STIHL MS 201 C-M Professional Chainsaw

STIHL MS 201 C-M professional petrol chainsaw

The STIHL MS 201 C-M is a compact, rear-handled professional petrol chainsaw developed for precision forestry, agriculture, landscaping and grounds-maintenance work.

Its updated 35.2cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine produces 1.8kW / 2.4hp. With a current listed powerhead weight of approximately 4.0kg, it combines a strong power-to-weight ratio with the manoeuvrability required for delimbing, harvesting thin timber and tending young stands.

STIHL M-Tronic 3.0 automatically controls ignition timing and fuel metering, helping the engine deliver consistent performance without manual carburettor adjustment when temperature, altitude or fuel conditions change.

The current UK product is supplied with a 35cm / 14-inch guide bar and a professional 3/8-inch P cutting system.

• 35.2cm³ STIHL 2-MIX petrol engine
• 1.8kW / 2.4hp power output
• Approximately 4.0kg without fuel, guide bar or saw chain
• Power-to-weight ratio of approximately 2.2kg/kW
• 35cm / 14-inch guide bar
• 3/8-inch P professional cutting system
• STIHL M-Tronic 3.0 engine management
• Side-mounted chain tensioning
• Variable-displacement chain-oil pump
• STIHL Ematic lubrication system
• Captive sprocket-cover nuts
• Combi lever with automatic stop-position reset
• Tool-free fuel and oil caps
• STIHL anti-vibration system

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

Who should choose the STIHL MS 201 C-M?

The MS 201 C-M is intended for professional users who prioritise low weight, control and precision over maximum bar length or engine capacity.

Typical applications include:

• Delimbing felled trees from ground level
• Harvesting thin timber
• Tending young forestry stands
• Cutting smaller stems and poles
• Professional landscaping and estate maintenance
• Agricultural and woodland management
• Precision cross-cutting of suitable timber
• Work where a larger professional chainsaw would be unnecessarily heavy

It is not primarily designed for large-tree felling, high-volume large-log processing or continuous heavy forestry work. Customers who regularly cut larger timber should compare the larger STIHL MS 261 C-M.

Masseys recommendation

Choose the MS 201 C-M when you need the lightest practical STIHL rear-handled professional saw for ground-based delimbing, precision cutting and thin-timber work.

Its main advantage is not maximum engine output. It is the combination of professional construction, low weight, compact dimensions and M-Tronic engine management.

For heavier felling, larger timber and regular firewood production, the MS 261 C-M is the more appropriate choice. For professional climbing and in-tree work, compare the specialist STIHL MS 201 TC-M top-handle chainsaw.

35.2cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine

The current MS 201 C-M uses an updated 35.2cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine producing 1.8kW / 2.4hp.

The upgraded engine incorporates revised cylinder, piston and exhaust components. It is designed to provide useful torque and professional cutting performance while keeping the powerhead compact and comparatively light.

The 2-MIX combustion system uses controlled transfer channels to direct the fuel-and-air mixture into the cylinder efficiently. This supports strong performance while reducing fuel use and exhaust emissions compared with older conventional two-stroke designs.

STIHL M-Tronic 3.0 engine management

M-Tronic is STIHL’s fully electronic engine-management system.

It automatically adjusts ignition timing and fuel metering according to operating conditions, including:

• Engine temperature
• Ambient temperature
• Altitude
• Fuel quality
• Air-filter condition
• Current engine load

This removes the need for routine manual carburettor adjustment and helps the saw provide consistent performance after starting and during changing working conditions.

M-Tronic does not make the chainsaw maintenance-free. The fuel system, filter, spark plug, cutting attachment and lubrication system still require servicing according to the STIHL maintenance schedule.

Lightweight rear-handle design

The MS 201 C-M is a rear-handled chainsaw designed for controlled two-handed use from the ground.

Its compact powerhead and approximately 4.0kg dry weight make it particularly useful for delimbing and repetitive precision cuts where a heavier professional saw could increase fatigue.

The MS 201 C-M must not be confused with the top-handled MS 201 TC-M. The rear-handle design is intended for conventional ground-based operation and must always be held with both hands.

