Description
Professional cordless pruning with the STIHL GTA 40
The STIHL GTA 40 is a compact professional battery pruning saw designed for tree and shrub care, horticulture, landscaping and cutting timber or wood-based materials on construction sites.
It combines a 15 cm guide bar with a fast-cutting ¼-inch Picco Micro 3 saw chain, variable chain speed and automatic chain lubrication. Its compact shape makes it easier to manoeuvre between branches and around confined working areas than a conventional full-size chainsaw.
Important: the GTA 40 is designed for two-handed operation. It requires two STIHL AS 2 batteries and cannot operate with only one battery.
The machine is part of Masseys’ wider range of STIHL cordless garden machinery, with tool-only and complete battery-set options available.
Key features of the STIHL GTA 40
- Professional cordless pruning saw
- Designed for two-handed operation
- Requires 2 × STIHL AS 2 batteries
- 22 V rated operating voltage
- 0.41 kW mechanical power
- 15 cm / 6-inch Light guide bar
- ¼-inch P Picco Micro 3 saw chain
- 1.1 mm chain gauge and 38 drive links
- Variable chain speed for controlled cutting
- Automatic guide-bar and chain lubrication
- Tool-free chain-oil tank cap
- Side-mounted chain tensioning
- Captive sprocket-cover nut
- EC motor with Constant Power electronics
- LED battery charge-level indicator
- Soft rubberised rear handle and upper grip
- Controls suitable for right- and left-handed users
- Attachment ring for professional work
- IPX4-rated splashwater protection
- Up to approximately 50 minutes’ working time
- Up to approximately 240 cuts through 5 × 5 cm timber
What is the STIHL GTA 40 designed for?
The GTA 40 is STIHL’s first dedicated battery-powered pruner designed specifically for professional users.
Typical applications include:
- Tree and shrub maintenance
- Corrective pruning and crown reduction
- Professional horticulture
- Garden and landscape maintenance
- Cutting woody garden material
- Processing timber and wood-based materials
- Construction and roofing work
- Ground-based professional tree work
- Aerial pruning by appropriately trained arborists
Its compact design is useful where a full-size chainsaw would be unnecessarily large, but a domestic pruning tool would not provide the required durability, control or cutting capacity.
Designed for two-handed use
The GTA 40 must not be described or treated as a one-handed mini chainsaw.
The machine has a rubberised rear control handle and a separate upper grip. Both are intended to be held during operation to maintain control of the guide bar and chain.
The claw-shaped deflector above the cutting attachment helps separate the upper gripping area from the guide bar and chain.
Controls are positioned on both sides of the machine, allowing it to be operated comfortably by right- or left-handed users while maintaining a secure two-handed grip.
Aerial use is restricted to trained arborists. Other users should operate the GTA 40 only from a secure position on the ground and in accordance with the STIHL operating instructions.
Two AS 2 batteries are required
The GTA 40 uses two STIHL AS 2 batteries at the same time.
Both batteries discharge in parallel to supply the machine. The GTA 40 cannot start or operate with only one AS 2 battery fitted.
This differs from smaller AS System tools such as the GTA 26, which operate from a single battery.
When purchasing the tool-only version, you must already own two compatible AS 2 batteries and a suitable STIHL AS System charger.
Battery working time and cutting capacity
With two fully charged AS 2 batteries, STIHL publishes a maximum working time of approximately 50 minutes.
In STIHL’s standard workload test, the GTA 40 can complete up to approximately 240 cuts through 5 × 5 cm square timber.
The actual working time and number of cuts will vary according to:
- Timber diameter
- Wood species and hardness
- Whether the material is wet, green or dry
- Chain sharpness
- Chain tension
- Guide-bar lubrication
- Battery condition and temperature
- Cutting technique
- Use of full or reduced chain speed
The published 240-cut figure should therefore be treated as an indicative maximum rather than a guaranteed result for every material.
15 cm guide bar and Picco Micro 3 chain
The GTA 40 uses a 15 cm / 6-inch STIHL Light guide bar.
