Stihl MSA 220 C-B 16" Battery Chainsaw 1251 200 0150 | GYC

The MSA 220 C-B battery chainsaw has "the power of a gas" chainsaw (actually, *more* power than a gas chainsaw) at about half the weight. It takes the same chain as Stihl's gas chainsaws and performs well for tree felling, log cutting, and ripping/noodling. The AP-300S battery lasts me about 30 minutes, by which point I need to pause to sharpen the chain anyway. Using the Stihl AL-500 rapid charger it takes only 30 minutes to charge the battery from empty to full! The battery, charger, and saw are made in Germany and Austria, so you know you're getting a quality product. The only think I would change would be to make the bucking spikes a bit longer.No review of battery outdoor power equipment would be complete without mentioning the manufacturer's other battery ... MoreThe MSA 220 C-B battery chainsaw has "the power of a gas" chainsaw (actually, *more* power than a gas chainsaw) at about half the weight. It takes the same chain as Stihl's gas chainsaws and performs well for tree felling, log cutting, and ripping/noodling. The AP-300S battery lasts me about 30 minutes, by which point I need to pause to sharpen the chain anyway. Using the Stihl AL-500 rapid charger it takes only 30 minutes to charge the battery from empty to full! The battery, charger, and saw are made in Germany and Austria, so you know you're getting a quality product. The only think I would change would be to make the bucking spikes a bit longer.No review of battery outdoor power equipment would be complete without mentioning the manufacturer's other battery products, since once you own the battery you will want to use it in multiple products. Taking away one star here for Stihl's very confusing model numbers and incompatibility between their low-end AK and high-end AP battery products. Also disappointing that many products (e.g. electric wood chipper) are not available in the United States. While Stihl manufactures most of its products in countries with fair labor practices, it is disappointing to see some products (e.g. Stihl's lawn mowers) are manufactured in China.

Almost perfect, except for chain tensioner

For 4 years, I used another company's e-chainsaw but it had lots of design issues, the key one being the unreliable oiling of the chain. I have used my MSA 220 C for 9 months and I'm extremely happy with it. We heat with wood, have 19 acres, and I cut a lot of trees doing Defensible Space. I own three Stihl saws and one other.With two AP 300 batteries and the AL500 high speed charger, running out of power has never been an issue. The only scenario where I might run out is if I constantly cut large rounds (24" or bigger), which uses a lot of energy. But in those situations, I want a longer bar and a more powerful (gas) saw.However, the MSA 220 C-B chain tensioner is very difficult to use. I took it back to my dealer to find out what I was doing wrong and they ... MoreFor 4 years, I used another company's e-chainsaw but it had lots of design issues, the key one being the unreliable oiling of the chain. I have used my MSA 220 C for 9 months and I'm extremely happy with it. We heat with wood, have 19 acres, and I cut a lot of trees doing Defensible Space. I own three Stihl saws and one other.With two AP 300 batteries and the AL500 high speed charger, running out of power has never been an issue. The only scenario where I might run out is if I constantly cut large rounds (24" or bigger), which uses a lot of energy. But in those situations, I want a longer bar and a more powerful (gas) saw.However, the MSA 220 C-B chain tensioner is very difficult to use. I took it back to my dealer to find out what I was doing wrong and they said it was just a bad design. This is supposed to be a professional saw: does Stihl think that pro-sumers like me can't be bothered to carry a chain wrench (which, by the way, does a much more accurate job setting the tension on my old gas Stihl 026).Over time, the saw leaks oil into its case. Seems to be a problem for all four of my chainsaws.What is the name for this product? Everywhere it's listed as "MSA 220 C-B" except for on the saw(!) which doesn't have the "-B". I assume the -B is for Battery, but can't Stihl be consistent? For most tools, getting the model name exactly right is important.Finally, this is an extremely expensive saw. Therefore, I have very high expectations re. lifetime of all components, even the batteries. We'll see.

Best choice ever

I had an MS250 that was my all-around small saw for building fence, trimming limbs, and everything else, but I got tired of having to start it, make a cut and shut it off. I sold it and bought a MSA 220 to replace it. That was an excellent choice. It is comparable to the MS 250 in every way except having to pull the rope. I've been using Stihl saws since I bought an 041 Farm Boss in 1977 when I was still in high school. I still have my 039 that I bought in the early 1990s, but rarely use except for big stuff. This new saw compares to all the gas saws I've had in the past. Now if it will last as long it will be perfect!

