STIHL MS 201 Petrol Chainsaw
Price range: £757.58 through £765.16
Product information & specifications
STIHL MS 201 Petrol Chainsaw Review
This hands-on review explores the STIHL MS 201 Petrol Chainsaw and what makes it a standout lightweight professional saw for precision work. You’ll find a clear look at its engine technology, handling and ergonomics, pro-focused features, full specifications, a comparison with similar models, practical usage tips, and concise answers to frequently searched questions.
Who the STIHL MS 201 Petrol Chainsaw is for
The STIHL MS 201 is purpose-built for users who value precise cuts, agile handling and dependable power in a compact form. It shines for harvesting thin wood, limbing and tending young stands, making it a confident choice for agriculture, forestry, gardening and landscaping professionals. Arborists, estate managers and grounds teams who need a light, responsive saw for controlled felling and accurate plunge cuts will appreciate its balance, low system weight and refined engine management.
Key features
- Upgraded 2-MIX engine: A new cylinder, piston and exhaust work together with efficient scavenging to deliver brisk response and strong pulling power while supporting reduced emissions.
- M-Tronic 3.
0 engine management: Fully electronic control fine-tunes ignition timing and fuel metering as conditions change, automatically adapting to temperature, altitude and fuel quality for consistent performance from the first cut. - Four-channel technology: Optimised airflow guides the fresh charge precisely for improved combustion efficiency, supporting high output with impressively low fuel consumption.
- Compact, light and agile: The pro-grade chassis keeps weight low and manoeuvrability high, helping you place cuts accurately and work longer with less fatigue.
- Side-mounted chain tensioner: The tensioning screw sits through the sprocket cover for quick, protected adjustments and straightforward chain swaps.
- Controlled-delivery oil pump: Select the E position to lower bar and chain oil use by up to 50%, with the option to increase flow for extended guide bars or very dry timber.
- STIHL Ematic lubrication system: Bar, chain and pump are matched to direct oil precisely where it’s needed, supporting significant oil savings and reliable bar and chain life.
- Compensator carburettor: A pressure-compensation system helps keep engine output and fuel use steady even as the air filter loads, reducing routine maintenance interruptions.
- Tool-free fuel and oil caps: Bayonet closures open and close securely in seconds, streamlining refuelling and top-ups on site.
- Captive nuts on the sprocket cover: Integrated fasteners stay attached, preventing loss during bar and chain changes.
- Simplified starting and stop function: A single start position and an auto-return lever make warm restarts immediate, helping you get back to work without delay.
- Anti-vibration system: Buffer and spring elements reduce vibration transmission to the handles, promoting control and comfort during extended cutting.
STIHL MS 201 Petrol Chainsaw specifications
- Displacement: 35.
2 cm³ - Engine power: 1.
80 kW (2.
40 HP) - CO2 value: 728 g/kWh
- Device weight (without fuel): 4.
0 kg - System weight (without fuel): 4.
68 kg or 4.
58 kg - Power-to-weight ratio: 2.
20 kg/kW - Available bar lengths: 35 cm or 30 cm (14 in or 12 in)
- Guide bar groove width: 1.
30 mm (0.
050 in) - Chain pitch: 3/8 in P
- Device length with bumper spike: 440 mm
- Sound pressure level: 99 dB(A)
- Sound power level: 110 dB(A)
- Vibration level (left/right): 3.
3 m/s² / 3.
3 m/s²
STIHL MS 201 Petrol Chainsaw vs similar models
Compared with earlier iterations within the same family, the MS 201 benefits from the latest M-Tronic 3.
0 management, which automatically calibrates fuel and ignition to match conditions. The result is confident starting and steady cutting performance without manual carburettor adjustments, especially useful when moving between shaded woodland, open ground or changing elevations.
Alongside a typical homeowner-focused chainsaw in the brand’s lineup, the MS 201 places a stronger emphasis on professional precision and weight distribution. Its compact build, pro anti-vibration system and side-mounted chain tensioner streamline limbing and controlled felling, while the controlled-delivery oil pump helps reduce consumable use across a full workday.