The short guide bar helps the machine remain manoeuvrable when working between closely spaced branches, in tree canopies or around construction timbers.
Its cutting attachment consists of:
- 15 cm / 6-inch Light guide bar
- ¼-inch P Picco Micro 3 chain
- 1.1 mm drive-link gauge
- 38 drive links
The narrow-kerf PM3 chain is designed to provide clean and efficient cutting from a compact battery-powered tool.
Replacement chains are available through Masseys’ chainsaw chain range. Contact us before ordering if you need help confirming the correct chain or guide bar.
Variable chain speed
The trigger provides variable control over chain speed rather than operating only at one fixed speed.
This allows the user to:
- Start a cut at a controlled speed
- Increase chain speed once the bar is correctly positioned
- Adapt the cutting speed to the material
- Maintain greater control in confined areas
- Reduce unnecessary full-speed operation
The variable-speed system is particularly useful during professional pruning work where accurate positioning is as important as outright cutting speed.
Automatic chain lubrication
The GTA 40 automatically lubricates its guide bar and chain during operation.
This is a significant difference from some smaller domestic pruning saws that require oil to be applied manually.
The machine has a built-in oil tank with a tool-free bayonet cap, allowing the oil level to be replenished without a separate cap tool.
Chain oil is required but is not supplied with the machine. Add suitable STIHL chain oil before the first use.
Operating with insufficient oil can cause rapid wear to the guide bar and chain and may damage the cutting attachment.
Side-mounted chain tensioning
The saw chain is adjusted using the side-mounted tensioning screw.
This position makes the adjustment point easier to access while keeping it protected behind the sprocket-cover area.
The sprocket-cover nut is captive, helping prevent it from being dropped or lost when the cover is removed for cleaning or chain replacement.
Chain tension should be checked before work, after fitting a new chain and periodically during longer cutting sessions.
EC motor and Constant Power
The GTA 40 uses a compact, efficient EC motor designed for professional battery-powered operation.
STIHL Constant Power electronics help maintain consistent output as the batteries discharge, rather than allowing cutting performance to steadily fade with the battery charge level.
The system may still regulate the tool if it becomes excessively hot, overloaded or subject to unsuitable working conditions.
LED battery indicator
An LED charge-level display is positioned on the top of the machine where it can be checked without removing the batteries.
The displayed capacity is governed by the lower-charged of the two batteries. For best performance, start work with two similarly charged AS 2 batteries.
Tool-only and complete-set options
The STIHL GTA 40 is available from Masseys in two configurations.
GTA 40 tool only
The tool-only option includes:
- STIHL GTA 40 cordless pruner
- 15 cm Light guide bar
- ¼-inch P Picco Micro 3 saw chain
- Attachment ring
- Guide-bar scabbard
- Operating and safety information
The tool-only version does not include batteries, a charger or chain oil.
You will need two AS 2 batteries before the tool can be used.
GTA 40 set with batteries and charger
The complete set includes:
- STIHL GTA 40 cordless pruner
- 2 × STIHL AS 2 batteries
- STIHL AL 5-2 high-speed double charger
- 15 cm Light guide bar
- ¼-inch P Picco Micro 3 saw chain
- Attachment ring
- Guide-bar scabbard
- Operating and safety information
Please check the selected variation and listed package contents before ordering.
Chain oil must be purchased separately.
AL 5-2 high-speed double charger
The complete set uses the STIHL AL 5-2 high-speed charger.
It charges two AS 2 batteries simultaneously and can bring both batteries to full charge in approximately 50 minutes.
The charger includes:
- Two AS System charging slots
- Individual LED charging indicators
- Velcro cable-management strap
- Provision for wall mounting
Users completing regular professional work may benefit from a second pair of AS 2 batteries so one pair can charge while the other is in use.
IPX4 splashwater protection
The GTA 40 and compatible AS 2 batteries are IPX4 rated.
