Stihl MS 250 Chainsaw Specs Explained (5 Pro Tips For Peak Use)

Stihl MS 250 Chainsaw Specs Explained (5 Pro Tips for Peak Use)

The Stihl MS 250 is a workhorse. I’ve seen it used on everything from small property cleanup to serious firewood cutting. It’s a go-to for homeowners and even some pros looking for a reliable, mid-range saw. But knowing the specs is just the beginning. I’m going to dive into what those specs mean and how to use them to your advantage. And, of course, I’ll share five pro tips that’ll elevate your MS 250 experience from good to exceptional.

Understanding the Core Specs

Let’s break down the critical specs of the Stihl MS 250 and how they impact your work.

Engine Displacement: 45.4 cc. This is the heart of the saw. Displacement dictates power. The MS 250’s 45.4 cc engine provides a good balance of power and weight, making it suitable for a variety of tasks. In my experience, this size is ideal for felling trees up to 12 inches in diameter and bucking logs for firewood.
Power Output: 2.3 kW (3.1 bhp). This tells you how much work the engine can do. Higher power means faster cutting and the ability to handle tougher wood. The MS 250’s power output is sufficient for most homeowner tasks. I’ve found it can even tackle denser hardwoods like oak and maple with the right technique and a sharp chain.
Weight (Powerhead Only): 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs). Weight is crucial for maneuverability and fatigue. A lighter saw is easier to handle for extended periods. The MS 250 strikes a good balance, being light enough for comfortable use but heavy enough to provide stability during cuts. I remember one particularly long day cutting firewood; the relatively light weight of the MS 250 saved my back!
Guide Bar Lengths (Recommended): 16″ – 20″. The guide bar dictates the maximum size of the wood you can cut efficiently. I always recommend sticking to the recommended lengths. Overextending the bar can strain the engine and reduce cutting performance. I generally use an 18″ bar on my MS 250, which I find to be the sweet spot for most tasks.
Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.47 liters (15.9 oz). This determines how long you can run the saw before refueling. Plan your work accordingly. I always carry extra fuel and a funnel when working in remote areas. Nothing’s worse than running out of gas halfway through a job.
Oil Tank Capacity: 0.20 liters (6.8 oz). Proper chain lubrication is vital for smooth cutting and chain longevity. I always use a high-quality bar and chain oil. I’ve found that Stihl’s own oil is excellent, but other brands also work well. Regular checks and refills are essential.
Chain Pitch: 0.325″. The chain pitch refers to the spacing between the chain’s drive links. 0.325″ is a common pitch for mid-sized saws. It offers a good balance of cutting speed and durability.
Chain Gauge: 0.063″. The chain gauge is the thickness of the drive links that fit into the guide bar groove. Using the correct gauge is critical for proper chain fit and function.
Sound Pressure Level: 103 dB(A). Chainsaws are loud! Always wear hearing protection. I’ve seen too many people suffer from hearing loss due to neglecting this simple precaution.
Sound Power Level: 114 dB(A). This is a measure of the total sound energy emitted by the saw. It further emphasizes the importance of hearing protection.
Vibration Level: Varies depending on the handle (front/rear). High vibration can lead to fatigue and even long-term health problems like vibration white finger. The MS 250 has an anti-vibration system, but it’s still essential to take breaks and use proper technique to minimize vibration exposure.

Key Concepts Explained

Let’s define some key terms that are crucial for understanding wood processing and chainsaw operation:

Green Wood vs. Seasoned Wood: Green wood is freshly cut wood that has a high moisture content (often above 30%). Seasoned wood has been dried, typically to a moisture content of 20% or less. Green wood is heavier, harder to split, and burns poorly. Seasoned wood is lighter, easier to split, and burns more efficiently, producing more heat and less smoke. I always recommend seasoning firewood for at least six months, and preferably a year, before burning it.
Bucking: This refers to cutting a felled tree into shorter lengths, usually for firewood or timber. It’s a fundamental skill in wood processing.
Felling: This is the process of cutting down a standing tree. It’s a potentially dangerous task that requires careful planning and execution.
Kerf: The width of the cut made by the chainsaw chain.
Kickback: A sudden, uncontrolled upward or backward movement of the chainsaw bar. It’s a leading cause of chainsaw injuries. Always be aware of the risk of kickback and use proper cutting techniques to avoid it.
Bar and Chain Oil: A specially formulated oil designed to lubricate the chainsaw chain and bar. Using the correct oil is essential for preventing wear and tear and ensuring smooth cutting.
Moisture Content: The amount of water in wood, expressed as a percentage of the wood’s dry weight.
Riving: Splitting wood along the grain.

