The STIHL MS 151 C-E petrol chainsaw is an exceptionally light rear-handle saw for pruning, snedding, hedge-laying and cutting smaller limbs. Its compact size and precise 1/4″ P cutting system make it particularly useful where manoeuvrability and accurate control are more important than the high output required for large-volume firewood work.
The 23.6 cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine produces 1.10 kW / 1.50 hp, while the powerhead weighs only 2.8 kg without fuel, guide bar or chain. STIHL ErgoStart and the manual fuel pump make starting easier, especially after the saw has been stored or the fuel tank has run dry.
This listing is for the current UK 25 cm / 10-inch configuration, part number 11462000054.
STIHL MS 151 C-E at a glance
- STIHL’s lightest rear-handle petrol chainsaw
- 23.6 cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine
- 1.10 kW / 1.50 hp output
- 25 cm / 10-inch guide bar
- 1/4″ P Picco Micro 3 saw chain
- 2.8 kg powerhead weight without fuel, guide bar or chain
- STIHL ErgoStart
- Manual fuel pump
- Side-mounted chain tensioning
- STIHL anti-vibration system
- Carburettor compensator
- Tool-free fuel and chain-oil caps
- 200 ml fuel tank and 150 ml chain-oil tank
Who is the STIHL MS 151 C-E suitable for?
The MS 151 C-E is best suited to users who need a very light conventional chainsaw for controlled cutting rather than a larger general-purpose firewood saw.
Typical applications include:
- Pruning suitable branches from ground level
- Snedding and removing small side branches
- Hedge-laying and maintaining established woody hedges
- Orchard and fruit-tree maintenance
- Cutting smaller limbs and garden timber
- Light firewood preparation
- Detailed timber work where a compact cutting attachment is useful
It is suitable for experienced domestic users, landscapers, estate workers, orchard owners and professionals who value minimum weight and precise control.
The MS 151 C-E is not the best choice for regularly processing large logs or felling substantial trees. For more general firewood and property-maintenance work, consider the STIHL MS 172.
Rear-handle design: not a top-handle chainsaw
The MS 151 C-E has a conventional rear handle and is designed to be controlled with both hands during ground-based work.
It must not be confused with the STIHL MS 151 TC-E. The TC-E is a specialist top-handle arborist chainsaw intended for trained professional tree-care users.
The MS 151 C-E should therefore not be assigned to the Top Handle Saws category.
25 cm / 10-inch cutting attachment
The current UK MS 151 C-E is supplied with a 25 cm / 10-inch guide bar. The short cutting attachment helps keep the complete machine light and manoeuvrable when pruning, hedge-laying and working around closely spaced branches.
The fitted 1/4″ P Picco Micro 3 chain has a narrow cutting kerf that makes efficient use of the compact engine’s output and provides a clean, controlled cutting action.
Replacement chains must match the bar length, pitch, gauge and drive-link count shown on the guide bar. Check these markings or contact Masseys before ordering replacement cutting equipment.
STIHL ErgoStart
STIHL ErgoStart reduces the effort and speed required when pulling the starter cord. An additional spring between the starter mechanism and crankshaft allows the engine to start from a smoother, more controlled pull.
This is particularly useful on a lightweight saw that may be stopped and restarted frequently while moving between pruning or hedge-laying tasks.
Manual fuel pump
The manual fuel pump helps draw fuel into the carburettor before starting. Pressing the pump several times reduces the number of starter pulls required, particularly after a longer period of storage or when the fuel tank has been run empty.
Side-mounted chain tensioning
The MS 151 C-E uses a side-mounted chain-tensioning screw. This allows the chain to be adjusted through the side of the sprocket cover while helping keep the operator’s hands away from the sharp chain.
This is not STIHL Quick Chain Tensioning. A suitable combination tool is required when adjusting or replacing the chain.
23.6 cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine
The STIHL 2-MIX engine produces 1.10 kW / 1.50 hp while retaining the compact dimensions and low weight that distinguish the MS 151 C-E.
