STIHL MS 162 Petrol Chainsaw – 12″

Description

The STIHL MS 162 is a compact domestic petrol chainsaw designed for occasional firewood cutting, pruning suitable branches at ground level and maintaining small trees around the garden.

Its 30.1 cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine produces 1.2 kW / 1.6 hp and is paired with a 30 cm / 12-inch guide bar. This gives the MS 162 enough performance for appropriate light domestic work while keeping the machine more manageable than a larger firewood or professional saw.

The MS 162 is the entry point into the current STIHL petrol chainsaw range. It is best suited to homeowners who expect to use their chainsaw occasionally rather than every week.

Every STIHL MS 162 supplied by Masseys is assembled and PDI checked before handover or dispatch, with ongoing advice and workshop support available after purchase.

Is the STIHL MS 162 right for you?

The MS 162 is a good choice for light and occasional domestic work, including:

• Preparing modest quantities of firewood
• Cutting appropriately sized logs
• Pruning suitable branches at ground level
• Maintaining small trees
• Clearing fallen branches after bad weather
• Cutting timber for garden projects
• General seasonal property maintenance

It is not intended for professional forestry, regular large-volume firewood production or continuous cutting through heavy timber.

If you expect to cut more frequently, compare the STIHL MS 172 petrol chainsaw. For thicker timber and more demanding domestic use, the STIHL MS 182 petrol chainsaw offers additional engine capacity and power.

Still unsure? Read our STIHL chainsaw buying guide or contact Masseys for advice before ordering.

Masseys recommendation

Choose the MS 162 when you want a genuine STIHL petrol chainsaw for occasional use and do not need the additional capacity, bar options or cost of a larger model.

It is particularly well suited to customers who have a relatively small amount of firewood to prepare each year or who need a petrol saw for intermittent garden maintenance.

Do not choose the smallest saw purely because it is the cheapest. If you regularly process a full winter’s supply of firewood, work on dense hardwood or expect long cutting sessions, moving up to the MS 172 or MS 182 is likely to provide a better long-term match.

Key features and benefits

30.1 cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine

The STIHL 2-MIX two-stroke engine produces 1.2 kW / 1.6 hp. It is designed to provide useful domestic cutting performance while using fuel efficiently and complying with current EU Stage V emissions requirements.

The engine uses either a correctly prepared 50:1 mixture of petrol and suitable two-stroke engine oil or an approved ready-mixed alkylate fuel.

30 cm / 12-inch guide bar

The MS 162 is supplied with a 30 cm / 12-inch guide bar and a matching 3/8-inch P saw chain.

The narrow cutting attachment helps the compact engine deliver an efficient cut when the chain is correctly tensioned and sharpened.

Always confirm the chain pitch, gauge and drive-link count from the guide-bar markings before ordering a replacement. Browse our replacement chainsaw chains or ask Masseys to identify the correct chain for your saw.

STIHL anti-vibration system

Buffer and spring elements reduce the amount of engine vibration transmitted to the front and rear handles. This makes the machine more comfortable to hold during appropriate domestic cutting work.

The anti-vibration system reduces vibration exposure but does not remove it completely. Take regular breaks and follow the operating instructions.

Side-mounted chain tensioning

The chain-tensioning screw is positioned at the side of the machine. This makes routine adjustment more accessible and reduces the need to work close to the sharp chain teeth.

Always switch the engine off and allow the cutting attachment to cool before inspecting or adjusting the chain.

Combi-lever with stop function

The single control lever simplifies starting, operation and stopping. After the engine is switched off, the control returns to the operating position, helping make a warm engine more straightforward to restart.

Transparent fuel and chain-oil tanks

The translucent tanks make it easier to monitor both fuel and chain-oil levels. This helps the operator identify when either tank needs topping up.

Fuel and chain oil serve different purposes. The fuel mixture lubricates the engine internally, while separate chain oil lubricates the guide bar and moving saw chain.

Carburettor compensator

The compensator helps maintain engine performance as the air filter gradually becomes contaminated. Under normal conditions, this can extend the interval before the filter requires attention.

What is included with the STIHL MS 162?

