STIHL MS231 Petrol Chainsaw

Description

The STIHL MS 231 is a powerful petrol chainsaw for private users, landowners and farmers who regularly cut firewood, maintain larger properties or need more performance than a compact homeowner saw can provide.

Its 42.6cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine produces 2.0kW / 2.7hp. The chainsaw is available with either a 35cm / 14-inch or 40cm / 16-inch guide bar, allowing you to choose the cutting attachment that best matches your work and experience.

The MS 231 combines strong cutting performance with a 4.8kg powerhead, side-mounted chain tensioning, an anti-vibration system, tool-free tank caps and a long-life filtration system.

• 42.6cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine
• 2.0kW / 2.7hp power output
• 4.8kg powerhead weight without fuel, bar or chain
• 35cm / 14-inch or 40cm / 16-inch bar options
• 3/8-inch P STIHL Picco Micro 3 saw chain
• Side-mounted chain tensioning
• STIHL anti-vibration system
• Carburettor compensator
• Long service intervals from the air-filtration system
• Tool-free fuel and chain-oil caps
• Automatic guide-bar and chain lubrication

Browse the complete STIHL petrol chainsaw range or compare all available models in our STIHL chainsaw range.

Who should choose the STIHL MS 231?

The MS 231 is best suited to customers who need a dependable petrol chainsaw for regular rather than occasional cutting.

Typical applications include:

• Preparing regular quantities of domestic firewood
• Cross-cutting appropriately supported logs
• Maintaining larger gardens, paddocks and smallholdings
• Clearing suitable fallen branches
• Pruning appropriate branches at ground level
• General landscape and estate maintenance
• Felling suitable small trees by a competent operator

It is not intended for full-time professional forestry, large-tree felling or prolonged production cutting.

Masseys recommendation

Choose the MS 231 when you need a noticeable step up from compact homeowner chainsaws but do not need the larger cutting system or additional cost of the MS 251.

For customers comparing current models, the STIHL MS 212 is the lighter-duty choice, while the STIHL MS 251 provides greater engine capacity and uses a heavier-duty .325-inch cutting system.

The MS 231 is a particularly strong choice for landowners and regular firewood users who want more capability than the MS 212 without moving into a professional forestry saw.

Choosing a 14-inch or 16-inch guide bar

Both MS 231 versions use the same 42.6cm³ engine and produce the same 2.0kW / 2.7hp output. Selecting the 16-inch version does not make the engine more powerful.

35cm / 14-inch version

The 14-inch version is the more compact and manoeuvrable option. It is well suited to ordinary domestic firewood, branch work and property maintenance where the additional reach of a longer bar is unnecessary.

Choose the 14-inch version when:

• Balance and manoeuvrability are the priority
• You mainly process ordinary domestic firewood
• You work around branches or restricted areas
• You prefer the lighter-feeling cutting attachment
• You rarely need the additional reach of a 16-inch bar

The 14-inch version uses:

• 35cm STIHL Light 04 guide bar
• 3/8-inch P PM3 chain
• 1.3mm chain gauge
• 50 drive links
• Manufacturer part number 11432000217

40cm / 16-inch version

The 16-inch version provides additional reach for larger logs and more open firewood or property-maintenance work.

Choose the 16-inch version when:

• You regularly handle larger-diameter timber
• The additional reach will be genuinely useful
• You have enough experience to control the longer attachment
• Your work is mainly open firewood or land-maintenance cutting

The longer bar can be less manoeuvrable in confined areas and does not increase engine output.

The 16-inch version uses:

• 40cm STIHL Light 04 guide bar
• 3/8-inch P PM3 chain
• 1.3mm chain gauge
• 55 drive links
• Manufacturer part number 11432000358

42.6cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine

The STIHL 2-MIX two-stroke engine produces 2.0kW / 2.7hp from a 42.6cm³ displacement.

STIHL states that its 2-MIX design can reduce fuel consumption by up to 20% and emissions by up to 70% compared with a STIHL two-stroke engine of the same output without 2-MIX technology.

The MS 231 is therefore designed to provide strong petrol performance while using fuel more efficiently than older conventional two-stroke designs.

