STIHL MS 400 Petrol Chainsaw
Price range: £1,068.49 through £1,098.83
Product information & specifications
STIHL MS 400 Petrol Chainsaw Review
This review puts the STIHL MS 400 petrol chainsaw under the spotlight, covering real-world performance, standout technologies, core specifications and how it compares to a closely related pro model. You’ll also find practical setup and operation tips, plus answers to the most searched questions about this 60 cc class workhorse.
Who the STIHL MS 400 Petrol Chainsaw is for
The MS 400 is built with professional users in mind, especially those who spend long days felling, de-limbing and cutting to length. Its outstanding power-to-weight balance, rapid acceleration and intelligent engine management suit demanding forestry and arborist workloads. It also appeals to advanced landowners who value pro-grade efficiency, a wide choice of bar lengths and consistent performance across temperature, altitude and fuel variations.
Key features
Magnesium piston for exceptional response: The MS 400 pioneers a magnesium piston in a pro chainsaw, delivering a notably lighter reciprocating mass. The result is swift throttle pickup and an excellent power-to-weight ratio that stays comfortable over extended cutting sessions.
High-output 66.
8 cc 2-MIX engine: A larger displacement engine provides 4 kW of power and strong torque. The efficient 2-MIX design supports high performance with reduced fuel consumption and low exhaust emissions, meeting stringent EU Stage V standards.
Advanced M-Tronic 3.
0 engine management: Fully electronic control continuously optimises ignition timing and fuel delivery to suit conditions such as temperature, altitude and fuel quality. A straightforward recalibration procedure keeps performance dialled in over time.
HD2 filter with pre-separation air routing: Coarse particles are spun out before they reach the filter, while the PET-based HD2 element blocks very fine dust, resists oil and water and is easy to clean or replace without tools. This long-life air filtration approach supports consistent output and extended maintenance intervals.
Oil delivery efficiency with Ematic system: A controlled-delivery pump works with the guide bar and chain to place lubricant precisely where it’s needed. In standard operation you can reduce oil use by up to 50%, with additional flow available for longer bars or very dry timber.
Operator-focused ergonomics: The anti-vibration system limits transmission to the handles for comfortable control. Elastostart and a decompression valve ease the pull on startup, while a simplified control layout with a single start position and automatic stop return makes restarts quick.
Time-saving service details: Side-mounted chain tensioning keeps hands away from the bar, tool-free caps speed refuelling, and captive nuts on the sprocket cover prevent loss during chain swaps.
STIHL MS 400 Petrol Chainsaw specifications
- Displacement: 66.
8 cm³ - Engine type: 2-MIX, four-channel scavenging
- Power output: 4 kW (approx.
5.
40 HP) - Torque: 4.
1 Nm - Power-to-weight ratio: 1.
45 kg/kW - Device weight without fuel: 5.
7 kg - System weight without fuel: 6.
88 / 6.
97 / 6.
87 / 7.
03 kg - Guide 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: 461 mm
- Sound pressure level: 107 dB(A)
- Sound power level: 116 dB(A)
- Vibration level (left/right): 3.
5 / 3.
5 m/s² - CO₂: 656 g/kWh
STIHL MS 400 Petrol Chainsaw vs similar models
Against a closely related 60 cc class saw such as the MS 362 C-M, the MS 400 steps up in multiple areas designed to benefit productivity. Displacement increases by around 14% to 66.
8 cc, raising power to 4 kW and torque to 4.
1 Nm. The magnesium piston is approximately 14% lighter than the aluminium piston used in the MS 362 C-M, aiding acceleration from idle to full rpm. These gains arrive alongside only a small mass increase, preserving a favourable power-to-weight figure and making the MS 400 especially attractive when using longer guide bars or when fast cuts per tank are a priority. Users who value refined engine control will also appreciate the latest M-Tronic 3.
0 calibration approach and air filtration updates that keep performance consistent in varied environments.
Usage tips
Calibrate for conditions: After major temperature or altitude changes, run the simple M-Tronic 3.
0 recalibration to ensure optimum fuel metering and crisp throttle response.
Set oil flow for the job: Use the controlled-delivery pump’s standard setting for everyday work to reduce oil consumption, and increase flow for long bars or particularly dry wood.
Maintain airflow: Tap out the HD2 filter regularly when working dusty sites. Pre-separation does the heavy lifting, and the oil- and water-repellent element cleans quickly. Replace the cartridge without tools when needed.
Use side-mounted tensioning: Check chain tension often and adjust through the sprocket cover for quick, protected access. Captive nuts help keep parts secure during swaps.
Start smoothly: Engage the decompression valve and benefit from Elastostart for a controlled pull. The stop function returns the lever to run, enabling immediate warm restarts.
Match bar and chain: Fit recommended 3/8″ pitch chain and compatible guide bars in 40–50 cm lengths to align cutting performance, lubrication and balance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the displacement of the STIHL MS 400?
The MS 400 has a displacement of 66.
8 cm³, placing it in the high-performance 60 cc class for professional forestry and arb work.
How much does the STIHL MS 400 weigh?
The device weight without fuel is 5.
7 kg. System weights vary depending on bar and chain configuration.
What bar sizes fit the STIHL MS 400?
Compatible guide bar lengths include 40 cm, 45 cm and 50 cm (16, 18 and 20 inches), giving you flexibility for felling, limbing and bucking.
What is the power output of the STIHL MS 400?
The engine produces 4 kW of power, with strong torque for confident cutting in demanding applications.
Does the STIHL MS 400 have M-Tronic?
Yes. It features the latest M-Tronic 3.
0 electronic engine management, which continuously adjusts ignition and fueling for optimal performance in changing conditions.
What chain pitch does the STIHL MS 400 use?
The recommended chain pitch is 3/8″. Pair it with the appropriate guide bar groove width and Oilomatic chain for best results.
How do I adjust chain oil on the STIHL MS 400?
Use the controlled-delivery oil pump. Select the efficiency setting for everyday use, and increase the flow when running longer bars or cutting very dry material to ensure proper lubrication.
How does the magnesium piston benefit the STIHL MS 400?
The lightweight magnesium piston reduces reciprocating mass, improving acceleration and contributing to an excellent power-to-weight ratio during sustained cutting.
| Displacement | 66.8 cm³ |
| Power | 4 kW |
| Engine power | 5.40 HP |
| CO2 | 656 g/kWh |
| Device weight without refuelling | 5.7 kg 1) |
| System weight without refuelling | 6.88 / 6.97 / 6.87 / 7.03 kg 2) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 1.45 kg/kW |
| Bar length | 40 / 50 / 45 cm 3) |
| Bar length | 16 / 20 / 18 in 3) |
| Groove width | 1.60 mm |
| Groove width | 63 in |
| Saw chain pitch | 3/8" |
| Device length with bumper spike | 461 mm 1) |
| Sound pressure level | 107 dB(A) 4) |
| Sound power level | 116 dB(A) 4) |
| Vibration level, left | 3.5 m/s² 5) |
| Vibration level, right | 3.5 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 extremely lightweight magnesium piston gives you an excellent power-to-weight ratio, allowing you to work highly efficiently and enjoy a long service life. In addition, a chainsaw with a magnesium piston is designed for a high maximum speed.
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.
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