Stihl MS251C Review 2019 (Pro Tips for Sharpness & Durability)

Why This Guide Matters

In my experience, I’ve seen countless chainsaws prematurely fail due to neglect and improper use. A chainsaw is a significant investment, and understanding how to properly care for it is crucial. More importantly, a sharp and well-maintained chainsaw is a safer chainsaw. Dull chains require more force, increasing the risk of kickback and operator fatigue. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to keep your MS 251 C running smoothly and safely for years to come.

Key Concepts: Laying the Foundation

Before diving into the specifics of the MS 251 C, let’s define some key terms:

• Green Wood vs. Seasoned Wood: Green wood is freshly cut wood with high moisture content, typically above 30%. Seasoned wood, on the other hand, has been dried to reduce its moisture content to around 20% or less. Green wood is easier to split but harder to burn, while seasoned wood is harder to split but burns more efficiently.

• Chain Pitch: The distance between three consecutive rivets on the chain, divided by two. It’s a critical factor in chain selection and compatibility with the chainsaw’s sprocket and bar. The MS 251 C typically uses a 3/8″ pitch chain.

• Chain Gauge: The thickness of the drive links that fit into the bar groove. The MS 251 C typically uses a .050″ gauge chain.

• Raker (Depth Gauge): The small projection in front of each cutting tooth that controls the depth of cut. Properly filed rakers are essential for efficient cutting.

• Kickback: A sudden, uncontrolled upward or backward movement of the chainsaw bar, often caused by the tip of the bar contacting a solid object. It’s a major safety hazard.

• Bar Oil: A specially formulated oil designed to lubricate the chain and bar, reducing friction and wear.

The Stihl MS 251 C: A Closer Look

The Stihl MS 251 C is powered by a 45.6 cc engine that delivers ample power for felling small trees, limbing, and cutting firewood. It features Stihl’s Easy2Start™ system, which makes starting the saw easier, and a Quick Chain Tensioning (B) system for tool-free chain adjustment. Its lightweight design (around 11.1 lbs without fuel and bar) makes it relatively easy to handle, even for extended periods.

Specifications:

• Engine Displacement: 45.6 cc
• Power Output: 3.0 bhp
• Weight: 11.1 lbs (without fuel and cutting attachment)
• Fuel Capacity: 16.9 oz
• Oil Capacity: 8.5 oz
• Recommended Bar Length: 16″ – 18″
• Chain Pitch: 3/8″
• Chain Gauge: .050″

Sharpening Your Stihl MS 251 C Chain: A Step-by-Step Guide

A sharp chain is paramount for efficient and safe chainsaw operation. Dull chains require more force, increasing the risk of kickback and operator fatigue. I sharpen my chainsaw chains religiously – usually after every tank of fuel or if I notice a decline in cutting performance.

Tools You’ll Need:

• Chainsaw File: A round file specifically designed for sharpening chainsaw chains. The correct file size for a 3/8″ pitch chain is typically 5/32″ (4.0 mm).
• File Holder: A guide that helps maintain the correct filing angle and depth.
• Flat File: For filing the rakers (depth gauges).
• Depth Gauge Tool: A tool to ensure the rakers are filed to the correct height.
• Vise: To securely hold the chainsaw bar during sharpening.
• Gloves: To protect your hands.
• Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles are essential.

Step-by-Step Sharpening Process:

1. Secure the Chainsaw: Clamp the chainsaw bar in a vise, ensuring the chain is easily accessible.

2. Identify the Cutting Tooth: Examine the cutting teeth to identify the most worn or damaged tooth. This will be your reference point.

3. Set the File Holder: Adjust the file holder to the correct angle for your chain. Typically, this is around 30 degrees for the top plate angle and 0-10 degrees for the side plate angle. Refer to your chain manufacturer’s specifications for precise angles.

4. File the Cutting Tooth: Place the file in the file holder and position it against the cutting tooth. Using smooth, consistent strokes, file the tooth from the inside out. Maintain the correct angle and depth, following the contours of the tooth. Typically, 3-5 strokes per tooth are sufficient.

