Celebrating 100 Years of STIHL

Few brands in the world of outdoor power equipment carry the same level of respect as STIHL. For generations of forestry professionals, landscapers, and dedicated home gardeners, the name has become synonymous with intelligent design, precision engineering, and tools that are built to perform reliably under demanding use.

In 2026, STIHL celebrates an extraordinary milestone: 100 years in business. From a pioneering chainsaw invented nearly a century ago to today’s advanced cordless tools and intelligent technology, the company’s journey reflects a relentless commitment to improving how people work in and with nature.

This centenary isn’t simply a celebration of past achievements. It is also a promise that the spirit which drove founder Andreas Stihl nearly a century ago will continue to shape the tools of tomorrow.

Let’s take a look at the remarkable story behind one of the most trusted names in our industry…

A Revolutionary Beginning

The story of STIHL began in 1926, when German engineer Andreas Stihl founded his company near Stuttgart. At the time, forestry work was labour-intensive and often dangerous, with trees typically cut by hand using axes and large manual saws.

Andreas Stihl saw an opportunity to transform the industry.

He developed the first portable chainsaw, a machine that dramatically reduced the physical effort required for timber harvesting. While early chainsaws were heavy by today’s standards, they represented a revolutionary leap forward. What had once required several workers and hours of effort could now be achieved far more efficiently.

This invention not only changed forestry forever, it laid the foundations for a company that would soon become a global leader in outdoor power equipment.

Growth Through Innovation

From the beginning, STIHL was defined by engineering curiosity and a pioneering spirit. Rather than simply refining existing machines, the company constantly pushed forward with improved designs and new technology.

Over the decades, STIHL introduced numerous advancements that reshaped the way people work. Lighter, more efficient chainsaws made professional forestry faster and safer. Improvements in engine design enhanced reliability and fuel efficiency. Ergonomic features reduced operator fatigue.

By 1971, STIHL had made a remarkable achievement: it had become the world’s best-selling petrol chainsaw brand, a position it has maintained ever since.

This success wasn’t accidental. STIHL consistently invested heavily in research and development, ensuring its tools remained at the cutting edge of performance and durability.

A Global Family Business

Despite its global reach, STIHL has remained a family-owned company, a rarity among manufacturers of this scale.

The organisation’s values emphasise long-term thinking, sustainable growth, and a commitment to quality that spans generations. This family ethos is reflected not only in leadership but also within the workforce itself.

In many cases, multiple generations of the same family have built careers within the company, demonstrating the deep connection employees often feel with the business.

This culture of loyalty and pride has helped maintain STIHL’s identity even as it expanded internationally.

STIHL Around the World Today

Today, the STIHL Group develops, manufactures, and distributes power tools for a wide range of users around the globe, including forestry professionals, agricultural workers, landscapers, construction specialists, and domestic gardeners.

STIHL tools are now sold in more than 160 countries, supported by over 55,000 specialist dealers worldwide, one of which is Ron Smith & Co. This network of authorised STIHL dealers ensures customers receive expert advice, servicing, and support — an approach that has long been central to the brand’s success.

Manufacturing takes place across several countries, including Germany, the United States, Brazil, Switzerland, Austria, China, and the Philippines, allowing STIHL to combine international reach with consistent engineering standards.

The company’s philosophy of innovation continues to evolve. Modern STIHL equipment now includes battery-powered tools, digital solutions, robotics, and advanced engineering technologies designed to make outdoor work more efficient and environmentally responsible.

Examples of STIHL Products

To help you appreciate the breadth and quality of STIHL’s engineering, let’s take a look at some of the brand’s current offerings. This will help demonstrate how STIHL continues to deliver powerful, reliable equipment for a wide range of tasks.

STIHL RMA 248 Cordless Lawn Mower

The STIHL RMA 248 is a superb example of how modern battery technology is transforming garden maintenance. Designed for small to medium-sized lawns, this battery powered mower offers the freedom of cordless operation without sacrificing cutting performance.

Powered by STIHL’s versatile AK System, the RMA 248 delivers reliable mowing with impressive efficiency. Its robust steel cutting deck is built to last for years, while the 19-inch (48 cm) cutting width offers a happy balance of coverage and manoeuvrability.

Seven adjustable cutting heights, ranging from 25 mm to 75 mm, provide flexibility to handle different grass conditions. The 55-litre grass collection box, with fill indicator, helps maximise productivity by reducing the number of emptying stops required.

Compact storage is made simple thanks to the mower’s foldable handlebar and removable grass box—ideal for forward-thinking homeowners who don’t want to waste valuable space in their sheds.

