STIHL MS 212 Petrol Chainsaw 40cm (1148 200 0266)
The STIHL MS 212 40cm Petrol Chainsaw is a 38.6cc chainsaw for cutting firewood, maintaining your property and tackling small-tree work. Its 1.8kW STIHL 2-MIX engine and 40cm (16-inch) guide bar suit home owners, gardeners and landscapers who want a practical petrol saw for everyday cutting jobs.
From preparing firewood to trimming fallen branches, the MS 212 combines straightforward controls with useful maintenance features. Side-mounted chain tensioning makes adjustment accessible, while tool-free fuel and oil caps simplify refilling. Part number: 1148 200 0266 (SKU: 11482000266).

Suitable Jobs
- Cutting firewood for home use.
- General garden and property maintenance.
- Horticulture, landscaping and smaller timber-cutting jobs.
- Felling smaller trees where conditions, operator training and experience allow.
Key Features
- 38.6cc STIHL 2-MIX petrol engine: delivers 1.8kW of power with economical fuel use. The existing manufacturer comparison states up to 20% lower fuel consumption and up to 70% lower emissions than comparable STIHL two-stroke engines without 2-MIX technology.
- 40cm / 16-inch guide bar: supplied cutting setup uses a Light 04 bar and 63 PM3 chain with 3/8-inch P pitch.
- Side-mounted chain tensioning: adjustment via a tensioning screw through the sprocket cover. This is not the tool-free Quick Chain Tensioning system.
- Anti-vibration system: dampens engine vibration at the handles for more comfortable handling.
- Combi lever with stop function: groups the starting and stopping controls together and returns to the operating position after stopping, simplifying warm restarts. Always hold the saw with both hands while cutting.
- Tool-free fuel and oil caps: bayonet closures make opening and closing the tanks straightforward.
- Claw stop: helps steady the saw against the timber during a cut.
- Long-life air filter and compensator: help maintain consistent engine performance as the filter becomes dirty. Inspect and maintain the saw as directed in the operating manual.
- Adjustable carburettor: allows adjustment for operation at different altitudes. Special polyamide filters are available for snowy conditions.
- Diagnostic socket: supports dealer access to machine information for servicing and maintenance.
Specifications
- Model: STIHL MS 212.
- Part number: 1148 200 0266 / 11482000266.
- Engine displacement: 38.6cm³ / 2.4 cu-in.
- Power output: 1.8kW / 2.4bhp.
- Guide bar length: 40cm / 16 inches.
- Guide bar: STIHL Light 04.
- Chain: 63 PM3, 3/8-inch P pitch.
- Listed weights without refuelling: 4.6kg and 5.38kg. The original listing uses different measurement references that are not supplied here; confirm the required weight basis before comparing models.
- Listed power-to-weight ratio: 2.6kg/kW.
- Device length with bumper spike: 400mm.
- Sound pressure level: 103dB(A).
- Vibration, left/right: 3.1 / 3.7m/s².
- CO₂ emissions: 1127g/kWh.
Replacement Bar and Chain Reference
The supplied specification chart identifies replacement chain loop 3636 000 0055 and Light 04 guide bar 3005 000 4813. Before ordering a replacement, check the fitted bar, chain pitch, gauge and drive-link count, especially if the cutting setup has been changed.
Compare Other Petrol Chainsaws
Looking for a smaller 35cm saw? Compare the STIHL MS 172 MiniBoss petrol chainsaw. For Easy2start and tool-free chain adjustment, see the STIHL MS 172 C-BE 35cm petrol chainsaw. Both MS 172 models have a listed 1.4kW output, compared with the MS 212's 1.8kW.
Does the MS 212 Have Tool-Free Chain Tensioning?
No. This MS 212 uses a side-mounted tensioning screw. Its tool-free caps are for the fuel and oil tanks, not chain adjustment.
Compare MS 212 Models
| Feature | STIHL MS 212 | STIHL MS 212 C-BE |
|---|---|---|
| Part number | 1148 200 0266 | 1148 200 0263 |
| Engine | 38.6cc STIHL 2-MIX petrol | 38.6cc STIHL 2-MIX petrol |
| Power output | 1.8kW | 1.8kW |
| Guide bar | 40cm / 16 inch Light 04 | 40cm / 16 inch Light 04 |
| Chain | 63 PM3, 3/8 inch P | 63 PM3, 3/8 inch P |
| Starting | Conventional recoil start | STIHL Easy2start, reduced starting effort |
| Chain tensioning | Side-mounted tensioning screw | Tool-free Quick Chain Tensioning |
| Fuel and oil caps | Tool-free | Tool-free |
| Anti-vibration system | Yes | Yes |
| Typical jobs | Firewood and property maintenance | Firewood and property maintenance |
Both models have the same listed engine output and bar length. Choose the MS 212 C-BE for Easy2start and tool-free chain adjustment, or the MS 212 for conventional starting and side-mounted chain tensioning.



