STIHL MS 251 Petrol Chainsaw
Price range: £533.87 through £571.78
Product information & specifications
STIHL MS 251 Petrol Chainsaw Review
This review explores the STIHL MS 251 Petrol Chainsaw and what makes it a dependable choice for cutting firewood and timber construction. You’ll find who it suits best, the standout features that streamline everyday work, the key specifications, a neutral comparison with related models, practical usage tips, and clear answers to frequently searched questions.
Who the STIHL MS 251 Petrol Chainsaw is for
The STIHL MS 251 is ideal for homeowners, smallholdings, and tradespeople who want confident performance for regular firewood cutting, property maintenance, and light-to-medium timber construction. It suits users who value smooth starting, consistent cutting power, and features that simplify maintenance. With a comfortable balance of power and handling, it’s also a strong fit for landscaping tasks and yard management where quick setup and sustained reliability are priorities.
Key features
High-torque cutting performance: The MS 251 delivers powerful, confident cuts with a high-torque engine that responds well in hardwood and structural timber tasks, supporting fast, efficient work sessions from log piles to framing timbers.
Fuel-saving 2-MIX technology: Designed for efficiency, fuel consumption is up to 20% lower compared to a comparable 2-stroke engine without 2-MIX technology. Emissions are also cut by up to 70%, supporting cleaner operation while maintaining strong output.
Effortless starting with ErgoStart: A smooth, even pull is all that’s needed to get the saw running. The assisted starting system reduces the required cord speed and helps the engine fire reliably, setting you up for quick, confident starts throughout the day.
Quick Chain Tensioning (tool-free): Chain tension adjustments are fast and intuitive. Turn the adjusting wheel to fine-tune chain tension and secure the guide bar automatically by tightening the sprocket cover — no tools required.
Long-life air filtration: Pre-separation routing removes coarse particles before they reach the filter. The HD2 filter keeps fine dust out of the engine for a long service life, extended cleaning intervals, and straightforward maintenance.
Compensator carburettor for consistent performance: The compensator maintains stable engine performance and fuel consumption over time, even as the air filter accumulates debris, supporting long, uninterrupted work periods.
Tool-free fuel and oil caps: Bayonet-style caps make refuelling and topping up bar oil quick and tidy, helping you get back to cutting with minimal downtime.
Ematic chain lubrication system: A matched guide bar, chain, and controlled-delivery oil pump ensure oil is placed precisely where it’s needed, reducing oil consumption by up to 50%. When working in dusty conditions or with longer guide bars, you can increase the oil flow quickly via the adjustable pump.
Comfortable anti-vibration system: Buffer and spring elements reduce vibration transfer to the handles for a more pleasant grip feel and less fatigue over extended sessions.
Warranty confidence and easy selection support: Extend the domestic warranty from 2 to 3 years with the purchase of 5 litres of STIHL MotoMix fuel at the same time as the saw, with registration handled at point of purchase. When you need replacements, a bar and chain advisor helps you choose the correct pairing for optimal performance.
STIHL MS 251 Petrol Chainsaw specifications
- Displacement: 45.
6 cm³ - Power: 2.
20 kW - Engine power: 3 HP
- CO2: 819 g/kWh
- Device weight without refuelling: 4.
8 kg - System weight without refuelling: 5.
61 / 5.
71 kg - Power-to-weight ratio: 2.
20 kg/kW - Bar length options: 40 cm / 45 cm (16 in / 18 in)
- Groove width: 1.
30 mm (0.
050 in) - Saw chain pitch: .
325″ - 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
STIHL MS 251 Petrol Chainsaw vs similar models
Shoppers often compare the MS 251 with close relatives such as the MS 250 and MS 271. The MS 251 focuses on a versatile balance of cutting power, manageable weight, and advanced conveniences, including easy starting, tool-free chain tensioning, and a long-life air filter system. Compared with more compact homeowner saws, it offers stronger torque and bar length options that suit bigger firewood rounds and structural timbers. Compared with larger farm-class saws, it emphasizes agility and comfort while still delivering the confident performance needed for regular property maintenance. For users who value fuel and oil efficiency alongside refined ergonomics, the MS 251 stands out as a highly capable, easy-to-live-with choice.
