Stihl MS 211

Worst saw I have ever owned, the Stihl MS211 is terrible, hard to start when hot, then wouldn't start at all after 15 hours total use. Stihl shop Hastings then said that the piston had deformed due to low octane fuel being used even though the owners manual says to run 90 octane or above, I had used new 91 octane. I used Stihl 2 stroke oil and… Read more

Stihl bar oil, I did everything properly, I work as a maintenance engineer so know my way around machines. Even though its still under warranty they are not going to replace it. Will never buy another Stihl product ever again. Through my work as an engineer a lot of people ask my opinion on mechanical items they are going to buy, I will be telling them to stay clear of Stihl from now on, terrible product and terrible service. Stihl could at least just admit they got it wrong with this particular model saw and provide support, instead they try to blame the customers and deny all the overwhelming evidence that this is a terrible saw.

MS211-C Easy Start – Had this saw for 5 years and it has been a good buy. Easy start compared with the Husqvarna 236 which I own. Only issue is one of the small screws which attach the bar sprocket (not the drive sprocket) came loose, stripped its thread but a rivet fixed that. The easy chain adjustment is fast and makes it a bit easier than the traditional 2-nut/adjusting screw type. Show details

Worst chainsaw ever – When I bought this Stihl I thought it would last forever. This chainsaw worked for a year. It was always hard to start. The ignition coil went out. Replaced it and got spark back. It would not start. I kept checking spark and it was there, it just wouldn't start. Solution: I drilled a hole through the cylinder head and threw it in the garbage. Show details

lemon again – i have seen six 211s ALL had or were wearing the ignition wires through. both dealers didnt want to know

Waste of money – My saw started fine and had good power. after it warmed up it lost power. I could see bubbles in the primer pump when this happened. no restart untill cold.Took it back, dealer said they could not reproduce the issue. Got my saw back same as before. looked at it myself and found the fuel pickup tube was barely connected. with a small mirror and… Read more

hemostats I fully engaged the tube. The next day Soft start failed. Took it back again and 4 months later I got it back repaired. I then cut .5 cord of wood the soft start failed again. Done!

Light, easy to service, cuts well – I've owned this saw for 2 years and cut approx 40 cubic metres of riverbed firewood. I find the saw easy to start and has good power output for its size. No issues to date, I clean and sharpen after every 2nd trailer load.

Worst item I have bought in 10 years – Have owned for approximately 3 years. Purchased new and it initially had the incorrect chain fitted which nearly flew off when started as it was not seated in the bar - dealer didn’t seem concerned and offered me a Stihl key ring instead!! It has never worked for more than 15 minutes. Multiple returns to dealer with usual rubbish about fuel mix,… Read more

chain tightness etc - whereupon it would fail 10 minutes after getting it home. It has been a product that is demonstrably not fit for purpose combined with a level of poor service I have rarely encountered in the retail sector. Do not consider at all.

Terrible product - even worse service – 4 months and $600 later - its broken. So much for Stihl quality! Took it back to the shop and was spoken to quite aggressively and told its my fault and nothing they would do. So much for Stihl customer service! To clarify. Machine was used appropriately, stored well, well maintained, used about once a fortnight at best. Blade looked after and… Read more

sharpened, oiled, lubricated, appropriate petrol mix and high quality oils, etc. etc. (not my first 2-stroke machine).

With no evidence at all to suggest its my fault: Stihl made themselves judge, jury and executioner saying they felt no drive to do anything to help make it right.

