Best Petrol Chainsaws

I bought the MS170 for $249 in September 2017. It has been worked hard on large hardwood (up to 40cm in diameter) and loads of branch pruning. I've… Read more

never had it serviced or performed any maintenance on it. I've only ever put fuel and bar oil in it (more about that later) and sharpened the chain.

I love the size and weight of this thing. Easy to wield in awkward positions and from up ladders. And it cuts like a hot knife through butter with its narrow chain. The chain also stays sharp for a long time. I recommend the Stihl guided hand sharpener for when it dulls.

It starts easily from cold every time if you (1) pull start on full choke until it gives the first half-kick (usually takes 4 or 5 pulls) then (2) move to half choke and pull until it starts (usually takes another 3 pulls). It starts this easily even after being left for a year with old fuel in it.

The only time it didn't start easily was when, for the first time in 40 years of using chainsaws, I put bar oil in the fuel tank and fuel in the bar oil tank (******* id*ot). Emptied both tanks. Rinsed out the fuel tank with fuel. Pulled the spark plug out. Pulled the starter dozens of times with no compression to rinse through the fuel line and carburettor. Put spark plug back. Removed air filter. Sprayed Aerostart in. Pulled a couple of dozen times but still would not start. It started again when, out of frustration, I moved to aggressively drop starting it. And, since then, it has gone back to not skipping a beat.

It's been a fantastic chainsaw that was no more expensive than lesser brands at Bunnings.

***** 2026 UPDATE *****

After a number of extended stints of hardwood cutting in 2025, the MS170 had started to cut in a curve, probably due to unevenness in chain sharpening. It had also lost power and would quickly bog down, even under a light load. It was time to show the little saw a little love:

1. Took the carburettor apart and found that there was a lot of sawdust sitting on top of the compensator diaphragm, impeding its ability to function. I cleaned it with carburettor cleaner and then rebuilt it with a carburettor kit. Note that I could have bought a new non-OEM carburettor for less than the cost of the kit but these cheap Chinese non-OEM carburettors are pretty roughly manufactured. Better to rebuild the Zama carburettor that came as standard with the saw.

2. Put a new o-ring on the carburettor compensator tube that fits into the airbox, ensuring a good seal.

3. Used some gasket card to make a gasket to create a better seal between the airbox and carburettor throat. Strange that the saw didn't come from the factory with this.

4. Replaced the air filter. It was pretty clogged.

5. Replaced the fuel filter, even though it looked pretty clean.

6. Spark plug was in excellent condition. It was not worn and not fouled with oil, soot or other deposits. Gap was fine. Did not replace it.

7. Used gasket card to make a gasket to seal between the engine cylinder and the muffler, mostly to prevent uncombusted two-stroke oil leaking down into the plastic body of the saw creating a mess.

8. Cleaned the spark arrestor mesh in the muffler. It was only slightly clogged with carbon deposits.

9. Replaced the chain tensioner with a side tensioner from the MS250. This is a simple drop-in replacement that makes chain tensioning much easier, faster and more convenient. Note that the side tensioner sold by Stihl does not come with the screw to secure the tensioner to the saw body. You will need to ask for this. It's not essential to have this screw as the tight fit of the side tensioner and the sprocket cover and bar nuts mean that it's not going anywhere when the saw is in operation and is also unlikely to drop out even when the spocket cover is removed. But, hey, there is a hole there for that screw.

10. Installed some metal dogs (aka bumper spikes) on the saw body, near the base of the bar. These extend out beyond the short plastic dogs moulded into the plastic body of the saw. The screw holes are already present. No drilling required.

11. The Torx 27 flange head screw that secures the left arm of the chain brake handguard had broken off completely inside the lug of the plastic pull starter cover. I tried drilling/unscrewing it out from the inside using a 1mm tungsten carbide drill bit. Instead, the screw heated up and half melted itself out through the side of the lug. I cut it the rest of the way out with a rotary tool. I then rebuilt and reformed the lug by plastic welding, using a soldering iron to melt plastic zip ties. Then a little bit of careful filing into perfect form followed by redrilling the screw hole. Finally, installed a new T27 screw.

12. Replaced the bar and chain with a Toughmax bar and tungsten carbide chain.

The MS170 is now back singing at full power and cutting fast and straight like new. Bloody love this saw.

Great saw, if you know what you’re doing – Cannot recommend enough, been running this saw hard for 5 years with minimal issues. I think a lot of these negative reviews are from lack of… Read more

servicing and incorrect use/maintenance of the saw. Service it regularly, clean the spark arrestor and be careful with your 2 stroke ratio and you won’t have any problems.

To note.

I noticed my chain did come loose but only when using the Stihl synthetic bar oil (the purple stuff, I think it’s called synth plus) went back to the normal bar oil and haven’t had any issues.

