Description
The MS 400.1 C-M petrol chainsaw sets new standards in the 60cc class and is a complete re-development of the MS 400 C-M, offering the best power-to-weight ratio of any saw available in the market. It has been dsigned for professionals and is best suited for felling, delimbing and preparing wood.
Weighing 5.5kg (300g lighter than the MS 400) and with a smaller engine displacement, it still maintains an impressive power output of 3.9 kW, giving the best power-to-weight ratio of 60cc petrol chainsaws. The MS 400.1 has 4.3 Nm of torque, which is an increase of 4.1 Nm of torque on the MS 400, which means the chainsaw is less pressure sensitive when cutting large timber and is less likely to bog down during the cut. M-Tronic technology means the MS 400.1 is easy to start and has super-fast acceleration, too.
Alongside engine improvements, a larger magnesium flywheel and improved muffler help keep the saw cool during operation. The geometry of the rear handle has been improved for more comfortable handling, and the profile of the end has been widened to rest securely on your leg, resulting in easier plunge cutting. This, combined with the new compact design, makes the MS 400.1 exceptionally easy to handle. The rib pattern on the underside of the chainsaw helps it glide along the trunk when snedding, preventing bark and twigs from getting caught. The new HD2 filter helps keep the saw running in tough conditions and cuts down on maintenance/downtime during the working day.
The petrol tank has a 50% marker which gives you a quick indication of the fuel level, helping you keep track of consumption. Access to the oil pump control bolt has been improved too, meaning you can adjust oil flow on the job using a combi-spanner.
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STIHL Chainsaw Maintenance Guide

Maintenance measures each time you use your chainsaw
- Before using your chainsaw, check it is safe. Start with a visual check: can you see any damage on the chainsaw or its controls? Are the guide bar, saw chain, chain catcher and other accessories correctly fitted? If a repair is needed, take the chainsaw to a dealer to look at.
- Test the throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, choke knob, stop switch and master control lever (subject to model).
- Test to make sure the chain brake is working.
- Check the condition of the saw chain (does it need further maintenance in terms of sharpness and chain tension?) and the chainsaw guide bar.
- Is the chain properly lubricated?
- Check whether the fuel tank cap and the oil tank cap are sealed.
- There must not be any fuel leaking from the chainsaw.
- After use, clean the chainsaw and remove any shavings and dust.
Periodic maintenance measures for long-term chainsaw care
- Clean the guide bar (the sprocket nose, the oil inlet hole, the oil outlet channel and the bar groove), the chain sprocket cover, the cylinder fins and the inside of the shroud and the filter cover.
- We recommend turning over and, if necessary, deburring the guide bar at regular intervals or when you notice signs of wear.
- After breaking in a new saw chain, check the chain tension and ensure the chain is always lubricated.
Ongoing chainsaw maintenance is key
Cleaning after every use is the most important maintenance measure to keep your chainsaw in great condition. That’s because it picks up resin, sawdust and other substances which, in combination with the chain lubricant, can soon cause real problems: resin accumulates and hardens, and can eventually make its way into the housing and guide bar. Our advice is that all traces of resin should be removed from the bar and housing at the earliest possible opportunity. We recommend you make STIHL Varioclean part of your maintenance routine when cleaning your chainsaw.
An overview of maintenance for electric and petrol chainsaws
Electric chainsaw maintenance
Electric chainsaws have a simpler construction than petrol tools, so they require fewer cleaning and maintenance steps:
- Remove shavings and dust from the whole chainsaw (use a soft brush, paintbrush or STIHL resin solvent)
- Clean the sprocket area with a damp cloth or STIHL resin solvent
- Clean the bar groove
- Remove any burrs forming on the bar groove
- Clean the chainsaw ventilation slits with a paintbrush
Use a STIHL guide bar leveller to remove burrs from the guide bar.
Cordless chainsaw maintenance
As well as the measures listed above, if you have a cordless chainsaw, we recommend some additional measures:
- Remove foreign bodies from the battery slot and clean the battery slot with a damp cloth.
- Clean the electrical contacts in the battery slot with a paintbrush or soft brush.
Petrol chainsaw maintenance
If you have a petrol chainsaw, there are a few other maintenance considerations to keep in mind:
- Check that the fuel and chain lubricant tanks are sealed and that no fuel or lubricant is leaking from them.
- Regularly clean the air filter and the air filter housing.
- Check the spark plug for wear and remove any soot on a regular basis.