STIHL MS 151 Petrol Chainsaw
Price range: £450.45 through £458.03
Product information & specifications
STIHL MS 151 Petrol Chainsaw Review
This review explores the STIHL MS 151 Petrol Chainsaw, a precision-focused, ultra-light back-handle saw engineered for pruning, snedding, hedge-laying and cutting smaller limbs. We cover who it suits best, its standout features, core specifications, how it compares with related models, practical usage tips, and clear answers to common search questions. With an upgraded 2-MIX engine, effortless starting aids and smart low-maintenance design, the MS 151 is built to deliver fine control and strong cutting performance while keeping weight and fuel use impressively low.
Who the STIHL MS 151 Petrol Chainsaw is for
The STIHL MS 151 is ideal for anyone who values nimble handling and clean, accurate cuts. Arborists, landscapers and grounds professionals will appreciate its lightest-in-range back-handle design for extended pruning sessions and delicate crown work. Estate managers and gardeners benefit from easy starting, low fuel consumption and compact bar options for hedge-laying and tidying smaller limbs. Farmers and smallholders will find it a superb companion tool alongside a larger felling saw, offering quick, precise trims around buildings, paths and fence lines. Home users who prefer a lightweight, petrol-powered saw for seasonal pruning will enjoy the way it balances efficiency, comfort and control.
Key features
Lightest back-handle STIHL saw
Built for agility and precision, the MS 151 stands out as STIHL’s lightest back-handle option, helping reduce fatigue and enhancing control in tight spaces or at arm’s length.
Upgraded 2-MIX engine with more torque
A new cylinder, piston and exhaust work together to elevate performance. The 2-MIX engine delivers efficient power and a 15% torque increase up to 1.
1 Nm, supporting confident cuts through small to medium branches.
High efficiency, low emissions
The STIHL 2-MIX design and four-channel technology optimize mixture flow for strong output with reduced fuel consumption and emissions. It complies with the strict EU Stage V emissions directive.
STIHL ErgoStart (E) for easy starting
ErgoStart reduces the effort and pull speed needed to start the engine. Combined with a manual fuel pump that primes the system, restarts and cold starts feel quick and smooth.
Side-mounted chain tensioning
Chain adjustments are protected and straightforward. The side tensioner makes re-tensioning and swapping chains both quick and secure.
Tool-free fuel and oil caps
Convenient bayonet closures on the tanks allow fast refills without tools, keeping maintenance simple when you are on the move.
Compensator carburettor system
This smart control feature helps maintain consistent engine performance, exhaust quality and fuel consumption for long periods, even as the air filter accumulates debris.
Quick-access shroud for fast cleaning
The top cover opens in one movement without tools, making it easy to reach the air filter and keep the saw breathing freely.
Comfortable anti-vibration system
Buffer and spring elements reduce vibration transfer to the handles, supporting more pleasant, less tiring operation during prolonged work.
Precision bar and chain pairing
Offered with compact 25 cm and 30 cm bar options and a fine 1/4"P pitch, the MS 151 is tailored for smooth, accurate pruning cuts that leave tidy finishes on small limbs.
STIHL MS 151 Petrol Chainsaw specifications
- Displacement: 23.
6 cm³ - Power: 1.
10 kW - Engine power: 1.
50 HP - Torque: 1.
1 Nm - CO2: 886 g/kWh
- Device weight without refuelling: 2.
8 kg - System weight without refuelling: 3.
12 / 3.
17 kg - Power-to-weight ratio: 2.
50 kg/kW - Bar length options: 25 cm / 30 cm
- Bar length (imperial): 10 in / 12 in
- Saw chain pitch: 1/4"P
- Groove width: 1.
10 mm - Groove width (imperial): .
043 in - Device length with bumper spike: 243 mm
- Sound pressure level: 96 dB(A)
- Sound power level: 108 dB(A)
- Vibration level, left/right: 4.
9 m/s² / 4.
9 m/s²
STIHL MS 151 Petrol Chainsaw vs similar models
Versus STIHL MS 151 T (top-handle)
The MS 151 back-handle gives excellent balance and control for ground-based pruning and precise shaping, with a traditional rear grip that many users prefer for general garden and estate work. A top-handle variant is optimized for in-tree operation by trained professionals, concentrating mass closer to the hands for compact maneuvering aloft. Choose the back-handle MS 151 for versatile, on-ground pruning with superb lightness and reach.
Versus a general-purpose homeowner saw
Compared with a typical all-round homeowner chainsaw, the MS 151 emphasizes finesse, ultra-low weight and a fine 1/4"P chain for clean, accurate cuts. Where broader saws aim at mixed cutting tasks, the MS 151 shines in targeted pruning, hedge-laying and finishing cuts that benefit from precision and minimal kerf.
Usage tips
– Prime the manual fuel pump several times before cold starts to speed fueling, then enjoy the smooth pull of ErgoStart.
– Use the side-mounted tensioner to keep chain tension just right: snug on the bar yet free to move by hand with gloves.
– Match the bar to the job: 25 cm for maximum agility in tight canopies, 30 cm for a touch more reach on small limbs.
– Keep the air filter clear using the quick-open shroud, and let the compensator work for longer intervals between deep cleans.
– Pair the 1/4"P chain with appropriate, high-quality chain oil and maintain sharpness for the smoothest pruning finishes.