5. Repeat for All Teeth: Repeat the filing process for all cutting teeth, ensuring each tooth is sharpened to the same length and angle as the reference tooth. Consistency is key.

6. File the Rakers (Depth Gauges): Use the depth gauge tool to check the height of the rakers. If the rakers are too high, they will prevent the cutting teeth from biting into the wood. Use the flat file to carefully file down the rakers until they are flush with the depth gauge tool.

7. Check Your Work: After sharpening, inspect the chain to ensure all teeth are uniformly sharpened and the rakers are properly set.

Pro Tip: After sharpening, run the chainsaw briefly to remove any metal filings from the chain.

Personal Experience: I once spent an entire day felling trees with a dull chain. The experience was not only exhausting but also dangerous. The chainsaw kept binding, and I had to exert excessive force, increasing the risk of kickback. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to sharpen my chain regularly, and the difference in performance is remarkable.

Maintaining Your Stihl MS 251 C: Ensuring Longevity

Regular maintenance is crucial for extending the life of your Stihl MS 251 C and ensuring its optimal performance.

Essential Maintenance Tasks:

• Air Filter Cleaning: A clean air filter is essential for proper engine performance. Check the air filter after each use and clean it as needed. I typically use compressed air to blow out debris, but you can also wash it with warm, soapy water. Allow the filter to dry completely before reinstalling it.

• Spark Plug Inspection: Inspect the spark plug regularly for signs of wear or fouling. Replace the spark plug if it’s damaged or worn. A clean spark plug ensures proper ignition and efficient combustion.

• Fuel Filter Replacement: The fuel filter prevents debris from entering the carburetor. Replace the fuel filter annually or more frequently if you notice fuel flow issues.

• Bar and Chain Lubrication: Ensure the bar oil reservoir is always full and that the chain is adequately lubricated during operation. Proper lubrication reduces friction and wear on the chain and bar.

• Chain Tension Adjustment: Check the chain tension regularly and adjust as needed. A properly tensioned chain should be snug against the bar but still able to be pulled around by hand.

• Cleaning the Bar Groove: The bar groove can accumulate sawdust and debris, which can impede chain lubrication. Clean the bar groove regularly with a screwdriver or bar groove cleaner.

• Sharpening the Chain: As discussed earlier, regular chain sharpening is essential for efficient and safe operation.

• Storing the Chainsaw: When storing the chainsaw for extended periods, drain the fuel tank and run the engine until it stalls to prevent fuel from gumming up the carburetor. Remove the chain and bar, clean them thoroughly, and store them in a dry place.

Step-by-Step Maintenance Schedule:

Data and Insights: Based on my experience and research, consistent maintenance can extend the life of a chainsaw by as much as 50%. Neglecting maintenance can lead to costly repairs and premature failure.

Wood Processing Techniques: Maximizing Efficiency

The Stihl MS 251 C is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of wood processing tasks, including felling trees, limbing, and cutting firewood. Here are some techniques to maximize efficiency:

Felling Techniques:

• Planning is Key: Before felling a tree, assess the surrounding area for hazards, such as power lines, buildings, and other trees. Plan your escape route and ensure it’s clear of obstacles.

• The Hinge: The hinge is a critical element of felling. It controls the direction of the fall. The hinge should be approximately 80% of the tree’s diameter and of uniform thickness.

• The Felling Cut: The felling cut is made opposite the notch cut. It should be slightly above the bottom of the notch cut.

• Using Wedges: Wedges can be used to help direct the fall of the tree and prevent the bar from pinching.

Case Study: I once had to fell a large oak tree that was leaning towards a building. I carefully planned my cuts, used wedges to control the fall, and successfully felled the tree without damaging the building.

Limbing Techniques:

• Work from the Base Up: Start limbing from the base of the tree and work your way up. This will prevent you from having to step over limbs.

• Use a Stable Stance: Maintain a stable stance and keep both feet firmly planted on the ground.

• Cut on the Upside: When cutting limbs, cut on the upside to prevent the bar from pinching.

