STIHL MSA 220C 16" Chainsaw [2-Year Look Back Review ]
Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль
STIHL MSA 220 C Cordless Chainsaw Review - 2 years larter!
2 years, ToolBoxBuzz published our Best Cordless Chainsaw Head-2-Head test.
In that test Stihl Model MSA220C-B cordless 16” chainsaw shined as our overall winner during this test.
This video is a 2-year lookback on this saw.
In our test this Stihl 16” saw produced impressive results in our cut test, as well as impressed the entire crew with its ergonomics and compact design.
The professional build quality and fit and finish also separated it from many of the other competitors.
For the last 2 years, TBB Crew memeber Wes Bartosik has been using it to determine how it performs over the long-term.
Wes has been using it as his constant go-to saw.
It has seen constant use as a firewood saw as well as doing clearing work and clean up at his home and farm.
Two years of experience with it has shown Wes where the MSA220C-B shines as well as identify its shortcomings.
This tool review will be a look back at that experience.
If you’d like to know more about this saw, like the specs, weight, or warranty details…. Visit TBB.com and read the article.
Power to Size Ratio
One of the most impressive attributes of the Stihl MSA220C-B cordless chainsaw is the runtime and power available from such a compact package.
The Stihl is shorter, slimmer, and lighter than many other saws in this category but still cuts like crazy.
With the large 7.2 Ah battery inserted, the saw weighs in at about 10.4 pounds.
Because the power-head portion of the saw is so compact, the weight feels balanced.
In the picture above, the Stihl is lined up against the new DCS-5000 56V chainsaw from Echo. The Echo will be featured in its own stand-alone review soon.[/caption]
Cutting Performance
This Stihl saw is not a replacement for a large bore saw for heavy cutting tasks.
It is likely in the ballpark of 35-45cc gas sawmin terms of performance.
The low-profile Stihl 3/8" PICCO chain is typically reserved for top-handle arborist saws for climbing and trimming.
However, the Stihl battery saw produces an incredible torque band.
It will chew through wood that would normally be way out of bounds for a comparable battery saw.
Additionally, it shines when cutting wood that is sub 12" in diameter.
Wes cut a variety of hardwood species here in the Northeast and the MSA220C excels in all of them.
Conversely, as we discussed in the H2H article, the Stihl MSA220C-B cordless chainsaw will stall out when pushed too hard.
Whether we are discussing chainsaws or circular saws, battery saws will stall out when pushed too hard into the material.
This is often a design feature to prevent burning out motors and batteries.
The Stihl is no different. When making cuts to the full length of the bar, it is easy to stall out.
For this reason, Wes do not like it as a felling saw.
When making the back cut on a tree, the last thing you want is the chain stalling out or if you’ll have enough power to make it through the cut safely.
Tool Free Adjustments
The MSA22C-B features a tool-free adjustment mechanism for chain tension as well as securing the bar.
Instead of bar nuts, there is a folding adjustment lever on the clutch cover.
This lever turns to tighten or loosen the tension on the bar.
Above it, is a rotary cog wheel for setting chain tension.
Initially, we thought this was gimmicky. However, after 2 years it has held up exceptionally well.
Wes has never had a chain slack out or a bar come loose.
He also has not broken the lever regardless of how hard he’s cranked down on it.
The only criticism I have is that after heavy use the chain tensioner wheel may become gummed up from fine sawdust and oil.
This makes it difficult to adjust. Wes has found that removing the cover plate and cleaning it out with a brush alleviates this.
He also noted that the cover plate must also be loosened considerably to let the tensioner spin easily.
Overall Impression of the Stihl MSA220C-B Cordless Chainsaw
Since first using it in 2020, the Stihl MSA220C-B has become one of the benchmarks for how TBB evaluate cordless chainsaws.
It is compact, ergonomic, and powerful.
It has become Wes’s constant woods companions for processing firewood or doing storm cleanups.
Furthermore, a lightweight and portable saw like the MSA220C-B excels as a bucket or climbing saw for smaller-diameter takedowns and limb work.
An arborist friend of ours uses an MSA220C-B in conjunction with his chipper.
The ability to grab it and go with the flick of a switch is invaluable when trying to work efficiently.
#STIHL #MSA220 #chainsaw #Cordlesschainsaw @stihlusa
Пікірлер: 46
Love these look backs!!! Can never tell the reliability of a tool until father time takes a look at it.
