Stihl MS 250 chainsaw is one of the best semi-professional models

The range of branded tools of the Shtil brand is famous for its excellent industrial design, performance, reliability and ease of use. The semi-professional chainsaw Stihl MS 250 immediately after its appearance on the domestic market took its rightful place in the category of high-demand goods.

The high quality of this model and its excellent performance properties are confirmed by positive reviews from users and specialists from service and repair organizations.

Photo: Stihl MS 250 chainsaw

The tool attracts potential buyers with its modern functionality, maintainability, interchangeability of standardized parts and consumables with models from previous years.

Range of application

The manufacturer positions the saw as a universal, easy-to-maintain and durable tool.

The scope of its application extends to a wide range of economic work related to:

• with sawing fuel wood;
• caring for ornamental and fruit trees;
• construction of wooden structures and structures;
• design of original architectural and landscape design.

Operational Capabilities

The Shtil 250 saw is characterized by versatility of use, economical use, and stability of operating parameters throughout the overhaul and operational life.

• The tool produces transverse, longitudinal and diagonal sawing of any type of wood with equal success; the length of the bar allows you to work with material with a diameter of up to 35 cm.
• Modern materials and new processing technologies are used in the production of this model. The saw is assembled at a high technological level, reducing the likelihood of failure or malfunction to a minimum.
• Precise tuning of fuel equipment allows you to use the traction and economical resources of a standard engine with maximum efficiency.
• The operating instructions supplied with the tool include information on preparing the saw for use, maintenance features, and troubleshooting and troubleshooting.
• The repair range is represented by a fairly wide selection, allowing you to restore the functionality of a worn-out component or system with minimal time.

Tool Features

The manufacturer takes a responsible approach to the manufacture of components for its equipment, the assembly process, etc. However, a special love for the Stihl brand has always been aroused by innovative technologies that improve various qualities of the same chainsaws - from convenience and safety to power and performance. In this case, we can note an anti-vibration system, an inertial brake with instant engine stop, and a single-lever control mechanism, which relieves the user of the need to perform unnecessary and similar manipulations. More serious improvements include the heated Shtil-250 carburetor, thanks to which confident cutting became possible even in cold weather. Actually, the platform of the branded carburetor remained the same, but due to the blowing system with warm intake air, the creators provided a special mode for its operation. Using the handle, you can switch the saw from summer to winter use, and vice versa.

Differences between the original and the Chinese version

The popular base model became the basis for the production of a substandard analogue. The Chinese Shtil, with more or less success, copies the appearance and design of the branded instrument, but is significantly inferior in technical and operational characteristics.

Counterfeits are mostly presented in the assortment of small trading organizations. In order to avoid possible risks, it is better to buy the original from certified dealer companies and sales offices.

The differences between a Chinese counterfeit and a branded instrument are noticeable even upon superficial inspection. First of all, this:

• low quality and rough texture of the plastic body;
• custom logos and stickers;
• lack of serial numbers and engines equipped with simplified non-compensator carburetors;
• the presence of spark plugs with Shtilev symbols, which the company does not produce.

A significant part of the repair assortment on the domestic market consists of low-quality and short-lived spare parts and consumables made in China. Practice shows that the service life of these products is less than half the life of branded analogues.

Specifications

The peculiarity of the tool is the combination of optimal power with a small-sized layout and comfortable working conditions. The design of the saw is distinguished by excellent balance, the shape of the body and handles being convenient for a secure grip. The use of modern materials made it possible to reduce the weight of the tool to 4.6 kg.

The Stihl chainsaw model MS-250 is powered by an air-cooled carburetor internal combustion engine with a displacement of 45.4 cm3. Compact, easy to maintain and economical in fuel consumption, the power unit at operating speeds develops a power of 3.1 hp. The fuel is a gasoline-oil mixture that enters the carburetor float chamber from a 470 ml tank built into the body.

The engine characteristics provide for a large reserve of torque and service life between overhauls, and a reduction in background noise to 101 dB. Comfort of work is ensured by the effective operation of the vibration damper.

