If you have a garden, trees, or hedges that occasionally get out of control, having a reliable chainsaw can make a huge difference. Over the past few years we’ve been doing more work around our property, and one tool that has really stood out is the STIHL MS 231 petrol chainsaw.
We’ve been using STIHL tools quite a lot recently, and they’ve impressed us with their build quality and reliability.
The MS 231 is designed for homeowners who want a powerful, dependable chainsaw for tasks like cutting firewood, trimming hedges, and general garden maintenance.
In this review, I’m sharing why I like this chainsaw, why I prefer petrol over battery models, and why STIHL has become one of our go-to brands.
Why Every Homeowner Eventually Needs a Chainsaw.
A chainsaw isn’t just for professional forestry work. For many homeowners, it becomes useful for everyday property maintenance.
Some common jobs include cutting overgrown hedges, trimming thick branches, removing fallen limbs after storms, cutting firewood for winter, and managing small trees around the garden.
The STIHL MS 231 is designed specifically for these tasks and is widely used for felling small trees, cutting firewood, and maintaining gardens or property landscapes.
Why I Prefer a Petrol Chainsaw.
When choosing a chainsaw, one of the biggest decisions is petrol vs battery vs corded. After trying different tools, I still personally prefer petrol for many outdoor jobs.
Petrol chainsaws tend to deliver stronger cutting power and torque, which makes them better for tougher jobs like cutting thicker branches or logs.
That extra power really helps when you're dealing with dense wood or large hedges.
One thing I love about petrol tools is that you’re not limited by battery life. If you’re working for a while, you can simply refill the fuel and keep going.
Corded chainsaws can be frustrating because you’re always managing extension leads. With a petrol chainsaw you can move freely around your yard or property.
Battery chainsaws are great for light pruning, but petrol chainsaws usually perform better for longer or heavier cutting tasks.
For homeowners with larger gardens, that extra performance can make a big difference.
STIHL MS 231 Chainsaw Overview.
The STIHL MS 231 is a compact but powerful petrol chainsaw built for domestic and property maintenance.
Key specifications include a 42.6 cc two stroke engine, around 2.0 kW power output, a 16 inch guide bar, and a weight of approximately 4.8 kg.
The chainsaw uses STIHL 2 MIX engine technology. The saw also includes features such as an anti vibration system, side chain tensioning, easy access fuel and oil tanks, and a long life air filtration system.
Overall, it strikes a nice balance between power and usability for homeowners.
What I Like About the STIHL MS 231.
Plenty of Power for Garden Jobs.
The 42.6 cc engine provides enough power to handle most home garden tasks. It works well for cutting thick branches, removing small trees, cutting logs or firewood, and clearing overgrown shrubs. Despite its power, it still feels manageable for general home use.
Ideal for Cutting Hedges and Overgrown Areas.
While hedge trimmers are great for shaping, sometimes hedges get too thick or woody. That’s where a chainsaw really helps.
The 16-inch bar allows you to quickly cut through dense hedge bases or large shrubs that have gotten out of control.
Comfortable to Use.
One feature I really appreciate is the anti vibration system, which reduces strain on your arms during longer jobs. If you’re cutting wood or clearing branches for a while, this makes the saw much more comfortable to use.
Fuel-Efficient Engine.
The STIHL 2 MIX engine technology is designed to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining strong performance.
Compared to older engines, it can significantly reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. That’s a nice bonus if you’re using the chainsaw regularly.
Reliable Brand.
One of the biggest reasons we’ve been choosing STIHL tools lately is reliability. STIHL chainsaws are known for strong build quality, dependable engines, and long product lifespan.
Many homeowners and professionals trust the brand because their tools are designed for durability and performance.
Common Questions People Ask About Chainsaws.
Petrol chainsaws usually provide more power and longer runtime, making them better for heavier cutting jobs. Battery chainsaws are quieter and easier to start but may be better suited for lighter work.
Most homeowners find a 14 to 16-inch bar ideal for general garden tasks like cutting branches, firewood, and small trees.
Yes. STIHL chainsaws are widely respected for reliability, power, and durability.
Yes. Chainsaws can be useful for cutting large, thick hedges or woody shrubs where hedge trimmers aren’t strong enough.
Buying A STIHL Chainsaw
If you’re a homeowner who regularly works in the garden, a good chainsaw can be an incredibly useful tool.
The STIHL MS 231 petrol chainsaw is a great option because it offers strong cutting power, reliable performance, good balance and comfort, and efficiency for regular property maintenance.
For us, it’s been perfect for cutting hedges, trimming branches, and handling general garden jobs.
While battery tools are improving every year, I still personally prefer petrol chainsaws for their power, runtime, and flexibility.
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