Great follow up. I bought the Makita 36 volt (2-18 volts batteries) and it has been my go to trim saw. As you said, it's not a replacement for my Stihl MS261 Pro saw for felling & firewood use, but I LOVE the Makita for showing on my tractor and doing clearing tasks on farm. I agree: about 10" trees are the max (red oak) for cutting down. Main reason I bought the I bought the Makita: I am heavily invested in the Makita system. (multiple larger carpentry & landscape tools, 18 batteries). I've been pretty hard on my saw & had zero issues. I did buy a spare bar & several chains so I could keep going, still on my original bar.. The 1/4" pitch chains do wear down from filing a bit quicker, but do cut very well. (Get the Stihl sharpener that does both file cuts at one time- a BIG no brainer and very fast to sharpen with...) Still (pun intended), I would have been happy with the Stihl or one of the other top saws. Just keep oil & a sharp chain & you are good to go. Thanks again Rob, your reviews and professionalism are much appreciated.
Last year my midle brother have some old oaks to trim down and our yong brother come over to help, sense he is yonger he goes up on the trees, I have my Stihl 161T he takes it up after trimming 2 tree's he want to try is brand new makita that his daugther and her boyfriend had offered to him so he unbox and monted it. I not remember what Makita model it was but it was comparable with my Stihl in size and power. Next tree he use the Makita but after come down and on the next tree he take back the Stihl acording to him it feels beter and better balanced to work high up in a tree. Stil in his case the Makita was a better deal because he is a builder contractor and use the same batteries he have for drills and other Makita tools he have.
Great review and helped convince me I made the right decision yesterday when I had an immediate need to cut up a 25 foot long 12-16 inch diameter branch that fell from a black locust tree and was blocking our neighborhood street. The California atmospheric rivers and high winds are doing all sorts of crazy things to trees in the area. I have a Stihl Farm-boss for work on a property up in the Sierra Nevadas (5000 foot elevation) but down in the Bay Area neighborhood where I live, gas powered saws cannot be sold. This saw’s performance was shockingly good. I was skeptical but given the noise/air quality ordinance - I had little choice. I felt backed into a corner - but paid the extra $ and jumped in. Given your video and my experience, this was a great option for me and I hope to run it for many years.
Very good concise video. Really appreciate “look back” videos of all type. So close to getting a battery operated chainsaw but still a little concerned on battery life. I’ve heard where it will last for several hour but not clear on how hard it’s used?? I believe their large battery is approximately $150? You were very clear it isn’t a felling saw except for small trees and I appreciate. From what I’ve heard it cut’s well but at its own pace? Putting too much pressure will make it stall out…please confirm. Battery equipment seems to be the future and if they can increase power and battery life or at least lower battery cost the market will explode! Thanks again for staying on topic and not throwing in extra minutes of worthless babble! 👍
4:08 when I bought my gas Stihl saw years back, the dealer had told me they see more saws in for service that have the knob than the bar nuts. At that time it was a high warranty feature
Great video Rob! Love the look backs! I’m currently using the Milwaukee M18, 16” chain saw and it has worked great other than the chain tension gets loose quite a bit. I’ll definitely consider the Stihl chainsaws in the future. Thanks again.
Seams like a cleaner option to keep in the hunting rig so I wouldn’t have to keep up with gas and the smells. Probably stick with my gas saw for work around the property.
I’m currently using the MSA200C and I’m finding the chain is only lasting a month at most. Keep watching the tension and making sure it’s oiled but i feel I’m changing out blades way too often and it’s made me start looking to others like Milwaukees new chainsaw due to the battery platform I already use. I love the battery life and longevity. I also cut wood poles maybe a limb or too but mainly topping poles. Loved the video thanks for any help or advice you or the community may have.
I'm a Greenworks fan. I have the 80v 18inch and the 40v 14 inch, and they perform excellent. The 80v is a favorite amongst family and friends. But the 40v is a crowd pleaser as well for it's light weight and cutting performance.
Good review, but a lot depends upon the type of wood (hardness). Lots of oak trees in Minnesota. Oak is a hard wood. Also, the state of dryness impacts cutting. Electric seems like a good way to go for ease of starting and winter maintenance. However, the price of the machine and battery is higher than gas chainsaws.
