The STIHL MSA 80 C-B cordless chainsaw is a powerful domestic battery chainsaw for homeowners who regularly cut firewood, prune substantial branches, complete woodworking projects or maintain small trees around a property.
It combines a 1.20 kW brushless motor with a 35 cm / 14-inch guide bar, making it the most powerful chainsaw in STIHL’s AK System. It provides approximately 30% more power than the MSA 70 C-B while remaining compact and straightforward to operate.
The MSA 80 must be used with a STIHL AK 30 S battery. Choose the tool-only version if you already own a compatible AK 30 S and charger, or select the complete kit containing an AK 30 S battery and AL 101 charger.
STIHL MSA 80 C-B at a glance
- 35 cm / 14-inch guide bar
- 1/4″ P Picco Micro 3 saw chain
- 1.20 kW power output
- 30% more power than the MSA 70 C-B
- Up to 35 minutes working time with the AK 30 S battery
- Up to approximately 230 cuts under STIHL test conditions
- Variable-speed trigger for controlled cutting
- STIHL Quick Chain Tensioning
- Transparent chain-oil tank with tool-free cap
- Power Boost and Constant Power electronics
- Brushless EC motor
- Soft-grip handle and improved Ergo lever
- Tool-only and AK 30 S kit options
Who is the STIHL MSA 80 suitable for?
The MSA 80 is intended for private users who want the convenience of a cordless chainsaw but need more cutting capacity than STIHL’s lighter 30 cm AK System models.
Typical applications include:
- Preparing domestic firewood
- Cutting logs and fallen branches
- Pruning suitable larger branches from a safe working position
- Reducing woody garden waste
- Cutting timber for garden and woodworking projects
- Maintaining trees around larger gardens and properties
- Felling appropriately sized small trees where the operator is competent and conditions are safe
STIHL includes small trees of up to approximately 25 cm in diameter among the model’s intended domestic applications. Tree felling is hazardous and should only be attempted by someone with the necessary training, experience, protective equipment and safe working space.
The MSA 80 is a domestic chainsaw rather than a professional forestry machine. Customers undertaking intensive daily work, large-tree felling or sustained cutting of heavy timber should choose an appropriately rated professional model.
35 cm / 14-inch cutting attachment
The MSA 80 is supplied with a 35 cm / 14-inch guide bar. This gives it more cutting reach than the 30 cm MSA 60 and MSA 70 while retaining manageable dimensions for domestic use.
The fitted 1/4″ P Picco Micro 3 chain uses a narrow cutting kerf to make efficient use of the available battery power. Its low-profile design supports controlled cutting for firewood, pruning and property-maintenance work.
The compatible STIHL Cut Kit 7 contains one 35 cm Rollomatic E Mini guide bar and two matching 1/4″ P PM3 saw chains.
1.20 kW brushless motor
The electronically controlled brushless motor produces 1.20 kW. STIHL positions the MSA 80 as the most powerful chainsaw in its domestic AK System, with approximately 30% more output than the MSA 70 C-B while adding only a small amount of machine weight.
The motor starts immediately when the controls are operated and requires less routine maintenance than a petrol engine. There is no fuel to mix, no pull cord and no direct exhaust emission during operation.
Power Boost and Constant Power
Power Boost allows the chainsaw and compatible AK 30 S battery to communicate so that the available battery output can be used when the cutting conditions demand it.
Constant Power helps the chainsaw maintain consistent cutting performance as the battery’s charge level reduces. This prevents the gradual decline in performance associated with some less advanced cordless systems.
Electronic derating protection
The chainsaw monitors operating conditions and can temporarily reduce performance if excessive heat or load is detected. This helps protect the motor and battery from unsuitable operating conditions.
If performance reduces, stop cutting and check the chain sharpness, chain tension, lubrication, material being cut and battery temperature rather than continually forcing the machine through the wood.
Variable-speed trigger
The operating trigger provides progressive control over chain speed. This allows the operator to start a cut more carefully, reduce speed around shrubs or delicate areas and use full performance when cutting suitable logs or branches.
The rear handle includes a soft-grip section and improved Ergo lever for comfortable operation across different cutting angles. The chainsaw must always be controlled with both hands.
