STIHL MS 162 Petrol Chainsaw
£147.12 ex.VAT £176.54 Inc.VAT
Product information & specifications
STIHL MS 162 Petrol Chainsaw Review
This expert review covers the STIHL MS 162 Petrol Chainsaw in detail, focusing on real-world performance, essential features, specifications, and smart usage tips. You’ll also find a neutral comparison with similar STIHL models and clear answers to popular questions to help you choose with confidence.
Who the STIHL MS 162 Petrol Chainsaw is for
The STIHL MS 162 is an excellent fit for homeowners seeking a dependable, easy-to-handle petrol chainsaw for regular garden tasks. It shines when processing firewood, pruning, and felling small trees, combining compact size with capable cutting performance. Its user-friendly design, including single-lever operation and effortless warm restarts via the combi-lever, supports smooth progress from the first cut to the final tidy-up.
Anyone who values fuel efficiency, straightforward maintenance, and comfortable handling will appreciate the MS 162. The anti-vibration system enhances comfort during extended sessions, while the transparent fuel and oil tanks make top-ups timely and simple. It’s a smart, confidence-inspiring entry point into STIHL’s petrol chainsaw lineup.
Key features
Efficient 2-MIX engine: The STIHL 2-MIX engine delivers a strong balance of power and economy, reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions while meeting the strict EU Stage V emissions directive. It runs on a petrol and engine oil mixture, engineered for highly efficient output during demanding garden work.
High cutting performance with narrow-kerf setup: A 12-inch guide bar and 3/8″ P saw chain combine with a narrow kerf to provide lively cutting performance. This configuration helps the chain glide with less resistance, supporting fast, confident cutting in firewood and small timber.
Four-channel technology: STIHL four-channel technology guides the fuel–air mixture precisely into the cylinder for optimal combustion. The result is notably high performance at consistently low fuel consumption, keeping your work productive and cost-efficient.
Comfortable anti-vibration system: Buffer and spring elements reduce vibrations transmitted to the handles. This makes the saw more comfortable to hold and helps reduce fatigue, especially across longer stints.
Single-lever operation and combi-lever stop function: With one start position and an automatic return to run position after shutdown, warm restarts are immediate and simple. The intuitive control layout speeds up daily operation.
Side-mounted chain tensioning: For quick, protected re-tensioning, the side-mounted system makes adjustments efficient and safe, with easy access to the tensioning screw through the sprocket cover.
Transparent fuel and oil tanks: Clear tanks allow easy fill-level checks at a glance, so you can maintain optimal lubrication and runtime without guesswork.
Reduced-maintenance compensator: A compensator in the carburettor maintains engine performance, emissions quality, and fuel consumption over long periods—even as the air filter accumulates debris—reducing routine maintenance interruptions.
Warranty upgrade option: Extend the domestic warranty from 2 to 3 years with the purchase of 5 litres of STIHL MotoMix and this product at the point of purchase, with registration handled by an Approved Dealer.
STIHL MS 162 Petrol Chainsaw specifications
- Displacement: 30.
1 cm³ - Engine power: 1.
20 kW (1.
60 HP) - CO₂: 894 g/kWh
- Device weight without refuelling: 4.
5 kg - System weight without refuelling: 4.
99 kg - Power-to-weight ratio: 3.
80 kg/kW - Guide bar length: 30 cm / 12 in
- Saw chain pitch: 3/8″ P
- Groove width (chain gauge): 1.
10 mm - Device length with bumper spike: 395 mm
- Sound pressure level: 100 dB(A)
- Sound power level: 111 dB(A)
- Vibration level (left/right): 3.
2 / 3.
