MSA 70 C-B Skin Only
View details about MSA 70 C-B Skin Only.Quiet battery chainsaw for noise-sensitive areas
$499.00
If you're searching for the best chainsaw for home use or heavy-duty cutting, STIHL chainsaws offer the perfect combination of power, safety, and reliability. Whether you are pruning trees, cutting firewood, or felling timber, this guide will help you choose the right model based on your needs, experience, and property size.
Whether you're pruning trees, cutting firewood, or felling large trees, choosing the right chainsaw is essential for safety, efficiency, and performance. STIHL chainsaws are engineered for a wide variety of users. From occasional backyard gardeners to professional arborists. In this comprehensive chainsaw buying guide, we’ll help you select the best STIHL chainsaw for your specific needs, ensuring long-term reliability and ease of use.
STIHL battery chainsaws are designed for users who value quiet operation, low maintenance, and environmental friendliness. These cordless tools are powered by advanced 36V lithium-ion batteries and are impressively quiet, making them ideal for residential areas, schools, hospitals, and early morning work. The AK Battery System is perfect for domestic users, offering lightweight models like the MSA 70 C-B and MSA 80 C-B that are easy to handle and capable of up to 100 cuts per charge on softwood. These batteries are interchangeable across a wide range of tools including blowers, hedge trimmers, and lawn mowers, making them a smart investment for all-around garden care.
For more demanding tasks, the AP Battery System steps in with higher-capacity batteries and professional-grade performance. Tools like the MSA 160 C-B and the powerful MSA 300 C-O are built for arborists, landscapers, and tradespeople who need serious cutting power without the noise or emissions of petrol. The AP System includes over 25 compatible tools, and batteries like the AP 500 S offer longer runtimes and smart features like STIHL Connected integration. Whether you're felling small trees or working in noise-sensitive environments, STIHL battery chainsaws deliver clean, efficient performance with the freedom of cordless mobility.
STIHL petrol chainsaws are engineered for power, endurance, and versatility, making them the top-selling petrol chainsaws worldwide. Built with STIHL’s high-performance 2-MIX engines, these saws offer excellent fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and robust cutting performance. From compact models for home use to heavy-duty machines for forestry, STIHL petrol chainsaws are trusted by professionals and property owners alike. Features like the STIHL ErgoStart system, anti-vibration technology, and long-life air filters make them comfortable and reliable even during extended use.
Whether you're cutting firewood, clearing storm damage, or felling large trees, there’s a STIHL petrol chainsaw to suit your needs. Lightweight models are perfect for garden maintenance, while mid-range saws like the MS 291 are ideal for farming and rural property work. For the most demanding tasks, the MS 500i stands out with its electronically controlled fuel injection, the first of its kind in a chainsaw, offering lightning-fast acceleration and a superior power-to-weight ratio. With a wide range of bar lengths, ergonomic designs, and rugged construction, STIHL petrol chainsaws are built to perform in the toughest Australian conditions.
STIHL electric chainsaws are a great choice for users who want powerful cutting performance with minimal noise and no emissions. These saws are ideal for homeowners, DIYers, and professionals working in noise-sensitive areas or indoors, such as during renovations or timber preparation. With models offering up to 2500W of power, STIHL electric chainsaws can handle a wide range of tasks from pruning and firewood cutting to more demanding construction work without the need for fuel or complex maintenance.
Compared to petrol models, electric chainsaws are lighter, easier to start, and more compact, making them especially suitable for users who value convenience and control. Features like ergonomic soft handles, STIHL’s anti-vibration system, and QuickStop Super chain brakes enhance comfort and safety during use. Built-in overload protection helps prevent overheating, while tool-free chain tensioning makes adjustments quick and simple. As long as you have access to a power outlet, STIHL electric chainsaws offer a clean, quiet, and efficient solution for everyday cutting tasks.
The most important thing to consider is what you will be cutting. Will your saw be used to prune small branches from larger trees or shrubs? Will it be used to fell small trees in the garden? Or will it be used to saw your own firewood, turning the bigger logs into a perfect size for the wood-burner?
If you know you need to get through larger branches, the best chainsaw for you may be one with a bit more power. But if the timber you are sawing is smaller, then one of our lighter weight or cordless models will be ideal. Although it may be tempting to think bigger is better, we would always suggest that you use the lightest saw for the job in hand. The bigger saws can be considerably heavier so we suggest leaving the very large saws to the professionals!
