11/30/2019 Well-known manufacturers have been building their image for years, improving their products, and raising their ratings in a specific market segment. The German company STIHL is a world-famous manufacturer of power tools. Chainsaws from this company are known for such technical features as:
- high power, maneuverability and cutting ability;
- special anti-vibration system - thanks to a precisely calculated buffer zone, the effect of minimal vibration is achieved;
- special protection and safety system - based on an additional braking system, which ensures the saw chain stops in a second;
- convenient adjustment - the unit is thought out to the smallest detail to ensure comfortable work for the operator;
- smooth running is an exceptional feature of the device;
- high-quality components and assembly;
- long service life.
It is not surprising that counterfeits have appeared on the world market for power tools. Counterfeit units often imitate the external characteristics of original STIHL devices, but the quality of work, reliability, safety, productivity and other characteristics of “left-handed” equipment do not coincide with the characteristics of real Shtil.
Package
It is difficult to distinguish the packaging, since the level of printing is high. Counterfeit saws are packaged in exact copies of the original boxes. You can distinguish them by the information plate attached. If there are several saws in front of you, compare these plates and the numbers on them. At a minimum they should be different. Each number is unique.
Please note that there is a unique serial number on the box. All saws are manufactured in factories in China.
The inscription Made by Stihl in China is not an indicator of a fake. Saws are produced in factories in China, under the leadership and supervision of the Germans.
There is one visual difference between a fake Stihl saw box and the original one - the fake does not have a pronounced white stripe around the logo and along the entire length of the box.
The quality of the Chinese-made Shtil chainsaw: is there any difference from the German one?
When it comes to the reputation of a company whose products are used almost all over the world, it is difficult to believe that management will decide to deliberately deteriorate quality characteristics. Just 7-10 years ago, the inscription “Made in China” forced you to put the saw back on the store shelf. And this was the right decision, because there could be no talk of any quality at that time.
The build quality of Chinese Stihl saws is practically no different from German ones. This is due to strict adherence to production technology and meticulous output control.
On the crankcase of Chinese chainsaws, as well as on German ones, there is a small stamp “TR” or the letters “QC” are applied, indicating that factory tests have been carried out (Test Run) or confirming quality control (Quality Control).
Differences in components
The original kit never includes a canister. If you find a plastic canister, it’s a fake.
The packaging of the chain is similar, the differences are in the markings on the chain itself. The original product contains the company logo. It is missing on the fake.
The original protective case also has the Stihl logo. The fake does not have a logo and the shape of the case is different.
The original tire has no holes near the driven sprocket. The counterfeit is revealed by obvious holes for lubrication of the sprocket.
The only tools included with the original Stihl saw are a screwdriver and a spark plug wrench, which also has the company’s engraving on it. The fake is equipped with an expanded set of tools and placed in a special case.
Where to find the German Stihl chainsaw
Today, you can buy a chainsaw of this brand in every construction hypermarket. At the same time, the model range will be quite large, since the tool is in demand. These chainsaws can be purchased a little cheaper in online stores. True, there is a high probability that it will be a saw made in China.
“Pureblood” Shtil, with the coveted inscription “Made in Germany,” can be purchased only from official representatives of the company.
Appearance
The original saw is screwed together with star screws. 90% of fakes are either flat or Phillips screwdrivers.
There is a logo on the tank cover. There is no logo on the fake. Also look at the logo on the screws on the back of the tank.
On the muffler/tire side, the original must have an identification plate with a serial number, which must match the number on the box. A counterfeit sign either does not have a sign or is of poor quality and it is clear that over time the inscription will be erased.
The product number is engraved on the muffler body on the original saw.
Differences in filter elements. Remove the cover covering the filter and compare with the photo:
Every part of the original Stihl Ms saw has an article number, every part is perfect. On fakes, residues from molds are visible, flaws in the casting of plastic, and there are no part numbers on the parts.
Video review of the distinctive features of the original Stihl ms saw:
In the following video, in addition to the differences between the original saw, they show the distinctive features of the chain and bar:
Purpose and technical characteristics
Chainsaws Shtil made in China
Shtil MC 660 is a chainsaw for professionals. Its price immediately makes it clear that it is intended for those who make money with it, because... it is indecently high compared to the price of household chainsaws. But don’t think that Calm 660 is not worth the money that sellers are asking for it. Buyers pay for quality, high power, huge resource, reliability and unpretentiousness.
As of today, Stihl 660 has already been discontinued because... instead, a more modern model Shtil 661 is produced, but the chainsaw can still be purchased from an authorized dealer.
The purpose of this chainsaw is specific, because its power allows you to buck the trunks of large trees and work on mobile sawmills such as “Logosol” or “Murka”.
Below is a video about the use of the 660 model calm in a mobile sawmill.
