Friday, 06 February 2026 11:55

Stihl unveils centennial MS 500i chainsaw

Written by  Staff Reporters
Dr Nikolas Stihl. Dr Nikolas Stihl.

Most rural properties wouldn’t be without a chainsaw, so it’s fitting to celebrate the centenary of Andreas Stihl inventing the first portable chainsaw in a Stuttgart workshop in 1926.

To mark such a significant date, the family-owned company will pay tribute by launching a centennial edition of the world’s first mass-produced petrol chainsaw with electronically controlled fuel injection –the MS 500i.

The special edition model will be available to buy later in the year from selected dealers, sporting a black design and centenary detailing, with a power-to-weight ratio of 1.24kg/kW.

Having started with chainsaws, the Stihl range has expanded to include hedge and grass trimmers, multitools, pressure washers, construction tools, lawn mowers, lawn tractors and robotic mowers.

Based in Germany, the company employs over 19,000 people worldwide, selling its products in more than 160 countries globally.

“Any company that reaches the grand old age of 100 hasn’t got there by relying on tradition alone,” said Dr Nikolas Stihl, chairman of the Stihl supervisory board and advisory board.

“Our anniversary is not just a time to look back, but also a moment to recognise the strength that comes from our combination of heritage, engineering expertise, and the courage to innovate."

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