STIHL has launched the MS 500i, which they boast is the world’s first standard chainsaw with electronic fuel injection and a never-before achieved power-to-weight ratio.
STIHL MS 500i
The company says the injection technology (i) not only provides the chainsaw with incredible torque, but also ensures rapid acceleration of the saw chain from 0 to 100 km/h in 0.25 seconds.
They also say that due to the intelligent lightweight design, the MS 500i also features the best ever power-to-weight ratio - 1.24 kilograms per kilowatt, a value never achieved before by series-manufactured chainsaws.
STIHL go on to say that together with the many additional design optimisations, there is a substantial increase in operator comfort. The reduction of gyroscopic forces provides the 80 cm³-class high-performance professional saw with dynamic manoeuvrability, which is a particular advantage during limbing. This makes the professional big timber harvester easy to handle in all disciplines - from felling to cutting to length.
The MS 500i has exceptional starting behavior and provides optimum engine power right from startup. The engine does not need a carburetor, since the fuel metering is done using a sensor, and automatically adapts to the different operating conditions, no matter what the altitude and ambient temperature.
A preview of the new MS 500i will be given at the Arb Show, Westonbirt Arboretum from 11 to 12 May 2018. It will be available to forestry professionals worldwide from the beginning of 2019.
Due to the exceptional level of interest, the machine will already be available in selected markets, including Germany, in limited quantities in time for the 2018/19 season.
The details at a glance:
• First chainsaw with STIHL Injection
Huge advancement in engine development. The MS 500i is the first ever series-manufactured chainsaw with an electronically controlled fuel injection system. The high-torque machine provides optimum engine power right from startup. It provides powerful performance and the saw chain accelerates extremely rapidly - from 0 to 100 km/h in just 0.25 seconds.
• Best power-to-weight ratio of all classes
The STIHL MS 500i is a lightweight within the ranks of professional saws. Thanks to intelligent lightweight design, as well as an extremely high engine power, it excels with an exemplarily low power-to-weight ratio at 1.24 kg/kW. This value is unique within all displacement categories.
• Easy starting and sensor-controlled fuel mixing
The MS 500i is very easy to start in all operating conditions, and automatically adapts to different locations of use. The sensor-controlled fuel mixing ensures that the mixture is adjusted optimally for the oxygen content in the air right from the first ignition.
• Improved ergonomics and practical details make work easier
The innovative flywheel with a reduced installation height and lower weight reduces the gyroscopic forces that arise during operation. Together with the low overall weight, the resulting dynamic swiveling behavior of the machine, which is a particular advantage for limbing, makes the ideal guidance of the tool along the trunk easy.
This is also supported by the new bumper spike geometry. The raised plunge bar on the fan housing - parallel to the axis of symmetry of the guide bar - makes directional control and tool guidance easier when plunge cutting. Captive nuts on the chain sprocket cover make changing the chain straightforward. Professional big timber harvesting - from felling through cutting to length to limbing - is a simple task with the new professional saw.
