Powerful new machines and robust harvester chain for forestry professionals
STIHL has launched two high-performance brushcutters that cut faster, better, for less – just what professional users need. STIHL also provides a specially-reinforced forestry chain that cuts smoother and lasts significantly longer. With our history of serving the forestry industry since 1926, we know what the forestry industry needs!
Two iconic new machines
The FS 161 (1.5kW and 37.6 cc) and the FS 291 (2.0kW and 41.6 cc) models have just been released globally and are already impressing users. They replace the iconic FS 160 and FS 280 machines, which are being discontinued. But these two new models are not merely an upgrade of these two legendary machines. They are completely NEW machines. They are bigger and better, more powerful, and best of all – they are very cost-effective to operate.
They are also extremely versatile and multi-purpose. Both models can be used as a clearing saw and partnered with a diverse range of cutting attachments, including grass cutting blades, brush knives, shredder blades, circular saw blades, and mowing heads. They are ideal for all forestry clearing, cleaning and harvesting tasks.
Power, economy and convenience
Both models feature impressively-powerful engines with fuel-efficient 2-Mix Technology in place of a standard 2-stroke engine. This means that both machines are more fuel efficient and have higher torque over a wide speed range. Users can expect a fuel saving of 10% to 20% compared to standard 2-stroke machines.
The FS 161 and FS 291 come standard with an AutoCut C46-2 mowing head, and as proved through independent studies by the University of Stellenbosch’s Forestry Department, using STIHL 2.7mm nylon line leads to major cost savings compared to using 3.5mm pre-cut line. The research shows that up to 60% of pre-cut line is thrown away when inserting and changing line on an aluminium head, resulting in costly wastage. When using the STIHL spooled nylon head system, a maximum of just 30cm of nylon (out of 13m) is thrown away, which equates to less than 3%.
Also important, especially in a professional situation where time means money, the AutoCut C46-2 head offers significant time saving by eliminating frequent line changes, with one spool taking 13m of line and an average usage of 1,5m per day. STIHL 2.7mm nylon also cuts faster, further increasing productivity.
An additional time saver is that both machines have 750ml fuel tanks, larger than the previous machines, so that operators stop less often to refuel. Plus, less fuel is required on-site.
These two machines offer streamlined convenience for operators, professionals and dealers alike as spares are now consolidated across seven machines.
Explaining cleaner-burning 2-Mix Technology
The STIHL two-stroke engine with 2-Mix Technology is a game-changer that sets new standards. During the scavenging process, a layer of air without any fuel is created between the burnt charge in the combustion chamber and the fresh charge in the crankcase. The exhaust is separated from the fresh fuel mix to minimise the scavenging losses, reducing the hydrocarbons that pose a health and environmental hazard. This reduction of scavenging losses allows for complete combustion, reducing fuel lost through the exhaust and ensuring better power output and fuel efficiency.
Developed for professionals
Professional users need machines that can be trusted to deliver all-day, every-day optimal performance. Machines that can do this cost-effectively and with minimal downtime are a real win, which is why the two new multi-purpose brushcutters from STIHL are so impressive. These two new machines deliver so much more – at the same price as the FS 160 and FS 280!
A saw chain designed for mechanical timber harvesting
STIHL RAPID™ Micro™ Harvester Special (RMHS) saw chain has been developed for the heavy-duty demands of professional silviculture and is a significantly reinforced and durable version of the tried and trusted RMH Harvester chain.
Like RMH chain, RMHS saw chain is designed specifically for use on hydraulic harvester heads; it is only available in 2.0 mm (.080″) gauge. With the RMHS, all saw chain parts that are under strain, in particular the connecting links, drive links and rivet pins, are heavily reinforced, so this chain is very robust and able to withstand the high stresses of the timber harvester.
The RMHS semi-chisel saw chain has a slender, side-flattened tooth shape that reduces cutting resistance and offers high cutting performance plus low vibration. This smooth-running yet powerful action enables users to work comfortably for long periods when felling trees mechanically. It also has a low chattering tendency.
The lower tension reduces crack formation so this long-lasting saw chain has an impressively long service life – up to 70% longer than standard harvester chain. With this special version of the Rapid Micro chain, forestry professionals can cost-effectively and efficiently fell and delimb trees in mechanical logging.
Serving the forestry industry for almost a century
STIHL has a proven track record of serving the forestry industry since 1926. With our new FS 161 and FS 291 machines and the RAPID™ Micro™ Harvester Special, you can enjoy enhanced performance, for longer, for less.
Contact: STIHL
