Package
It is difficult to distinguish the packaging, since the level of printing is high. Counterfeit saws are packaged in exact copies of the original boxes. You can distinguish them by the information plate attached. If there are several saws in front of you, compare these plates and the numbers on them. At a minimum they should be different. Each number is unique.
Please note that there is a unique serial number on the box. All saws are manufactured in factories in China.
The inscription Made by Stihl in China is not an indicator of a fake. Saws are produced in factories in China, under the leadership and supervision of the Germans.
There is one visual difference between a fake Stihl saw box and the original one - the fake does not have a pronounced white stripe around the logo and along the entire length of the box.
How to distinguish Chinese Calm from German
Each model has a number of its own characteristics, but there are signs that allow you to quickly determine the country of production, in particular, the serial number. If it starts with the number 8, then the country of manufacture is China. A German-made tool is marked with a serial number starting with the number 1.
It is worth noting that Stihl's production facilities are also concentrated in America and Brazil. The serial number of instruments from these countries begins with the numbers 2 and 5 (USA) and 3 (Brazil).
Regardless of the country of manufacture, the serial number must be the same on the saw itself and on the box. Otherwise it is clearly fake.
Differences in components
The original kit never includes a canister. If you find a plastic canister, it’s a fake.
The packaging of the chain is similar, the differences are in the markings on the chain itself. The original product contains the company logo. It is missing on the fake.
The original protective case also has the Stihl logo. The fake does not have a logo and the shape of the case is different.
The original tire has no holes near the driven sprocket. The counterfeit is revealed by obvious holes for lubrication of the sprocket.
The only tools included with the original Stihl saw are a screwdriver and a spark plug wrench, which also has the company’s engraving on it. The fake is equipped with an expanded set of tools and placed in a special case.
Is it worth buying a fake?
Perhaps the only thing stupider than buying a fake Stihl chainsaw is taking it to a repair shop. But such a day is clearly coming: scuffing in the cylinder, which is a mandatory option, constantly falling power, a chain that cannot be adjusted...
Is it worth buying a fake for which there are no spare parts? Is it worth buying a fake, when you take it out you are not sure whether it will start this time or not? Is it worth buying a fake so that you can go and choose a new chainsaw very soon?
Of course, there are exceptions to any rule. Small, but still there is a possibility that it is not clear where and by whom the saw produced will last for a long time.
How to distinguish the original Shtil 180 from a Chinese fake is described in the following video:
Appearance
The original saw is screwed together with star screws. 90% of fakes are either flat or Phillips screwdrivers.
There is a logo on the tank cover. There is no logo on the fake. Also look at the logo on the screws on the back of the tank.
On the muffler/tire side, the original must have an identification plate with a serial number, which must match the number on the box. A counterfeit sign either does not have a sign or is of poor quality and it is clear that over time the inscription will be erased.
The product number is engraved on the muffler body on the original saw.
Differences in filter elements. Remove the cover covering the filter and compare with the photo:
Every part of the original Stihl Ms saw has an article number, every part is perfect. On fakes, residues from molds are visible, flaws in the casting of plastic, and there are no part numbers on the parts.
Video review of the distinctive features of the original Stihl ms saw:
In the following video, in addition to the differences between the original saw, they show the distinctive features of the chain and bar:
Who to give preference: China or Germany
Despite the fact that the build quality of the cutting tool is almost identical, there are still differences between the saws. The key feature of the Chinese chainsaw is the not very good quality of the materials used in the production process. This is especially noticeable if you compare, for example, air filter housings: Chinese ones are made of cheap plastic and this is noticeable to the naked eye.
It is also worth noting that some chainsaws made in China have the following disadvantages:
- the starter spring quickly loses its elasticity, which has a bad effect on retracting the starting cord;
- The saw bar does not perform its functions very well.
At the same time, Chinese Calm has a number of advantages:
- the price of the tool is lower, and the warranty period is the same.
- some models are no longer produced in Germany, for example, Stihl 660, but the Chinese factory continues to produce this widely popular tool and its components.