This means the system has been tested for protection against splashwater from different directions and is designed for professional outdoor use in changeable conditions.
IPX4 does not mean that the machine can be submerged, pressure washed or stored wet. Follow the operating instructions for cleaning, drying and battery storage.
Attachment ring and professional aerial work
An attachment ring is supplied for securing the GTA 40 during appropriately managed professional work.
The machine has attachment points on both sides, allowing the ring to be configured according to the user and working position.
A dedicated GTA 40 holster is also available from STIHL for use with the compatible ADVANCE X-FLEX belt system.
The GTA 40 is only certified for aerial use by trained arborists. Ownership of the product alone does not make aerial chainsaw or pruning work safe or appropriate.
STIHL GTA 26 vs GTA 30 vs GTA 40
The GTA models serve different users and workloads.
| Model | Best suited to | Guide bar | Batteries | Published workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STIHL GTA 26 | Occasional domestic pruning and reducing garden waste | 10 cm | 1 × AS 2 | Up to approximately 70 cuts in 4 cm branches |
| STIHL GTA 30 | Frequent domestic pruning and larger garden work | 15 cm | 2 × AS 2 | Up to approximately 180 cuts in 4 cm branches |
| STIHL GTA 40 | Professional tree care, landscaping, horticulture and construction work | 15 cm | 2 × AS 2 | Up to approximately 240 cuts in 5 × 5 cm timber |
The published cutting tests use different materials and should not be treated as a direct laboratory comparison. They do, however, demonstrate the different intended workloads.
Choose the GTA 26 when:
- You need a compact tool for occasional garden pruning
- Low weight and simplicity are the main priorities
- You already own one AS 2 battery
- You do not require automatic chain lubrication
Choose the GTA 30 when:
- You need more capacity than the GTA 26
- The work is primarily domestic
- You want a 15 cm guide bar
- You regularly prune trees or reduce garden waste
Choose the GTA 40 when:
- The tool will be used professionally
- You need automatic chain lubrication
- You require variable chain speed
- IPX4 splashwater protection is important
- You need attachment points for professional work
- You regularly work in horticulture, landscaping or construction
Is the GTA 40 a replacement for a full-size chainsaw?
The GTA 40 can prune substantial branches and process smaller pieces of wood, but its compact 15 cm guide bar means it is not intended to replace every type of chainsaw.
Choose a conventional chainsaw when you need to:
- Process larger volumes of firewood
- Cut logs substantially longer than the GTA 40 guide bar
- Carry out suitable ground-based felling work
- Complete heavier forestry or timber-processing tasks
For regular domestic firewood preparation, compare the STIHL MSA 70 cordless chainsaw or browse the wider range of cordless chainsaws.
Professional arborists requiring a conventional top-handle saw should compare the dedicated top-handle chainsaw range. These machines require appropriate professional training and are not interchangeable with the GTA 40.
Technical specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | STIHL GTA 40 |
| Product type | Professional two-handed cordless pruning saw |
| Battery system | STIHL AS System |
| Required batteries | 2 × STIHL AS 2 |
| Can it operate with one battery? | No |
| Rated voltage | 22 V |
| Maximum voltage | 24 V |
| Mechanical power | 0.41 kW |
| Guide-bar length | 15 cm / 6 inches |
| Saw chain | ¼-inch P Picco Micro 3 |
| Chain gauge | 1.1 mm / .043 inch |
| Drive links | 38 |
| Chain-speed control | Variable trigger control |
| Chain lubrication | Automatic |
| Chain-oil cap | Tool-free bayonet cap |
| Chain tensioning | Side mounted |
| Motor | EC motor with Constant Power |
| Maximum published working time | Up to approximately 50 minutes |
| Published cutting workload | Up to approximately 240 cuts through 5 × 5 cm timber |
| Charging time | Approximately 50 minutes for 2 × AS 2 with AL 5-2 |
| Weather protection | IPX4 splashwater protection |
| Operating grip | Two handed |
| Aerial use | Only by trained arborists |
| Tool-only part number | GA040116900 |
Safety and protective equipment
The GTA 40 has a moving saw chain and must be treated as a professional cutting tool.
