Looked a few Sthil Saws today.

I am a Stihl guy through and through. I have an MS 460 and a nice little 270. I LOVE both of those saws. But I have to say. We bought a bunch of the new auto tune Stihl saws at work to replace some older Stihl’s on some of our fire engines. We are really unimpressed. The technology needs some work. They are unreliable. They tend to shut down when you rotate them while cutting, especially at full throttle. It’s extremely frustrating - especially when it’s a life or death situation.

It actually pains me to write that

 

Just what saw has this problem?

 

MS 462 C-M

 

Have you contacted Sthil support about the problem?

 

Yes. We have a whole team of people that are working with Stihl about this. Customer support has been very good.

 

I just have it on a CM261 C-M but have not used enough to know if it also will have problems, have they found what it is and what is their plan to get the problem solved?

 

It is funny because I have a Stihl concrete saw here that was given to me because it is one the new electronic saws and no one here in Cheyenne knows how to work on them. I know it is a fuel problem but have not done any more with it. Other wise it is a really nice saw.

 

That would be where you need Sthil to give direction who else would know what the German Engineering people have done with this new Design.

 

So far there is no definite resolution. I can’t say for sure what the game plan is. That is handled by people who make a lot more money than me in fire administration. I’m not trying to stir the pot here. Like I said. I love Stihl products. I’ve always used them. This is just a glitch that I thought I’d warn people about. I’m sure they will get it ironed out.

 

When I was working at this shop the Air Force base here used to send all their rescue saws to me for repair, inspection, and preventive maintenance. They were all Stihl with conventional carbs at the time.

 

I think I will tear it apart to see how it ticks and then decide what path I want to take with it. It is just a freeby. It sure does have a lot of wiring in it.

 

Glad you have done this I hope Sthil USA have contacted Stihl Engineers in Germany about the problem, I am sure the Germans know their products and want a problem fixed.

 

The good news is. Most fire departments like mine around the country only use Stihl saws. My department spends somewhere in the neighborhood of $30,000 a year on Stihl products - and we are no Boston or Chicago by any means. If we are all having the same issues, which I suspect we are, then I’m sure Stihl will be highly motivated to figure it out.

 

Please keep us informed as to any success with it.

 

You got it, buddy

 

I was wondering if your elevation may be causing some issues. They give high elevation instructions for cooking hamburger helper, why would an electronic carb be any different? Ive got that same 462 and havent that particular problem. Im 1650 above sea level for what its worth.

 

I can tell you that has been discussed. I’m not sure if that has anything to do with the issue.

 

I picked up the 500 and the 462 when I was at my dealer today. Weight difference wasn't noticeable. Sell that 460 and get a 462 Brad.

 

I remember talking to my Stihl guy last summer about about those saws as he had one on the repair shelf. I'm thinking he said solenoid was the most common thing that went bad on them AND they were a PITA to work on in general. Not sure when I'll get back there but maybe I can pick his brain.

 

Been using mine for over a year now. Probably at least 40 tanks of fuel through it without any problems.