ignition system using microprocessor.
- Convenient location of the air filter.
- Quick engine start.
- Good balancing.
- Advanced security system.
Stihl 361 – special dynamics
The Stihl 361 model is designed for comfortable harvesting work, thinning loose thickets of plants and scaffolding.
It is not recommended to use for cutting down trees with a trunk diameter greater than 30 cm.
pros
- advanced anti-vibration system;
- the depression valve reduces the level of starting pressure, which simplifies the work process;
- QuickStop braking system ensures immediate stoppage of work;
- the oil supply pump dispenses lubricant with high precision;
- four-channel system increases engine efficiency and reduces fuel consumption;
- weight of 5.6 kg allows for long work.
Minuses
- noise during operation;
- high price;
- no air and HD2 filters;
- there is no “smart” oil supply system.
Stihl 230 – practical and convenient
The Stihl 230 is more versatile than the previous model. Copes perfectly with logging and construction work of any complexity.
pros
- The single-lever push system expands the control capabilities of the device. Automated brake to stop processes under extreme conditions in a few moments.
- An advanced anti-vibration system smoothes out strong vibrations that negatively affect human health when constantly using such equipment.
- Side chain tension design prevents contact with sharp chain.
Work rules and safety precautions
Chain Saw. Traumatic instrument. This fact should not cause panic. It is designed to encourage the owner to constantly monitor his actions while working.
So, what safety precautions are required when working with a chainsaw?
First, invest in a set of work clothes (gloves, safety helmet, suit and special shoes). This will provide reliable protection against damage.
In particular, gloves for such saws protect fingers well from injury. Their fabric, when in contact with the chain, curls around it and blocks it, saving fingers from sharp teeth. A protective helmet will prevent chips from damaging your eyes and protect your head from falling branches.
Lumberjack shoes are equipped with steel plates. If the saw suddenly jumps back, they take the cutting blow.
Secondly, do not hold the saw directly in front of you. Keep his feet away from the cutting line.
Third, hold the saw firmly with all your fingers around the handles. In this case, the right hand should be kept on the back handle, and the left hand. On the front.
These three basic rules must be supplemented with other equally important points:
Carefully insert the running pollen into the cut. Beware of cutting with the tip of the tire (rollback is high)
Remove any foreign objects from the work area that could get caught or fall. DO NOT lean too far when cutting to avoid losing your balance. Does not work with a chainsaw over the shoulders. Do not hold the tool too far away from you so that your back and arms do not become strained and tired during long periods of work. Keep your back straight and your legs wide apart. The cut can be made on both sides of the bar. Keep in mind that when cutting with the bottom edge, the chain pulls the pollen forward, and when cutting with the top edge, it pulls the pollen back. Stop the engine or brake chain before moving the saw to a new work station (at idle speed). Good rule
Do not work alone, but with a companion who can provide first aid
Okay rule. Do not work alone, but with a companion who can provide first aid.
In front of the AL-KO tree you need to look around. Evaluate its length and direction of growth, the location of neighboring objects (buildings, power lines), so that if the trunk falls, it will not damage them. It doesn’t hurt to take into account the direction and strength of the wind.
Before cutting a tree, you need to stand to the right of it and cut it (at a 45 degree angle to a depth of no more than ¼ of the diameter of the trunk). The cut is made from the side where the tree falls (the direction of the natural inclination of the trunk). After this, a horizontal cut is made on the other side. Main felling. It does not stand up to the inclined recess by several centimeters, so that the tree does not fall apart ahead of schedule (and 2).
To prevent the saw from clamping in the main cut, a wooden wedge is inserted into it.
While working, you need to watch where the trunk is moving. This rule will help you avoid serious injury if the trunk falls in an unplanned direction.
When the tree begins to fall, quickly remove the pollen clipping, turn off its engine and leave the work area.
After cutting down a tree, you should not relax, since statistics record the majority of injuries at the stage of cutting branches.
To perform this job safely, follow these guidelines:
- Secure the barrel with shims so that it does not move or roll;
- Stand to the left of the fallen tree and start cutting from the lower branches;
- Thick branches are trimmed, starting from their end and gradually moving towards the trunk.
If your chainsaw gets stuck when you see a downed tree, don't jerk it around trying to get it free. First, turn off the engine and use the thick levers to try to lift or tilt the barrel to widen the cut.
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Classification
When choosing a chainsaw, you should first of all take into account the purpose of its use, based on this you need to select a tool with the appropriate characteristics and class. In total, there are three main classes of gasoline chain saws in the world, and to choose them correctly you need to know them:
- Household - for home use
- Semi-professional - for permanent work
- Professional - for work in harsh conditions for wear and tear
There is also an unspoken class - the budget. Most often, either chainsaws from famous household-grade brands (for example, Stihl MS 180) or Chinese semi- and professional-grade saws end up there. The latter are well suited for performing large volumes of work and are inexpensive.
This is where it all comes down to cost. After determining the scope of application and class, based on the budget and frequency of use of the chainsaw, all that remains is to choose the company that manufactures the tool.
Scope of application
The Shtil branded household-class chainsaw in various modifications is included in the tool inventory of many private and farm households; lightweight and small-sized models are used for high-altitude work.
Powerful and trouble-free when working in difficult conditions, the Shtil professional saw completes the standard equipment of forestry organizations and emergency rescue teams.
A characteristic feature of professional-level chainsaws is, first of all:
- use of high-quality raw materials;
- high-precision production and installation technologies;
- new developments in the field of ergonomics and industrial design.
Models in the household category have less extensive capabilities, but even in the absence of professional functions they successfully cope with large volumes of sawing work of a wide variety of profiles.