STIHL Quick Chain Tensioning
The MSA 80 uses STIHL Quick Chain Tensioning, allowing the chain to be adjusted without a separate spanner.
Release the sprocket-cover control, turn the tensioning wheel in the required direction and secure the cover again. Always remove the battery and follow the instruction manual before touching or adjusting the cutting attachment.
Transparent chain-oil tank
The transparent oil tank allows the chain-lubricant level to be checked without opening the cap. The bayonet-style cap can be opened and closed without a separate tool.
Chain oil is essential for cooling and lubricating the guide bar and saw chain. The MSA 80 is not supplied with chain oil, so suitable chainsaw lubricant must be added before first use.
AK 30 S battery performance
The MSA 80 forms part of the STIHL AK System, but this particular model must be used with an AK 30 S battery to provide the required output.
| Battery | Approximate working time | Manufacturer cutting estimate |
|---|---|---|
| STIHL AK 30 S | Up to 35 minutes | Up to approximately 230 cuts |
Actual performance varies according to timber diameter, wood species, chain sharpness, chain tension, lubrication, battery condition, working temperature and cutting technique.
The STIHL AK 30 S battery can also be used with a wide selection of compatible STIHL AK System garden tools.
Charging the AK 30 S battery
The complete MSA 80 kit includes an AL 101 standard charger. Customers who use several AK System tools or need shorter charging times may prefer a faster compatible charger.
Browse the STIHL battery-charger range or the AK 30 S and AL 101 starter set.
Tool-only and battery-kit options
STIHL MSA 80 C-B – Tool Only
The tool-only option includes the chainsaw, 35 cm guide bar, matching saw chain and guide-bar scabbard. It does not include a battery, charger or chain oil.
This version is suitable only for customers who already own a compatible STIHL AK 30 S battery and charger.
STIHL MSA 80 C-B Kit – AK 30 S and AL 101
The complete kit includes the MSA 80 chainsaw, 35 cm cutting attachment, one AK 30 S battery and one AL 101 charger.
Check the selected variation, package image and stock description before ordering to confirm the exact contents.
What is included?
- 1 × STIHL MSA 80 C-B cordless chainsaw
- 1 × 35 cm / 14-inch guide bar
- 1 × matching 1/4″ P PM3 saw chain
- 1 × guide-bar scabbard
- AK 30 S battery and AL 101 charger only where stated in the selected variation
- Operating and safety instructions
Chain oil is not included. Add suitable chainsaw lubricant before operating the machine.
STIHL MSA 80 C-B technical specification
| Model | STIHL MSA 80 C-B |
|---|---|
| Product type | Domestic cordless chainsaw |
| Battery system | STIHL AK System |
| Rated voltage | 36 V |
| Maximum voltage | 40 V |
| Power output | 1.20 kW |
| Required battery | STIHL AK 30 S |
| Guide-bar length | 35 cm / 14 inches |
| Saw chain | 1/4″ P Picco Micro 3, 1.1 mm |
| Approximate working time | Up to 35 minutes with AK 30 S |
| Manufacturer cutting estimate | Up to approximately 230 cuts with AK 30 S |
| Chain adjustment | STIHL Quick Chain Tensioning |
| Chain lubrication | Automatic from transparent oil tank |
| Tool-only part number | MA040115843 |
| Battery-kit part number | MA040115833 |
Specifications checked against current STIHL UK product information. Working-time and cutting estimates vary according to the material, saw-chain condition, battery condition, temperature and operating technique.
STIHL MSA 60 versus MSA 70 versus MSA 80
| Model | Best suited to | Main reason to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| STIHL MSA 60 C-B | Occasional light pruning and smaller firewood | Lower-cost and lighter entry point into the STIHL AK chainsaw range |
| STIHL MSA 70 C-B | Regular domestic firewood and garden maintenance | Higher cutting performance than the MSA 60 while retaining a compact 30 cm bar |
| STIHL MSA 80 C-B | More demanding domestic firewood, woodworking and property maintenance | 1.20 kW output and a longer 35 cm / 14-inch guide bar |
Browse all STIHL battery chainsaws or the wider cordless chainsaw range.
