STIHL engine technology: designed for long lasting performance

STIHL promotes innovation in many areas of engine technology for improved efficiency, reliability and performance.

From our reimagined four-stroke engine to fuel injection, engine technology developments from STIHL help you rise to any challenge. Our tools are designed to meet a wide range of needs across many applications and user groups, and we are constantly improving the engines in our petrol tools. To help explain, we’ve put together a few highlights about the innovative technology currently used in STIHL petrol engines. 

STIHL engine technology

A person wearing protective gear using a STIHL FS 131 petrol brush cutter on uneven grassy ground in front of a house

STIHL 4-MIX®

Featured on some of our brushcutters and backpack blowers, the STIHL 4-MIX® engine uses the operating principle of a four-stroke engine, using 2-stroke fuel mix. This innovative design gives high engine power and much greater torque, while generating fewer harmful emissions and scavenging losses.
More on the STIHL 4-MIX engine
A man wearing protective equipment saws into a  tree trunk with a STIHL MS 400 C-M petrol chainsaw with magnesium piston

Magnesium pistons

As a pioneer of technological innovation, we devote a great deal of energy and expertise to designing chainsaws that are lightweight and high-performance. We have taken a big step forward in this area with our magnesium alloy piston. Find out more about the benefits and development process.
More on our magnesium piston
A tree on the ground being debarked with a STIHL MS 261 C-M petrol chainsaw with 2-MIX engine and Light 04 guide bar

STIHL 2-MIX engine technology

The STIHL 2-MIX two-stroke engine offers high-power performance, fast acceleration and simple operation. The innovative stratified scavenging system reduces harmful emissions and significantly reduces fuel consumption - with no drop in power output.
More on the STIHL 2-MIX engine
A man wearing protective equipment working with a STIHL TS 500i cut-off machine on a construction site

Fuel injection technology

Fuel injection in the STIHL MS 500i chainsaw and TS 500i cut off saw ensures fuel is measured and delivered precisely when it’s needed, regardless of altitude and temperature. This innovation eliminates the need for a carburettor and leads to lightning quick acceleration and throttle response.
More on fuel injection
Close-up of a STIHL MS 261 C-M petrol chainsaw as someone wearing gloves actuates the decompression valve

The decompression valve

With a STIHL decompression valve, starting an engine requires less manual effort as some of the pressure in the cylinder can be temporarily released. This greatly reduces strain and fatigue, helping you to work harder for longer.
More on the decompression valve
STIHL MS 261 C-BE chain saw with toolless fuel filler cap next to MotoMix and BioPlus

The STIHL fuel tank cap

The STIHL tool-free tank caps enable you to open and close the oil and fuel tanks with a minimum of fuss and with no need for tools. The bayonet design makes refuelling quick, clean and easy even while wearing gloves.
More on the STIHL fuel cap
A STIHL MS 241 C-M petrol chainsaw being used to cut through a tree trunk

STIHL air filter system

The long-life air filter system from STIHL cleans the intake air in multiple steps, separating the larger dust particles and venting them back into the air. This clever routing ensures consistent operation and further extends the service life of the air filter.
More on the long-life air filter system
A STIHL MS 462 C-M petrol chainsaw with carburettor heater being carried among moss-covered tree trunks in a forest

STIHL carburettor heater

The STIHL electric carburettor heater prevents your chainsaw carburettor from icing at low temperatures. A thermostat activates the carburettor heater at temperatures below 10°C, allowing for great performance and easier starting all throughout winter.
More on the carburettor heater

Summary: STIHL engine technology

  • Innovation covers a wide range of engine types from STIHL 4-MIX®, 2-MIX and fuel injection
  • Since we have tools for a wide range of applications, we innovate in many areas of engine technology
  • STIHL engine technology has been in constant development since 1926

More STIHL engine technology innovations

The  M-Tronic system ensures that engine performance is continuously optimised, as well as providing precise electronic regulation of ignition timing and fuel metering. M-Tronic automatically adapts to changes in fuel quality, altitude and air temperature, perfect for demanding every day use by professionals. 

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