STIHL MSA 220C 16" Chainsaw [2-Year Look Back Review ] 

STIHL MSA 220 C Cordless Chainsaw Review - 2 years larter!
2 years, ToolBoxBuzz published our Best Cordless Chainsaw Head-2-Head test.
In that test Stihl Model MSA220C-B cordless 16” chainsaw shined as our overall winner during this test.
This video is a 2-year lookback on this saw.
In our test this Stihl 16” saw produced impressive results in our cut test, as well as impressed the entire crew with its ergonomics and compact design.
The professional build quality and fit and finish also separated it from many of the other competitors.
For the last 2 years, TBB Crew memeber Wes Bartosik has been using it to determine how it performs over the long-term.
Wes has been using it as his constant go-to saw.
It has seen constant use as a firewood saw as well as doing clearing work and clean up at his home and farm.
Two years of experience with it has shown Wes where the MSA220C-B shines as well as identify its shortcomings.
This tool review will be a look back at that experience.
If you’d like to know more about this saw, like the specs, weight, or warranty details…. Visit TBB.com and read the article.
Power to Size Ratio
One of the most impressive attributes of the Stihl MSA220C-B cordless chainsaw is the runtime and power available from such a compact package.
The Stihl is shorter, slimmer, and lighter than many other saws in this category but still cuts like crazy.
With the large 7.2 Ah battery inserted, the saw weighs in at about 10.4 pounds.
Because the power-head portion of the saw is so compact, the weight feels balanced.
In the picture above, the Stihl is lined up against the new DCS-5000 56V chainsaw from Echo. The Echo will be featured in its own stand-alone review soon.[/caption]
Cutting Performance
This Stihl saw is not a replacement for a large bore saw for heavy cutting tasks.
It is likely in the ballpark of 35-45cc gas sawmin terms of performance.
The low-profile Stihl 3/8" PICCO chain is typically reserved for top-handle arborist saws for climbing and trimming.
However, the Stihl battery saw produces an incredible torque band.
It will chew through wood that would normally be way out of bounds for a comparable battery saw.
Additionally, it shines when cutting wood that is sub 12" in diameter.
Wes cut a variety of hardwood species here in the Northeast and the MSA220C excels in all of them.
Conversely, as we discussed in the H2H article, the Stihl MSA220C-B cordless chainsaw will stall out when pushed too hard.
Whether we are discussing chainsaws or circular saws, battery saws will stall out when pushed too hard into the material.
This is often a design feature to prevent burning out motors and batteries.
The Stihl is no different. When making cuts to the full length of the bar, it is easy to stall out.
For this reason, Wes do not like it as a felling saw.
When making the back cut on a tree, the last thing you want is the chain stalling out or if you’ll have enough power to make it through the cut safely.
Tool Free Adjustments
The MSA22C-B features a tool-free adjustment mechanism for chain tension as well as securing the bar.
Instead of bar nuts, there is a folding adjustment lever on the clutch cover.
This lever turns to tighten or loosen the tension on the bar.
Above it, is a rotary cog wheel for setting chain tension.
Initially, we thought this was gimmicky. However, after 2 years it has held up exceptionally well.
Wes has never had a chain slack out or a bar come loose.
He also has not broken the lever regardless of how hard he’s cranked down on it.
The only criticism I have is that after heavy use the chain tensioner wheel may become gummed up from fine sawdust and oil.
This makes it difficult to adjust. Wes has found that removing the cover plate and cleaning it out with a brush alleviates this.
He also noted that the cover plate must also be loosened considerably to let the tensioner spin easily.
Overall Impression of the Stihl MSA220C-B Cordless Chainsaw
Since first using it in 2020, the Stihl MSA220C-B has become one of the benchmarks for how TBB evaluate cordless chainsaws.
It is compact, ergonomic, and powerful.
It has become Wes’s constant woods companions for processing firewood or doing storm cleanups.
Furthermore, a lightweight and portable saw like the MSA220C-B excels as a bucket or climbing saw for smaller-diameter takedowns and limb work.
An arborist friend of ours uses an MSA220C-B in conjunction with his chipper.
The ability to grab it and go with the flick of a switch is invaluable when trying to work efficiently.
#STIHL #MSA220 #chainsaw #Cordlesschainsaw ‪@stihlusa‬

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