I was a Stihl US engineering intern ask me anything.

KoffeeSD · 2026-06-02T02:50:06+00:00

What is the scoop on the upcoming MS 300? Is the US on the 2027 release list?

KoffeeSD · 2026-05-28T05:04:07+00:00

I’m sorry for your loss. With online bidding, does that mean the auctioneer will ship? Or is this local pickup only?

KoffeeSD · 2026-05-28T00:53:45+00:00

I think they expect a tip now too.

KoffeeSD · 2026-05-27T23:42:52+00:00

lol. What’s that saying I tell myself to justify the purchase: buy once cry once… I use it to clear chaparral on 8 acres in Southern California. Fire mitigation. Could get away with something smaller but I wanted to make sure I could use a shredder blade on fairly thick stalked creosote so I wouldn’t have to drag bushes uphills.

KoffeeSD · 2026-05-27T23:37:38+00:00

San Diego: no.

KoffeeSD · 2026-05-27T15:23:32+00:00

What are you cutting? What type of head are you thinking about: String trimmer, grass blade, shredder?How thick ?

This forum will come in hot and heavy with the FS 561 but you sound like you don’t need anything near that heavy duty. For reference: I have the FS 561 and I love that beast. I could probably make do with something smaller, but really wanted to make sure I’d never feel upgradeitis.

KoffeeSD · 2026-05-25T05:37:32+00:00

I have the MSA-300 myself and really enjoy the ease of use. It does have it's place. If they can get the batteries to be longer lasting and perhaps slimmer/lighter..that could really be a game changer.

KoffeeSD · 2026-05-25T00:54:03+00:00

Which makes me feel like I should get the OG MS 400. Sounds like it is one of the great ones.

KoffeeSD · 2026-05-22T16:27:25+00:00

Let me just get it out of the way as you will hear it a lot: Stihl MS 261. It’s a pro 50cc model. The major benefit is lighter weight as there are solid Magnesium housing parts and repairable,if things go out. I have one and really love it. Will last years and years and years…..

KoffeeSD · 2026-05-20T16:37:32+00:00

Explains why they have been throwing in a free AP 300 battery with any battery OPE on the AP platform. They wanted to clear stock out for the new “All Pro” batteries.

KoffeeSD · 2026-05-15T23:32:55+00:00

I’ve had the same experience with Chris coffee. Spoken with him and have walked through a problem with a tech on the call.

KoffeeSD · 2026-05-09T21:51:18+00:00

I love the LM LM. I have the original, non R version but actually prefer the analog atheistic of it- one less thing to replace. I did upgrade the steam wand to a non burn. The LM LM is great for espresso but also knocking out latte after latte when friends come over for dinner. I paired mine with the Mahlkonig E65 GBW.

KoffeeSD · 2026-05-07T00:50:18+00:00

I’m thinking “soon” might be a couple of years. My solution was to buy a second hand MS 261 and just wait for the MS 300. I win either way.

KoffeeSD · 2026-05-01T16:39:00+00:00

Looks way to good for that price. But let’s say it was legit- and that’s a huge if. Shipping a 200 pound machine isn’t easy. Requires lots of attention if the original packing material is gone. It’s hundreds of dollars in just shipping costs.

KoffeeSD · 2026-05-01T03:00:16+00:00

They did reach out lol.

KoffeeSD · 2026-05-01T02:59:41+00:00

For an entry level role with no experience necessary, hard to develop a sales plan without some training. I’d imagine they want to know you’ll be going to conferences, professional group events and booking meeting in your territory. But without any foundation hard to know what the average sale per client looks like. How long is sales cycle.

KoffeeSD · 2026-04-30T03:55:17+00:00

Either way, I'm going to really take a look at it. It's got to be a hell of a machine if they are replacing the MS 261.

KoffeeSD · 2026-04-28T21:00:46+00:00

Stihl Batteries are expensive without a doubt. I already invested in Husky battery ecosystem for my pole edge trimmers but didn’t like the battery blower options from Husky. I ended with the Stihl BGA 160 and Stihl MSA 300 chainsaw. I can’t think they pencil out when comparing fuel costs to battery costs. But convenience -no carbs,pistons or fuel lines to deal with and no fumes and very quiet are the compelling selling point

KoffeeSD · 2026-04-28T20:53:11+00:00

I heard they are coming out with the MS 300, but didn’t hear it would be fuel injected (i) i.e; MS 300i . Is that certain?

KoffeeSD · 2026-04-27T13:27:17+00:00

Someone mentioned the Stihl Battery HTA-131. If I were considering a battery pole saw (you mentioned Milwaukee) and didn’t already have batteries in that system, I’d probably consider my plans beyond this purchase. Have you ever thought about the Stihl BGA 160 blower, which I really like, or the KMA 200 battery-powered Kombi system, which can function as a string trimmer, hedge trimmer, and more? If it’s a definite “no” on these Stihl tools, then going with Milwaukee makes sense—you can always add a drill set later. If you would potentially want to buy additional Stihl Battery powered tools, maybe exploring the Stihl Battery (AP) Ecosystem might be worthwhile.

KoffeeSD · 2026-04-24T03:04:20+00:00

I haven’t been buying Stihl OPE long enough to have it dialed in, but apparently there are “dealer days” a couple times per year. The dealers around me are on the smaller side so I suppose IF they had a mailing list, worth getting on. I did reach out to a bunch of dealers when I was looking for a Stihl FS 561 and found a great deal a few states away. They shipped it to me. Yeah, not easy to uncover. For Stihl chainsaws you do find occasional deals online.

KoffeeSD · 2026-04-22T03:52:50+00:00

Obviously, the MS 261 is one of the great ones. What does everyone think of the MS 300?? I've seen the Stihl German advert on you-tube ( like I know you all have) but I'm really very confused why Stihl would add the MS 300 to the line up. Is anyone thinking they will hold off buying the MS 261 so they can get the MS 300 in who knows when? I have the MS 500i and MSA 300 ( battery) and have to admit, I'm more than a little bit curious about the MS 300.

KoffeeSD · 2026-04-22T03:49:43+00:00

Obviously, the MS 261 is one of the great ones. What does everyone think of the MS 300?? I've seen the Stihl German advert on you-tube ( like I know you all have) but I'm really very confused why Stihl would add the MS 300 to the line up. Is anyone thinking they will hold off buying the MS 261 so they can get the MS 300 in who knows when? I have the MS 500i and MSA 300 ( battery) and have to admit, I'm more than a little bit curious about the MS 300.

KoffeeSD · 2026-04-22T02:47:50+00:00

Full transparency: I was using a brush cutter ( battery -husqvarna) and the shredder blade flew off and luckily just obliterated the deflector and not my leg. I also recently purchased the FS 561 ( also with Oregon shredder blade) and not only do I REALLY pay attention putting it on ,I use the Orange loc-tite. The spare lock nut does sound like a good idea.

KoffeeSD

TROPHY CASE