Pro or homeowner Stihl?

[ScottS]

Is there any way to tell which Stihls are pro saws and which are homeowner saws? Or do you just have to know? I know all the XP Husky's are pro saws, and was wondering if there was a model designation or certain number where the Stihl pro saws start. I am especially interested in the older saws, the new ones I can just look up online. Thanks.

 

[shalenkur]

--I know some saws are also made in "pro" configurations like the 026/ms 260 with compression release, but even without the release this saw is considered proffesional cause is lighter(10.6 #) than other saws with comparable power(3.5hp) and it is a two-piece, which lessens the vibration. and so of course it costs considerably more. I think its the same story with the 036.
go to stihl's websit and read about the saws individually.

I've been wondering if the engines are all built equally . . .

 

[Lawn Masters]

I look at the handles, on homeowner Stihls, its made of plastic, and goes alll the way to the bottom of the saw, while on pro saws, it is metal, and bolts on at a certain point. I think pictures can explain better than words on this.
This is a homeowners saw, notice the handle, it plastic.

This is a pro saw, see the handle is made of metal.

 

[a_lopa]

even numbers are usually a give away,scot

 

[sedanman]

My MS-361 has a plastic front handle and is definately a pro saw. The 026 was available with a plastic handle as well.

 

[P_woozel]

Well there is also those that think a "pro" saw only starts with a 4 or higher number. Until I gott a 346 from Dan Henry that was my beleif as well.

 

[mswabbie]

Pro Saws versus Homeowner Saws

According to the Stihl Power Tools and Accessories Catalog the saws are rated as follows;

Occasional Use Chain Saws
009L
MS 170
MS 180C
MS 210
MS 210 C
MS 250
MS 250 C

Mid-Range Chain Saws
MS 260 Mid Size Professional Grade Model
MS 260 Pro Mid size professional Grade Model
MS 270 C
MS 270 CQS
MS 280
MS 280 CQS
MS 290
MS 310
MS 390

Professional Chain Saws
MS 361
MS 361 C
MS 440 Magnum
MS 460 Magnum
MS 660 Magnum
MS 880 Magnum
MS 460 Rescue

Professional Arborist Chain Saw
MS 191 T
MS 200 T

 

[glens]

To get back on track:

Originally posted by ScottS
Is there any way to tell which Stihls are pro saws and which are homeowner saws?

Lately it's pretty much been if they have an orange rear handle they're occasional-use grade and if white rear handle, pro-use grade.

Or do you just have to know?

It's a little more like that now since the MS270/280 which seem to have characteristics of both.

I know all the XP Husky's are pro saws, and was wondering if there was a model designation or certain number where the Stihl pro saws start.

Some Huskies are non-XP pro's, aren't they?

I am especially interested in the older saws, the new ones I can just look up online. Thanks.

I guess some of the folks who've responded so far have glossed over that last sentence.  As for myself, I can't help you with the older ones.  Look up "stihltech" and drop him a PM.  If he's got time, he's surely one who can help.  Why don't you make it easy and ask him about specific models, whether they're "pro" or occasional-use?

Don't forget to follow up to this thread if you do find out another way.  Now that you've asked the question here there are probably others who'd like to know the answer as well.

Glen