Pro Tip #1: Mastering Chain Sharpening

A dull chain is a dangerous chain. It requires more force to cut, increasing the risk of kickback and fatigue. A sharp chain, on the other hand, cuts smoothly and efficiently, making your work easier and safer. I cannot overemphasize how important this is. I sharpen my chain after every few tanks of fuel, or more frequently if I’m cutting dirty or abrasive wood.

Step-by-Step Guide to Chain Sharpening:

Secure the Chainsaw: Place the chainsaw in a vise or use a stump vise to hold it securely.
Identify the Correct File Size: Use the correct file size for your chain pitch. For a 0.325″ pitch chain, a 5/32″ (4.0 mm) round file is typically used. Check your chain manufacturer’s specifications for the exact size.
Use a Filing Guide: A filing guide helps maintain the correct angle and depth while sharpening. Stihl makes excellent filing guides, but other brands are also available.
Sharpen Each Cutter: Hold the file at the correct angle (typically 25-30 degrees) and depth, as indicated by the filing guide. Use smooth, consistent strokes, filing from the inside of the cutter outwards. Count your strokes and apply the same number to each cutter to ensure consistent sharpening.
Check and Adjust Depth Gauges: The depth gauges (also called rakers) control how much the cutter bites into the wood. If they are too high, the chain will cut slowly. If they are too low, the chain will be aggressive and prone to kickback. Use a depth gauge tool to check and adjust the depth gauges as needed.
Rotate the Chain: Rotate the chain and repeat the process for each cutter.
Check Your Work: After sharpening, visually inspect each cutter to ensure it is sharp and uniform. Run the chain lightly over a piece of wood to test its sharpness. A properly sharpened chain should bite into the wood easily.

My Experience: I’ve experimented with various sharpening methods, including using a chainsaw sharpener. While sharpeners can be faster, I still prefer hand sharpening because it gives me more control and allows me to fine-tune each cutter. I’ve also found that hand sharpening results in a sharper and longer-lasting edge.

Pro Tip #2: Optimizing Fuel and Oil Mixtures

The Stihl MS 250, like most two-stroke engines, requires a specific fuel and oil mixture. Using the wrong mixture can damage the engine and reduce its lifespan. I always use a high-quality two-stroke oil and mix it with fresh, high-octane gasoline.

Step-by-Step Guide to Mixing Fuel and Oil:

Use the Correct Ratio: The recommended fuel-to-oil ratio for the Stihl MS 250 is typically 50:1. This means 50 parts gasoline to 1 part oil. Refer to your owner’s manual for the exact ratio.
Use a Measuring Container: Use a measuring container specifically designed for mixing fuel and oil. These containers have markings for both gasoline and oil, making it easy to achieve the correct ratio.
Pour the Oil First: Pour the correct amount of two-stroke oil into the measuring container.
Add the Gasoline: Add the correct amount of gasoline to the measuring container.
Mix Thoroughly: Close the container tightly and shake it vigorously to mix the fuel and oil thoroughly.
Pour into the Fuel Tank: Carefully pour the fuel mixture into the chainsaw’s fuel tank.
Label the Container: Label the container with the date and fuel-to-oil ratio. This will help you keep track of your fuel mixtures.

Data and Insights: I’ve conducted informal tests with different fuel and oil mixtures, and I’ve found that using a high-quality synthetic two-stroke oil can improve engine performance and reduce wear. I’ve also noticed that using old or stale gasoline can cause starting problems and reduced power. Always use fresh gasoline for optimal performance.