Also the spark arrestor clogs up especially if you run your mix rich. This causes the saw to be hard to start and lack power. Just give it a clean from time to time.

GREAT CHAINSAWS - So good that I purchased another – I purchase two of them from Bunnings several years ago. The first one had so much power that I went back to buy another one and fitted a 16" bar and… Read more

chain in-place of the 12". Both are still performing faultlessly. No need to think about buying one; just do it. BTW; no need to over-prime them. The choke is sufficient most times without priming if used weekly.

Easy machine to work with – I have had my Husqvarna 455 Rancher for 8 years & hasn't missed a beat. Follow the starting procedure every time & starts every time. I cut red gum,… Read more

iron bark & yellow box without any issues. Some trees are up to 16 inches in diameter & this saw just eats it. A very enjoyable saw to use.

echo cs310es – I bought this little echo secondhand for my kids to use after they had been cutting with their grandfather and a Stihl ms170. Easy start works a… Read more

treat, after comparing it cutting to the ms170 a few mods were needed to wake the saw up. Removal of the cat in the exhaust and removing the excess metal under the exhaust outlet plate, a retune and it's a little ripper. Light weigh, easy start, no issues with the saw, i get the chains made up at a Stihl store, 2 years on and it now lives in my ute for limbing and cutting up windfall. 'Granddad' is a little pieved that he didnt get the easy start on his ms170, when the echo goes missing out of my ute we know it's in 'Granddads' ute.

Great Value for Money – Much better than my Stihl MS180 cuts through bigger logs. Only 3 pulls on cord and it starts. The chain is great for cutting through hardwood. Show details

Light enough to use effortlessly, but powerful enough to not take all day – I bought my 231 for small pruning jobs around the yard, track clearing, camping and to compliment my much larger saw (661 w/ 30 and 36" bar) in… Read more

firewood cutting.

It starts without fail everytime. Put the switch to bottom setting. Pull it until it first tries to start, the click it up one position and it will always start next pull.

I'm very happy with it and haven't had a single issue in these first 6months, I've easily and fairly quickly cut down trees of upto 14" diameter.

I was worried it would feel slow and sluggish compared to the 661. However it's a pleasure to use, when used within its limits. I'm glad I spent the extra over a small Stihl like a 170 or 180.

The first chain saw we sent back unable to start it they replaced it this started only to run a short period of time after laying idle foronths it… Read more

wouldn't start. My daughter had the same problem with hers we fixed both saws by changing the spark plug and cap. having to do this on both brand new saws because they used cheap parts reflects on the brand

Good Medium sized saw – I've had this unit using the 20" bar for probably 15 years now. It was used at lot in the beginning then had a span of probably 7-8 years with… Read more

minimal use. Now I've been using it again for almost another 3 years pretty heavily and it's Stihl going strong (pardon the pun). Just as easy to start as the day I bought it. It is starting to leak a little bit of chain and bar oil just recently, but its about 15 years old so I'm pretty happy with that amout of use I've had out of it before something has gone wrong that i really need someone else to have a look at. Used on soft and hard woods with no issue, and only now thinking about upgrading to a bigger unit for a few bigger jobs I have around the property and wanting to cut a few slabs.

Great saw, reliable, 8 years of keeping the house with heat – Bought new nearly a decade ago. Never let me down. Religiously sharpen the chain, and it's outcut other folk and their saws two to one. Great on… Read more

fuel. Accelerates and Cuts fast. 20" bar. Never let me down on startup regardless of it being 3 deg or 33 deg C. This alone is worth the $ in time saed. Just read the manual to understand how autotune works on start up. Used OEM fuel/bar oil Bar oil seal started to leak in Year 3, but I've never had a saw where it didn't. Easily replaced One productive saw paid for itself in firewood many times over.

Brilliant firewood chainsaw – Brilliant chainsaw. I am a hobbyist firewood collector - burning 3-4 tonnes per winter to keep my family warm. My 565 starts easily when cold, every… Read more

time. I've thrown all sorts of gum at it and never skips a beat, as long as chain is sharp. I think its a perfectly balanced saw with regard power vs weight ratio. Also 20inch bar is perfect size - it's easy to control and rarely do I wish it was longer. My firewood shed is choc-a-bloc thanks to my husky!

Excellent saw – I own 2 shindaiwa 488s. I love them. Been cutting for 20 years with them. Keep fresh gas in them and they will run forever. Best overall chain… Read more

saw that was ever made in my humble opinion. I live in Northern NY and heat primary with wood. They are light, powerful and will last.