Long-life filtration and carburettor compensator

The MS 231 uses an air-filtration system designed to provide longer intervals between routine cleaning.

A compensator in the carburettor helps keep engine performance, fuel consumption and exhaust quality relatively consistent as the air filter becomes contaminated.

The filter still requires inspection and maintenance. “Long service intervals” does not mean that the chainsaw is maintenance-free.

Side-mounted chain tensioning

The chain-tensioning screw is positioned through the side of the sprocket cover. This makes the adjustment point easier to reach and helps keep the operator’s hand away from the chain’s sharp cutting teeth.

The standard MS 231 requires the supplied combination tool when loosening the bar nuts and adjusting chain tension.

Check the chain tension:

• Before every use
• After fitting a new chain
• During longer cutting sessions
• Whenever the chain no longer sits correctly against the guide bar

Switch off the engine, allow hot components to cool and wear suitable gloves before making adjustments.

STIHL anti-vibration system

Buffer and spring elements reduce the amount of engine and cutting vibration transmitted to the handles.

This can improve comfort during appropriate longer cutting sessions, although it does not remove vibration completely. Take regular breaks and follow the exposure and operating guidance in the instruction manual.

Tool-free fuel and oil caps

Bayonet-style caps allow the fuel and chain-oil tanks to be opened and closed without a separate tool.

The fuel mixture and chain lubricant are separate fluids and must be added to the correct tanks.

Fuel and chain-oil requirements

The MS 231 requires:

• A 50:1 mixture of suitable petrol and approved two-stroke engine oil
• Separate chainsaw chain oil for the guide bar and saw chain

For self-mixed fuel, use fresh suitable petrol and approved STIHL two-stroke engine oil at the correct ratio.

STIHL MotoMix ready-mixed fuel can also be used and is particularly useful where the chainsaw may be stored between jobs.

The cutting attachment requires separate STIHL chainsaw chain oil. The two-stroke fuel mixture does not lubricate the guide bar and saw chain.

Fuel, two-stroke engine oil and chain oil are not included unless specifically stated in the selected offer.

STIHL MS 231 technical specifications

STIHL MS 212 vs MS 231 vs MS 251

Choose the MS 212 when lower weight and purchase cost are the priorities.

Choose the MS 231 for a stronger domestic and landowner saw that remains relatively manageable.

Choose the MS 251 when you regularly handle more demanding timber and will benefit from its larger engine and heavier-duty cutting attachment.

STIHL MS 231 or MS 231 C-BE?

The standard MS 231 and the MS 231 C-BE use the same basic engine and provide comparable core cutting performance.

Choose the standard MS 231 if you are comfortable using a conventional starter rope and combination tool.

Choose the STIHL MS 231 C-BE when reduced starting effort and tool-free chain adjustment justify the additional cost.

Replacement guide bars and chains

The 14-inch and 16-inch versions use different chain lengths. Always check the guide-bar markings before ordering.

• 14-inch: 3/8-inch P, 1.3mm PM3 chain with 50 drive links
• 16-inch: 3/8-inch P, 1.3mm PM3 chain with 55 drive links

Order a genuine replacement chain for the STIHL MS 231 or browse the wider range of chainsaw chains.

What is included?

The standard package includes:

• STIHL MS 231 petrol chainsaw
• Selected 14-inch or 16-inch guide bar
• Matching STIHL PM3 saw chain
• Guide-bar scabbard
• Standard operating and safety documentation

Masseys assembles and performs a pre-delivery inspection on the chainsaw in accordance with the selected collection or delivery service.

Fuel, engine oil, chain oil and personal protective equipment are not included unless specifically stated.

Maintenance

The MS 231 requires routine maintenance to remain safe and provide consistent performance.

• Check chain tension before and during use
• Keep the saw chain correctly sharpened
• Maintain the chain-oil level
• Clean the guide-bar groove and oil holes
• Remove sawdust from the sprocket-cover area
• Inspect and clean the air filter
• Check the guide bar, chain and drive sprocket for wear
• Use fresh, correctly mixed fuel
• Follow the servicing intervals in the STIHL manual

STIHL Service Kit 15 contains an air filter, fuel filter and spark plug for routine MS 231 maintenance.

