STIHL MS 212 Petrol Chainsaw

Description

The STIHL MS 212 is a powerful domestic petrol chainsaw for homeowners who regularly cut firewood, maintain larger gardens or smallholdings and need more cutting performance than STIHL’s lighter entry-level models provide.

Its 38.6cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine produces 1.8kW/2.4hp, making the MS 212 the most powerful chainsaw in STIHL’s current homeowner series. It is available with either a 35cm/14-inch or 40cm/16-inch guide bar.

The standard MS 212 combines conventional recoil starting with side-mounted, tool-assisted chain tensioning. Customers who want reduced starting effort and tool-free chain adjustment should compare the STIHL MS 212 C-BE petrol chainsaw.

• 38.6cm³ STIHL 2-MIX two-stroke engine
• 1.8kW/2.4hp power output
• 4.6kg powerhead weight without fuel or cutting equipment
• 35cm/14-inch or 40cm/16-inch guide-bar options
• 3/8-inch P narrow-kerf STIHL PM3 saw chain
• Side-mounted chain tensioning
• STIHL anti-vibration system
• Compensating carburettor
• Single-lever operation with stop-function reset
• Tool-free bayonet fuel and chain-oil caps
• Transparent fuel and chain-oil tanks
• Automatic guide-bar and chain lubrication

Browse the complete STIHL petrol chainsaw range or read our STIHL chainsaw buying guide for help comparing the current models.

Who should choose the STIHL MS 212?

The STIHL MS 212 is best suited to homeowners and landowners who need a capable petrol chainsaw for regular rather than occasional cutting.

Typical applications include:

• Processing regular quantities of domestic firewood
• Cross-cutting appropriately supported logs
• Clearing fallen branches where conditions are safe
• Pruning suitable branches at ground level
• Maintaining trees around larger gardens and smallholdings
• Felling appropriately sized small trees by a competent operator
• General property, estate and seasonal maintenance

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

Masseys recommendation

Choose the MS 212 when the MS 182 is slightly underpowered for the amount of firewood or property-maintenance work you expect to complete, but you do not need the additional size and cost of the MS 231 or MS 251.

The MS 212 is particularly attractive because it provides more engine capacity and output than the MS 182 while retaining the same listed 4.6kg powerhead weight.

For lighter or less frequent work, compare the STIHL MS 182 petrol chainsaw. For more demanding land, estate or firewood work, consider the larger STIHL MS 231 chainsaw.

Choosing a 14-inch or 16-inch guide bar

Both MS 212 versions use the same 38.6cm³ engine and produce the same 1.8kW/2.4hp output. Selecting a longer bar does not increase the power of the chainsaw.

35cm/14-inch guide bar

The 14-inch MS 212 is the best-balanced option for most domestic users. The shorter cutting attachment is easier to manoeuvre around branches and keeps the machine compact for ordinary firewood and property-maintenance work.

Choose the 14-inch version when:

• Ease of handling is the priority
• You mainly process ordinary domestic firewood
• You work around branches or more restricted spaces
• You do not regularly need the extra reach of a 16-inch bar
• You prefer a slightly more compact cutting attachment

The official part number for the 14-inch version is 11482000139.

40cm/16-inch guide bar

The 16-inch version provides additional cutting reach for somewhat larger logs, stems and branches.

Choose the 16-inch version when:

• You regularly encounter larger-diameter material
• The additional reach will be genuinely useful
• You have sufficient experience to handle the longer cutting attachment
• Your work is primarily open firewood or property-maintenance cutting

The 16-inch version is not more powerful than the 14-inch model and may feel less manoeuvrable in confined areas.

The official part number for the 16-inch version is 11482000144.

38.6cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine

The STIHL 2-MIX two-stroke engine produces 1.8kW/2.4hp from its 38.6cm³ displacement.

STIHL’s four-channel combustion technology directs the fuel-and-air mixture into the cylinder in a controlled way to support efficient combustion, strong cutting performance and reduced fuel consumption compared with older conventional two-stroke engine designs.

The engine complies with current EU Stage V emissions requirements.

Single-lever operation and warm restarting

The main starting, running and stopping functions are controlled using STIHL’s combi lever.

Only one starting position is required. When the engine is stopped, the lever automatically returns to the operating position, making a warm chainsaw easier to restart after a short interruption.

The standard MS 212 uses a conventional recoil starter. It does not have STIHL ErgoStart.

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 keeps the operator’s hand away from the sharp cutting teeth.

The standard MS 212 uses the supplied combination tool to loosen the sprocket-cover nuts and adjust the chain tension. It does not have tool-free Quick Chain Tensioning.

Chain tension should be checked:

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

Switch off the engine, allow hot components to cool and wear suitable gloves before inspecting or adjusting the chain.

3/8-inch P STIHL PM3 saw chain

The MS 212 uses a narrow-kerf 3/8-inch P Picco Micro 3 saw chain with a 1.3mm gauge.

The narrow cutting system is designed to provide efficient cutting performance from a domestic petrol chainsaw.

The required replacement chain differs according to whether the machine has a 14-inch or 16-inch guide bar. Check the guide-bar markings or ask Masseys to identify the correct chain before ordering.

Browse our range of replacement chainsaw chains and wider chainsaw accessories.

STIHL anti-vibration system

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

This can make the chainsaw more comfortable to control during longer firewood-cutting sessions. It does not eliminate vibration completely, so regular breaks and safe working practices remain important.

Compensating carburettor

The carburettor compensator helps maintain engine performance, fuel use and exhaust quality as the air filter gradually becomes contaminated.

This allows the machine to work effectively for longer between filter-cleaning intervals. The air filter must still be inspected and maintained according to the operating instructions.

