10 STIHL tools totally worth the splurge

Published October 20, 2025

Ukraine Kiev June 22, 2019.Stihl chainsaw in Kiev. Stihl is a German manufacturer of chainsaws and other handheld power equipment

Arborists, landscapers, and jobsite pros know the right tool makes all the difference. Whether you’re clearing heavy brush, edging walkways, or felling timber, STIHL tools bring serious power and durability. From the high-performance MS 500i chainsaw and BR 800 backpack blower to the versatile KM 131 R KombiMotor, these STIHL tools are worth the money for crews who rely on their gear day in and day out.

Which STIHL tools are worth the money?

1. STIHL MS 500i Chainsaw

Pros	Cons
– First chainsaw with electronically controlled fuel injection – Exceptional power-to-weight ratio – Quick acceleration for faster cuts	– Premium price tag – May be overkill for light-duty users

Price: $1619 – $1829.99
Where to buy: STIHL ❘ Buckeye Valley Equipment ❘ Superior Equipment & Supplies
Best for: Arborists, loggers, emergency tree service crews

The MS 500i is built for serious cutting power and speed, making it one of the most advanced saws in STIHL’s lineup. The electronically controlled fuel injection system gives it lightning-fast throttle response, which means you spend less time starting and more time cutting. The magnesium housing keeps it light without sacrificing durability. One user called it “the chainsaw I didn’t know I needed until I used it.” Whether you’re felling large trees or cleaning up after a major storm, this saw makes tough work feel a whole lot easier.

Key features

79.2cc engine
Electronic fuel injection
Lightweight magnesium housing
High-speed chain and responsive throttle

2. STIHL KM 131 R KombiMotor

Pros	Cons
– Versatile multi-tool powerhead – Compatible with over a dozen attachments – Easy-start system	– Requires additional purchases for attachments – Slightly heavy for casual users

Price: $539.99
Where to buy: STIHL
Best for: Landscapers, groundskeepers, property maintenance crews

The KM 131 R is a wise investment for anyone who needs flexibility and power in one reliable machine. Instead of hauling around multiple tools, this single powerhead can be outfitted with attachments to trim, edge, blow, and even cultivate. The 4-MIX® engine offers the benefits of both 2-stroke and 4-stroke technology, giving you high torque, fuel efficiency, and reduced noise. Reviewers say it’s a game-changer for staying organized and saving space. One pro noted, “It cuts my gear load in half without cutting performance.”

Key features

36.3cc 4-MIX® engine
Anti-vibration system
Tool-free coupling system
Compatible with trimmers, edgers, blowers, hedge trimmers, and more

3. STIHL BR 800 C-E MAGNUM® Backpack Blower

Pros	Cons
– Extremely powerful airflow for heavy-duty cleanup – Comfortable backpack design with easy side start – Adjustable blower tube for better control	– Heavier than handheld options – Loud during operation, requires hearing protection

Price: $749.99
Where to buy: STIHL
Best for: Commercial landscapers, maintenance crews, groundskeepers

The BR 800 C-E MAGNUM® is one of STIHL’s most powerful backpack blowers, built to tackle large properties, tough debris, and post-storm cleanups. The side start lets you fire it up without removing the backpack, and the adjustable tube gives you better control while reducing fatigue. It’s a favorite among lawn care crews and commercial landscapers who need to move a lot of leaves, gravel, or grass quickly. As one pro puts it, “This thing moves mountains of leaves in minutes. Totally worth it if you’ve got big jobs.”

Key features

79.9cc engine
Blowing force of 41 Newtons
Side-mounted starting system
Adjustable telescopic tube and padded harness

4. STIHL FS 131 R Trimmer

Pros	Cons
– High-torque engine handles thick grass and brush – Solid drive shaft for extended durability – Lightweight and balanced for all-day use	– More expensive than entry-level trimmers – May be too powerful for smaller residential yards

Price: $569.99
Where to buy: STIHL
Best for: Professional landscapers, groundskeepers, vegetation management crews

The FS 131 R is a step up for pros who need more muscle in their trimmer. It cuts through tall grass, dense weeds, and stubborn undergrowth with ease, thanks to its high-torque 4-MIX® engine. The anti-vibration system helps reduce fatigue, and its lightweight build makes it easy to handle even during longer jobs. Landscapers claim it’s their go-to for “jobs that chew up lower-end models.” It strikes the right balance between power and control, making it a strong pick for anyone doing regular, heavy-duty trimming.

Key features

36.3cc 4-MIX® engine
Anti-vibration handle design
Loop handle for maneuverability
Solid drive shaft for attachment durability

5. STIHL HS 82 R Hedge Trimmer

Pros	Cons
– Dual-sided blades for superior shaping and cutting – Low-vibration, fuel-efficient engine – Designed for heavy pruning and dense growth	– Heavier than electric or battery-powered models – Requires regular maintenance to keep blades sharp

Price: $669.99
Where to buy: STIHL
Best for: Landscapers, estate gardeners, property maintenance crews

The HS 82 R is built for tough hedge work, especially when precision and control are just as important as cutting power. Unlike lighter-duty trimmers, this model is geared for reshaping dense shrubs, woody branches, and overgrown hedgerows without bogging down. The rotating handle and balanced build make it easier to work around corners and vertical cuts. One landscaper called it “a beast for hedges that haven’t been touched in years.” If clean lines and reliable performance are non-negotiable, this tool gets it done.

