Steve Bullman

Setting new standards in the 60cc class, the new MS 400.1 forestry chainsaw offers professionals the best power-to-weight ratio of any professional chainsaw on the market. Sitting in between the MS 261 C-M and MS 462 C-M, the new MS 400.1 replaces the existing MS 362 and MS 400.0 models in the lineup. The MS 400.1 has been re-developed from the ground up and is a completely new machine, building on the strengths of the original MS 400 and taking it to the next level. The MS 400.1 weighs 5.5kg, 300g less than the original MS 400, and has a smaller engine displacement of 62.6cc. Despite this, the MS 400.1 still maintains an impressive power output of 3.9 kW, resulting in the best power-to-weight ratio of any petrol chainsaw available. A second advantage of the MS 400.1 is the 4.3Nm of torque. When cutting large timber, the saw is less pressure sensitive and less likely to bog down mid-cut. Like all STIHL professional petrol chainsaws, the MS 400.1 uses the latest M-Tronic technology, resulting in easy starting and super-fast acceleration. As well as technical improvements to the engine, a larger magnesium flywheel and improved muffler help to keep the saw cool during operation. A new larger HD2 filter keeps the saw running in tough conditions and cuts down on maintenance and downtime during the working day. The geometry of the rear handle has been improved for more comfortable handling, and the end profile has been widened to rest securely on the operator's leg, resulting in easier plunge cutting. This, combined with the new compact design, makes the MS 400.1 exceptionally easy to handle. The rib pattern on the underside has been optimised to make cleaning faster. It also helps the saw to glide along the trunk when snedding, preventing bark and twigs from getting caught. Located on the petrol tank, the new 50% marker gives a quick indication of the total fuel level, helping the operator to keep track of their consumption and fill up efficiently. STIHL have also improved access to the oil pump control bolt, meaning adjustments can be made with a standard combination tool rather than a specialist screwdriver. For more information on the MS 400.1, visit www.stihl.co.uk.

The excitement of the original extreme sport returns to the Royal Three Counties Show, Malvern where the British TIMBERSPORTS® Championship will be held over three days from 13 – 15 June. Britain’s best wood-chopping athletes will go head-to-head for a chance to claim the British title and represent their country on the world stage. Defending Pro Champion Glen Penlington from Knighton in Wales will be the one to beat having won the last three British Pro Championships in a row, but he knows more than anyone that anything can happen in logger sports and the competition will be fierce as always. In fact, the competition for places is so strong that anyone who didn’t finish in the top six in 2024 will need to fight for their place in the Pro qualifier event that takes place on Friday 13 June. Athletes will need to take on all six TIMBERSPORTS® disciplines, including the Underhand Chop, the Stock Saw, the Standing Block Chop, the Single Buck, the Springboard and the awesome Hot Saw in order to prove they have what it takes to compete with the best British athletes. Once the qualification event has separated the best from the rest, the stage will be set for the Pro Championship on Saturday 14 June. Viewers can follow all the action on the YouTube livestream, or in person at the Royal Three Counties show and it guarantees edge-of-your-seat excitement. Penlington is laser-focussed on repeating his recent success, but the rest of the field will have him in their sights. His fellow British team members, Rob Chatley and Graham Turner, who finished second and third respectively in 2024, will be training hard to get to the top of the podium, whilst Tom Redmond, who finished fourth and holds the current national record for the Single Buck, will also be aiming to improve on last year. Penlington said “I was really happy with my performance last year as I finished with a 24 point advantage over Rob. But all it takes is a couple of average performances in the Springboard or Hot Saw and it can be the difference between winning and losing.” The final day of competition sees both the Rookie Championship (for athletes under 25) and the Women’s Championship take place. Both events will be wide open as neither of the 2024 Champions will be competing this year. In the Rookie Championship, last year’s winner Jack Morris is moving up to the Pro league so will not be defending his title. Morris is taking a year out of TIMBERSPORTS® for 2025, but there are plenty of hungry rookies looking to take over from where he left off, particularly Zac Powell and Rowan Luxton who took the remaining podium spots in 2024. There are six new Rookie competitors this year too, who could upset the odds and deliver a winning performance. The 2025 British Women’s Championship promises to be another exciting event with no clear favourite for the title and last year’s winner Felixia Banck not able to compete. Student Libby Arrowsmith from Hartpury College, who finished second in 2024, will fancy her chances, but third placed Rachel Ferrington will also be fighting for the top spot, and 2023 champion Justine Ellis will also be looking to leave her mark on the competition so closely-fought battle is already on the cards. The British Championship takes place from 13- 15 June at the Royal Three Counties Show in Malvern. Tickets are available from the show website. The Pro, Women’s and Rookie Championships will also be livestreamed via the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® YouTube channel. STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® British Championship British Pro Championship – Pro athletes must be able to compete in all six disciplines: the Stock Saw, Standing Block Chop, Single Buck, Underhand Chop, Springboard and Hot Saw. British Women’s Championship – Women compete in four of the disciplines: the Stock Saw, Standing Block Chop, Single Buck and Underhand Chop. British Rookie Championship – Rookies are athletes under the age of 25, who compete in five disciplines: the Stock Saw, Standing Block Chop, Single Buck, Underhand Chop and one-board Springboard. British Women’s Championship – Women compete in four of the disciplines: the Stock Saw, Standing Block Chop, Single Buck and Underhand Chop. British Rookie Championship – Rookies are athletes under the age of 25, who compete in five disciplines: the Stock Saw, Standing Block Chop, Single Buck, Underhand Chop and one-board Springboard.