1. Master Control Lever™

STIHL - All controls including the on-off switch, the choke and the throttle may be conveniently operated with one hand. Furthermore, the hand does not have to be removed from the chain saw when operating the controls. This is important from an ease of use standpoint.

2. Slide Access Chain Tensioner

STIHL - This is the ultimate in ease of use. The operator has convenient access to the chain tension screw. The alternative is a front mount tensioner. Front mount tension screws are typically very small and hard to find. They are located in a deep recess between the bucking spike and the guide bar where they are hard to reach. Front mount tensioners are frustrating to use because the operators hand and fingers are always bumping up against the guide bar and sharp saw chain. The side access chain tensioner is easy to use. Look for it on your next chain saw.

3. Easy Off Filter Cover

STIHL - When it is time to clean the air filter, this feature will really save the operator time and effort. Some chain saws require the use of a screw driver or other tool just to remove the filter cover so that the filter may be cleaned or the spark plug may be changed. With a STIHL easy access filter cover, the air cleaner, the spark plug and the winter air heater access are only the twist of a wrist away.

4. Inboard Mounted Chain Brake

STIHL - A chain brake that is mounted in the saw body housing is kept away from dirt, debris and wood chips. It requires less maintenance because the operator does not have to stop during regular operation and clean debris from around the brake band and the clutch drum. An inboard chain brake does not have to be disengaged just so the operator may remove the saw sprocket cover. An inboard mounted chain brake is an ease of use feature.

5. Outboard Mounted Sprocket

STIHL - This is an ease of use feature that you will really like. Most saws have an inboard mounted sprocket. This means that the operator has a more difficult time installing a bar and chain. For instance, on an inboard mounted sprocket the chain must be installed around the clutch mechanism. This is cumbersome and time consuming. On an outboard mounted sprocket, the chain is simply slipped over the sprocket.

6. Easy Sprocket Replacement

STIHL - Replacement of the drive sprocket is a maintenance function that should be performed relatively frequently. Ask your dealer how difficult it is to replace the sprocket on the chain saw that you are considering. In this photo you can see how easy it is to replace an outboard mounted sprocket. The only tool that is needed is the combination screwdriver/wrench that is included with the saw. There is no need to purchase extra wrenches or piston stops.

7. Piston Rings

STIHL - All STIHL saws except one have two piston rings. The benefits of two rings are twofold. First, two rings hold compression over a longer time. This is important in a high performance, fast running engine, but it also may mean that the engine wears out more slowly. Second, two rings help to cool the piston more efficiently. The piston is typically the hottest part of the engine. The longevity of the engine can be related to the ability to transfer heat from the piston to the cylinder where the heat can be dissipated by the cooling fins. This is a durability feature of STIHL chain saws.

8. Adjustable Oiler

STIHL - Many STIHL chain saws have an adjustable oiler. Ask your dealer which saws have this feature. After all, it is possible for the chain saw operator to save money on bar and chain oil if he/she can turn down the rate of flow on the oil pump. Remember to ask your dealer if the oil pump is clutch driven. This is important since a clutch driven oiler only operates when the chain saw is running above 3,000 RPM (when it is cutting wood). This means that it does not waste oil compared to an oiler that operates whenever the saw is running (even when it is sitting on the ground idling). An adjustable oiler saves oil usage and, therefore, saves you money.

9. STIHL Ematic™ Oil System

STIHL - This system can save you up to 50% on bar and chain oil consumption over most conventional oil systems set at the maximum flow rate. The STIHL Ematic™ guide bar features an epoxy ramp that contains the oil flow from the oil pump until it can be picked up by the STIHL OILOMATIC® saw chain. Most other oiling systems tend to pump, pump, pump oil onto the bar until there is enough oil present that the saw chain can pick a little of it up. The STIHL Ematic™ system includes the exclusive Ematic™ guide bar, STIHL exclusive OILOMATIC® saw chain and an adjustable oiler. This system achieves pinpoint oiling accuracy. The oil is delivered directly to the rivets of the chain where it can do its work. Since this system is so accurate at oil delivery, the oil pump can be turned down to a lower delivery rate. In one exercise it was determined that a pro lumberjack who used a chain saw for 25 hours per week, every week, could save enough on oil in a years time to pay for a brand new chain saw!

10. STIHL OILOMATIC® Saw Chain

STIHL - Ask your dealer about the fine craftsmanship that goes into the engineering and manufacture of STIHL Swiss saw chain. This chain in part of the Ematic™ oiling system. Take a look at the drive links. It is evident that the groove that is pressed into the drive link directs the bar oil right to the rivets where it can do its job of lubricating the "bearings of the saw chain". The cutter tooth has laser cut filing guides built right into both the top plate and the side plate. The mark that has been stamped into the depth gauge is a guide to the proper filing angle when reducing the height of the depth gauge. The mark stamped into the entire length of the bottom of the cutter tooth is a wear guide.