Is there still a future for gasoline-powered engines? We give them one. For example with our MS 500i gasoline-powered chainsaw with electronically controlled injection or the innovative STIHL MS 881 gasoline-powered chainsaw. This is the most powerful series-production chainsaw in the world with a power-to-weight ratio of 1.5 kg/kW. As the only one in its performance class, it complies with the strict requirements of the European EU 5 emissions standard and meets the strict CARB and EPA US standards. As well as intelligent engine management, carbon-reduced alternative fuels and lubricants also play an important role in ensuring that our power tools’ operation is as economical and environmentally friendly as possible.
STIHL develops synthetic and biogenically manufactured fuels and lubricants such as STIHL MotoMix and STIHL MotoMix Eco. Compared to conventional fuels, STIHL MotoMix produces up to 10% lower CO2 emissions. STIHL MotoMix Eco then emits 8% less CO2 compared to STIHL MotoMix – and these values can be even further significantly increased by gradually increasing biogenic components. STIHL also sees great potential in what are referred to as e-fuels. That’s not only because they are almost carbon-neutral, but also because practically all STIHL combustion engines can be operated with e-fuels, even if those tools have been in use for 10, 20 or more years.
Professor Michael Bargende spent many years developing “large” engines for an automotive manufacturer. He is now a professor at the Institute for Internal Combustion Engines and Automotive Engineering at the University of Stuttgart (Germany). His facility has been collaborating with STIHL for more than 20 years. Here, Professor Bargende talks about the commonalities and differences between small and large combustion engines and about what makes engines for handheld power tools so challenging.