Very good concise video. Really appreciate “look back” videos of all type. So close to getting a battery operated chainsaw but still a little concerned on battery life. I’ve heard where it will last for several hour but not clear on how hard it’s used?? I believe their large battery is approximately $150? You were very clear it isn’t a felling saw except for small trees and I appreciate. From what I’ve heard it cut’s well but at its own pace? Putting too much pressure will make it stall out…please confirm. Battery equipment seems to be the future and if they can increase power and battery life or at least lower battery cost the market will explode! Thanks again for staying on topic and not throwing in extra minutes of worthless babble! 👍
Great review and helped convince me I made the right decision yesterday when I had an immediate need to cut up a 25 foot long 12-16 inch diameter branch that fell from a black locust tree and was blocking our neighborhood street. The California atmospheric rivers and high winds are doing all sorts of crazy things to trees in the area. I have a Stihl Farm-boss for work on a property up in the Sierra Nevadas (5000 foot elevation) but down in the Bay Area neighborhood where I live, gas powered saws cannot be sold. This saw’s performance was shockingly good. I was skeptical but given the noise/air quality ordinance - I had little choice. I felt backed into a corner - but paid the extra $ and jumped in. Given your video and my experience, this was a great option for me and I hope to run it for many years.
Great follow up. I bought the Makita 36 volt (2-18 volts batteries) and it has been my go to trim saw. As you said, it's not a replacement for my Stihl MS261 Pro saw for felling & firewood use, but I LOVE the Makita for showing on my tractor and doing clearing tasks on farm. I agree: about 10" trees are the max (red oak) for cutting down. Main reason I bought the I bought the Makita: I am heavily invested in the Makita system. (multiple larger carpentry & landscape tools, 18 batteries). I've been pretty hard on my saw & had zero issues. I did buy a spare bar & several chains so I could keep going, still on my original bar.. The 1/4" pitch chains do wear down from filing a bit quicker, but do cut very well. (Get the Stihl sharpener that does both file cuts at one time- a BIG no brainer and very fast to sharpen with...) Still (pun intended), I would have been happy with the Stihl or one of the other top saws. Just keep oil & a sharp chain & you are good to go. Thanks again Rob, your reviews and professionalism are much appreciated.
@sirvozelo1
Жыл бұрын
Last year my midle brother have some old oaks to trim down and our yong brother come over to help, sense he is yonger he goes up on the trees, I have my Stihl 161T he takes it up after trimming 2 tree's he want to try is brand new makita that his daugther and her boyfriend had offered to him so he unbox and monted it. I not remember what Makita model it was but it was comparable with my Stihl in size and power. Next tree he use the Makita but after come down and on the next tree he take back the Stihl acording to him it feels beter and better balanced to work high up in a tree. Stil in his case the Makita was a better deal because he is a builder contractor and use the same batteries he have for drills and other Makita tools he have.
4:08 when I bought my gas Stihl saw years back, the dealer had told me they see more saws in for service that have the knob than the bar nuts. At that time it was a high warranty feature
Really appreciate the long term review
Superb presentation. Really impressive authority about your subject, thanks.
Great video Rob! Love the look backs! I’m currently using the Milwaukee M18, 16” chain saw and it has worked great other than the chain tension gets loose quite a bit. I’ll definitely consider the Stihl chainsaws in the future. Thanks again.
@miked8227
Жыл бұрын
I agree the m18 has a tendency to loosen up fast and derails the chain if you don’t stay on top of it.
I’m currently using the MSA200C and I’m finding the chain is only lasting a month at most. Keep watching the tension and making sure it’s oiled but i feel I’m changing out blades way too often and it’s made me start looking to others like Milwaukees new chainsaw due to the battery platform I already use. I love the battery life and longevity. I also cut wood poles maybe a limb or too but mainly topping poles. Loved the video thanks for any help or advice you or the community may have.
Can't wait to see your video on the msa300! 😎👌👍
Great Video, and again love this channel
Seams like a cleaner option to keep in the hunting rig so I wouldn’t have to keep up with gas and the smells. Probably stick with my gas saw for work around the property.
Good review, but a lot depends upon the type of wood (hardness). Lots of oak trees in Minnesota. Oak is a hard wood. Also, the state of dryness impacts cutting. Electric seems like a good way to go for ease of starting and winter maintenance. However, the price of the machine and battery is higher than gas chainsaws.
Thanks buddy
Has I have said I have those Stihl 3 models MSA 220 C, 161T and MSA300, comparing the 220 C with MSA300 is like comparing a Ford Fiesta with a Mustang GT, still I not meaning their is no use for the 220 C, but i sugest anyone before buy the 220 C to take a look at the MSA300. In regard to the 161T is my joy work horse, for me is a must have, i have it about 2 years with a 30cm bar, have used and abused it way beyond manufacturers recommendation and never fail, The MSA 300 sure feels like a professional and powerful machine the down side is even with biger battery the AP500S if used in full power mode the battery time is kind short, I wish STIHL be able to come up with a better battery because the saw absolutely deserve a last longer battery.