The saw has a power of 7.1 hp and weighs more than seven kilograms. Due to its large weight and power, this model is not advisable to use for trimming branches or during construction work; it is needed specifically for felling and bucking.
As standard, the chainsaw was supplied without a saw set, which means the buyer has the opportunity to choose the required bar length and chain design.
Equipment
Today, one of the main signs of a fake Stihl MS 170/180 chainsaw is the presence of a special measuring container for fuel in the kit. Original chainsaws are extremely rarely equipped with such a device.
The fake Stihl chainsaw comes with a similar container
In addition, the chainsaw boxes contain:
Tire cover
The original one has the signature “Stihl” inscription;
Original (top) and fake tire cover
On the links of the original chain you can read the inscription “Stihl”, on the fake chain there are no words;
Boxes with cutting chain look the same
The links of the original cutting chain are always marked “Stihl”
Chainsaw tire
The original tire most often comes in a cardboard case . The fake one is in a plastic bag. They are also slightly different in color. The main difference between the tires is the absence of an additional oil supply window for the driven sprocket on the original tire.
There is no additional window on the original tire (top)
In addition, Chinese tires most often have a length of 40-45 cm, while the original Stihl MS 170/180 chainsaws are equipped with tires 30-35 cm .
Specifications
Despite its professional status, the dry weight of the chainsaw is only 5.9 kg. The tool is powered by an economical air-cooled 2 MIX M-Tronik carburetor engine running on a mixture of gasoline and heat-resistant motor oil for two-stroke power units.
At maximum speed, the 59 cm3 engine develops a power of 4.6 hp.
Its design features:
- manual starter with quick start system;
- perfect system for purging and filling the cylinder, effective mixture formation;
- significant reserve of power and torque;
- economical consumption of fuel and lubricants;
- convenient access for routine maintenance.
The carburetor compensator optimizes the quality of the air-fuel emulsion supplied to the combustion chamber. Its presence allows you to significantly increase the time intervals between servicing the air intake filter. The combustible mixture is supplied to the carburetor by gravity from a 600 ml fuel tank.
| Model | Stihl MS 362 |
| Manufacturer | Stihl |
| Production (assembly) | USA |
| Homeland of the brand | Germany |
| Saw class | Household |
| Power, hp (kW) | 4,6 (3,4) |
| Engine volume, cm3 | 59 |
| Chain pitch, inches | 3/8 |
| Chain thickness, mm | 1,6 |
| Fuel tank volume, l | 0,6 |
| Oil tank volume, l | 0,325 |
| Tire length, cm (inches) | 40/45 (16/18) |
| Warranty, years | 1 |
| Weight, kg | 5,9 |
| Instructions | Download |
Review of popular models
Among amateur or farm chainsaw models, the STIHL MS 180 is in high demand. It weighs only 3.9 kg and is very easy to handle. It is used with guide bars 35 and 40 cm long. The engine power of 1.5 kW with a volume of 1.38 cm 3 allows the saw to be used for gardening, harvesting firewood, and cutting building materials. It has ergonomic handles with anti-vibration inserts, an automatic chain lubrication system, and an inertia brake that protects the operator from kickback.
Improved saws are equipped with an easier starting system, a simplified chain tensioning device without the use of additional tools, and an improved tank design.
Another popular household model is the STIHL MS 250, which in its characteristics is close to the semi-professional class. It weighs 4.6 kg, but with an engine volume of 45.4 cm 3 it develops a power of 2.3 kW. The saw is equipped with a 35 or 40 cm bar. It can be used with equal success for trimming dry branches in the garden and for cutting medium-diameter logs. It is equipped with a vibration absorption system and an inertia brake. It has convenient controls, simplified chain tension adjustment, and economical fuel and oil consumption.
First start
Starting a gasoline saw is carried out on a fairly wide area, cleared of debris and foreign objects. The following procedure is recommended:
- activate the chain brake by moving it towards the guide bar;
- press the decompression valve button;
- by pressing the primer cap several times, direct the fuel from the tank to the carburetor;
- move the universal control knob towards the cold start mark;
- pressing the rear handle of the saw with your right foot and holding it by the front handle with your left hand, make several intense movements, pulling the starter handle;
- after several strokes of engine operation, it will spontaneously stall;
- turn the control lever to the middle position;
- by pulling the starter cable, get the engine to start, then immediately press the gas lever to the limit;
- Having returned the brake flap to its normal position, you can begin to work.
When you first start the saw, it should take some time to grind in the rotating parts. Recommendations on the procedure for transitioning to work at maximum loads can be found in the operating instructions. It also sets out the requirements for the mode of use of the tool, which differs for household, semi-professional and professional class models.