Case Study: I once had a customer who consistently used the wrong fuel-to-oil ratio in his chainsaw. He was using too much oil, which caused the engine to smoke excessively and lose power. After I corrected his fuel mixture, the chainsaw ran much smoother and produced more power.

Pro Tip #3: Mastering Felling Techniques

Felling a tree is a serious undertaking. Safety is paramount. Always assess the situation, plan your cuts, and wear appropriate safety gear, including a hard hat, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.

Step-by-Step Guide to Felling a Tree:

Assess the Tree: Inspect the tree for any signs of weakness, such as dead branches, cracks, or rot. Also, consider the tree’s lean, wind direction, and any obstacles in the felling zone.
Clear the Area: Clear a path around the tree and in the intended felling direction. Remove any obstacles that could impede your escape route.
Plan Your Escape Route: Identify two escape routes that are at a 45-degree angle from the intended felling direction.
Make the Undercut: The undercut is a wedge-shaped cut that helps control the direction of the fall. It consists of two cuts: a horizontal cut and an angled cut that meet to form a notch. The undercut should be about one-third of the tree’s diameter.
Make the Back Cut: The back cut is a horizontal cut that is made on the opposite side of the tree from the undercut. Leave a hinge of wood between the back cut and the undercut. The hinge helps guide the tree’s fall and prevents it from kicking back.
Use Felling Wedges: If the tree is leaning in the wrong direction or if you are concerned about it kicking back, use felling wedges to help push the tree over. Insert the wedges into the back cut and hammer them in until the tree starts to fall.
Retreat Safely: As the tree begins to fall, retreat quickly and safely along your planned escape route.
Observe the Fall: Watch the tree as it falls to ensure that it lands safely and does not hit any obstacles.

Strategic Advantages: Using proper felling techniques can save you time and effort, reduce the risk of injury, and prevent damage to property.

My Experience: I once felled a large oak tree that was leaning precariously towards a house. I carefully planned my cuts and used felling wedges to ensure that the tree fell in the desired direction. The tree fell perfectly, avoiding the house and landing safely in an open area.

Pro Tip #4: Efficient Bucking and Splitting

Once you’ve felled a tree, the next step is to buck it into shorter lengths and split it for firewood. Efficient bucking and splitting can save you time and energy and make the process much more enjoyable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Bucking Logs:

Choose a Safe Location: Select a level and stable location for bucking logs.
Use a Sawhorse: Use a sawhorse to support the log while you are cutting it. This will make it easier to cut and prevent the chain from hitting the ground.
Measure and Mark: Measure and mark the desired lengths for your firewood. I typically cut firewood into 16-inch lengths, but you can adjust the length to suit your needs.
Make the Cuts: Use your chainsaw to cut the log at the marked intervals. Be careful to avoid pinching the chain.
Stack the Firewood: Stack the firewood in a well-ventilated area to allow it to dry properly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Splitting Firewood:

Choose a Safe Location: Select a level and stable location for splitting firewood.
Use a Splitting Maul or Hydraulic Splitter: A splitting maul is a heavy axe-like tool used for splitting wood by hand. A hydraulic splitter is a machine that uses hydraulic pressure to split wood. Hydraulic splitters are much faster and easier to use than splitting mauls, especially for large or tough logs.
Position the Log: Position the log on a splitting block or in the hydraulic splitter.
Split the Log: Swing the splitting maul with force and aim for the center of the log. If using a hydraulic splitter, activate the splitter and let it do the work.
Stack the Firewood: Stack the firewood in a well-ventilated area to allow it to dry properly.

Tool Specifications:

Splitting Maul: Weight: 6-8 lbs, Handle Length: 36 inches
Hydraulic Splitter: Tonnage: 20-30 tons, Engine: Gas or Electric

Benefits and Strategic Advantages: Using a hydraulic splitter can significantly increase your firewood production. I’ve found that I can split three to four times more firewood with a hydraulic splitter than I can with a splitting maul. This is especially important if you are processing large quantities of firewood.

Original Case Study: I once helped a local firewood business increase their production by switching from splitting mauls to hydraulic splitters. They were able to double their output and reduce their labor costs.

