The STIHL MSA 70 C-B cordless chainsaw is a lightweight 30 cm / 12-inch battery-powered saw for domestic firewood cutting, pruning, woodworking and property maintenance. It is designed for homeowners who want more cutting performance than the MSA 60 C-B without moving to a heavier professional or petrol chainsaw.
The MSA 70 produces 0.90 kW and provides approximately 25% more cutting performance than the MSA 60. Its narrow-kerf 1/4″ PM3 saw chain, variable-speed trigger and compact design make it well suited to controlled cutting around the home and garden.
It forms part of STIHL’s 36 V AK System. Choose the tool-only version if you already own a suitable AK battery and charger, or select the battery-kit option shown above. Always check the selected variation for the exact battery and charger included.
STIHL MSA 70 C-B at a glance
- 30 cm / 12-inch guide bar
- STIHL 1/4″ P Picco Micro 3 saw chain
- 0.90 kW power output
- 25% more cutting performance than the MSA 60 C-B
- Variable-speed chain control
- STIHL Quick Chain Tensioning
- Transparent 0.11-litre chain-oil tank
- Tool-free oil-tank cap
- Efficient, low-maintenance EC motor
- Soft-grip handle with improved Ergo lever
- Up to approximately 45 minutes or 210 cuts with an AK 30 S battery
- 2.5 kg powerhead weight without battery, guide bar or saw chain
Who is the STIHL MSA 70 suitable for?
The MSA 70 is designed principally for homeowners and private users. It offers a useful balance between low weight, cutting performance and straightforward battery operation.
Typical applications include:
- Cutting logs and preparing domestic firewood
- Pruning larger branches from a safe working position
- Reducing garden and tree-maintenance waste
- Cutting timber for garden and woodworking projects
- Maintaining trees and wooded areas around a property
- Felling suitably small trees where the user is competent and it is safe and lawful
STIHL lists small trees up to approximately 20 cm in diameter among the model’s intended domestic applications. Tree felling carries significant risk and should only be attempted by someone with the necessary knowledge, experience, protective equipment and working space.
The MSA 70 is not a professional forestry chainsaw. Customers requiring intensive daily cutting, larger guide bars or professional durability should consider a suitable model from STIHL’s AP System or petrol range.
25% more cutting performance than the MSA 60
The MSA 70 is the more powerful of STIHL’s two compact 30 cm AK System chainsaws. It provides approximately 25% more cutting performance than the MSA 60 C-B, helping it work more confidently through regular firewood cutting and larger garden branches.
Choose the MSA 60 for lighter, occasional jobs where low weight and purchase price are the main priorities. Choose the MSA 70 when you expect to cut logs or woody branches more frequently.
30 cm guide bar and STIHL PM3 saw chain
The 30 cm / 12-inch cutting attachment offers a practical balance between cutting ability and manoeuvrability. It is long enough for typical domestic firewood and garden work without making the machine unnecessarily cumbersome.
The fitted 1/4″ P Picco Micro 3 chain uses a narrow cutting kerf to make efficient use of battery power. It is designed to deliver clean, controlled cutting from a compact cordless chainsaw.
The compatible STIHL Cut Kit 6 includes one replacement 30 cm Rollomatic E Mini guide bar and two 1/4″ PM3 saw chains.
Variable-speed trigger control
The operating trigger allows the chain speed to be controlled progressively rather than simply switching between stopped and full speed. This provides more control when beginning a cut, working around shrubs or cutting different sizes and types of timber.
The maximum chain speed is approximately 14 metres per second.
STIHL Quick Chain Tensioning
The MSA 70 uses STIHL Quick Chain Tensioning, allowing the chain to be adjusted without a separate spanner.
To adjust the chain, release the sprocket-cover control, turn the tensioning wheel in the required direction and secure the cover again. The chain tension should be checked before each use and whenever the chain has warmed or settled during operation.
Transparent chain-oil tank
The transparent chain-oil tank makes the remaining oil level easy to monitor. Its bayonet-style cap can be opened and closed without a separate tool.
The tank holds approximately 0.11 litres of chain lubricant. The chainsaw is not supplied with chain oil, so suitable chainsaw oil must be added before the machine is used.
