Chainsaw Facts You Didn’t Know (Starting With the Brand That Dominates the Industry)

Chainsaws have a more fascinating history than most people realise, and no brand illustrates that better than Stihl. Founded in 1926 and based in Waiblingen near Stuttgart, Stihl has held the title of world’s top-selling chainsaw brand since 1971, over five decades of dominance that most casual buyers know nothing about.

When founder Andreas Stihl looked around in the mid-1920s and saw that forestry work still relied mainly on axe power and sheer muscle strength, he started thinking about how to make it easier. That single frustration sparked an invention that would reshape an entire industry.

Today, the Stihl Group generates over 5.3 billion euros in annual sales, employs nearly 20,000 people worldwide, and manufactures in seven countries, yet it remains a family-owned business that still won’t sell through big-box retailers. In the US alone, its Virginia Beach facility hit close to 100 million units produced by the end of 2024, all from a campus that started as a 20,000-square-foot rented space with 50 employees.

Whether you’re weighing up your first chainsaw or just curious about the brand behind the orange-and-grey machines, here are some facts that might genuinely surprise you.

Stihl chainsaws are German-engineered and some of the most reliable in the world

Stihl chainsaws are indeed German-engineered and are widely considered to be some of the most reliable in the world. This is a major reason why Stihl is one of the most popular chainsaw brands on the market today. There are a number of features that contribute to the exemplary reliability of Stihl chainsaws. 

First, all Stihl chainsaws undergo rigorous testing and quality control processes during manufacturing. This ensures that each saw meets Stihl’s high standards for quality and performance. In addition, each chainsaw is equipped with an automatic oiling system that keeps the chain properly lubricated at all times. This helps to prevent premature wear and tear on the chain.

They are easy to operate and maintain, making them a favorite choice for homeowners and contractors alike

Many homeowners and contractors alike swear by Stihl chainsaws for their easy operation and maintenance. They’re a favorite choice due to their high power-to-weight ratio, which makes them easy to handle even when they’re cutting through large trees. Plus, the automatic oiler ensures that the chain is always lubricated, so it stays sharp and cuts quickly. And finally, the Quick Chain Adjustment feature allows users to make quick adjustments on the go without having to stop what they’re doing.

They come in a variety of sizes to fit any need – from personal use to heavy-duty lumberjacking

There are a variety of Stihl chainsaws to fit any need, from personal use all the way up to heavy-duty lumberjacking. Each size has its own set of features and benefits, so it’s important to choose the right one for the job.

For smaller tasks like pruning or chopping firewood, a compact model like the MS 170 might be enough. But for larger projects that require more power, something like the MS 660 would be a better fit. No matter what size you need, Stihl always provides reliable performance and durability.

The chain oil reservoir is transparent, so you can easily see when it needs refilling

The oil reservoir on a Stihl chainsaw is transparent so you can easily see when it needs refilling. This is a great feature because you don’t want to run out of chain oil in the middle of a job. It’s also important to use the correct type of chain oil in your chainsaw, and Stihl makes several different types of chain oil that are specifically designed for their chainsaws.

The chainsaw’s starting system is designed for easy one-handed operation

The Stihl chainsaw starting system is designed for easy one-handed operation. The starter cord on the chainsaw wraps around a small spool that’s attached to the engine. When you pull on the starter cord, the spool spins and winds up the cord. Then, when you let go of the cord, it tightens and pulls the starter handle down, which starts the engine.

Since there’s no need to hold onto the starter handle while you’re trying to start the chainsaw, you can use your other hand to hold onto something stable while you pull on the starter cord. This makes it easier to start the chainsaw one-handed.

The brake system engages automatically when the saw is switched off, ensuring safe handling

Stihl’s patented Chainsaw Brake System (CBS) is designed to engage automatically when the saw is switched off, helping to ensure safe handling. This system uses a spring-loaded brake tab that engages with the bar to stop the chain from rotating, even when the saw is turned off. When not in use, the brake tab rests against the side of the bar, ready to engage if needed. If you’re looking for added safety and peace of mind when using your chainsaw, Stihl’s CBS is a great option to consider. 

Stihl chainsaws are environmentally friendly and produce very low emissions

Although they produce low emissions, Stihl chainsaws are still environmentally friendly because they have a number of features that make them more fuel-efficient than other brands. For example, the Ematic chain lubrication system helps to reduce oil consumption by up to 50%, and the Auto Chain Tensioning System ensures that the chain is always tensioned properly, which reduces wear and extends the life of the chain.

Plus, unlike other brands of chainsaws, Stihl chainsaws are designed to emit ultra-low levels of noise, so you can work in complete comfort without disturbing your neighbours.

Conclusion: A Brand That’s Still Setting the Standard

Stihl’s track record speaks for itself. From Andreas Stihl’s frustration with axe-and-muscle forestry in the 1920s to the MS 500i, the world’s first chainsaw with electronically controlled fuel injection, the company has never stopped redefining what a chainsaw can do.

In 2026, Stihl marks its 100th anniversary, and rather than coasting on a century of dominance, it is doubling down by launching new battery products, pushing fuel injection further, and releasing a limited-edition MS 500i Centennial Edition to mark the milestone. That is not the behaviour of a brand resting on its laurels.

Battery-powered tools now account for 25% of Stihl’s total unit sales globally, and in countries like Germany and Switzerland, that figure is already around 60%. This tells you clearly where the industry is heading, even if petrol saws remain the dominant choice for heavy professional use in the UK and US for now.

What makes Stihl genuinely different isn’t just the engineering. It’s the consistency. Whether you’re buying an entry-level homeowner saw or a professional workhorse, you’re getting a machine built to the same standard and supported through a network of authorised dealers who actually know the product.

If you’re in the market for a chainsaw, the facts above should give you the confidence to choose wisely. Start by working out what you actually need it for, because the right size and model matter far more than brand loyalty alone. But if reliability, longevity, and dealer support top your list, Stihl’s century of evidence makes a compelling case.

Thanks for reading.