The engine uses STIHL MotoMix or a fresh 50:1 mixture of suitable petrol and quality two-stroke engine oil. Straight petrol must never be used.
STIHL’s 2-MIX combustion design is intended to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions compared with less advanced conventional two-stroke engine designs. This is more precise than describing a petrol chainsaw broadly as “eco-friendly”.
Anti-vibration system
Spring and buffer elements reduce the amount of engine vibration transmitted to the handles. This helps improve comfort and control during suitable cutting sessions, although correct technique and regular breaks remain essential.
Service-friendly air-filter system
The carburettor compensator helps maintain engine performance, fuel consumption and exhaust quality as the air filter gradually collects dirt. The filter still requires inspection and maintenance in accordance with the operating manual.
The engine shroud is designed to give straightforward access to the air filter for cleaning and routine maintenance.
Tool-free tank caps
The fuel and chain-oil tanks use bayonet-style caps that can be opened and closed without a separate tool.
The two tanks serve different purposes:
- Fuel tank: 200 ml capacity for STIHL MotoMix or a fresh 50:1 petrol and two-stroke oil mixture
- Chain-oil tank: 150 ml capacity for suitable chainsaw bar and chain lubricant
Refill the chain-oil tank whenever the saw is refuelled and confirm that the chain is receiving lubricant before cutting.
STIHL MS 151 C-E technical specification
| Model | STIHL MS 151 C-E |
|---|---|
| Product type | Lightweight rear-handle petrol chainsaw |
| Engine | STIHL 2-MIX two-stroke petrol engine |
| Displacement | 23.6 cm³ |
| Power output | 1.10 kW / 1.50 hp |
| Powerhead weight | 2.8 kg without fuel, guide bar or saw chain |
| Guide-bar length | 25 cm / 10 inches |
| Saw chain | 1/4″ P Picco Micro 3 |
| Starting system | STIHL ErgoStart with manual fuel pump |
| Chain adjustment | Side-mounted chain tensioning |
| Fuel-tank capacity | 200 ml / 0.20 litres |
| Chain-oil capacity | 150 ml / 0.15 litres |
| Fuel | 50:1 petrol and suitable two-stroke oil mixture, or STIHL MotoMix |
| Manufacturer part number | 11462000054 |
Specifications checked against current STIHL UK product information and the MS 151 C instruction manual. Confirm the guide-bar markings and cutting-attachment details before ordering replacement parts.
How does the MS 151 C-E compare?
| Model | Best suited to | Main reason to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| STIHL MS 151 C-E | Pruning, hedge-laying, snedding and smaller limbs | Exceptionally low 2.8 kg powerhead weight and precise 10-inch cutting attachment |
| STIHL MS 162 | Occasional domestic firewood and general garden work | Lower purchase price and more conventional homeowner positioning |
| STIHL MS 172 | Regular domestic firewood and property maintenance | Greater engine output for more general-purpose cutting |
| STIHL MSA 60 C-B | Customers who prefer cordless operation | No petrol mixing, lower noise and simple push-button starting |
Browse the full STIHL petrol chainsaw range for larger or more general-purpose alternatives.
What is included?
- 1 × STIHL MS 151 C-E petrol chainsaw
- 1 × 25 cm / 10-inch guide bar
- 1 × matching STIHL 1/4″ P PM3 saw chain
- 1 × guide-bar scabbard
- 1 × combination tool
- Operating and safety instructions
Fuel, two-stroke engine oil, chain oil and protective equipment are not included unless explicitly stated in a separate package.
What else will you need?
- STIHL two-stroke engine oil or suitable premixed fuel
- Chainsaw chain oil
- A correctly matched 25 cm replacement chain
- Suitable chain-sharpening equipment
- Chainsaw helmet with face and hearing protection
- Chainsaw protective gloves
- Chainsaw trousers and safety boots appropriate to the work
Browse our complete chainsaw accessories range.
