Which STIHL for which job?
Match the tool to how much you actually cut, trim or clear.
Occasional cutting
A light saw with a 16 in. bar covers small trees and fallen limbs. If it sits unused for months, look at a battery saw: no stale fuel, no carburetor trouble.
Regular seasonal cutting
The MS 250 settles into mixed hardwood without strain and stays light enough to use all afternoon.
Large property or storm cleanup
The FARM BOSS carries a 20 in. bar and runs longer between refuels. Worth the weight if you cut big rounds.
Trim, edge and tidy
A straight-shaft homeowner trimmer with Easy2Start. Add the bike handle if you trim for more than an hour at a time.
Weekend cleanup
An 8 lb handheld clears a driveway and beds without wearing you out.
Heavy leaf season
A backpack blower moves wet leaves a handheld will not. The BR 600 is what the landscapers on your street run.
Three chainsaws, side by side.
Manufacturer figures. Weights are powerhead only, without bar and chain.
| MS 170 | MS 250 | MS 271 FARM BOSS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | Homeowner, occasional | Homeowner, firewood | Farm, ranch, heavy firewood |
| Displacement | 30.1 cc | 45.4 cc (2.8 in³) | 50.2 cc (3.1 in³) |
| Power | 1.7 bhp | 2.9 bhp | 3.5 bhp |
| Weight (powerhead) | 8.6 lb | 10.1 lb | 12.4 lb |
| Bar length | 16 in. | 18 in. | 18 or 20 in. |
| Chain tensioning | Front | Side-mounted | Side-mounted |
| Air filter | Standard | Easy-access cover | Pre-separation, up to 5× filter life |
| Best for | Limbs, small trees | 1–3 cords a season, small felling | Big rounds, storm cleanup, long days |
Every saw leaves the counter fuelled, chain tensioned and running. Bring it back for sharpening and service.