STIHL MS 231 Petrol Chainsaw

STIHL MS 231 Petrol Chainsaw Review

This review explores the STIHL MS 231 Petrol Chainsaw and what makes it a standout choice for domestic and landowner tasks. You’ll find who it suits best, its headline features, detailed specifications, a comparison with closely related models, practical usage tips, and clear answers to common questions shoppers ask.

Who the STIHL MS 231 Petrol Chainsaw is for

The STIHL MS 231 Petrol Chainsaw is ideal for homeowners, smallholders, and property managers who want confident performance in a compact, easy-handling package. It shines for cutting firewood, pruning and processing windfall, and felling small trees when you want a little extra muscle without stepping up to a large, professional saw. Its smooth starting, tool-free chain tensioning, and comfort-focused design make it a great fit for users who appreciate quick setup, intuitive operation, and long work sessions with minimal fatigue.

Key features

Optimised power-to-weight performance: The MS 231 delivers a refined balance of output and maneuverability, helping you make accurate cuts while managing fatigue over the course of a full day’s work.

Efficient 2-MIX engine: Enjoy up to 20% lower fuel consumption and up to 70% fewer emissions compared with two-stroke engines of the same class without 2-MIX technology. This efficiency supports longer runtimes between refuelling and a cleaner operating experience.

STIHL Quick Chain Tensioning: Chain adjustments are fast and tool-free. A convenient dial lets you relax or tighten the chain on the spot, and the guide bar is automatically secured when you close the sprocket cover.

STIHL ErgoStart: Starting is smooth and consistent. A supportive spring mechanism reduces the effort and pull speed required, so the engine fires up confidently with a calm, steady pull on the starter cord.

Reduced-maintenance carburettor compensator: The built-in compensator helps maintain engine performance, emissions quality, and fuel use as the air filter accumulates dust, allowing long stretches of productive work before cleaning the filter.

Anti-vibration system: Purpose-designed buffer and spring elements limit vibration transfer to the handles for more comfortable control and less fatigue during extended cutting sessions.

Tool-free fuel and oil caps: Quick, clean refuelling and chain oil top-ups via bayonet closures that open and lock securely in seconds.

Confident handling and guidance: The compact body and balanced layout make it easy to guide the saw through cuts, whether you’re bucking logs on a sawhorse or managing cuts at ground level.

Flexible bar options: Compatible with 35 cm (14 in) and 40 cm (16 in) guide bars to match your cutting needs, from compact firewood cuts to slightly larger rounds and small-diameter trunks.

Warranty and support: Extend the standard domestic warranty from 2 to 3 years when purchased with 5 litres of STIHL MotoMix fuel; dealer registration is completed at point of purchase. Finding the correct replacement bar and chain is simple with the STIHL bar and chain advisor. Exterior appearance of guide bars may change over time while core specifications remain consistent.

STIHL MS 231 Petrol Chainsaw specifications

• Displacement: 42.
  6 cm³
• Power: 2 kW
• Engine power: 2.
  70 HP
• CO2: 819 g/kWh
• Device weight (without fuel): 5.
  1 kg
• System weight (without refuelling): 5.
  78 / 5.
  88 kg
• Power-to-weight ratio: 2.
  60 kg/kW
• Bar length options: 35 cm / 40 cm (14 in / 16 in)
• Groove width: 1.
  30 mm
• Saw chain pitch: 3/8″ P
• Device length with bumper spike: 424 mm
• Sound pressure level: 103 dB(A)
• Sound power level: 113 dB(A)
• Vibration level (left/right): 3.
  9 m/s² / 3.
  9 m/s²

STIHL MS 231 Petrol Chainsaw vs similar models

Compared with a smaller, homeowner-focused model such as the MS 211, the MS 231 offers a step up in cutting performance and bar length flexibility while keeping the same approachable, easy-handling feel. This benefits users who want faster cuts in denser firewood or who occasionally tackle small tree felling with added confidence.

Against a higher-output model such as the MS 251, the MS 231 prioritises compact agility and excellent balance. It’s a superb sweet spot for users who value a nimble saw with dependable power and convenience features like Quick Chain Tensioning and ErgoStart, without moving to a larger, heavier package.

Usage tips

• Choose the bar length that matches your typical tasks: 35 cm (14 in) for agile firewood work and 40 cm (16 in) for larger rounds and small-diameter felling.
• Use the Quick Chain Tensioning dial to check and adjust chain tension before and during cutting; a correctly tensioned chain improves cut quality and efficiency.
• Top up quality chain oil at every refuel to maintain lubrication and extend bar and chain life.
• Leverage ErgoStart by using a smooth, steady pull rather than a fast yank; the spring assistance will do the work.
• Keep the chain sharp for optimal performance; if cuts begin to wander or require extra force, sharpen or replace the chain.
• Brush away debris from the air filter regularly; the compensator helps maintain performance, allowing longer intervals between cleanings.
• Work with a stable stance and guide the bar through the cut with light pressure; let the sharp chain do the cutting.
• Store the saw clean and dry, and run it briefly after washing to evaporate moisture before storage.
• Consider STIHL MotoMix for convenience and to qualify for the domestic warranty extension when purchased with the saw.
• Use the bar and chain advisor or consult your dealer to select the correct replacement bar and chain combination.

Frequently asked questions

Is the STIHL MS 231 good for cutting firewood?

Yes. Its compact size, balanced handling, and flexible 35 cm or 40 cm bar options make it a strong performer for processing firewood efficiently. The 2 kW engine provides confident cutting in typical domestic timber.

What bar length does the STIHL MS 231 use?

The MS 231 is compatible with 35 cm (14 in) and 40 cm (16 in) guide bars, allowing you to choose the reach and maneuverability that suits your tasks.

How much does the STIHL MS 231 weigh?

The device weight without fuel is 5.
1 kg. System weight without refuelling is listed at 5.
78 / 5.
88 kg.

How powerful is the STIHL MS 231?

The engine outputs 2 kW, equivalent to approximately 2.
70 HP, delivering a strong power-to-weight ratio for confident home and landowner use.

Does the STIHL MS 231 have tool free chain tensioning?

Yes. STIHL Quick Chain Tensioning allows rapid, tool-free adjustments via an easy-to-use dial, with the guide bar automatically secured when the cover is tightened.

Does the STIHL MS 231 have easy start?

Yes. STIHL ErgoStart reduces the effort required to start the engine, enabling quick, reliable starts with a smooth, steady pull.

Can I extend the STIHL MS 231 warranty?

Yes. You can extend the domestic warranty from 2 to 3 years when you purchase 5 litres of STIHL MotoMix at the same time. Your approved dealer will register the extension at the point of purchase.

What type of fuel can the STIHL MS 231 use?

Use fresh unleaded petrol with quality two-stroke engine oil as directed by the manufacturer. For maximum convenience and storage stability, STIHL MotoMix is a suitable ready-mixed option and also qualifies the saw for the domestic warranty extension when purchased together.