Usage tips
– Use the Quick Chain Tensioning wheel to set correct chain tension before each cutting session; a properly tensioned chain supports fast cutting and smooth bar tracking.
– Choose the recommended guide bar and saw chain pairing for your tasks and bar length, then sharpen regularly to maintain cutting speed and accuracy.
– Take advantage of ErgoStart by using a steady, even pull — the assisted mechanism helps the engine fire quickly without aggressive tugs.
– Keep the HD2 filter clean and inspect it at sensible intervals; the pre-separation system extends service life, reducing the need for frequent attention.
– Monitor chain oil delivery via the Ematic system. If cutting in dusty wood or running a longer bar, increase oil flow with the adjustable pump to optimise lubrication.
– Refill quickly and neatly with the bayonet fuel and oil caps, wiping away debris around the caps before opening to keep contaminants out.
– For extended domestic warranty coverage to 3 years, purchase 5 litres of MotoMix at the same time and ensure registration is completed at the point of sale.
Frequently asked questions
Is the STIHL MS 251 easy to start?
Yes. The ErgoStart system reduces the required pull speed on the starter cord and enables quick, reliable starting with a smooth, steady pull.
Does the STIHL MS 251 have tool-free chain tensioning?
Yes. Quick Chain Tensioning lets you adjust chain tension via an easy-to-use wheel, then secure the guide bar by tightening the sprocket cover.
What bar length does the STIHL MS 251 use?
It supports 40 cm and 45 cm guide bars, equivalent to 16 in and 18 in.
How powerful is the STIHL MS 251?
The saw produces 2.
20 kW of power, rated at 3 HP, delivering strong torque and confident cutting speed.
What is the weight of the STIHL MS 251?
The device weight without fuel is 4.
8 kg. System weight without refuelling is 5.
61 / 5.
71 kg.
What chain pitch does the STIHL MS 251 use?
The saw chain pitch is .
325″, with a groove width of 1.
30 mm (0.
050 in).
How efficient is the STIHL MS 251 on fuel and oil?
Thanks to 2-MIX technology, fuel use is up to 20% lower, and the Ematic system can reduce chain oil consumption by up to 50% through targeted lubrication.
What are the noise and vibration levels of the STIHL MS 251?
Sound pressure level is 103 dB(A), sound power level is 113 dB(A), and vibration levels are 3.
9 m/s² at both left and right handles.
Can I extend the STIHL MS 251 warranty to 3 years?
Yes. Purchase 5 litres of MotoMix at the same time as the saw and have the extended warranty registered at the point of purchase.
| Displacement | 45.6 cm³ |
| Power | 2.20 kW |
| Engine power | 3 HP |
| CO2 | 819 g/kWh |
| Device weight without refuelling | 4.8 kg 1) |
| System weight without refuelling | 5.61 / 5.71 kg 2) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 2.20 kg/kW |
| Bar length | 40 / 45 cm 3) |
| Bar length | 16 / 18 in 3) |
| Groove width | 1.30 mm |
| Groove width | 50 in |
| Saw chain pitch | .325" |
| Device length with bumper spike | 424 mm 1) |
| Sound pressure level | 103 dB(A) 4) |
| Sound power level | 113 dB(A) 4) |
| Vibration level, left | 3.9 m/s² 5) |
| Vibration level, right | 3.9 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.
Pre-separation routing removes coarse, larger particles from the airstream before they can reach the actual filter. The HD2 filter keeps even fine dust away from the engine, ensuring a long engine service life, long cleaning intervals and easy maintenance of your chainsaw. When we refer to a long-life air filter system in chainsaws, this exclusively describes models that have pre-separation routing and an HD2 filter. With this system, you benefit from a significantly longer filter service life compared to conventional air filter systems.
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.
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