User manual

The instruction manual is an invariable companion of gas-powered tools. It contains complete information about the chainsaw itself and describes detailed principles of working with it.

Each instruction must contain the following sections:

1. The structure of the unit in diagrams and with descriptions.
2. Table with technical characteristics of the MC 250 model.
3. Conditions for the safe use and maintenance of a Stihl chainsaw.
4. Preparing the tool for work.
5. Running in the Stihl MS-250 chainsaw.
6. Maintenance.
7. Malfunctions in operation and the reasons for their occurrence.

Preparing the chainsaw for use

The period of uninterrupted operation of the Shtil chainsaw, as well as the safety of the owner of the equipment, which is important, depends on the correctness of the actions performed.

We offer a simple algorithm of actions:

• the unit is assembled according to the descriptions from the instructions;
• the saw set is connected and securely fastened;
• the chain is tensioned;
• the fuel mixture is prepared;
• the finished mixture is poured into the fuel tank;
• the oil tank used to lubricate the chain is filled with the appropriate lubricant;
• the operator once again checks the tension of the mounting bolts;
• the chainsaw starts;
• the operator adjusts the idle speed (correct setting - the chain does not rotate at idle);
• The supply of lubricant to the chain mechanism is checked.

In order to properly prepare the fuel mixture, you need to purchase high-quality AI-92 gasoline and original Stihl oil for two-stroke engines. The fuel to oil ratio is 50/1. That is, you need to take 5 liters. gasoline and 100 ml. motor oil. The liquids are mixed thoroughly, the unused fuel mixture is stored for no more than 1.2-2 weeks.

Running in a chainsaw

The original product does not require any specialized procedures; the saw is initially ready for use. However, the first 4-8 tanks of the combustible mixture must be burned out in a gentle mode - this means that the engine power should not exceed 50%. In addition, the first hour of operation consists of alternating cycles: 2 minutes of operation, 10 seconds - idling, rest, etc. Attention: idling for more than 15 seconds harms the spark plug - carbon deposits form on it.

Chainsaw Stihl MS-250 in action

Maintenance of the Shtil MS-250 chainsaw

Before starting operational work:

• the headset is checked;
• the chain is tensioned;
• the bolt tension is checked;
• working fluids (fuel mixture and oil) are poured into the corresponding tanks;
• check the presence of lubrication on the chain;
• Idle operation is checked.
• After carrying out operational work:
• the chain tension is weakened;
• the chainsaw is cleaned of dust, dust and dirt;
• the air filter is cleaned;
• The saw set is checked, if necessary, the chain is sharpened, the bar is changed.

Scheduled maintenance is carried out for:

• idle settings;
• carburetor cleaning;
• replacing spark plugs;
• troubleshooting minor problems.

If there are serious problems, it is recommended to contact service centers to resolve them; their addresses are indicated in the instructions.

We invite you to watch a video that shows how to disassemble the Shtil MS-250 chainsaw:

Another video will tell you how to set up the carburetor of the Shtil MS-250 chainsaw:

Malfunctions and repairs

Knowing the causes of the problems, you can fix them yourself and restore the functionality of your gasoline tool. We list the typical malfunctions of Stihl MS-250 chainsaws:

The chainsaw does not start:

• the fuel mixture has run out;
• poor quality of the fuel mixture;
• there is no contact on the spark plug;
• break of a high-voltage wire;
• the fuel pump does not pump;
• filling the candle;
• there is carbon deposits on the spark plug and it needs to be cleaned;
• spark plug failure (replace after 100 hours of operation);
• fuel lines are clogged;
• magneto failed;
• the carburetor is clogged;
• carburetor settings are lost;
• The starter rope does not pull or tighten.

The chainsaw cannot develop speed:

• the candle is smoked;
• spark plug needs to be replaced;
• The carburetor needs to be cleaned.

The Shtil MS-250 chainsaw starts and stalls at idle, the reason is that the carburetor settings have gone wrong.