- Read the complete operating and safety instructions before use
- Always maintain a secure two-handed grip
- Wear appropriate eye and hearing protection
- Use suitable protective clothing and footwear
- Remove both batteries before cleaning, adjustment or maintenance
- Keep other people and animals away from the working area
- Check chain tension and lubrication before use
- Do not work from a ladder
- Do not carry out aerial work unless appropriately trained
- Fit the guide-bar scabbard during transport and storage
Why buy the STIHL GTA 40 from Masseys?
Masseys is a STIHL Authorised Dealer based in Woodville, near Swadlincote.
Buying from Masseys gives you access to:
- Practical product advice before purchasing
- Help comparing the GTA 26, GTA 30 and GTA 40
- Help choosing the correct batteries and charger
- Genuine STIHL products and accessories
- Product assembly and setup support
- Replacement bars, chains and chain oil
- Warranty and after-sales assistance
- An established on-site garden-machinery workshop
- Local collection and delivery options
Our garden machinery servicing and repairs workshop can assist with chain sharpening, replacement cutting attachments, maintenance and warranty support.
For advice about the correct product, battery requirements or package contents, please contact Masseys before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Can the STIHL GTA 40 be used with one hand?
No. The GTA 40 is designed for two-handed operation. One hand should hold the rear control handle and the other should hold the upper grip.
How many batteries does the GTA 40 need?
It requires two STIHL AS 2 batteries. The tool cannot operate with only one battery fitted.
Do both batteries discharge together?
Yes. Both AS 2 batteries discharge in parallel to power the machine.
Does the tool-only version include batteries?
No. The tool-only version does not include batteries or a charger. Two AS 2 batteries are required before the machine can be used.
What is included in the complete set?
The complete Masseys option includes the GTA 40, two AS 2 batteries and an AL 5-2 high-speed double charger, together with the supplied guide bar, saw chain and attachment ring.
Does it include chain oil?
No. Chain oil is required but must be purchased separately.
Does the GTA 40 oil the chain automatically?
Yes. It has an integrated oil tank and automatic guide-bar and chain lubrication.
How long is the guide bar?
The guide bar is 15 cm, equivalent to approximately six inches.
Which chain does it use?
It uses a ¼-inch P Picco Micro 3 chain with a 1.1 mm gauge and 38 drive links.
How long do the batteries last?
STIHL publishes a maximum working time of approximately 50 minutes with two fully charged AS 2 batteries. Actual runtime depends on the material, chain condition, cutting technique and operating conditions.
How many cuts can it make?
STIHL states that the GTA 40 can complete up to approximately 240 cuts through 5 × 5 cm timber under its standard test conditions.
How long do two AS 2 batteries take to charge?
The AL 5-2 high-speed charger can charge two AS 2 batteries simultaneously in approximately 50 minutes.
Can the GTA 40 cut firewood?
It can process smaller timber and branches, but it is primarily a compact professional pruning saw. A conventional chainsaw is more suitable for regular processing of larger firewood.
Can it be used in rain?
The tool and compatible batteries are IPX4 rated for splashwater protection. This does not mean the machine can be submerged, pressure washed or stored wet.
Can it be used in a tree?
The GTA 40 is certified for aerial use only by trained arborists. Other users should operate it from a secure position on the ground.
Is the GTA 40 a top-handle chainsaw?
No. It is a compact professional cordless pruning saw designed for two-handed use. It should not be categorised or treated as a conventional top-handle chainsaw.
What is the difference between the GTA 30 and GTA 40?
Both use two AS 2 batteries and a 15 cm guide bar. The GTA 30 is principally positioned for demanding domestic use, while the GTA 40 is designed for professional tree care, landscaping, horticulture and construction applications. The GTA 40 also provides professional features including variable chain speed, automatic lubrication, IPX4 protection and attachment points for professional work.
