Hi all! Having a summer house or a private house with a plot requires maintaining the territory. Often this involves sawing trees, as well as cutting boards, logs, etc. For such tasks you need a chainsaw. And better than good quality. Today we are talking about such a topic as the Shtil chainsaw - how to distinguish the original from the fake.
It’s difficult to confuse fake and real. This happens if you buy a chainsaw without looking. Even a high-quality fake has characteristic features. Stihl has tried to protect its devices from copying. And it worked.
The original unit effectively performs its functions, and also works for a long time, reliably and does not cause problems to the owner. If the instrument is fake, it will quickly fail or will constantly break down and require repair.
General recommendations
Let's start with some general tips on how to distinguish an original Shtil from a fake.
- Color
. Stihl saws have a characteristic orange color. Nothing else is provided. Yellow and other lids are a sign of counterfeit. Remember this. And do not believe the seller if he convinces you otherwise. There is one shade. And each product is painted in this color; - Only certified sellers
. The Shtil company has no problems with its dealer network. Contact us there. This is a guarantee of protection against counterfeiting. No spontaneous markets, bazaars or crossings; - Labeling
. The company puts the serial number on the housing under the muffler. This code is duplicated on the sticker. It is applied to the saw body and packaging; - Company `s logo
. It's on every device. Its absence indicates a fake. Genuine chainsaws are marked with a logo using embossed embossing or high-quality paint. No stickers. This is all fake.
You can check the quality and safety of the device before purchasing.
Genuine products are made with high quality, while fakes reveal themselves in different ways. Let's talk about them.
Why is Stihl chainsaws so popular among counterfeits?
The devices of the reviewed manufacturer differ in a lot of characteristics, including:
- high productivity rates in practice;
- vibration damping system allows you to hold the saw firmly and confidently;
- additional safety in the form of a brake that slows down the chainsaw links in the event of a sharp impact;
- adjustment of the course and functionality are thought out to the smallest detail;
- the main feature that many manufacturers cannot compete with is an exceptionally smooth ride;
- build quality and availability of components;
- warranty service, which may not be useful for the entire life of the chainsaw.
It is not surprising that counterfeits on the side are increasingly appearing, and now it is critically important to know the answer to the question: “How to distinguish Chinese Shtil from the original?” We will tell you in detail below.
Box
You can tell that this Shtil is a fake by looking at the packaging box.
There are several points on how to distinguish a Stihl chainsaw from a fake by looking at the box:
- Externally, fake and real packaging look the same. This is worth recognizing;
- The length of the genuine container is 2-3 centimeters longer than the fake one;
- There is always a sticker on the original;
- The sticker contains information about the model, barcode, and serial number of the device.
Please note that you will not be able to send a device for repair if there is no serial number on it.
The number has 9 characters. Each saw is assigned its own unique code. This system simplifies the control of counterfeits.
Appearance of the device
The original Stihl chainsaw used in comparison took on its current form in 2015. Up until this point, it looked exactly like a fake.
The original chainsaw has smoother lines after the update (right)
As often happens, copy manufacturers are not known for their quick response when it comes to changing the design of the products they copy. Their copies still have the old design for several years. The same thing happened with the copy involved in the comparison. She is still living in 2015.
By the way, read this article too: How to distinguish the original Marathon 3 Champion
But the original Stihl MS 170/180 chainsaw now has a different shape of the starter , air filter mounts and a smooth bend of the air filter cover.
Screws
Pay attention to the screws - in the original chainsaw they are made like an “ asterisk ”.
In fakes, the screws most often go under a flat-head screwdriver or hexagon.
However, our copy is very close to the original, so its screws are also made with an asterisk.
In the fake being compared, the screws are also made to look like an asterisk, but there is no “Stihl” inscription on the gas tank cap
Fuel and oil tank caps
In copies, the lids are made very accurately, except that they do not have the “Stihl” inscription.
The gas cap of the original saw has the inscription “Stihl” on it.
Nuts
There are two large nuts on the left side of the chainsaw. The original nuts have the letter “S” on them. On the fake ones everything is clean.
The original nuts (bottom) are marked with the letter “S”
Rear of the saw
On the original device, a sticker with a 9-digit serial number is stuck in this place. It should match what is on the box.
9-digit number sticker on the back of the original Stihl saw
There is no such sticker on a fake chainsaw.
The back of the fake device is empty
Muffler cover
The original muffler cover is engraved with “Stihl” and the model number. The copy silencer is absolutely smooth.
Muffler cover of the original chainsaw
What's included in the package
See also
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Original equipment includes a certain set of components.
Imitations do not have instructions in Russian. Some components are of low quality.
But counterfeits include measuring containers for filling fuel. Real chainsaws do not have such an element inside the box.
Business with a human face
And to be honest, this fact surprised me. When thinking about purchasing, you want to achieve the best price/quality ratio. That’s why I even thought about going to Bryansk to buy a chainsaw. Imagine my surprise when I learned that, at the company’s request to dealers, the price for Shtil equipment is the same everywhere!
Wherever you are, Shtil dealers are obliged to sell equipment at prices that you can find on the official website. If there is a discount promotion, it will be in your city too. And I felt it myself.