Carburetor adjustment

The fuel system of the new saw provides the engine with maximum traction parameters and economical fuel consumption in all modes. The need to further adjust the carburetor arises when there are sudden changes in air temperature, the use of fuel with a different octane number, or when there is pronounced instability of speed.

If the engine does not start, you should first make sure that there is fuel in the carburetor and that the spark plug is working properly. The engine stalls when the gas is pressed - the reason is most likely a decrease in the performance of the main jet.

The fuel system is adjusted with the engine running after the cylinder has warmed up to operating temperature. By rotating the quantity and quality screws, the power unit is brought to optimal operating mode.

Basic faults and DIY repairs

Like all gasoline units, the Shtil 250 chainsaw has basic malfunctions that most often occur with it. Let's figure out what these problems are and how to fix them yourself.

Why won't it start?

Sometimes there are situations when the saw may not start. As a rule, more than 50% of saws that did not start and were taken to a service center did not start due to a violation of the cold start algorithm.

The saw starting algorithm and the reason why the Shtil 250 may not start

The operating instructions describe in detail the process of starting the saw, according to which you first need to press the primer several times, then lower the control lever to the lowest position.

After this, pull the trigger several times until the saw grabs (it starts and stalls for a split second, this phenomenon is also called a flash). Next, you need to move the control lever up one position and start the saw, then press the gas once to set the idle speed.

To prevent the saw from starting, it is enough to violate only one point, namely, not to move the lever one position up after the flash has passed. Thus, the saw will not have enough air and fuel will flood the spark plug. To start the saw after the spark plug has been filled, it is necessary to bleed the engine. How this is done is described in detail in the operating instructions.

It starts and stalls when you press the gas - what is the reason?

If the saw operates normally at idle, but stalls when you press the gas, then the reason is either interrupted sparking or air leaks, or the carburetor settings. To find out the exact cause, it is necessary to conduct a complete diagnosis of the chainsaw engine. Information on how to diagnose the engine and carburetor can be found on our website. The same should be done in cases where the Shtil 250 starts and stalls.

Why is it hard to start?

If the saw is difficult to start, but after starting, it works normally, then you should pay attention to the cleanliness of the filter elements. Check the fuel and air filter. It is also worth inspecting the spark plug.

Important! A working spark plug on a properly running engine should have a reddish deposit on the electrode, and its gap should be 0.5 mm.

In some cases, the saw may have difficulty starting due to the mixture being too rich, which can easily be corrected by adjusting the carburetor.

Starter cord and spring faults

One of the most common breakdowns on any chainsaw is a broken starter cord or a broken return spring. Repairing these faults is quite simple. To do this, you need to remove the starter from the chainsaw (unscrew the four mounting screws). Next, using pliers, remove the stopper from the central shaft of the starter (in some versions, the mechanism is fixed with a screw), and then remove the washer and trigger pawl.

To replace the chainsaw cord, a reel is removed from the central shaft, onto which the cord is wound and the torn element is removed from the mount. A strong knot is made on the new cord, after which the cord from the end opposite to the knot is threaded into the mounting hole on the reel and pulled through it.

Next, the reel, followed by the pawl and stopper, are installed in their places, after which the lace is wound around the reel in a clockwise circular motion. The end of the cord is threaded through the starter body and a handle is installed on it, after which it is slightly stretched and secured with a knot. Thus, it turns out that the starter coil is under slight tension all the time, due to which the handle does not dangle, but is held in its seat.

If it is necessary to change a burst spring, it is convenient to do this after the cord reel has been removed. The new spring is installed with the body facing up. Next, the starter is assembled according to the algorithm described above.

Before installing the spring, it must be lubricated. Regular motor oil is suitable for lubrication.

Below is a video about repairing a starter on a Shtil chainsaw. The video is in German, but the procedure is shown in as much detail as possible and, if necessary, it can be repeated even by those who have never dealt with repairing a chainsaw.

Replacing oil seals

Oil seals are a rubber element with a spring that is installed on the motor shaft and protects against air penetration.

