The MS251 is a high performing model that provides a superior cut, making rough terrain feel like a walk in the park. It is lightweight and east to manoeuvre.
The MS251 is a high performing model that provides a superior cut, making rough terrain feel like a walk in the park. It is lightweight and east to manoeuvre.
in 3 offers
The lowest price for Stihl Ms251 18" Bar Petrol Chainsaw 1143 200 0638 | GYC right now is $827.00 at barryfrancisshop.com.au, compared across 3 retailers.
The all-time low was $735.54 on 15 Nov 2025 — today's price is 12% above the lowest ever. That's a little above the best price we've seen.
Prices last updated 21 June 2026.
Stihl Ms251 18" Bar Petrol Chainsaw 1143 200 0638 | GYC
The MS251 is a high performing model that provides a superior cut, making rough terrain feel like a walk in the park. It is lightweight and east to manoeuvre.
The MS251 is a high performing model that provides a superior cut, making rough terrain feel like a walk in the park. It is lightweight and east to manoeuvre.
Last updated at 21/06/2026 23:41:11
STIHL MS251 PETROL CHAINSAW 45.6CC 18" BAR 4.9KG MS251 1143 200 0638
Delivery between 23 June – 2 July $72.04
STIHL MS 251 Wood Boss Petrol 45cm/18" Chainsaw
Delivery between Tue – Fri $60.55
MS 251 18" Petrol Chainsaw
originally posted on stihlusa.com
A tip: The easy tensioner is indeed easy but you have to keep it clean and greased. I wish it was all metal. The little knob you use to tension it ought to be metal. For tensioning: loosen the chain on the big knob. Set the chainsaw on its bottom. Make sure it is aligned, then tension it. You may need to run it back to get it to run forward. The sprocket is unfortunately a wear device. Stihl could have designed this better.I bought this earlier this year and have ran it flat out for probably 16 hours. Ran two cans of motomix through it and starting on a third. This is a great saw for the homeowner who relishes the opportunity to cut up a big branch or a small tree. If you're cutting up big trees I would stay away. This thing gets very hot. Be mindful of your bar ... MoreA tip: The easy tensioner is indeed easy but you have to keep it clean and greased. I wish it was all metal. The little knob you use to tension it ought to be metal. For tensioning: loosen the chain on the big knob. Set the chainsaw on its bottom. Make sure it is aligned, then tension it. You may need to run it back to get it to run forward. The sprocket is unfortunately a wear device. Stihl could have designed this better.I bought this earlier this year and have ran it flat out for probably 16 hours. Ran two cans of motomix through it and starting on a third. This is a great saw for the homeowner who relishes the opportunity to cut up a big branch or a small tree. If you're cutting up big trees I would stay away. This thing gets very hot. Be mindful of your bar oil and do not get the cheap stuff.The easy start is great. You only need to lightly pull on it. Cranking on it hard is just going to break something.If I am running it hard, when I refill the gas, I open up the oil tank as well to let it cool. I have only had this vapor lock on me once.
originally posted on stihlusa.com
I bought it two weeks ago and it has been nothing but problems. I have spent most of my time fixing the chainsaw instead of accomplishing anything. The chain constantly slips and cannot handle any wood that is more than about 4 inches in diameter. I bought a "yellow" chain for better performance, but it still has trouble. The gas cap with the complicated safety lock malfunctioned and I had to have it replaced. I've repeatedly burned my hands on the metal that gets hot and smokey whenever I use it. The "tool-free" dial to tighten the chain causes more problems than it solves, because when the chain slips, then I have to open up the casing, burn my hands on the hot metal, and align the chain correctly (impossible in the woods, has to be done on a table).
