Stihl MS 210 Engine & Bar (Spec Sheet)
The STIHL MS 210 is a 35.2 cm³, 1.6 kW (2.2 bhp) homeowner-class chainsaw. Common setups use a 12–16-inch bar and 3/8-inch Picco chain, but approved combinations vary by version. Match the bar mount, chain pitch, gauge, and drive-link count to your exact saw’s manual before buying or fitting parts.
Routine cleaning is manageable: after the saw is off and cool, remove loose debris and follow the manual’s directions for the air filter, cooling fins, bar, and chain. The harder part is often choosing a replacement bar or chain. Listings can look similar while differing in pitch, gauge, mount, or link count, so a careful specification check matters more than a matching product photo.
MS 210 engine and performance specifications
This section summarizes the engine figures commonly published for the MS 210. Treat them as a starting point, not a replacement for the manual supplied with your specific saw. Model versions and equipment packages can differ, especially in cutting equipment and service details.
| Item | Commonly published specification | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Engine displacement | 35.2 cm³ | The engine’s cylinder size |
| Rated output | 1.6 kW (2.2 bhp) | Published engine power |
| Idle speed | 2,800 rpm | The usual published idle figure |
| Maximum engine speed | 12,500 rpm | Published maximum speed; confirm for your version |
| Fuel mix | 50:1 with STIHL two-stroke oil | 50 parts gasoline to 1 part oil |
| Common chain pitch | 3/8 in Picco (3/8 P) | A low-profile chain pitch used on many setups |
Displacement alone does not tell you how quickly a saw will cut. Chain sharpness, wood type, bar length, and engine condition all affect cutting. The rated output is useful for identifying the saw’s general class, but it cannot guarantee performance in a particular cut.
The idle and maximum-speed figures are not do-it-yourself carburetor targets. If the saw idles too fast, stalls, or runs poorly, use the correct service procedure. Carburetor adjustment by guesswork can create a safety or engine problem. A qualified service provider should use the procedure and tools specified for that model.
For fuel, use fresh gasoline mixed at 50:1 when using STIHL two-stroke oil, and follow the exact fuel guidance in the operator’s manual. Never use straight gasoline in this two-stroke engine. It can cause rapid engine damage or seizure.
Bar, chain, and replacement-part fit
A compatible bar and chain must match the saw as a complete set. Bar length by itself is not enough: the bar mount must fit the powerhead, and the chain must match the bar’s pitch, gauge, and required drive-link count.
Common MS 210 configurations use a 3/8-inch Picco chain. A .050-inch (1.3 mm) gauge is common, but other approved combinations may exist. Do not assume the gauge or number of drive links from the model name alone. Check the markings on the existing bar and chain, then confirm the combination in the manual or with a parts source that verifies fitment by exact saw version.
Common approved bar lengths are 12–16 inches. Some versions or configurations may allow an 18-inch bar. Confirm that the manual for your saw lists the bar and chain combination before installing it. A longer bar is not automatically a better match; bar length does not prove that a saw is suitable for a given tree or cut.
| Part detail to match | Where to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bar mount | Bar markings and model-specific parts information | Determines whether the bar fits the saw |
| Chain pitch | Bar and chain markings | Must match between the chain and bar sprocket |
| Chain gauge | Bar and chain markings | Must fit the bar groove |
| Drive-link count | Existing chain or verified fitment listing | Must suit the bar length and setup |
| Bar length | Bar markings and operator’s manual | Must be approved for the saw version |
I use a simple fitment check before recommending a replacement: first identify the saw version, then read the old bar’s markings, and finally confirm the full chain specification. If the markings are missing or unclear, do not order based only on a listing that says “fits MS 210.” Ask the seller to verify mount, pitch, gauge, and link count.
Fitment examples: two checks before installation
These are illustrative situations, not reports of measured installations. They show why checking the complete combination is more reliable than choosing by bar length alone.
- Replacing a worn bar on a common setup: If the old bar is marked for 3/8 P and .050-inch gauge, confirm those details and the drive-link count against the replacement bar and chain. The replacement must also have the correct mount and be approved for your saw.
- Considering a longer bar: If you are moving from a shorter bar to a 16- or 18-inch option, check the manual for your exact version first. Confirm the matching chain and bar mount, and consider whether the work and your training suit that setup. Do not use length alone to judge cutting capacity.
Equipment setup and safety preparation
A safe setup starts before the engine runs. Inspect the saw, cutting parts, fuel, and work area, then put on suitable protective equipment. If a control or safety part is damaged, or the correct bar-and-chain fit is uncertain, stop and resolve the issue before cutting.
Wear a helmet, eye and face protection, hearing protection, chainsaw leg protection, suitable boots, and gloves. Check the chain brake, throttle lockout, stop switch, chain catcher, handles, chain tension, and bar condition. Confirm that fuel and bar-and-chain oil are present. The oil pump is automatic, but oil delivery is not a universal fixed rate; use the manual’s checks and suitable oil for the ambient temperature.