Has I have said I have those Stihl 3 models MSA 220 C, 161T and MSA300, comparing the 220 C with MSA300 is like comparing a Ford Fiesta with a Mustang GT, still I not meaning their is no use for the 220 C, but i sugest anyone before buy the 220 C to take a look at the MSA300. In regard to the 161T is my joy work horse, for me is a must have, i have it about 2 years with a 30cm bar, have used and abused it way beyond manufacturers recommendation and never fail, The MSA 300 sure feels like a professional and powerful machine the down side is even with biger battery the AP500S if used in full power mode the battery time is kind short, I wish STIHL be able to come up with a better battery because the saw absolutely deserve a last longer battery.
Great video. How's the MSA 200 compare to the MSA 220? 3/8 vs 1/4 inch chain the main difference? Does the 200 run longer on the same battery because of less friction?
I use to have a 40cm bar like that on the video in mine 220C, now I change for the 35cm Light 04 and at first feel kind weird but then i begin to got the impression the saw was faster and the battery last a little longer so I am keeping it. In the case of a ticker log I use the MSA300 with a 45cm bar.
I should have added that if I am felling logs I use my big gas saw. However, I set that down once the tree is on the ground and limb with the electric 220
My wife and I own a small orchard. It's really her passion project so she spends.most time limbing and pruning. How do you feel this would perform for her as a replacement for an ego esaw? We already have a husky professional polesaw and a Stihl ms362c. Thanks!
I have the MSA 220 C for about 2 years and yes I have used it quite a lot never have any problem however I also have the 161T and the MSA300 this two feels much professional. I realy not like much the bar atchment sistem, but in over all i am happy, if was possible to install the bar attachement like in the MSA 300 I with do it.
Not enough torque... Would be better if it reved a little slower and have more torque in exchange. I own one for more than two years. 300 batteries are too small. You have to stick with the original very short nano bar. The one we see on your video is too large. The MSA300 with 500 batteries does fix that.
I would like to convert to a battery powered chainsaw cause I just use it here around around the place but the problem is I have a MS 170 and I just can’t justify going and spending five $600 for Saul and charging system to convert from from gas to electric I wish Steel would offer some type of program where we could try it and see how we like it because I would like to try one of their battery powered lawnmowers Grayson Peace
I have had a MSA 220C (with two AP 300S BATTERIES) saw for 2 years. It has been a constant disappointment. I have never had a charge on a battery last more than 12 minutes of cutting. The company replaced my original saw and both batteries. No improvement. Now the oiler has quit. I have always liked the gas STIHL saws I have had in the past. I am disgusted!
Have you not used a newer saw with the 21700 cells in the battery packs? They are extremely powerful. I think to say "Battery power isn't there yet" really depends on your use case. Out in the woods? Yeah your probably right, but around home, I would have to disagree. However my father has given up gas saws in favor of the 80v Greenworks for out at his cabin. He's getting up there in age and just loves the simplicity of the electric saw and the performance it provides. My brother has a Stihl MS251c, and in a head to head cutting a 14" maple, the Greenworks wins everytime. But yes it does eat the battery up faster than a tank of fuel, but if you have a charger laying around, it's capabl;e of charging to full in 30 minutes (with the 2ah battery). So if you have two batteries, and a way to charge them, it's really a never ending cycle.
He mentions twice in the video that the saw is not a replacement to a large gas saw and yet he'd still get comments about it. 1 Hour after video release and you've already proven him right lmao.
This saw is junk. I had one for just over a year, it quit oiling the bar sent it off they claimed it needed 'cleaning' yet had to break the whole saw down to do this.. not like I could without voiding warranty. Crap stuff I would avoid stihl in future buy quality like husky instead !
Love these look backs!!! Can never tell the reliability of a tool until father time takes a look at it.
Great follow up. I bought the Makita 36 volt (2-18 volts batteries) and it has been my go to trim saw. As you said, it's not a replacement for my Stihl MS261 Pro saw for felling & firewood use, but I LOVE the Makita for showing on my tractor and doing clearing tasks on farm. I agree: about 10" trees are the max (red oak) for cutting down.
Main reason I bought the I bought the Makita: I am heavily invested in the Makita system. (multiple larger carpentry & landscape tools, 18 batteries). I've been pretty hard on my saw & had zero issues. I did buy a spare bar & several chains so I could keep going, still on my original bar.. The 1/4" pitch chains do wear down from filing a bit quicker, but do cut very well. (Get the Stihl sharpener that does both file cuts at one time- a BIG no brainer and very fast to sharpen with...) Still (pun intended), I would have been happy with the Stihl or one of the other top saws. Just keep oil & a sharp chain & you are good to go.