originally posted on stihlusa.com
I bought this saw about a month ago and have used it a few times. It has plenty of power for what I need, which is general property maintenance and clean up. I have about 8 acres with a lot of trees. It’s extremely easy to start if you follow the instructions. You barely have to pull the cord and it will fire up, if you follow the instructions. The easy, tool free chain tensioner is extremely convenient. The gas and oil caps are easy to remove. I have not noticed any oil leakage. The quality of construction seems top notch and very durable. The only piece that concerns me is the choke control lever. It seems a little flimsy but time will tell. This is my first chainsaw. I looked into other brands but ultimately felt like Stihl was the best quality. I ended up ... MoreI bought this saw about a month ago and have used it a few times. It has plenty of power for what I need, which is general property maintenance and clean up. I have about 8 acres with a lot of trees. It’s extremely easy to start if you follow the instructions. You barely have to pull the cord and it will fire up, if you follow the instructions. The easy, tool free chain tensioner is extremely convenient. The gas and oil caps are easy to remove. I have not noticed any oil leakage. The quality of construction seems top notch and very durable. The only piece that concerns me is the choke control lever. It seems a little flimsy but time will tell. This is my first chainsaw. I looked into other brands but ultimately felt like Stihl was the best quality. I ended up spending a little more than I would have for another brand’s similar sized saw but the quality of Stihl is worth it to me. The warranty is not as long as other brands but the quality of the product seems great. Also, I own other Stihl power equipment and have not had any issues with them.
| Displacement (cc) | 45.6 |
| Power output (kW/bhp) | 2.2/3 |
| Tank volume (mL) | 390.00 |
| Power-to-weight ratio (kg/kW) | 2.2 |
| Sound pressure level (dB(A)) | 103 |
STIHL MS251 PETROL CHAINSAW 45.6CC 18" BAR 4.9KG MS251 1143 200 0638
Delivery between 23 June – 2 July $72.04
STIHL MS 251 Wood Boss Petrol 45cm/18" Chainsaw
Delivery between Tue – Fri $60.55
MS 251 18" Petrol Chainsaw
A tip: The easy tensioner is indeed easy but you have to keep it clean and greased. I wish it was all metal. The little knob you use to tension it ought to be metal. For tensioning: loosen the chain on the big knob. Set the chainsaw on its bottom. Make sure it is aligned, then tension it. You may need to run it back to get it to run forward. The sprocket is unfortunately a wear device. Stihl could have designed this better.I bought this earlier this year and have ran it flat out for probably 16 hours. Ran two cans of motomix through it and starting on a third. This is a great saw for the homeowner who relishes the opportunity to cut up a big branch or a small tree. If you're cutting up big trees I would stay away. This thing gets very hot. Be mindful of your bar ... MoreA tip: The easy tensioner is indeed easy but you have to keep it clean and greased. I wish it was all metal. The little knob you use to tension it ought to be metal. For tensioning: loosen the chain on the big knob. Set the chainsaw on its bottom. Make sure it is aligned, then tension it. You may need to run it back to get it to run forward. The sprocket is unfortunately a wear device. Stihl could have designed this better.I bought this earlier this year and have ran it flat out for probably 16 hours. Ran two cans of motomix through it and starting on a third. This is a great saw for the homeowner who relishes the opportunity to cut up a big branch or a small tree. If you're cutting up big trees I would stay away. This thing gets very hot. Be mindful of your bar oil and do not get the cheap stuff.The easy start is great. You only need to lightly pull on it. Cranking on it hard is just going to break something.If I am running it hard, when I refill the gas, I open up the oil tank as well to let it cool. I have only had this vapor lock on me once.
I bought it two weeks ago and it has been nothing but problems. I have spent most of my time fixing the chainsaw instead of accomplishing anything. The chain constantly slips and cannot handle any wood that is more than about 4 inches in diameter. I bought a "yellow" chain for better performance, but it still has trouble. The gas cap with the complicated safety lock malfunctioned and I had to have it replaced. I've repeatedly burned my hands on the metal that gets hot and smokey whenever I use it. The "tool-free" dial to tighten the chain causes more problems than it solves, because when the chain slips, then I have to open up the casing, burn my hands on the hot metal, and align the chain correctly (impossible in the woods, has to be done on a table).
