The STIHL 08 was produced in various versions from 1963 to 1994 (and possibly even later). Across the different versions, it ranged from 48 ccs to 60.3 ccs.
The model is popular with those who like and collect old saws, getting comments like “Possibly the best chainsaw ever built…”.
Let’s take a closer look at it!
STIHL 08 versions
I saw the 08 S pictured in this article at a local vintage chainsaw display. This is probably the most common version.
Versions:
- STIHL 08 – original 50 cc 1963 model
- STIHL 08 S – the 56 cc Super
- STIHL 08 SE – Super with electronic ignition (60.3 cc)
- STIHL 08 SEQ – the same, but also with Quickstop chain brake
This thread on a Dutch chainsaw forum has a lot more info on the different versions and suggests the chainbrake model was made in Brazil until 2014.
I’ve found the “MS 08 S” with chain brake and electronic ignition on the STIHL Brazil website until 2009.
Here are some reviews from our Facebook posts.
Bruce said:
We used to call them bone shakers,also was first saw to be modified into a brush saw with a Teflon sprocket attached to the clutch body and shaft to transfer power to the saw Blade
Terry said:
Powerful saws in the day for only 55 cc cut many trees and firewood with these saws..It pulled a 20 ” bar with 3/8 chain pretty dam well…
Werner said:
Possibly the best chainsaw ever built. Came with points and later electronic ignition. The later model also had a better starter assembly.
The 404 pitch chain wore out crank bearing on clutch side faster. And they where very weak if sprocket got worn out. I used the universal clutch drum that could also take a 3/8pitch chain. It had lighter links and allowed the machine a bit more performance.
A legend compared with some of the crap machines that Stihl produce today. I still have two running 08 Ss and a MS 381.
Robert said:
Best saw I’ve ever owned 08 s 20 inch bar ran it for the last 35 years caught many cords of wood.
Pat said:
When bucking with the 08’s sometimes I would tip them forward to reach the far side and press the spark plug on top into my wrist.
Good for shaking off a hangover.
Shorter reviews and comments:
- David said, “One of the world best chainsaws.”
- Tash said, “It’s loud and heavy. But it works pretty good.”
- Paul said, “Heavy when cutting 12 hours a day.”
- Colin said, “I have 08 with chain brake, but the early 404 chain still starts second pull, brilliant.”
- Trevor said, “I have 4 still used today, even have one mounted on a post hole auger.”
- Ed said, “My dad bought one in the 1960s. It’s an earlier red-topped one as opposed to the orange.”
- Ghislain said, “Got 08 drill, 08 saw, 08 chop saw, 08 pump.”
Dan Hull said:
Production as a chainsaw is one thing but they built them as a multi function powerhead.
- TS
- TS 08
- FS
- BT 308 & 309
- BT 360 was a variant
They stopped selling them as a powerhead in California in 1996 and the rest of the country in 2000.
Here are some vintage STIHL ads featuring the 08, 08 S, and other versions.
First up, this Sally Field lookalike with the STIHL 040 and 08 S.
The next two ads are from a rental magazine and talk about hiring out 08 chainsaws, which can be switched to cut steel, concrete, and asphalt.
Shop poster with a cut-away STIHL 08 S.
Hans Peter Stihl (in the blue) was gifted a yellow or golden 08 S by STIHL Brazil at the 50th anniversary of the STIHL Brazil production plant in 2023.
The 08 is a great old saw that many still use today, with many more keeping them on the shelf in their collections.