Firewood Cutting Techniques:

• Bucking: Cutting logs into shorter lengths is called bucking. Use a sawbuck or log stand to support the log while cutting.

• Splitting: Splitting firewood is easier when the wood is green. Use a maul or hydraulic log splitter to split the wood.

• Stacking: Stack firewood neatly to promote air circulation and drying.

Measurements and Specifications: When cutting firewood, I typically cut logs into 16-inch lengths, which fit well in most fireplaces and wood stoves. I aim for a moisture content of 20% or less for optimal burning.

Safety Considerations: Prioritizing Your Well-being

Chainsaw operation is inherently dangerous, and safety should always be your top priority.

Essential Safety Gear:

• Helmet: Protects your head from falling debris.
• Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles protect your eyes from flying debris.
• Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs protect your hearing from the loud noise of the chainsaw.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.
• Chainsaw Chaps: Protect your legs from chainsaw cuts.
• Steel-Toed Boots: Protect your feet from falling logs and chainsaw cuts.

Safe Operating Practices:

• Read the Manual: Familiarize yourself with the chainsaw’s operating manual before using it.
• Inspect the Chainsaw: Inspect the chainsaw before each use to ensure it’s in good working order.
• Start the Chainsaw Safely: Start the chainsaw on the ground or on a solid surface, away from your body.
• Maintain a Firm Grip: Keep both hands on the chainsaw at all times.
• Avoid Kickback: Be aware of the risk of kickback and take steps to avoid it.
• Never Cut Above Shoulder Height: Cutting above shoulder height is dangerous and increases the risk of losing control of the chainsaw.
• Take Breaks: Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue.
• Never Operate a Chainsaw Under the Influence: Never operate a chainsaw under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Original Insights: I’ve found that wearing brightly colored clothing can increase visibility and reduce the risk of accidents, especially in wooded areas.

Tool Specifications: Axes, Log Splitters, and More

While the Stihl MS 251 C is a versatile tool, other tools can enhance your wood processing capabilities.

Axes:

• Felling Axe: Used for felling trees.
• Splitting Axe (Maul): Used for splitting firewood.
• Hatchet: A small axe used for light tasks.

Specifications: I prefer a splitting maul with a 6-8 pound head for splitting firewood. The handle length should be appropriate for your height and arm length.

Log Splitters:

• Hydraulic Log Splitter: A powered log splitter that uses hydraulic pressure to split logs.
• Manual Log Splitter: A log splitter that uses manual force to split logs.

Specifications: A hydraulic log splitter with a 20-25 ton splitting force is suitable for most firewood splitting needs.

Other Useful Tools:

• Sawbuck: A frame used to support logs while cutting.
• Cant Hook: A tool used to roll logs.
• Measuring Tape: Used to measure log lengths.
• Wedges: Used to help direct the fall of trees and prevent the bar from pinching.

Wood Type Selection: Choosing the Right Wood for the Job

The type of wood you’re working with can significantly impact the performance of your chainsaw and the quality of your firewood.

Common Firewood Types:

• Hardwoods: Oak, maple, ash, beech, and birch are dense hardwoods that burn slowly and produce a lot of heat.
• Softwoods: Pine, fir, spruce, and cedar are less dense softwoods that burn quickly and produce less heat.

Strategic Advantages: Hardwoods are generally preferred for firewood due to their higher heat output and longer burn time. Softwoods are suitable for kindling or starting fires.

Wood Properties:

• Density: The density of the wood affects its burning characteristics. Denser woods burn longer and produce more heat.
• Moisture Content: The moisture content of the wood affects its burning efficiency. Dry wood burns more efficiently than green wood.
• Resin Content: The resin content of the wood affects its burning characteristics. Woods with high resin content, such as pine, burn quickly and produce a lot of smoke.

Data and Statistics: Oak firewood has a heat value of approximately 28 million BTU per cord, while pine firewood has a heat value of approximately 20 million BTU per cord.

Drying Methods: Preparing Firewood for Burning

Properly drying firewood is essential for efficient and clean burning.

