The chainsaw of the future

With the MS 500i, STIHL presents the world’s first standard chainsaw with electronically controlled fuel injection, consolidating its position as a technology leader. 

The STIHL injection technology (i) not only provides the chainsaw of the future with incredible torque, but also ensures rapid acceleration of the saw chain from 0 to 100 km/h in just 0.25 seconds. 

Thanks to the intelligent lightweight design, the MS 500i is also outstanding with the best ever power-to-weight ratio - 1.24 kilograms per kilowatt, an exemplarily low value never achieved before by series-manufactured chainsaws. 

Together with the many additional design optimisations, there is a substantial increase in operator comfort. The reduction of gyroscopic forces provides the 80 cm³-class high-performance professional saw with dynamic manoeuvrability, which is a particular advantage during limbing. This makes the professional big timber harvester easy to handle in all disciplines - from felling to cutting to length. 

The MS 500i has exceptional starting behaviour and provides optimum engine power right from startup. The engine does not need a carburetor, since the fuel metering is done using a sensor, and automatically adapts to the different operating conditions, no matter what the altitude and ambient temperature. 

A preview of the new MS 500i will be given at the Arb Show, Westonbirt Arboretum from 11 to 12 May 2018. It will be available to forestry professionals worldwide from the beginning of 2019. 

Due to the exceptional level of interest, the machine will already be available in selected markets, including Germany, in limited quantities in time for the 2018/19 season.

The details at a glance:

First chainsaw with STIHL Injection     

Huge advancement in engine development. The MS 500i is the first ever series-manufactured chainsaw with an electronically controlled fuel injection system. The high-torque machine provides optimum engine power right from startup. It provides powerful performance and the saw chain accelerates extremely rapidly - from 0 to 100 km/h in just 0.25 seconds.

Best power-to-weight ratio of all classes

The STIHL MS 500i is a lightweight within the ranks of professional saws. Thanks to intelligent lightweight design, as well as an extremely high engine power, it excels with an exemplarily low power-to-weight ratio at 1.24 kg/kW. This value is unique within all displacement categories. 

Easy starting and sensor-controlled fuel mixing 

The MS 500i is very easy to start in all operating conditions, and automatically adapts to different locations of use. The sensor-controlled fuel mixing ensures that the mixture is adjusted optimally for the oxygen content in the air right from the first ignition. 

Improved ergonomics and practical details make work easier

The innovative flywheel with a reduced installation height and lower weight reduces the gyroscopic forces that arise during operation. Together with the low overall weight, the resulting dynamic swiveling behavior of the machine, which is a particular advantage for limbing, makes the ideal guidance of the tool along the trunk easy. 

This is also supported by the new bumper spike geometry. The raised plunge bar on the fan housing - parallel to the axis of symmetry of the guide bar - makes directional control and tool guidance easier when plunge cutting. Captive nuts on the chain sprocket cover make changing the chain straightforward. Professional big timber harvesting - from felling through cutting to length to limbing - is a simple task with the new professional saw.

System weight at STIHL

For professional users, every gram of weight in the hand counts. For this reason, STIHL applies lots of engineering know-how to reducing the system weight (i.e. the weight of the dry chain saw including the cutting attachment.) 

In pursuit of this goal, redesigned cylinders, slimmer chain sprocket covers and consistent changes of material for other components, in the engine units in particular, as well as the development of lightweight guide bars have enabled substantial weight savings – naturally without compromising on ruggedness or service life. The result is lower system weight and easier handling.