STIHL MS 500¡ Petrol Chainsaw
Price range: £1,356.66 through £1,417.33
Product information & specifications
STIHL MS 500¡ Petrol Chainsaw Review
This review explores the STIHL MS 500¡ Petrol Chainsaw in depth, focusing on its fuel-injected performance, pro-level handling, standout features, and key specifications. You’ll also find a clear comparison with a closely related professional model, practical usage tips to get the best results, and concise answers to common questions buyers ask.
Who the STIHL MS 500¡ Petrol Chainsaw is for
The STIHL MS 500¡ is a premium choice for professionals who value instant throttle response, impressive cutting power, and precision control in demanding conditions. It excels for foresters and arborists felling or processing large-diameter timber, as well as estate and land management teams who need reliable performance day after day. Users who appreciate fast, uncomplicated starting, balanced handling around the trunk, and refined ergonomics will find it especially rewarding. With intelligent fuel delivery and optional electric handle heating, it’s also a confident partner in variable weather and altitude conditions, maintaining smooth running and strong torque where consistent productivity matters most.
Key features
Electronically controlled fuel injection – The MS 500¡ is engineered with an advanced injection system that meters fuel precisely and times ignition optimally. Fuel is injected directly into the crankcase, while sensors track air pressure plus internal and external temperature. The control unit continuously adapts fueling and ignition to deliver strong torque, clean acceleration, and stable output.
Exceptional acceleration and power-to-weight – A performance-optimised engine and lightweight construction combine for a notably low 1.
24 kg/kW power-to-weight ratio. With brisk rev-up and agile throttle response, the saw reaches cutting speed rapidly, helping you sink the chain decisively into big timber and carry momentum through the cut.
Consistently easy starting – Electronic injection eliminates a traditional start position, simplifying the start-up routine. A conveniently placed manual fuel pump and a decompression valve further reduce pull-force and effort. The result is confident starts and strong running across a wide range of operating conditions.
Smart fueling for smooth running – Pressure and temperature sensing on the engine feed real-time data to the control unit. The system adapts fueling to the air’s oxygen content and current conditions, supporting optimal combustion, responsive power delivery, and excellent running characteristics while you work.
Heated handles for cold weather – Electric handle heating can be activated when needed to keep hands warm and grip secure in frosty environments. The maintenance-free heating elements are designed for reliability and comfort.
Precision control around the trunk – Easy pivoting, revised bumper spikes, and an optimised sprocket cover enable guidance close to the tree. The rounded spike pattern grips wood confidently, while the slimmer, flatter cover with integrated slide rails enhances delimbing flow and chip clearance.
Plunge guide for accurate direction – A dedicated plunge guide runs parallel to the guide bar’s symmetry line, making it easier to check cut direction when performing plunge cuts.
Reduced oil use with Ematic system – The STIHL Ematic lubrication concept delivers oil precisely where it’s needed on the bar and chain. It can cut bar oil consumption by up to 50%, and the controlled-delivery pump allows quick adjustments for dusty environments or longer bars.
Pro-friendly serviceability – Side-mounted chain tensioning keeps your hands clear for quick, protected adjustments. Captive nuts on the sprocket cover prevent loss during chain swaps. Tool-free fuel and oil caps speed up refuelling so you can get back to work faster.
Comfort-focused anti-vibration – Buffer and spring elements reduce vibration transfer to the handles, supporting smoother control and less fatigue over long days in the cut.
STIHL MS 500¡ Petrol Chainsaw specifications
- Displacement: 79.
2 cm³ - Power: 5 kW
- Engine power: 6.
80 HP - Power-to-weight ratio: 1.
24 kg/kW - Device weight (without fuel): 6.
3 kg - System weight (without fuel): 7.
57 / 7.
88 kg - Bar length options: 50 cm / 63 cm (20 in / 25 in)
- Saw chain pitch: 3/8″
- Groove width: 1.
60 mm - Device length with bumper spike: 468 mm
- Sound pressure level: 106 dB(A)
- Sound power level: 117 dB(A)
- Vibration level (left/right): 4.
2 / 4.
0 m/s² - CO₂: 706 g/kWh
STIHL MS 500¡ Petrol Chainsaw vs similar models
Compared with closely related professional saws such as the MS 462, the MS 500¡ builds on agile handling with the addition of electronically controlled fuel injection. This technology continuously optimises fuel and ignition to produce strong torque and rapid acceleration from a compact, lightweight package. Both models are easy to pivot and guide near the trunk, but the MS 500¡ further enhances control with updated bumper spikes and a refined sprocket cover that streamlines delimbing and chip evacuation. For productivity-focused operators, the Ematic oiling system with adjustable output and the tool-free caps speed up routine tasks, while optional heated handles extend comfort in cold weather. In short, it retains the nimble feel professionals love, while adding fuel-injected responsiveness and advanced ergonomics for a high-output cutting experience.