Efficient EC motor
The electronically controlled motor provides efficient cordless performance with relatively low maintenance requirements. There is no petrol to store or mix, no pull cord and no conventional petrol-engine servicing routine.
The motor starts immediately when the controls are operated and produces no direct exhaust emissions during use.
Soft-grip handle and Ergo lever
The rear control handle includes soft-grip sections for secure, comfortable handling. The improved Ergo lever means the machine does not need to be repeatedly unlocked while one hand remains correctly positioned on the rear handle.
The chainsaw must always be controlled using both hands in accordance with the STIHL operating instructions.
Battery working times
The MSA 70 uses batteries from the STIHL AK System. Although the compatible batteries share the same physical platform, their available performance and working time differ.
| STIHL battery | Approximate working time | Approximate cuts |
|---|---|---|
| AK 10 | Up to 18 minutes | Up to 60 cuts |
| AK 20 | Up to 40 minutes | Up to 160 cuts |
| AK 30 S – recommended | Up to 45 minutes | Up to 210 cuts |
These are manufacturer test estimates rather than guaranteed results. Actual performance varies according to timber diameter, wood species, chain sharpness, chain tension, cutting technique, temperature and battery condition.
The AK 30 S is recommended to obtain the intended cutting performance. A lower-capacity AK battery may operate the chainsaw but can provide reduced performance or working time.
Tool-only and battery-kit options
Tool-only version
The tool-only version includes the chainsaw, 30 cm guide bar, PM3 saw chain and protective scabbard. It does not include a battery, charger or chain oil.
Battery-kit version
The battery-kit contents are determined by the variation selected above. Check the variation name, image and package details carefully to confirm the exact battery and charger included.
If your selected package includes an AK 30 or AK 30 S battery and AL 101 charger, these should be listed explicitly in the selected variation.
What is included?
- 1 × STIHL MSA 70 C-B cordless chainsaw
- 1 × 30 cm / 12-inch guide bar
- 1 × STIHL 1/4″ PM3 saw chain
- 1 × guide-bar scabbard
- Battery and charger only where stated in the selected variation
Chain oil is not included. Suitable chainsaw oil must be added before first use.
STIHL MSA 70 C-B technical specifications
| Model | STIHL MSA 70 C-B |
|---|---|
| Product type | Domestic cordless chainsaw |
| Battery system | STIHL AK System |
| Rated voltage | 36 V |
| Maximum voltage | 40 V |
| Power output | 0.90 kW |
| Recommended battery | STIHL AK 30 S |
| Guide-bar length | 30 cm / 12 inches |
| Saw chain | STIHL 1/4″ P Picco Micro 3 |
| Maximum chain speed | Approximately 14 m/s |
| Powerhead weight | Approximately 2.5 kg without battery, bar or chain |
| Chain-oil tank capacity | Approximately 0.11 litres |
| Working time with AK 30 S | Up to approximately 45 minutes |
| Cutting estimate with AK 30 S | Up to approximately 210 cuts under STIHL test conditions |
| Tool-only part number | MA040115816 |
STIHL MSA 60 versus MSA 70 versus MSA 80
| Model | Best suited to | Key reason to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| STIHL MSA 60 C-B | Occasional pruning, smaller logs and lighter domestic work | Lower-cost entry point into the STIHL AK chainsaw range |
| STIHL MSA 70 C-B | Regular firewood cutting, larger garden branches and woodworking | 25% more cutting performance than the MSA 60 while retaining a compact 30 cm bar |
| STIHL MSA 80 C-B | More demanding domestic jobs and larger timber | Longer 35 cm cutting attachment and higher cutting performance |
For further guidance, visit our STIHL chainsaw comparison guide or contact the Masseys garden-machinery team.
Masseys recommendation
The MSA 70 C-B is a particularly good option for customers who want a genuinely capable domestic chainsaw without the fuel, starting procedure and maintenance requirements of petrol.
We recommend it over the MSA 60 when firewood cutting will be a regular task or the branches being cut are generally more substantial. The MSA 60 remains suitable for lighter occasional work, while the MSA 80 is the better choice where a longer bar or greater domestic cutting performance is required.