If you use the saw strictly for its intended purpose, in other words, do not try to cut down wood with a garden chainsaw and maintain it on time, then it is difficult to notice the difference between production in China or Germany.
Device
The Stihl MS-660 chainsaw belongs to the class of heavy manual forestry equipment. The purpose of the equipment is felling and cutting trees, preparing firewood and dismantling wooden structures. The unit is distinguished by high power, productivity combined with reliability and ergonomics.
Shtil chainsaw device:
- housing with handles and control devices;
- internal combustion engine;
- air filter;
- muffler;
- bar with saw chain;
- gearbox;
- vibration damper;
- Lubrication system;
- side chain tensioner;
- tanks for fuel and oil;
- chain brake.
Comfortable handles provide a tight grip on the saw, good balancing of the product and its reliable fixation in any position. Their surface is finished with corrugated plastic, which prevents the tool from slipping out of tired hands.
The designers carefully thought out the arrangement of components and mechanisms. To access them, refuel and change the oil, no effort or use of complex tools is required.
What is the price
The Chinese-assembled product, the Stihl MS-660 chainsaw, is highly popular for its reliability, safety and ease of use. Users note the low level of noise and vibration during operation of the unit, long service life and the ability to operate in winter conditions. A significant disadvantage for many professional lumberjacks and land owners is the price of the tool and spare parts for it. Sometimes you have to wait a long time for the necessary parts, which negatively affects the logging process.
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A new factory-installed product costs between 70,000-75,000 rubles. The variation in cost is determined by the buyer’s place of residence, the status of the trading organization and the choice of method of delivery of the goods. Used tools in good condition can be purchased cheaper. They offer to buy it for 50,000-65,000 rubles, depending on the condition and degree of wear. Offers indicating a lower price should be rejected. There is a high probability of buying a fake that will not last long.
Barcode verification
ATTENTION! The correct barcode does not provide a 100% guarantee of the originality of the product. However, an incorrect barcode is a clear sign of counterfeit.
The Stihl chainsaw is a device that has been trusted by a huge number of men for thirty years. Consistent quality and excellent work behavior - all this has been maintained from the first batches of chainsaws to this day. The manufacturers did not even change the design of the device. The only drawback of the Stihl chainsaw is the huge number of fakes, which are assembled somewhere in basements by hand or on primitive machines. The quality of such products is inferior to the original samples, but, in principle, it is possible to work with them.
But the point is different - some sellers are trying to sell a fake under the guise of an original. The difference in price and quality is colossal.
If earlier a fake chainsaw had a primitive appearance, not even remotely similar to the original, now copies are as close as possible to genuine devices.
For this article, a comparison was made between the original and fake Stihl MS 170/180 . To be sure that you are purchasing an original chainsaw, pay attention to the following details of the device.
Equipment
Today, one of the main signs of a fake Stihl MS 170/180 chainsaw is the presence of a special measuring container for fuel in the kit. Original chainsaws are extremely rarely equipped with such a device.
The fake Stihl chainsaw comes with a similar container
In addition, the chainsaw boxes contain:
Tire cover
The original one has the signature “Stihl” inscription;
Original (top) and fake tire cover
On the links of the original chain you can read the inscription “Stihl”, on the fake chain there are no words;
Boxes with cutting chain look the same
The links of the original cutting chain are always marked “Stihl”
Chainsaw tire
The original tire most often comes in a cardboard case . The fake one is in a plastic bag. They are also slightly different in color. The main difference between the tires is the absence of an additional oil supply window for the driven sprocket on the original tire.
There is no additional window on the original tire (top)
In addition, Chinese tires most often have a length of 40-45 cm, while the original Stihl MS 170/180 chainsaws are equipped with tires 30-35 cm .
Instructions
operating instructions Except for the fact that the space for the company logo is empty.
There is no “Stihl” inscription on the fake instructions (right)
Case with tools
The original chainsaw comes with only two tools: a multi-purpose screwdriver and a wrench with the inscription “Stihl” without packaging. All.
The fake boasts more variety:
- gear stop;
- several low-grade keys;
- screwdriver.
