STIHL MS 212 Petrol Chainsaw
Price range: £336.70 through £374.62
Product information & specifications
STIHL MS 212 Petrol Chainsaw Review
This review explores the STIHL MS 212 Petrol Chainsaw in detail, focusing on who it suits, standout features, core specifications, practical comparisons with similar models, and expert usage tips. You will also find clear answers to common search-led questions, so you can decide with confidence and get the best from your saw from day one.
Who the STIHL MS 212 Petrol Chainsaw is for
The MS 212 is purpose-built for homeowners who want serious cutting power in a compact, easy-handling package. It excels at routine property maintenance such as cutting firewood, pruning mature branches, and felling small trees. Users who appreciate quick starting, low fuel consumption, and minimal fuss between jobs will value its smart engine technology and streamlined controls. Comfort-focused features, including advanced vibration damping and balanced ergonomics, make it a strong choice for anyone who wants efficient performance with less fatigue over longer sessions.
Key features
Class-leading homeowner power: Positioned as the most powerful petrol chainsaw in its homeowner category, the MS 212 brings confident cutting performance for demanding garden and small-scale forestry tasks.
Efficient 2-MIX engine: The STIHL 2-MIX engine delivers robust output while reducing fuel use and emissions. It meets strict EU Stage V standards, supporting cleaner operation and excellent fuel economy.
Four-channel cylinder technology: Optimised mixture flow promotes thorough combustion for responsive power delivery and impressive efficiency under load.
High-performance cutting gear: A 3/8″ P chain works with a narrow-kerf configuration to help the saw bite fast and cut clean. Choose either a 14-inch or 16-inch guide bar to match your typical work.
Comfortable anti-vibration system: Buffer and spring elements limit vibration transfer to your hands and arms, helping you work comfortably and maintain control across longer cuts.
Quick Chain Tensioning (tool-free): The side-mounted wheel lets you tension the chain without tools. Turn to fine-tune, then secure the cover for a straightforward, confident setup in seconds.
ErgoStart easy starting: A smooth, low-effort pull gets the engine going with minimal force. The design supports quick, reliable starts even with a gentle pull on the rope.
Manual fuel pump: Prime the system before starting—especially helpful after storage—to reduce the number of starting pulls and speed up your first cut.
Combi-lever with stop function: One start position simplifies operation. After shutdown, the control returns to the run position automatically, enabling quick warm restarts.
Transparent tanks and tool-free caps: See fuel and chain oil levels at a glance and open or close both caps via easy bayonet closures—ideal for fast refills without extra tools.
Reduced-maintenance carburettor compensator: The compensator maintains consistent engine performance as the air filter becomes dirty, so you can keep working steadily over extended periods.
Warranty support and guidance: Extend the domestic warranty from two to three years when purchased together with 5 litres of STIHL MotoMix, with registration handled at the point of purchase. A dedicated guide helps you choose the right bar and chain when replacements are due.
STIHL MS 212 Petrol Chainsaw specifications
- Engine: STIHL 2-MIX two-stroke
- Displacement: 38.
6 cm³ - Power: 1.
80 kW (2.
40 HP) - Saw chain pitch: 3/8″ P
- Guide bar options: 35 cm (14 in) or 40 cm (16 in)
- Groove width: 1.
30 mm - Device weight (without fuel): 4.
6 kg - System weight (without fuel): 5.
28 / 5.
38 kg - Power-to-weight ratio: 2.
60 kg/kW - Device length with bumper spike: 400 mm
- Sound pressure level: 103 dB(A)
- Sound power level: 113 dB(A)
- Vibration level (left/right): 3.
1 / 3.
7 m/s² - CO2: 849 g/kWh
- Emissions: EU Stage V compliant
STIHL MS 212 Petrol Chainsaw vs similar models
Versus smaller homeowner saws (e.g., MS 211): The MS 212 delivers a noticeable step up in cutting performance while remaining compact and user-friendly. If you like the agile handling of smaller homeowner saws but want more punch for thicker firewood and occasional felling, the MS 212 offers that extra capability with the same emphasis on comfort and simple controls.
