Best STIHL Chainsaws for Homeowners
That storm just left a ton of debris in your yard. Or you’re stocking up on firewood. Or maybe you’re cleaning up some small branches around your property. No matter what is on your outdoor to-do list, STIHL makes a chainsaw to match your needs.
Ready to find the best chainsaw to power your projects? Carl’s has been helping people choose the right outdoor power equipment for decades, and we are sharing our favorite STIHL chainsaws in 2025 to help you narrow your selection.
MS 182
At just over 10 pounds, the STIHL MS 182 is a great, lightweight option for woodcutting work around your property. It features 2.2 bhp, a 35.8 cc 2-MIX engine, and is perfect for felling and limbing projects.
This model features a 16” bar that is easy to put on and take off thanks to the external sprocket, chain tensioner, and bar nut. The rubber fin around the air filter helps block dirt and debris, and thin cooling fins help dissipate heat more quickly for better performance and a longer engine life. In fact, you can get 20+ years out of this puppy if you maintain it properly!
The MS 182 also gets points for its tool-free access to a cylindrical air filtration system with a washable air filter that helps keep dust out of the carburetor. It features the STIHL OILOMATIC® Saw Chain, with specially engineered grooves to channel oil to critical wear areas. This model is also a crowd favorite for its strong power-to-weight ratio, delivering reduced operator fatigue, better control, and increased maneuverability.
If you’re cutting firewood, this may not fit your needs, but if you are taking down small trees or cutting up limbs, the STIHL MS 182 is a great choice.
MS 251 Wood Boss
As its name implies, the MS 251 can handle felling small trees, cutting firewood, and pruning limbs like a … well, like a boss!
With its 3.00 bhp, 45.6 cc engine and an 18-inch bar, the STIHL MS 251 Wood Boss is 11 pounds of lean, nimble, power. The high-tech polymer housings are corrosion resistant and can handle impact, making this saw a perfect tool for medium-sized cutting jobs.
Bumper spikes help prevent pull-in and give you better control, and reduced vibration and a Master Control Lever™ make this an easy-to-use machine that packs a punch but won’t wear you out after a day of use. And of course, this saw has the easy-to-access circular air filtration system, which makes for easy maintenance that leads to longer engine life.
The MS 251 is built for fuel efficiency, delivering up to 20% fuel savings and producing 50% fewer exhaust emissions compared to older models. Add in its rugged build, and you’ve got a saw that’s ready for long days and tough jobs.
If your woodcutting projects include pruning, thinning, and taking down trees, the MS 251 should be up for consideration. And if you have heavier duty tasks, this makes an excellent companion to the MS 462, which can handle a bar up to a 36” and boasts 6 bhp and a 72.2 cc engine.
MS 271 Farm Boss
There’s a reason that STIHL has been producing the MS 271 Farm Boss for generations. If you’ve got a lot of big pieces of wood to cut, this STIHL chainsaw is for you!
With 3.5 bhp and a 50 cc engine, this chainsaw is reliable, powerful, and, because it’s a STIHL, you know it’ll last for years. The brake and clutch are built into the body of the saw so it’s easy to rotate the bar and put the chain on, especially thanks to the side-access chain tensioner.
Its compact, ergonomic design pairs with a three-spring anti-vibration system to reduce fatigue—so even at 12.3 pounds, it’s built for comfort during longer cutting sessions. Another bonus is that the chain holds its tension well, so you can spend less time tightening and more time knocking out projects.
If you’re cutting large amounts of bigger pieces of wood for fire pits and fireplaces (or both!), you’ll get a great bang for your buck with the STIHL MS 271 Farm Boss.
And while we promised just three chainsaws in this roundup, if you already have an MS 271 and want something lighter to pair with it, the MS 194 T is a crowd favorite. With a 14″ bar, just under 2 bhp, and weighing less than 7 lbs, it’s a go-to for limbing and fast cleanup work. We regularly hear from customers who are surprised by how often they reach for this nimble little saw.
Which One Makes the Cut?
Whether you need a trusty saw for small, seasonal cleanups or something to tackle lumberjack-sized projects, there’s a STIHL chainsaw that’s up to the task.
We hope this round up of our top saw picks helped you home in on the one you need, but if you’re still unsure, come on down to Carl’s Mower & Saw and get a feel for each machine in your hands. We’re here to answer your questions and help you choose the right gear.
At Carl’s, we guide you through the whole process from selection to sales. We also carry a full line of safety equipment, like chaps, ear, and eye protection, as well as everything you need to keep your chainsaw running, like bar oil, STIHL MotoMix, chains, and bars. When you buy gear from Carl’s Mower, our team provides assembly, fuels your machine up, and even files the warranty for you! We want to help you get the most out of your chainsaw, so give us a call or stop in to see us today.
About
Established in 1990 by Carl and Beth Levien, Carl’s Mower & Saw remains a family-owned and locally operated business to this day. We’re committed to providing an exceptional customer experience to both contractors and homeowners. Whether you’re looking for sales, service or rentals, you’ll find quality outdoor power equipment brands known for their durability and dependability, including Exmark, Gravely, Honda, Husqvarna, STIHL, and BCS America. For inquiries, feel free to reach out by calling 360-384-0799 or emailing info@carlsmower.com.