STIHL HS 82 RC-E Petrol Hedge Trimmer

Professional hedge trimming requires a machine that delivers both power and precision. The STIHL HS 82 RC-E is expertly engineered to meet that demand.

Powered by a 22.7 cc STIHL 2-MIX engine, this hedge trimmer provides strong cutting performance while delivering excellent fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. STIHL’s ErgoStart technology significantly reduces the effort required to fire up the machine.

Deep blade teeth with 38 mm spacing allow this hedge cutter to slice through thicker branches with ease, while its double-sided cutting blades deliver a clean, professional finish.

Operator comfort is enhanced by STIHL’s anti-vibration system and an adjustable multi-function handle that rotates to suit different cutting angles. With its user-friendly design and durable construction, this petrol hedge trimmer is a firm favourite with professional landscape gardeners.

STIHL GHE 150 Electric Garden Shredder

Garden maintenance often leaves behind branches and plant waste that need efficient disposal. The STIHL GHE 150 Electric Chipper Shredder provides a practical solution.

Powered by a 2,000 W electric motor, it uses STIHL’s advanced Multi-Cut 150 cutting system to process branches up to 35 mm in diameter. A combination of chipping, wing, and ripping blades ensures efficient shredding performance.

The cleverly designed cloverleaf feed chute makes inserting garden waste easy, while integrated spray protection and an electromagnetic safety lock enhance user safety.

Despite its robust build, the GHE 150 remains highly manoeuvrable thanks to its wheel-mounted chassis. For gardeners looking to reduce waste into manageable mulch or compost material, this electric shredder makes an extremely useful addition to any toolkit.

STIHL REA 60 PLUS Cordless Pressure Washer

Cleaning patios, garden furniture, and outdoor equipment becomes far easier with the STIHL REA 60 PLUS by your side.

Part of the STIHL AK battery system, this cordless pressure washer works independently of mains power, offering unbeatable flexibility. With an operating pressure of 100 bar, and maximum of 130 bar, it provides more than enough oomph for domestic cleaning tasks.

The REA60+ pressure washer includes a practical 3-in-1 nozzle, allowing users to switch between fan jet, rotary jet, and detergent modes. An integrated reel keeps the 5-metre hose tidy during storage, while the splitable spray lance makes transport easy.

Quiet operation and the ability to draw water from alternative sources make this pressure washer ideal for use on driveways, in gardens, and even remote locations.

STIHL MS 500i Petrol Chainsaw

Few chainsaws have generated as much excitement among professionals as the STIHL MS 500i.

This remarkable machine was the first high-powered chainsaw in the world to feature electronic fuel injection, delivering exceptional acceleration and the best power-to-weight ratio in its class.

With 6.8 hp (5 kW) of power and a displacement of 79.2 cc, the MS 500i provides serious cutting performance. Available with either a 20- or 25-inch guide bar, it is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in just 0.25 seconds!

STIHL’s Ematic lubrication system ensures efficient oil delivery to the chain, while the anti-vibration system improves operator comfort during demanding sessions.

For professional forestry workers, the MS500i represents the pinnacle of modern STIHL chainsaws.

A Century of Progress

Reaching 100 years is no small achievement. For STIHL, the centenary represents both a celebration of past innovations and a commitment to future progress.

The world of outdoor power equipment has changed dramatically since 1926. Yet the core mission remains the same: to develop tools that help people work more effectively in and with nature.

Whether maintaining forests, managing landscapes, or simply caring for a garden, millions of users rely on STIHL machines every day.

As the company looks towards its second century, its commitment to quality, innovation, and reliability shows no sign of slowing down. Here’s to the next hundred years of STIHL innovation!

Why Buy STIHL Tools from Ron Smith & Co?

If you’re looking to purchase STIHL equipment, we are proud to be an Authorised STIHL Dealer.

We offer an unbeatable range of STIHL machinery, accessories, and replacement parts, all backed by expert advice from our highly knowledgeable team. Our dedicated STIHL shop allows customers to explore the brand’s impressive product range in detail, ensuring you can find the right tool for your needs.

Whether you’re a professional contractor or passionate home gardener, you’ll discover an unbeatable selection of STIHL equipment right here.

Stop Press: Centenary Edition MS 500i Chainsaw

To mark its 100-year anniversary, STIHL is launching a truly special machine: the MS 500i Centenary Edition.

This limited-edition version of the legendary chainsaw features a distinctive black design while retaining the same extraordinary performance that made the MS 500i world famous.

Because this model will be produced in very limited numbers, demand is expected to be extremely high.

If you would like the opportunity to own this unique piece of STIHL history, please contact our sales team as soon as possible to enquire about availability and secure your order.