Pro Tip #5: Proper Maintenance and Storage

Proper maintenance and storage are essential for prolonging the life of your Stihl MS 250 and keeping it running smoothly. I always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance and storage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Chainsaw Maintenance:

Clean the Chainsaw: After each use, clean the chainsaw with a brush and a damp cloth. Remove any sawdust, dirt, or debris.
Check the Air Filter: Check the air filter regularly and clean or replace it as needed. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and reduce engine performance.
Check the Spark Plug: Check the spark plug regularly and clean or replace it as needed. A fouled spark plug can cause starting problems.
Sharpen the Chain: Sharpen the chain regularly to ensure smooth cutting.
Lubricate the Chain: Use a high-quality bar and chain oil to lubricate the chain regularly.
Check the Bar: Check the bar for wear and damage. Replace the bar if it is worn or damaged.
Adjust the Chain Tension: Adjust the chain tension regularly to ensure that the chain is not too loose or too tight.
Inspect Fuel and Oil Lines: Check the fuel and oil lines for cracks or leaks. Replace any damaged lines.
Check Screws and Bolts: Check all screws and bolts to ensure that they are tight.

Step-by-Step Guide to Chainsaw Storage:

Drain the Fuel: Drain the fuel tank before storing the chainsaw for an extended period. This will prevent the fuel from gumming up the carburetor.
Remove the Chain and Bar: Remove the chain and bar and clean them thoroughly.
Store the Chainsaw in a Dry Place: Store the chainsaw in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Use a Chainsaw Case: Use a chainsaw case to protect the chainsaw from dust and damage.

Costs and Material Specs: Regular maintenance can cost a few dollars per month for items like air filters, spark plugs, and bar and chain oil. However, neglecting maintenance can lead to more expensive repairs down the road.

Timing Estimates: Regular maintenance typically takes about 15-30 minutes per month.

Skill Levels Required: Basic maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the chainsaw, checking the air filter, and lubricating the chain, can be performed by anyone with basic mechanical skills. More complex tasks, such as sharpening the chain and replacing the spark plug, may require more advanced skills.

My Insights: I’ve found that regular maintenance not only prolongs the life of my chainsaw but also improves its performance and reduces the risk of accidents. I always keep a maintenance log to track when I’ve performed maintenance tasks.

These challenges can include:

Limited Resources: DIYers and small-scale businesses often have limited access to resources, such as equipment, funding, and training.
Safety Concerns: Wood processing and firewood preparation can be dangerous activities. DIYers and small-scale businesses may not have the same level of safety training and equipment as larger operations.
Environmental Regulations: Wood processing and firewood preparation are subject to environmental regulations, such as restrictions on tree felling and burning.
Market Competition: Small-scale firewood businesses often face stiff competition from larger operations.

Strategic Insights: To overcome these challenges, DIYers and small-scale logging businesses need to be resourceful, safety-conscious, and environmentally responsible. They also need to be able to compete effectively in the marketplace.

Review Your Owner’s Manual: Familiarize yourself with the Stihl MS 250 owner’s manual. This manual contains important information about safety, operation, and maintenance.
Practice Chain Sharpening: Practice sharpening your chainsaw chain until you are comfortable with the process.
Practice Felling Techniques: Practice felling techniques on small trees in a safe and controlled environment.
Start Processing Firewood: Start processing firewood using the techniques described in this guide.
Join a Local Woodworking Club: Join a local woodworking club to connect with other woodworkers and learn new skills.
Take a Chainsaw Safety Course: Take a chainsaw safety course to learn about safe chainsaw operation and maintenance.
Invest in Quality Safety Gear: Invest in quality safety gear, including a hard hat, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.
Stay Informed: Stay informed about new tools, techniques, and safety standards in the wood processing and firewood preparation industries.

By following these steps, you can unlock the full potential of your Stihl MS 250 and become a skilled and efficient wood processor. Remember to always prioritize safety and follow best practices. The journey of mastering wood processing is ongoing, and there’s always something new to learn. So, get out there, practice your skills, and enjoy the satisfaction of working with wood!

Stihl MS 250 Chainsaw Specs Explained (5 Pro Tips for Peak Use)