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 translucent tanks also make it easier to check the remaining levels before and during work.

The engine fuel and chain lubricant are separate fluids and must be placed in the correct tanks.

Fuel and chain-oil requirements

The MS 212 requires two different fluids:

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

For self-mixed fuel, use fresh suitable petrol with approved STIHL two-stroke engine oil at the correct 50:1 ratio.

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

The guide bar and chain require separate STIHL chainsaw chain oil. Two-stroke engine oil must not be put into the chain-oil tank.

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

STIHL MS 212 technical specifications

STIHL MS 182 vs MS 212 vs MS 231

Choose the MS 182 when cost and lower cutting demand are the priorities.

Choose the MS 212 when you want the strongest performance in STIHL’s compact homeowner series without adding meaningful powerhead weight over the MS 182.

Choose the MS 231 when you regularly handle more demanding timber and need a further increase in engine capacity and output.

STIHL MS 212 or MS 212 C-BE?

The standard MS 212 and the MS 212 C-BE use the same 38.6cm³, 1.8kW engine and provide the same core cutting performance.

Choose the standard MS 212 when you are comfortable using a conventional starter rope and combination tool.

Choose the STIHL MS 212 C-BE when reduced starting effort and tool-free chain adjustment justify the additional cost.

What is included?

The standard package includes:

• STIHL MS 212 petrol chainsaw
• Selected 14-inch or 16-inch guide bar
• Matching STIHL saw chain
• Guide-bar scabbard
• Standard operating and safety documentation

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

Chainsaw maintenance

The MS 212 requires regular maintenance to remain safe and provide 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
• Clear sawdust from the sprocket-cover area
• Inspect the air filter regularly
• Check the guide bar, chain and drive sprocket for wear
• Use fresh, correctly mixed fuel
• Follow the service intervals in the STIHL operating instructions

Masseys’ garden machinery servicing and repair workshop can help with maintenance, repairs, chain sharpening and genuine replacement parts.

Chainsaw safety and protective equipment

A petrol chainsaw is a high-speed cutting machine capable of causing serious or fatal injury.

Before operating the MS 212:

• Read the complete STIHL operating and safety instructions
• Obtain appropriate instruction if you are inexperienced
• Wear suitable chainsaw trousers and protective footwear
• Use eye, face, head and hearing protection where appropriate
• Wear suitable protective gloves
• Check the chain brake, chain tension and lubrication
• Secure and support timber before cutting
• Keep people and animals away from the working area
• Do not operate a 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 complete range of chainsaw accessories and protective equipment before using the machine.

STIHL domestic warranty

The MS 212 is supplied with STIHL’s applicable domestic warranty when purchased and used in accordance with the current warranty terms.

Eligible domestic customers can extend the warranty from two years to three years by purchasing five litres of qualifying STIHL MotoMix with the chainsaw and having the extension registered by a STIHL Approved Dealer at the point of purchase.

Ask Masseys to confirm the current warranty-extension conditions before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

What engine does the STIHL MS 212 have?

It has a 38.6cm³ STIHL 2-MIX petrol engine producing 1.8kW/2.4hp.

How much does the STIHL MS 212 weigh?

The powerhead weighs 4.6kg without fuel, guide bar or saw chain. Its complete operating weight is higher once the selected cutting attachment, fuel and chain oil are added.

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

Choose the 14-inch model for easier manoeuvrability and ordinary domestic firewood work. Choose the 16-inch version when additional reach is genuinely useful. Both versions have the same engine and power output.

Is the 16-inch MS 212 more powerful?

No. The 14-inch and 16-inch versions both use the same 38.6cm³, 1.8kW engine. Only the cutting-attachment length changes.

Is the MS 212 suitable for firewood?

Yes. It is designed for regular domestic firewood preparation and is the most powerful model in STIHL’s current compact homeowner chainsaw range.

Can the MS 212 fell trees?

It can be used for appropriately sized small-tree work by a competent operator with a safe working area and planned escape route. Large, difficult, leaning or damaged trees require appropriate professional assessment and equipment.

Does the MS 212 have tool-free chain tensioning?

No. The standard MS 212 uses a side-mounted tensioning screw adjusted with the supplied combination tool.

Which model has tool-free chain tensioning?

The STIHL MS 212 C-BE adds tool-free Quick Chain Tensioning and STIHL ErgoStart while retaining the same engine and core cutting performance.

What chain fits the STIHL MS 212?

The MS 212 uses a 3/8-inch P, 1.3mm STIHL Picco Micro 3 chain. The required chain length depends on whether the saw has a 14-inch or 16-inch guide bar.

What fuel does the STIHL MS 212 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 the MS 212 need separate chain oil?

Yes. Dedicated chainsaw chain oil must be placed in the chain-oil tank to lubricate the guide bar and moving saw chain.

Does Masseys assemble the chainsaw?

Masseys assembles and completes a pre-delivery inspection on petrol chainsaws supplied for collection or qualifying local delivery. The operator must still carry out the checks required in the STIHL operating instructions before every use.

Why buy the STIHL MS 212 from Masseys?

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

Our team can help you compare bar lengths, choose between the standard and C-BE versions and decide whether the MS 182, MS 212 or MS 231 best matches your expected workload.

• Genuine UK STIHL product
• Advice from staff familiar with the STIHL chainsaw range
• Help choosing between 14-inch and 16-inch bars
• Chainsaw assembly and pre-delivery inspection
• Genuine STIHL chains, guide bars, fuels and oils
• Warranty-registration support
• Chain sharpening and workshop aftercare
• Local collection and qualifying local delivery

Visit Masseys at 129 Swadlincote Road, Woodville, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 8DA, or contact the Masseys team for help choosing the correct chainsaw and guide-bar length.