When it comes to professional-grade chainsaws, STIHL stands tall among the best in the business. Two of its most impressive models—the STIHL MS 500i and the STIHL MS 462 C—are designed to meet the rigorous demands of forestry professionals, arborists, and serious woodcutters. Both machines offer excellent cutting performance, innovative features, and the reliability STIHL is known for. However, they are built with slightly different goals in mind.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into both saws to help you understand their strengths, key differences, and which one might be the right fit for your cutting needs.
STIHL MS 500i: The First Fuel-Injected Chainsaw
The STIHL MS 500i is a technological leap in the chainsaw world. It’s the world’s first chainsaw with electronically controlled fuel injection, a feature that sets it apart from any other saw on the market. The fuel injection system delivers precise fuel metering, allowing for quick acceleration, easy starts, and optimized performance in all working conditions.
Key Features:
- Displacement: 79.2 cc
- Power Output: 6.7 hp
- Weight (powerhead only): 6.2 kg (13.7 lbs)
- Bar length options: 16″ to 36″
- Fuel Injection System: Yes
- Best for: Heavy-duty forestry, felling large trees, storm cleanup
One of the standout advantages of the MS 500i is the incredible power-to-weight ratio. Despite being a high-horsepower saw, it’s surprisingly light, making it easier to maneuver during long workdays. STIHL designed this saw for those who need maximum cutting power without sacrificing efficiency or operator comfort.
The sensor-controlled fuel injection system also adjusts in real-time based on air pressure, temperature, and altitude. That means it delivers consistent performance whether you’re cutting in the mountains or at sea level, during summer heat or freezing winter.
Another impressive feature is its rapid acceleration—the saw can go from idle to full RPM almost instantly. That’s a big deal when you’re making multiple cuts and don’t want to wait on your saw to catch up.
STIHL MS 462 C: Lightweight and Balanced for Tough Jobs
While the MS 500i is the powerhouse, the STIHL MS 462 C is all about balance, agility, and endurance. This saw is specifically engineered for felling, limbing, and bucking in professional forestry settings, and it excels in situations where a light, responsive saw is preferred.
Key Features:
- Displacement: 72.2 cc
- Power Output: 6.0 hp
- Weight (powerhead only): 6.0 kg (13.2 lbs)
- Bar length options: 16″ to 32″
- Fuel Injection: No (uses traditional carburetor)
- Best for: Professional forestry, tree felling, firewood processing
The MS 462 C features M-Tronic™ engine management, which automatically adjusts the fuel-air mix for optimal performance. While not as advanced as the MS 500i’s injection system, M-Tronic still ensures smooth starting, great throttle response, and consistent power in a variety of environments.
Operators often praise the low vibration levels and improved ergonomics of the MS 462 C. It feels balanced in hand, and thanks to its lightweight design, it’s particularly ideal for all-day use in difficult terrain or tree-climbing scenarios.
MS 500i vs. MS 462 C: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | STIHL MS 500i | STIHL MS 462 C |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | Fuel Injected | Carbureted with M-Tronic |
| Displacement | 79.2 cc | 72.2 cc |
| Power Output | 6.7 hp | 6.0 hp |
| Weight | 6.2 kg (13.7 lbs) | 6.0 kg (13.2 lbs) |
| Acceleration | Extremely Fast | Very Fast |
| Best Use Case | Large tree felling, tough jobs | Precision cutting, limbing |
| Ease of Start | Very easy, automatic choke | Easy with M-Tronic |
| Fuel Efficiency | Excellent | Very good |
| Price Range (USD) | $$$$ | $$$ |
While both saws are premium models, the MS 500i generally comes at a higher price point due to its advanced fuel-injection system. However, if you regularly handle large trees and need explosive power and throttle response, that extra investment can be well worth it.
On the other hand, the MS 462 C is slightly lighter, a bit more nimble, and still offers plenty of cutting power. It’s also easier to maintain, since it doesn’t use electronic fuel injection.
Which One Should You Choose?
Your choice between the MS 500i and MS 462 C will ultimately depend on your specific cutting needs.
- Choose the STIHL MS 500i if you:
- Regularly fell very large trees
- Need top-tier cutting speed and acceleration
- Want a saw that performs flawlessly at different altitudes or temperatures
- Prefer the latest in saw technology and don’t mind the higher price
- Choose the STIHL MS 462 C if you:
- Want a lighter, more balanced saw for all-day work
- Do a lot of limbing, firewood cutting, or moderate felling
- Prefer a simpler maintenance routine
- Are looking for high-end performance without the cost of fuel injection
Final Thoughts
Both the STIHL MS 500i and MS 462 C represent the best that modern chainsaw engineering has to offer. The MS 500i breaks new ground with its fuel-injected system, blazing speed, and industry-leading power-to-weight ratio. The MS 462 C, meanwhile, offers incredible balance, durability, and ease of use—making it a favorite among working professionals.
In the end, you can’t go wrong with either choice. Whether you’re looking for pure muscle or agile precision, STIHL delivers the performance and reliability to get the job done right.