Would advise you all to avoid like the plague -

Great on redgum, but issues with chain oil feeder – Great little female friendly saw. Purchases new late winter 2017. Sat all summer, dragged it out sutumn 2018 and away it went. Always running premium fuel with stihl 40:1 mos and stihl bar oil. Only issue ive had is its hard to start if it runs to an empty tank, keep the tank fueled its no issues. Top issue is bar oil, usually round 1:1… Read more

ratio, noticed it was running hot, top of the bar went blue meaning cooling issue / low oil. Oil was running at 1:1/2, pulled it apart and gave it all another clean & sharpen & service. Now oil has stopped self lubing. Biggest thing is finding tr here's no oil adjustment on the ms211, the oilholes are cleared, still no freaking oil! Turns out its a common issue. Taking it into stihl to find out whats going on, other than this issue the saw is a breeze to use, perfect for female use with the no brainer auto choke & easy pull start.

Its cut many loads of wood, hopefully this bar oil issue can be sorted out.

Not happy with MS 211c chainsaw – I purchased a Stihl MS 211c chainsaw from Ace Hardware. The saw did not restart after only using 1/2 tank of gas. I brought the saw in for an adjustment and the tech managed to get it to run, but did not seem to have any idea what the problem was. I continued use for another tank of gas and it refused to start again. I brought the saw back and… Read more

asked for the Stihl 29 point engine check. It failed the vacuum check, the carburetor was defective. The tech replaced it. I was told the saw was fine. I tried using it again and it did not seem to run well. After 1/2 tank of gas it refused to start again. I returned it for a refund. I will not purchase another Stihl product. I was not happy with the saw or the tech support I received.

Starting problems; oil leaks – Cannot lock on throttle or hold choke in middle starting throttle position. Needs some throttle to start so need a third hand to hold throttle. Leaks oil when not operating. Had it serviced twice but still leaks. Dealer says its "normal"! Very light use. Maybe total of 15-20 hours over five years.  Show details

A great saw from Stihl as expected! – I bought this in march 2017 to clear a 1000 square metre block of land prior to building. It was mostly mallee gum hardwoods. The saw did this with ease and literally has paid for itself on this job. put it away for the summer and now I am cutting red gum for my wood fire as winter approaches.. Soon I will buy a farm boss so that I have a large… Read more

and small saw for the firewood duties.

Don't believe all you read, Stihl is the market leader for a reason. My saw starts easily every time. The blade is easy to sharpen and adjust. I plan on getting a longer bar and bigger chain in the near future.

I'm 60 years old, my first part time job was in a motorbike and chainsaw shop. Just like it was back in the 1970's Stihl is still the best chainsaw and Harleys are still the best bikes. I have both!

Peter

Robinvale, Australia

Would not recommend it – First time using the saw and on the 3rd tank of gas, vibration caused the clip-on cover to come loose ... poor design. Repeatedly came loose. Would start ok and idle rough but would blog out when you tried to pull the throttle trigger while using premium 50:1 mix... until it finally warmed up. After cooling down, same thing all over again. This… Read more

was all on the 1st day using the saw ... very disappointed the direction Stihl has went with their quality ... which was the reason I decided to buy Stihl to begin with.

Does have some Issues – Mixed feelings with this saw. Starts ok most times but does have low down lag or flat spot on start up and needs the revs kept right up to it right from the start or tends to stall. That said mine hammers away all day without issue and with reasonable power for its size. Recently cut down a big gum then into pieces, it worked its butt off for 3… Read more

days without an issue.

Found it somewhat thirsty although worst and most annoying issue with it as with many of the same models is it leaks out all its chain lube oil when not being used over number of days so sit it on a decent rag when not in use and dont forget to fill the resevoir again prior to use.

Many other brands of saws can tend to do the same but maybe not as bad.