Ideal for occasional use around the home and garden, light-duty chainsaws are perfect for pruning small branches and cutting small logs for firewood. These models are lightweight, easy to handle, and great for beginners or those doing quick, low-intensity jobs.
MSA 80 C-B Battery Chainsaw
The MSA 80 C-B is a quiet, battery-powered chainsaw ideal for trimming branches and cutting small logs around the home. Lightweight and easy to handle, it’s perfect for domestic garden maintenance and noise-sensitive areas.
MS 162 Petrol Chainsaw
The MS 162 is a reliable entry-level petrol chainsaw, great for cutting firewood or pruning trees on your property. Its lightweight build and robust design make it a versatile tool for occasional use.
MSE 141 C Electric Chainsaw
The MSE 141 C is a compact electric chainsaw designed for light cutting tasks around the home. With low noise and minimal maintenance, it’s ideal for indoor or close-to-home woodwork.
Medium-duty chainsaws are suited for more frequent use and slightly tougher tasks like cutting thicker branches, maintaining larger gardens, or preparing moderate amounts of firewood. They offer a balance of power and maneuverability, making them ideal for suburban homeowners and DIYers.
MSA 200 C-B Battery Chainsaw
The MSA 200 C-B is a powerful battery chainsaw ideal for cutting thicker branches and lightweight logs. With low noise and high performance, it’s perfect for suburban backyards and noise-sensitive areas.
MS 212 Petrol Chainsaw
The MS 212 is a robust and versatile petrol chainsaw suited for firewood, landscaping, and light construction. Its powerful engine and compact design make it a reliable all-rounder for medium-duty tasks.
MSE 170 C-B Electric Chainsaw
The MSE 170 C-B is a lightweight electric chainsaw designed for occasional cutting and DIY projects. It’s easy to use, quiet, and perfect for indoor or close-to-home jobs where power outlets are accessible.
Designed for regular use on larger properties, these chainsaws can handle hardwood, storm cleanup, and felling small to medium trees. They’re built for users who need more cutting power and durability for ongoing maintenance or semi-professional tasks.
MSA 220 C-B Battery Chainsaw
The MSA 220 C-B is a great battery chainsaw option, built for demanding cutting tasks and professional-grade performance. It’s ideal for cutting storm cleanup, and larger scale property maintenance.
MS 271 Petrol Chainsaw
The MS 271 is a high-performance farm saw designed for cutting firewood, felling small trees, and general land maintenance. With advanced engine technology and reduced emissions, it’s a favorite among serious landowners.
Heavy-duty chainsaws are built for tough, high-volume cutting tasks such as felling medium trees, clearing land, or processing large amounts of firewood. These models are powerful and rugged, ideal for farmers, landowners, and those working in demanding environments.
MS 311 Farmboss Petrol Chainsaw
The MS 311 Farmboss is a powerful and durable chainsaw built for frequent use in tough conditions. It’s ideal for felling medium trees and cutting large volumes of firewood with efficiency and ease.
MS 391 Farmboss Petrol Chainsaw
The MS 391 Farmboss offers high torque and excellent cutting performance for heavy-duty agricultural and forestry work. It’s a great choice for farmers and landowners needing a reliable, high-output saw.
Professional-grade chainsaws are engineered for full-time use in forestry, arboriculture, and commercial landscaping. With advanced features, high power-to-weight ratios, and exceptional durability, they’re designed for experienced users tackling the most challenging cutting jobs.
MS 500i Petrol Chainsaw
The MS 500i is the world’s first chainsaw with electronically controlled fuel injection, delivering unmatched power-to-weight ratio. It’s engineered for professional felling and bucking of large trees with maximum efficiency.
MSA 300 C-O Battery Chainsaw
The MSA 300 C-O is STIHL’s most advanced battery chainsaw, designed for professional arborists and landscapers. It combines high cutting performance with low noise and zero emissions for demanding urban and rural jobs.
Weight is a crucial factor when choosing a chainsaw, especially if you plan to use it for extended periods or in awkward positions. Lighter chainsaws, such as those in STIHL’s battery-powered AK System, are ideal for homeowners and occasional users because they reduce fatigue and are easier to maneuver. These models are perfect for pruning, cutting firewood, or general yard maintenance, especially when working overhead or in tight spaces.