0 m/s²
STIHL MS 162 Petrol Chainsaw vs similar models
Within STIHL’s homeowner range, the MS 162 prioritises simplicity, fuel efficiency, and comfortable handling. Its 12-inch bar and narrow-kerf 3/8″ P chain make it agile around the garden, with quick, clean cuts and intuitive operation. In comparison, models like the STIHL MS 170 or MS 181 are also popular choices. Shoppers who value the MS 162’s single-lever operation, transparent tanks, side-mounted chain tensioning, and efficient 2-MIX engine will find an ideal blend of convenience and performance here. Those exploring broader feature sets or alternative configurations may also consider these adjacent models to find the exact balance of size and capability they prefer.
Usage tips
- Use fresh petrol–oil mix and high-quality chain oil to support strong starts, smooth running, and reliable bar lubrication.
- Check the transparent fuel and oil tanks before each session to maintain optimal runtime and chain protection.
- Keep the chain properly tensioned using the side-mounted adjuster; recheck after the first few cuts of the day and after longer cutting sessions.
- Sharpen the chain regularly; a sharp, narrow-kerf chain cuts faster, tracks straighter, and reduces effort.
- Use the combi-lever stop function for instant warm restarts when pausing work; this keeps your workflow seamless.
- Let the saw’s weight and chain speed do the work; maintain steady pressure for efficient cutting and a smooth finish.
- Brush off debris from the cooling fins and air intake areas to help the compensator and engine maintain consistent performance.
Frequently asked questions
What bar length does the STIHL MS 162 use?
The MS 162 comes with a 12-inch (30 cm) guide bar, an ideal size for firewood, pruning, and felling small trees with excellent control.
How much does the STIHL MS 162 weigh?
The device weight without refuelling is 4.
5 kg, and the system weight without refuelling is 4.
99 kg.
What chain does the STIHL MS 162 use?
It is fitted with a 3/8″ P saw chain featuring a narrow kerf for high cutting performance and smooth, efficient cuts.
Does the STIHL MS 162 have anti-vibration?
Yes. The STIHL anti-vibration system uses buffer and spring elements to reduce handle vibrations, enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue during extended cutting.
How do you tension the chain on a STIHL MS 162?
The MS 162 uses side-mounted chain tensioning. With the chain brake engaged and the bar supported, access the lateral tensioning screw through the sprocket cover, make small adjustments, and confirm correct tension by checking that the chain moves freely while staying snug against the bar.
Is the STIHL MS 162 fuel efficient?
Yes. The STIHL 2-MIX engine, supported by four-channel technology, delivers high performance with low fuel consumption, contributing to efficient, cost-effective operation.
Can you extend the STIHL MS 162 warranty?
Yes. You can extend the domestic warranty from 2 to 3 years by purchasing 5 litres of STIHL MotoMix together with the MS 162 at the point of purchase, with registration handled by an Approved Dealer.
Is the STIHL MS 162 compliant with EU Stage V?
Yes. The STIHL 2-MIX engine complies with the EU Stage V emissions directive, combining strong performance with reduced exhaust emissions.
| Displacement | 30.1 cm³ |
| Power | 1.20 kW |
| Engine power | 1.60 HP |
| CO2 | 894 g/kWh |
| Device weight without refuelling | 4.5 kg 1) |
| System weight without refuelling | 4.99 kg 2) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3.80 kg/kW |
| Bar length | 30 cm 3) |
| Bar length | 12 in 3) |
| Groove width | 1.10 mm |
| Groove width | 43 in |
| Saw chain pitch | 3/8"P |
| Device length with bumper spike | 395 mm 1) |
| Sound pressure level | 100 dB(A) 4) |
| Sound power level | 111 dB(A) 4) |
| Vibration level, left | 3.2 m/s² 5) |
| Vibration level, right | 3 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.
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 the transparent oil tank, you can easily and quickly check the fill level of the chain oil. This means that you always know when you need to add chain oil for efficient work over long periods.
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.
Only one start position is required on the combi lever. Thanks to the stop function, once the machine is turned off the control lever immediately moves back into the operating position. This allows a warm machine to be restarted immediately.
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