CHAINSAW manufacturer Stihl has launched a number of product innovations recently, including what it describes as the world’s first chainsaw with a magnesium piston.

The new MS-400 C-M chainsaw has been designed with the professional in mind, offering the highest maximum speed (14,000 rpm) in the 60 cm3 class. The new 66.8 cc 2-MIX engine has more displacement, providing both more power and torque than the MS 362 C-M, as well as rapid acceleration.

The new magnesium piston weighs 70 g, which is 14 per cent lighter than the aluminium piston in the MS 362 C-M. The MS 400 C-M has a power-to-weight ratio of 1.45 kilograms per kilowatt, said to make it ideal to use when working in the forest, especially over prolonged periods.

In addition to the new 66.8 cc engine, the MS 400 C-M features Stihl’s M-Tronic 3.0 technology including the new calibration process and an improved HD2 filter, which help deliver optimum performance at all times.

Stihl has also enhanced its petrol chainsaw offering with the new MS 194 T, described as a great all-round arborist saw. Powered by Stihl’s 2-MIX engine, the MS 194 T offers more displacement, power and torque than the previous model, without an increase in weight (3.30 kg).

Two enhanced versions of the MS 151 are now also available. The new MS 151 C-E and MS 151 TC-E top handle chainsaws have both been designed with high performance in mind. Both models feature a new version of the 2-MIX engine, which increases power by up to 10 per cent and provides a 15 per cent increase in torque when compared to its predecessor, the MS 150 C-E.

Design upgrades made to the 2-MIX engine include a new piston with stepped base, cylinder and muffler. The chainsaws also feature ErgoStart technology, said to enable effortless, reliable starting of the power tools. Both chainsaws remain the same weight as the MS 150 C-E at 2.60 kg.