STIHL uses a Marketing Number System in addition to the part number. This allows easy identification of any chain. For example, chain with a Marketing Number of 33 RS3:
Pitch
Gauge
Type
Shape
Special
3
3
R
S
3
3/8'
.050'
STIHL RAPID™
Super
Single-Humped Drive Link
STIHL uses a Marketing Number System in addition to the part number. This allows easy identification of any chain. For example, chain with a Marketing Number of 33 RS3. Best Answer: That is not a STIHL model number. The model number is usually on the recoil, or the cover on top of the saw. Since 2002-2003, the saws use MS on the front and 3 numbers afterwards. Before that, they started with 0 and then 2 numbers. It looks like you had a serial number.
Distance between three rivets divided by two as shown.
Pitch (Marked on cutter)
1 = 1/4'
2 = .325'
3 = 3/8'
4 = .404'
6 = STIHL PICCO™ (3/8' Extended)
7 = STIHL PICCO™ (1/4' Extended)
Cutter Type
R = STIHL RAPID™
P = STIHL PICCO™
Cutter Shape
S = Super (Full Chisel)
M = Micro™ (Semi Chisel)
D = Duro (Carbide Tip)
R = Rescue (RDR chain, especially designed for MS 460 R STIHL Magnum® Rescue carbide segment)
Gauge (on drive link)
1 = .043' (1.1 mm)
3 = .050' (1.3 mm)
5 = .058' (1.5 mm)
6 = .063' (1.6 mm)
0 = .080' (2.0 mm) Harvester Chain Only
Special
1 = Triple-humped Tie Strap on PM chain
2 = Triple-humped Tie Strap on RM chain
3 = Single-Humped Drive Link
F = Full Skip
H = Semi Skip (Half-Skip) or Harvester (i.e. on .404' RMH)
K = Classic Cutter Design
L = Square Ground Chisel
M = Mini
MM = Mini Micro™
N = Narrow (PMN)
S = Special
Type
100' Reel
1/4' 3/8' STIHL PICCO™ .325' 3/8' .404'
2400 1640 1840 1640 1480
ANSI B175.1 Chain Saw Kickback Standard STIHL’s green and yellow color code system serves to identify STIHL bars and chains with different kickback reduction characteristics. Green (go) marks those products which are designed to reduce the risk of kickback injury and comply with the ANSI B175.1 kickback standard. STIHL’s low-kickback chain features a green tie strap that identifies each loop as “low-kickback” chain that meets the ANSI standard. Recommended for both the experienced and inexperienced chain saw user. Yellow (caution) marks products with increased risk of kickback injury. They are for use only by persons with extraordinary cutting needs and experience and specialized training in dealing with kickback conditions.
Download (PDF)
Related Articles
1 Identify Pioneer Chain Saws
2 How Do I Tell the Year of My Poulan Saw?
3 Read the Model Number on a McCulloch Saw
4 Information on Stihl MS 280 Chainsaw
Before you can replace parts or advertise the sale of your chain saw, you have to know some basic details about it. Dozens of manufacturers have made and sold chain saws over the years, using differing technologies and safety features to attract customers. One thing that tends to stay the same across brands is the use of a serial and model number -- typically the keys to finding out more information about your saw.
1
Locate the serial number for your saw. This is placed in different places for different saws. Stihl chain saws, for example, have the serial number printed on the crankcase or the motor housing. Homelite chain saws, on the other hand, have the serial number printed on the bottom side of the saw, and Husqvarna saws have the serial number near the oil cap, front handle, starter cover or on the bottom of the machine. Whatever brand you have, look for a metal plate or an embossed series of numbers somewhere on the engine housing. Also note the model number, if any, printed in larger font on the engine housing.
Stihl Serial Number Decoder
2
Read the front and back pages of the owner's manual for your saw, if you still have it, which may indicate the year the saw was made or sold. If you don't have the owner's manual, visit the website of the manufacturer to download one. Look up the right manual by entering the model number into the company's search function.
3
Contact the manufacturer of the saw to find out information on it based on the serial number. For example, Sears Parts Direct, which offers service for Craftsman machines, has a service department you can contact via telephone or online chat to ask questions about products. Stihl, Husqvarna, Homelite and others also employ customer service representatives who have access to company databases.
Tip
If you are unable to locate the serial or model number of of your saw, bring your chain saw to a local dealer or a small engine repair shop, where staff members have experience working with various chain saws and may be able to help.
References (4)
About the Author
Nicole Vulcan has been a journalist since 1997, covering parenting and fitness for The Oregonian, careers for CareerAddict, and travel, gardening and fitness for Black Hills Woman and other publications. Vulcan holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and journalism from the University of Minnesota. She's also a lifelong athlete and is pursuing certification as a personal trainer.
Photo Credits
Stihl Serial Number Dates
Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Cite this Article
Choose Citation Style
Vulcan, Nicole. 'How to Tell the Year of a Chainsaw.' Home Guides | SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/tell-year-chainsaw-101658.html. Accessed 28 August 2019.
Vulcan, Nicole. (n.d.). How to Tell the Year of a Chainsaw. Home Guides | SF Gate. Retrieved from http://homeguides.sfgate.com/tell-year-chainsaw-101658.html
Stihl Chainsaw Serial Numbers
Vulcan, Nicole. 'How to Tell the Year of a Chainsaw' accessed August 28, 2019. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/tell-year-chainsaw-101658.html
Stihl Chainsaw Serial Number Identification
Note: Depending on which text editor you're pasting into, you might have to add the italics to the site name.