Stihl MS 720 Chainsaw (Specs & Features)
The Stihl MS 720 is a discontinued, large-displacement professional saw with 98.9 cm³ of engine displacement and 5.2 kW of maximum power. Its weight is about 9.8 kg before adding the bar and chain. Exact bar, chain, sprocket, and operating settings depend on the saw’s version, so verify them before buying or cutting.
The best-kept secret about an older MS 720 is that its size alone does not tell you whether a particular saw is safe, complete, or a good buy. A long bar or a “professional” label cannot confirm that the parts match. The serial number, the saw’s condition, and the dealer’s ability to identify the correct setup matter just as much as the headline specs.
I look at older saws as both powerheads and systems. A buyer should check the machine, its fitted parts, and access to parts and service. Here is what the published figures tell you, what they do not tell you, and how to inspect and operate an MS 720 with care.
MS 720 specifications and what they mean
These core figures describe the MS 720’s engine and powerhead, not every saw as it is set up today. Bar length, chain pitch, chain gauge, and some operating details can vary by version and installed components. Use the saw’s manual and component markings to confirm the setup before ordering parts or making a cut.
| Item | MS 720 figure or guidance | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Engine displacement | 98.9 cm³ | A measure of the engine’s swept volume |
| Maximum engine power | 5.2 kW, about 7.0 bhp | A stated maximum, not a measure of cutting speed in every condition |
| Powerhead weight | About 9.8 kg | Excludes the guide bar and chain |
| Fuel mix | 50:1 | 20 mL of suitable two-stroke oil per 1 L of gasoline |
| Bar and chain | Setup-dependent | Check the manual, bar and chain markings, sprocket, and cover |
| Idle and maximum speed settings | Version- and setup-dependent | Do not use generic RPM targets |
The powerhead is the saw without its bar and chain. That distinction matters: the working saw weighs more, and a longer bar adds weight and changes how the saw handles. The listed power figure also does not mean that every bar length or chain type is suitable.
For a used saw, treat a seller’s bar length or chain description as a starting point, not a confirmed specification. Match the bar and chain to the saw’s version and drive components. Do not assume that an MS 720 has one universal chain pitch, gauge, or maximum bar length.
Identify the saw and verify its setup
Identification means matching the saw’s identity and fitted parts to reliable records, not relying on a decal or seller claim. The model name can help, but a serial number and component markings give a dealer more to check. If the saw’s history or configuration is unclear, pause before buying parts or using it.
Record the model and serial number exactly as shown on the saw. Ask an authorized STIHL dealer to check the number and advise whether the available records identify the model version and suitable parts. Serial-number formats and records may vary, so do not treat an online number chart as proof of age, origin, or authenticity.
Then inspect the actual components:
- Read the guide-bar markings for its length and chain specification.
- Check the chain markings and the drive sprocket for a compatible pitch.
- Confirm that the installed parts suit the saw’s cover and version.
- Ask the dealer to resolve any mismatch between the markings and the manual.
A matching label is not enough to prove that a used saw is genuine or correctly assembled. Look for consistent model and serial markings, sound fasteners and handles, and signs of careless repair. A dealer inspection is especially useful when the saw has been rebuilt, has missing labels, or comes with a long bar and an uncertain chain.
Equipment Setup and Safety Preparation
Preparation means checking the saw, protective equipment, fuel, work area, and escape route before starting. These steps help catch problems that can turn into injury or damage. A brake, helmet, or careful stance cannot remove all chainsaw risk, so stop if the saw or the job is beyond your training.
Wear a helmet with eye and face protection, hearing protection, chainsaw-protective legwear, gloves, and suitable boots. Inspect the chain brake, throttle lockout, chain catcher, handles, bar, chain tension, and fasteners. Do not use the saw if a safety part is missing or damaged.
Clear the work area and plan where you will move if a tree or limb shifts. Keep bystanders at least two tree lengths away during felling, and coordinate work under applicable ANSI Z133 and OSHA requirements. The exact rules depend on the job and workplace; follow the requirements that apply to your situation.
Mix fresh gasoline with suitable two-stroke oil at 50:1, which is 20 mL of oil for each litre of gasoline. Use bar-and-chain oil in its separate reservoir. Follow the manual for the specific saw, including its cold- or warm-start procedure.
Start the saw on firm ground with the chain brake engaged and the saw secured. After starting, check for a stable idle and confirm that the chain does not move at idle. If it does, stop and have the cause checked; do not guess at carburetor adjustments.