I bought this saw about a month ago and have used it a few times. It has plenty of power for what I need, which is general property maintenance and clean up. I have about 8 acres with a lot of trees. It’s extremely easy to start if you follow the instructions. You barely have to pull the cord and it will fire up, if you follow the instructions. The easy, tool free chain tensioner is extremely convenient. The gas and oil caps are easy to remove. I have not noticed any oil leakage. The quality of construction seems top notch and very durable. The only piece that concerns me is the choke control lever. It seems a little flimsy but time will tell. This is my first chainsaw. I looked into other brands but ultimately felt like Stihl was the best quality. I ended up ... MoreI bought this saw about a month ago and have used it a few times. It has plenty of power for what I need, which is general property maintenance and clean up. I have about 8 acres with a lot of trees. It’s extremely easy to start if you follow the instructions. You barely have to pull the cord and it will fire up, if you follow the instructions. The easy, tool free chain tensioner is extremely convenient. The gas and oil caps are easy to remove. I have not noticed any oil leakage. The quality of construction seems top notch and very durable. The only piece that concerns me is the choke control lever. It seems a little flimsy but time will tell. This is my first chainsaw. I looked into other brands but ultimately felt like Stihl was the best quality. I ended up spending a little more than I would have for another brand’s similar sized saw but the quality of Stihl is worth it to me. The warranty is not as long as other brands but the quality of the product seems great. Also, I own other Stihl power equipment and have not had any issues with them.
I had this saw for a short while; used it probably fewer than 10 times; then it wouldn't start. I was pretty disappointed. I bought the Stihl specifically for Stihl's reliability reputation. I took it in for repair at an authorized dealership. When I picked it up, they said they rebuilt the carb but that it was a bad fuel issue that clogged one of the carb ports and I needed to use only recreational fuel. Hmmm. I've had a Stihl string trimmer for over 17 years and have always used regular fuel. Yeah, maybe it would be happier with premium or recreational fuel, but in those 17 years, I've never had a single problem with that trimmer - and it has been HEAVILY used. So, I don't really buy the explanation, but I'm hopeful now that it's been repaired that it will be as ... MoreI had this saw for a short while; used it probably fewer than 10 times; then it wouldn't start. I was pretty disappointed. I bought the Stihl specifically for Stihl's reliability reputation. I took it in for repair at an authorized dealership. When I picked it up, they said they rebuilt the carb but that it was a bad fuel issue that clogged one of the carb ports and I needed to use only recreational fuel. Hmmm. I've had a Stihl string trimmer for over 17 years and have always used regular fuel. Yeah, maybe it would be happier with premium or recreational fuel, but in those 17 years, I've never had a single problem with that trimmer - and it has been HEAVILY used. So, I don't really buy the explanation, but I'm hopeful now that it's been repaired that it will be as bulletproof as the trimmer has been. Since you only give me to options for "would I recommend this product to a friend?" I'll answer "yes" but my real response is "maybe- TBD"
I have gotten about 1 or 2 hours total use in weeks from this saw. Nothing but issues with difficult and temperamental starting, keeping the saw adjusted and running. Poor quality chain that in said 2 hours had gone totally dull and been sharpened and even now replaced by the dealer. Bought this model specifically based on the Stihl reccomendation kiosk and for its specific easy starting and tool less chain adjustment. So far the tool less adjustment is the only part that has worked for the most part. I have offered after the 3rd trip to the dealer one more chance with all new chain and their adjustments and stamp of approval before I simply return this saw for a refund or towards a different product. For reference attempting to cut fire wood of 6 to 8 inch diameter ... MoreI have gotten about 1 or 2 hours total use in weeks from this saw. Nothing but issues with difficult and temperamental starting, keeping the saw adjusted and running. Poor quality chain that in said 2 hours had gone totally dull and been sharpened and even now replaced by the dealer. Bought this model specifically based on the Stihl reccomendation kiosk and for its specific easy starting and tool less chain adjustment. So far the tool less adjustment is the only part that has worked for the most part. I have offered after the 3rd trip to the dealer one more chance with all new chain and their adjustments and stamp of approval before I simply return this saw for a refund or towards a different product. For reference attempting to cut fire wood of 6 to 8 inch diameter at about 6500 ft elevation.
I wanted to go bigger but I also wanted to replace my little homelite and I only want one chainsaw. This was a great balance. It’s light but it cut through two ash trees like butter (they were not dead). I only use it around the house for fallen trees, branches, trimming etc but I love this saw. I like having a primer bulb too. Makes the first start after winterizing much easier. I was afraid with the bad reviews about the constant slack in the chain but that hasn’t been an issue for me. Would also like to point out that new saws typically require a lot slack adjustment in the beginning. It’s easy to start. It’s light powerful and doesn’t wear you out like the bigger saws will. Keep up with the bar and chain oil and keep the chain sharp and you’ll have no issues.
