The STIHL MS 201 TC-M petrol chainsaw is STIHL’s highest-performance petrol top-handle saw, developed for trained arborists carrying out professional aerial tree maintenance.
Its 35.2 cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine produces 1.80 kW / 2.40 hp. STIHL M-Tronic electronically manages ignition timing and fuel metering, helping the engine deliver consistent performance while accounting for factors such as temperature, altitude and fuel quality.
The MS 201 TC-M is intended for crown maintenance, aerial pruning, deadwood removal and planned tree dismantling. It is not a domestic chainsaw or an alternative to a conventional rear-handle saw for firewood and ordinary ground-based work.
Professional-use restriction: This specialist top-handle chainsaw should only be supplied to and used by people trained in top-handle chainsaw operation and aerial tree work. Evidence of appropriate competence or certification may be requested before fulfilment.
STIHL MS 201 TC-M at a glance
- STIHL’s most powerful petrol top-handle chainsaw
- For trained arborists and professional tree-care users
- 35.2 cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine
- 1.80 kW / 2.40 hp output
- Approximately 3.7 kg powerhead weight
- 30 cm / 12-inch or verified 35 cm / 14-inch guide bar
- 3/8″ P saw-chain system
- STIHL M-Tronic engine management
- Side-mounted chain tensioning
- Captive sprocket-cover nuts
- Variable-displacement oil pump
- STIHL Ematic lubrication system
- Fold-out suspension hook
- Scabbard with harness attachment eyelets
- STIHL anti-vibration system
- 310 ml fuel tank and 220 ml chain-oil tank
Who is the STIHL MS 201 TC-M designed for?
The MS 201 TC-M is designed for trained arborists who require maximum petrol performance from a compact top-handle saw.
Typical professional applications include:
- Aerial pruning and crown maintenance
- Deadwood removal
- Crown reductions and crown lifting
- Removing suitable limbs during planned dismantling
- Tree surgery from an appropriate climbing or MEWP system
- Work where a lighter petrol saw would lack sufficient cutting performance
It should not be promoted to general gardeners, untrained landscapers or domestic firewood users. For ground-based cutting, choose an appropriate rear-handle model such as the STIHL MS 201 C-M or another saw selected for the intended timber and workload.
STIHL M-Tronic engine management
STIHL M-Tronic electronically controls ignition timing and fuel metering. It continually accounts for operating conditions such as engine temperature, altitude, fuel quality and air-filter condition.
This removes the need for routine manual carburettor adjustment and helps provide:
- Reliable starting
- Consistent engine performance
- Fast acceleration
- Automatic adaptation to changing conditions
- Reduced setup time between jobs and locations
M-Tronic does not remove the need for correct fuel, routine servicing, filter maintenance or proper storage.
35.2 cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine
The 35.2 cm³ engine produces 1.80 kW / 2.40 hp. It gives the MS 201 TC-M the highest petrol output in STIHL’s current top-handle range.
The engine uses either STIHL MotoMix or a fresh 50:1 mixture of suitable petrol and quality two-stroke engine oil. Straight petrol must never be used.
The STIHL 2-MIX and four-channel combustion design is engineered to combine high output with controlled fuel use. This is more precise than describing the machine broadly as “eco-friendly”.
Choosing the 12-inch or 14-inch version
| Guide-bar option | Best suited to | Product identification |
|---|---|---|
| 30 cm / 12-inch | Greater manoeuvrability, lower cutting-attachment weight and detailed crown work | Current STIHL GB part number 11452000271 |
| 35 cm / 14-inch | Additional reach for larger branches and planned aerial dismantling | Verify current UK MPN and GTIN from the physical product or STIHL dealer system |
Both configurations use the same 35.2 cm³ powerhead. The longer guide bar adds reach but does not increase engine output.
STIHL supports several compatible cutting attachments. Always match the guide bar, chain pitch, gauge and drive-link count using the markings on the fitted equipment.
3/8-inch P cutting system
The MS 201 TC-M uses a 3/8″ P cutting system. Depending on the approved guide-bar configuration, STIHL lists suitable Picco chains in 1.1 mm and 1.3 mm gauges.
The current 14-inch STIHL Cut Kit 8 contains a 35 cm Rollomatic E guide bar and two 3/8″ P Picco Super 3 chains with a 1.3 mm gauge.