Shtil sawing equipment differs from analogues of the same type in its economical consumption of fuel, lubricants and consumables, a wide range of operational settings, and a high level of comfort and safety for sawing work of any complexity category.
User manual
First of all, what I would like to draw the attention of owners of Stihl chainsaws is that you need to start working with one of them through preliminary training in order to be able to work without harm to your health and the equipment itself.
Close location of the handle
Another feature of chainsaws from this manufacturer is that the handle is located quite close, which is why a person who is not familiar with the operation can expose himself to an accident.
It is also important that work with trees should be carried out only through the use of a certain type of protection, namely a working lifting platform, a device that is protective against falling, as well as personal devices of a personal nature.
Remember that working at height requires skill in this area, and operating a chainsaw on a tree must be done with extreme care and caution.
Moreover, do not forget that under no circumstances should you work with this tool during bad weather. So if it's raining, snowing or too windy, the best thing you can do for yourself is to postpone work until another time, when the weather has returned to normal.
Because otherwise you are simply putting yourself in danger. That is why you need to operate a chainsaw taking into account and applying absolutely all safety precautions in practice . This is quite simple, since many sites contain characteristics of the Shtil chainsaw and methods of its operation, which you need to know as 2x2.
Official website Shtil
Moreover, you can visit the official website of the shtil chainsaw and find out all the necessary information from there. But let's actually return to our question regarding the use of the correct models of chainsaws from a given manufacturer.
You must remember that before you start using the device, carefully read the instructions and adhere to all the prescribed points as much as possible. Since the slightest negligence on your part can turn out too badly for you.
What is also worth paying your attention to is that make sure that minors do not use the chainsaw. An exceptional option can only be a person whose age range is not lower than sixteen years, and who has undergone special training specifically related to working with this type of device.
In addition, you must have a special uniform for working with a chainsaw. In addition, you must have special shoes, a helmet and goggles. Don’t joke about it, since this tool works much faster than a regular handsaw or axe, and it’s not always possible to react in time to any failure, which can harm both you and the people around you.
Moreover, if you have finished working with the device, then put it in a place where it could not interfere with you and other people, since the saw blades are very sharp and you can simply accidentally get hurt. Remember that you are responsible for all the consequences that the tool may bring, be it someone’s health or damage to property.
also cannot give your instrument to someone to use ; read the reason in the previous sentence. Treat this instrument with all responsibility, and it will “give” you exclusively positive emotions.
Carburetor adjustment
Malfunctions in the operation of fuel equipment negatively affect the performance, efficiency and durability of gasoline-powered equipment.
Carburetor adjustment is required when:
- the engine does not start or does not gain operating speed in operating modes;
- stalls at idle or keeps high idle speeds;
- actual gasoline consumption exceeds the norm.
Adjusting each type of carburetor has its own characteristics, which are outlined in a separate section of the instruction manual. The work is performed after the engine has warmed up to operating temperature and the air intake filter has been cleaned.
The carburetor is adjusted in a given sequence. Confirmation of correct adjustment is the restoration of efficiency, throttle response, and speed stability in all modes.
The cause of failure may be substandard fuel, water getting into the carburetor, or clogged jets. Fuel overflows into the carburetor when the float valve depressurizes, and the chainsaw heats up when the engine runs on a lean mixture.
How to choose the right one
The manufacturer widely presented a line of professional, semi-professional and household tools. An official dealer consultant will help you make your choice. You can preview the model using the article with characteristics and photos below. To make the choice easier, you can answer a number of questions:
- duration and season of use of the saw;
- estimated number of times of use per day/week;
- sawing materials;
- your professional skills.
It doesn’t hurt to do a 1-month and 1-year usage calculation before choosing a specific chainsaw.
Startup procedure
Algorithm of actions when starting the saw
- Apply the handbrake by pressing the protective shield with your hand until it clicks.
- Press the decompression valve, if provided in the model. This will make it easier to start the engine.
- By pressing the gas buttons and the gas stopper on the handle, simultaneously move the mode control lever to the lower position.
- Place the saw on a flat surface.
- With your left hand, grasp the tubular handle, with your right hand, the starter handle. Insert the toe of your foot into the slot in the rear handle and press the saw to the surface with your body weight.
- Smoothly pull the starter cable out by the handle until it stops. Then forcefully pull the starter handle up several times while pushing against the tubular handle.
- The engine will run for a short time and stop. Move the throttle by moving the mode lever up to the next detent.
- Repeat step 6. If the engine turns on, you need to briefly press the gas control lever. This is necessary to ensure that the combination lever is locked in the idle position.
- Release the brake by pulling the handle towards you until it clicks. The unit is ready for use.
- To check the lubrication system, hold the saw over something light (snow, paper, cut of wood) and turn on the maximum gas. If the system is working properly, traces of oil stains will be visible.
How to choose
Today there are professional and household chainsaws that differ significantly in functionality.
Household
Used periodically. There are restrictions: it is not recommended to work more than 2 hours a day and 20 hours a month. In this case, you need to take a break every 15 - 20 minutes so that the engine does not overheat. Such devices are suitable for harvesting firewood and removing wood pulp on the site.
Professional
Can be used up to 8 hours a day on a daily basis. They have a large supply of power, so they are purchased for commercial use. With their help, they cut down wood, build log houses, bathhouses, saw wood, and so on.
You need to select a device based on the following parameters:
- Engine type and size.
- Device power.
- Chain rotation speed.
- Working tire length.
- Spacious containers for gasoline and oil.
- Tool weight.
- Handle position.
- Balancing.
- Availability of additional options.
Depending on the power and additional options, the price may vary. It is necessary to take this into account and choose a model that can solve current issues.
What is the quality level of STIHL tools in your opinion?
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