High performance of the New Stihl chainsaws
Battery or gas as long as it's Stihl. This could be the slogan with which the German manufacturer is debuting its two latest chainsaws: the MSA 260 CO and the MS 300 CM. Let's take a look at them one at a time. The MSA 260 CO is a powerful, compact and at the same time lightweight, battery-powered piece of equipment: with 2 kW of power, a torque of 2.8 Nm and an operating weight of 5.99 kg, according to Stihl it is the ideal chainsaw for thinning and maintaining small-diameter trees, as well as for limbing low-growing vegetation. Numerous functions make work easier. During low-complexity operations, the flow rate of the integrated oil pump can be adjusted as needed and minimized. The interchangeable sprocket also makes it possible to quickly switch from 3/8'P to .325' pitch chains, making it easy to prepare the machine for different applications. Furthermore, a digital control panel provides a quick overview of relevant information regarding the status of the chainsaw. Proven features like the side-mounted chain tensioner and anti-loss nut make chain changes easy, while the externally mounted filter allows for quicker cleaning. In addition to the MSA 260 CO model, the new chainsaw is also available in the MSA 260 C-OW version with heated handle not available on the Italian market). It is powered by a lithium-ion battery from the Allpro system which, when combined with the new AL 1802 MO rapid charger, can be recharged to 80% in just nine minutes. The MSA 260 CO is IPX5 certified and can even be used in the rain.
A recent comparative cost analysis carried out and published by Stihl shows how the initial cost of the battery-powered model (including four AP 200.0 P batteries and quick charger) is higher than the equivalent petrol-powered MS 201 CM (more than EUR 2,744 compared to just over EUR 1,000). However, if used for approximately three hours a day for 240 working days, the annual "refueling" costs for electricity come to just EUR 130, compared to approximately EUR 5,000 for the special MotoMix two-stroke alkylated mixture. This translates into a total saving of over EUR 3,000 for the battery-powered version after just one year.
For those who still prefer gas power, the MS 300 CM is also making its debut. With a power output of 3.3 kW and a weight of just 4.85 kilograms, this new chainsaw - Stihl says - boasts the best power-to-weight ratio in the 50 cm³ displacement class. M-Tronic technology offers chain acceleration similar to that of the larger MS 500i model, and high torque across the entire rotation speed range ensures rapid work progress. It is a powerful and lightweight model capable of operating with good performance both in felling and processing medium-density trees, as well as in limbing operations.
The new rear handle geometry and wider knee rest, combined with good balance, provide ergonomic handling. Special markings on the fan housing make it easier to control the direction when felling and making plunge cuts. Here too, the lateral chain tensioner and anti-loss nuts improve the chain tensioning or replacement operations. Equally practical is the semi-transparent fuel tank (527 cm³ capacity) with a 50% indicator, which allows you to keep the fill level under control while working.
The tool-free oil and fuel tank caps allow for quick refueling, while the oil pump can be easily adjusted using the universal combination wrench. In addition to the standard MS 300 CM version, the latest addition to the Stihl family is also available in the MS 300 CM VW variant, equipped with heated handle and carburetor (not available on the Italian market).
A final note on the engine: the MS 300 CM is equipped with a 2-MIX engine with a displacement of 53.2 cm³ and a maximum torque of 3.4 Nm.
