stihl policies

[ross_scott]

Just wondering about the stihl dealers and the policies that are enforced by stihl and what aftermarket products dealers are allowed to sell for stihl branded saws.
the reason I ask this is the fact I wanted a price on a 20" oregon bar with replaceable tip for my saw
they flat out refused to give me any price on these bars even though they stocked them they said if I wanted a bar for my stihl I have to buy a stihl bar or nothing at all so I walked out muttering to myself don't know what the hell the problem is on that (it just seems to be a big issue with this shop). I am pretty sure this shop is still pissed off at me for taking my saw in for a tune up and tank clean after I had fitted the new piston and cylinder myself instead of getting them to do it a few weeks back

also what model number oregon or gb bars fit these saws as I am hitting brick walls left right and centre when checking with manufacturer sites.

 

[Stihldoc]

I've been a Stihl dealer for 14+ years and I am not aware of any such "Stihl Only" parts or accessory policy. I RECOMMEND Stihl bars and chains for Stihl products, but am not restricted to only using these. Stihl has very strict product liability guidelines and will go to great lengths to defend a dealer against a product liability lawsuit. However, the dealer must follow Sihl's guidelines and procedures. If a dealer deviates from these, they are on their own. Ous shop deals with this 2 ways: 1. we install only approved Stihl parts & accessories in accordance with their recommendations. 2. if a customer wants an Oregon chain on a GB bar (for example), we're happy to provide them with these accessories but we won't install them. There are thousands of "what if's" about this topic. This is OUR solution. You and your dealer are big kids and can come up with your rules that make sense in your situation. To me, it sounds like your dealer is just a DIC*.

 

[sedanman]

Stihl is self insured in the United States, there is no insurance company behind them. It's their ass on the line. Dealers are discouraged from installing anything other Stihl brand cutting attachments on Stihl chainsaws. Doing so legally exposes you (the dealer) to product liability as the end manufacturer of that combination. Stihl has produced a booklet to help dealers limit their exposure to lawsuits and it spells out the policies that if adhered to, Stihl will provide legal support for their dealers. Aftermarket parts sold or installed by the dealer mean an end to Stihls involvement in a lawsuit. Stihldoc, call the beach and see what they have to say on the subject when asked directly.

 

[Fish]

When I was at the Stihl dealer, I would buy some things like carb kits and primer
bulbs from other sources, because Stihl is so high. What model saw did you need the bar for?

 

[smokechase II]

Also, Stihl protects their dealers more than other manufacturers.
For after market stuff, try Baileys and Madsens. My experience is that their sales reps are knowledgeable and honest.

 

[stihltech]

liability

Yep it all amounts to the person that hurt themself with a chainsaw and then hired a lawyer to prove that it was not THEIR fault.

Guy rents a TS350, puts on a big cicular saw blade to cut off posts. Slips, falls, cuts off head. (True story). Stihl was sued because no one said he could not put a saw blade on there.

You are supposed to run a car into a brick wall and come out without a scratch. I say, lets try to avoid the brick wall.

 

[ross_scott]

When I was at the Stihl dealer, I would buy some things like carb kits and primer
bulbs from other sources, because Stihl is so high. What model saw did you need the bar for?

it is for my 036

the main reason I am after an oregon or GB bar with replaceable tip is the fact the stihl ES bars are so darned expensive

 

[Grande Dog]

In the Oregon brand we sell that bar for $36.95. Oregon's # is 200RNDD025 and our Item# is ORPM 20 SS50.

Grande Dog
Master Mechanic
Discount Arborist Equipment and Tree Care Supplies

 

[ross_scott]

Thanks for that grande_Dog I will do some looking around over my side for the model # and see if anyone will play ball before looking overseas

 

[Grande Dog]

Just to give something to go on for price comparison. The shipping on that bar to NZ by USPS is $20.00 usd. They say that it would take 5-10 shipping days to get tp you.

Grande Dog
Master Mechanic
Discount Arborist Equipment and Tree Care Supplies

 

[Chris J.]

...call the beach and see what they have to say on the subject when asked directly.

Excuse my ignorance, but what is call the beach? It's a shame that the thought of a potential lawsuit will stop a dealer from helping a DIY customer.

 

[thompson1600]

"Call the beach"

Just a guess, but what I think Sedanman meant, was to call the factory in Virginia Beach direct and see what they say.

Tom

 

[sedanman]

I forget sometime we all don't have the same point of reference. Yes "the beach" is the Stihl USA main office in Va Beach.

 

[sedanman]

Chris, You have to remember one thing, Stihl has a wide variety of approved, tested cutting attachments for all of their saws. In their eyes there is NO reason to conscider an aftermarket bar/chain combo. Plus we are asking the dealer to double is inventory of bars that fit Stihl if he is to carry both Stihl and Oregon for Stihl saws.

 

[Chris J.]

Paul, I understand Stihl's thinking in using tested & proven Stihl products on Stihl equipment. It just sounds like Ross' dealer is acting more out of spite than concern over the safety of 'inferior' parts. And I understand how a DIY repair would concern the dealer, especially if it potentially could affect a warrantied repair made by the dealer. I'm guessing that Stihl shops have the option of doing a repair, but not providing a warranty based on repairs done by the saw owner or another shop???

I like the relationship Jeff/fishuntcutwood describes with his Stihl dealer, plenty of mutual trust and respect.

 

[Al Smith]

OK all you Stihl affectionatos,line up to throw the stones but here is my take on the situation.First let say in no uncertain terms that Stihl makes an excellent line of products,some of the best money can buy.I own several.
Let go further to say that I have been around German made metal cutting and industrial tools,used for heavy manufacturing for many,many years.I am currently working on a multi million dollar engine assembly line for one of the big 3 auto makers.A majority of the machinery is of German make.
The whole thing is a mindset,without exception.Companies will on purpose,control the parts and after market for these products,with an iron hand.By doing so,they set up a complete monopoly.It annoys me to no end but a comical thing is that it annoys the German common folk as well.I rant and rave about it but those folks are really somewhat bitter about being held hostage,so to speak,with such business practices.
I've worked with a whole entourage of German technicians ,for about a year,all great people.What is amusing is to what extremes some will go to to shove those policies right in the face of the companies setting those iron fisted policies.Hooray for them

 

[CNYCountry]

I know of a guy here locally (through friend of a friend's family, etc) that apparently sued my Stihl dealer some years ago. He had bought a Homelite from them, and it had it kick back because of embedded metal in the firewood he was cutting. I cut the hell out of his arm, needed reconstructive surgery. He sued the dealer claiming the chain brake on the saw did not work. The work supposedly was done and proved that the chain brake had failed. So apparently it was the dealer's fault, they claimed because of the way it was assembled. What a crock. I think since then the dealer has turned Stihl only, they sold Husky for a while but couldn't compete with the box stores. And the dealer are real good people. Ridiculous. Take some responsibility for your own equipment and actions, eh?

 

[oldsaw]

Well, the only complaint I've got with my dealer is not stocking any parts for my 066. Granted, they don't sell many, but, they typically have one in stock. However, they had some 32" Oregon bars out in what looked like a clearance rack, well I guess it was, but the prices were unchanged. They are all Stihl for bars anymore once these are cleaned out. But, they are in no hurry to clean them out. They are away from the regular big stock of Stihl bars, however. And they only stock Stihl chain.

 

[Fish]

Call the ******? My wife's number is not listed!!!!

 

[thompson1600]

I'll give you my ex-wife's number if you wanna talk to a real "******"