Look over the work area and plan an escape path. Check footing, the tree’s lean, nearby targets, wind, and overhead hazards. Do not cut above shoulder height or use the saw for overhead cutting. Work that involves climbing with a running saw is outside this guide’s safe use. Tree work must follow applicable requirements, including ANSI Z133 where it applies; logging operations may also be subject to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.266.
To start, engage the chain brake and place the saw on stable ground. Follow the manual’s cold- or warm-start procedure; do not drop-start. Once the engine runs, check that the chain stops at idle and that the brake works as intended. Abnormal idle, chain movement, leaks, or unusual noise are reasons to stop and inspect the saw before use.
Field cutting and landscaping operation
The MS 210’s engine size places it in a homeowner class commonly used for pruning, firewood, and small-tree work. The task, wood, saw condition, and operator’s training still set the limits. Do not treat a listed bar length or engine rating as proof that a particular cut is safe.
Keep both hands on the saw and maintain a stable stance. Keep the bar nose clear of the work. Contact between the upper part of the bar nose and wood or another object can cause rotational kickback, driving the bar rapidly back toward the operator. A working chain brake is important, but it does not make nose contact safe.
Use a sharp chain and planned cuts suited to how the wood is supported. Do not force a dull chain through wood; stop and sharpen or replace it. Felling, suspended limbs, and large or tensioned wood need specific training and a careful hazard assessment. If you cannot identify how the wood may move as it is cut, do not proceed without qualified help.
Maintenance, sharpening, and carburetor service
Routine care helps you spot wear before it affects operation. Stop the engine before handling the chain or clearing debris, and let the saw cool. Use the operator’s manual for cleaning and service intervals, since access and procedures can vary by version.
Clean the air filter and cooling fins as prescribed. Inspect the bar and chain for damage or wear, and keep the chain correctly tensioned. Use bar-and-chain oil, not engine fuel or two-stroke oil, in the oil tank. Select oil suited to the temperature and follow the manual’s guidance.
Set chain depth gauges to the chain maker’s specification. A figure of 0.65 mm (0.025 in) is common for applicable STIHL low-profile chains, but it is not universal. Check the exact chain model before filing. Incorrect depth-gauge height can change cutting behavior and increase risk.
If the saw runs poorly, avoid turning carburetor screws by trial and error. Published idle and maximum-speed figures do not replace a tachometer-based service procedure. Use a qualified technician when the correct adjustment process, tools, or cause of a problem is uncertain.
Shutdown, storage, and seasonal care
After cutting, stop the engine before cleaning or touching the chain. Let the saw cool, remove debris as directed, and check the cutting parts for damage. Refuel only away from ignition sources, and store the saw secured with the chain covered.
For longer storage, follow the manual’s instructions for fuel and preparation. Do not assume that one storage method suits every fuel type or storage period. Before the next use, inspect the saw again, check fuel and oil, and verify the chain brake and other controls.
Frequently asked questions
These brief answers address the engine and cutting-equipment details buyers most often need to verify. The operator’s manual for the exact saw version remains the final reference for approved parts, operation, and service.
What is the STIHL MS 210 engine size?
It has a commonly published displacement of 35.2 cm³.
How much power does the MS 210 produce?
The commonly published rated output is 1.6 kW, or 2.2 bhp.
What fuel mix does the MS 210 use?
Use a 50:1 gasoline-to-two-stroke-oil mix when using STIHL two-stroke oil. Follow the manual’s fuel guidance, and never run straight gasoline.
What chain pitch does the MS 210 use?
Many configurations use 3/8-inch Picco chain. Confirm the pitch for your exact saw and bar.
What chain gauge fits the MS 210?
A .050-inch (1.3 mm) gauge is common, but other approved combinations may exist. Read the bar and chain markings and verify fitment.
What bar length can I put on an MS 210?
Common approved lengths are 12–16 inches. Some versions may allow 18 inches. Check the manual for your specific saw before changing bar length.
How do I know which replacement chain to buy?
Match pitch, gauge, drive-link count, and bar mount. Verify all four details rather than relying on the saw model name alone.
What are the MS 210’s published idle and maximum speeds?
Commonly published figures are 2,800 rpm at idle and 12,500 rpm maximum engine speed. Confirm the figures and service procedure for your version.
What depth-gauge setting should I use?
Some applicable STIHL low-profile chains use 0.65 mm (0.025 in). Check the specification for your exact chain before filing.
Can I cut with the bar nose if the chain brake works?
No. Nose contact can cause kickback, and the brake does not make that contact safe. Keep the nose clear and use trained, planned cuts.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Marcus Thorne. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
