Stihl MS 400 C–M Review

When the Stihl MS 400 C-M was released in the spring of 2020, I couldn’t wait to see if it lived up to the hype. It took a while for this model to become widely available, but when Skogsforum.se got their hands on a test unit in May, the results were worth the wait. I’ve had the chance to follow Fredrik Reuter’s insights from their long-term testing, and it’s clear why this Stihl professional chainsaw has become a favorite among forestry professionals. From its powerful design to its impressive specs, the Stihl MS 400 C-M stands out as one of the best professional chainsaws I’ve seen in years.

Testing the Stihl MS 400 C–M

When Lars-Erik and Henrik, our main testers, started using the Stihl MS 400 C-M back in May, I was eager to hear how it would perform. They’ve tackled everything with this saw from dense forests and windthrown trees to delicate garden work. It’s been tested in both easy and challenging felling situations, and let me tell you, their feedback has been eye-opening.

According to both testers, the Stihl MS 400 C-M is a true workhorse designed with professionals in mind. It falls squarely into the “middle class” of chainsaws, offering the perfect balance of power and versatility. Whether you’re felling large trees or cleaning up after a storm, this Stihl professional chainsaw proves to be an all-around reliable partner. One of the testers even said, “It’s the kind of saw you always want by your side,” and I couldn’t agree more it’s built to handle whatever task comes its way.

Mid-sized saw

When comparing mid-sized professional chainsaws, the Stihl MS 400 C-M goes head-to-head with tough competitors like the Husqvarna 560 XP and the Stihl MS 362. As someone who’s used saws in this range, I can say the MS 400 C-M brings something unique to the table.

What caught my attention right away was the displacement. With a displacement of 66.8 cc, it’s technically closer to a 70 cc-saw, even though its weight places it in the 60 cc category. That balance of power and portability makes it a standout in the mid-size professional segment. Whether you’re after a saw for demanding forestry work or everyday use, the Stihl MS 400 C-M punches above its weight literally and figuratively.

Pros and cons with the Stihl MS 400 C–M

One thing I’ve always admired about Stihl is their attention to detail, and the Stihl MS 400 C-M, made in Waiblingen, Germany, is no exception. During our testing, this chainsaw ran flawlessly it started easily, powered up smoothly, and sliced through wood like a dream.

However, there are a few things to consider. The MS 400 C-M weighs 200 grams more than the Stihl MS 362 but is 100 grams lighter than the Husqvarna 560 XP. At first, the test team felt it was slightly heavier than the 560 XP, which was surprising. After a closer look, we realized it might be because the body of the Stihl MS 400 C-M is a bit broader when viewed from above.

That said, this wider design didn’t hinder performance. Despite initial concerns that it might make delimbing harder, the testing team found no issues. Once you start using the Stihl MS 400 C-M, the weight feels well-balanced, and the difference becomes negligible compared to its competitors. It’s clear this Stihl professional chainsaw was designed to perform without compromise, whether you’re tackling heavy-duty forestry work or precision tasks.

Stihl MS 400 C – a Temperamental Saw

The Stihl MS 400 C-M really surprised me. It doesn’t have the sharp growl of the Stihl MS 462, but that’s okay they’re not meant to compete. What stood out to me was the torque. It pulls consistently across the range, making it feel powerful and steady. Maybe it’s the magnesium piston that gives it that extra edge? Whatever it is, this saw feels like it’s made for professionals who want both reliability and performance.

Fuel consumption

Fuel consumption was one of the first things I wanted to check with the Stihl MS 400 C-M. It does use more fuel than the Stihl MS 362 and the Husqvarna 560 XP, but here’s the catch it also delivers more power and cuts more wood in less time. For me, that trade-off makes sense if you value efficiency and output.

According to KWF tests, the Stihl MS 400 C-M burns 2.4 liters of fuel per hour at maximum power and 2.2 liters at maximum torque. In comparison, the MS 362 uses 2.3 liters per hour at max power and 1.9 liters at max torque, while the Husqvarna 560 XP is the most fuel-efficient at 2.1 liters per hour at max power and 1.7 liters at max torque. While the numbers don’t lie, the extra power from the Stihl MS 400 C-M might justify the added fuel consumption for professional users like me.

No heated handles on the Stihl MS 400 C-M

I have to admit, I was disappointed to find out the Stihl MS 400 C-M doesn’t offer heated handles. For professionals working in colder climates, this feature would’ve been a game-changer. It’s a surprising omission for a saw designed with pros in mind, especially since comfort in winter conditions is so important.

Chains, sprockets, and bars

During testing, we tried out several combinations of chains, sprockets, and bars with the Stihl MS 400 C-M. Each setup delivered slightly different results, highlighting the versatility of this saw. If you’re curious about the details, check out the accompanying video to see how the tests played out.

Final Verdict

The Stihl MS 400 C-M is powerful, fast, and reliable, making it a great choice for heavy-duty tasks. Its magnesium piston gives it excellent power-to-weight balance, while the M-Tronic engine system adjusts automatically for temperature, altitude, and fuel quality. This means no manual carburetor adjustments. The HD2 air filter keeps the engine cleaner and helps the chainsaw last longer.

However, it’s expensive and may be too much for casual users. Maintenance can also be tricky due to its advanced features.

If you’re a professional or serious hobbyist, the Stihl MS 400 C-M is a durable, high-performing chainsaw worth the investment. For lighter or occasional use, consider a simpler model.

Ericka Topson

Forestry Author

Hello, I'm Ericka Topson, and I'm a seasoned writer and designer with a passion for the forestry industry! My journey in crafting words and visuals is intertwined with the beauty and importance of our forests. I bring a unique perspective to the world of forestry, where I merge my writing and design skills to promote the conservation and sustainable management of our precious woodlands.