The standard MS 162 package includes:

• STIHL MS 162 petrol chainsaw
• 30 cm / 12-inch guide bar
• Compatible 3/8-inch P saw chain
• Standard product documentation
• Assembly and pre-delivery inspection by Masseys

Exact packaging and included accessories can change, so contact Masseys before ordering if a specific item is essential.

What else will you need?

Before using the chainsaw, you will also need:

• Correctly mixed 50:1 two-stroke fuel or suitable ready-mixed fuel
• Separate chainsaw chain oil
• Appropriate chainsaw trousers or leg protection
• Chainsaw safety boots
• Suitable gloves
• Head, face, eye and hearing protection
• Equipment for safely supporting the timber being cut

Browse our full range of chainsaw accessories and protective equipment, including chainsaw gloves, chainsaw boots, fuels, oils and sharpening equipment.

STIHL MS 162 technical specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	STIHL
Model	MS 162
Product type	Domestic petrol chainsaw
Engine	STIHL 2-MIX two-stroke petrol engine
Engine displacement	30.1 cm³
Power output	1.2 kW / 1.6 hp
Guide bar supplied	30 cm / 12 inches
Saw-chain pitch	3/8-inch P
Machine weight	4.5 kg without fuel, guide bar or saw chain
Fuel	50:1 petrol and suitable two-stroke oil mixture, or approved ready-mixed fuel
Chain lubrication	Separate chainsaw chain oil required
Chain adjustment	Side-mounted chain tensioning
Intended use	Occasional firewood cutting, pruning and light domestic tree maintenance
STIHL part number	11482000000
GTIN-13 / EAN	0886661422692

What can the STIHL MS 162 cut?

The MS 162 is designed for light domestic cutting rather than professional forestry. It is suitable for appropriate firewood, branches and small-tree work where the timber, working area and operator experience are suitable.

There is no single safe maximum timber diameter that applies in every situation. Cutting performance depends on:

• The hardness and condition of the wood
• Whether the timber is supported correctly
• Chain sharpness and tension
• Guide-bar condition
• Operator technique and experience
• Access, balance and working position
• How frequently and for how long the saw will be used

If you are uncertain whether the MS 162 is large enough, ask Masseys before purchasing rather than automatically choosing a longer guide bar.

STIHL MS 162 vs MS 172 vs MS 182

Model	Engine	Power	Guide-bar options	Best suited to
STIHL MS 162	30.1 cm³	1.2 kW / 1.6 hp	30 cm / 12 inches	Occasional firewood and light domestic maintenance
STIHL MS 172	31.8 cm³	1.4 kW / 1.9 hp	30 or 35 cm / 12 or 14 inches	More regular firewood cutting and garden maintenance
STIHL MS 182	35.8 cm³	1.6 kW / 2.2 hp	35 or 40 cm / 14 or 16 inches	More demanding domestic cutting and thicker timber

Choose the MS 162 for occasional, lighter domestic work.

Choose the MS 172 if you expect to cut firewood more regularly or want a choice of guide-bar lengths.

Choose the MS 182 for greater engine capacity, thicker timber and longer domestic cutting sessions.

You can also compare every current model in our STIHL chainsaw range.

Should you choose a petrol or cordless chainsaw?

The MS 162 is a good-value petrol option when you want consistent working capacity and do not mind mixing or storing fuel.

A cordless chainsaw may be a better fit if:

• You only use the saw occasionally
• You do not want to mix or store petrol
• You want quieter operation
• You prefer push-button starting
• You already own compatible STIHL batteries

For a domestic cordless alternative, compare the STIHL MSA 70 C-B cordless chainsaw.

Fuel, chain oil and maintenance

Fuel

The MS 162 uses a 50:1 fuel mixture: 50 parts fresh unleaded petrol to one part suitable two-stroke engine oil.

Always measure the mixture accurately. Too little two-stroke oil can damage the engine, while excessive oil can cause poor running and deposits.

Alternatively, a suitable ready-mixed alkylate fuel can be used. This can be particularly useful for chainsaws that are stored for extended periods between jobs.

Browse our range of two-stroke oil and garden-machinery fuel.

