STIHL’s new MSA 300 R is a 36 V cordless rescue chainsaw built for first responders. It’s the same as the MSA 300, but with the bar guard and carbide chain.
It delivers roughly 3.0 kW of mechanical power with the high‑performance AP 500 S battery. Yet the tool-only weight is just about 4.4 kg, so crews can handle it easily on ladders and in tight spaces.
This cordless saw is essentially a battery-powered twin to the petrol MS 462 R – using the same 50 cm Rollomatic ES Rescue bar and Rapid Duro Rescue chain – but with no gas, fumes or pull-starts.
Quick specs (tool only)
- Battery/System: 36 V AP system (requires AP 500 S battery)
- Power: 3.0 kW (mechanical, with AP 500 S)
- Weight: 4.4 kg (no battery)
- Bar/Chain: 50 cm (20″) Rollomatic ES Rescue bar with carbide Rapid Duro Rescue chain
- Speeds: 3 speed settings – 20, 24 or 30 m/s chain speed
- Runtime: 20–44 minutes on AP 500 S (depends on speed mode)
- Features: IPX4 splash-resistant electronics, adjustable oil pump and tool-free oil tank, fleece intake filter (for dust)
Features
Here’s the description from the STIHL UK lising page:
The MSA 300 R is a powerful cordless rescue chainsaw, designed for emergency services and work during rescue operations. A battery-powered alternative to the MS 462 C-M R petrol rescue chainsaw, it uses the same cutting attachments and can cut through composite materials and glass. Three available operating modes enable optimum battery efficiency across applications.
The MSA 300 has a full electrical power of 3.0 kW, which is provided by the AP 500 S* battery. It allows for an adjustable chain speed of 3 different levels – 20m/s, 24m/s and 30 m/s. When used at full power, it can cut through tough materials at speed. It is easy to start with no cold start procedure, for faster operation in rescue situations. As the tool is battery-powered, it has reduced maintenance requirements making it reliable over long periods. Plus, a robust and heat-resistant housing makes the chainsaw suitable for use in touch conditions thanks to its professional construction.
Comes fitted with a Rollomatic ES Rescue guide bar and a Rapid Duro Rescue saw chain which has carbide plated teeth, impact resistance and long-lasting sharpness. Suitable for cutting wood, roofing materials, aluminium siding, composite materials and glad. The drive links are humped, which means kickback is reduced too. A depth limiter allows for controlled plunge cutting, prevents over-cutting and improves safety during use. It includes a 3/8” P rim sprocket which converts the MSA 300 from a .325 pitch to a 3/8” pitch.
The LED display allows for intuitive operation, giving the user notifications on chain brake position and power setting. Mounting point for the STIHL Smart Connector 2 A on the power tool housing. Other features include integrated cooling air filters, captive nut on the sprocket cover and an adjustable oil pump. Like most AP System tools, the MSA 300 is IPX4 rated meaning it can be used in all types of weather conditions.
Working time with AP 500 S battery is up to 20-44 mins (working time depends on chosen speed setting).
*The MSA 300 must be used with the AP 500 S battery, the most powerful AP battery from STIHL, which features power laminate technology – meaning it has double the number of charging cycles of a typical STIHL AP system battery with cylindrical cells. Approximately 253 charging cycles per year (253 working days, excluding weekends and bank holidays in UK) means the battery will last close to 10 years without the typical capacity loss of the battery cells. Integrated Bluetooth® interface for STIHL connected allows the battery to be managed like a power tool.
STIHL MSA 300 Rescue Chainsaw
In use, the cordless design means no fuel or cords in an emergency scene – a big advantage for fire crews.
Users on social media (e.g. Fire & Saw Facebook page) are already buzzing about the MSA 300 R’s battery power and speed. One firefighter commented that going cordless was a “game-changer” for rescue work (paraphrased).
Other comments:
- Russell said, “Honestly as long don’t over heat might be decent rescue saw, less maintenance the standard gas.”
- Jeremy said, “I’m waiting till they have a battery saw that can outpace the 661. Then I’ll be impressed.”
- Daniel said, “😆 UK fire fighters don’t use guards, but the UK police use them at 5am.”
And Timothy said:
The battery saws are impressive, after seeing a few used, I am not laughing any more, Stihl is on to something. Some day soon they will be pretty damn good.
Of course it’s a premium tool – it’s listed at about £1,119 (inc. VAT) tool-only in the UK – but for many brigades the instant-start, low-maintenance operation and heavy-duty cutting ability are worth it.
Overall, the new STIHL MSA 300 R mixes cordless convenience with the gutsy performance emergency teams need. It joins the growing AP battery family as a top-tier rescue saw: fast, flexible, and ready whenever duty calls.