– Refuel and top up chain oil using the tool-free caps, and store the saw clean and dry after use.
Frequently asked questions
Is the STIHL MS 151 petrol or battery?
The MS 151 is a petrol-driven chainsaw featuring a highly efficient 2-MIX two-stroke engine designed for strong performance with low fuel consumption and reduced emissions.
What bar sizes fit the STIHL MS 151?
It is available with compact bars of 25 cm or 30 cm (10 in or 12 in), ideal for pruning, snedding, hedge-laying and trimming smaller limbs.
What chain pitch does the STIHL MS 151 use?
The saw uses a fine 1/4"P pitch chain with a 1.
10 mm (.
043 in) groove width, supporting smooth, precise cuts on small branches.
How much does the STIHL MS 151 weigh?
The device weight without fuel is 2.
8 kg. System weight without refuelling is listed at 3.
12 / 3.
17 kg, depending on bar and chain setup.
How do you start a STIHL MS 151 petrol chainsaw?
Prime the manual fuel pump several times, set the controls as per the user routine, and pull the cord with a steady, gentle motion. ErgoStart reduces the effort and cord speed needed for quick, reliable ignition.
Is the STIHL MS 151 good for pruning?
Yes. Its ultra-light back-handle design, 1/4"P chain, compact bar options and anti-vibration system make it exceptionally well-suited for precise pruning and neat finishing cuts.
| Displacement | 23.6 cm³ |
| Power | 1.10 kW |
| Engine power | 1.50 HP |
| CO2 | 886 g/kWh |
| Device weight without refuelling | 2.8 kg 1) |
| System weight without refuelling | 3.12 / 3.17 kg 2) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 2.50 kg/kW |
| Bar length | 25 / 30 cm 3) |
| Bar length | 10 / 12 in 3) |
| Groove width | 1.10 mm |
| Groove width | 43 in |
| Saw chain pitch | 1/4"P |
| Device length with bumper spike | 243 mm 1) |
| Sound pressure level | 96 dB(A) 4) |
| Sound power level | 108 dB(A) 4) |
| Vibration level, left | 4.9 m/s² 5) |
| Vibration level, right | 4.9 m/s² 5) |
Product Info
Product Info
Side-mounted chain tensioning allows for protected, easy and quick chain tensioning and replacement. The tensioning screw is inserted laterally through the sprocket cover.
STIHL ErgoStart saves you energy when starting your power tools. A smooth and even pull on the starter cord is all that’s needed. The required speed on the starter cord is significantly reduced, and the engine starts quickly and reliably even with a slow pull. An additional spring between the crankshaft and the starter cord roll makes this easier.
The manual fuel pump reduces the number of strokes required to start the power tool, making the start-up process quicker and easier This is particularly helpful after longer breaks in operation. To use it, actuate the pump several times before starting. This will ensure that there is enough petrol in the system when starting.
The shroud has been practically designed to be opened with just one movement and without tools. This makes it easier to clean your chainsaw’s air filter.
The compensator is a control system in the carburettor, which uses pressure compensation to ensure that engine performance, exhaust gas quality and fuel consumption remain virtually constant over a long period of time, despite increasing contamination of the air filter. You do not need to clean the air filter until there is a noticeable drop in performance. This means that you can work for a long time without maintenance.
With tool-free fuel cap, you can open and close oil and fuel tanks in just a few simple steps, thanks to a bayonet closure.
Thanks to STIHL four-channel technology, you can work with your power tool with very low fuel consumption and high performance. The four overflow channels guide the fuel-and-air mixture into the cylinder in a targeted and more compressed manner, which optimally burns the fuel and significantly increases the performance of the engine.
With the STIHL 2-MIX engine, you can reduce exhaust emissions and fuel consumption, and therefore operating costs. This 2-stroke engine is low-maintenance and uses fuel efficiently even at high power levels. Use a mixture of petrol and engine oil as fuel. The STIHL 2-MIX engine complies with the strict EU Stage V emissions directive.
Vibrations can occur when you put your power tools through their paces, and these are particularly noticeable in the grip area. The buffer and spring elements of the STIHL anti-vibration system reduce the transmission of vibrations to the handle area and therefore to your body. The result is that your power tool is more comfortable to hold and your work is much less tiring.
Warranty & Manuals
Warranty
STIHL offer a 1 year professional warranty or 2 year domestic warranty with all of their machines.
The following exceptions apply:
- AK System, AS System and AI Line cordless products aren't covered under warranty when used by professionals
- AP System machines, batteries and chargers - 2 year professional warranty
- Pressure washers - 2 year professional warranty or 3 year domestic warranty
- Mowers, tillers, shredders, scarifiers & iMOW machines
Extend your Stihl warranty by an additional year when purchasing a STIHL Smart Connector with selected machinery from the petrol and cordless range. Extends your petrol warranty from 1 to 2 years AND 2 to 3 years on select cordless tools.
Delivery & Returns
Delivery
UK Standard Delivery from - £11.00
Estimated delivery 2-4 days
Free Delivery available for orders above £150 Inc VAT
Estimated delivery 2-4 days
Returns
Returns
30-Day Return Policy
Faulty returns please call us on 01603 754890
For more information on shipping options, visit our contact us page