If you often choose between smaller-bar pro saws, the MS 201’s 12 in and 14 in options provide flexibility: the shorter setup favours ultra-precise pruning and limbing, while the longer bar broadens cut capacity without compromising the saw’s nimble feel.
Usage tips
- Let M-Tronic 3.
0 work: Start normally and allow the system to stabilise; it will adapt fueling and timing automatically as temperature or elevation changes. - Set chain tension from the side: Use the side-mounted screw with the chain cool; aim for a snug fit that still allows free hand movement along the bar.
- Optimise oil delivery: Use the E position for everyday work to cut oil consumption, and increase flow when running longer bars or in very dry or dusty conditions.
- Refuel efficiently: Make quick, clean top-ups with the tool-free bayonet caps; wipe debris from around the caps before opening.
- Maximise comfort: Take advantage of the anti-vibration system by maintaining sharp chain and correct raker depth, which also reduces effort and improves cut quality.
- Extend service intervals: The compensator keeps performance steady as the air filter loads; clean the filter when you notice reduced output.
- Preserve cutting performance: Match the correct 3/8 in P chain and 1.
30 mm groove width, and keep the chain sharp for the best plunge cuts and smooth bore cutting.
Frequently asked questions
Is the STIHL MS 201 a professional chainsaw?
Yes. Its lightweight chassis, precise handling and pro technologies such as M-Tronic 3.
0, controlled-delivery oiling, captive nuts and an advanced anti-vibration system make it a professional-grade saw for forestry, agriculture, gardening and landscaping tasks.
What bar length fits the STIHL MS 201?
It supports compact guide bars of 35 cm or 30 cm, which correspond to 14 in or 12 in options for agile, precise cutting.
How much does the STIHL MS 201 weigh?
The device weight without fuel is 4.
0 kg. System weight without fuel is listed at 4.
68 kg or 4.
58 kg depending on configuration.
Does the STIHL MS 201 have M-Tronic?
Yes. It features M-Tronic 3.
0 electronic engine management, which automatically regulates ignition timing and fuel metering for consistent performance across varying conditions.
What chain pitch is on the STIHL MS 201?
The saw uses a 3/8 in P chain with a guide bar groove width of 1.
30 mm (0.
050 in).
How loud is the STIHL MS 201?
The declared sound pressure level is 99 dB(A), and the sound power level is 110 dB(A).
What is the power of the STIHL MS 201?
The engine produces 1.
80 kW, equivalent to 2.
40 HP, with a power-to-weight ratio of 2.
20 kg/kW.
| Displacement | 35.2 cm³ |
| Power | 1.80 kW |
| Engine power | 2.40 HP |
| CO2 | 728 g/kWh |
| Device weight without refuelling | 4 kg 1) |
| System weight without refuelling | 4.68 / 4.58 kg 2) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 2.20 kg/kW |
| Bar length | 35 / 30 cm 3) |
| Bar length | 14 / 12 in 3) |
| Groove width | 1.30 mm |
| Groove width | 50 in |
| Saw chain pitch | 3/8"P |
| Device length with bumper spike | 440 mm 1) |
| Sound pressure level | 99 dB(A) 4) |
| Sound power level | 110 dB(A) 4) |
| Vibration level, left | 3.3 m/s² 5) |
| Vibration level, right | 3.3 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.
With STIHL M-Tronic, you’ll have the best performance from your work tool from the outset. Fully electronic engine management regulates the ignition timing and fuel metering in all work situations, taking into account external conditions such as temperature, altitude and fuel quality.
The controlled-delivery oil pump reduces your chainsaw’s oil consumption by up to 50%. To use it, simply select the E position. For very long cutting attachments or very dry wood, an additional oil volume can be set by the user.
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.
The STIHL Ematic system comprises a STIHL Ematic or Ematic S guide bar, a STIHL Oilomatic saw chain and a controlled-delivery oil pump. It ensures that the chain oil gets to where it is needed for lubrication. This allows you to reduce oil consumption by up to 50%. If you often work in dusty conditions or if you use long guide bars, you can quickly and easily increase the oil quantity at any time with the new oil pump system.
This makes it impossible for the nuts to fall off and get lost when the cover is removed.
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.
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