35cm / 14-inch cutting attachment

The current UK product is supplied with a 35cm / 14-inch guide bar and a 3/8-inch P professional cutting system.

This configuration provides a useful balance between cutting performance, precision and manoeuvrability. The compact bar is particularly well matched to delimbing and thin-timber work.

A longer guide bar does not increase engine power. Customers who consistently need a larger cutting attachment should normally consider a higher-capacity chainsaw rather than simply fitting the longest possible bar.

STIHL Cut Kit 8 is the current replacement package for the 35cm MS 201 cutting system. It includes one 35cm guide bar and two 3/8-inch P PS3 chains with a 1.3mm gauge.

Browse our range of replacement chainsaw chains or ask Masseys to identify the correct cutting attachment from the information stamped on your fitted guide bar.

Side-mounted chain tensioning

The chain-tensioning screw is positioned through the side of the sprocket cover.

This makes the adjustment point straightforward to reach while helping keep the operator’s hand away from the chain’s sharp cutting teeth.

The chain should be checked:

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

Switch off the engine, allow the cutting attachment to cool and wear suitable gloves before checking or adjusting chain tension.

Captive sprocket-cover nuts

The guide-bar nuts are retained in the sprocket cover when it is removed.

This reduces the risk of a nut being dropped or lost during chain adjustment, guide-bar maintenance or cutting-attachment replacement.

Variable-displacement oil pump

The adjustable oil pump allows lubricant delivery to be matched more closely to the cutting conditions.

The economical E position is suitable for normal work. Additional oil delivery can be selected where timber is particularly dry or when working conditions require greater lubrication.

The STIHL Ematic system helps direct chain oil to the parts of the guide bar and saw chain where lubrication is required.

Suitable chainsaw chain oil must be added before the machine is used.

Purchase suitable STIHL chainsaw chain oil separately from Masseys.

Combi lever with stop-function reset

The main starting, operating and stopping functions are controlled through the STIHL combi lever.

After the engine is stopped, the lever automatically returns to the normal operating position. This helps make a warm engine more straightforward to restart after a short interruption.

STIHL anti-vibration system

Spring and buffer elements reduce the amount of engine and cutting vibration transmitted to the handles.

This can improve comfort during repetitive professional cutting. The system reduces vibration exposure but does not eliminate it, so correct technique, task rotation and appropriate breaks remain important.

Fuel and chain-oil requirements

The MS 201 C-M requires two separate fluids:

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

You can prepare fuel using fresh suitable petrol and approved two-stroke oil, or use STIHL MotoMix ready-mixed fuel.

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

The two-stroke fuel mixture lubricates the engine internally. It does not lubricate the guide bar and chain, which require separate chain oil.

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

What is included?

The standard current package includes:

• STIHL MS 201 C-M professional petrol chainsaw
• 35cm / 14-inch guide bar
• Matching STIHL 3/8-inch P saw chain
• Guide-bar scabbard
• Combination servicing tool
• Standard operating and safety documentation

Packaging can change. Contact Masseys before ordering if a particular loose accessory is essential.

What else will you need?

Before using the chainsaw, you will also need:

• Correctly mixed two-stroke fuel or STIHL MotoMix
• Suitable chainsaw chain oil
• Chainsaw trousers
• Protective chainsaw boots
• Suitable gloves
• Head, face, eye and hearing protection
• Sharpening and routine-maintenance equipment

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

STIHL MS 201 C-M technical specifications

STIHL MS 201 C-M or MS 201 TC-M?

The MS 201 C-M and MS 201 TC-M use closely related professional engine technology, but their handle layouts and approved applications are different.

Choose the MS 201 C-M for conventional two-handed professional chainsaw work from ground level.

Choose the STIHL MS 201 TC-M only for specialist in-tree work by appropriately trained professional arborists.

STIHL MS 201 C-M or MS 261 C-M?

The MS 201 C-M prioritises low weight and precision. The MS 261 C-M provides substantially greater engine capacity and is better suited to larger timber and heavier professional workloads.

Choose the MS 201 C-M when low weight and frequent precision handling matter most.