Bad chainsaw – Bought only 6 weeks ago took it out to cut wood.within 10 minutes it conked out under warranty. 6 weeks to know i have to pay to repair a lemon. Found out this chainsaw is a lemon. So why are Stihls still selling them. $699 later Stihls do not want to no about it. Besides i pay $ out of my pocket to fix it. Got 10 minutes out of it. It's screwed. Not happy jan. Rockingham WA  Show details

not a good saw ...on purpose – I have 8 Stihl chainsaws and one still going since 1986 . That saw had a few new bars and chains as spares left over so I bought a MS 211 which uses these bars and chains as well. Compared to all other saws I have used the MS 211 is the worst. Even for an experienced person it has starting problems. Also the vibrations are quite severe and the… Read more

choke arangement is just cheaply made. THe old Stihl saw that it is replacing had no such issues and I have meanwhile bought also a Stihl Arbor saw which is a magnitude better then the MS 211 but the same price. I my opinion they have engineered the MS 211 the way it is , because if their products are all too good they cant sell the premium chainsaws any more. There is no way that a company with the chain saw experience of Stihl can not make the MS 211 a peformer. Reminds me of VW............

Good Saw – I have other saws , Partner s 65 , Stihl 038 magnum , I wanted a smaller size saw so I bought the Stihl ms 211 c be , used for cutting firewood, has enough power , good on fuel , I threw the Picco Duro chain away ,It starts easy , not to heavy , the e start is very easy to use it works well , very easy chain removal and adjustment no tools needed , would buy again .  Show details

Good saw for what it was designed for – I don't have alot of experience with chainsaws but have found the stihl ms211 easy enough to use. I bought this to cut up fire wood and cleanup the occasional fallen trees on a small block, 2acres. My father has one of these with hole borer attachment, that he has used without problem, to complete a number of fencing jobs. He did have one problem… Read more

when stihl dealer filled fuel without oil for sales demo. When he got it home it failed after 5 min. They replaced with new one but he had to convince them that he had not filled tank since he bought it. Replaced item fine. Seems good on fuel, half a ute load of iron bark for half a tank. I had to learn how to start it when cold, seems to be a common thing. I am hoping stihl has kept up its quality eg mates hand me down 009 still going strong. I think this saw is designed for the occasional user, which I am. Time will tell, I have got the 4 year warranty as long as I get serviced within 2 years.

4 July 2024, still going strong

Dont waste your money – Bought this new on recommendation of Stihl dealer. First time used it ran for about 5 minutes stopped and wouldnt start. Took back to dealer who put in "fresh fuel" and said it worked fine. Took it home about two weks later and just second time i used it same thing ran for about 5 minutes stopped and wouldnt start. Took back to dealer who said it… Read more

needed a new "air butterfly assembly" according to the invoice. Got it home and will try to use it again next few days. If same thing happens dealer might be wearing a Stihl MS 211 necklace. Been using chainsaws for past 40 years, first and last time i buy a Stihl, stick to the Huskies !!!

Very poor unit .. extremely poor customer service – Brought this saw new late 2016. By beginning 2017, it had been returned to dealership twice - starter problems and bar nuts coming undone midway through operation. Treated very poorly by the local dealership. Another starter problem, cord chewed up during operation, caused me to contact head office. Although dealership has a vehicle and my current… Read more

mode of transport is a motorcycle, they refuse to collect the saw, even though first two times I dropped it off via vehicle. Contacted ACCC and now a claim will be processed through them. To date, this saw has presented with 3 major problems although limited use by a certified operator.

Stihl avoids genuine warranty claim – MS211. Don't waste you money!! Whilst under warranty I returned my ms211 to Stihl as it would not start. The cage on the main bearing had failed destroying the main bearing and as a consequence the flywheel came in contact with the ignition module hence it would not run. The mechanic at the dealership decided it was not a warranty item as… Read more

he found " a white milky solution " in the crank case indicating water.

I explained this was as a result of me degreasing and washing the saw just prior to delivering it to Stihl. Of course with a failed main bearing and seal, water could enter the crankcase.

The only other person to view the engine was the WA Stihl rep, who I understand has no mechanical qualifications has refused warranty, but as a peace offering, if I was to sign a letter agreeing this problem was not a warranty issue then Stihl would repair the machine for only $400 .

A new ms211 is $599.

The Stihl service manager in Melbourne is too busy to return my call.