Thanks again Rob, your reviews and professionalism are much appreciated.
Last year my midle brother have some old oaks to trim down and our yong brother come over to help, sense he is yonger he goes up on the trees, I have my Stihl 161T he takes it up after trimming 2 tree's he want to try is brand new makita that his daugther and her boyfriend had offered to him so he unbox and monted it. I not remember what Makita model it was but it was comparable with my Stihl in size and power. Next tree he use the Makita but after come down and on the next tree he take back the Stihl acording to him it feels beter and better balanced to work high up in a tree.
Stil in his case the Makita was a better deal because he is a builder contractor and use the same batteries he have for drills and other Makita tools he have.
Great review and helped convince me I made the right decision yesterday when I had an immediate need to cut up a 25 foot long 12-16 inch diameter branch that fell from a black locust tree and was blocking our neighborhood street. The California atmospheric rivers and high winds are doing all sorts of crazy things to trees in the area. I have a Stihl Farm-boss for work on a property up in the Sierra Nevadas (5000 foot elevation) but down in the Bay Area neighborhood where I live, gas powered saws cannot be sold. This saw’s performance was shockingly good. I was skeptical but given the noise/air quality ordinance - I had little choice. I felt backed into a corner - but paid the extra $ and jumped in. Given your video and my experience, this was a great option for me and I hope to run it for many years.
Very good concise video. Really appreciate “look back” videos of all type. So close to getting a battery operated chainsaw but still a little concerned on battery life. I’ve heard where it will last for several hour but not clear on how hard it’s used?? I believe their large battery is approximately $150? You were very clear it isn’t a felling saw except for small trees and I appreciate. From what I’ve heard it cut’s well but at its own pace? Putting too much pressure will make it stall out…please confirm.
Battery equipment seems to be the future and if they can increase power and battery life or at least lower battery cost the market will explode! Thanks again for staying on topic and not throwing in extra minutes of worthless babble! 👍
4:08 when I bought my gas Stihl saw years back, the dealer had told me they see more saws in for service that have the knob than the bar nuts. At that time it was a high warranty feature
Really appreciate the long term review
Great video Rob! Love the look backs! I’m currently using the Milwaukee M18, 16” chain saw and it has worked great other than the chain tension gets loose quite a bit. I’ll definitely consider the Stihl chainsaws in the future. Thanks again.
I agree the m18 has a tendency to loosen up fast and derails the chain if you don’t stay on top of it.
Superb presentation. Really impressive authority about your subject, thanks.
Seams like a cleaner option to keep in the hunting rig so I wouldn’t have to keep up with gas and the smells. Probably stick with my gas saw for work around the property.
I’m currently using the MSA200C and I’m finding the chain is only lasting a month at most. Keep watching the tension and making sure it’s oiled but i feel I’m changing out blades way too often and it’s made me start looking to others like Milwaukees new chainsaw due to the battery platform I already use. I love the battery life and longevity. I also cut wood poles maybe a limb or too but mainly topping poles. Loved the video thanks for any help or advice you or the community may have.
I'm a Greenworks fan. I have the 80v 18inch and the 40v 14 inch, and they perform excellent. The 80v is a favorite amongst family and friends. But the 40v is a crowd pleaser as well for it's light weight and cutting performance.
Crowd pleaser? Favorite amongst friends and family? For Chinese shitty tools? You either live in California or outside of the US.
Good review, but a lot depends upon the type of wood (hardness). Lots of oak trees in Minnesota. Oak is a hard wood. Also, the state of dryness impacts cutting. Electric seems like a good way to go for ease of starting and winter maintenance. However, the price of the machine and battery is higher than gas chainsaws.
Has I have said I have those Stihl 3 models MSA 220 C, 161T and MSA300, comparing the 220 C with MSA300 is like comparing a Ford Fiesta with a Mustang GT, still I not meaning their is no use for the 220 C, but i sugest anyone before buy the 220 C to take a look at the MSA300.
In regard to the 161T is my joy work horse, for me is a must have, i have it about 2 years with a 30cm bar, have used and abused it way beyond manufacturers recommendation and never fail, The MSA 300 sure feels like a professional and powerful machine the down side is even with biger battery the AP500S if used in full power mode the battery time is kind short, I wish STIHL be able to come up with a better battery because the saw absolutely deserve a last longer battery.
Can't wait to see your video on the msa300! 😎👌👍
The msa300 out now looks the best and new ap500 battery
This saw is also my go to saw. Cut all my firewood and Sugar House wood with this saw. I carry 4 batteries into the woods with me and I am good to go.