Masseys recommendation
The MS 151 C-E is a specialist lightweight choice rather than a conventional entry-level firewood saw. Its main advantage is its extremely low powerhead weight, which makes it easier to position accurately during pruning, orchard maintenance, hedge-laying and similar controlled work.
Choose it when low weight and precision are more important than outright cutting output. For regular log processing or larger garden timber, the MS 172 is likely to be a more appropriate and cost-effective choice.
Do not confuse the MS 151 C-E with the MS 151 TC-E. The C-E is a rear-handle saw for normal two-handed ground use; the TC-E is a restricted professional top-handle arborist model.
Why buy from Masseys?
Masseys is an authorised STIHL dealer based in Woodville, near Swadlincote. Our garden-machinery team can help confirm whether the lightweight MS 151 C-E is right for your work or whether a more conventional firewood saw would be a better choice.
- Genuine UK STIHL machinery
- Authorised manufacturer warranty support
- Chainsaw assembled and checked before handover
- Advice on replacement bars and chains
- Fuel, oil, sharpening equipment and PPE available
- In-house machinery servicing and repairs
- Collection from our Woodville store
- Local delivery options across many surrounding areas
For workshop and aftersales support, visit our garden machinery servicing and repairs department.
Chainsaw safety
Chainsaws are high-speed cutting tools capable of causing serious injury. Read the full STIHL operating manual before use and obtain appropriate practical instruction if you are not experienced with petrol chainsaws.
Wear suitable chainsaw leg protection, safety boots, gloves and appropriate head, face, eye and hearing protection. Keep other people and animals away from the work area.
Do not use a chainsaw from a ladder, above shoulder height or where the timber and escape route cannot be safely controlled. Tree work beyond your competence should be referred to an appropriately trained professional.
Frequently asked questions
Is the STIHL MS 151 C-E a top-handle chainsaw?
No. The MS 151 C-E is a conventional rear-handle chainsaw. The MS 151 TC-E is the separate specialist top-handle version intended for trained arborists.
What size bar does the MS 151 C-E use?
This listing is for the current UK model with a 25 cm / 10-inch guide bar. The page should not describe the supplied product as a 12-inch chainsaw.
How much does the MS 151 C-E weigh?
The powerhead weighs 2.8 kg without fuel, guide bar or saw chain. Its complete operating weight is higher once the cutting attachment, fuel and chain oil are added.
Does the MS 151 C-E have tool-free chain tensioning?
No. It has a side-mounted chain-tensioning screw and requires the correct combination tool. Tool-free Quick Chain Tensioning is identified by a B in compatible STIHL model names.
What does C-E mean?
C identifies a STIHL Comfort model and E identifies STIHL ErgoStart. ErgoStart reduces the effort and starter-rope speed required to start the engine.
What is the MS 151 C-E best used for?
It is best suited to pruning, snedding, hedge-laying, orchard maintenance and cutting smaller limbs where low weight and precise control are important.
Is the MS 151 C-E suitable for cutting firewood?
It can cut smaller firewood, but its principal strength is low-weight precision work. For regular processing of larger logs, an MS 162 or MS 172 may be more appropriate.
What fuel does it use?
Use STIHL MotoMix or a fresh 50:1 mixture of suitable petrol and quality two-stroke engine oil. Never use straight petrol.
Does it require chain oil?
Yes. Suitable chainsaw chain oil must be added to the separate 150 ml oil tank before use.
Which replacement chain does it use?
It uses a 1/4″ P Picco Micro 3 cutting system. Confirm the gauge and drive-link count shown on the guide bar before ordering a replacement.
Does Masseys assemble the chainsaw?
Yes. Masseys assembles and checks STIHL petrol chainsaws before collection or eligible local delivery.
Can Masseys service the MS 151 C-E?
Yes. Our workshop can provide servicing, repairs, chain maintenance and genuine replacement-parts support for the machinery brands we supply.
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