Description
STIHL MS 231 Chainsaw 16” – Powerful Petrol Chainsaw for Firewood & Small Trees
The STIHL MS231 16” petrol chainsaw is a powerful, mid-range saw designed for homeowners, landowners, and light agricultural use. With a 42.6cc 2-MIX engine producing 2.7hp, it delivers the ideal balance of power, efficiency, and control for cutting firewood, felling small trees, and general property maintenance.
At Masseys DIY, we supply genuine STIHL equipment backed by expert advice and aftersales support. Explore our full range of petrol chainsaws or browse all Stihl chainsaws.
Key Features & Benefits
High-performance 2-MIX engine
- 42.6cc engine delivering strong cutting performance
- Up to 20% lower fuel consumption and 70% fewer emissions vs older engines
More efficient and cheaper to run long-term
Excellent power-to-weight ratio
- Approx. 4.8kg weight
Powerful enough for serious work, without being exhausting to use
Anti-vibration system
- Reduces strain on hands and arms
Ideal for longer cutting sessions
16” guide bar (versatile cutting range)
- Perfect for:
- Firewood processing
- Small tree felling
- Garden and estate maintenance
Long-life air filtration system
- Pre-separation system removes larger debris
Less maintenance, longer engine life
Who is the STIHL MS231 for?
This chainsaw is ideal if you:
- Regularly cut firewood
- Maintain land, paddocks, or woodland
- Need more power than entry-level saws
- Want a reliable petrol chainsaw (not battery)
Not ideal if:
- You only do occasional light pruning → consider battery models
Technical Specifications
- Engine: 2-MIX petrol
- Displacement: 42.6cc
- Power: 2.0kW / 2.7hp
- Weight: ~4.8kg
- Bar length: 16” (40cm)
- Chain: 3/8″ Picco Micro 3
- Fuel mix: 50:1
MS 231 vs Similar Stihl Chainsaws
The Stihl MS231 sits in the “serious domestic / light professional” category
Compared to:
- Stihl MS 182 → lighter but less powerful
- Stihl MS 251 → more power, heavier
Stihl MS 231 is the sweet spot for most homeowners
Running Costs & Maintenance
- Fuel efficient 2-MIX engine
- Standard 50:1 fuel mix
- Long service intervals due to filtration system
Lower ongoing cost than older petrol chainsaws
Why Buy From Masseys DIY?
- Authorised UK STIHL supplier
- Expert product advice
- Spare parts & servicing available
- Fast UK delivery
Real-World Performance Insight
In practical use, the Stihl MS231 stands out for:
- Smooth cutting through hardwood logs
- Easy handling compared to heavier farm saws
- Reliable cold starting
It’s widely considered a step-up chainsaw for serious home users, without jumping into full professional price levels.
FAQs
What can a Stihl MS231 cut?
Firewood, logs, and small-to-medium trees up to ~12–14 inches comfortably.
Is the Stihl MS 231 good for beginners?
Yes — if you need more power than entry-level saws, but still want manageable weight.
What fuel does it use?
A 50:1 mix of petrol and 2-stroke oil.
Is 16” the right size?
Yes — it’s a great option for general use.
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