Chain oil

The guide bar and chain require separate chain oil. Do not assume the two-stroke fuel mixture also lubricates the cutting attachment.

Check the oil level before starting work and regularly during use. Suitable STIHL chainsaw chain oil is available from Masseys.

Chain condition

A blunt, damaged or incorrectly tensioned chain will cut poorly and can make the saw more difficult to control. Inspect chain tension and condition before each use and maintain the chain according to the STIHL operating instructions.

STIHL domestic warranty

The MS 162 is supplied with the applicable STIHL domestic warranty when purchased for qualifying private use.

STIHL currently offers an extension from two years to three years when five litres of qualifying STIHL MotoMix fuel is purchased with the machine and the product is registered by an STIHL Approved Dealer.

The warranty extension is subject to STIHL’s current eligibility requirements and terms at the time of purchase. Ask Masseys to confirm the current offer before ordering.

Chainsaw safety and protective equipment

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

Before using the MS 162:

• Read the full STIHL operating and safety instructions
• Obtain suitable instruction if you are inexperienced
• Wear appropriate chainsaw protective equipment
• Check the chain brake, chain tension and lubrication
• Make sure the timber is stable and supported
• Keep other people and animals away from the work area
• Do not operate the chainsaw from a ladder
• Do not cut above shoulder height
• Do not attempt dangerous, damaged or technically difficult trees

Large, leaning, storm-damaged or difficult trees should be assessed and handled by a suitably qualified professional.

You can view the official STIHL MS 162 instruction-manual page before operating the machine.

Frequently asked questions

Is the STIHL MS 162 a suitable first petrol chainsaw?

The MS 162 is STIHL’s entry-level domestic petrol chainsaw and is more compact than larger models. However, “entry-level” does not mean that it is safe for an untrained operator. New users should obtain appropriate instruction, read the operating manual and use suitable protective equipment.

Does the STIHL MS 162 come assembled?

Masseys assembles and completes a pre-delivery inspection before handover or dispatch. The operator must still carry out the required pre-use checks described in the STIHL manual.

What fuel does the MS 162 use?

It uses a 50:1 mixture of petrol and suitable two-stroke engine oil, or an approved ready-mixed fuel. Never use straight petrol.

Does it need separate chain oil?

Yes. The chain and guide bar require separate chainsaw chain oil. The two-stroke fuel mixture only lubricates the engine.

How much does the STIHL MS 162 weigh?

STIHL specifies a machine weight of 4.5 kg without fuel, guide bar or saw chain. Its complete operating weight is therefore higher once fully prepared for use.

Can the STIHL MS 162 cut firewood?

Yes. It is designed for occasional domestic firewood preparation. Customers cutting larger quantities, thicker logs or dense hardwood regularly should consider the more powerful MS 172 or MS 182.

Which chain fits the STIHL MS 162?

The standard 12-inch MS 162 uses a 3/8-inch P chain. The exact replacement also depends on the chain gauge and number of drive links. Check the information stamped on the guide bar or ask Masseys to identify the correct chain.

Can I fit a larger bar to the MS 162?

No. Use only guide bars and chains approved for the machine. Fitting an unsuitable or unnecessarily long guide bar can reduce cutting performance and affect safe operation. Ask an authorised STIHL dealer before changing the cutting attachment.

Is the MS 162 suitable for professional forestry?

No. It is a domestic chainsaw for occasional light work. Professional or frequent heavy cutting requires a model designed for that duty cycle.

Why buy the STIHL MS 162 from Masseys?

Masseys is an authorised STIHL dealer based in Woodville, Swadlincote, Derbyshire. We do more than simply supply a boxed machine.

• Genuine UK STIHL product
• Chainsaw assembled and PDI checked
• Advice on selecting the right model
• Help choosing fuel, oil, chains and PPE
• STIHL warranty registration support
• Access to genuine parts and accessories
• In-house garden-machinery servicing and repairs
• Click and collect from our Woodville store
• Local delivery available across many surrounding areas

Order the STIHL MS 162 online or visit Masseys at 129 Swadlincote Road, Woodville, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 8DA.

For help deciding whether the MS 162, MS 172 or MS 182 is right for your work, contact the Masseys team before ordering.