Bought a MTM 72SX about 18 months ago and used it last season to cut firewood. It worked fine without any problems. Have gone to use it again after… Read more

replacing fuel with fresh fuel( l only use 98 octane 40:1) and it starts but as soon as l press the trigger it stalls. l have replaced the spark plug, checked the air filter and made sure the fuel filter is on the line in the fuel tank, but l continue to have the same problems. From what l can make out it looks like it has a doggy carburetor. As a comparison l have an Ozitto chainsaw, also made in China which lasted about 12 years. This was one of the reasons that l thought of buying the MTM chainsaw. Was hoping l would get more than one season out of it but alas not all Chinese chainsaws are the same!

Had a problem that the fuel hose was kinked from the factory however Edison's fixed this. Works well and will benefit from a tune up after the first… Read more

tank of fuel. I bit heavier then the name brand saws but for users who only do cutting once a month or less it is more than adequate and great value

Worked well for a year, then didn't – I've had the 572XP for nearly 2 years. I've used it mostly for milling with a 36" bar, so it has been worked hard, but only a modest number of hours.… Read more

Have looked after it well, 25:1 fuel, good quality oil, kept the chain sharp & well tuned, etc etc. It gave me a year of good service, starting well hot & cold, plenty of power for firewood cutting (although not really up to the task of milling hardwood - in hindsight I should have bought a 90cc saw).

Then it just gave up. Poor starting especially when hot, sometimes cutting out at high revs. Took it to the dealer for a service & firmware update, and have had it back to them three times in the past six months. Their mechanic has pulled it apart, tried everything but has no clue what the issue is. Sometimes I get lucky and it works OK, half the time it doesn't, I spend 30 minutes trying to start it and give up.

Would I buy another 572XP or recommend others to buy one? No I wouldn't. I know this is a familiar story with most chainsaw models - with any particular saw some people have a good experience & others don't. For a professional-grade, $2000 saw I'd expect many years of trouble-free service and unfortunately that's not what I got with the 572XP.

Ordered this item from TEMU on line and was supposed to be delivered within 15 working days but months later no sign of the saw, i have tried… Read more

contacting them several time without any luck, all i get is a useless BOT with the same Auto response, Just lost 100s of € on this item so went on line to check out this lot and was not surprised to see almost every review is 1* reviews. I'm writing this to warn others of this fake on line selling company.

I’ve had mine for about 3 years and use it for firewood collection / mostly hardwood. I needed something quite light because a lot of the wood I… Read more

colllect is at ground level and need to manage fatigue. Good for what it is, but a little more torque would be good. As others have said, it seems to oil the chain well, when not under load but heavy cutting leads to burning the chain and dulling very quickly. I’ve switched to a carbide chain which largely fixed the problem. Bar and chain are a bit flimsy - would be great if it could be upgraded in that department. I think people find it difficult to start because the handle is too small to get your foot through to hold it down. In retrospect I probably should have gone for the 261 for my needs.

Rubbish – Used for no more than 30 hours(460 rancher) serviced regularly and then needed an engine rebuild absolute rubbt Show details

Runs great , good power , poor suspension – The saw is very smooth, throttle response is amazing, power to weight ratio is awesome. I run a 28 inch bar and use it professionally for felling and… Read more

bucking. Starts well , good power very weak suspension when cutting with the top of the bar - back cutting - floppy almost and bottoms out. I had to put heavier springs out of a 661 which helps but still not perfect . 1550$ paid and you have to reengineer it - stihl should have fixed this issue by now - I don’t understand. Having said all of that I use the saw daily and have bought two more for my crew , if Stihl would fix the suspension it would be the absolute best saw out there. I have been running Stihl s since 1988 and they are always way ahead of the competition.

Cuts anything I throw at it ! – This little chainsaw cuts through anything I throw at it, if it’s cut under its own weight !! Then there’s no problem at all , most people push down… Read more

expecting it saw to cut through the wood fast ! That’s a good way to kill any small to medium range chainsaw, the ms 180 cuts all my dry hard wood, I use it on average every few days. No complaints about my MS 180 :)

HUSQVARNA CHAIN SAW 445-E11 IT REALLY SUITS ME – After giving me great service, my old Husqvarna 365 got wrecked when the electrode broke off its spark plug. Repairs were far too expensive. Being… Read more

somewhat older now, I followed recommendations to go for a lighter weight model, so decided on the Husqvarna 445-E11 with a weight of 5.1 kg compared to the 365’s 6.0kg. The price at Goulpro in Goulburn was competitive at $999 inclusive of carry case (about $100 value).

The power output at 2.8/9000 (K/rpm) is a bit less than the 365 had at 3.4/9300. It’s a little slower at sawing through logs and thick branches but I still cut through logs almost as thick as with the old 365 by attacking the thicker logs from various sides. The lighter weight makes it a bit easier for me to use.

I feel the single chain tension adjusting nut on the 445-E11 is not as good as the 2 nuts on the 365. It seems more fiddley and at times the chain becomes loose soon after adjusting it.