Masseys recommendation
The MSA 80 is the strongest option in the domestic STIHL AK chainsaw range. We recommend it when the 30 cm MSA 60 or MSA 70 would be regularly operating near the upper end of its intended workload, or where the additional 35 cm guide-bar reach is genuinely useful.
It is particularly suitable for customers who already use STIHL AK System tools but need a more capable chainsaw for regular firewood and larger garden-maintenance jobs.
The MSA 70 may remain the better choice where lower weight, longer runtime and easier manoeuvring are more important than maximum cutting performance. Customers undertaking professional or high-volume work should consider an AP System or suitable petrol chainsaw instead.
Why buy the STIHL MSA 80 from Masseys?
Masseys is an established STIHL dealer based in Woodville, near Swadlincote. Our garden-machinery team can help you select the appropriate chainsaw, battery, charger, chain oil and protective equipment for the work you intend to undertake.
- Genuine UK STIHL machinery and accessories
- Tool-only and complete battery-kit options
- Advice on choosing between the MSA 60, MSA 70 and MSA 80
- Replacement guide bars, chains and chain oil available
- Manufacturer warranty support
- In-house garden-machinery servicing and repairs
- Collection from our Woodville store
- Local delivery across many surrounding areas
For maintenance and workshop support, visit our garden machinery servicing and repairs department.
Chainsaw safety and maintenance
Chainsaws are high-speed cutting tools capable of causing serious or fatal injury. Read the STIHL operating manual fully and obtain suitable practical instruction before use.
Wear appropriate chainsaw protective equipment, including leg protection, safety boots, gloves and suitable head, face, eye and hearing protection.
Before each use:
- Check that the saw chain is sharp, correctly fitted and correctly tensioned
- Check the chain-oil level
- Confirm that the chain brake operates correctly
- Inspect the guide bar, chain, handles and controls for damage
- Confirm that the battery is correctly fitted
- Keep other people and animals away from the work area
- Remove the battery before cleaning, adjustment or maintenance
Frequently asked questions
What guide-bar length does the STIHL MSA 80 use?
The current UK MSA 80 C-B is supplied with a 35 cm / 14-inch guide bar. It is not a selectable 12–14-inch model.
Which battery does the MSA 80 require?
The MSA 80 must be used with a STIHL AK 30 S battery. Do not confuse the AK 30 S with an older AK 30 battery when selecting the package.
How long does the AK 30 S last in the MSA 80?
STIHL quotes up to approximately 35 minutes or around 230 cuts under manufacturer test conditions. Actual results depend on the timber, chain condition, battery condition and cutting technique.
Does the MSA 80 include a battery and charger?
That depends on the selected variation. The tool-only version excludes the battery and charger. The complete kit includes an AK 30 S battery and AL 101 charger.
Is the MSA 80 suitable for cutting firewood?
Yes. It is designed for domestic firewood preparation, pruning, woodworking and property maintenance. Its 1.20 kW output and 35 cm bar make it the most capable chainsaw in STIHL’s domestic AK range.
What is the difference between the MSA 70 and MSA 80?
The MSA 70 uses a 30 cm guide bar and has a 0.90 kW output. The MSA 80 has a 35 cm bar and a 1.20 kW output, providing approximately 30% more power.
Can the MSA 80 fell trees?
STIHL includes appropriately sized small trees of up to approximately 25 cm diameter among the model’s intended domestic applications. Felling should only be undertaken by someone with the necessary competence, protective equipment and safe working space.
Does the MSA 80 need chain oil?
Yes. Suitable chainsaw oil is essential for lubricating the guide bar and saw chain. Chain oil is not included and must be added before use.
Which replacement bar and chain fit the MSA 80?
STIHL Cut Kit 7 is designed for the MSA 80. It contains a 35 cm Rollomatic E Mini guide bar and two matching 1/4″ P PM3 saw chains.
Is the MSA 80 a professional chainsaw?
No. It is the most powerful chainsaw in STIHL’s domestic AK System but is not intended for intensive professional forestry or daily commercial logging.
Can Masseys service the MSA 80?
Yes. Our workshop can provide inspections, replacement-chain advice, sharpening support, maintenance and repairs for the garden-machinery brands we supply.