The MSA 70 is not intended to replace a professional forestry saw. Customers carrying out intensive work, felling larger trees or cutting large timber should choose a machine specifically designed for that use.
Why buy the STIHL MSA 70 from Masseys?
Masseys is an established STIHL dealer based in Woodville, Swadlincote. Our garden-machinery team can help you select the correct saw, battery, charger, chain oil and protective equipment for the work you intend to undertake.
- Genuine STIHL machinery and accessories
- Tool-only and battery-kit options
- Advice on choosing between the MSA 60, MSA 70 and MSA 80
- Replacement guide bars, chains and oils available
- Manufacturer warranty support
- In-house garden-machinery servicing and repairs
- Click and collect from our Woodville store
- Local delivery across many nearby areas
For maintenance and aftersales assistance, visit our garden machinery servicing and repairs department.
Chainsaw safety and maintenance
A chainsaw is a high-speed cutting tool. Read the STIHL instruction manual completely before use and wear suitable chainsaw protective equipment. Users must understand safe cutting technique, kickback risk and the limits of their own knowledge and experience.
Before each use:
- Check that the saw chain is correctly fitted and tensioned
- Confirm that sufficient chain oil is present
- Check that the chain brake operates correctly
- Inspect the guide bar, chain and controls for damage
- Use a sharp, correctly maintained saw chain
- Keep other people and animals clear of the working area
- Remove the battery before adjustment, cleaning or maintenance
Frequently asked questions
Is the STIHL MSA 70 suitable for cutting firewood?
Yes. The MSA 70 is designed for domestic work including cutting logs and preparing firewood. Its 30 cm guide bar and higher cutting performance make it more capable than the MSA 60 for customers who cut wood regularly.
Does the MSA 70 include a battery and charger?
That depends on the variation selected. The tool-only option excludes the battery and charger. Check the selected battery-kit variation for the exact battery and charger included.
Which battery is recommended for the MSA 70?
STIHL currently recommends the AK 30 S battery. It provides up to approximately 45 minutes of working time or 210 cuts under manufacturer test conditions.
Can an AK 10 or AK 20 battery be used?
The MSA 70 is part of the AK System and can operate with compatible AK batteries. However, STIHL recommends the AK 30 S for the intended performance. Lower-capacity batteries can provide reduced cutting performance or working time.
How long does the AK 30 S last in the MSA 70?
STIHL quotes up to approximately 45 minutes or 210 cuts. Actual results depend on the timber, chain sharpness, temperature, battery condition and cutting technique.
What is the difference between the MSA 60 and MSA 70?
Both use a 30 cm guide bar and the STIHL AK System. The MSA 70 provides approximately 25% more cutting performance, making it better suited to regular firewood cutting and larger garden branches.
What is the difference between the MSA 70 and MSA 80?
The MSA 70 uses a compact 30 cm bar and is intended for regular domestic firewood and garden work. The MSA 80 has a longer 35 cm cutting attachment and greater cutting performance for more demanding domestic jobs.
Can the MSA 70 fell a tree?
STIHL includes small trees of up to approximately 20 cm diameter among its intended domestic applications. Felling should only be carried out by someone with appropriate knowledge, competence, protective equipment and sufficient safe working space.
Does the MSA 70 need chain oil?
Yes. Chain oil is essential for lubricating and cooling the guide bar and saw chain. It is not included and must be added before the chainsaw is used.
Which replacement bar and chain does the MSA 70 use?
STIHL Cut Kit 6 is compatible with the MSA 70. It contains a 30 cm Rollomatic E Mini guide bar and two 1/4″ PM3 saw chains.
Is the MSA 70 a professional forestry chainsaw?
No. It is principally designed for homeowners carrying out firewood cutting, pruning, woodworking and garden maintenance. Professional or intensive forestry work requires a model designed for that level of use.
Can Masseys maintain the MSA 70?
Yes. Our in-house workshop can provide inspections, replacement-chain advice, sharpening support, maintenance and repairs for the machinery brands we supply.
Specifications checked against current STIHL UK product information. Manufacturer working-time and cutting figures are estimates and may vary according to timber size and species, saw-chain condition, battery condition, temperature and cutting technique.
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