The cap for the bar oil is a tad awkward to open due to being placed almost under the brake handle making it awkward to easily unscrew it. The 445-E11 is easy to start with the bubble being pressed several times (I do it 8 times), and with the switch in the up position, it takes only 3 pulls to get that initial cough, move it down to the ½ way and another 2 or 3 pulls and it starts. The off position is easy to move it to – just a quick push down. I do wonder about the long-term strength of the plastic switch and hope that at some stage it doesn’t break.

In the 5 months I’ve had it, I’ve sawn numerous fallen dead trees and branches, felled dead trees and am currently felling and sawing up a number of live ones to create a more open canopy to the west of our house. The 445-E11 rips through these live, green trunks so it keeps me very happy indeed!

In regard to noise and safety, it’s a typical chain saw with which one should use all recommended safety equipment and take care in using it.

Pros: a weight easily handled, runs well, cuts reasonable sized timber suitable for slow combustion oven and slow combustion heater, competitive price. Cons: not so good on thicker tree trunks.

I'll stick with Husqvarna and certainly recommend the Husqvarna 445-E11. I'd like to give it 4.5 stars.

Pis: using it to to saw logs

Uses a full tank of oil to half a tank of fuel. Cuts out sometimes and is hard to start warm. Off switch is easy to accidently bump and turn off while working. Cheap and has lasted me two seasons of fire wooding without a break down

Stihl Ms362 c-m is a lemon – Less than 30 hours work. Spent more on repairs than purchase price. Oiler is crap. Stihl Australian does not respond to complaints via their contact… Read more

form. Saw now needs to be scraped. Stihl is aware of the lemon associated with the oiler on this saw. Their service shop blames the user but they are happy to charge time and time again without fixing the problem

Endless problems, terrible customer service – Even in the first week of owning a this saw, starting has been a mission. Floods easily… I have got the technique now but still temperamental. Also… Read more

rough idle. After about 4 hours of use cut of switch would not stop the saw. Ended up having to put choke on to stop the saw. Then could not start saw. Took saw to retailer to service and get saw working. Only 4 hours use of light pruning green branches. Service centre said engine is cooked, unrepairable, said I was using wrong mix of fuel… impossible I use the same 50:1 mix with my boat engine, whipper snipper, posthole auger and other products… never had an issue. Would not warranty, after excessive discussions retailer charged me $150 to fix. Eventually got saw back… still not great starting, now the stud that holds the bar on turns in the plastic so can’t keep tension. Not covered under warranty again… saw just over a year old now. Got a different store to put a new (size larger) stud on.

I see good reviews I just think mine is a lemon.

Apart from the chain coming off on a regular basis, a mighty handy tool. Build quality is quite ok for home handyman . So instead of taking the risk… Read more

of felling a 5 metre tree in a confined area, I was able to just lop it down bit by bit. It only takes 5 minutes to refit chain but still annoying - doesn't happen to my other chainsaws. Partly a result of having less control of movement at height I suppose but also cheaper parts ). I'll add a video when I get a chance.

Love it – Hubby bought this chainsaw as he needed a bigger one to get through larger trees. It does a great job at cutting through the wood and makes things a lot easier for him. It is quite easy to start and not too heavy for him. Show details

I have 62cc 20" Giantz chainsaw. I bought one worked it hard cutting box and iron bark. It earned its keep so I bought another. The trick is clean the air filter with fuel and keep a sharp chain on . Good value. Show details

Great saw – Overall it's one of the best saws you could hope for in it's size, i've recently only started cutting my own firewood and the 271 is a little beast.… Read more

There lies the problem in that an 18" bar is too small for my liking, at least for felling trees where i live in Tasmania. I've bought a 500i for larger trees but the 271 is still a fantastic saw at it's size.

Worst saw I have ever owned, the Stihl MS211 is terrible, hard to start when hot, then wouldn't start at all after 15 hours total use. Stihl shop… Read more

Hastings then said that the piston had deformed due to low octane fuel being used even though the owners manual says to run 90 octane or above, I had used new 91 octane.

I used Stihl 2 stroke oil and Stihl bar oil, I did everything properly, I work as a maintenance engineer so know my way around machines. Even though its still under warranty they are not going to replace it. Will never buy another Stihl product ever again. Through my work as an engineer a lot of people ask my opinion on mechanical items they are going to buy, I will be telling them to stay clear of Stihl from now on, terrible product and terrible service. Stihl could at least just admit they got it wrong with this particular model saw and provide support, instead they try to blame the customers and deny all the overwhelming evidence that this is a terrible saw.

great little saw – My Husky 236 died and I purchased this and its vastly superior in every way. Easier to start, quiter, more grunt and better built. Highly recommended and good value for money Show details