Drying Methods:

• Air Drying: The most common method of drying firewood. Stack the wood in a well-ventilated area and allow it to dry for 6-12 months.
• Kiln Drying: A faster method of drying firewood. The wood is placed in a kiln and heated to remove moisture.

Timing Estimates: Air drying typically takes 6-12 months, depending on the climate and the type of wood. Kiln drying typically takes several days.

Stacking Techniques:

• Elevated Stacking: Stack the wood on pallets or sleepers to allow air to circulate underneath.
• Crisscross Stacking: Stack the wood in a crisscross pattern to promote air circulation.
• Single-Row Stacking: Stack the wood in a single row to maximize exposure to sunlight and wind.

Material Specs: I typically stack firewood in rows that are 4 feet high and 8 feet long, which is equivalent to one cord of wood.

Cost Analysis: Budgeting for Wood Processing

Wood processing can be a cost-effective way to heat your home, but it’s important to consider the costs involved.

Cost Factors:

• Chainsaw Purchase: The cost of the chainsaw.
• Maintenance Costs: The cost of maintenance, including oil, fuel, and replacement parts.
• Tool Costs: The cost of other tools, such as axes, log splitters, and sawbucks.
• Fuel Costs: The cost of fuel for the chainsaw and log splitter.
• Labor Costs: The cost of your time and effort.

Strategic Insights: Buying firewood in bulk can often be more cost-effective than buying it in small quantities. However, you’ll need to have a place to store the wood and the time to process it.

Cost-Saving Tips:

• Maintain Your Equipment: Regular maintenance can extend the life of your equipment and reduce repair costs.
• Sharpen Your Chain Regularly: A sharp chain is more efficient and requires less fuel.
• Buy Fuel in Bulk: Buying fuel in bulk can save you money.
• Do It Yourself: Processing your own firewood can save you money on labor costs.

Skill Levels Required: Assessing Your Capabilities

Wood processing requires a range of skills, from basic chainsaw operation to advanced felling techniques.

Skill Levels:

• Beginner: Basic chainsaw operation, limbing, and cutting firewood.
• Intermediate: Felling small trees, splitting firewood with a maul, and basic chainsaw maintenance.
• Advanced: Felling large trees, operating a hydraulic log splitter, and advanced chainsaw maintenance.

Practical Next Steps: If you’re a beginner, start with basic tasks and gradually work your way up to more advanced techniques. Take a chainsaw safety course to learn safe operating practices.

Challenges Faced by Global DIYers and Small-Scale Logging Businesses

DIYers and small-scale logging businesses around the world face a variety of challenges, including:

• Limited Resources: Access to capital, equipment, and training can be limited.
• Safety Concerns: Wood processing is inherently dangerous, and safety should always be a top priority.
• Environmental Regulations: Logging and firewood production are subject to environmental regulations, which can vary from country to country.
• Market Access: Finding buyers for firewood can be challenging, especially in competitive markets.

Friendly Language: Don’t be discouraged by these challenges. With proper planning, training, and equipment, you can successfully process wood for your own use or for sale.

Practical Next Steps: Getting Started with Your Stihl MS 251 C

Ready to put your newfound knowledge into practice? Here are some practical next steps:

1. Read the Stihl MS 251 C Operating Manual: Familiarize yourself with the chainsaw’s features, operating instructions, and safety precautions.
2. Gather Your Safety Gear: Invest in a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.
3. Practice Basic Chainsaw Operation: Practice starting, stopping, and handling the chainsaw in a safe and controlled environment.
4. Sharpen Your Chain: Learn how to sharpen your chain properly and practice regularly.
5. Perform Routine Maintenance: Follow the maintenance schedule outlined in this guide to keep your chainsaw in good working order.
6. Start with Small Projects: Begin with simple wood processing tasks, such as limbing and cutting firewood.
7. Take a Chainsaw Safety Course: Consider taking a chainsaw safety course to learn safe operating practices and techniques.
8. Join a Local Woodworking Group: Connect with other woodworkers in your area to share tips, advice, and resources.

Conclusion: Mastering Your Stihl MS 251 C

Learn more