Choose the STIHL MS 261 C-M when the workload regularly includes larger timber and more demanding felling or cross-cutting.

Petrol or cordless professional chainsaw?

The MS 201 C-M provides petrol flexibility for professional users who work remotely or need to refuel quickly without waiting for batteries to recharge.

A cordless model may be preferable where lower engine noise, no exhaust emissions during use and immediate push-button starting are priorities.

For a professional cordless alternative with greater cutting output but additional battery cost, compare the STIHL MSA 220 C-B cordless chainsaw.

Maintenance

Professional chainsaws require routine maintenance to remain safe and deliver consistent cutting performance.

• Check chain tension before and during use
• Keep the chain correctly sharpened
• Maintain the chain-oil level
• Clean the guide-bar groove and oil holes
• Remove sawdust from the sprocket-cover area
• Inspect the air filter and cooling openings
• Check the guide bar, chain and drive sprocket for wear
• Use fresh, correctly mixed fuel
• Follow STIHL’s M-Tronic calibration and servicing instructions

Masseys provides garden machinery servicing and repairs, including chain sharpening, cutting-attachment advice and genuine STIHL parts.

Safety and correct use

The MS 201 C-M is a professional chainsaw capable of causing serious or fatal injury if used incorrectly.

• Read the complete STIHL instruction manual
• Obtain appropriate chainsaw training
• Wear chainsaw trousers, protective boots and suitable gloves
• Use head, face, eye and hearing protection
• Operate the chainsaw with both hands
• Check the chain brake, chain tension and oil supply before work
• Secure and support timber correctly
• Keep other people and animals outside the working area
• Do not operate the rear-handled MS 201 C-M from a ladder
• Do not cut above shoulder height
• Use appropriately qualified operators for difficult, leaning or storm-damaged trees

Frequently asked questions

Is the STIHL MS 201 C-M a professional chainsaw?

Yes. It is a lightweight professional rear-handled chainsaw designed for forestry, agriculture, landscaping, delimbing and thin-timber work.

What engine does it have?

The current model uses an updated 35.2cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine producing 1.8kW / 2.4hp.

How much does the MS 201 C-M weigh?

The current upgraded powerhead weighs approximately 4.0kg without fuel, guide bar or saw chain.

What bar is supplied?

The current UK configuration is supplied with a 35cm / 14-inch guide bar.

Does Masseys supply a 12-inch version?

This product listing is for the current 14-inch configuration. Contact Masseys before ordering if you require a specialist 12-inch cutting setup.

What does M-Tronic do?

M-Tronic automatically adjusts ignition timing and fuel metering according to temperature, altitude, fuel quality and operating conditions, reducing the need for manual carburettor adjustment.

Is the MS 201 C-M a top-handle chainsaw?

No. It has a conventional rear handle and is designed for two-handed, ground-based use. The MS 201 TC-M is STIHL’s specialist top-handle version for trained professional arborists.

Is it suitable for firewood?

It can cut suitable firewood, but its main strengths are low weight, delimbing and precision professional work. For regular larger-log processing, the MS 261 C-M is usually the better match.

What chain fits the MS 201 C-M?

The current 14-inch cutting system uses a 3/8-inch P chain. STIHL Cut Kit 8 supplies a 35cm bar and two compatible 3/8-inch P PS3 chains with a 1.3mm gauge.

Does it need separate chain oil?

Yes. Dedicated chainsaw chain oil is required for the automatic guide-bar and chain-lubrication system.

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.

Is it suitable for a beginner?

No. It is a professional chainsaw. Operators require appropriate training, protective equipment and an understanding of kickback, chain-brake operation and safe timber handling.

Why buy the STIHL MS 201 C-M from Masseys?

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

Our team can help you compare the MS 201 C-M, MS 201 TC-M and MS 261 C-M, identify the correct cutting attachment and select suitable fuel, oil and protective equipment.

• Genuine UK STIHL product
• Advice from an established STIHL dealer
• Professional chainsaw model comparison
• Chainsaw preparation and pre-delivery checking where applicable
• Genuine STIHL chains, bars, fuels and oils
• Warranty-registration assistance
• 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 advice before ordering.