Do not order a replacement chain based only on the model name. Confirm the bar length, groove width and chain specification stamped on the fitted guide bar.
Side-mounted chain tensioning
The MS 201 TC-M uses side-mounted chain tensioning. The tensioning screw is accessed through the sprocket cover for protected, straightforward adjustment.
This is not STIHL Quick Chain Tensioning and is not a tool-free system. Use the correct combination tool and follow the STIHL operating manual.
Captive sprocket-cover nuts
The sprocket-cover nuts remain attached to the cover when it is removed. This reduces the risk of dropping or losing a nut while changing a chain or guide bar at the work site.
Variable-displacement oil pump
The adjustable oil pump allows chain-lubricant delivery to be matched to the cutting attachment and working conditions.
The economical E setting reduces unnecessary oil use during normal work. Additional oil delivery can be selected for longer guide bars or particularly dry timber.
STIHL Ematic lubrication system
The STIHL Ematic system combines the guide bar, Oilomatic saw chain and controlled-delivery oil pump to direct lubricant to the points where it is required.
This supports effective guide-bar and chain lubrication while helping reduce unnecessary oil consumption.
Scabbard with attachment eyelets
The supplied chain guard covers both the saw chain and bumper spikes. Its attachment eyelets allow it to be connected to an appropriate harness arrangement during professional aerial work.
Fold-out suspension hook
The integrated hook allows the saw to be attached to an appropriate suspension rope and raised or lowered as part of a planned arboricultural working system.
The hook folds away when it is not required, reducing interference during cutting or storage.
STIHL anti-vibration system
Buffer and spring elements reduce the transmission of engine and cutting-attachment vibration to the handle area. This supports greater comfort during professional use but does not replace proper technique, task rotation and planned breaks.
Fuel and chain-oil capacities
- Fuel-tank capacity: approximately 310 ml
- Chain-oil capacity: approximately 220 ml
Fuel and chain lubricant are separate. The engine requires STIHL MotoMix or an accurate 50:1 fuel mixture, while the cutting attachment requires suitable bar-and-chain oil.
Browse Masseys’ fuel and two-stroke oil range and chainsaw chain oil.
STIHL MS 201 TC-M technical specification
| Model | STIHL MS 201 TC-M |
|---|---|
| Product type | Professional petrol top-handle arborist chainsaw |
| Intended users | Trained arborists and professional tree-care operators |
| Intended work | Aerial pruning, crown maintenance and planned tree dismantling |
| Engine | STIHL 2-MIX two-stroke petrol engine |
| Engine management | STIHL M-Tronic |
| Displacement | 35.2 cm³ |
| Power output | 1.80 kW / 2.40 hp |
| Powerhead weight | Approximately 3.7 kg without fuel, guide bar or saw chain |
| Guide-bar options | 30 cm / 12 inches and verified 35 cm / 14 inches |
| Saw-chain pitch | 3/8″ P |
| Chain adjustment | Side-mounted chain tensioning |
| Fuel-tank capacity | Approximately 310 ml |
| Chain-oil capacity | Approximately 220 ml |
| 12-inch manufacturer part number | 11452000271 |
| 14-inch manufacturer part number | Verify from current STIHL UK dealer data |
Specifications checked against current STIHL product information and the MS 201 TC-M instruction manual. Confirm the selected guide-bar length, MPN, GTIN and cutting-attachment markings before ordering replacement components.
Which STIHL top-handle chainsaw should you choose?
| Model | Best suited to |
|---|---|
| STIHL MS 151 TC-E | Professional arborists prioritising minimum petrol powerhead weight for precise pruning |
| STIHL MS 194 T | All-round petrol crown work and medium removals with lower weight and cost than the MS 201 TC-M |
| STIHL MS 201 TC-M | Demanding professional aerial work requiring maximum STIHL petrol top-handle performance |
| STIHL MSA 161 T | Light cordless professional pruning in noise-sensitive locations |
| STIHL MSA 190 T | Professional cordless tree maintenance with a strong balance of output and weight |
| STIHL MSA 220 T | High-performance professional cordless aerial cutting |
Browse the complete top-handle chainsaw range.
What is included?
