The STIHL MS 381 is a 72.2 cc, 5.3 hp professional chainsaw that is highly rated.
It follows in the line of the better-known STIHL 038. After the 038 was the MS 380, which was followed by the MS 381.
The 381 has since been superseded by the MS 382. All three of these saws have not been sold in the US and other “Western countries.”
STIHL MS 381
The main reason why some STIHL chainsaws are not sold in the USA is regulations, both safety and emissions.
For example, the 382 (and likely the 381) is sold without a spark arrestor. Making it unsellable in the US, Canada, Australia, NZ, and so on.
Regarding versions, the MS 381 has an N version. This designates a saw with a low compression engine.
Here’s what it looks like in the manual.
The two versions:
MS 381
Engine power 3.9 kW (5.3 HP)MS 381 N
Engine power 3.6 kW (4.9 HP)
In our FB comments, Mike said:
My best guess [for a low compression version] would be for places with not-so-great fuel…?
Lets them run a lower octane fuel without damaging stuff. Some places you get some really crummy fuel.
I’m just guessing that’s the reason, but it’s the only reason I could possibly think of for doing so.
Let us know if you have any other ideas.
STIHL MS 381 reviews
Here are user reviews from the comment section of our Facebook page.
- Morne said, “I have a MS381, great saw with 15 and 25 inch bar. I live in South Africa.”
- Anil said, “I own a ms 381 and love it very much.”
- Nic said, “381 is a ripper of a saw.”
- Barney said, “I’ve got a couple of 381s and they are exceptional saws. “
- Peter said, “The 381 is better, but 382 has more speed and less torque than 381.”
- Ray said, “Good saws. Made in Brazil.”
Jake said:
I’ve got one that’s had a port and polish job done 🤤 it’s an absolute weapon of a saw 😍.
Tony said:
My wife bought me a MS381 eight years ago for Christmas it was around $1200.
I have made over $20,000 with it threw contract work so I can’t complain 👍
Isaac said:
I have a 381, it’s a good size abs I’ve had it pull a 36 inch bar with a skip chain without too much trouble
Thembile said:
These are my favorite machines very powerful and I have both [381 and 381].
Visit our page and search MS 381 for more.
Specs and features
| STIHL MS 381 Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 72.2 cm³ |
| Bore / Stroke | 52 mm / 34 mm |
| Engine Power (MS 381) | 3.9 kW (5.3 HP) to ISO 7293 |
| Engine Power (MS 381 N) | 3.6 kW (4.9 HP) to ISO 7293 |
| Idle Speed | 2,400 rpm |
| Max Engine Speed | 12,500 rpm |
| Sound Pressure Level (Lpeq) | 102.3 dB(A) to ISO 22868 |
| Sound Power Level (Lweq) | 113.9 dB(A) to ISO 9207 |
| Vibration Level (L handle) | 5.2 m/s² to ISO 7505 |
| Vibration Level (R handle) | 7.1 m/s² to ISO 7505 |
| Engine Type | STIHL single cylinder two-stroke engine (low compression) |
| Ignition System | Magneto ignition system, electronic |
| Spark Plug | Bosch WSR 6 F, NGK BPMR 7 A (suppressed) |
| Electrode Gap | 0.5 mm |
| Carburetor | All-position diaphragm carburetor with integral fuel pump |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 0.68 l (680 cm³) |
| Oil Tank Capacity | 0.36 l (360 cm³) |
| Weight | 6.6 kg |
| Guide Bars | Rollomatic, Duromatic |
| Cutting Lengths | 37, 40, 45, 50, 55, 63 cm (Rollomatic & Duromatic) |
| Chain Type | Oilomatic Rapid 3/8″ (9.32 mm), 1.6 mm drive link gauge |
| Chain Sprockets | 7- and 8-tooth rim sprockets, 7-tooth spur sprocket |
| Chain Lubrication | Fully automatic, speed-controlled rotary piston oil pump + manual control |
And here’s a comparison between the MS 380, 381, and 382.
| STIHL | MS 380 | MS 381 | MS 382 |
| Engine | 72.2 cc / 4.40 cu in | 72.2 cc / 4.40 cu in | 72.3 cc / 4.41 cu in |
| Power | 3.9 kW / 5.3 hp | 3.9 kW / 5.3 hp | 3.8 kW / 5.2 hp |
| Weight | 6.6 kgs / 14.5 lbs | 6.6 kgs / 14.5 lbs | 6.2 kgs / 13.6 lbs |
| Bore | 52 mm / 2.04″ | 52 mm / 2.04″ | 52 mm / 2.04″ |
| Stroke | 34 mm / 1.33″ | 34 mm / 1.33″ | 34 mm / 1.33″ |
| Bar | 15 – 24″ | 15 – 24″ | 15 – 24″ |
Price and parts
It’s hard to put a price on the MS 381.
In some countries it’s a reasonably cheap saw to buy, and in others, like the US, it’s a lot more expensive. That’s because it’s hard to come by.
I changed my location on FB Marketplace to South Africa and there are plenty of used 381s for sale. They range in price from ZAR 4,500 (US $240) to ZAR 6,500 (US $350).
There are none for sale on eBay at the time of writing.
Most 381 parts are interchangeable with the 038, and there are a lot more 038s out there, so finding parts isn’t impossible.
If you have a 381, let us know what you think of it in the comment section below.