As soon as the seals become unusable (over time, this happens on all chainsaw engines, since the seals are made of oil-resistant rubber and lose elasticity over time), they must be replaced, since air leaks into the engine crankcase.

To replace the seals on the Shtil 250 yourself, you will need a special tool with which you can completely disassemble the chainsaw, as well as knowledge of all the nuances of disassembly and assembly.

Advice: if you do not have experience in repairing gasoline saws, it is better to turn to professionals.

Headset

The cutting unit of the saw is removable. The headset is equipped with branded parts, a standard wear-resistant chain and a 16-inch tire with a standard 3/8-inch pitch.

The chain is lubricated and cooled with oil, which is supplied in a controlled dosage to the working area through the automatic Ematic system. The oil enters the inlet of the dosing pump from an internal reservoir with a volume of 200 ml.

The operational capabilities of the headset have been expanded due to:

• convenient lateral placement of the chain tensioner;
• efficiency and reliability of the inertial emergency brake, its design ensures instantaneous stopping of the chain in the event of traumatic and unusual situations;
• possibility of installing tires of other sizes, corresponding to the complexity and volume of planned work.

Competitors

Among the saws that have similar power parameters and saw set sizes, one can distinguish competitors in the cheap and expensive price segments. The first ones are Daewoo Power Products DACS 4516, Solo 646-38, Sturm! GC99452B. However, expensive options provide a more reasonable alternative: Oleo-Mac GS 44-16, Husqvarna 450e, ECHO CS-452ESX-15. The results of these saws are similar, although each has its own characteristics, pros and cons.

Advantages of the MS-250 model

The undeniable advantages of the tool:

• combination of modern characteristics with moderate cost, affordable prices for spare parts and consumables;
• low-cost maintenance in terms of time and amount of work, convenient access to the air intake and control units;
• comfortable level of vibration and background noise, safety of work in case of unusual situations;
• multifunctional lever that allows you to control the tool during the sawing process;
• no cold start problems in winter.

The carburetor of this model is equipped with a compensation device to stabilize the operating conditions of the power unit when the air intake filter is clogged.

Features Shtil 250 and 250 C-BE

To improve the performance of the Shtil 250, the designers installed several modern developments on the chainsaw, which best affect the comfort and quality of the chainsaw. The first thing we will talk about is the compensator.

Compensator

A special device installed in the carburetor cover and connected to the air filter housing by a separate small channel. The essence of the compensator is that it allows air to enter the carburetor in addition to the fuel filter. This is necessary in those moments when the air filter is extremely dirty and does not allow the amount of air required by the engine to pass through.

On chainsaws that are not equipped with a compensator, a dirty fuel filter can cause an increase in fuel consumption and an over-richness of the fuel mixture. As a result, everything can end with carbon deposits under the piston rings and scuffing of the CPG. Accordingly, the saw will require expensive repairs, and the compensator can protect against all this.

You cannot operate a chainsaw for a long time with a dirty filter, even if it has a compensator. We recommend cleaning the air filter after every working day.

Carburetor heating

This function is most useful in winter, as it prevents carburetor icing. The operator can turn the option on and off as needed. To change the mode, you need to move the valve, which redirects warm air flows to the carburetor or vice versa.

In the summer, you need to make sure that the damper is open, because otherwise the engine will cool worse and it can overheat.

Chain brake

One of the safety mechanisms when working with a chainsaw is a manual inertial chain brake. If for some reason the chainsaw bar makes a sharp rebound, the brake will engage and the chain will instantly stop spinning, thereby reducing the risk of serious injury. For the chain brake to operate correctly, the operator must comply with several conditions:

1. Hold your hands as instructed, i.e. left hand on the front handle, right hand on the back handle.
2. Clean the mechanism in a timely manner, since it is located in the side cover, which receives a huge amount of sawdust.