GREAT CHAINSAW

I had a gas powered Stihl chainsaw but hadn’t used it in a while. After trying to start it I gave up and went to my dealer. When I arrived they were showing a guy the new electric Stihl chainsaw. I bought the electric 14” chainsaw while I was there. After using this saw, I liked it so much I bought some other electric products. I know own a blower, and hedge trimmers. When the 16 inch chainsaw was available I bought that one as well. My neighbor saw me using the saw while we were cutting some word for a widow. After sometime he said, “Let me see that saw”. He now owns a 16 inch model himself, traded in his gas saw.

Good fit and finish, Meh on cutting performance

I was lucky enough to test this saw verses several competitive battery saws in the market of equivalent size. Overall, I would say this saw has the best fit and finish, as expected from Stihl, but the cutting performance was lacking compared to two other saws that I tested. Cutting the same wood species, in the same weather, and logs of the same size, the Stihl saw bound several times and would "cut out" mid-cut (stop running). Only one other saw had this happen and that was at the end of the battery life, but it happened to the Stihl throughout the entire run of the battery. The battery life was slightly better than the others that were tested, but that's not a fair comparison since others made several more cuts in less time. Overall, it's a decent saw but there ... MoreI was lucky enough to test this saw verses several competitive battery saws in the market of equivalent size. Overall, I would say this saw has the best fit and finish, as expected from Stihl, but the cutting performance was lacking compared to two other saws that I tested. Cutting the same wood species, in the same weather, and logs of the same size, the Stihl saw bound several times and would "cut out" mid-cut (stop running). Only one other saw had this happen and that was at the end of the battery life, but it happened to the Stihl throughout the entire run of the battery. The battery life was slightly better than the others that were tested, but that's not a fair comparison since others made several more cuts in less time. Overall, it's a decent saw but there are better options/platforms out there if you're looking to replace your gas saws.

I loved this chainsaw for about 25 hours

Long time stihl owner. 4 chainsaws, 2 weed eaters, one over 10 years of service. My MS251c was a great addition. Ran one year to the day and quit. Service man told me piston scored. Perhaps from low grade fuel. I have never put low grade fuel in anything I own including this chainsaw. I noted that this chainsaw would never idle for longer than 30 seconds even when new and I refused to when adjust the idle in fear that it would cause issues. Obviously something was very wrong with this particular chainsaw. Very disappointing considering when you pay premium for the best that’s what I expect. Should have lasted 10 years, and made it 365 days with very minimal hours. Needless to say I’m beyond disappointed. It is currently sitting in service and I’m told it’s beyond ... MoreLong time stihl owner. 4 chainsaws, 2 weed eaters, one over 10 years of service. My MS251c was a great addition. Ran one year to the day and quit. Service man told me piston scored. Perhaps from low grade fuel. I have never put low grade fuel in anything I own including this chainsaw. I noted that this chainsaw would never idle for longer than 30 seconds even when new and I refused to when adjust the idle in fear that it would cause issues. Obviously something was very wrong with this particular chainsaw. Very disappointing considering when you pay premium for the best that’s what I expect. Should have lasted 10 years, and made it 365 days with very minimal hours. Needless to say I’m beyond disappointed. It is currently sitting in service and I’m told it’s beyond its warranty and not worth the cost to repair.

Nice saw! But highly overrated!