Surely if the Stihl "mechanics " understand how a 2 stroke engine works , would know it is not possible for water to remain in the crankcase

considering the saw had been in use prior to the failure.

I am in the process of taking this further through consumer affairs and the small claims tribunal.

I have three independent reports supporting my claim, one from another Stihl dealer confirming water was not a contributing factor.

I too am a licenced mechanic in WA.

Don't buy this – Got this piece 2 weeks ago and 2 times already was in dealers repair. Needed to cut enough easy pieces on backyard saving on removal of debris after landscapers...indeed got only problems. Went down after 15 minutes of work, repaired in dealers shop, got back and same story. Was using good canned 50:1 premium mix. Was said should be buying only… Read more

Stihl premium mix, like Stihl is making gasoline or what? Too much complicated service, said chain is not sharp and it;s after 20 minutes of work total. Waste of money.

Never able to complete a small job – Had an MS211C for 16 months. Been back to the shop some 9 times. Never got more than 15mins runtime out of it. Cost over $1000 in time and petrol to try get it fixed. Stihl refuse to replace or refund. Trashing it in favour of a cheaper saw - only 'domestic' use - don't care if it only lasts a year! Always used Stihl oils etc.

Very pleased – I have several other Stihl products - bought this 4 months ago for cutting firewood & fallen trees on our 2Ha property I bought it with tungsten tipped chain - which is superb Very happy with everything about it - no oil leaking problems (perhaps they have fixed it) The EasyStart works OK - the vibration reduction seems to work well (but makes the saw feel a bit strange). It was not a cheap saw but happy with the result

Over priced, poor saw – This saw isn't the best one I have ever seen, it is under powered and leaks bar oil. My work has a 16 inch husky and it is 10 times the saw the ms211 is. If it had a 12 inch bar and I wanted it for pruning it would be ok. Overall disappointed and wouldn't buy another one if I had my time over.

Not So Good – I tried to post this review on the Stihl website for the benefit of future buyers but it was rejected by Stihl as it did not "meet their guidelines". So I'll post it here. First, I've owned several pieces of Stihl equipment and am a big fan. The only weed eaters and chainsaws we have are Stihl. I have and still use a Stihl MS251 CB-E. Best… Read more

chainsaw I've ever used. We bought the smaller MS211 as a second chainsaw based on the dealer's recommendation. After three uses, couldn't get it started. But the worst part is the thing LEAKS ALL THE OIL OUT OF IT AS IT SETS IN STORAGE! I don't mean a few drops from the chain. The whole oil reservoir leaks out onto the floor in a couple of weeks. The dealer said he fixed but it still leaks like a sieve. Others have complained about this problem, so beware. I finally sold it to a friend for $100 just to get rid of it. He said he's going to store it laid on its side to see if that will prevent the oil drain.

Below average, overpriced – 6 weeks old, 2 uses, now will not start. Cold Start mechanism very clunky. Chain has jammed twice due to poor chain oil feed. Awkward chain adjuster. Would not recommend. Very overpriced, wasted my money. Poor value. Going back to my 30y/o chainsaw which still works. Stihl Service was helpful.

pretty average saw, overpriced for what it is – Only cuts softwood okay if the chain is freshly sharpened. After one tree the chain is dull rendering it useless, struggle to cut butter. Chain is prone to jamming and cannot be pushed hard, will not handle hard wood, the chain is always dry, poor oil pump. And very overpriced for what it is. Wouldn't recommend

Good Product, just expensive and not value for money – Reliable saw, easy to start, runs best on Premium Fuel on 50:1 mix. Very Sluggish on 25:1 mix. Keep the teeth sharp and revs up and it out performs the 009 which I use regularly. I was disapointed when the chain came off on the first use and the chain was dented and would fit into the guide until I filed it back. Reliable, good on fuel, strong motor for size Expensive sine the 181 and 171 are in the same range, for a few bucks more go to 230