I was going to get this Stihl MSA 220 but now Stihl has the Top Handle MSA 220 but I only see it in Europe and not in the U.S. yet
Great video. How's the MSA 200 compare to the MSA 220? 3/8 vs 1/4 inch chain the main difference? Does the 200 run longer on the same battery because of less friction?
Thanks buddy
I use to have a 40cm bar like that on the video in mine 220C, now I change for the 35cm Light 04 and at first feel kind weird but then i begin to got the impression the saw was faster and the battery last a little longer so I am keeping it. In the case of a ticker log I use the MSA300 with a 45cm bar.
I should have added that if I am felling logs I use my big gas saw. However, I set that down once the tree is on the ground and limb with the electric 220
Stihl Now Presenting the MSA 300 a MS401 replacement.
Some say as good if not better than the MS601.
You review it!
were reviewing it soon - saw it at the Equipment Expo a few months back
stihl allway has been premium but i like my makita 36v has lasted well.
is this available in mumbai India
My wife and I own a small orchard. It's really her passion project so she spends.most time limbing and pruning. How do you feel this would perform for her as a replacement for an ego esaw? We already have a husky professional polesaw and a Stihl ms362c. Thanks!
i really hope the sales on chainsaws has increased due to the popularity of chainsawman
Only good for pine, doesn’t like hard wood like we have over here in Australia.
Great review fellas.
I have the MSA 220 C for about 2 years and yes I have used it quite a lot never have any problem however I also have the 161T and the MSA300 this two feels much professional. I realy not like much the bar atchment sistem, but in over all i am happy, if was possible to install the bar attachement like in the MSA 300 I with do it.
Interested in cordless (battery) 12" chainsaw. How much, in Phillipines?
Amazing👍👍👍
why there no one selling a battery stihl chainsaw here in the Philippines?
I would say the power converter issue. I just delivered my brother in law a Stihl MS661 with a 42 inch bar {gas of course} in the Philippines
How much is Stihl cordless chainsaw, 12"?
Not enough torque... Would be better if it reved a little slower and have more torque in exchange. I own one for more than two years. 300 batteries are too small. You have to stick with the original very short nano bar. The one we see on your video is too large. The MSA300 with 500 batteries does fix that.
STIHL MSA 300......still waiting Stihl....
I would like to convert to a battery powered chainsaw cause I just use it here around around the place but the problem is I have a MS 170 and I just can’t justify going and spending five $600 for Saul and charging system to convert from from gas to electric I wish Steel would offer some type of program where we could try it and see how we like it because I would like to try one of their battery powered lawnmowers Grayson Peace
Try makita xgt saw
Hi
25 inch 382 ka modle bnao battery backup 10 ghante ka hone chaiye Kam say Kam kimat jitni marzi rakho
I have had a MSA 220C (with two AP 300S BATTERIES) saw for 2 years. It has been a constant disappointment. I have never had a charge on a battery last more than 12 minutes of cutting. The company replaced my original saw and both batteries. No improvement. Now the oiler has quit. I have always liked the gas STIHL saws I have had in the past. I am disgusted!
Battery power isn't there yet. Maybe in another 5 years or so.
Have you not used a newer saw with the 21700 cells in the battery packs? They are extremely powerful. I think to say "Battery power isn't there yet" really depends on your use case. Out in the woods? Yeah your probably right, but around home, I would have to disagree. However my father has given up gas saws in favor of the 80v Greenworks for out at his cabin. He's getting up there in age and just loves the simplicity of the electric saw and the performance it provides. My brother has a Stihl MS251c, and in a head to head cutting a 14" maple, the Greenworks wins everytime. But yes it does eat the battery up faster than a tank of fuel, but if you have a charger laying around, it's capabl;e of charging to full in 30 minutes (with the 2ah battery). So if you have two batteries, and a way to charge them, it's really a never ending cycle.
He mentions twice in the video that the saw is not a replacement to a large gas saw and yet he'd still get comments about it. 1 Hour after video release and you've already proven him right lmao.
Leaks a lot of oil
Teparilor
This saw is junk. I had one for just over a year, it quit oiling the bar sent it off they claimed it needed 'cleaning' yet had to break the whole saw down to do this.. not like I could without voiding warranty. Crap stuff I would avoid stihl in future buy quality like husky instead !
Sorry but those hands are not hands of a true worker!
Horrible tools. 2 stroke all the way