Compliance with instructions is the basis for long-term operation of the mechanism
For any more complex tool, such as a 180 windshield chainsaw, instructions are included. Before starting the first launch, you need to study the technical manual. If you already have experience with Druzhba saws, this is even more important. Other configuration, chain tension system, starting conditions and tool adjustment require prior understanding. There are reports on the forum that the sawmill sank the spark plug during the first start - the starter pulled many times, which is necessary:
- Move the rod to its final position;
- Pull the starter slowly - 2 times;
- Pull it fast and hard.
No problem, you need to use up the gasoline to the end, instead of “deoxidizing” in the fuel tank in a few days.
The operating instructions provide a verbal definition of the mark on the body of the tool. There is also a feature of the component, the order in which the 180 chain saw is removed to replace the unit, sharpen the chain.
Regarding the use of high-risk tools, a warning about the safe sequence of work performed will help avoid injury
It is important to check if this is recommended by the manufacturer when changing the chain. Incompatible components may cause failures and are not covered under warranty
Box
The device boxes are completely identical in appearance. But there is a difference in size - the original box is a couple of centimeters longer than the fake one.
In addition, the original box must have a sticker indicating:
- chainsaw models,
- country of origin (China),
- barcode;
- serial number of the device.
The number has nine positions and is assigned separately to each saw.
The original Stihl box (left) must have a sticker with the series number
The presence of this number is mandatory - without it, repairs at the service center are impossible.
How to distinguish original STIHL equipment from counterfeits
Well-known manufacturers have been building their own style for years, making better products, and raising their ratings in a certain market sector. The German company STIHL is a manufacturer of petrol tools with a worldwide reputation. The chainsaws of this company are known for such technical features as:
- highest power, maneuverability and cutting ability;
- special anti-vibration system - thanks to a precisely calculated buffer zone, a low vibration effect is achieved;
- special protection and safety system - based on an additional braking system, which ensures the saw chain stops in a second;
- comfortable adjustment - the unit is thought out down to the smallest detail to ensure comfortable work for the operator;
- smooth running is an exceptional feature of the device;
- high quality components and assembly;
- long service life.
It is logical that counterfeits have appeared on the world market of power tools. Counterfeit units often imitate the external characteristics of unique STIHL devices, but the quality of work, reliability, safety, productivity and other properties of the “left” equipment do not coincide with the features of the real Shtil.
Accessories
If after examining the product there are still doubts about its originality, then you should inspect the components. Often, counterfeiters make a lot of effort to get a very similar fake, but they lose sight of such features as:
STIHL ms 361
You can buy an unusual STIHL chainsaw here
- Easy pressing of the start button due to the complete set with a depression valve.
- Highest precision in lubrication oil supply.
- Four-channel system that increases engine efficiency.
- QuickStop braking system.
- Relatively small weight 5.6 kg.
- Highest price.
- No HD2 filter.
- Noisy operation.
The model is popular among forest harvesters. It is recommended to use for trunks with a diameter of less than 30 cm. Can be used to thin out thickets of plants.
Proportions of oil and gasoline
You can only use gasoline with no more than 10% ethanol, in other words, with the lowest octane number of 90 ROZ.
If you mix it yourself, you can use motor oil for two-stroke STIHL chainsaw engines or other high-performance oil.
Mixing order: first, oil is poured into the canister, then gasoline is added. The mixture is thoroughly mixed. The fuel mixture must not be poured into the chainsaw after 30 days. At the same time, performance properties deteriorate when exposed to high and low temperatures, as well as direct sunlight.
STIHL ms 250
- The QuickStop brake allows you to comfortably stop the saw in a critical situation. Automatic shutdown occurs when there is strong recoil.
- The presence of a primer that determines the supply of fuel to the carburetor manually.
- Fast chain tension function.
- Possibility of operation in winter with preparatory heating by carburetor.
- Noisy work.
- Frequent maintenance requirements.
- No additional filters.
- There is no clear lubrication system.
- Lack of normal access to the fuel tank.
The highest power level ensures long-term performance. Filan is used for gardening operations, preparing firewood, and construction work. It is allowed to cut down trees with a trunk diameter of less than 30 cm.
STIHL ms 180
You can buy an unusual STIHL chainsaw here
- Light weight - 3.9 kg.
- Anti-vibration system.
- The automatic brake independently turns off the device under heavy load.
- One lever control.
- Equipped with a compensator, the purpose of which is to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
- Easy removal of the housing to access the filter.
- Ematic lubrication system.
- Highest noise level during operation.
- No HD2 filter.
The introduction of tools is vital for work in garden and summer cottage areas. The saw is used in construction, repair work, and sawing trees.
Place of purchase
Chainsaws of the STIHL brand of unusual production are sold only from dealers who provide service and consulting support.
