STIHL’s AP battery system welcomes two new highly anticipated additions to the range this year; the MSA 300 C-O battery-powered chainsaw, and the AP 500 S battery, which is the power behind it.
Designed with landscaping and forestry professionals in mind, the MSA 300 C-O sets a new benchmark in peformance as the most powerful battery chainsaw in STIHL‘s growing battery range, and makes light work of felling, cross-cutting and limbing larger trees.
With plenty of torque and a battery capable of delivering 3kW of power, the MSA 300 C-O cuts quickly through large pieces of timber and is comparable in performance to the popular MS 261 C-M. The STIHL MSA 300 C-O comes standard with the 16” Light 04 guide bar, but it’s also available with a 14” or 18” bar – just like the MS 261 C-M. The RS Pro chain cuts 20 per cent faster than the standard Rapid Super (RS) chainsaw chain due to the narrower kerf of the teeth, maximising the amount of work achievable on each charge.
The AP 500 S battery
STIHL’s AP battery system includes the new STIHL AP 500 S battery, one of five batteries in the AP system, and is the powerhouse behind the MSA 300’s worldclass performance. It’s the first battery in the AP System to use laminated battery cells capable of delivering a significantly higher power output of 3kW, while also lasting up to 2400 full cycles.
The AP 500 S battery is compatible with every other AP System tool, with around 20 per cent longer working times compared to the AP 300 S. The AP 500 S has STIHL Connected integrated into the battery housing too, meaning you’ll always know how much work the battery’s done when used with the STIHL Connected App.
Ready for work
The maximum chain speed of the MSA 300 C-O can be adjusted to three levels, ranging between 24m/s and 30m/s, and is controlled using an easy-to-reach button. This allows the user to match the power required to the job at hand and maximise the battery performance. STIHL recommends level 1 for cutting small logs and level 3 for snedding or important felling cuts.
The bright LED light makes it clear which power level is in use.
Great features
The MSA 300 C-O is STIHL’s first batterypowered chainsaw with a full anti-vibration system. Thanks to this, the MSA 300 C-O is extremely comfortable to use and has the lowest vibration figures across all STIHL‘s battery- and petrol-powered rear-handle chainsaws. Additionally, the STIHL MSA 300 C-O includes all the features expected from a professional STIHL chainsaw: captive sprocket nuts, an adjustable chain-oil pump, a tool-free oil cap and durable, long-lasting magnesium components.
The notification cockpit on the rear handle displays useful information regarding the chain-brake status, the on/off status of the machine, and even if the machine needs time to cool. The motor unit is air-cooled and protected from dirt by a fleece air filter. This can be accessed easily for regular cleaning, which in turn helps to prevent the chainsaw from overheating. STIHL recommends cleaning the filter with STIHL VarioClean, STIHL’s cleaning spray specifically designed for removing dirt and oil residues. Spray on both sides and leave for 10 minutes, then rinse gently with water and leave to dry.
The MSA 300 C-O also comes with a built-in oil sensor, reminding the user when it’s time to refill to keep the bar and chain lubricated, in turn prolonging its life.
Another new feature is the automatic derating of the motor when the battery needs charging or the unit temperature exceeds a set point. Instead of potentially cutting out mid-way through a cut, the MSA 300 C-O lowers the amperage, temporarily reducing performance, which then gives enough time to finish the cut.
Smart Connector 2 A Finally, the STIHL MSA 300 C-O is ready for use with Smart Connector 2 A, an intelligent meter that transmits useful data from the machine to the user’s phone via the STIHL Connected App, including the total runtime, runtime history, and even a record of which power levels have been used.
The MSA 300 C-O comes in four versions and will be available from November 2023, only at your local STIHL Dealer.
Log on to stihl.com.au for dealer locations around Australia.