I'm a Greenworks fan. I have the 80v 18inch and the 40v 14 inch, and they perform excellent. The 80v is a favorite amongst family and friends. But the 40v is a crowd pleaser as well for it's light weight and cutting performance.
@t0fast
Ай бұрын
Crowd pleaser? Favorite amongst friends and family? For Chinese shitty tools? You either live in California or outside of the US.
Amazing👍👍👍
I was going to get this Stihl MSA 220 but now Stihl has the Top Handle MSA 220 but I only see it in Europe and not in the U.S. yet
Great video. How's the MSA 200 compare to the MSA 220? 3/8 vs 1/4 inch chain the main difference? Does the 200 run longer on the same battery because of less friction?
I use to have a 40cm bar like that on the video in mine 220C, now I change for the 35cm Light 04 and at first feel kind weird but then i begin to got the impression the saw was faster and the battery last a little longer so I am keeping it. In the case of a ticker log I use the MSA300 with a 45cm bar.
I have the MSA 220 C for about 2 years and yes I have used it quite a lot never have any problem however I also have the 161T and the MSA300 this two feels much professional. I realy not like much the bar atchment sistem, but in over all i am happy, if was possible to install the bar attachement like in the MSA 300 I with do it.
Stihl Now Presenting the MSA 300 a MS401 replacement. Some say as good if not better than the MS601. You review it!
@ConcordCarpenter
Жыл бұрын
were reviewing it soon - saw it at the Equipment Expo a few months back
i really hope the sales on chainsaws has increased due to the popularity of chainsawman
stihl allway has been premium but i like my makita 36v has lasted well.
My wife and I own a small orchard. It's really her passion project so she spends.most time limbing and pruning. How do you feel this would perform for her as a replacement for an ego esaw? We already have a husky professional polesaw and a Stihl ms362c. Thanks!
Only good for pine, doesn’t like hard wood like we have over here in Australia. Great review fellas.
is this available in mumbai India
Not enough torque... Would be better if it reved a little slower and have more torque in exchange. I own one for more than two years. 300 batteries are too small. You have to stick with the original very short nano bar. The one we see on your video is too large. The MSA300 with 500 batteries does fix that.
Interested in cordless (battery) 12" chainsaw. How much, in Phillipines?
why there no one selling a battery stihl chainsaw here in the Philippines?
@odisdenney690
Жыл бұрын
I would say the power converter issue. I just delivered my brother in law a Stihl MS661 with a 42 inch bar {gas of course} in the Philippines
STIHL MSA 300......still waiting Stihl....
How much is Stihl cordless chainsaw, 12"?
I would like to convert to a battery powered chainsaw cause I just use it here around around the place but the problem is I have a MS 170 and I just can’t justify going and spending five $600 for Saul and charging system to convert from from gas to electric I wish Steel would offer some type of program where we could try it and see how we like it because I would like to try one of their battery powered lawnmowers Grayson Peace
Try makita xgt saw
Leaks a lot of oil
I have had a MSA 220C (with two AP 300S BATTERIES) saw for 2 years. It has been a constant disappointment. I have never had a charge on a battery last more than 12 minutes of cutting. The company replaced my original saw and both batteries. No improvement. Now the oiler has quit. I have always liked the gas STIHL saws I have had in the past. I am disgusted!
Battery power isn't there yet. Maybe in another 5 years or so.
@grantdeisig1360
Жыл бұрын
Have you not used a newer saw with the 21700 cells in the battery packs? They are extremely powerful. I think to say "Battery power isn't there yet" really depends on your use case. Out in the woods? Yeah your probably right, but around home, I would have to disagree. However my father has given up gas saws in favor of the 80v Greenworks for out at his cabin. He's getting up there in age and just loves the simplicity of the electric saw and the performance it provides. My brother has a Stihl MS251c, and in a head to head cutting a 14" maple, the Greenworks wins everytime. But yes it does eat the battery up faster than a tank of fuel, but if you have a charger laying around, it's capabl;e of charging to full in 30 minutes (with the 2ah battery). So if you have two batteries, and a way to charge them, it's really a never ending cycle.
@N1rOx
Жыл бұрын
He mentions twice in the video that the saw is not a replacement to a large gas saw and yet he'd still get comments about it. 1 Hour after video release and you've already proven him right lmao.
Sorry but those hands are not hands of a true worker!
Horrible tools. 2 stroke all the way