Field Cutting and Landscaping Operation
Operation means matching the cut to the wood and the saw’s confirmed setup while keeping control of the guide bar. The MS 720’s power does not make a difficult cut safe. A sharp chain, sound footing, and a clear plan matter more than trying to force the saw through wood.
Use a sharp, correctly tensioned chain and a secure stance. Before cutting, consider the wood’s weight, slope, and stored tension. Wood under tension can move when cut, so plan where it may shift and where you can stand safely.
Rotational kickback can occur when the upper quadrant of the guide-bar nose hits wood or another object. The saw can then move abruptly toward the operator. Keep a firm two-handed grip, avoid nose contact, and do not cut above shoulder height. A chain brake can reduce injury risk, but it cannot prevent every kickback.
For felling, use a sound directional notch and maintain a hinge that guides the tree’s fall. Do not proceed if the tree’s lean, defects, wind, or site conditions exceed your training or equipment. Stop and seek qualified help when the fall path or tree condition is uncertain.
Practical setup checks: If the fitted chain and bar markings do not match the manual or dealer’s advice, do not cut until the mismatch is resolved. If the saw runs but the chain moves at idle, stop and arrange a check. If a cut needs force, stop; inspect the chain and the wood rather than pushing harder.
Maintenance, Chain Sharpening, and Tuning
Maintenance keeps the saw’s controls, cutting parts, and cooling system in working order. It also helps reveal wear before the next job. Follow the manual for the saw’s version and use suitable replacement parts; do not assume settings or service steps from another STIHL model apply to the MS 720.
After use, engage the brake, shut off the engine, and let the saw cool before cleaning or service. Clean the air filter, guide-bar groove and oil holes, sprocket area, and cooling fins. Check for damage, loose fasteners, and signs that the chain is not receiving oil.
A dull chain cuts poorly and can increase effort and risk. Stop and sharpen or replace it rather than forcing it through wood. If it still cuts badly with a sharp chain, check tension, chain condition, bar condition, and oil delivery. Correct the cause before returning to work.
Chain tension must suit the fitted bar and chain. Check it according to the manual, and recheck after the chain cools. Carburetor and engine-speed settings are also version-dependent. Use the applicable STIHL service information or a qualified dealer instead of generic RPM targets or trial-and-error tuning.
Storage and Seasonal Care
Storage means leaving the saw clean, protected, and ready for a careful check before its next use. Fuel and oil choices, storage length, and preparation steps should follow the manual for the specific machine. Do not assume that a procedure for another saw or fuel system applies.
Before putting the MS 720 away, shut it off, let it cool, and clean away sawdust and debris. Check the bar, chain, air filter, and cooling area, and note any repair needs. Store it in a dry, secure place away from children and ignition sources.
For longer storage, follow the manual’s fuel guidance and use fresh, correctly mixed fuel when preparing the saw for use again. Before restarting, inspect the chain, brake, handles, fasteners, and bar. Confirm the correct chain-and-bar combination, then follow the normal starting checks.
Frequently asked questions
These answers cover the details buyers most often need to confirm before purchase or use. For a saw with unclear markings, a changed setup, or unknown service history, the manual and an authorized dealer are safer guides than assumptions based on another MS 720.
How much power does the MS 720 have?
Its stated maximum engine power is 5.2 kW, or about 7.0 bhp.
What is the MS 720’s engine displacement?
The displacement is 98.9 cm³.
How much does the MS 720 weigh?
The powerhead weighs about 9.8 kg, excluding the guide bar and chain.
What fuel mix does the MS 720 use?
The specified mix is 50:1 with suitable two-stroke oil. That equals 20 mL of oil per 1 L of gasoline. Confirm the applicable manual and use fresh fuel.
What bar length fits an MS 720?
There is no safe universal answer for every saw. Check the manual for its version, along with the bar, chain, sprocket, and cover markings.
What chain pitch and gauge does it use?
These details are setup-dependent. Confirm them from the fitted parts and the applicable manual before buying a replacement chain.
Is the MS 720 still in production?
It is a discontinued model. For a used example, check its serial number and condition with a STIHL dealer where possible.
How can I check a used MS 720’s serial number?
Record the number as stamped and ask an authorized STIHL dealer to check available records. A number alone does not prove that the saw is genuine or correctly assembled.
Why does the chain move at idle?
Treat chain movement at idle as a fault to investigate. Stop using the saw and have it checked; do not adjust the carburetor by guesswork.
Can I use a long bar because the saw has a large engine?
No. Engine size alone does not confirm that a bar is suitable. Use only a bar-and-chain combination approved for the saw’s version and fitted drive parts.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Elliott Fowler. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