Purchased this model and have had it for one year. I bought it because of easy start was similar to what I had with my Stihl brushcutter and liked it. It came with quick chain tightener option because of the sales pitch (my mistake). The quick chain option is poor and very difficult when changing chains to get it properly. and reason I say average. In the field a chain change takes 20 minutes before properly adjusted and has to do with the plastic dial and wheel on the bar is has issues with the plastic dial on the cover. If I would have had easy start only and no quick change, I would say as long as you keep it properly oiled, and use Stihl oil with the gas, it is good machine. Just go with the old style chain tightening. If I could trade it in and get a reasonable ... MorePurchased this model and have had it for one year. I bought it because of easy start was similar to what I had with my Stihl brushcutter and liked it. It came with quick chain tightener option because of the sales pitch (my mistake). The quick chain option is poor and very difficult when changing chains to get it properly. and reason I say average. In the field a chain change takes 20 minutes before properly adjusted and has to do with the plastic dial and wheel on the bar is has issues with the plastic dial on the cover. If I would have had easy start only and no quick change, I would say as long as you keep it properly oiled, and use Stihl oil with the gas, it is good machine. Just go with the old style chain tightening. If I could trade it in and get a reasonable offer, I would keep the saw model but stay away from quick chain tightner.
The Quick Adjust Chain Tensioner on this saw is an engineering failure. From day one it has been very difficult to use. There is nothing Quick about this cute little marketing gimmick. The small black wheel is very hard to turn. This saw is kept impeccably clean and maintained. I can't take it any longer and will now need to convert the Quick Tensioner to the Manual design at a high cost.Stihl should admit their mistake and offer anyone that chooses a free conversion to the Manual design!
I bought this saw on 02/09/2023. At the store, the techs had trouble showing me how to adjust the chain. The flip up knob was so tight that they had to use a towel and vice grips to loosen it. After adjusting it, they tightened it up and retried loosening it a few times with no problem. Then, I got to use it on 02/25/2023 for the first time. Cut down 2 trees for a friend. Almost getting finished noticed that the chain was loose. So I went to adjust it. It was not possible to do so. I remembered they had to use a vice grip plyer to loosen it when I bought it, so I decided not to try and loosen it till I took it back to the store and let them do it. Again, they had to use plyers to loosen it. Per the tech pro, I was informed that they ordered new parts for my brand ... MoreI bought this saw on 02/09/2023. At the store, the techs had trouble showing me how to adjust the chain. The flip up knob was so tight that they had to use a towel and vice grips to loosen it. After adjusting it, they tightened it up and retried loosening it a few times with no problem. Then, I got to use it on 02/25/2023 for the first time. Cut down 2 trees for a friend. Almost getting finished noticed that the chain was loose. So I went to adjust it. It was not possible to do so. I remembered they had to use a vice grip plyer to loosen it when I bought it, so I decided not to try and loosen it till I took it back to the store and let them do it. Again, they had to use plyers to loosen it. Per the tech pro, I was informed that they ordered new parts for my brand new saw. So, I'm now waiting for my saw and who knows when Stihl, will get the parts to them for the replacement.Now, having stated the bad experience with that, I have to say that I'm still very happy with the overall performance of the saw. I'm not getting any younger and my old 271 was very hard for me to start. This 251-C is really great in all other aspects. Only time will tell if the bar and chain tightener issue is solved and or corrected. However, gong forward if this problem is solved, I would have to say that I would buy this saw again.
I purchased this saw 2 weeks ago. Day one with the saw was great. Fell 2 trees and the saw worked well. Next morning, topped off the fuel with the Stihl MotoMix and was not able to start the saw. Multiple attempts, cleaned the saw thoroughly, dumped out the fuel and added new MotoMix, checked the spark plug and still would not start. Took the saw back to Ace Big Box and the small engine mechanic could not start it either. They still have the saw and have not heard anything back if they could get it started. I think at this point, I just want my money back and a different saw. Just had a tornado go through our neighborhood and I have no way to remove the trees that are down.
| Displacement (cc) | 45.6 |
| Power output (kW/bhp) | 2.2/3 |
| Tank volume (mL) | 390.00 |
| Power-to-weight ratio (kg/kW) | 2.2 |
| Sound pressure level (dB(A)) | 103 |
