STIHL MS 400.1 Petrol Chainsaw
Price range: £1,000.24 through £1,038.16
Product information & specifications
STIHL MS 400.
1 Petrol Chainsaw Review: Pro-Grade Power-to-Weight Leader
This review explores the STIHL MS 400.
1 Petrol Chainsaw in depth, focusing on performance, ergonomics, maintenance features, and the technology that makes it a standout in the professional 60cc class. You’ll find who it’s ideal for, the key features that elevate productivity, full specifications, a comparison with a closely related model, practical usage tips, and clear answers to frequently searched questions.
Who the STIHL MS 400.
1 Petrol Chainsaw is for
The MS 400.
1 is purpose-built for professionals who want maximum cutting speed with minimal weight. It excels in felling, delimbing, and preparing wood, making it a compelling choice for forestry crews, arborists, and land managers who value fast acceleration, refined balance, and consistent power in tough timber. Its advanced engine management, robust filtration, and adjustable lubrication support long workdays with fewer interruptions, while its winter-ready design and comfort-focused anti-vibration system make it a versatile companion across seasons. Owners who appreciate precise handling and easy, on-the-job adjustments will particularly enjoy this saw’s thoughtful refinements.
Key features
Class-leading power-to-weight in the 60cc segment: Delivering 3.
9 kW in a 5.
5 kg body, the MS 400.
1 sets a new benchmark for output relative to mass. With 4.
3 Nm of torque, it sustains cutting forces effectively in larger timber, translating to confident, steady progress.
M-Tronic engine management: Fully electronic control optimises ignition and fuel metering for fast acceleration and dependable performance from the first cut, automatically adapting to temperature, altitude and fuel quality.
Cooling and durability upgrades: A larger magnesium flywheel and improved muffler help keep operating temperatures in check, supporting stable performance across intensive tasks.
Refined ergonomics for precision work: The redesigned rear handle geometry enhances comfort and control, while a widened end allows the saw to rest securely on your leg, aiding confident plunge cuts. A compact layout and an anti-vibration system contribute to sure-handed handling and reduced fatigue.
Faster snedding and fewer snags: A ribbed underside helps the saw glide along the trunk during snedding, minimising the chance of bark and twigs catching as you move down the stem.
Heavy-duty filtration with less downtime: The long-life air filtration system uses pre-separation to eject coarse particles before they reach the HD2 filter. The PET-based HD2 element resists oil and water, captures fine dust effectively, cleans easily, and can be swapped without tools. A compensator keeps performance consistent even as the filter loads.
Optimised chain lubrication with easy control: The Ematic system targets oil where it’s needed, and the controlled-delivery pump includes an E position to reduce oil consumption by up to 50%. When running long bars or working in very dry wood, additional oil volume can be selected quickly. Access to the oil pump control bolt has been improved for on-the-spot adjustments using a combi-spanner.
Smart fueling and quick servicing: Tool-free caps make fueling and oiling swift. A 50% marker on the petrol tank provides an at-a-glance consumption check. Side-mounted chain tensioning speeds re-tensioning and replacement, and captive nuts on the sprocket cover prevent loss during chain swaps.
Year-round readiness and easy starting: Carburettor preheating supports reliable winter operation with a simple mode change. A decompression valve reduces starting effort, and the one-position combi lever with stop function enables immediate warm restarts.
Efficient, high-performance engine architecture: The low-maintenance 2-MIX engine meets strict EU Stage V emissions standards and works with four-channel transfer technology for strong power and efficient fuel use.
STIHL MS 400.
1 Petrol Chainsaw specifications
- Displacement: 62.
6 cm³ - Power output: 3.
90 kW (5.
30 HP) - Torque: 4.
3 Nm - Device weight (without fuel): 5.
5 kg - System weight (without fuel): 6.
77 / 6.
50 / 6.
63 kg - Power-to-weight ratio: 1.
41 kg/kW - Recommended bar lengths: 40 / 45 / 50 cm (16 / 18 / 20 in)
- Saw chain pitch: 3/8″
- Groove width: 1.
60 mm - Device length with bumper spike: 457 mm
- Sound pressure level: 107 dB(A)
- Sound power level: 116 dB(A)
- Vibration level (left/right): 4.
5 / 4.
4 m/s² - CO2: 690 g/kWh
STIHL MS 400.
