STIHL MSA 300 Chainsaw Review, Specs, Features

The MSA 300 is STIHL’s most powerful battery chainsaw and has many great features.

I’ve been using this professional battery saw for a couple of weeks and found it very effective for bucking logs and cleaning up tree mess in our paddocks.

The saw is powerful and has good battery life, especially when used at lower chain speed settings. It’s also nice not to have an idling saw when you’re only using it sporadically.

I’ll share a few videos here. This first one shows the LED display and what everything means.

The STIHL MSA 300

I think it’s pretty cool. STIHL says it “provides quick status updates of important components.”

It has:

• An oil sensor
• Different operating modes
• Chain brake notification
• Overheating safeguards

And here’s another video showing the saw cutting at the different operating modes.

The STIHL website says this about the different speed settings:

The MSA 300 C-O offers 3 different operating modes.

 

In “Eco” mode, the chainsaw works with reduced power for maximum battery life.

 

In the “felling” mode, you are supported by the highest possible torque at a reduced chain speed in order to saw as evenly and powerfully as possible.

 

In the “limbing” mode, you have a particularly high chain speed for precise cuts.

 

Use the activation button to start your chainsaw in the desired mode.

I can confirm that the battery lasts surprisingly long in eco mode. But on the highest setting, it doesn’t last long at all.

In this next video, I’m cutting some old eucalyptus logs.

I made about 15 of these cuts on the highest setting with the AP 500 S battery before it ran out of power.

Thankfully, the battery charges really quickly, so if you have a couple of them, you won’t be without.

I’ve been using the AL 301 fast charger, which completely charged the 500 S in under an hour.

Check out the charger in this next clip.

The MSA 300 C is reasonably heavy with this large battery.

The bare tool weighs 4.5 kgs / 9.9 lbs alone, and the AP 500 S battery weighs 2 kgs / 4.4 lbs.

I think a similarly powered gas chainsaw would be lighter.

From STIHL’s description:

The STIHL MSA 300 cordless chainsaw is designed specifically for professional use.

With a robust electric power output of 3.0 kW, due to the powerful STIHL AP 500 S battery, which was developed specifically for this chainsaw it achieves an impressive chain speed of up to 30 m/s.

Fitted with the STIHL .325″-RS Pro-Saw Chain and the lightweight Light 04 guide bar, ensuring a remarkable balance between cutting prowess and reduced weight.

Designed to endure the rigors of professional use, the MSA 300 features a rugged and weather-resistant construction.

It incorporates the STIHL anti-vibration system, which takes the strain off your muscles and joints by effectively dampening vibrations. The filter can be easily accessed for maintenance and cleaning through the service cover.

Additionally, the built-in oil sensor continually monitors chain lubrication oil levels, optimizing work efficiency.

The cockpit provides comprehensive data and essential information about your chainsaw’s operation.

The MSA 300 offers three distinct operating programs (Eco, Felling, and Limbing) tailored to specific tasks.

Ideal for landscapers, forestry professionals, and councils, the MSA 300 excels in efficiently felling and delimbing trees.

Overall, I really like the saw and have enjoyed using it. 

It’s powerful enough to use for a variety of tasks from bucking to felling, and the battery life isn’t disappointing.

The benefits of battery saws are all there: not having to fuel up, quiet operation, and no idling.

If I was in the market for a pro-level battery saw, I’d be happy to buy this one.

Thanks to my local STIHL Shop in Milton here in New Zealand who loaned me this saw to try out.

STIHL MSA 300 C specifications