Versus mid-range farm-and-estate saws (e.g., MS 231): A mid-range model may suit extended cutting of larger diameter timber and more frequent heavy-duty work. The MS 212, on the other hand, focuses on maximum homeowner power in a lighter, highly maneuverable form, with fast starting and tool-free conveniences for routine property care.
In short, choose the MS 212 when you want top-tier homeowner power, efficient fuel use, and easy operation, while keeping weight and size friendly for everyday tasks.
Usage tips
- Match the bar length to your most common jobs: 14-inch for nimble handling and 16-inch for added reach and bite.
- Use Quick Chain Tensioning before each session; a properly tensioned chain cuts faster and more smoothly.
- Prime the manual fuel pump after storage to speed up starts, then take advantage of ErgoStart’s smooth, low-effort pull.
- Top up chain oil regularly—transparent tanks make it easy to monitor levels at a glance.
- Keep the chain sharp and correctly lubricated to maximise cutting performance with the 3/8″ P narrow-kerf setup.
- Let the anti-vibration system work for you: maintain a relaxed, secure grip and take steady passes for clean, accurate cuts.
- Follow the combi-lever’s stop function for immediate warm restarts between cuts, saving time across the day.
- Inspect the air filter periodically; the compensator sustains performance over long intervals, but timely cleaning preserves peak output.
Frequently asked questions
What bar lengths does the STIHL MS 212 use?
The MS 212 is available with either a 35 cm (14 in) or 40 cm (16 in) guide bar, allowing you to balance maneuverability and cutting capacity for your tasks.
How powerful is the STIHL MS 212?
It produces 1.
80 kW (2.
40 HP) from a 38.
6 cm³ 2-MIX engine, delivering strong cutting performance with efficient fuel use.
How much does the STIHL MS 212 weigh?
The device weight without fuel is 4.
6 kg. System weight without fuel is listed at 5.
28 / 5.
38 kg, depending on the bar and chain combination.
What chain pitch is on the STIHL MS 212?
The MS 212 is fitted with a 3/8″ P saw chain designed for fast cutting with a narrow kerf.
Does the STIHL MS 212 have tool-free chain tensioning?
Yes. Quick Chain Tensioning lets you adjust chain tension via a dial on the side cover—no tools required.
Is the STIHL MS 212 easy to start?
Yes. It features ErgoStart for low-effort rope pulls and a manual fuel pump to reduce the number of starting strokes, especially after longer breaks.
What is the STIHL MS 212 warranty?
A domestic warranty is provided, and it can be extended from two to three years when purchased with 5 litres of STIHL MotoMix, with registration completed at the point of purchase.
What are the STIHL MS 212 vibration levels?
The declared vibration values are 3.
1 m/s² on the left handle and 3.
7 m/s² on the right handle, supported by an effective anti-vibration system for comfortable control.
| Displacement | 38.6 cm³ |
| Power | 1.80 kW |
| Engine power | 2.40 HP |
| CO2 | 849 g/kWh |
| Device weight without refuelling | 4.6 kg 1) |
| System weight without refuelling | 5.28 / 5.38 kg 2) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 2.60 kg/kW |
| Bar length | 35 / 40 cm 3) |
| Bar length | 14 / 16 in 3) |
| Groove width | 1.30 mm |
| Groove width | 50 in |
| Saw chain pitch | 3/8"P |
| Device length with bumper spike | 400 mm 1) |
| Sound pressure level | 103 dB(A) 4) |
| Sound power level | 113 dB(A) 4) |
| Vibration level, left | 3.1 m/s² 5) |
| Vibration level, right | 3.7 m/s² 5) |
Product Info
Product Info
Thanks to STIHL Quick Chain Tensioning, you can tension your saw chain quickly and without tools, thanks to the adjusting wheel. Turning the adjusting wheel to the left releases tension on the saw chain, and turning the adjustment wheel to the right tensions the saw chain. The guide bar will be automatically secured when you tighten 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 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.
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