1 Petrol Chainsaw vs similar models
Compared with the MS 400 C-M, the MS 400.
1 is lighter by approximately 300 g while retaining its impressive 3.
9 kW power. Torque increases to 4.
3 Nm, providing a stronger, more sustained cut in large timber. The 400.
1 also brings a larger magnesium flywheel and improved muffler for better cooling, plus refined rear-handle geometry and a widened end that supports plunge cutting with enhanced stability.
Professionals moving from the MS 400 will appreciate the same fast-responding M-Tronic system, now paired with broader ergonomics and maintenance gains, such as improved access to the oil pump control bolt and a 50% fuel marker for quick consumption checks. Against other 60cc-class pro saws, the HD2 filtration, Ematic lubrication with controlled-delivery pump, and comprehensive anti-vibration package deliver tangible efficiency, comfort, and runtime advantages.
Usage tips
- Use the side-mounted chain tensioner for quick, protected re-tensioning between cuts.
- Select the pump’s E position to reduce oil use, and increase flow as needed for long bars or very dry timber.
- Keep the HD2 filter clean; pre-separation extends service intervals, and the tool-free cartridge swap is fast on site.
- Switch to winter mode for carburettor preheating when temperatures drop.
- Leverage the widened rear-handle end to rest the saw on your leg for precise plunge cuts.
- During snedding, let the ribbed underside glide along the trunk to maintain smooth progress.
- Use the decompression valve for easier starts and benefit from the combi lever’s instant warm restart.
- Monitor the 50% fuel marker to plan refueling without interrupting workflow.
Frequently asked questions
What is the power output of the STIHL MS 400.
1?
The MS 400.
1 produces 3.
90 kW, equivalent to 5.
30 HP.
How much does the STIHL MS 400.
1 weigh?
The device weight without fuel is 5.
5 kg, with system weights (depending on setup) of 6.
77 / 6.
50 / 6.
63 kg.
What is the displacement of the STIHL MS 400.
1?
The engine displacement is 62.
6 cm³.
What bar length does the STIHL MS 400.
1 use?
Recommended bar lengths are 40, 45 and 50 cm (16, 18 and 20 inches).
Does the STIHL MS 400.
1 have M-Tronic?
Yes. The fully electronic M-Tronic system manages ignition timing and fuel metering for optimal performance in varying conditions.
How does the STIHL MS 400.
1 reduce oil consumption?
The Ematic lubrication system and controlled-delivery oil pump target oil precisely, with an E position that can cut oil use by up to 50%.
Is the STIHL MS 400.
1 suitable for winter use?
Yes. Carburettor preheating allows quick switching to winter mode for reliable cold-weather operation.
What are the sound levels of the STIHL MS 400.
1?
Sound pressure level is 107 dB(A) and sound power level is 116 dB(A).
| Displacement | 62.6 cm³ |
| Power | 3.90 kW |
| Engine power | 5.30 HP |
| CO2 | 690 g/kWh |
| Device weight without refuelling | 5.5 kg 1) |
| System weight without refuelling | 6.77 / 6.50 / 6.63 kg 2) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 1.41 kg/kW |
| Bar length | 50 / 40 / 45 cm 3) |
| Bar length | 20 / 16 / 18 in 3) |
| Groove width | 1.60 mm |
| Groove width | 63 in |
| Saw chain pitch | 3/8" |
| Device length with bumper spike | 457 mm 1) |
| Sound pressure level | 107 dB(A) 4) |
| Sound power level | 116 dB(A) 4) |
| Vibration level, left | 4.5 m/s² 5) |
| Vibration level, right | 4.4 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.
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 HD2 filter protects your power tool’s engine against even the finest dust, ensuring a longer service life and reduced wear. The filter made from PET material has up to 70% finer pores than fleece and polyamide filters, and is also oil- and water-repellent. This also makes it easier to clean the filter. When needed, the filter cartridge can be easily replaced without tools.
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.
Thanks to carburettor preheating, you can work reliably with your chainsaw even in winter. You can change the operation from summer to winter mode in just one simple step. In the winter setting, pre-heated intake air flows around the carburettor, preventing it from icing up.
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.
The decompression valve makes it easier to start your power tool. When starting, you can allow some of the compressed mixture to escape from the cylinder by opening the valve. This protects the start-up system and reduces the amount of force required on the starter cord.
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