Guide for Stihl Machine Labelling System

Stihl have a wide range of machines spanning many industries. Each machine can have numerous variations, so it is important to be able to find the correct model number & therefore find the correct parts for your machine.

The easiest way to find a spare part is to go by serial number. However, this isn't always possible if the number has been worn off or the information is missing. Understanding the variations within a model and the letters in the model name that relate to this, can help when identifying parts for your machine.

For example, the BG 56 & the BG 56C-E leaf blowers will have many differences in the recoil area because of the ErgoStart system, but will remain mostly unchanged elsewhere on the machine. Without looking at the parts diagram, you can work out that the BG 56 & BG 56-Z will have different exhausts as 'Z' indicates that the machine has a spark arrest muffler.

Please see below for an expanded key to the Stihl Model numbering conventions.

Quick Guide for Stihl Machine Labelling System

C-B = Quick Chain Tensioner

C-E = ErgoStart/Easy2Start

C-F = Electric Starter

C-M = Stihl M-Tronic

C-Q = Quick Stop Super / Quickstop Plus / Electrodynamic Coasting Break

i = STIHL Injection

K = Short Shaft (HL)

R = Loop Handle (FS), Cutting Blade (HS)

T = Top Handle (MS), Split Drive Tube (FS, FR) Trimming Blade (HS)

X = Lightweight Versions

-A = Electronic Water Control

-D = Catalytic Converter

-K = Long Shaft (FS)

-N = Low Compressions (MS), Low Noise (FS)

-R = Wrap-Around Handle (MS)

-V = Carburettor Heating

-W = Handle Heating

-Z = Spark Arrester Muffler

Breakdown for Stihl Machine Labelling System

C-B

For machines that end in 'C-B' this indicates that the chainsaw has a quick chain tensioner, so it's easier and quicker to tension the chain of the machine.

C-E

'C-E' at the end of machines indicate that it has the ErgoStart/Easy2Start system. This means that the recoil has a smoother pull action to it and is much more reliable when starting. The system is designed in such a way that as the recoil cord is pulled, the effort is more efficiently turned into movement. This means it is much easier to start and doesn't require such an excessive motion for the person starting it. This system has become common across many types of machine.

C-F

The machine has an electric starter and can be started by pushing a button located on the machine.

C-M

The machine has an engine management system, which electronically controls the ignition timing and fuel metering in various conditions, factoring in fuel quality and altitude.

C-Q

The machine has a QuickStop Super brake chain brake, so it brakes as the hand leaves the rear handle. With the brake band tightening around the clutch drum quicker, the machine comes to a brake within a second.

i

The machine has a fuel delivery system which takes the fuel straight to the cylinder from an electronically controlled injector. The injector receives data from sensors regarding the temperature and pressure, giving it the information to keep the fuel pressure constant. This gives you a a better output of power.

K

For models that start with HL, “K” indicates that the machine has a shorter shaft, making it easier for the operator to handle.

R

'R' at the end of FS machines indicates that it has a looped handle, making it easier to work in smaller areas, like thinning between bushes.

R

'R' after HS model numbers indicates that the hedgetrimmer has a cutting blade that is designed specifically for a large volume of cutting, as the teeth have wider spacing and increased height.

T

For Chainsaws with model numbers starting 'MS', 'T' indicates that it has a top handle grip, making it easier to use and gives you more control over the chainsaw.

'T' at the end of an FS or FR Brushcutter indicates that the machine has a split drive tube.

'T' at the end of HS machines means that it has smaller tooth spacing and lower tooth height, making it easier to control and better for shaping.

X

The machine is a lightweight version making it easier to carry, hold and control.

-A

'-A' indicates that the machine has an electronic water control system. You can adjust the water supply precisely with '+' and '-' buttons, improving dust suppression.

-D

'-D' on machines indicates that it has a catalytic converter, which reduces pollutant components by afterburning.

-K

'-K' on FS machines indicate that the brushcutters have a longer than normal shaft on them.

-N

'-N' on MS chainsaws indicates that it has lower compression.

-N

'-N' on FS Brushcutters means that the machine has been built to meet lower noise pollution levels.

-R

'-R' as seen after MS models, indicates that the chainsaw has a wrap around handle, making it easier to control and hold.

-V

The machine has carburettor heating to aid with operation in extreme cold weather environments.

-W

The machine has handle heating, making it ideal for working in colder weather.

-Z

'-Z' indicates the machine has a Spark Arrestor Muffler, which prevents the emission of flammable debris.

Did you know?...

It's not often that you think where the names of machines come from and with Stihl, the naming convention can seem arbitrary. However, it's not, here are the German translations

MS= Motosäge = Chainsaw
FS= Freischneider = Line Trimmer
BG= Blasgerät = Handheld Blower
BR= Blasgerät Rückentragbar = Backpack Blower
TS= Trennshleiffer= Cut Off Machine