Masseys provides garden machinery servicing and repairs, including chain sharpening, maintenance and genuine replacement parts.

Chainsaw safety and protective equipment

A petrol chainsaw can cause serious or fatal injury if used incorrectly.

• Read the complete STIHL instruction manual
• Obtain appropriate training if you are inexperienced
• Wear chainsaw trousers and protective footwear
• Use suitable gloves, eye, face, head and hearing protection
• Check the chain brake, chain tension and lubrication before use
• Secure and support timber properly
• Keep people and animals outside the working area
• Do not operate the chainsaw from a ladder
• Do not cut above shoulder height
• Use a qualified professional for dangerous, leaning or storm-damaged trees

Browse our chainsaw trousers and full range of chainsaw accessories and protective equipment.

STIHL domestic warranty

The MS 231 is supplied with the applicable STIHL warranty when purchased and used in accordance with the current terms.

Eligible domestic customers can currently extend the warranty from two years to three years when five litres of qualifying STIHL MotoMix is purchased with the chainsaw and the extension is registered by a STIHL Approved Dealer.

Ask Masseys to confirm the current warranty and extension conditions at the point of purchase.

Frequently asked questions

What engine does the STIHL MS 231 have?

It uses a 42.6cm³ STIHL 2-MIX petrol engine producing 2.0kW / 2.7hp.

How much does the STIHL MS 231 weigh?

The powerhead weighs approximately 4.8kg without fuel, guide bar or saw chain. Its operating weight is higher once the selected cutting attachment and fluids are added.

Should I choose the 14-inch or 16-inch version?

Choose the 14-inch version for easier handling and ordinary firewood or branch work. Choose the 16-inch version when additional reach is genuinely useful. Both use the same engine and produce the same power.

Is the 16-inch MS 231 more powerful?

No. The 14-inch and 16-inch versions both use the same 42.6cm³, 2.0kW engine. Only the bar and chain length change.

Is the MS 231 suitable for firewood?

Yes. Regular domestic firewood cutting is one of its principal applications, provided the timber is appropriately sized, stable and safely supported.

What size trees can the MS 231 fell?

STIHL positions the MS 231 for suitable small-tree work. There is no single safe maximum diameter because tree species, condition, lean, surroundings and operator competence all affect whether felling is appropriate.

Is the STIHL MS 231 suitable for a beginner?

Its controls are straightforward, but it is a powerful petrol chainsaw. A new user needs appropriate instruction, full protective equipment and an understanding of kickback, chain-brake operation and safe cutting technique.

What chain fits the STIHL MS 231?

It uses a 3/8-inch P, 1.3mm STIHL PM3 chain. The 14-inch version uses 50 drive links and the 16-inch version uses 55 drive links.

Does the MS 231 have tool-free chain tensioning?

No. The standard model has side-mounted chain tensioning adjusted using a combination tool. The MS 231 C-BE adds tool-free Quick Chain Tensioning.

What fuel does it use?

It uses a 50:1 mixture of suitable petrol and approved two-stroke engine oil. STIHL MotoMix ready-mixed fuel can also be used.

Does it need separate chain oil?

Yes. Dedicated chainsaw chain oil is required to lubricate the guide bar and moving saw chain.

Why buy the STIHL MS 231 from Masseys?

Masseys is an authorised STIHL dealer based in Woodville, Swadlincote, Derbyshire.

Our team can help you select the correct bar length, compare the MS 212, MS 231 and MS 251, and decide whether the standard or C-BE version best matches your needs.

• Genuine UK STIHL product
• Advice from an established STIHL dealer
• Chainsaw assembly and pre-delivery inspection
• Help choosing between 14-inch and 16-inch versions
• Genuine chains, guide bars, oils and accessories
• Warranty-registration support where applicable
• Workshop servicing and chain sharpening
• Local collection and qualifying delivery options

Visit Masseys at 129 Swadlincote Road, Woodville, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 8DA, or contact the Masseys team for product advice before ordering.