STIHL MS 500i Review

STIHL MS 500i is the first chain saw on the worldwide market with electronically controlled fuel injection.

Designed and built exclusively for forestry personnel and tree service professionals, the MS 500i is the first ever chainsaw on the worldwide market with electronically controlled fuel injection. With its excellent power-to-weight ratio, this saw is an impressive piece of equipment for pros looking to take on tree felling, bucking or delimbing operations. Thanks to its unique fuel injection system, the MS 500i delivers rapid acceleration. Combining innovative technology with world-class engineering and durable construction, the MS 500i is another great addition to the long line of legendary STIHL chain saws.

Features

Anti-Vibration System

STIHL has developed a system for minimizing the vibration levels of handheld outdoor power equipment. The STIHL anti-vibration system helps reduce operator fatigue and provides a more comfortable working experience.

Decompression Valve

The decompression valve reduces the compression in the combustion chamber during cranking and helps reduce the effort needed to pull the starter rope.

STIHL ElastoStart™

The ElastoStart™ starter handle is an exclusive feature of STIHL. It is a starting grip with a built-in shock absorber that helps reduce the effort when pulling on the starter cord. The ElastoStart™ starter grip noticeably reduces the sudden peak forces (compression) normally felt during cranking. The forces which occur at the grip after the first compression stroke are smoothed out.

Fuel and oil caps with retainers

The fuel and oil cap retainers keep the caps attached to the unit for added convenience.

Side-Access Chain Tensioner

The side-access chain tensioner makes it much more convenient for the user to adjust the saw chain with a bar wrench as opposed to the typical location of the guide bar adjustment screw.

Ematic™ Lubrication System

The Ematic™ guide bar, when used with STIHL OILOMATIC® saw chain, will provide proper lubrication and less oil consumption than conventional methods. The system works because two ramps, strategically placed in the guide bar rail, help contain the flow of oil and direct all lubrication to the sliding faces of the bar and chain links as well as the rivets and driver holes, which in turn can reduce bar oil consumption up to 50%.

Ease of use

A user friendly tool for a variety of tasks.

HD2 Air Filter

The new HD2 air filter on this unit is washable, providing an extremely long filter life and lowering maintenance costs. The large surface area allows for longer run times between cleanings and high performance even while operating in dusty and dry conditions. Overall, the HD2 air filter provides better protection of the engine compared to standard air filters.

When used with STIHL OILOMATIC ® saw chain and STIHL Ematic ™ guide bars, the high output oiler can supply additional lubrication if needed for longer guide bars and/or dry/dusty cutting conditions.

Quarter Turn Lock on the Air Filter Shroud

The quarter-turn shroud lock provides quick access, so users can quickly and efficiently service the chain saw with minimal downtime on the job.

Power-to-weight ratio

Allows users to get more done by minimizing fatigue. Sensor-controlled fuel metering

Sensor-controlled fuel metering delivers the right amount of fuel.

Lightweight sprocket cover with captive bar nuts

Lightweight sprocket cover with captive bar nuts.

Unique bumper spike design

Unique bumper spike design ensures pros can expect optimal performance regardless of what species of tree they’re cutting.

Quick acceleration

Quick acceleration helps deliver excellent cutting performance.

New generation MDG 1 Diagnostic Software

Allows dealers to quickly identify where service might be needed.

Simplified Starting Procedure

Saves the user time and reduces the chance of flooding the engine when starting.

STIHL OILOMATIC Saw Chain

STIHL makes its own saw chains.

Ematic™ Bar

Includes a polymer ramp reservoir that holds bar oil until it can be picked up by a passing chain. This can reduce oil usage by up to 50%.

Bumper Spikes

They help prevent pull-in and provide better control, making cuts easier.

Spark Arrester Muffler

Has large baffles which reduce noise levels and contain a screen designed to reduce the emission of sparks.

STIHL Quickstop® Chain Brake System

Designed to stop the chain in fractions of a second. Can be manually activated by inertia if the kickback force is sufficient.

Front Hand Guard

Designed to reduce the risk of injury.

Front Handle

Designed for a secure grip and ergonomically angled for comfort.

Protected Spark Plug

Protected, yet easy to change.

Large Starting Handle

Easy to grip.

Smooth Clean Design

Has no rough edges to snag on clothing or brush.

Air Filter Cover

Easy to remove for fast and easy filter cleaning or replacement.

Master Control Lever™

Is a single lever operating the choke, starting throttle lock and on-off switch.

Rear Hand Guard

Reduces the risk of injury as well as provides a wide area for foot placement during starting.

High-Tech Polymer Housings

Lightweight, withstand greater impact, and are corrosion-resistant.

Translucent Fuel Tank

Allows operator to easily check fuel level before starting work.

Anti-vibration system

Helps reduce operator fatigue.

Electronic Ignition

Provides easier starting and smoother running.

Replaceable “In Tank” Fuel and Oil Filters

Lower cost and are easy to maintain.

Inboard Chain Brake

Requires less maintenance and makes saw chain sprocket easier to remove.

Automatic Bar and Chain Oiler

Lets the operator concentrate on cutting, not bar lubrication.

Chain Catcher

Helps reduce the risk of operator contact by a chain if it should break or derail.

Throttle Trigger Lockout

Must be depressed before the trigger can be activated.

Other STIHL Professional Chainsaws

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2 thoughts on “STIHL MS 500i Review”

  1. Best saw ever after you drop an additional $90 on an after market air filter because the OEM wont seal. I figured at nearly 2 grand, Stihl would have handled this. Other than that, greatest saw ever used!

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