10 Things You Didn't Know About Stihl

February 11, 2014

Stihl is the #1 selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America.* That much we all know. Of course we know about their commitment to quality and innovation throughout their history, but how much do you really know? We'll wager you didn't know all these facts about Stihl Inc, Stihl World group, or even your own Stihl chainsaw!


1. They are an in house manufacturer

A chainsaw blade and chain on a tree stump with a person in the background, a STIHL brand logo visible.

Only gasoline-powered chain saw manufacturer that designs and manufactures its own saw chain and guide bars.

2. Stihl has over 1000 patents

Man in factory smiles, poses with assembly line equipment; blue gloves, dark shirt.

Stihl is innovative and an industry leader with over 1000 patents that protect its products from replication.

3. Their first saw weighed over 100lbs

Vintage chain saw on a blue background.

The company was founded in 1926 with a two man electric powered bucking saw as their main product. It was the first saw built by Stihl, was two man operated, it had an output of 2.2kW and weighed 106 lbs.

4. They Manufactured the First Gasoline Chainsaw

Vintage chainsaw on a white background.

In 1929 Stihl manufactured the first petrol powered chainsaw named the “Tree Felling Machine”. It was a two man saw with an output power of 6 hp. It weighed 101 lbs

5. They manufactured a Tractor

Vintage gray tractor with large rear tires and a steering wheel.

In 1949 Stihl manufactured a tractor it was an air cooled 2 stroke engine.

6. They Manufactured the 1 person Gasoline Chainsaw

Blue vintage chainsaw with black handle and chain, against a white background.

In 1950 Stihl Manufactured the first Single operator gasoline chainsaw. The saw weighed 35lbs.

7. They have their own Choir

Group of men in suits standing, some holding papers, near a piano in a room.

Founded in the 1950 and singing for fun, the Stihl Works Choir has 38 active members to date.

8. Stihl Model Numbers are abbreviations for their German names

White circle with black

MS= Motosäge = Chainsaw
FS= Freischneider = Line Trimmer
BG= Blasgerät = Handheld Blower
BR= Blasgerät Rückentragbar= Backpack Blower
TS= Trennshleiffer= Cut Off Machine

9. They developed the first Catalytic converter for chain saws

Orange and white STIHL chainsaw on a white background.

In 1988 Stihl developed the world’s first catalytic converter for two stroke engines. It reduced the level of harmful emissions by 70-80 %. The Stihl 044 C is the first chain saw with the Catalytic converter.

10. You can tell where your Stihl Machine was made by the serial number

Metal plate with the stamped number

The first number indicates where it was made.
1 = Germany
2= United States


Well there you have them. How many did you already know? Where is your saw or trimmer made? Do you have any other insights that we might have missed?



Sources:

http://www.stihlusa.com/information/corporate/about-us/stihl-company-history/


Pics:

www.forstmuseum.ch

http://www.stihl.com.au/



*”Number one selling brand” is based on syndicated Irwin Broh Research (commercial landscapers) as well as independent consumer research of 2009-2013 U.S. sales and market share data for the gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment category combined sales to consumers and commercial landscapers.

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