STIHL MS251C is running but struggling to cut through wood

Z

zillah

New member
Joined
May 6, 2025
Messages
1
Hi All
I bought my chainsaw Stihl MS251C 202q and I have used handful of times as a home user , it is running but struggling to cut through wood
1-Saw has bar oil as per attached video (reservoir not empty)
2-Chain tension is not loose
Don't know how to check if the saw is dull as i don't have a new one to compare
Please see attached photos and video and you might see something and advise accordingly
Thx
Link for photos and video below :
]
 
Hey, welcome! The MS251C is a solid saw so something fixable is probably going on here. My first guess would be a dull chain since that's the most common culprit, and honestly the best way to tell is just how it feels when you're cutting. A sharp chain pulls itself through wood almost effortlessly while a dull one makes you work for it. Have you had the chain professionally sharpened since you got it?
 
Also I have seen people tighten them super tight and that doesn't help either
than also putting a heap of load on your bearings. Drags or rakers to high can
also add to the problem. But as you stated Alan dull chain is the worst of them all.
Keep all the above problems in check and should not be a problem.
The rule of thumb with chain tightness is pull the chain down so the top of your drive teeth
is still just inside the groove is my method but if you cannot move it at all is is a way to tight.
 
Last edited:

Latest posts

Back
Top