I have owned a Stihl gas powered chainsaw for decades. They are awesome machines. I recently purchased the MSA-220 and had several opportunities to give this a real test.The first thing that came to mind after using this, is that those that do those video review on YouTube must be compensated to give favorable reviews. Most suggest that the MSA-220 can keep pace with a gas powered model without any hesitation.The reality is, my gas powered Stihl Supra 034AV can out cut the MSA-220 hands down.There is simply not enough torque or power in the MSA-220 to compare the two. You can easily overpower the MSA-220 chain by applying too much pressure on the log and at that point, the saw simply stops cutting.For pruning and cutting small trees, say 6 inches or less, ... MoreI have owned a Stihl gas powered chainsaw for decades. They are awesome machines. I recently purchased the MSA-220 and had several opportunities to give this a real test.The first thing that came to mind after using this, is that those that do those video review on YouTube must be compensated to give favorable reviews. Most suggest that the MSA-220 can keep pace with a gas powered model without any hesitation.The reality is, my gas powered Stihl Supra 034AV can out cut the MSA-220 hands down.There is simply not enough torque or power in the MSA-220 to compare the two. You can easily overpower the MSA-220 chain by applying too much pressure on the log and at that point, the saw simply stops cutting.For pruning and cutting small trees, say 6 inches or less, the MSA-220 is great. That is what it should be sold as and used for. A trimmer and pruner. You put a 10-12 inch log in front of the MSA-220 and plan to cut that for an hour, you will be sorely disappointed.It does seem that it is quite easy to have your thumb slip off the interlock button while cutting stopping the blade instantly. It happened a lot on my testing.At almost $1200 for the saw, two batteries and a case, this saw is expensive for a saw that really should be for trimming.

Overall 3

Purchased this unit a month ago along with an extra battery.This saw has decent power and sharp blades enhances the cutting ability. The overall 3 rating needs to be explained.(3) is the overall rating because after constant use, like cutting firewood, the saw heated up and stopped. Once cooled down the performance returned.For quick use, on smaller projects I believe this saw is a five (5).For intermediate jobs, such as small trees with limited cutting time I would give it a (4).However, the (3) rating is an overall score. My gas saw run circles around this unit.

Surprised by this saw!

I purchased this saw to throw in the back seat of my plow truck. I normally carry my Farm Boss around in the back of the truck but it inevitably gets buried in a snowdrift in the truck. The theory with this was I could have inside the cab and not worry about gas inside the truck. I find myself experimenting with it - seeing now much the thing will handle. I have to say I have been impressed so far. I wouldn't want to cut firewood with it, but for smaller jobs the thing is great. I am really impressed with how long the battery lasts - longer than I really thought it would. It will be interesting to see how it does in the winter - I expect the battery to be effected by the cold, but based on use so far. I don't think it will be a big issue. If so, I will pick up a ... MoreI purchased this saw to throw in the back seat of my plow truck. I normally carry my Farm Boss around in the back of the truck but it inevitably gets buried in a snowdrift in the truck. The theory with this was I could have inside the cab and not worry about gas inside the truck. I find myself experimenting with it - seeing now much the thing will handle. I have to say I have been impressed so far. I wouldn't want to cut firewood with it, but for smaller jobs the thing is great. I am really impressed with how long the battery lasts - longer than I really thought it would. It will be interesting to see how it does in the winter - I expect the battery to be effected by the cold, but based on use so far. I don't think it will be a big issue. If so, I will pick up a second battery and not have to worry about it.

Tough durable dependable quiet clean saw

Bought this with 3 batteries, one 300W and one 500W chargers a year ago. Since then I have cut over 50 cords of firewood by clearing an acre of forest and cleaning up after a tornado with ZERO problems. It’s a slower than a larger gas chainsaw and limits use by its bar length is its only shortcoming. Trees larger than 18” diameter requires a larger saw for those sections of the tree. With 3 batteries and two chargers I can cut continuously with a fully charged battery ready as the third empties (needs 3 batteries to avoid charging downtime). With my solar power system all this has had zero fuel cost and zero mixing oil and gas hassle. All this was done with the green labeled chains and just now graduating to the yellow chains which cut even faster. No problems with ... MoreBought this with 3 batteries, one 300W and one 500W chargers a year ago. Since then I have cut over 50 cords of firewood by clearing an acre of forest and cleaning up after a tornado with ZERO problems. It’s a slower than a larger gas chainsaw and limits use by its bar length is its only shortcoming. Trees larger than 18” diameter requires a larger saw for those sections of the tree. With 3 batteries and two chargers I can cut continuously with a fully charged battery ready as the third empties (needs 3 batteries to avoid charging downtime). With my solar power system all this has had zero fuel cost and zero mixing oil and gas hassle. All this was done with the green labeled chains and just now graduating to the yellow chains which cut even faster. No problems with the motor or bearings. No problems of any kind. It’s quiet compared to the gas models, and light weight compared to gas models. No fouled fuel filters, no clogged air filters, no carburetor glazing as the electric power has none of these. This is rugged, durable, dependable and I highly recommend this saw for heavy daily use.