On the official website, the price of the Shtil MS180 chainsaw with a 14-inch tire is 8,390 rubles. From September 1 to November 15, 2013, there is a promotion in which it is reduced to 7,690 rubles. That's exactly the amount I bought it for.
This is what I understand! Yes, if in Russia everything was bought and sold like this... Is it really true that in Europe, basic goods cost the same: in every corner of Europe?
By the way, just the other day in a hardware store I came across exactly such a saw, but for 9,250 rubles. This is the added cost for cunning. 1500 rubles out of thin air! You must have a conscience, comrades!
Screws
see also
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Something as small as a screw can tell you that this is a fake Shtil chainsaw.
Genuine devices are equipped with screws that can be unscrewed with Torx. That is, they are made with an asterisk.
Counterfeits are made using screws for a hex key or a flat-head screwdriver. Less often with a Phillips screwdriver.
There are copies with screws like the real thing. Therefore, this is not the main feature of the original.
How to distinguish real Stihl oil from a fake
High-quality oil is the key to the productivity of the device. You want to use the saw all the time without repairs?! Therefore, the Shtil company recommends filling only with branded oil. There were some counterfeits here too.
In order not to be left without money and a chainsaw, choose the right lubricant for the fuel fluid. Here are a few signs of a fake:
- Real motor oil from the company is supplied to the store in sealed caps. If one is not found, then there are two options: someone sells the defective product or quietly drains some of the liquid.
- The inscriptions must be convex.
- The original has the EAC quality mark.
- The bottling date and batch number are on the lid of the product.
A clear sign of counterfeit products is a bad sticker-label, worn out inscriptions or their absence at all.
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Specifications
The Shtil chainsaw has a high build quality. Copes with felling forest, removing branches, sawing tree trunks. The tool can also be used in construction from wood or timber. The unit is also used in public utilities when creating landscapes for playgrounds and public gardens.
In addition, the saw is used during renovation of premises. The device has a powerful motor, thanks to which the saw has the following advantages:
- economical gasoline consumption;
- reduction of toxic gas emissions;
- reduced oil consumption for chain lubrication;
- ease of use.
The tool can be used for long-term work. Anti-vibration system will prevent vibration and noise during use. The air filter is equipped with a reliable cleaning system. The oil pump has oil supply adjustment, saves fuel and guarantees a long service life of the saw. The device is powered by a 2 MIX M-Tronik engine, which has an air-cooling system and operates on a gasoline-oil mixture for two-stroke engines.
Technical characteristics of the Shtil MS 362 chainsaw:
- Assembly made in the USA. The brand is located in Germany.
- Power - 3.4 kW.
- Fuel consumption is reduced by 20%.
- Engine capacity - 59 cm³.
- The chain thickness is 1.6 mm.
- Fuel tank volume - 0.6 l.
- Oil tank capacity - 0.325 l.
- Tire size - 45/45 cm.
- Weight - 5.9 kg.
Maintenance and repair
The factory setting of the saw is carried out according to average values, therefore, during operation of the device, the set parameters require periodic adjustments. Adjusting the carburetor of the Shtil chainsaw must be carried out according to the rules; it is necessary to follow the sequence of setting the different modes of operation of the tool.
Adjustment is carried out after cleaning the filter and warming up the engine. The result of the adjustment is a rapid increase in speed in operating and idle modes. There should be no noise or smoke. If the tool is used incorrectly, repairs may be necessary.
The saw is designed to work in difficult conditions; it can operate up to 10 hours a day.
If the new model has not yet expired, then if the unit fails, it must be repaired at a service center. However, replacing parts and installing a broken spring can be done with your own hands - this is not a difficult job, any operator can handle it.
Ignition system failure
If the equipment fails, it is necessary to check the ignition system, and more specifically, the spark plug itself. If the plug is dry, it means that fuel is not getting into the cylinder, and therefore this is not the cause. If there are traces of the fuel mixture on the spark plug, you need to check the correct operation of the carburetor, as well as its adjustment. The spark plug must be wiped and dried, and then turn off the mixture supply and turn on the ignition. These actions will help remove excess fuel mixture and ventilate the combustion chamber. After this, you can put the candle back in place and try to start the saw again.
If there is soot on a given part, the reason sometimes lies in the use of low-quality oil. Another reason may be incorrect proportions of the fuel mixture and oil. In this case, the spark plug will need to be cleaned of carbon deposits, washed and the electrodes cleaned.
Please note that the distance between the electrodes should be no more than 0.65 mm
If there is soot on the spark plugs, you should check to see if there is a spark. To do this, it is necessary to secure the ignition cable to the spark plug, and fasten the nut to the cylinder with pliers. After this, the starter starts. If there is no spark, change the spark plug. If replacement does not work, check the wiring and all connections.
Another cause of failure may be a failed flywheel. To unscrew it you will need a special key, as it is screwed very tightly.
To block the shaft from turning, it is necessary to remove the spark plug and install a piston stopper through the resulting hole. Under no circumstances should you block the flywheel with a power screwdriver inserted between its ribs and body, since the flywheel blades will not be able to withstand the load and will break off.
After the piston is locked, the nut is unscrewed. When it is slightly loosened, its upper part is level with the tip of the shaft, at this moment you can install a metal drift on the nut and hit it. This way the flywheel will jump off the shaft and can be removed without much effort.