Usage tips
- Use side-mounted chain tensioning for quick, safe adjustments; check tension before each session.
- Prime with the manual fuel pump and use the decompression valve to make starting smooth and easy.
- Activate heated handles in cold conditions to maintain a firm, confident grip.
- Match bar and chain to your workload; adjust the oil pump output for long bars or dusty wood.
- Leverage the plunge guide to verify direction when bore cutting and initiating felling cuts.
- Let the anti-vibration system work for you: maintain sharp chain and balanced bar oil for silky cutting.
- Keep the sprocket cover clean so chips clear freely and delimbing stays effortless.
Frequently asked questions
Is the STIHL MS 500¡ fuel injected?
Yes. It features electronically controlled fuel injection that meters fuel precisely and times ignition optimally for fast acceleration and strong torque.
What is the power of the STIHL MS 500¡?
The engine produces 5 kW, equivalent to 6.
80 HP.
How much does the STIHL MS 500¡ weigh?
The device weight without fuel is 6.
3 kg, with system weights listed at 7.
57 kg and 7.
88 kg depending on setup.
What bar lengths fit the STIHL MS 500¡?
Standard options include 50 cm and 63 cm bars, corresponding to 20 in and 25 in.
Does the STIHL MS 500¡ have heated handles?
Yes. Electric handle heating can be switched on for warm, secure grip in frosty temperatures.
How do I tension the chain on the STIHL MS 500¡?
Use the side-mounted chain tensioner through the sprocket cover for protected, quick re-tensioning and chain replacement. Captive nuts help keep hardware secure during servicing.
What is the power-to-weight ratio of the STIHL MS 500¡?
It achieves an impressively low 1.
24 kg/kW, supporting agile handling with high output.
Does the STIHL MS 500¡ have anti-vibration?
Yes. A dedicated anti-vibration system with buffer and spring elements reduces vibration at the handles for more comfortable operation.
| Displacement | 79.2 cm³ |
| Power | 5 kW |
| Engine power | 6.80 HP |
| CO2 | 706 g/kWh |
| Device weight without refuelling | 6.3 kg 1) |
| System weight without refuelling | 7.57 / 7.88 kg 2) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 1.24 kg/kW |
| Bar length | 50 / 63 cm 3) |
| Bar length | 20 / 25 in 3) |
| Groove width | 1.60 mm |
| Groove width | 63 in |
| Saw chain pitch | 3/8" |
| Device length with bumper spike | 468 mm 1) |
| Sound pressure level | 106 dB(A) 4) |
| Sound power level | 117 dB(A) 4) |
| Vibration level, left | 4.2 m/s² 5) |
| Vibration level, right | 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.
The electronic fuel injection control unit continuously calculates the correct fuel supply and the ideal ignition time, and injection is performed directly into the crankcase via the injection valve. Additionally, sensors measure air pressure and internal and external temperature, and pass information on to the control unit. This can use the identified values to determine the optimum fuel quantity and ignition timing. This means that your power tool offers more power from a similar weight and installation space compared to engines without injection.
The electric heating can be easily switched on as required. This means that your hands stay warm even in cold weather and you keep a secure grip on your power tool. The handle heating system consists of maintenance-free and wear-free heating elements.
During work, your chainsaw uses a pressure and temperature sensor on the engine to measure the fuel. The control unit processes the values measured by the sensor so that the system adapts to the operating conditions. The optimised measurement of the fuel also achieves the best possible running behaviour.
Thanks to electronic fuel injection, your chainsaw does not need a start position. In addition, the manual fuel pump is easily accessible, making the start-up process even easier.
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.
The plunge guide makes it easier to check the cutting direction during plunge cutting. It is mounted on the fan housing and runs parallel to the symmetry line of the guide bar.
The rounded arrangement of the bumper spike teeth matches the radial contours of trees. This means that your chainsaw will bite even better into the wood when cutting to length and felling.
The optimised sprocket cover is narrower and flatter than the previous model. This improvement enables effortless delimbing and excellent chip removal. It has integrated slide rails and a guide edge, making it easier to guide the power tool along the trunk.
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.
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