Heavier chainsaws, typically petrol-powered, offer more power and are better suited for demanding tasks like felling trees or cutting large logs. While they may be more tiring to use, their performance and durability make them the preferred choice for professionals and rural property owners. When selecting a chainsaw, consider your physical strength, the duration of use, and the type of work you’ll be doing to find the right balance between power and comfort.
The bar and chain are the heart of your chainsaw’s cutting system, and selecting the right combination is essential for performance, safety, and ease of use. The guide bar directs the chain and determines the maximum cutting diameter, while the chain itself is responsible for the actual cutting. STIHL designs and manufactures both components in-house to ensure perfect compatibility and optimal performance. Whether you're pruning, cutting firewood, or felling trees, matching the right bar and chain to your saw and task will make your work faster, smoother, and safer.
STIHL offers a variety of guide bars, including the lightweight Rollomatic E and Rollomatic E Light for general use, and the Duromatic E for heavy-duty professional applications. For precision work like carving or pruning, the Carving E bar offers exceptional control. Chains are equally specialised, with options like the Rapid HEXA for fast, aggressive cutting, and the Oilomatic system that ensures consistent lubrication, reducing wear and extending the life of both the bar and chain. STIHL chains are also pre-stretched during manufacturing to minimise initial slack and reduce the need for frequent adjustments.
When choosing a bar and chain, consider the type of wood you’ll be cutting, your experience level, and the size and power of your chainsaw. A shorter bar (12–16 inches) is easier to control and ideal for beginners or light-duty work, while longer bars (18–25 inches) are better suited for experienced users tackling large trees or logs. Always ensure your bar and chain are compatible with your chainsaw model.
For those of you that want your chainsaw to work just that little bit harder for you, many of our models include additional features, indicated by the letters at the end of their model names. Here’s a quick guide to these features below:
C = The letter C at the end of a model name (for example, in the MS 182 C-BE) denotes that the saw is a Comfort model. This means the chainsaw has additional features designed to make it more comfortable to use.
E = E stands for ErgoStart, which is STIHL’s innovative technology designed to make starting a petrol saw easier. For those of you who are interested, the secret is an additional spring between the crankshaft and the starter rope rotor. But the most important part is that the saw is easier to start! You could also consider a cordless chainsaw if this is particularly important.
B = B denotes the STIHL Quick Chain Tensioning system which makes it very easy to tension the chain. Simply release the sprocket cover and turn the thumbwheel to set the optimum tension. You should never operate a saw with a loose chain, however, no tools are needed to tighten the chain on any of the saws with a B in their model name so it couldn’t be easier to ensure safe working
All of our battery saws also have the Quick Stop Super brake feature which means that the chain will stop automatically as soon as you take your finger off the throttle. This makes for safer operation of the saw.
You don't have to be a professional to prioritise safety. Whether you're tackling a small garden project or a major outdoor task, maintaining your equipment with the right consumables is crucial. At STIHL, we offer a comprehensive range of spare chains, bars, and oils to keep your machines running smoothly and efficiently.
From high-quality chains and durable bars to premium oils, our consumables ensure your chainsaw performs at its best in any condition. Don't take chances with your equipment. Equip yourself with the best.
Whether you're tackling a small garden project or a major outdoor task, maintaining your equipment with the right consumables is crucial. At STIHL, we offer a comprehensive range of spare chains, bars, and oils to keep your machines running smoothly and efficiently.
From high-quality chains and durable bars to premium oils, our consumables ensure your chainsaw performs at its best in any condition. Don't take chances with your equipment – equip yourself with the best
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your chainsaw running safely and efficiently. STIHL recommends cleaning and inspecting your chainsaw before and after each use. Key tasks include checking the chain tension, cleaning the guide bar and sprocket nose, inspecting the air filter, and ensuring the chain is properly lubricated. For battery models, it’s also important to store batteries correctly and keep contacts clean.
More in-depth maintenance, such as replacing the spark plug, fuel filter, or sharpening the chain, should be done at regular intervals or as needed. STIHL offers Service Kits for many models, allowing you to perform basic servicing at home. For complex repairs or diagnostics, it’s best to visit an authorised STIHL dealer. Proper maintenance not only extends the life of your chainsaw but also ensures optimal performance and safety every time you use it.
So you have done your research but nothing beats actually feeling the weight of the saw, you need to be confident that you can control the saw so you should always visit your local STIHL Dealer and discuss your options with them. And if you’re still unsure, STIHL Dealers will be able to offer advice on the best chainsaw for you and your needs.