- 1 × STIHL MS 201 TC-M petrol top-handle chainsaw
- 1 × selected 30 cm or verified 35 cm guide bar
- 1 × matching STIHL saw chain
- 1 × guide-bar scabbard
- 1 × combination tool
- Operating and safety instructions
Fuel, two-stroke oil, chain oil, personal protective equipment and climbing equipment are not included unless explicitly stated.
Masseys recommendation
The MS 201 TC-M is the correct petrol choice for experienced arborists who regularly need more cutting performance than the MS 194 T provides.
Choose the 12-inch configuration when balance and manoeuvrability are the priority. Choose the verified 14-inch configuration where additional reach is beneficial for larger aerial branches and dismantling work.
The MS 194 T remains the more economical all-round petrol option for less demanding crown work. Arborists prioritising lower noise, reduced routine engine maintenance and no direct exhaust emissions should compare the MSA 190 T and MSA 220 T.
Why buy from Masseys?
Masseys is an authorised STIHL dealer based in Woodville, near Swadlincote. Our machinery team can help professional users verify guide-bar configurations, cutting attachments, fuel requirements and servicing needs.
- Genuine UK STIHL professional machinery
- Professional-use checks where appropriate
- Chainsaw assembled and inspected before handover
- Advice on guide bars and replacement chains
- Genuine STIHL fuel, oils and maintenance products
- Manufacturer warranty support
- In-house machinery servicing and repairs
- Collection from our Woodville store
For workshop support, visit our garden machinery servicing and repairs department.
Professional safety and competence
Top-handle chainsaws are specialist arboricultural tools capable of causing serious or fatal injury. The MS 201 TC-M should only be used by people trained in tree-surgery chainsaw operation and aerial working techniques.
STIHL instructs users to hold the chainsaw firmly with both hands. One-handed operation is particularly hazardous and is only addressed in the instruction manual for narrowly defined exceptional circumstances.
Aerial tree work must be properly planned and risk assessed, with appropriate access, work-positioning, fall-protection, rescue and emergency arrangements.
The MS 201 TC-M is not intended for typical tree felling or firewood processing. Use a conventional rear-handle chainsaw for those tasks.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the STIHL MS 201 TC-M intended for?
It is intended for trained arborists and professional tree-care operators carrying out aerial pruning, crown maintenance and planned tree dismantling.
Is the MS 201 TC-M STIHL’s most powerful petrol top-handle chainsaw?
Yes. STIHL currently describes it as its most powerful petrol top-handle or tree-maintenance chainsaw.
Does it have tool-free chain tensioning?
No. It uses side-mounted chain tensioning and requires the correct combination tool. Its sprocket-cover nuts are captive, but this does not make chain adjustment tool-free.
What does M-Tronic do?
M-Tronic automatically controls ignition timing and fuel metering while accounting for factors such as temperature, altitude, fuel quality and engine condition. This helps maintain consistent performance without routine manual carburettor adjustment.
Should I choose the 12-inch or 14-inch bar?
The 12-inch option offers greater manoeuvrability and lower cutting-attachment weight. The 14-inch option provides additional reach. Confirm that the selected 14-inch package has a current verified UK MPN and GTIN.
How much does the MS 201 TC-M weigh?
The powerhead weighs approximately 3.7 kg without fuel, guide bar or saw chain. The complete working weight depends on the cutting attachment, fuel and chain oil.
How powerful is it?
The 35.2 cm³ engine produces 1.80 kW / 2.40 hp.
Can it be used for firewood or ordinary ground work?
No. STIHL identifies it as a tree-surgery chainsaw for trained users working in tree crowns. A conventional rear-handle chainsaw should be used for typical firewood cutting and ground-based work.
Can the MS 201 TC-M be used with one hand?
The saw should normally be held firmly with both hands. STIHL warns that one-handed operation is particularly dangerous and only discusses it for narrowly defined exceptional circumstances.
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 separate chain oil?
Yes. Suitable chainsaw lubricant must be added to the separate 220 ml oil tank.
Which replacement chain does it use?
The saw uses a 3/8″ P cutting system. The precise chain type, gauge and drive-link count depend on the fitted guide bar, so check the bar markings before ordering.
Can Masseys service the MS 201 TC-M?
Yes. Our in-house workshop provides servicing, inspection, repairs and genuine replacement-parts support for the professional machinery brands we supply.
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