Vibration reduction system

The chainsaw engine vibrates strongly during operation. Vibration can cause discomfort and reduce operator work time due to fatigue. To solve the problem, German engineers equipped the Shtil 250 with an anti-vibration system consisting of effective shock absorbers. Thus, Shtil 250 can be used for work even by those who have chronic diseases of the hands.

Combined control

Another system that adds convenience and is designed to facilitate the operation of the Shtil 250 is a combined control lever. Thanks to which, turning the ignition on and off is done with the thumb of the left hand. The suction mode is also activated in the same way. You never need to look for the switch; it is always at hand, which is especially convenient in case of an emergency.

Ematic

This is an officially patented system by Stihl, which is designed to reduce friction and increase the service life of the saw set. The system includes not only the part that is installed on the chainsaw, this is the oil pump and transport lines, but also the bar and chain of the chainsaw.

Price

In Moscow and surrounding regions, the cost of the new Shtil chainsaw model MS-250 has stabilized in the range of 17,200-18,000 rubles. According to experts, this indicator fully corresponds to the level of quality, performance and durability of the tool.

The demand for used analogues is moderate; owners are more interested in offers for the sale of branded spare parts. In particular, many owners of budget Chinese-made models prefer to use Shtilev tires and chains.

Comparison with Husqvarna 450 E

The models largely agree on the nominal parameters, even the impressions of experienced users are approximately the same. Not to mention the fact that the manufacturers themselves are in equal leadership positions in the segment. However, the Husqvarna 450 E, as a late release model, received a more modern and technologically advanced power unit. Its owners point to efficiency, lower emissions and maintaining a given speed during a long working session. On the other hand, Shtil-250 spare parts in the form of chain elements, sharpening kits, power plant parts and other components are widely represented by dealers of the brand on the Russian market. The Husqvarna model is not yet so popular, so in the event of a serious breakdown, repair problems may arise precisely because of the lack of components. But initially, in terms of reliability of the resource platform, both solutions demonstrate high indicators - in this regard, the choice is equivalent.

Owner reviews

In less than two years, the Saw Stihl with a 16-inch tire worked flawlessly for more than 100 hours in hot and cold weather. The car does not like bad fuel and excessive loads, in everything else - no comments. The engine has a good power reserve, starts at half a turn, and does not overheat even after 2-3 hours of continuous operation. The operation of the lubrication system requires constant monitoring. Zhenya

Shtil-250, 4 years old and with quite a lot of operating time, surprises with its clear launch and stable performance characteristics. Fuel consumption is within the normal range, chain oil consumption per fuel fill is within 150 ml. The advantages of the Ematic lubrication system must be compensated by thorough cleaning of the tire and the headset as a whole. Andrey Tikhonovich

Reviews from real owners, as well as a little about fuel consumption per hour

We invite you to get acquainted with the reviews of real owners; the author of one of the reviews shares information about fuel consumption:

Alexander

City: Smolensk

Intended use: For work

I have been using the Shtil 250 chainsaw for more than two years. I work almost every day, but not all day, but for 3-4 hours including rest breaks. I'm happy with the saw. There are no problems with her at all. I filled up with gasoline and oil and went to work. Over the entire period of operation there was only one malfunction, the cord on the starter broke. I fixed it myself, the system is very simple, everything is done within half an hour. I only use branded oil and consumables, I don’t add any waste, so the tire is still original, and it’s preserved well, although the saw has already sawed through a lot.

The chainsaw's appetite is moderate for its class; per hour of operation, the chainsaw consumes about 1.3 liters of the finished mixture. You need to understand that consumption significantly depends on the nature of the work performed. For example, when cutting branches and other small things, I was able to use only 0.8 liters, and when sawing logs, fuel consumption increased to 1.7 liters per hour.

Grade: ★★★★★

Stihl MS 250 is a chainsaw that stands out for its quality and simplicity. It has enough power to cut trunks with a diameter of more than 50 cm. To increase the service life of the tire, only original Stihl adhesive oils must be used to lubricate the chain.

This saw is not suitable for professional use, but compared to a household saw, it can last much longer and has higher productivity.