Key features

22.7cc engine
24-inch dual-action blade
Gearbox designed for low blade speed and high torque
Rotating rear handle for better control in tight angles

6. STIHL TS 420 Cutquik® Cut-Off Machine

Pros	Cons
– Cuts through concrete, asphalt, steel, and rebar – Compact, well-balanced frame for better handling – Excellent vibration control for longer use	– Gas-powered, so it requires fuel and regular servicing – Not ideal for indoor or enclosed spaces due to emissions

Price: $1399.99
Where to buy: STIHL
Best for: Concrete workers, demolition crews, general contractors

The TS 420 is a jobsite staple for cutting through concrete, metal, and masonry materials with speed and precision. It’s powerful without being bulky, making it easier to control when making deep cuts or working in tight spaces. The X2 filtration system extends the life of the engine, and users consistently praise the smooth startup and reduced vibration. As one contractor noted, “This saw pays for itself in weeks if you’re doing demo or flatwork.” It’s a workhorse built for serious cutting tasks.

Key features

66.7cc 2-stroke engine
14-inch cutting wheel
X2 Air Filtration System
Anti-vibration technology

7. STIHL HT 135 Pole Pruner

Pros	Cons
– Telescoping shaft extends up to 13 feet – Powerful engine cuts through thick branches with ease – Durable construction built for frequent professional use	– Heavier than electric or battery options – Can be tiring for extended overhead work

Price: $799.99
Where to buy: STIHL
Best for: Arborists, tree service crews, landscapers handling tall vegetation

The HT 135 is designed to handle overhead pruning safely and properly. With a strong telescoping shaft and a reliable 4-MIX® engine, it’s perfect for trimming back tall branches without a ladder. The pole is solid and stable at full extension, and the compact cutting head gives you visibility while working. Users say it’s “a must-have for any tree crew” and consistently rank it among the most durable tools in their kits. If your work takes you above ground level, this pruner is a smart investment.

Key features

36.3cc 4-MIX® engine
Telescoping pole: 11.5 to 13 feet
Side-access chain tensioner
Lightweight magnesium gearbox

8. STIHL BGA 300 Battery-Powered Backpack Blower

Pros	Cons
– Quiet enough for noise-sensitive areas – High air volume and speed for a battery -powered unit – Ergonomic backpack design for comfort	– Requires AR 3000 L backpack battery (sold separately) – Higher upfront cost than handheld battery blowers

Price: $749.99
Where to buy: STIHL
Best for: Municipal crews, school and hospital maintenance, eco-conscious landscapers

The BGA 300 is STIHL’s answer to commercial-grade, battery-powered cleanup. It delivers impressive power with less noise, making it ideal for use around schools, hospitals, and residential areas. The blower pairs with STIHL’s AR 3000 L backpack battery to provide all-day runtime, while its smart design keeps the weight comfortably distributed. One user noted, “It’s quiet, clean, and still strong enough to move wet leaves and gravel.” For pros looking to ditch the gas without sacrificing performance, this blower is a solid bet.

Key features

Up to 26 Newtons of blowing force
Variable speed trigger with boost mode
Noise-reducing nozzle
IPX4-rated for weather resistance

9. STIHL MSA 220 C-B Battery-Powered Chainsaw

Pros	Cons
– Strongest battery chainsaw in the STIHL lineup – Quiet and emission-free – Tool-free chain tensioning system	– Requires AP 300 S battery and charger (sold separately) – Limited runtime for large-scale jobs

Price: $878.99
Where to buy: STIHL
Best for: Landscapers, remodelers, arborists working in noise-restricted areas or tight spaces

The MSA 220 C-B combines serious cutting power with the convenience of battery operation. It’s STIHL’s most powerful cordless chainsaw, offering high torque and a fast chain speed that handles limb work, small felling jobs, and carpentry tasks with ease. The tool-free chain adjuster is a bonus for quick tuning on the job. Landscaping pros praise its performance, saying, “It’s shockingly strong for a battery saw, and perfect when you need to work quietly or indoors.”

Key features

36V AP battery platform
Up to 16-inch guide bar
Quick Chain Adjuster (B)
High chain speed for fast, clean cuts

10. STIHL RG-KM Reciprocator Attachment (for KombiSystem)

Pros	Cons
– Ideal for trimming around delicate areas – Minimizes flying debris – Quiet and low-vibration	– Only compatible with STIHL KombiMotors – Limited to specific landscaping tasks

Price: $459.99
Where to buy: STIHL
Best for: Landscapers, municipal crews, cemetery and park maintenance

The RG-KM Reciprocator is a unique attachment for the STIHL KombiSystem, built to tackle trimming in sensitive or high-traffic areas. Its dual-blade motion cuts cleanly without throwing debris, making it ideal for work near parked cars, windows, or flower beds. Landscapers appreciate its precision, especially in commercial or municipal settings. One reviewer said, “It’s a time-saver where a string trimmer would be risky or messy.” It’s a specialty tool, but one that pays off for the right jobs.