STIHL MS 231 C-BE Petrol Chainsaw | 35 cm
Comfort version of the MS 231 with quick chain tensioning and ErgoStart
Product description
The STIHL MS 231 C-BE is the comfort version of the MS 231 and is particularly suited to anyone who wants extra ease of use when cutting firewood. With its compact design and high cutting performance, it is suitable for private gardens as well as for use by tradespeople. It comes as standard with the Picco Duro 3 carbide saw chain, which cuts dirty or sandy wood cleanly and stays sharp much longer than a standard chain. The ‘C’ in the name stands for Comfort, ‘B’ for quick chain tensioning and ‘E’ for ErgoStart.
Common problems
The standard equipment of many firewood saws shows typical comfort gaps in everyday use:
- Tensioning the chain with a tool wastes time when frequent adjustment is needed
- Strenuous starting makes getting going harder, especially in cooler temperatures
- Unreliable starting and frequent filter cleaning reduce working comfort
Solution
The MS 231 C-BE tackles this with tool-free STIHL quick chain tensioning (B) via a thumbwheel and the effortless STIHL ErgoStart (E) – two comfort upgrades over the standard MS 231, combined with the same proven 2.0 kW STIHL 2-MIX engine.
Key features
- Comfort chainsaw with 35 cm PD3 carbide cutting attachment
- STIHL 2-MIX engine with 2.0 kW (2.7 hp) output
- STIHL quick chain tensioning (B) – tool-free retensioning via thumbwheel
- STIHL ErgoStart (E) for effortless starting
- Manual fuel pump for fewer starting pulls after breaks
- Tool-free fuel cap for quick refuelling
- Pre-separation for longer air filter cleaning intervals
- STIHL anti-vibration system for more comfortable working
Highlights
STIHL quick chain tensioning
A thumbwheel on the sprocket cover lets you retension the saw chain without tools – just turn and you are done. No combination spanner needed, unlike the standard MS 231.
STIHL ErgoStart
An additional spring between the starter rope rotor and the crankshaft reduces the effort needed to start by up to half. The engine starts reliably even with a calm, slow pull.
Powerful engine for cutting firewood
The 2.0 kW STIHL 2-MIX engine delivers plenty of power for fast, efficient firewood cutting with economical fuel consumption.
Manual fuel pump
Before starting, a press of the thumb pumps fuel into the carburettor. This reduces the number of starting attempts needed, especially after longer periods of storage.
Tool-free fuel cap
The patented bayonet cap can be opened and closed without tools – for quick refuelling with fuel and chain oil.
Comfortable working
The STIHL anti-vibration system significantly reduces strain on arms and hands during longer work sessions.
Technical data
| Part number | 1143 200 0220 |
| Displacement | 42.6 cm³ |
| Power | 2.0 kW / 2.70 hp |
| Weight without fuel | 5.1 kg |
| Bar length | 35 cm |
| Chain pitch | 3/8″ P |
| Chain type | PD3 (Picco Micro 3) |
| Sound pressure level | 103 dB(A) |
| Sound power level | 114 dB(A) |
| Vibration value left/right | 3,9 / 3,9 m/s² |
In the box
- STIHL MS 231 C-BE petrol chainsaw
- 35 cm guide bar
- 3/8″ P PD3 saw chain (Picco Micro 3)
- Combination spanner
- Operating instructions
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Who is the STIHL MS 231 C-BE suitable for?
The STIHL MS 231 C-BE is aimed at home users and tradespeople who want the same performance as the standard MS 231 but also value tool-free chain tensioning and effortless starting.
What does C-BE mean in the model name?
C stands for Comfort, B for tool-free STIHL quick chain tensioning and E for STIHL ErgoStart, which significantly reduces the effort needed to start.
How heavy is the chainsaw in use?
The saw weighs 5.1 kg without fuel – slightly more than the standard MS 231 due to the additional comfort mechanism.
Which bar length should I choose?
30 cm is suitable for most firewood and garden work. If you regularly cut thicker wood, the 35 cm version is a better choice.
What is included?
The chainsaw, matching guide bar, saw chain, combination spanner and operating instructions are included.
Safety information & manufacturer details
Using a chainsaw requires experience and safe handling of the tool.
Before first use, familiarise yourself with the operation and the applicable safety regulations.
Please also note the requirements for suitable protective clothing such as chainsaw trousers, safety boots, gloves and a safety helmet with face and hearing protection.
If you are unsure about operating the machine, we recommend a personal handover and instruction from an authorised STIHL dealer.
- Read the operating instructions and safety information in full before first use.
- Wear suitable personal protective equipment.
- Use chainsaws only for their intended purpose.
Manufacturer information
STIHL Vertriebszentrale AG & Co. KG
Robert-Bosch-Straße 13
64807 Dieburg, Germany
Phone: +49 6071 204-0
Email: kundenservice@stihl.de
Data use information (Regulation (EU) 2023/2854)
| Connected products | All STIHL products connected to ‘STIHL connected’. |
| Access to product data | Product data is available in the ‘STIHL connected’ application. The product must be added first. |
| Deleting the user account | When your organisation is deleted, all linked data is removed, subject to statutory retention obligations. |
| Product data collected | Operational readiness status, service information and runtime data. |
| Data format | CSV file (Excel-compatible). |
| Data volume | Less than 1 MB per connected product. |
| Collection | Continuously in real time. |
| Storage location | Cloud infrastructure of the STIHL Group. |
| Storage period | Until the organisation is deleted, taking statutory retention periods into account. |
